The Bottom Line
Misao has been able to see spirits for years, but now that she's 16, she learns that demons are irresistibly attracted to the scent of her blood. Her only hope is her childhood sweetheart, Kyo. Trouble is, Kyo's a tengu -- a winged demon who also wants to claim Misao as his bride.
Black Bird is essentially a vampire story without the vampires that offers readers lots of sexy, supernatural romance with a few laughs and uniquely Japanese twists. While it’s disturbing to see Misao being injured almost constantly, Black Bird is an addictive guilty pleasure for fans of supernatural shojo manga.
Pros
- An addictive, uniquely Japanese twist on the 'vampire romance' genre -- without vampires!
- Includes lots of sizzling, swoon-worthy scenes that will thrill supernatural romance fans
- Unlike many Gothic/vampire stories, it knows better than to take itself too seriously
- Very nice art that tells the story clearly and simply
- Taro the little tengu offers welcome relief from the near-constant sexual tension
Cons
- Includes sexual undertones that make it strictly for older teens
- It's unnerving how much sadistic abuse that Misao must endure from demons
- References to Japanese demons like tengu and kitsune may confuse some Western readers
- Kyo's rivals for Misao's attention seem to appear / disappear a bit too quickly
Description
- Original Title: Black Bird (Japan)
- Author & Artist: Kanoko Sakurakoji
- Publishers:
- Shojo Beat / VIZ Media (US)
- Shogakukan (Japan)
- ISBN: 978-1421527642
- Cover Price: $8.99 US / $10.50 CANADA
- Age Rating:
OT – Older Teens, Age 16+
for sexual overtones, blood and violence
More about content ratings. - Manga Genres:
- Shojo (Girls') Manga
- Fantasy
- Paranormal / Supernatural
- Teen / High School Romance
- Vampires / Gothic
- US Publication Date: August 2009
Japan Publication Date: January 2007 - Book Description: 194 pages, black and white illustrations
- More Manga by Kanoko Sakurakoji:
Guide Review - Black Bird Volume 1
Misao has always been able to see yokai (demons and ghosts), but on her 16th birthday she discovers that she's a rare delicacy for demons. If a demon drinks her blood or eats her flesh, he gains long life or eternal youth. If a demon makes her his bride, his entire clan will prosper.
So now that she's come of age, it's open season on Misao, as demon after demon come to torment her, attack her or propose marriage. Her only hope is Kyo, her childhood sweetheart who has returned after a 10-year absence. Kyo is chivalrous, handsome and strong enough to protect her -- but he's also a tengu (winged demon) who wants to claim Misao as his bride.
Black Bird may not be a vampire manga, but it follows a familiar formula: ordinary girl meets a supernatural being who finds her irresistible. Their forbidden romance is complicated by that human and inhuman divide, not to mention the evil forces that want them dead.
But Black Bird isn't about vampires, and is thus freed from its rules and clichés. Sunlight is not a problem, and neither are crosses or vampire hunters from the Vatican. This gives Black Bird the freedom to be somewhat less predictable and more fun to read than its Gothic cousins.
If you've read Sakurakoji's relatively chaste series Backstage Prince, you might be surprised at the erotic tension that crackles throughout this story. It's also disturbing to see Misao getting injured, restrained and assaulted with startling regularity. This series is clearly not meant for younger teens.
Thankfully, Black Bird doesn't take itself too seriously. There are also many genuinely funny moments, many thanks to mini-tengu Taro's ill-timed interruptions.
I found Black Bird's mix of supernatural romance, drama and comedy to be surprisingly entertaining read, even as its sadistic elements made me feel guilty for enjoying it so much.
