What do you think?
Rate this book
BANANA FISH #9
Banana Fish, Vol. 9
Nature made Ash beautiful; Nurture made him a killer!
VICE NEW YORK IN THE 80s...
Nature made Ash Lynx beautiful; nurture made him a cold ruthless killer. A runaway brought up as the adopted heir and sex toy of “Papa” Dino Golzine, Ash, now at the rebellious age of seventeen, forsakes the kingdom held out by the devil who raised him. But the hideous secret that drove Ash's older brother mad in Vietnam has suddenly fallen into Papa's insatiably ambitious hands--and it's exactly the wrong time for Eiji Okamura, a pure-hearted young photographer from Japan, to make Ash Lynx's acquaintance... Epic in scope, and one of the best-selling shojo titles of all time in Japan, Akimi Yoshida put an electric shock into the genre and gained a huge crossover audience through Banana Fish 's stripped-down, non-stop style.
The epic battle between Ash and Arthur reaches its gruesome conclusion. Ash is left hospitalized, but not out of reach from the sinister hands of Papa Dino. Unbeknownst to Ash's crew, Dino has arranged Ash's transfer to a medical facility with a very special purpose in mind. Yut-Lung has finally begun to unveil his plans, but mystery still surrounds him.
Epic in scope, and one of the best-selling shôjo titles of all time in Japan, Akimi Yoshida put an electric shock into the genre and gained a huge crossover audience through Banana Fish's stripped-down, non-stop style.
VICE NEW YORK IN THE 80s...
Nature made Ash Lynx beautiful; nurture made him a cold ruthless killer. A runaway brought up as the adopted heir and sex toy of “Papa” Dino Golzine, Ash, now at the rebellious age of seventeen, forsakes the kingdom held out by the devil who raised him. But the hideous secret that drove Ash's older brother mad in Vietnam has suddenly fallen into Papa's insatiably ambitious hands--and it's exactly the wrong time for Eiji Okamura, a pure-hearted young photographer from Japan, to make Ash Lynx's acquaintance... Epic in scope, and one of the best-selling shojo titles of all time in Japan, Akimi Yoshida put an electric shock into the genre and gained a huge crossover audience through Banana Fish 's stripped-down, non-stop style.
The epic battle between Ash and Arthur reaches its gruesome conclusion. Ash is left hospitalized, but not out of reach from the sinister hands of Papa Dino. Unbeknownst to Ash's crew, Dino has arranged Ash's transfer to a medical facility with a very special purpose in mind. Yut-Lung has finally begun to unveil his plans, but mystery still surrounds him.
Epic in scope, and one of the best-selling shôjo titles of all time in Japan, Akimi Yoshida put an electric shock into the genre and gained a huge crossover audience through Banana Fish's stripped-down, non-stop style.
186 pages, Paperback
First published October 26, 1989
11 people are currently reading
924 people want to read
About the author
Akimi Yoshida
185 books248 followersAkimi Yoshida (Japanese: 吉田秋生, Yoshida Akimi) is a Japanese cartoonist from Tokyo, best known for her manga series Banana Fish.
Yoshida studied at the Musashino Art University in Tokyo and made her professional debut in 1977. Despite serialising her works in shōjo manga (girls' comics) magazines, most notably in 'Bessatsu Shōjo Comic' and 'Monthly Flowers', during the 80's she developed a visual style akin to the aesthetics of shōnen manga (boy's comics) of that era, contributing significantly to creating a bridge between these two traditions. This is particularly evident in her international best-seller Banana Fish (1985-1994), a thriller set in New York City blending action and homoerotic romance. Among her other major works are the series Yasha (1996-2002) and Umimachi Diary (2006-2018).
Yoshida's comics have received a number of accolades in Japan, including three Shogakukan Manga Awards (1983 and 2001 in the category 'shojo', 2015 in the general category), an Excellence Award for manga at the Japan Media Arts Festival (2007) and the 6th Manga Taishō award (2013).
