Baccano! Vol. 1

Based on the popular light novel series, Narita’s enigmatic tale of mobsters in 1920s New York blends supernatural elements into this coming-of-age backstory to the ongoing chronicle. Young Firo Prochainezo is part of the Camorra crime syndicate and desperately wants to prove himself, despite always getting into trouble. He models himself on Maiza, an executive in the Martillo family, who, it turns out, hides some surprising secrets of his own. Though Firo is Camorra, he remains close with the heads of the Gandor Mafia family, who he grew up with and hopes to join once he becomes an executive of the Camorra family. In planning this, he claims: “I’m not using connections... I’m gonna become a real impressive guy.” When one of the Gandor clan is kidnapped, Firo races to rescue him and discover who’s behind the abduction—all while centuries-old forces move in the background of Little Italy. Is it a rival crime family or something much more sinister? Fujimoto’s art effectively captures the variety of character expressions and situations, such as Firo’s eager-to-please personality and off-putting encounters with the kidnapper, and evokes an aura of menace with only a few well-laid-out panels. Narita and Fujimoto have provided a strong start for the sprawling, story line–crossing ongoing series. (Jan.)