Ryoichi Ikegami established himself as one of the best and most
popular comic artists in Japan through such works as Aiueo Boy
(written by Kazuo Koike, started in 1973) and Otoko Gumi (written by
Tetsu Kariya, started in 1974). Ikegami's other major works include
Mai, the Psychic Girl (written by Kazuya Kudo, published by Viz Comics
in the USA) and Crying Freeman (written by Kazuo Koike, published by
Viz Comics in the USA).
The descriptions are borrowed from the Ryochi
Ikegami House of Worship by
Darren T. Andrews.
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- Crying Freeman is the story of a potter who is forced to become an
assassin for an organization known as the 108 Dragons. There are 5
story arcs which mix violence, drama and eroticism together in a
stunning account. Currently Viz Comics has released 3 of these in the
Perfect Collection format and have solicited the fourth.
Read about the upcoming Crying Freeman movie.
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- Mai is the story of a 14 year old girl who is endowed with psionic
abilities. She and her father are the focus of a number of agencies
which want to contol her and exploit her powers as a weapon.
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- Sanctuary is Ryoichi's current work being translated by Viz
Comics. It tells the story of 2 Yakuza attempting to wrest control of
the political scene out of the hands of the old men currently in
charge. Currently this series is up to the 5th Chapter (#1 the last
released). There are 5 trade books available reprinting the first
three chapters.
Check out the official Sanctuary homepage.
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- Samurai Crusader is being published in Manga Vizion which is a
monthly book from Viz. It tells the story of a young samurai teamed up
with none other than Ernest Hemingway in World War II. Manga Vizion
also features two other stories, so despite its high price, it is a
great way for the new Manga addict to sample what is out there. Look
for the first Samurai Crusader graphic novel which collects the
chapters from Manga Vizion Vol. 1 #1-8 on sale soon.
