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Title:  Kyo Kara MAOH! Vol 1

Created by: Temari Matsumoto

Original Story by:  Tomo Takabayashi

Publisher: Tokyopop

ISBN:  9781427810991

May Contain Spoilers

How can you not like a story where the main character gets flushed down the toilet and ends up in another world?  What is not to like about that plot device??  When Yuri sees a classmate being bullied, he just can’t turn his back and walk away.  Instead, he intervenes, but when their intended victim runs away, Yuri is left to take his place.  He is dragged into the girls’ bathroom, where a swirly turns into a one-way ticket to another dimension.  Now he’s been declared the king of the Mazoku, and he’s expected to destroy all humans!  Hey, wait!  He’s a human too!

This is a fun romp with fantasy elements, and some amusing twists for Yuri to work his way through.  Totally unfamiliar with the customs of his new people, he inadvertently makes a marriage proposal – to another guy!  Then, he accepts a challenge to a duel, all because he picks up some flatware!  Man, these demons have some quirky ways of doing things.

Through it all, Yuri is expected to take his place as the king of demons, and lead the Mazoku in a war against the humans.  No matter that he’s a human himself – everyone keeps insisting that he’s the reincarnation of the 27th king and it’s his duty to destroy all humans.  Yuri has his doubts, but when an incredible power is unleashed from within him, there just might be something to all of this being reborn talk.

Attractive art showcases all of the pretty boys in the story, and the visually appealing layouts kept the pages interesting.  There’s plenty of humor and action tossed into the panels, making for a fast-paced read.  I’m looking forward to the next installment of Kyo Kara MAOH!

Kyo Kara MAOH! will be available Oct 14.

Grade: B+

Rated for Teen

Review copy provided by Tokyopop