Houshin Engi by Ryo Fujisaki
Adapted from a Chinese novel is this elaborate tale of good versus evil.
Believe it or not, some of the manga follows the original story of Houshin
Engi frighteningly close. Yes, Dakki actually does come up with those
freakish methods of torture. Probably more scary to think about is the fact
that despite all the characters in the manga, it isn't -half- as many as in
the original story.
It is 11 B.C. during the rule of the Yin Dynasty. A beautiful and powerful
sorceress by name of Sou Dakki has charmed her way into power by captivating
the heart of the emperor, Chuu-ou. Only chosen few know Dakki to be a
youkai sennin, a powerful demon who's true shape is that of a nine-tailed
fox. Her indulgence in luxury at the expense of the people of the land has
drawn the attention of Genshitenson-sama, high sennin of Mount Konron in the
spirit realm. Genshitenson-sama charges his disciple Taikoubou with what is
dubbed the Houshin Project.
The 'rabbit-eared' doushi's mission: to find and seal the 365 sennin on the
list given him. Armed with the wind-elemental paopei the Dashinben and
given his own reijyuu (riding beast) Suupuuxiang, Taikoubou sets out to make
the human world a better place.
...unfortunately although his tactical mind is brilliant, it wasn't his
best idea to 'aim for the head' in this case when Taikoubou first decides to
tackle the head vixen Dakki herself!
Quickly realizing his shortcomings, Taikoubou finds no real easy way to get
through this, and so slowly but surely begins to build up his forces by
finding allies of his own. However Dakki's allies are a force to be
reckoned with themselves, and the chaotic clash between sennins and humans
erupt.
Love it? Hate it? Buy it.
Ko-seruteru no Ryuujutsushi by Ayuma Isurugi
Welcome to the land of Cohseltel, where beings of fantasy and myth reside, sheltered from the outside world. Only eight humans live amongst the people
and creatures of this land, and they have earned the title of 'Ryuujutsushi,' dragon mages. Their powers represent the various elements;
that of fire, wind, water, earth, nature, light and darkness. Seven elements to seven mages. Then who is the eighth?
The youngest of the mages prefers his title of dragon mage rather than
babysitter, although truthfully, the latter is more his task. In Maciel's
charge are seven dragon children, all of whom he loves and cares for as his
own. Together they learn how to use their powers singularly or in
cooperation with each other. Maciel himself is a skilled mage despite his
youth, and as all dragon mages, can work with the powers of the elemental
dragons, as well as merge with the children to open up a greater level of
their powers, but at the cost of the mage's strength.
Day to day life in Cohseltel is usually peaceful, but not without some
conflict. And then there's the kids to worry about, as cute as they can be,
they can get into trouble. Lessons to be learned, and mysteries to be
revealed, life is never dull for Maciel and his dragonlings.
Love it? Hate it? Buy it.
Houshin Engi © Shueisha / Ryo Fujisaki.
Ko-seruteru no Ryuujutsushi © Shueisha / Ayuma Isurugi.
All images copyrighted to their respective owners.