Introduction
Murcielago is a Japanese manga series written and illustrated by Yoshimurakana. The manga series was first serialized in the Manga Time Kirara Forward in 2013 and is currently ongoing. The story follows the life of a female assassin named Kuroko Kōmori, who is a former police officer and is now working under the government as an assassin. The manga is known for its dark humor, violence, and sexual content, making it a popular manga series in the niche of adult and action genres in Japan and beyond.
The manga series has been popular among Japanese manga readers since its serialization. This popularity has been attributed to its unique storyline, well-written character development, and the perfect blending of comedy, horror, and action into a single story. Its humor and fan service have also been known to attract readers who enjoy adult comedy genres, making it stand out from conventional crime-thriller manga series.
The success of Murcielago manga series in Japan led to its acquisition for the English language market by Yen Press. The English translation of the manga has been well-received and has gained a considerable number of fans internationally. The series has also been adapted into an anime series, with the first season airing in 2016. Additionally, the manga series has been released in several countries such as the United States, Canada, and Germany, making it a popular read among manga enthusiasts worldwide.
The following sections of this article will delve into the various volumes of the Murcielago manga series, providing readers with a more in-depth look at the story and the characters. We will explore the plot, characters, and themes that have made this series a fan-favorite in the manga niche.
Overview of Murcielago manga volumes
Murcielago is a Japanese seinen manga series written and illustrated by Yoshimurakana. The story follows Kuroko Kōmori, a trained assassin who is hired by the police department to eliminate certain individuals who threaten the peace. The manga was first serialized in Media Factory’s Monthly Comic Flapper magazine in 2013 and currently has 14 volumes as of December 2019.
The manga volumes are published in Japan by Media Factory, an imprint of Pony Canyon, under their MF Comics Flapper Series. In North America, the series is licensed by Yen Press and has been released in English since 2017. The series has also been licensed in Germany, France, and Taiwan.
One of the biggest selling points of the series is its graphic violence and sexual content. It has been published with a warning label on the front cover, indicating it’s intended for mature audiences. Despite this, it has garnered a following in the manga community for its unique storyline, exceptional character development, and beautiful artwork.
Main Character and Overview
Murcielago is a manga series written and illustrated by Yoshimurakana, originally published in 2013. The main character, Kuroko Kōmori, is a professional assassin who gets recruited by the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department to become their secret weapon against crime. Kuroko’s missions are to hunt down and assassinate the most ruthless criminals that roam the city. Her past is a shady mystery, and she is known only by her codename “Murciélago.” Kuroko’s character is unique and edgy, with a bit of humor and sarcasm thrown in. Her dark backstory is hinted at throughout the series, but it isn’t revealed until later in the volumes.
Volume 1-3
The first three volumes follow Kuroko as she is recruited by the police department and paired up with her partner, Hinako Seiyūin. They are tasked to take down the notorious serial killer known as “Bābā Yagā.” The duo faces various challenges and dangers along the way, but in the end, they manage to complete their mission successfully. The art style is gritty and bloody, and the violence is quite graphic. The story is well-paced and suspenseful, with a good balance of action and character development.
Volume 4-6
The next three volumes take a different turn, as Kuroko and Hinako are sent to an all-girls’ school to investigate a string of mysterious disappearances. Here, they meet various new characters like the school’s student council president and a group of delinquents. The plot in these volumes is much more light-hearted and comedic compared to the previous volumes. The art style is still the same, and the bloody violence is still present, but it’s not as dominant as before. The relationship between Kuroko and Hinako is explored further, and their bond grows stronger as they face their new challenges.
Volume 7-9
The latest three volumes follow Kuroko and Hinako as they leave the school and return to their police department duties, this time to take down a new target, a dangerous drug cartel. The storyline is much darker and intense compared to the previous volumes. Kuroko’s past is further explored, revealing the reason behind her disturbed personality and skills. We get a glimpse of what made her the perfect assassin she is today and how she was molded into such a person. The art style remains the same, and the violence and action are back in full force. The ending of the ninth volume leaves the readers on a cliffhanger, eagerly waiting to see where the story goes next.
