cover image Kamichama Karin, Vol. 1

Kamichama Karin, Vol. 1

Koge-Donbo, . . Tokyopop, $9.99 (202pp) ISBN 978-1-59532-847-2

Superhero comics have often been called adolescent power fantasies that appeal to boys not girls. But consider the heroine of this manga series, whose catchphrase is "I am... God!" Orphaned schoolgirl Karin Hanazono finds emotional solace only in her pet cat. When the cat dies, Karin questions her faith in God. But soon she is befriended by sweet, pretty Himeka and her handsome but bad-tempered cousin, Kazune Kujyou. Karin realizes she is becoming smarter and stronger, and discovers that she can transform into a "goddess." She also discovers the responsibilities of maturity: she cannot change into her goddess form unless she wishes to protect someone. As in many superhero stories (but without their violence), this is a coming-of-age tale whose young hero painfully makes the transition from emotional dependence on her parents and pet to mastering the "powers" within herself. Despite Karin's romantic mooning over Kazune, this book has a strong feminist theme. Not only is Karin angered by Kazune's blatant sexism, but she also derives her "divine" power from her mother's ring. Koge-Donbo (Di Gi Charat ) draws characters with typical manga cuteness, although the visual storytelling is sometimes confusing. The target audience of young girls should find this book satisfying. (Oct.)