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MAO [マオ] #3
Mao, Vol. 3
EXORCISE YOUR DESTINY
When Nanoka is transported back in time to a supernatural early 20th century, she gets recruited by aloof exorcist Mao. What thread of fate connects them? Together, they seek answers...and kick some demon butt along the way!
The battle rages on as Byoki tries to take over Mao’s body. Nanoka witnesses the accident that orphaned her unfold, and suspicion falls on her present-day guardians. Can her beloved grandfather and Uozumi be trusted? What about Mao, who has no memories of what he does in his hybrid form? Then, a former fellow apprentice to Mao's master attacks…with flaming heads! Was Mao really his master's golden child—or something else? Meanwhile, back in town, young women are disappearing. Who is the prime suspect?
When Nanoka is transported back in time to a supernatural early 20th century, she gets recruited by aloof exorcist Mao. What thread of fate connects them? Together, they seek answers...and kick some demon butt along the way!
The battle rages on as Byoki tries to take over Mao’s body. Nanoka witnesses the accident that orphaned her unfold, and suspicion falls on her present-day guardians. Can her beloved grandfather and Uozumi be trusted? What about Mao, who has no memories of what he does in his hybrid form? Then, a former fellow apprentice to Mao's master attacks…with flaming heads! Was Mao really his master's golden child—or something else? Meanwhile, back in town, young women are disappearing. Who is the prime suspect?
192 pages, Paperback
First published January 17, 2020
11 people are currently reading
139 people want to read
About the author
Rumiko Takahashi
1,586 books2,143 followersRumiko Takahashi (高橋留美子) was born in Niigata, Japan. She is not only one of the richest women in Japan but also one of the top paid manga artists. She is also the most successful female comic artist in history. She has been writing manga non-stop for 31 years.
Rumiko Takahashi is one of the wealthiest women in Japan. The manga she creates (and its anime adaptations) are very popular in the United States and Europe where they have been released as both manga and anime in English translation. Her works are relatively famous worldwide, and many of her series were some of the forerunners of early English language manga to be released in the nineties. Takahashi is also the best selling female comics artist in history; well over 100 million copies of her various works have been sold.
Though she was said to occasionally doodle in the margins of her papers while attending Niigata Chūō High School, Takahashi's interest in manga did not come until later. During her college years, she enrolled in Gekiga Sonjuku, a manga school founded by Kazuo Koike, mangaka of Crying Freeman and Lone Wolf and Cub. Under his guidance Rumiko Takahashi began to publish her first doujinshi creations in 1975, such as Bye-Bye Road and Star of Futile Dust. Kozue Koike often urged his students to create well-thought out, interesting characters, and this influence would greatly impact Rumiko Takahashi's works throughout her career.
Career and major works:
Takahashi's professional career began in 1978. Her first published story was Those Selfish Aliens, a comedic science fiction story. During the same year, she published Time Warp Trouble, Shake Your Buddha, and the Golden Gods of Poverty in Shōnen Sunday, which would remain the home to most of her major works for the next twenty years. Later that year, Rumiko attempted her first full-length series, Urusei Yatsura. Though it had a rocky start due to publishing difficulties, Urusei Yatsura would become one of the most beloved anime and manga comedies in Japan.
In 1980, Rumiko Takahashi found her niche and began to publish with regularity. At this time she started her second major series, Maison Ikkoku, in Big Comic Spirits. Written for an older audience, Maison Ikkoku is often considered to be one of the all-time best romance manga. Takahashi managed to work on Maison Ikkoku on and off simultaneously with Urusei Yatsura. She concluded both series in 1987, with Urusei Yatsura ending at 34 volumes, and Maison Ikkoku being 15.
During the 1980s, Takahashi became a prolific writer of short story manga, which is surprising considering the massive lengths of most of her works. Her stories The Laughing Target, Maris the Chojo, and Fire Tripper all were adapted into original video animations (OVAs). In 1984, after the end of Urusei Yatsura and Maison Ikkoku, Takahashi took a different approach to storytelling and began the dark, macabre Mermaid Saga. This series of short segments was published sporadically until 1994, with the final story being Mermaid's Mask. Many fans contend that this work remains unfinished by Takahashi, since the final story does not end on a conclusive note.
Another short work left untouched is One-Pound Gospel, which, like Mermaid Saga, was published erratically. The last story to be drawn was published in 2001, however just recently she wrote one final chapter concluding the series
Later in 1987, Takahashi began her third major series, Ranma ½. Following the late 80s and early 90s trend of shōnen martial arts manga, Ranma ½ features a gender-bending twist. The series continued for nearly a decade until 1996, when it ended at 38 volumes. Ranma ½ is one of Rumiko Takahashi's most popular series with the Western world.