Conclusion
Murcielago is a manga series that will appeal to readers who enjoy action, suspense, and a bit of gore. The series has an interesting protagonist with a unique personality, and the stories are well-paced and engaging. The art style is edgy and fits the storyline perfectly, and the character designs are distinct and memorable. The series has a bit of everything, humor, romance, action, and drama. If you are a fan of the genre, we highly recommend giving this series a try.
Main characters in the Murcielago manga series
The Murcielago manga series follows the adventures of two main characters – Kuroko Koumori, a skilled assassin and Rei Suzumura, an ex-cop turned hitman. These two characters, with their unique skills, take on different missions to complete their jobs. Here is an introduction to each of these characters and their strengths and weaknesses.
Kuroko Koumori
Kuroko Koumori, also known as “Black Kite,” is a highly-skilled assassin who is known for her agility, speed, and ability to use any weapon. Despite her petite appearance, she is a fierce fighter and is not afraid to take on dangerous missions. Her strengths include her sharp mind, her physical abilities, and her ability to think and act quickly in high-pressure situations. However, her main weakness is her tendency to become emotionally attached to her targets, which can sometimes cloud her judgment.
Rei Suzumura
Rei Suzumura, also known as “The Blade,” is a former police officer turned hitman who has a strong sense of justice. He is highly skilled in hand-to-hand combat and is an expert in using various weapons. His strengths include his physical strength, his sharp mind, and his ability to improvise in unexpected situations. However, his main weakness is his strong sense of morality, which sometimes conflicts with his job as an assassin.
Other Main Characters
In addition to Kuroko Koumori and Rei Suzumura, there are several other important characters in the Murcielago manga series. Some of these characters include:
- Campanella Frühling – Kuroko’s boss and the leader of the Frühling organization. She is highly intelligent and cunning, but can also be sadistic and ruthless.
- Moko Mochizuki – Kuroko’s childhood friend and former roommate. She is a skilled hacker who provides support to Kuroko and Rei during their missions.
- Rinko Akiyama – A police officer who works with Rei during his time with the police force. She has a crush on Rei and often gets involved in his missions, putting herself in danger.
- Sonoka Mochizuki – Moko’s younger sister who is a talented sniper. She idolizes Kuroko and often joins her on missions.
Each of these characters brings their own strengths and weaknesses to the series, and their interactions with Kuroko and Rei add an extra layer of depth to the story.
The Unique Art Style of Murcielago Manga Volumes
The Murcielago manga volumes are known for their unique and highly stylized art. The art style in Murcielago is heavily influenced by noir films and incorporates a lot of black and white imagery. The characters are drawn in a very detailed and realistic style, with lots of shading and highlights. The backgrounds and scenery are also incredibly detailed, with a lot of attention paid to light and shadow. Overall, the art in Murcielago is incredibly beautiful and visually striking.
The Appeal of the Art Style in Murcielago Manga Volumes
The art style in Murcielago is a major part of what makes the series so appealing to readers. The highly stylized visuals are unlike anything you’ll find in other manga series, and the noir-inspired aesthetic gives the series a very unique feel. The detailed and realistic art also helps to ground the story in reality, making the violence and gore feel more impactful. Because the art is so beautiful, readers are often drawn in by the visuals alone, but they stay for the gripping story and complex characters.
The Use of Color in Murcielago Manga Volumes
While the majority of Murcielago uses a black and white color scheme, the series occasionally incorporates color for dramatic effect. When color is used, it’s typically to draw attention to a specific object or moment. For example, blood is often shown in bright red to emphasize its violence and impact. Color is also used sparingly in the series to highlight specific details, such as a character’s eyes or a piece of clothing. The limited use of color helps to make these moments feel more impactful and memorable.
The Depiction of Violence in Murcielago Manga Volumes
Murcielago is not for the faint of heart – the series is incredibly violent and gory. However, the violence is depicted in a very stylized and artistic way that makes it feel more like a piece of performance art than real-life violence. The use of intricate line work and exaggerated poses helps to make the violence feel more like a fantasy than anything else. Despite the violence being so extreme, fans of the series often appreciate the way it’s depicted and find it to be a major part of the series’ unique appeal.
