Basara, written and illustrated by Yumi Tamura

The Pleasant Ridge High School Library has many different kinds of books. One genre that needs to be expanded in the collection is called “manga”. Manga is Japanese graphic novels that are read from the back to the front by the reader, rather than from the front to the back like traditional books. What the library lacks in quantity is made up for in quality. Available for check out is a 25 volume series, Basara. This manga series began in the 90’s and is truly a work of art.

The storyline features a young girl, Sarasa, who takes up her slain brother’s sword to fight for freedom in post-apocalyptic Japan. Helped by friends from her village, Sarasa takes on her brother’s name, Tatara, and leads her country in the struggle against the sadistic Royal family. Love, adventure, intrigue, tragedy, joy, battle and comedy are all present in this hard-hitting storyline. Though the art is rather ‘old school’, it fits perfectly with the story. This series is easy to read and highly recommended.