A truly singular title has just enriched the manga catalog of Glénat editions. Kedamame, by Yukio Tamai, transports us to a medieval Japan where folklore meets the noir thriller. A real slap in the face!!!
Kedamame the man from chaos – Volume 1
Original title: ケダマメ
Type: Seinen
Kinds: Action – Adventure – Supernatural
Themes: Dance – Middle Ages
Author: Tamai Yukio
Publisher in Japan: Shogakukan
Publisher in France: Glénat
Number of volumes in Japan: 4
Number of volumes in France :1
Status: Finished
Public price : 7.60 €
Synopsis:
Kokemaru has just joined a small traveling kugutsu troupe whose two young dancers attract all the eyes and lust of men. But, under his debonair airs Kokemaru hides a strange nature. Soon, they arrive in the city of Kamakura where strange phenomena occur. Between murder and mutilation of prostitutes and the emergence of a morbid sect, their journey is not easy. Opposite, a tenacious and ruthless samurai investigates these phenomena and targets Kokemaru.
A dark and complex story
Kedamame offers from the outset a dark and violent plot resolutely adult. It is about prostitution, murder and revenge against the backdrop of a manhunt. The plot, which takes place in the thirteenth century in the Kamakura era, grows in power throughout the pages. The characters, many are intriguing and all have a role to play, even if it means putting us on a false track. Sparing his effects, the author manages to take us into his rich and documented universe. Reading this first volume, we find ourselves with many questions. .
Beautiful graphics
The already gripping story is served by beautiful graphics, often dark or even creepy, but never disgusting. They are very neat and detailed. Some pages are beautiful. We feel a great mastery of the author whether in the composition of his plates, the realization of his double pages or the sense of detail. The physiognomy of the characters is very interesting.
Be careful, despite its undeniable quality, this title is not at all intended for the youngest. Reading it we immediately thought of the first volumes of Tokyo Ghoul, that is to say!
