cover image Kannagi, Vol. 1

Kannagi, Vol. 1

Eri Takenashi. Bandai, $10.99 trade paper (180p) ISBN 978-1-60496-2673

It is said, not unjustifiably, that post-modern Japan has gradually lost touch with its Shinto traditions and spirituality. For Nagi, Takenashi's zealous shrine maiden protagonist, this simply will not do. Nagi is a goddess%E2%80%9A a living embodiment of the shinboku (spiritual trees) who sprang from a life-sized effigy carved by an unassuming high school boy named Jin. The story focuses more on Jin's perspective as he struggles with having to live with an immature deity while also studying art and attempting to maintain a normal social life at school. The dynamic between the two characters is at times hilarious and occasionally even heartwarming. The supporting characters include Zange, Nagi's rival and sister, and Tsugumi, Jin's childhood sweetheart and romantic rival for Nagi. It is an entertaining setup that won enough converts to become a popular anime series a few years ago. Much of that success can be attributed to Takenashi's enticing artwork, which consistently portrays characters in an endearing and cute manner without devolving into sheer fan service.While it is clearly aimed at younger girls, any manga fan can get a chuckle out of this engaging work. (July)