'Soul Eater' is a familiar name amongst most anime fans. A smash hit about the 'DWMA' - Death Weapon Meister Academy in which students are trained as both weapons and meisters in order to combat the forces of evil in the service of death himself. However, Soul Eater NOT! is the new prequel to the orginal series created by the same mangaka ' Atsushi Ōkubo'. With new characters and old favourites returning this could just be the next best work from 'Yen Press' since the original. It follows the story of the weapon Tsugumi Harudori and her two meister friends Meme and Anya as they enter the NOT class of the DWMA (Normally Overcome Target). This class differs from the usual EAT class we're all accustommed to (Especially Advanced Talent), as weapons and meisters in the NOT class are 'non- combatant' and simply wish to control their skills. Yet with a plot forming involving a certain someone, it seems this light-hearted prequel may not be all fun and games.
Opinions:
My first thoughts were that i HAVE to read this. Being such a huge fan of the franchise i couldn't wait to hear more about my old favourties despite the obvious 'feminine' outlook of the book at first glance. Yet, i can say that although i wasn't disappointed, i think that there is still much to be realised in this up and coming series.
The book mostly focuses on introducing new characters which at present seem to meet all the necessary requirements of past installments. For those who don't know these are; eccentric and down right weird. However, despite the lack of action, there are still some excellent foundations set in this first book, with a loveable array of characters and questions raised throughout leaving an unexpected urge to continue reading.
An additional 'pro' which i believe certainly continues the legacy of the previous books, is the fantastic use of comedy within this manga. I found that what this series seems to be lacking in action, it makes up for comedically in spades. Soul Eater NOT! is definatelty a more girl orientated manga however, with a strong emphasis on relationships and childhood fancy and just a sprinkle of conflict thrown in for good measure. I would recommend this read to anyone who enjoys a great deal of comedy and for old time fans of the Soul Eater world. Hardcore fans however may enjoy certain references but could find the story leaves something to be desired.
Rating: 3.5/ 5.0 Good
Read it here now for free: http://www.mangareader.net/soul-eater-not
Soul Eater NOT! [Jan 2011]
| Written by: Atsushi Ōkubo | |||||
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| Published by: Yen Press | |||||