During the later half of the 1990s, Rumiko Takahashi continued with short stories and her installments of Mermaid Saga and One-Pound Gospel until beginning her fourth major work, InuYasha. While Ran
Rumiko Takahashi is one of the wealthiest women in Japan. The manga she creates (and its anime adaptations) are very popular in the United States and Europe where they have been released as both manga and anime in English translation. Her works are relatively famous worldwide, and many of her series were some of the forerunners of early English language manga to be released in the nineties. Takahashi is also the best selling female comics artist in history; well over 100 million copies of her various works have been sold.
Though she was said to occasionally doodle in the margins of her papers while attending Niigata Chūō High School, Takahashi's interest in manga did not come until later. During her college years, she enrolled in Gekiga Sonjuku, a manga school founded by Kazuo Koike, mangaka of Crying Freeman and Lone Wolf and Cub. Under his guidance Rumiko Takahashi began to publish her first doujinshi creations in 1975, such as Bye-Bye Road and Star of Futile Dust. Kozue Koike often urged his students to create well-thought out, interesting characters, and this influence would greatly impact Rumiko Takahashi's works throughout her career.
Career and major works:
Takahashi's professional career began in 1978. Her first published story was Those Selfish Aliens, a comedic science fiction story. During the same year, she published Time Warp Trouble, Shake Your Buddha, and the Golden Gods of Poverty in Shōnen Sunday, which would remain the home to most of her major works for the next twenty years. Later that year, Rumiko attempted her first full-length series, Urusei Yatsura. Though it had a rocky start due to publishing difficulties, Urusei Yatsura would become one of the most beloved anime and manga comedies in Japan.
In 1980, Rumiko Takahashi found her niche and began to publish with regularity. At this time she started her second major series, Maison Ikkoku, in Big Comic Spirits. Written for an older audience, Maison Ikkoku is often considered to be one of the all-time best romance manga. Takahashi managed to work on Maison Ikkoku on and off simultaneously with Urusei Yatsura. She concluded both series in 1987, with Urusei Yatsura ending at 34 volumes, and Maison Ikkoku being 15.
During the 1980s, Takahashi became a prolific writer of short story manga, which is surprising considering the massive lengths of most of her works. Her stories The Laughing Target, Maris the Chojo, and Fire Tripper all were adapted into original video animations (OVAs). In 1984, after the end of Urusei Yatsura and Maison Ikkoku, Takahashi took a different approach to storytelling and began the dark, macabre Mermaid Saga. This series of short segments was published sporadically until 1994, with the final story being Mermaid's Mask. Many fans contend that this work remains unfinished by Takahashi, since the final story does not end on a conclusive note.
Another short work left untouched is One-Pound Gospel, which, like Mermaid Saga, was published erratically. The last story to be drawn was published in 2001, however just recently she wrote one final chapter concluding the series
Later in 1987, Takahashi began her third major series, Ranma ½. Following the late 80s and early 90s trend of shōnen martial arts manga, Ranma ½ features a gender-bending twist. The series continued for nearly a decade until 1996, when it ended at 38 volumes. Ranma ½ is one of Rumiko Takahashi's most popular series with the Western world.
During the later half of the 1990s, Rumiko Takahashi continued with short stories and her installments of Mermaid Saga and One-Pound Gospel until beginning her fourth major work, InuYasha. While Ran
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews
January 13, 2022
I received a copy of this book for free for promotional purposes.
I give this book 4.5 stars which rounds up to 5.
This was another solid installment in the series.
This installment had more backstory than the previous volumes which I felt slowed down the pace of the book a little. A good chunk took place in Mao’s past and we learned more about his early days.
Like the previous volume, this one unveiled even more about the story and the characters, including details on how Mao and Nanoka are connected. It is shaping up to be a very intriguing read!
Overall, I really enjoyed this volume and am looking forward to the upcoming volumes. So far, this series has been full of action and mystery, with things coming together at a steady pace. If you’re looking to read a new manga series, consider starting this one (just keep in mind that all the volumes are not yet available in English yet).
I give this book 4.5 stars which rounds up to 5.
This was another solid installment in the series.
This installment had more backstory than the previous volumes which I felt slowed down the pace of the book a little. A good chunk took place in Mao’s past and we learned more about his early days.
Like the previous volume, this one unveiled even more about the story and the characters, including details on how Mao and Nanoka are connected. It is shaping up to be a very intriguing read!
Overall, I really enjoyed this volume and am looking forward to the upcoming volumes. So far, this series has been full of action and mystery, with things coming together at a steady pace. If you’re looking to read a new manga series, consider starting this one (just keep in mind that all the volumes are not yet available in English yet).
December 3, 2021
I love the direction this volume is taking the series. I feel like Takahashi has taken everything that they have learned from their other series, and have improved on everything over the years. This story continues to progress forward unlike some her previous work...(*cough**Inuyasha**cough) We aren't spinning in circles. Mao is an amazing character in and of themselves, and a lot of the mystery behind them is answered in this one. I am truly so excited for the next volume in the series!
