Black Bard

Gr 9 Up—The Black Bard wanders the medieval lands. With his gothic attire, good looks, and harp at his side, he serves no master, performing for anyone willing to appreciate his songs. On his travels, he encounters the menacing Witch Queen, a crew of pirates, magicians, and man beasts. It's rumored that the Bard's music is imbued with magic. Could this be why the powerful March Bunny Association is after the Black Bard? And what of his quest to find out why the Crimson Empire vanished thousands of years ago? Black-and-white art features strong use of dark tones, emphasizing the gothic style. The magical and mysterious world showcases silhouettes, paper cuts, and effective use of white space. Readers will enjoy exploring the detailed panels. The story line is character-driven, unfolding at a leisurely pace with nice plot twists. While references to Lewis Carroll's Alice's Adventures in Wonderland appear in character names, designs, and images, this book is not a remake. Characters are well written, and the secrets are revealed with a deft hand. A small percentage of the Japanese text for signage and sound effects has been retouched or subtitled into English. The complete three-volume manga series is published in a single omnibus. Recommended for readers who enjoy fantastical journeys with a minimum of violence and gore.—June Shimonishi, Torrance Public Library, CA