A review by sashas_books
Mao, Vol. 1 by Rumiko Takahashi

adventurous dark mysterious fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No

4.25

When your sister-in-law cleans out her book shelves, you get free books! Here is #3. 

Dear Rumiko Takahashi, it’s nice to meet your stories again. I like them so much :) 

The premise here is very similar to Rin-Ne: a girl who takes no nonsense from anyone meets a boy who needs to work on his social skills a bit. The boy has special powers and fights ghosts and demons. 

The story here is more mysterious and creepy (if you think the idea of cat demon sounds cute, think again). Mao is a cursed exorcist, and when he is not busy exorcising he is a yokai doctor (awww!). Nanoka is tougher than she realizes. She has a horrific backstory – was the accident that killed her parents truly an accident? And what kind of connection do Nanoka and Mao have? Is it possible they share the same curse? 

I liked how Nanoka travelled back in time to a parallel universe, and almost without batting an eye, stated helping Mao defeat demons. Because why wouldn’t you? 

Here is Mao, confronting a demon: 

“Shall we join him, Miss Nanoka?” 

“Sure.” 

That spider lady was very scary though, I hope I won’t dream of her tonight. *Shudder.* Nanoka saved the day, though. I wonder how on earth Mao had managed without her before? ;) 

This first volume is very promising, shaping up to be a cool and scary series with adorable characters. It’s a pity I don’t have more volumes right now…