December 27, 2022
Ah yes, Mao 3, the volume I saw so often alone I once thought Mao Three was the only vol you could buy lol. It’s really good and deserves to no longer be lonely on the shelves 🥺
January 29, 2022
GAH! The more I learn about the characters, the more I want to know! This series is AMAZING and I can't recommend it enough. I just wish the entire series was out, instead of having to WAIT for the next one.
I've been doing that to myself lately, starting a new series, loving it, buying it as soon as it comes out and then waiting impatiently for the next one! I would stop, but I keep finding awesome series like this one and I want to be there the second it comes out. FOMO? Nah, more like obsessed, lol.
5, this series is great and I can't recommend it enough, stars!
My thanks to NetGalley and VIZ Media LLC for an eARC copy of this book to read and review.
I've been doing that to myself lately, starting a new series, loving it, buying it as soon as it comes out and then waiting impatiently for the next one! I would stop, but I keep finding awesome series like this one and I want to be there the second it comes out. FOMO? Nah, more like obsessed, lol.
5, this series is great and I can't recommend it enough, stars!
My thanks to NetGalley and VIZ Media LLC for an eARC copy of this book to read and review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 25, 2022
The series finally hits its stride with this volume, which expands on what really happened (or what it seems really happened) in Mao's past. Throwing Mao off-balance turns out to be a major plus for the series, as it gives him more personality. The dynamic between Mao and Nanoka is still a bit weak, but I'm willing to stick it out for longer, because it feels like there's a reason for this now.
May 7, 2022
This is Rumiko Takahashi at her finest! This series is wonderfully told. We learn more about Mao's past and some of the people in his life. We get introduced to several new characters which helps build this story even more. I'm so excited for the next volume, because this world is so well crafted.
March 8, 2022
I hate to say this but Mao is going on the back burner. I currently have all of the Inuyasha Viz Bigs. I am maybe halfway through. Mao is WAY too similar to Inuyasha to enjoy at this point.
Mao and Inuyasha are extremely similar characters. They both have a special sword no one else can touch. They are both after some special powerful demon. They were both tricked into killing people including a female. They have both been alive for long periods of time. The only plus is Mao is a more mature character.
Nanoka and Kagome are too similar. They are both strong female characters. Both were pulled into the past. Both of them use the hospital visits as excuses to being gone. Both of them have some human boy interested in them. Both of them have weird families tied to the other world.
Mao’s assistant is a better Shippo. Hyakka reminds me of Sango. Sana is Kikyo.
It’s ok that these stories are similar but if I want to read Inuyasha I’m going to read Inuyasha. Maybe once I finish Inuyasha and want a dose of nostalgia this will be a great place to come back to.
Mao and Inuyasha are extremely similar characters. They both have a special sword no one else can touch. They are both after some special powerful demon. They were both tricked into killing people including a female. They have both been alive for long periods of time. The only plus is Mao is a more mature character.
Nanoka and Kagome are too similar. They are both strong female characters. Both were pulled into the past. Both of them use the hospital visits as excuses to being gone. Both of them have some human boy interested in them. Both of them have weird families tied to the other world.
Mao’s assistant is a better Shippo. Hyakka reminds me of Sango. Sana is Kikyo.
It’s ok that these stories are similar but if I want to read Inuyasha I’m going to read Inuyasha. Maybe once I finish Inuyasha and want a dose of nostalgia this will be a great place to come back to.
January 15, 2022
This is turning out to be so good! Every volume pulls me in deeper. The further I read into this series the more parallels I can see between Mao and Inuyasha, but I love Inuyasha so no complaints from me.
September 30, 2022
This series is getting really good! I did not want to give away the plot too much in my previous reviews, but I am loving how we now understand a bit more about the Byoki-- we are dealing with cat demons now(we left dog demons in Inuyasha). I like how the setting is pretty much modern in a way and in an era where there are newspapers and restaurants. It is a classic mystery too-- Mao is an exorcist so he goes on missions to help people and demons.
Meanwhile, Nanoka is discovering more about herself.
Yes, Mao is described as handsome!(I know, that fact has nothing to do with nothing)
Meanwhile, Nanoka is discovering more about herself.
Yes, Mao is described as handsome!(I know, that fact has nothing to do with nothing)
October 15, 2024
continuano a spillare il the ma mi chiedo se questo non sarà controproducente in futuro.
però se l’autrice ha deciso così, non posso far altro che continuare a leggere
però se l’autrice ha deciso così, non posso far altro che continuare a leggere
March 23, 2025
This is weirdly similar to Inuyasha, but the male MC is so far more likable than Inu lol
June 9, 2025
I like where this is going. The story started off slow at first but I’m really enjoying it.
December 24, 2021
This is the third installment of this series, and so far I have enjoyed it. Good pacing, characters, artwork, and storytelling. Would you expect anything less from the master Rumiko Takahashi? I love watching the mystery unfold, and in this volume we get more of that as we learn more about Mao’s past, and new characters are introduced. Highly recommended if you enjoy fantasy shonen, or if you enjoyed Takahashi’s other works.
