Nura: Rise of the Yokai Clan

[Gallennon]

A few days ago I picked up the first four published volumes of Nura: Rise of the Yokai Clan, and I must say from what I have read I really like it! A friend of mine had seen the anime and said it was ok in the beginning, but puttered out by mid to end of the first season. Regardless, I took my chances with the manga, since they tend to be different and better from their animated counterparts.

The manga is about a young boy who is One-quarter Yokai on his father's side destined to become the third leader of his clan. At this time his Grandfather, the Yokai Nurarihyon, is the Supreme commander of Yokai throughout Japan, but after a long time of leadership, being pulled out of retirement after the death of Nura's father, wants to retire. Yet Nura does not want the job. The story over all deals with Nura having to deal with balancing his human life with his Yokai life and having to help keep the clan safe and strong. What I love the most is that Nura's clan is made up of all classic Yokai from Japanese mythology and that many of the opposing Yokai to his clan are either lesser know classic myths wanting to make their name big, Inner members who refuse to except a half Yokai as their leader, or new urban legend Yokai who are "childish Punks with no class" invading the Nura clans home turf. It is part Yokai story, part Yakuza, wrapped up in Shonen Jump fun.

Anyway, seeing how a lot of fellow forum members and Stan himself love Yokai stories and the such, figured I point this new manga out and recommend it to everyone to pick up and read!