Manga Review: In/Spectre, Volume 3, by Kyo Shirodaira and Chashiba Katase

Rating (Out of 5): ~3.5

Publisher: Kodansha Comics

Release Date: March 2017

Volumes: 8+

Spoilers?: No.

Buy it here: Amazon. Barnes and Noble. Book Depository. RightStuf.

Volume: 1. 2. 4.

Goodreads Synopsis:

The new mystery thriller with a romantic edge from the creator of Blast of Tempest, and The Record of a Fallen Vampire!
Both touched by spirits called yokai, Kotoko and Kuro have gained unique superhuman powers. But to gain her powers Kotoko has given up an eye and a leg, and Kuro's personal life is in shambles. So when Kotoko suggests they team up to deal with renegades from the spirit world, Kuro doesn't have many other choices, but Kotoko might just have a few ulterior motives..."

REview:

This series is very heavy with explanation, backstory and story-telling. I suppose it makes sense, since it was a mystery novel first. And I'm glad they're keeping in all the story-telling and explanation; it takes longer to read, but it is interesting; it's not boring blocks of text, even if it is heavy.

Kotoko explains ghosts and yokai to Saki, and then Saki explains what the police know about Lady Nanase. Saki is still freaked out by ghosts, and Kuro is pretty much along for the ride. Kotoko goes to speak to a real ghost at the crime scene, and we get to rule out the actual-ghost theory out.

Near the end of the volume, we get to learn what Kuro's powers really entail, and what his limits are. Kotoko is still figuring out how to work everything to a good ending, but she's calculating it all. We draw to another cliffhanger as this is happening, as Steel Lady Nanase gets even more dangerous.

I'm hoping we get to some real action next, though this was still an interesting volume. I also really want to understand Kotoko and Kuro's relationship. He seems to be dealing with her, while she pushes herself on him. I want to know if there's more there for him or not.