MANGA REVIEW | "Bone Collection" - Volume One
Yokai have played a significant role in the manga realm, from classics like GeGeGe no Kitaro to modern faves like Toilet-Bound Hanako-kun. Sometimes they are slayed by exorcists; other times, they’re forced to work together to take down a common enemy. But the idea of an exorcist needing a yokai’s powers to pull their own weight is a rather interesting concept, as seen in Jun Kirarazaka’s debut series Bone Collection. Does this idea lead to some good storytelling, or does its fail in its execution?
Bone Collection follows a young exorcist named Kazami, who is not exactly the best at what he does. In fact, he kind of sucks at his job, with his childhood friend Rino always one-upping him in talent, power, and just about everything else under the sun. However, Kazami does have a unique skill known as Yokai Spell, which allows him to use the powers of any yokai that let’s him. But because there’s a risk of him turning into a yokai each time he uses it, he is banned from activating it.
Enter a strange girl named Paira, who falls through the cracks in the sky. Kazami aids in helping her, as he can’t say no to a lady in need. When a powerful yokai appears in-town, Paira’s true nature is revealed, one of the most powerful creatures around. After using her powers to slay the rampaging yokai, Paira reveals her dream of becoming human. If Kazami uses his Yokai Spell on Paira enough times, it’ll remove her powers so that she can be seen as a normal person. Oh, and she’ll marry the guy, too.
There are plenty of fun elements to be found in Bone Collection. Its premise has a very Urusei Yatsura-meets-Twin Stars Exorcists essence to it, as it combines both Rumiko Takahashi’s and Yoshizaki Sukeno’s style of humor and action. One can easily feel the Ataru & Lum vibes from Kazami & Paira, with Rino being someone like Benio. Thankfully, instead of just lying on his influences, Kirarazaka instead builds on them to create his own kind of story.
A big knowledge of yokai is very apparent from the writer, as we are introduced to kappas, urokos, gasha-dokoros, and the occasional spirit-based ones. This leads to some interesting ideas and concepts that are implemented into the narrative, especially when it involves Kazami’s cores beliefs. While he is tasked to rid the world of dangerous yokai, he has this sense of wanting to have the harmless yokai and humanity living together in harmony. But Kazami’s past friendships with yokai have always come at a price, with him being imprisoned and the yokai executed.
This aspect is why he attempts to keep Paira’s true self a secret from everyone else, including his family. But when Kazami’s brother Akira finds out, the truth comes close to coming out. Thankfully, Paira finds a secret about Akira that comes out of left field, and it’s showcased in a manner that’ll leave any reader’s side aching from laughing. A couple others find out the truth, but they’re more understanding of the situation than the higher-ups are.
After all, when put to good use, Kazami’s Yokai Spell winds up being incredibly helpful. Watching as he pulls a bone from Paira’s body and transform it into a weapon is a sight to behold, especially since no two weapons will be alike. This leads to some impressive kills, all captured on paper with great detail by Kirarazaka. Not only does he showcase fights well, but the more comedic elements of the tale are executed with wonderful exaggeration.
Unlike what Kei Kamiki did with Magu-chan: God of Destruction, Kirarazaka puts more originality into his influences rather than let them coast on their own in Bone Collection. Its first volume is a fun read, filled with high-flying action, twists, and a little naughty humor for good measure. While one can’t predict how the quality of the narrative will be as it progresses, Bone Collection is certainly starting things off in the right direction.
FINAL GRADE:
Promotional consideration provided by Gabrielle Dyer of VIZ Media