Thanks to Viz and NetGalley for a digital copy to read and review
Thanks to Viz and NetGalley for a digital copy to read and review
December 22, 2021
J’avais vraiment beaucoup apprécié les deux premiers tomes de cette série. Je les ai lu cet été et sincèrement ce fut une très belle découverte. J’avais hâte de pouvoir lire le troisième tome. C’est une historie que j’aime beaucoup. Bien que je ne pensais pas vraiment aimer à ce point et surtout à cause du style un peu vieillot des dessins. Mais au final c’est passé comme une lettre à la poste et j’ai vraiment beaucoup beaucoup aimé cette histoire.
Les personnages sont vraiment chouettes à suivre. L’histoire est vraiment passionnante avec ce voyage dans le temps etc. L’intrigue est bien ficelé, bien mené et c’est un vrai régal à la lecture. Dans ce troisième tome, on retrouve donc nos différents protagonistes. Le séisme tant redouté a finalement frappé la capitale. Mao, quant à lui, se retrouve devant son grand ennemi, Byoki. Cette confrontation va raviver des vieux souvenirs de plusieurs siècles. Mao avait un rôle important à jouer. Il a oublier ce rôle qui est pourtant lourd de sens.
J’ai adoré découvrir Byoki. Cet ennemi est vraiment passionnant et fascinant à suivre. Le mystère autour de ce dernier ainsi qu’autour de Mao continue d’être maintenu. On ne sait pas tout les concernant mais je sens que l’on n’est clairement pas au bout de nos surprises avec eux. On a de nouvelles révélations qui viennent un peu tout remettre en cause etc. J’ai hâte d’en savoir encore plus! On découvre également de nouveaux personnages. Personnages qui sont très intéressants également. J’aime toujours autant Otoya que je trouve tellement mignon! J’ai adoré également retrouver Nanoka que j’aime beaucoup.
J’ai le quatrième tome dans ma PAL et je pense que je vais le lire bientôt. J’ai hâte de découvrir cette suite. Surtout avec la fin de ce troisième opus. C’est très intriguant et j’ai pas mal de questions en tête après ma lecture. Vraiment cetet série est une véritable surprise pour moi. Moi qui ne pensais pas aimer autant ce manga, je me surprends à attendre la suite avec grande impatience.
Les personnages sont vraiment chouettes à suivre. L’histoire est vraiment passionnante avec ce voyage dans le temps etc. L’intrigue est bien ficelé, bien mené et c’est un vrai régal à la lecture. Dans ce troisième tome, on retrouve donc nos différents protagonistes. Le séisme tant redouté a finalement frappé la capitale. Mao, quant à lui, se retrouve devant son grand ennemi, Byoki. Cette confrontation va raviver des vieux souvenirs de plusieurs siècles. Mao avait un rôle important à jouer. Il a oublier ce rôle qui est pourtant lourd de sens.
J’ai adoré découvrir Byoki. Cet ennemi est vraiment passionnant et fascinant à suivre. Le mystère autour de ce dernier ainsi qu’autour de Mao continue d’être maintenu. On ne sait pas tout les concernant mais je sens que l’on n’est clairement pas au bout de nos surprises avec eux. On a de nouvelles révélations qui viennent un peu tout remettre en cause etc. J’ai hâte d’en savoir encore plus! On découvre également de nouveaux personnages. Personnages qui sont très intéressants également. J’aime toujours autant Otoya que je trouve tellement mignon! J’ai adoré également retrouver Nanoka que j’aime beaucoup.
J’ai le quatrième tome dans ma PAL et je pense que je vais le lire bientôt. J’ai hâte de découvrir cette suite. Surtout avec la fin de ce troisième opus. C’est très intriguant et j’ai pas mal de questions en tête après ma lecture. Vraiment cetet série est une véritable surprise pour moi. Moi qui ne pensais pas aimer autant ce manga, je me surprends à attendre la suite avec grande impatience.
July 4, 2023
Mao and Byoki's disembodied head square off in a battle that has been building for the last several volumes. Mao unleashes his other form, which looks very much like it could be Byoki's missing body. During the fight, Nanoka's younger self comes through the gate into the battle, and present day Nanoka begins to remember some of the flashes that traumatized her that day. Byoki realizes Nanoka could also be a vessel for his power, so he runs after her as she retreats back through the gate to her time. Mao releases an ayakashi and sends it after little Nanoka to protect her. Present day Nanoka returns to her time to sort out who the ayakashi is, and to determine who Byoki is in her life. Mao, meanwhile, must begin to sort out what happened to him hundreds of years ago when Byoki attacked, which is complicated by him discovering several other apprentices from hundreds of years ago are still alive when they should all be long dead.
Read the full review, and find more graphic novel reviews, at The Graphic Library.
This review was made possible with an advanced reader copy from the publisher through Net Galley.
Read the full review, and find more graphic novel reviews, at The Graphic Library.
