Sleep Is For the Weak

PG-13 for violence, sexuality, creepiness, etc.; official series website (manga) and amazon entry (anime)

As far as Shounen Jump series go, Shaman King gets points for creativity. The story of a young Japanese shaman joining a tournament with other shamans/exorcists/mystics from around the world in order to become the Shaman King and thus earn the ability to speak, essentially, to God, becomes a showcase for Hiroyuki Takei to show off his research on international religions and mythology. One of the greatest moments I read was a Japanese shaman using a kanji-based Buddhist attack on a Native American–but it didn’t work because the Native’s mysticism was based on the oral tradition. I APPROVE. Unfortunately, the general plot points in Shaman King are unusually lame, as every villain seems to join the side of good after one sound thrashing and The Power of Friendship solves every problem without breaking a sweat. The result is a series that simultaneously feels really sophisticated and really simplistic. The ending, too, is abrupt and nearly unfinished because of waning popularity in Japan. The anime was dubbed and edited for TV, and although a lot of fans didn’t like how it was done, I adore the wacky dub (which I find reminiscent of the glory of the old Sailor Moon/Digimon dubs).

Educated impression: Worth a try, but there are better shounen out there. (Lianne)

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