Yoshida studied at the Musashino Art University in Tokyo and made her professional debut in 1977. Despite serialising her works in shōjo manga (girls' comics) magazines, most notably in 'Bessatsu Shōjo Comic' and 'Monthly Flowers', during the 80's she developed a visual style akin to the aesthetics of shōnen manga (boy's comics) of that era, contributing significantly to creating a bridge between these two traditions. This is particularly evident in her international best-seller Banana Fish (1985-1994), a thriller set in New York City blending action and homoerotic romance. Among her other major works are the series Yasha (1996-2002) and Umimachi Diary (2006-2018).
Yoshida's comics have received a number of accolades in Japan, including three Shogakukan Manga Awards (1983 and 2001 in the category 'shojo', 2015 in the general category), an Excellence Award for manga at the Japan Media Arts Festival (2007) and the 6th Manga Taishō award (2013).
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews
January 6, 2025
i've said it before and i'll say it again (deep breaths, deep breaths...) LET ASH TAKE A FUCKING BREAK!!!!!
August 4, 2022
Sing Soo-Ling said it best: "[Ash] is one die-hard motherfucker."
And the cliffhanger.... my heart...
And the cliffhanger.... my heart...
December 31, 2023
⋆｡ ﾟ☁︎︎ ｡ ✧ ⋆ ★ ★ ★ ★ ½ 🍓｡ ﾟ☾ ﾟ｡ ⋆
i want to go back the person i was before i discovered banana fish. please this manga series is legitimately detrimental to my happiness i am miserable !!!!!! :/
am i still going to binge the rest of the series and rewatch the bf anime? well obviously 🤭
i want to go back the person i was before i discovered banana fish. please this manga series is legitimately detrimental to my happiness i am miserable !!!!!! :/
am i still going to binge the rest of the series and rewatch the bf anime? well obviously 🤭
May 16, 2019
I don't understand why did Arthur hate Ash this much?
February 18, 2024
No puedo con tanto suspenso. Ya suelten a Ash y Eiji...
November 26, 2021
This an essential, but somewhat dry, volume in the series. The conclusion to the big rivalry, which of course sets the stage for what will be the final showdown in this arc. We don’t learn much new about the characters. This is just characters interacting as we’d expect to build tension. Hopefully the next volume will be better.
August 7, 2020
4.5 stars. So after the fight ends between Ash and Arthur, things sort of become Emo Central. And I was upset. Things definitely tone down a bit, but the threat lingers with Golzine trying to get Ash killed, Eiji being kidnapped by Yut-Lung, and the media also trying to get a hold of Ash/fake news being spread etc. Pacing definitely slowed down a bit, but I was still engaged in the story. The character development makes up for any lagging in the overall pacing, so I’m not bored as I read. I am entertained (and probably suffering) as I read which is always hella fun (sarcasm is over the roof). Anyway strong characters are my cup of tea, I love me a good action story but if the characters are hella deep and complex, boy am I tagging along until the end. A story can be as character driven as it wants. As long as the characters are as complex and enticing as the characters in Banana Fish are, I’m all good. Banana Fish always keeps me entertained, questioning, and enveloped in its story no matter what anyway. So kudos to Akimi Yoshida.
Listen, Eiji, I love you with my entire life but this is not the time to get me emo like this. Don’t run up to Ash and cause him to be all shook, cuz it makes me emo. It utterly breaks my heart that Ash doesn’t want Eiji to see him commit these violent acts. He really said go back, I don’t want you seeing this. Can I say this any other way besides: PROTECT THEM.
Listen cops, y’all are harming more than helping. They don’t understand just how messed up everything is. From the Banana Fish conspiracy to what kind of people work with Golzine. Ash isn’t the guy you should be looking for when there’s men like Golzine in power... Just saying. Yeah he killed 30 people in one go, like a raging badass, but he is our protagonist, and my favorite raging badass, so, in other words: leave him alone.
Y’all really out here holding back Eiji as if he is really so dangerous, are you kidding me? He is the softest bean, he wouldn’t hurt a fly, he is the best of the best. Yes he’ll fight back sometimes, but be gentle with my son. He’s just trying to go with Ash! Oh my god, can thEY LEAVE MY BOIS ALONE?
