Spotlight: Gamaran

Literature is often seen as boring and dull by teenagers and children alike. Classic novels, epic poems, and theatrical poetry are all examples of literature that is traditionally found to be difficult to read. Over the years, however, many people have found ways to capture the attention of teenagers and children by putting literature and art together.

People have always enjoyed the presence of artistically-made books. One of these that you’ll find most familiar is the traditional comic of Japan: manga.

Manga is the Japanese term for comics and graphic novels. Like Western comics, manga helps the reader picture the story. Manga are often made into Japanese cartoons, which are known as anime. Unlike Western comics, however, manga are read from the right side of the page to the left, and begin at what Western readers see as the back of the book. Manga are also for readers of all ages. Some depict the harsh realities of life, so they are directed at more mature audiences. However, there are some children’s manga that depict character death, so it’s not all fun and games.

But what, exactly, are manga? Really, they are like novels – only with pictures. They usually have one writer, one or more artist and an editor – although some writers do their own illustration. Like novels, manga have exciting plot twists, and make sure that they leave readers with a cliffhanger that will leave them begging for more.

One such manga is called Gamaran. Written by Nakamaru Yousuke, Gamaran is an action-packed and yet humorous manga. It is set during the Middle Edo period – more specifically, during the 1700s to the 1800s. The story takes place in the state of Unabara – a powerful state known as ‘The Haunt of the Demons.’ Naosato Washitzu, the Daimyo (daimyo refers to lords or warlords who protected a certain territory; they were second only to the shogun, military dictators in feudal Japan) of Unabara, suddenly looks for a successor. He calls for all thirty-one of his sons and tells them to search for what they believe is the strongest and greatest martial arts style in the land to compete in the Grand Tournament of Unabara. The brothers are suddenly thrown into a rivalry, and the punishment for failure is death.

Naoyoshi Washitzu, one of the sons, looks for the man known as the Thousand Man Slayer, in the mountains of Unabara. When he arrives, he discovers that the Thousand Man Slayer has disappeared, leaving only his son, Gama Kurogane, behind. After testing his abilities, Naoyoshi invites Gama to fight for him, and because Gama is determined to become stronger - stronger than his father - he accepts Naoyoshi’s offer. So with that, the Ogame Ryu (Giant Tortoise Style) joins the Grand Tournament of Unabara.

Gamaran, compared to other popular shounen manga, is more realistic. There are no supernatural powers involved, unlike Naruto, Code Breaker, and Bleach, just to name a few. But manga such as Vagabond and Holyland, which deal with more mature themes, are more realistic than this. Although may seem unrealistic, Gamaran is a refreshing read. It’s full of dry and slapstick comedy that will sometimes make the reader laugh. Furthermore, the growth and development of the characters is evident throughout the story. The plot twists and cliffhangers are awesome and will definitely leave the reader hanging, waiting eagerly until the next volume.

I definitely recommend reading Gamaran. It’s an exciting and new manga that will - almost literally - kill the reader with suspense. Hopefully, you will support the artist and buy the manga in a bookstore near you.