MJ Review: JUNK: Record of the Last Hero Volumes Three and Four

[Eric]

Title: JUNK: Record of the Last Hero
Volume: 3 and 4
Manga-ka: Kia Asamiya
Serializes in: Champion Red (Akita Shoten)
Licensed by: DrMaster
Genre: Seinen, Action
Price: US $9.99

Quick recap for those of us with weak memories and newcomers alike: In JUNK volume 1, troubled (read: emo) teenager Hiro acquires a super-powered suit, aptly named "Junk", which allows him to perform superhuman feats.

Being the twisted little weasel that he is, Hiro promptly uses the suit to beat the snot out of people he thinks have it coming and, in the process, ends up accidentally killing his own parents. Eventually, however, we discover that the boy isn't a complete lost cause, and does indeed have a conscience when he decides to use the suit in more...productive ways.

As this series progresses further, it really does get harder to talk about JUNK without giving away any spoilers. If you've made it this far, you have a pretty good idea about whether or not the book is for you. If you haven't read the first two volumes yet, head over and check out our review for JUNK volume 1.

JUNK volumes 3 and 4 feature more of what gives the series a "fun to read" feel. There's more sex, violence and explosions. It's almost as if Kia Asamiya's sole inspiration for the series was a bunch of low budget B-movies, which, believe it or not, is a good thing. The somewhat predictable plot progression situations are presented in a manner that makes them enjoyable to read through, and with all the epic, idealistic stories out there, it's nice to see a series like JUNK that throws some harsh reality your way.

Art is still the same as always...It’s still crisp and the character designs are still very appealing. The women continue to be pleasing to look at. The only comment one could possibly make is regarding Ryoko's nose, which is mysteriously missing from several panels in volume 3.

If you've been reading JUNK and enjoying it, don't stop now. It's still the same. If you didn't like the first two volumes, don't bother picking these up. Nothing new to see here ... just more lovable B-movie type action and dialogue combined with a few sex scenes to spice things up.

Reviewer: Ishaan
Editor/Proofer: Eric Turner