This review was made possible with an advanced reader copy from the publisher through Net Galley.
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July 5, 2023
I am unsure how I feel about this series. Like... I enjoy it well enough, but do I really care enough to keep going? Maybe I'll give it one more volume before I make any for sure decisions. It's not like it takes long to read...
July 24, 2024
Tiga catatan yang bisa saya bagi dari volume ini, yaitu:
1. Alur ceritanya makin kompleks. Ternyata, Mao sudah bertemu dengan Nanoka sejak dulu dan pertemuan mereka saat itu ada hubungannya dengan kehidupan Nanoka saat ini. Ternyata, ada kebenaran yang baru Mao ketahui setelah 900 tahun memburu Byouki.
2. Prakondisi yang diciptakan oleh penulis jadi langkah menjanjikan bahwa pembaca akan mengikuti perkembangan karakter dari tokoh utamanya dan penyelesaian konflik yang menarik. Apa yang akan Mao lakukan atau bagaimana Mao menyelesaikan konfliknya dengan Byouki jika mereka tak bisa saling meniadakan.
3. Makin banyak karakter pendukung yang diperlihatkan, terutama dari sisi kehidupan Mao sebelumnya. Salah satunya bahkan mungkin akan menjadi semacam pancingan yang membuat Nanoka makin menyadari perasaannya. Beberapa lainnya akan membuat pembaca makin bersimpati pada Mao. Keren sih, ini jadi formula penulis untuk membuat pembaca menyukai, bahkan membela karakter utamanya dengan loyal. Satu lagi penggambaran karakter yang menguntungkan tokoh Mao, sekalipun Hyakka menuduhnya sebagai orang yang "sangat tidak serius. Tak ada satu pun mantra yang sungguh-sungguh bisa dia pakai," Mao digambarkan dapat mengambil keputusan yang cepat berdasarkan rasa peduli yang tinggi ketika ia mengirimkan Shikigami untuk Nanoka, juga dapat diandalkan, terutama saat ia menyadari apa yang mungkin akan dihadapi Nanoka di dunia modern. Nah, sembagai pembaca, saya jadi merasa tidak sia-sia menyukai karakternya :D
1. Alur ceritanya makin kompleks. Ternyata, Mao sudah bertemu dengan Nanoka sejak dulu dan pertemuan mereka saat itu ada hubungannya dengan kehidupan Nanoka saat ini. Ternyata, ada kebenaran yang baru Mao ketahui setelah 900 tahun memburu Byouki.
2. Prakondisi yang diciptakan oleh penulis jadi langkah menjanjikan bahwa pembaca akan mengikuti perkembangan karakter dari tokoh utamanya dan penyelesaian konflik yang menarik. Apa yang akan Mao lakukan atau bagaimana Mao menyelesaikan konfliknya dengan Byouki jika mereka tak bisa saling meniadakan.
3. Makin banyak karakter pendukung yang diperlihatkan, terutama dari sisi kehidupan Mao sebelumnya. Salah satunya bahkan mungkin akan menjadi semacam pancingan yang membuat Nanoka makin menyadari perasaannya. Beberapa lainnya akan membuat pembaca makin bersimpati pada Mao. Keren sih, ini jadi formula penulis untuk membuat pembaca menyukai, bahkan membela karakter utamanya dengan loyal. Satu lagi penggambaran karakter yang menguntungkan tokoh Mao, sekalipun Hyakka menuduhnya sebagai orang yang "sangat tidak serius. Tak ada satu pun mantra yang sungguh-sungguh bisa dia pakai," Mao digambarkan dapat mengambil keputusan yang cepat berdasarkan rasa peduli yang tinggi ketika ia mengirimkan Shikigami untuk Nanoka, juga dapat diandalkan, terutama saat ia menyadari apa yang mungkin akan dihadapi Nanoka di dunia modern. Nah, sembagai pembaca, saya jadi merasa tidak sia-sia menyukai karakternya :D
"Kalau takut, tinggallah di sini bersamaku."
October 6, 2022
🎴 Manga ini menjadi buku pertama yang aku baca di bulan oktober dan beres terbaca hanya dalam sekali duduk. Karya dari nama besar di dunia komik Jepang, Rumiko Takahashi ini sanggup membuatku tidak berpaling sejenak sewaktu membacanya.
🎴 Bercerita tentang Nanoka yang dibawa kembali ke zaman Taisho, ia bertemu dengan Mao seorang onmyoji misterius. Bersama mereka mencoba meyibak tabir tersembunyi yang menghubungkan masa lalu mereka satu sama lain.
🎴 Mengambil dua latar waktu berbeda zaman tentu menimbulkan perbedaan yang sangat mencolok dari pakaian dan bangunan yang ada di Jepang. Rumiko sensei bisa dibilang sangat lihai menggambarkan suasana era Taisho, namun memang penggambaran di era modernnya belum terlalu tampak, mungkin karena fokus cerita lebih dominan di masa lalu.
