Beet the Vandel Buster [manga]

[Ragnar]

Beet the Vandel Buster

Riku Sanjo (art)
Koji Inada (story)

 This manga series is another in the local library system's scores of manga. The story and art are done by the same team that brought us the classic Dragon Quest manga "Dai no Daibouken," which I note has not been translated and licensed, not that I am bitter. The world in which this story is set is a world different from our own, where humans constantly battle against (sometimes) intelligent demons called "Vandels." The situation is becoming so severe it is called the "century of darkness," and the Vandels and their monster minions try to eliminate the human race. Amid this chaos, some humans choose to slay Vandels; they are called "busters," and are part of a special union. They are also unfortunately regarded with trepidation by other humans. One famous group of Busters, the Zenon Warriors, is close to the protagonist, Beet, and the girl he intends to marry, Poala. The warriors end up giving their lives and powers to Beet (no, he doesn't have a brother named "Radish") in order to save him. Able to call on their powers, Beet becomes a buster with Poala and they set off to fight Vandels.

 The art and story are both good, although I noticed a surprising amount of fanservice, especially for what's being passed off as rated for "all ages." Two of the characters are young girls, and Mr. Sanjo doesn't try to hide it. One of the characters, Milfa, wears a skirt that barely seems to have a purpose. Otherwise, the art is well-done and effective, if maybe a little simplistic. The story is well written, but basically your average D+D type story. This is a fun series, if often cheesy about romantic ideas of "justice," but worth a look.

Rating: 5.5 / 7 (5 being "good.")