When Ash just started crying in the middle of his surgery. I could not deal. He even called for Eiji. Just please end me.
Quick question, when was Ash’s birthday he was seventeen ten seconds ago... what happened and why wasn’t I informed? Someone bring the birthday cake and the candles.
The freaking nurses and Ash’s: Uh-Oh and Double Uh-Oh
Ash is a SMART BOI with an IQ of 180. I’m not surprised, but also, can’t he just dip to Japan with Eiji right about now? Ya know? Spare us the pain.
Eiji trying to escape 3 times. Y’all underestimated my boi.
Max snapping Charlie out of his self-pitying mood so he could actually get his shit together, 10/10 Max.
Eiji’s reaction... to be honest my heart can’t feel shit after everything that’s happened and knowing everything that will happen. Again, and I cannot stress this enough, this scenario would’ve hurt a lot less. But no, Yoshida has to mess me right up and make it 100 times worse so... *throws up peace sign*
From what I remember shenanigans in the hospital were pretty fun, I mean not always, but mostly when they’re tryna get Ash out of that building and it’s like a cat chasing a mouse that is going in circles. Aka Max trying to get a hold of Ash while he himself is trying to escape. Ah, the fun times, anyway, I’ll check back in whenever my next read of Banana Fish happens. Hopefully I won’t be as emo *Akimi Yoshida just cackled at me*
Listen, Eiji, I love you with my entire life but this is not the time to get me emo like this. Don’t run up to Ash and cause him to be all shook, cuz it makes me emo. It utterly breaks my heart that Ash doesn’t want Eiji to see him commit these violent acts. He really said go back, I don’t want you seeing this. Can I say this any other way besides: PROTECT THEM.
Listen cops, y’all are harming more than helping. They don’t understand just how messed up everything is. From the Banana Fish conspiracy to what kind of people work with Golzine. Ash isn’t the guy you should be looking for when there’s men like Golzine in power... Just saying. Yeah he killed 30 people in one go, like a raging badass, but he is our protagonist, and my favorite raging badass, so, in other words: leave him alone.
Y’all really out here holding back Eiji as if he is really so dangerous, are you kidding me? He is the softest bean, he wouldn’t hurt a fly, he is the best of the best. Yes he’ll fight back sometimes, but be gentle with my son. He’s just trying to go with Ash! Oh my god, can thEY LEAVE MY BOIS ALONE?
When Ash just started crying in the middle of his surgery. I could not deal. He even called for Eiji. Just please end me.
Quick question, when was Ash’s birthday he was seventeen ten seconds ago... what happened and why wasn’t I informed? Someone bring the birthday cake and the candles.
The freaking nurses and Ash’s: Uh-Oh and Double Uh-Oh
Ash is a SMART BOI with an IQ of 180. I’m not surprised, but also, can’t he just dip to Japan with Eiji right about now? Ya know? Spare us the pain.
Eiji trying to escape 3 times. Y’all underestimated my boi.
Max snapping Charlie out of his self-pitying mood so he could actually get his shit together, 10/10 Max.
Eiji’s reaction... to be honest my heart can’t feel shit after everything that’s happened and knowing everything that will happen. Again, and I cannot stress this enough, this scenario would’ve hurt a lot less. But no, Yoshida has to mess me right up and make it 100 times worse so... *throws up peace sign*
From what I remember shenanigans in the hospital were pretty fun, I mean not always, but mostly when they’re tryna get Ash out of that building and it’s like a cat chasing a mouse that is going in circles. Aka Max trying to get a hold of Ash while he himself is trying to escape. Ah, the fun times, anyway, I’ll check back in whenever my next read of Banana Fish happens. Hopefully I won’t be as emo *Akimi Yoshida just cackled at me*
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 16, 2021
Alguien puede por favor CUIDAR A ASH?
October 10, 2021
8/10>
July 31, 2022
❝ El mundo real es más feo de lo que crees...¡Madura y acepta ese hecho!❞
Duro pero cierto.
