The First King Adventure, Vol. 2

Valume Lune Tiltu is the crown prince, but a simple coronation will not gain him the throne. He must fulfill a quest, traveling across Japan and making contracts with the Masters of Spirit. Accompanied by the mirror spirit Alamine, Prince Valume meets lonely Japanese elementary school kids, makes friends, and has adventures.

Grade 4-8–Varumu, a boy-prince, arrives in a town late, late at night as part of his required journey across Japan. He encounters some kids his age who have the run of the place and who take him to their secret hideout. He signs up for school and sits around the clubhouse as they gossip, and eventually the mark of royalty on his hand makes them wonder who he really is. Also, there is the floating ghost who watches out for him–big clue there. The manga depictions of most of the action–where a looming presence, a dropped letter, or a nod of the head all take up a full page and are perfectly timed–are spellbinding. However, there is more talk than action, and the dialogue doesn't seem to hold up in translation. There's a competition, then a quiet moment, and then suddenly someone is in life-threatening peril. This title has a charming sense of after-school life for Japanese kids, but mostly it is underwhelming.–John Leighton, Brooklyn Public Library, NY
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