You might already be familiar with the Burst Angel anime and now if you just can’t get enough there’s the manga as well. Volume one kicks off with the lead characters Jo and Meg fighting their way through several adventures. Jo and Meg are two mercenaries, the Jacks of all Trades, living in a futuristic Tokyo where you can only rely on your gun.
The tag line on the back says that “this manga’s got only one thing hotter than the action - and that’s the girls pulling the triggers!” And it’s true. The characters are every 15-year-old boy’s wet dream and the action is truly kick-ass. I picked this one up and started to read simply because I thought it would be horrible and maybe good for a laugh. I have to admit that it wasn’t all bad.
Jo and Meg do everything from recover stolen property, prevent a serious kidnapping, and help a young boy with his self esteem. And on top of all of that you’ve got some scientifically modified bad-guys. What’s not to like?
I’m also curious to see what exactly Jo is; it’s obvious from her supernatural reflexes that she’s more than human. Not to mention the few hints you get in the last chapter of volume one. It’s nice that it leaves you with a bit of mystery and dying to read the next volume.
Along with all that action and the girl-on-girl almost romance there is a ton of humor and good feeling. Burst Angel is upbeat and while there is blood and the bad-guys get what’s coming to them, this isn’t a doom and gloom manga. Which, trust me, isn’t a bad thing. I’m all for something that has a bit of edge but isn’t pitch black and makes you feel like your soul needs washed with bleach after you‘ve read it.
Burst Angel is rated 16+ for non-sexual nudity, mild violence and gore, not to mention the to be expected fanservice. But from start to finish this is an action-packed debut. I’m curious now about the anime and the volumes to come; I’ll definitely have to check them out.
Article comments
1 - big skeeter
Another great review. Sounds like I need to stop by the store and check out this series of books.
Thanks!
2 - yogfedogan
This 3 volume manga series is set before the anime series and presents a harder edge to some of the characters than seen in the anime. The character of Meg is presented in a more functional basis and the interaction between Meg and Jo is a true partnership instead of Meg as an almost helpless victim (as in the anime) and badass Jo as the savior. Highle recommended. I wish there were more than just 3 volumes.