HOTBLOOD! VOL. 1 by a sinister sphinx, Elen. Evander’s task is to kill Asa Langley, who’s the director of central west operations for Wakefield Steel and “crazy enough to eat the devil with horns on.” Instead of murdering Asa, Evander works for him, and a turbulent romantic entanglement develops. The pair travels through the United States. After first meeting in Iowa, they make a stop in Davidson, “a shithole town in Wyoming” that has a mine, and the Colorado territory Lynd, where Asa wants to build a railroad connecting to Denver. Evander and Asa consider living in Deseret, a provisional Western state that the inhabitants believe was Jesus’ final resting spot\u003B it’s also a place rich in uranium, copper, and iron. After the duo’s plans are disrupted, Evander eventually gains information about some puzzling questions, helping him make an important decision about his life and relationship with Asa. Using minimal and muted color tones reminiscent of sepia photographs, Orlesky skillfully renders images of an older America, though one inhabited by both humans and nonhumans. In this engrossing series opener, the engaging drawings depict multiple intriguing angles. One frame zooms in on Evander’s hooves crossing a railroad bridge while the next pulls back to show the centaur and a man as small shapes silhouetted against a panoramic sky. Marred by inner pain, Asa and Evander conceal it with laconic language. Their psychological battle, as they struggle not to kill or be killed, can get intense (and confusing), but wordlessly touching each other seems to bring them relief. Through Orlesky’s haunting illustrations of the uninhabited Western landscapes, wide open and natural, readers will get the sense of a land filled with promise and possibility that men like Asa exploit for personal gain." - Review & Purchase Guide | BookBookOwl

Name: HOTBLOOD! VOL. 1
Availability: InStock
Rating: 3.26 (42 reviews)
ISBN: 9781545820

Our Review

This high-octane manga debut plunges readers into a world where supernatural creatures secretly live among humans, centering on a hot-headed young man who discovers his own fiery powers aren't just for show. The artwork crackles with dynamic action sequences and expressive character designs, pulling middle grade and young adult readers into a vibrant urban fantasy where every page thrums with energy and escalating stakes.

What sets this graphic novel apart is its clever balance of explosive supernatural battles with the relatable growing pains of its teenage protagonist, who must learn to control his volatile abilities while navigating school and friendships. The fast-paced storytelling and visually driven narrative make it particularly accessible for reluctant readers, while the unique premise and polished art style will satisfy seasoned manga fans. This first volume ignites a series with combustible potential, leaving readers eager for the next spark.

HOTBLOOD! VOL. 1

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