Secret Chaser, Vol. 01

Secret Chaser #1

by Tamayo Akiyama

Tatsurou Shinozaki is a priest with a past that's shrouded in secrecy--until a mysterious women strolls into his church announcing she's looking for the "red penguin." When the police are pulled in to help, suddenly the woman isn't everything she seems to be. She drops a post-hypnotic suggestion on a detective, and the journey to uncover the red penguin takes a mystical turn that unveils a shadowy society linked to Tatsurou...Creator Tamayo Akiyama, an original member of CLAMP, has crafted an extraordinary manga series packed with an intriguing combination of otherwordly mystery and conspiracy-theory paranoia.

Genres: Manga

192 pages, Paperback

First published June 13, 2006

About the author

Tamayo Akiyama (秋山 たまよ Akiyama Tamayo) is a Japanese shōjo manga author and artist. She was a former member of CLAMP. Akiyama has also done illustrations for three novels (Kyokutō Shōnen and Komaranu mae no kami da nomi by Kobayashi Megumi and Watashi no Kare wa Hamster by Edō Kei) and illustrations for a CD (Psycho Sound Machine Drama by Ohara Mariko).

Reviews

[Ichika27 · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book was gifted to me on a Christmas party.

It's cover is pretty and the art inside is just as nice although the style is more the 80's-90's looking but it' not really a new book so I guess it's why.

The story however feels kinda so-so? It tries too hard to be mysterious with the characters always trying to vaguely hint at something and it feels kinda dramatic to be honest and so are some of the shots/panels. It's got mysteries but more on the fantasy side so you can't exactly try and join the mystery solving as you read. It is enjoyable though as the characters are likable and I liked seeing their interactions - except Eileen cause she's still a brat in this but maybe later chapters would give her development but I haven't read it yet.

[Danielle R · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm giving this manga an extra star because the art is gorgeous and I'm a huge fan of CLAMP's work (even though the artist is a former CLAMP member, not a current one). I love the old school style, the dreamlike backgrounds, the flowing hair and dresses, and the well-dressed men. Unfortunately, the mysterious detective priest who doesn't carry a rosary and his cast of supportive characters, including a pop star, a student, and a handsome detective are pretty dull. The mystery didn't grab me either. 3/5

[Mii · Rating 5 out of 5]

This manga was a great read. I bought this at a pre-loved books store. I really was pulled in by the cover. Then, I read the back. I was sure I was going to buy this. I did not regret it.