Review by C.J. Bunce
First published in 2018 in Japan by Kadokawa, The Poetry of Ran is an eight-part manga that is seeing its English translation debut this month. Volume 1 is now available here at Amazon with the concluding second volume available for pre-order here, expected in March. Writer-artist Yusuke Osawa brings his detailed fantasy artwork to a tale of a teen bard named Torue and a quirky boy named Ran who comes to her village with dark powers. Sword-fighting and kaiju monsters combine with a coming of age story fit for older teen readers.
Torue is only a bit awkward. But she’s a bard who has no stories to share via poem or song. She is annoyed that she has a large chest, which gets in her way and prompts annoying stares from boys. But she meets her match when the boy Ran passes through with his own quirk–he doesn’t know how to react to people without scaring them, including a freakish smile that pushes people away when he’s sincerely attempting to be friendly.
In this realm, Ran is a “child of impurity,” a monster hunter who is one of a few able to defeat evil monsters that devastate town after town. Like Alpi the Soul Sender in the manga of the same name, he is a Chosen One brought in to save the day. Here Ran is powerful but not always successful in his battles.
Torue decides to embark on her own quest, following Ran so she has someone important she can write poems about. The first volume introduces the characters and sees Ran engage in his first battles with the giant creatures, whose evil he must absorb.
Osawa draws a brilliant new fantasy world, filled with elements fans of high fantasy will love. He also peppers the story with some interesting supporting characters.
The Poetry of Ran is just the latest in premiere English editions of recent popular Japanese books from Titan Books’ Titan Manga imprint. Check out our borg reviews of Alpi–The Soul Sender here and Witch of Thistle Castle here, and a discussion of Kamen Rider: Kuuga and Atom: The Beginning here.
Another good entry point for anyone new to manga books, The Poetry of Ran Volume 1 is now available here at Amazon, with the concluding second volume available for pre-order here, expected in March.
