Natsume's Book of Friends Vol. 18by Patti MartinsonReviews may contain information that could be considered 'spoilers'. Readers should proceed at their own risk. Publisher
Credits Grade: 7 Natsume is a high school boy with the ability to see Yokai, Japanese spirits and demons. Natsume is currently living with his Aunt and has a Yokai companion he calls sensei. In this volume, Natsume is called upon to judge a battle between two yokai and helps look for a hidden room at the isolated house of a recently-deceased exorcist.I wasn't quite sure what to expect of this title, but it did surprise me a little. I had thought it would be a bit more violent than it was, since quite a few yokai appear here. For example, Natsume runs across a yokai who wants to battle with another yokai and have Natsume be the judge. I was expecting something of a demonic fight, but what I got was very different. Natsume is something of cipher, he doesn't show much emotion, but he seems to be a nice, quiet and thoughtful young man who seems to simply treat everyone politely and with respect. That does make him seem rather bland as a protagonist, but that nature also seems to inspire more civil behavior in others, including the yokai, even in situations where more base human behavior would be expected. This is one of the more placid titles I've read, but I didn't feel bored with it. The pace is definitely slower, but not plodding, and the plots are more thoughtful and deeper than I had expected. It's not terribly exciting, though, and I get the sense that there really isn't much direction, so I'm not sure it's going where I want to follow. This is pleasant title for someone wanting a gentle introduction to manga or something more peaceful to read without having to deal with excessive angst, romance, or violence. Written: May 9, 2015
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