Product Description: Buso Renkin is the story of teenager Kazuki Muto who dies trying to save a girl who was being attacked by an eerie monster. The following morning, Kazuki wakes wondering whether it was all a dream. But the girl, the monster, and his death are all real! The girl, Tokiko Tsumura, was actually trying to slay the homunculus (a beast that can take the form of humans, but whose main source of food is people), but Kazuki got in her way. To revive Kazuki, Tokiko replaces his heart with a "kakugane," an alchemic device that allows him to summon a lance with which to fight the monsters. It turns out that Tokiko is a member of Renkin Kenshi (Alchemist Soldiers), an organization sworn to protect the world from the diabolical creatures. Soon, Kazuki joins Tokiko in her quest to terminate the sinister being that creates and controls the homunculus.
Talk about being at the wrong place at the wrong time! High school student Kazuki Muto had no clue what he was in for when he rescued damsel in distress Tokiko from a monster known as a 'homunculus'. Disguised as humans who actually eat humans, homunculi are malevolent creatures that affix themselves to people's brains, and once fully grown, the only thing that can annihilate them is a weapon called Buso Renkin!
Follow the adventures of Kazuki after he discovers that it was actually Tokiko who saved his life by implanting a kakugane, an alchemical device that transforms into a buso renkin, to replace his heart!
Welcome to Your New Life From the creator of the "Rurouni Kenshin" manga series comes the newest comic from Nobuhiro Watsuki (who drew a self portrait of a snot-nosed pig): "Buso Renkin." The hero of this story is Kazuki Muto, a reckless young busybody who dreams of rescuing a mysterious girl from a monster but dies as a result. But Kazuki's in for a rude awakening when he discovers that not only are the girl and monster real, but that his heart has been replaced with a kakugane, a device that transforms into a lethal weapon. With the reluctant assist of the mystery girl, Tokiko, Kazuki seeks to destroy the "homunculi" who turn humans into man-eating beasts.
This setup screams of a love triangle between "Fullmetal Alchemist," Elemental Gelade," and "Bleach." But then to make this or any other comparison would undermine this original work, so I digress. Besides, the story itself does just enough to stand on its own, aside from a casual manga stereotype here and there. The illustrations and character designs that brought Japan's Meiji Era to life in "Kenshin" seems just as incredible in BR. The manga includes character bios and linear notes on each chapter, which provide insight on Watsuki that one would never expect to hear from an established manga artist. So if you're into "Kenshin," you might enjoy Watsuki's handiwork in "Buso Renkin."
This comic is rated T+ for Older Teen: Violence.
Broken hearts and alchemy So after writing a satisfying megahit action series set in 19th-century Japan, just what is a manga author supposed to do?
Well, in the case of Nobuhiro Watsuki, he writes something almost completely different -- a comedy-action story about a modern-day boy who becomes involved in the world of alchemy. And the first volume of "Buso Renkin" is a smooth introduction to Watsuki's world, along with some polished artwork and likable characters.
Kazuki has a nightmare about trying to rescue a girl, and being killed by a monster, but thinks nothing more of it.... until he gets a text message telling him to enjoy his new life.
But then a surly teacher turns into a mechanical cobra and attacks him -- and Kazuki ends up trying to defend himself and his innocent sister. Turns out an alchemical device has replaced his heart, and it also gives him a megasized sword called the Buso Renkin. And the mystery girl -- Tokiko -- reveals that there is a massive battle going on between the monstrous homunculi and the Alchemical warriors.
Though Tokiko orders him to stay out of her battles, Kazuki believes that his power means he must fight and protect the humans around him. But then they're confronted by a mysterious masked boy, who is the master of the homunculi -- and even worse, he plans to make Tokiko one of his homunculus slaves, if they don't find a way to defeat him.
Those expecting a copy of "Rurouni Kenshin's" characters and storyline -- even in modern times -- won't find it here. It's more fantastical and strange than that -- lots of alchemical action scenes (including one involving rose vines), big nasty monsters, a mysterious villain, a warrior girl heroine, and a likably flaky hero with a self-sacrificial streak.
And while the start of a manga series is usually pretty bumpy, "Buso Renkin" introduces its characters and plot pretty smoothly. Watsuki just lets the unfolding storyline reveal the plot, rather than burdening readers with explanatory dialogue or long rambling "revelations." Even the suspenseful first chapter is an unusual introduction, albeit a bit too high-school-goofballish.
And Watsuki's polished artwork goes well with the high-intensity, fast-paced action scenes, usually with loads of flying blades and bolts of energy. But he balances it out nicely with some comedic moments -- usually from Kazuki ("Dang it! I'll avenge myself") -- and maybe the barest tinge of romance. Even better, he adds his own unique spin to the whole fantasy-alchemy thing, and a plausible reason to involve our hero.
Kazuki is a particularly fun character -- he's an ordinary kid whose spacey, somewhat dramatic personality hides his true strength and courage. Tokiko is a bit harder to warm up to, since she's tough and fairly hard-nosed, but she's a solid girl-warrior with plenty of guts and personality.
The first volume of "Buso Renkin" does a solid job setting up the overall plot, and there's plenty of action, some solid villains, and a likable hero to keep readers going.
Another Masterpiece From The Master From the creator who brought you Rurouni Kenshin and Gun Blaze West, comes yet another great masterpiece by Nobuhiro Watsuki. Buso Renkin is another great action/adventure graphic novel from one of the best in the business.
The story is about a young high school student named Kazuki Muto. After saving a young girl named Tokiko and sacrificing his own life, Tokiko plants a device called a Buso Renkin in place of his heart. Now with more enemies popping up all over Japan Kazuki must help defend his new life and his friends.
I loved this series and I believe it is the greatest thing that Nobuhiro Watsuki created. The story line is deep and the action is unbelievable! But what really makes this a greater series than Rurouni Kenshin, is that it has more comedy. It will make you giggle under your breath and make you smile and shake your head. I recommend this series to any or all manga fans who are looking for the newest and greatest series!
Buso Renkin Volume 1 receives 5 stars out of 5.
My name is Amone! Adios!
Buso Renkin Continues the Watsuki Legacy I am a big fan of Rurouni Kenshin; I have read all the 28 volumes. When I heard that Watsuki had another series I was really excited. Kenshin was Watsuki's first series; the path of a Manga-ka can be difficult. Over the years Watsuki has perfected his drawing style and story telling skills. The result is Buso Renkin. Don't get me wrong though, Kenshin is a great series.
Buso Renkin shows great promise and I am looking forward to this story. One of the great things that Watsuki does is by having a couple of pages in the manga of how he creates characters, what is going on in his life, and what fans are saying. It makes reading the manga a more personal experience. I am diffidently looking forward to the anime that will be premiering this fall in Japan (which I'm sure will come out in the states if this manga sells well)!
Buso Renkin - The next great manga hit! Nobuhiro Watsuki, the mangaka of the now famous manga and anime series "Rurouni Kenshin", has done it again with "Buso Renkin." This story of a young man (Kazuki Muto) that becomes wrapped up in a war involving the last two successful strands of alchemy (the Homunculus and the Buso Renkin) perfectly blends explosive action, hilarious comedy and extremely likable characters. Even if you did miss out on Rurouni Kenshin, I easily recommend Buso Renkin to any fan of manga. Five stars, flat out. "BUSO RENKIN!"
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