REVIEW

Manga Review: Doors of Chaos Vol. 1 by Ryoko Mitsuki

Written by Katie McNeill
Published January 27, 2008

I'm impressed with Doors of Chaos. It grabbed me from the start, and I let dinner burn in my rush to see what would happen next.

Mizeria and Clarissa are sisters living in a locked garden in the kingdom of Druaddle. They are harmonizers, women capable of stabilizing the harmonies that run through all living things. But Mizeria and Clarissa are special because they are living keys, one to open and one to close the four doors that link their world to a much darker evil plane.

On the night of their 16th birthdays and coming-of-age ceremony, the girls are attacked by dark beings. Clarissa is kidnapped by their trusted tutor, Rikhter. Mizeria is shocked and believes that Rikhter must have had a good reason to kidnap her sister. He has been there all her life, and Mizeria, no matter what happens, refuses to believe that he would ever harm Clarissa or herself.

Zelfa, a member of the Jishouin, a mysterious order dedicated to protecting the living keys and keeping the four doors closed, shows up to save Mizeria in the nick of time. Though she isn't too receptive at first, Mizeria is finally convinced that Zelfa really is there to help and protect her. Clarissa is the key to open the four doors, and Rikhter, for whatever reason, is determined to use her to open them. Mizeria, with the help of Zelfa and other members of the mysterious Jishouin, follow behind Rikhter and Clarissa, attempting to close the doors they try to open.

The artwork is average - better than most - and I enjoyed the style. As Mitsuki says in the postscript, "The artwork and story still have a long way to go." But this is such a great start that I'm sure that Mitsuki will deliver as the series continues.

Doors of Chaos is rated 16+ for mild violence, moderate gore, strong language (the only thing that really stood out to me here were a few minor swear words and the use of the word "wench," which just made me laugh) and some mild fan service. Over all, it's a great start to a series, and I can't wait to pick up the next volume in August to see if Mizeria can close all the doors and rescue her sister Clarissa.

Ms. McNeill works for a non-profit agency where she is thankful for any internet time she can squeeze into her day. In her free time she reads one of the thousands of books stacked in her tiny apartment.
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Manga Review: Doors of Chaos Vol. 1 by Ryoko Mitsuki
Published: January 27, 2008
Type: Review
Section: Books
Filed Under: Books: Comics and Graphic Novels, Books: Fantasy
Writer: Katie McNeill
Katie McNeill's BC Writer page
Katie McNeill's personal site
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