🎴 Alurnya begitu mengalir, dari sebanyak 10 bab yang ada, aku tidak menyadari sudah membaca 7 bab hanya dalam selang waktu yang sangat singkat. Aksi dan misteri yang dihidangkan begitu tidak terasa menekan pembaca karena gaya penceritaan dan pembawaan manga ini cukup mudah diterima.
🎴 Mao memang akan membuat kalian teringat dengan karya legendaris Rumiko Takahashi sensei yaitu Inuyasha. Namun Mao juga menyuguhkan sesuatu yang berbeda yaitu unsur komedi yang sangat tipis tapi sekali muncul humornya bisa dikatakan sangat gelap.
🎴 Aku merekomendasikan buku ini bagi yang menyukai kisah petualangan yang dibalut supranatural dan sedikit horor dan bagi yang tidak terlalu menginginkan unsur roman di dalamnya. Juga teruntuk pecinta Inuyasha sepertinya ini bacaan yang bagus untuk kalian coba baca.
🎴 Bercerita tentang Nanoka yang dibawa kembali ke zaman Taisho, ia bertemu dengan Mao seorang onmyoji misterius. Bersama mereka mencoba meyibak tabir tersembunyi yang menghubungkan masa lalu mereka satu sama lain.
🎴 Mengambil dua latar waktu berbeda zaman tentu menimbulkan perbedaan yang sangat mencolok dari pakaian dan bangunan yang ada di Jepang. Rumiko sensei bisa dibilang sangat lihai menggambarkan suasana era Taisho, namun memang penggambaran di era modernnya belum terlalu tampak, mungkin karena fokus cerita lebih dominan di masa lalu.
🎴 Alurnya begitu mengalir, dari sebanyak 10 bab yang ada, aku tidak menyadari sudah membaca 7 bab hanya dalam selang waktu yang sangat singkat. Aksi dan misteri yang dihidangkan begitu tidak terasa menekan pembaca karena gaya penceritaan dan pembawaan manga ini cukup mudah diterima.
🎴 Mao memang akan membuat kalian teringat dengan karya legendaris Rumiko Takahashi sensei yaitu Inuyasha. Namun Mao juga menyuguhkan sesuatu yang berbeda yaitu unsur komedi yang sangat tipis tapi sekali muncul humornya bisa dikatakan sangat gelap.
🎴 Aku merekomendasikan buku ini bagi yang menyukai kisah petualangan yang dibalut supranatural dan sedikit horor dan bagi yang tidak terlalu menginginkan unsur roman di dalamnya. Juga teruntuk pecinta Inuyasha sepertinya ini bacaan yang bagus untuk kalian coba baca.
May 17, 2022
I LOVED this volume. Rumiko Takahasi like always delivers a great narrative with epic action sequences that make the story even more spellbinding. This volume doesn’t waste time and it starts right where we left. The earthquake has destroyed the town where Mao has his office to aid the yokai, and our heroes are face to face with Byoki the demon that cursed not only Mao, but Nanoka too.
Later we meet Hyakka, Mao’s Senior Apprentice who appears solely to give us background information on the incident that caused Mao’s downfall and the attack. We learn that basically, like Byoki insinuated at the beginning, Mao was set up. But although all of this is revealed, Mao still has problems piecing what actually happened that day, 900 years ago. Memory loss that still haunts him to this day and age (Taisho Era).
Last but not least, we get a murderer that has been hunting women ever since before the earthquake. A truly despicable being that’s being aided by a mysterious character named Kuchinawa that has magical abilities and can tell when someone is an ayakashi. It true Rumiko Takahashi’s fashion we get a small murder mystery which I love dearly because is a staple of her story telling and always provide room for character development.
For that reason I’m giving this, the third volume, 5/5 stars and recommend it to every Takahashi fan who loves her fantasy stories of humans and yokai fighting together in a different era.
Later we meet Hyakka, Mao’s Senior Apprentice who appears solely to give us background information on the incident that caused Mao’s downfall and the attack. We learn that basically, like Byoki insinuated at the beginning, Mao was set up. But although all of this is revealed, Mao still has problems piecing what actually happened that day, 900 years ago. Memory loss that still haunts him to this day and age (Taisho Era).
Last but not least, we get a murderer that has been hunting women ever since before the earthquake. A truly despicable being that’s being aided by a mysterious character named Kuchinawa that has magical abilities and can tell when someone is an ayakashi. It true Rumiko Takahashi’s fashion we get a small murder mystery which I love dearly because is a staple of her story telling and always provide room for character development.
For that reason I’m giving this, the third volume, 5/5 stars and recommend it to every Takahashi fan who loves her fantasy stories of humans and yokai fighting together in a different era.
November 11, 2022
It has been a very long time since I read the second volume so I don't remember alot of what happened.