Duro pero cierto.
January 21, 2023
i'm not feeling ok... am i having a stroke... i think i might-
September 24, 2025
... THAT WAS THE WORST CLIFFHANGER YET
May 13, 2021
Finally, the showdown between Arthur and Ash. Arthur tries desperately to rip Ash didn’t quite succeed but did nearly get him in the gut. Eiji shows up and sees the whole thing. Ash swoons from his wounds when cops showed up. He was hospitalized. Eiji was jailed along with other punks. Later, Ash recovers from his wounds. Eiji was freed from jail along Soo ling thanks in part to Yau Si. However, Eiji was held prisoner by Yau-Si, and tries to escape several times. He managed one last time. Yet, Yau-Si warned him soon he will be the enemy of Ash. Eiji wasn’t sure about it.
July 3, 2023
Hmmm, let's call this one The Banana Fish Gangs of New York shall we. Although maybe the last volume should have been called The Banana Fish Gangs of New York Part 1 and this one is Part 2. Yeah, I that works for me. In any case, here we have Ash vs. Arthur Part 2 and while there are no unexpected surprises, the way it plays out to the conclusion is satisfactory. The aftermath of the battle is a bit sedate, but it's really more of an interlude, since we all know more gratuitous violence is on the way. The ending of this volume though is one of those end-of-season-cliff-hangers that leaves you gasping and furious that you have to wait all summer to find out what happens. At least I won't have to wait that long. ;)
November 28, 2020
The only reason I know Ash hasn't died yet is because it's only Volume 9 for 19 volumes. That's literally the only thing keeping me going.
Someone needs to get Eiji out of that jail!!
PLEASE DON'T TELL ME ASH'S BIRTHDAY IS FUCKING HALLOWEEN AND THAT'S WHY HE LOWKEY HATES HALLOWEEN BECAUSE IT REMINDS HIM OF BAD TIMES.
The cops are so insufficient and yet so utterly dumb at the same time. I can't stand any of them. LOL
omg the FBI is in cahoots with the Senator and is using this excuse to send Ash to a mental facility as a way for them to eventually kill him and undercut Golzine too.
So the mental hospital is also trash. I hate it here. Ash never gets a break.
THEY FUCKING FAKED HIS DEATH!??!
Someone needs to get Eiji out of that jail!!
PLEASE DON'T TELL ME ASH'S BIRTHDAY IS FUCKING HALLOWEEN AND THAT'S WHY HE LOWKEY HATES HALLOWEEN BECAUSE IT REMINDS HIM OF BAD TIMES.
The cops are so insufficient and yet so utterly dumb at the same time. I can't stand any of them. LOL
omg the FBI is in cahoots with the Senator and is using this excuse to send Ash to a mental facility as a way for them to eventually kill him and undercut Golzine too.
So the mental hospital is also trash. I hate it here. Ash never gets a break.
THEY FUCKING FAKED HIS DEATH!??!
May 26, 2023
Sufro, sufro, sufro. Sufro sin parar, sufro, sufro, sufro.
Pero cómo amo esta historia.
El mejor volumen es sin dudas este, es una completa montaña rusa de emociones de la que nunca vamos a bajarnos después de que acabe. Es crudo, es turbio, es violento y no tiene nada que envidiarle a una buena peli de acción. No pude parar de leer, aunque me obligué a hacerlo para saborear mejor este tremenda entrega.
En este tomo también es cuando vemos cómo el alma de Ash por fin queda a la vista de todos, y eso me hizo amarlo más. Porque es humano, como bien dijo Cain.
Y Eiji. Ay, Eiji... Te adoro mi bolita de arroz.
Pero cómo amo esta historia.
El mejor volumen es sin dudas este, es una completa montaña rusa de emociones de la que nunca vamos a bajarnos después de que acabe. Es crudo, es turbio, es violento y no tiene nada que envidiarle a una buena peli de acción. No pude parar de leer, aunque me obligué a hacerlo para saborear mejor este tremenda entrega.
