Nabari No Ou, Vol. 1: Vampire Mountain (Volume 1)

This review is for the series as a whole without direct spoilers.The first volume introduces the basic ideas and several mysteries not to mention a zany group of characters. The initial lightheartedness (or apathy as is the case of the main character) is explored throughout the series and we find that what may have seemed like a way to make a character "quirky" has more depth than one might initially think.The basic premise is straightforward enough: Miharu has an unusual power that everyone in the ninja world wants to harness. Whichever ninja group has it will be the most powerful since it can essentially "grant a wish." This would upset the balance and his allies are trying to prevent it.A few themes that crop up later on are gender identity and trauma. I found them both to be relatively well handled and it's impossible not to feel sympathy for nearly all the primary characters of the series.It's the kind of series where things aren't "spelled out;" a lot is left open to interpretation and it's assumed the reader will piece things together. That isn't to say you'll be left without a clue, simply that it's a more in-depth series than the "standard" shounen manga and since it deals with ninjas not everyone may be expecting that.All in all, it's very well done. Furthermore, as is usually the case, it takes a different road to the anime and covers more ground, so if you've seen the anime, you're sure to be interested in the manga.As a side note, I was a bit disappointed to see that Amazon shipped me a slightly used copy of the book when I bought it new (it has a noticeable crease) but it wasn't too bad.

I hate ninjas. I really do. Despite that, this particular ninja manga is very dear to me, mostly because it often makes light of the fact that it is a ninja manga, (it can be very genre-savvy, with often hilarious results), and because the main character himself is rather displeased with the fact that he is a ninja.What really attracts me to this manga is the characters. There are a multitude of characters that are easy to become attached to, all for different reasons.One complaint I do have for this manga is that I've never been particularly fond of the artwork. Something about some of the faces is just off, and some character's limbs look like twigs. Regardless, as the series progresses you become used to it and the style even begins to fit.This first volume starts off the series pretty well, though it is kind of exposition heavy, as many first volumes tend to be. We get into some serious action very quickly, and by the end of the volume, most of the major players in the story have been at least seen, though there are some more left to come and a plethora more to discover about each character.All in all, a great manga for anyone, whether they like ninjas or think they are ridiculous. This series is very popular already, (with everyone from yaoi fangirls to your average boy), and I hope it sells well in the U.S.!

This series starts off maybe a bit slow for some, but it gets better each volume. It's a sad story, but funny at times, filled with action and very different. It is about ninjas, but it's nothing like you would expect. The world created in this series is very interesting, and the main character Miharu can be annoying with how apathetic he is, but that starts to change as we get to know more about him and understand him better. The lines between friend and foe blur a lot as we learnt that everything isn't what it seems, and that you can find a friend in the unlikeliest person. A lot of lovable characters are in this series, and I love reading it. I've already watched the anime complement to this series, and I would recommend to watch that as well as read the series. Give this a try if you are looking for something different, don't be put off by the first volume.

I bought this after seeing the anime. It was amusing to see the differences between the manga and the anime.Miharu learns to defend himself in the manga. He's not just carried along as in the anime and the changes in his personality are much more pronounced. The apathy begins to disappear as he learns to use the gifts that are an intrinsic to him.I can't wait to get the next volume to find out what happens next. I'm hoping that the end of the manga will be slightly different than the end of the anime (no, I'm not going to spoil anything for the person that hasn't seen the later).

Very enjoyable to read and was in great condition

I was a little hesitant to read this simply because it seemed rather childish but I have to admit it's very enjoyable to read.Not only does it have ninjas but it's also got a bit of comedy which doesn't feel forced or anything. Definitely recommendable.

there are a lot of good stories out there, but few make me say, "thank you for not ruining your characters!" ranks up there with the best

Arrived on time and great condtion!