Byoki the demon that Mao has been trying to find, appears and states a few things that leave Mao confused. He has no memory of who killed his master, or burned down the dwelling. Byoki is aware that both Mao and Nanoka have his blood thus making them perfect to be his vessel. Mao is upset when Byoki escapes.
Nanoka wonders if Byoki gave her grandfather more time in this world so that someone would look after her until it was time to make her his vessel.
Mao also sees a few former apprentices Hyakka and Kuchinawa who believe he is there to kill them. But these apprentices should have been dead of old long ago. Mao wonders how they are still alive. Kuchinawa is wondering the same thing.
Did something to happen to the apprentices that night when the Master summoned them and challeneged them tall to fight to be his successor. That same night, Hyakka stated that he Master always had a mask on part of his face but that night, he took it over, showing his real appearance (I am not going to lie, it is bit creepy).
Who killed the Master and how the apprentices still alive? Maybe we will have the answers in the next volume.
Byoki the demon that Mao has been trying to find, appears and states a few things that leave Mao confused. He has no memory of who killed his master, or burned down the dwelling. Byoki is aware that both Mao and Nanoka have his blood thus making them perfect to be his vessel. Mao is upset when Byoki escapes.
Nanoka wonders if Byoki gave her grandfather more time in this world so that someone would look after her until it was time to make her his vessel.
Mao also sees a few former apprentices Hyakka and Kuchinawa who believe he is there to kill them. But these apprentices should have been dead of old long ago. Mao wonders how they are still alive. Kuchinawa is wondering the same thing.
Did something to happen to the apprentices that night when the Master summoned them and challeneged them tall to fight to be his successor. That same night, Hyakka stated that he Master always had a mask on part of his face but that night, he took it over, showing his real appearance (I am not going to lie, it is bit creepy).
Who killed the Master and how the apprentices still alive? Maybe we will have the answers in the next volume.
January 16, 2022
Intense volume!
The past two volumes have been leading up to big reveals in this one. The story is moving along at a good clip now. We've learned the truth behind some secrets—some that were shocking—and new mysteries have been revealed. Nanoka's crush on Mao grows, but remains unrequited. The first clash with Byoki is left unresolved for another day, but helped fill in the backstory while deepening the mystery surrounding Mao. Nanoka's character has now become the deuteragonist as events put Mao front and center.
It was an excellent volume.
There was some brief nudity in this volume along with some depraved murders, just FYI, which were in line with Takahashi's more grim works like Mermaid Saga. This tale can be gritty—even gruesome—but so far has not been sexual until the introduction of a new villain in the final fourth.
The past two volumes have been leading up to big reveals in this one. The story is moving along at a good clip now. We've learned the truth behind some secrets—some that were shocking—and new mysteries have been revealed. Nanoka's crush on Mao grows, but remains unrequited. The first clash with Byoki is left unresolved for another day, but helped fill in the backstory while deepening the mystery surrounding Mao. Nanoka's character has now become the deuteragonist as events put Mao front and center.
It was an excellent volume.
There was some brief nudity in this volume along with some depraved murders, just FYI, which were in line with Takahashi's more grim works like Mermaid Saga. This tale can be gritty—even gruesome—but so far has not been sexual until the introduction of a new villain in the final fourth.
December 7, 2021
Thank you to NetGalley and Viz for a free advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
Mao Vol 3 drops readers right into the action. Mao faces off with Byoki, the ayakashi that cursed both him and Nanoka. After the short fight, The main cast comes away with revelations that only lead to more questions.
This volume had a good balance between action-oriented and quiet moments, and it made me want to continue the series even though I almost stopped after Volume 2.
Translation was smooth and lively, and the lettering was added to the mood of the book.
Original Cover Design: Chie SATO + Bay Bridge Studio
Translation: Junko Goda
English Adaptation: Shenon Garrity
Touch-up Art and Lettering: James Gaubatz
Cover and Interior Design: Yuriko Whitely
Editor: Annette Roman
Mao Vol 3 drops readers right into the action. Mao faces off with Byoki, the ayakashi that cursed both him and Nanoka. After the short fight, The main cast comes away with revelations that only lead to more questions.
This volume had a good balance between action-oriented and quiet moments, and it made me want to continue the series even though I almost stopped after Volume 2.
Translation was smooth and lively, and the lettering was added to the mood of the book.