En este tomo también es cuando vemos cómo el alma de Ash por fin queda a la vista de todos, y eso me hizo amarlo más. Porque es humano, como bien dijo Cain.
Y Eiji. Ay, Eiji... Te adoro mi bolita de arroz.
December 18, 2023
Il capolavoro di Akimi Yoshida, a mezzo tra un noire e un boy love, scritto anni '80, troppo presto per poter rivelare l'amore tra Ash e Eiji, che tuttavia traspare; è un legame troppo forte quello che vediamo in ogni azione di Ash che tende a proteggere Eiji anche a mettendo in pericolo la sua vita; Eiji a sua volta si fa coinvolgere nella triste e violenta quotidianità di Ash per restare sempre a suo fianco. Epilogo tragico, da cavare il cuore, ma tutto sommato giusto. Da leggere e gustare in ognuno dei suoi 10 volumi della Panini Comics.
December 20, 2023
Por fin he tenido el coraje de acercarme a uno de los tomos más duros de leer, más desconcertantes y que me han hecho sentir tanta impotencia. Lo peor es que villanos como estos sí existen en la vida real y me frustra tanto que es más el llanto por el enojo que por la tristeza en sí. En serio me la pasé sufriendo en todo este tomo, ver cómo los villanos no quieren dejar en paz a Ash me genera tanto dolor y cómo a pesar de tener aliados tan geniales, todo parece salir de mal en peor.
Calificación: 4.22
Calificación: 4.22
September 10, 2025
I'm not sure how I feel about this teasing. Is it gay baiting? I am unsure.
Regardless of that fact, this feels like one of those closed room actions. So much has to happen in a small space as everything outside gets tenser. The ending is another teaser but given the number of times we have had this big moment at the end, it is starting to lose its impact.
Still, a good volume.
Regardless of that fact, this feels like one of those closed room actions. So much has to happen in a small space as everything outside gets tenser. The ending is another teaser but given the number of times we have had this big moment at the end, it is starting to lose its impact.
Still, a good volume.
September 24, 2025
(THIS REVIEW IS ORIGINALLY FROM STORYGRAPH, FROM 6TH MAY 2025.)
I feel that my reviews for Banana Fish are becoming a little redundant. The characterisation is still great and there isn't much more to say; I think the writing is stellar. Unless I have a specific comment to take, I will stop leaving full reviews on individual volumes.
I feel that my reviews for Banana Fish are becoming a little redundant. The characterisation is still great and there isn't much more to say; I think the writing is stellar. Unless I have a specific comment to take, I will stop leaving full reviews on individual volumes.
June 19, 2021
a heartbreaking volume, but more of a transition one. A lot of the action happens in the beginning and then we’re just putting things together until the cliff hanger ending.
I cant wait to start the second half of this story and be heartbroken again.
I cant wait to start the second half of this story and be heartbroken again.
June 21, 2021
“I wonder if I’m dying somewhere. I remember everything, but it’s peaceful. I see it again.. but there isn’t any pain. That’s how death lifts away, doesn’t it? Gently. Leave the weight of joy and sorrow alike down in that bed.”
September 18, 2021
and so this one dude is like *tough gang leader voice* "you know why i hate u so much it's a pivotal plot point right?" and the other guy is like "yuP" and then they proceed to nEVER EXPLAIN WHY i mean ok i guess?
March 13, 2023
I'm so glad I picked up this manga again! It gets me so nostalgic from when I watched the anime... It's very nice to get involved in the story again. Well, it's nice until we get to the most heartbreaking shit ever, but I'm enjoying till then.
July 2, 2023
There's no time to celebrate Arthur's defeat before things get more complicated for Ash. Though there's some kidnapping, arrests, and an assassination attempt, it's mostly a very dialogue heavy volume.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 9, 2024
I feel that this is when the story takes a turn for the long-winded. There’s too many hands in the cookie jar plotting right now. I’m curious to see how it will all play out. We all know the end of this volume is a lie…
August 8, 2018
Patrañas. ¡Puras patrañas!
August 22, 2018
So, they won't let Ash take a break, huh.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews