Phantom Thief Jeanne Vol. 1by Sheena McNeilReviews may contain information that could be considered 'spoilers'. Readers should proceed at their own risk. Publisher
Credits Grade: 9 High school student and gymnast Maron is secretly Phantom Thief Jeanne, stealing paintings in which demons reside to gather the pieces of God's power that the Demon Lord wants. Her best friend, Miyako, is the daughter of a police detective and has sworn to stop Jeanne. Chiaki is a cute boy that has transferred to their school and is Jeanne's main competition, as he is Phantom Thief Sinbad. Confused romantic feelings spur actions, and it's made even more difficult to know that Sinbad is not just competition -- he's the enemy!This is an older series (originally created in 1998) that I've been curious about for some time. So far, the first volume has blown me away with how fantastic it is in art, characters, story, and romance. I recently read and reviewed Sakura Hime, also by Arina Tanemura, and her art style is both beautiful and unique. The large eyes area full of detailed shading and emotion, and they don't cross the line into "too large." I love the detail in the costumes and the way she draws bangs and curls in the hair. There are wonderful body mechanics, expressions, and panel layouts. The fact that the gymnast aspects are worked into both sides of her life is a nice touch that's well done and creates some good visuals. A few pages have weird small type over them that seems like it doesn't belong, but I'm not sure as it seems to be there intentionally. The words make no sense with the story either. I like the inclusion of Minazuki, the class president, and Miyako's role is a necessary one for many plot points and a dose of normalcy. The blossoming romance between Maron and Chiaki is the main relationship focus, much to Minazuki and Miyako's disappointment, but there are even a couple slashy moments between Minazuki and Chiaki! I don't see the need to throw in a "fiancé" for Chiaki, though. Seeing Sinbad / Chiaki struggle with his duty, his plan, and his growing (real) feelings for Jeanne / Maron makes me both love him and understand her point of view. Maron's unusual upbringing also comes into play with how she reacts to things and her issues with trust. I adore the fact that Chiaki begins leaving her notes to cheer her up while she waits for any word from her parents. I'm so glad I'm finally reading this series. It's fun and exciting in a way that few series seem to capture. I definitely get the comparisons to Sailor Moon, but it's also quite unique. Written: April 18, 2014
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