Hyde & Closer Volume 1

A magically animated teddy bear helps a boy become a man in this fantasy manga. Closer is a schoolboy, known as a loser and a wimp, whose beloved but missing grandfather gave him the stuffed Hyde. Closer idolized his grandpa without ever knowing he was also the King of Sorcerers, and now all kinds of magicians are out to kill him, since power flows in the bloodline. The chapters can be formulaic, and vague new magical threats appear only to be quickly defeated by Hyde in fights that can be a challenge to follow visually. Still, there's enjoyment in seeing a cigar-chomping teddy bear with a chainsaw fight a knife-wielding stuffed monkey or killer jack-in-the-box. Hyde's belief in Closer, mimicking his grandfather's love, allows him to believe in himself and grow up, and the message—that being a man or a magician requires courage, confidence, and conviction—is inspiring. Like his fedora and tie, Hyde's tough love is both retro and modern. A simply drawn extra explains how the artist came up with the concept. (July)