E'S: Volume 1

E's #1

by Satol Yuiga, Kaname Tezuka (Creator), Dietrich Seto (Editor)

Raised in the research facility of mega-corporation Ashurum, stronghold of an elite psychic organization, psychic Kai Kudou follows the leadership of Eiji Sagimiya. When Eiji assigns Kai and his group to ferret out a guerilla sect using illegal psychics for personal gain, Kai finds himself in the hands of odd-job-man Yuuki Tokugawa and his sister Asuka. Together, they cause him to question the real mission of Ashurum. Is Eiji really brainwashing psychics? And exactly why are they gathering E'S under their control? Satol Yuiga blends a strong sci-fi storyline with gorgeous artwork in this new entry in the series known as the "Fullmetal Alchemist" of shoujo manga.

Genres: Manga, Science Fiction, Graphic Novels, Action

224 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1998

Reviews

[SER · Rating 5 out of 5]

Why do I always fall for series that are barely recognized or not known about? It's a true gem. The story is intriguing and the art is lovely. The manga is more gory than its anime counterpart, but that only adds to the atmosphere. I had wanted to watch the anime for several years and finally got around to it last week. Unfortunately, the anime doesn't really answer the big questions thrown at us and in the last few episodes, we're slammed with a bunch of new questions. So I turned to the manga but learned where I live, there are only four (out of sixteen) volumes translated. Still, I took the initiative to jump in.

While the timeline of events is pretty much the same as the anime with this volume, there are several little things that make it all the more interesting and kept me reading. I've gone ahead and purchased the remaining three volumes. Maybe another publisher will pick it up someday and finish translating the series.

[Lisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Super-powered mutants versus normal humans. Everyone has hidden agendas. Misunderstanding and chaos ensue. A little too many plot threads and not enough character depth to identify and connect with anyone. Won't be picking up another volume.

[Karaoke OK · Rating 3 out of 5]

[Series Length: 12 volumes / Read: volumes 1-3]

Manga about super-powered beings (very similar to "Scryed" if you're familiar with that title). Normally, for this visually dynamic type of story, I would prefer to watch the animated (anime) version rather than read the graphic novel, in order to better appreciate the action. But based on what I've read from the first few volumes, the books are solidly written and produced. Nothing particularly blew me away, though.