The Influence of Western Media on Murcielago Manga Volumes
One of the things that makes Murcielago so unique is its heavy use of western media influences. The series draws heavily from noir films, as well as American action and horror films. The use of these influences makes Murcielago feel more like a western series than a traditional Japanese manga. This western influence extends to the art style as well – the detailed and realistic character designs are more reminiscent of American comics than Japanese manga. The use of western media influences in Murcielago has helped to make the series stand out among other manga series and appeals to fans who might not normally read manga.
An Engaging and Distinctive Storyline
One of the most prominent reasons why you should read the Murcielago manga volumes is its unique storyline. The manga follows the life of a lesbian assassin named Kuroko Koumori, who takes out targets assigned to her by the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department due to her criminal background. The series features numerous crime scenes and plenty of graphic content that might not be suitable for everyone’s taste. But, it is precisely these twists and turns, tons of violence and gore and a touch of humor that make Murcielago a compelling read for anyone interested in the action/thriller genre. The storytelling is intricate and unpredictable, keeping readers engaged and eagerly anticipating each new release.
Fascinating and Exceptional Characters
The Murcielago manga series features a diverse and intriguing cast of characters, each with his unique personality and backstory. Kuroko Koumori, the protagonist, is a confident and independent assassin but is shown to have a soft spot for her girlfriend Hinako, who is also a police officer. The other supporting characters like the seductive policewoman Reiko Kuchiba, the young and sharp Lucia Nahashi, and the intelligent yet eccentric Dr. Aki are equally fascinating and likeable. Together, they make an interesting group of characters that keep readers invested in the story and their arcs.
Murcielago’s Art Style
Murcielago manga volumes also stand out due to their art style, which is unique and stunningly beautiful. The character designs are intricate and detailed, and the backgrounds and settings are vivid and well-drawn. The artist, Yoshimurakana, has a way of drawing precisely and accurately in numerous scenes, from action scenes to calmer moments. Yoshimurakana’s color selection is exceptional and has a calming effect on the reader, making even the more bloody scenes slightly more bearable.
Humor woven in the Narrative
Although the tone of the Murcielago manga series is primarily dark and violent, the story also incorporates moments of humor at the right times, making it an enjoyable read. These moments may be an amusing exchange of dialogue or a reaction from one of the situations the characters are embroiled in. These breaks from the narrative’s intensity offer a breath of fresh air and inject a little light-heartedness to the story’s dark and serious undertone..
Strong representation of LGBTQ+ characters
Another reason to add the Murcielago manga volumes to your reading list is its positive portrayal of LGBTQ+ characters. The manga depicts the relationship between Kuroko and Hinako with utmost respect and sensitivity. It never relies on clichés to sensationalize their romance, but instead, portrays their bond as a loving and natural relationship. It also features other LGBTQ+ characters that are well-represented, adding depth and diversity to the story.
A Refreshing Spin on the Crime-Thriller Genre
Lastly, the Murcielago manga series is exceptional because it offers a fresh take on the crime-thriller genre. The story’s twists and turns are unpredictable, and the use of an assassin as the protagonist and anti-heroine adds unique flavor to the manga. It explores the underground world of criminals and the government, and in the process, delves into themes like power and corruption. With intriguing plotlines and complex characters, this series is a must-read for those who are a fan of the genre or even just looking for something fresh and new.
Conclusion
Murcielago is a manga series that has been captivating audiences since its release in 2013. With its unique storyline, thrilling character development, and action-packed scenes, there is no wonder why it has become so popular. Hopefully, this article has given readers a more in-depth understanding of the Murcielago manga volumes, and has encouraged them to check it out for themselves.
For those who have already started reading the series, keep going! The journey that Kuroko and her team go through is worth following till the end. With unpredictable plot twists and intense battles, it will keep readers on their toes until the very last page.
For those who have not yet read the series, now is the time to start! Whether it be through print or digital copies, there are numerous ways to access the volumes. The Murcielago manga series is available on various online stores such as Amazon and Barnes & Noble. Additionally, there are many websites that offer free access to the series for readers to check out before making the decision to purchase it.
So what are you waiting for? Dive into the world of Murcielago and experience the thrill of being a part of the journey with Kuroko and her team. Happy reading!