Looking for a thrilling mix of vampires and werewolves? Manga review of “Outsiders Vol. 1” is here to guide you. Step into the world created by manga artist Akira Kanou. Her manga, Outsiders, is coming this summer from Titan Manga. It starts with a familiar idea: a teenage girl caught between two warring paranormal groups. But the story might surprise you!
Let’s take a first look at this exciting new manga. Make sure to pre-order it so you’re ready for its release in June!
The Story Unfolds
Outsiders shares some similarities with other dark fantasy stories. Vampires and werewolves live secretly in modern Japan. Most humans don’t know they exist. However, a teenage girl named Ema is immune to the vampires’ mind-erasing powers. She gets angry when a vampire tries to hurt her sister.
Now, Ema is watching both the vampire Tamaki and the werewolf Taiga. And they know about her. Caught in a very old battle, Ema must protect herself and her family while also satisfying her own curiosity.
The Art Style
The story of Outsiders is interesting, but the artwork is what really grabs your attention. Akira Kanou’s art and character designs are beautiful. They combine dark fantasy with elements of shoujo manga (aimed at young girls). The color covers are amazing, and the black-and-white pages are just as good. The characters look great in both full color and in grayscale.
What makes the art special is that it isn’t afraid to show darker, more serious things. This manga is beautiful, but the events in the story aren’t always pretty. These moments are drawn with lots of detail and care. It’s a type of beautiful horror. This contrast could be a problem, but here, it works perfectly.
The Potential of the Series
The first volume of any manga usually sets up the story. Outsiders is the same. The manga was published in Kadokawa Shoten’s Asuka magazine from 2021 to 2023. It has five volumes in total, so the first volume has a lot to introduce. But the story moves quickly. Ema is naturally curious and unaffected by vampire magic, so she’s involved in the action right away. We quickly learn about the vampires and werewolves in this world, but there’s clearly more to discover.
With characters from both the vampire and werewolf sides close to Ema, and with many mysteries to solve, Outsiders promises to be an exciting and mysterious story. Fans of dark fantasy, especially those who like vampire stories, should definitely check this out.
Outsiders Vol. 1 goes on sale June 17.
Let’s delve deeper into what makes “Outsiders Vol. 1” a standout in the dark fantasy genre. Beyond the initial setup, the manga explores complex themes of prejudice, identity, and the blurred lines between good and evil. The vampires and werewolves aren’t simply monsters; they have their own societies, histories, and internal conflicts. This adds depth to the story and makes the characters more relatable, even the ones who drink blood or transform under the full moon.
Ema’s role as an outsider who can see through the supernatural veil is particularly compelling. She’s not a chosen one with special powers, but rather an ordinary girl who finds herself in extraordinary circumstances. Her curiosity and determination to protect her loved ones drive her actions, making her a strong and relatable protagonist. As she navigates the dangerous world of vampires and werewolves, she uncovers secrets that could shatter the fragile peace between the two factions.
The dynamic between Tamaki, the vampire, and Taiga, the werewolf, is another highlight of the manga. They represent opposing sides of the conflict, but they also share a grudging respect for each other. Their interactions with Ema further complicate the situation, as she becomes a pawn in their power struggle. The love triangle (or perhaps a love polygon, considering the supernatural elements) adds a layer of romantic tension to the story, keeping readers guessing about who Ema will ultimately choose.
Akira Kanou’s art style perfectly complements the dark and mysterious tone of the story. The character designs are elegant and expressive, capturing the beauty and danger of the supernatural beings. The action scenes are dynamic and visually stunning, showcasing the raw power of the vampires and werewolves. The use of shadows and lighting creates a sense of atmosphere and suspense, drawing readers deeper into the world of “Outsiders.”
One of the most intriguing aspects of “Outsiders” is its exploration of the moral ambiguities within the vampire and werewolf societies. Not all vampires are evil, and not all werewolves are savage. There are individuals on both sides who strive for peace and understanding, but they are often thwarted by those who cling to tradition and hatred. This nuanced portrayal of the supernatural world challenges readers to question their own preconceived notions about good and evil.
As the series progresses, Ema’s role in the conflict becomes increasingly important. She’s not just a bystander; she has the potential to be a catalyst for change. Her unique ability to resist vampire mind control makes her a valuable asset to both sides, but it also puts her in grave danger. She must learn to navigate the treacherous political landscape of the supernatural world and make difficult choices that could have far-reaching consequences.
“Outsiders Vol. 1” is a promising start to a dark and thrilling manga series. With its compelling characters, intricate plot, and stunning artwork, it’s sure to appeal to fans of vampire and werewolf fiction. The manga’s exploration of complex themes and moral ambiguities adds depth to the story, making it more than just a simple supernatural battle. If you’re looking for a manga that will keep you on the edge of your seat, “Outsiders” is definitely worth checking out.
The release of “Outsiders Vol. 1” is highly anticipated, and early reviews suggest that it lives up to the hype. Critics have praised Akira Kanou’s storytelling ability, her captivating art style, and the manga’s unique take on the vampire and werewolf mythos. Many are predicting that “Outsiders” will become a major hit in the dark fantasy genre, attracting a wide audience of readers.
So, mark your calendars for June 17th and get ready to immerse yourself in the dark and thrilling world of “Outsiders.” This is one manga that you won’t want to miss!