Original Cover Design: Chie SATO + Bay Bridge Studio
Translation: Junko Goda
English Adaptation: Shenon Garrity
Touch-up Art and Lettering: James Gaubatz
Cover and Interior Design: Yuriko Whitely
Editor: Annette Roman
February 27, 2022
To face a monster sometimes we have to be monstrous
With news that Byoki will soon arrive in town Mao is ready to battle with everything he can muster. In the mean time questions of who Nanoka can trust in the modern world are addressed and answered as the story takes a twist into something potentially darker as we explore not only how Nanoka gained her powers but also Mao's past that has led him to his 900 year hunt for the cat demon that shares its fate with him. This series is only at volume 3 and typical of Rumiko Takahashi I am hooked as those that may have been the real villains are only now coming to light as new mysteries come to light. Add in to this the truth about Tenko and the introduction of the interesting character Hyakka I look forward to the future volumes to come. :)
With news that Byoki will soon arrive in town Mao is ready to battle with everything he can muster. In the mean time questions of who Nanoka can trust in the modern world are addressed and answered as the story takes a twist into something potentially darker as we explore not only how Nanoka gained her powers but also Mao's past that has led him to his 900 year hunt for the cat demon that shares its fate with him. This series is only at volume 3 and typical of Rumiko Takahashi I am hooked as those that may have been the real villains are only now coming to light as new mysteries come to light. Add in to this the truth about Tenko and the introduction of the interesting character Hyakka I look forward to the future volumes to come. :)
February 20, 2024
This was a very bloody installment! I mean it, blood was splattering all over the place in too many panels to count. While this is going on, the series manages to stay wholesome. Surely, it must be the art, it is simply bursting with wholesomeness.
Anyway, the plot thickens, and there are exciting revelations about the connection between Mao, Nanoka, and Byoki; more about Nanoka’s guardians (in this case, the reader breathes a sign of relief); more on Mao’s backstory, which is still full of mysteries.
Disappointingly, Nanoka doesn’t get to save Mao again. But if the hints are to be believed, the author remedied the situation in the next volume.
Once again, the ending is a cliffhanger. Come on! :)))
Anyway, the plot thickens, and there are exciting revelations about the connection between Mao, Nanoka, and Byoki; more about Nanoka’s guardians (in this case, the reader breathes a sign of relief); more on Mao’s backstory, which is still full of mysteries.
Disappointingly, Nanoka doesn’t get to save Mao again. But if the hints are to be believed, the author remedied the situation in the next volume.
Once again, the ending is a cliffhanger. Come on! :)))
December 8, 2021
I received an eARC of this title through NetGalley in return for an honest review.
This series keeps getting better, in my opinion. I like how this started with one storyline of facing a big bad yokai to a mystery of how these characters are connected to it. Nanoka's plot thickens as she tries to figure out what happened to her on the day of her parent's accident and how her grandfather is alive. The reader learns more about Mao's past and brings up a new plotline that I found more intriguing than the original.
This is turning out to be an interesting series. I definitely feel it has the same vibe as Inuyasha, so if you liked that, check out this series ASAP.
This series keeps getting better, in my opinion. I like how this started with one storyline of facing a big bad yokai to a mystery of how these characters are connected to it. Nanoka's plot thickens as she tries to figure out what happened to her on the day of her parent's accident and how her grandfather is alive. The reader learns more about Mao's past and brings up a new plotline that I found more intriguing than the original.
This is turning out to be an interesting series. I definitely feel it has the same vibe as Inuyasha, so if you liked that, check out this series ASAP.
June 7, 2022
In this volume we get some backstory; most especially we learn more about how Mao came to be an exorcist and we meet up with some characters from his past.
I'm starting to think that we will not get an explanation for the gate that Nanoka travels through to reach Mao's time and that disappoints me a little. On the other hand, Takahashi's continued inventiveness weaving together semi-historical facts into her tale, along with the world-building she is doing interests me quite a bit so I am still along for the ride.
I'm starting to think that we will not get an explanation for the gate that Nanoka travels through to reach Mao's time and that disappoints me a little. On the other hand, Takahashi's continued inventiveness weaving together semi-historical facts into her tale, along with the world-building she is doing interests me quite a bit so I am still along for the ride.
August 12, 2021
My favorite volume so far. The intrigue increases! This story has the potential to be as good or even better than Inuyasha. Can't wait for the animation to be released! Ordered the rest of all the volumes currently out, since I only have up to volume 4.
It's also great for my Japanese reading practice because I'm so into the story, I just want to read more and more. I highly recommend this manga, especially if you loved Inuyasha and want something fresh but in a similar style.
It's also great for my Japanese reading practice because I'm so into the story, I just want to read more and more. I highly recommend this manga, especially if you loved Inuyasha and want something fresh but in a similar style.
November 30, 2021
yes!!! this is back in action, very good and packed with intense moments, it’s getting interesting, love it love it love it, new characters are introduced too!!!! otoya is adorable as always!! by the way the series is a pleasant surprise, i never thought i would love it this much, originally not even planned to read it but i’m totally obsessed right now
February 1, 2022
I love Rumiko Takahashi's writing when she includes time-travel and demons. Mao is an interesting character with a past I can't wait to delve into. And I like Nanoka, too. This new character entering at the end of the manga, I'm curious on it because it seems to be doing the bidding of an elite.
July 12, 2022
A little piece of Mao is revealed in each volume - here we find out that Mao has a hybrid form! And all the mystique around Nanoka’s family…I kept second guessing who the Byoki spy is, if there is one…and now it looks like other apprentices from Mao’s time are still alive!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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