I was really excited when VIZ picked up this title, since I have a soft spot for paranormal romance. Black Bird is something I've never come across before, since it's about Japanese monsters and demons. All the types of monsters in Black Bird are based on traditional Japanese creatures, but Kanoko Sakurakoji has come up with this whole world for them, with rules and hierarchies, power struggles and prophesies. And poor Misao is just dumped right in the middle of it. At least she might finally get a boyfriend out of all this, even if he is an oversexed Tengu.
The title is a lot of fun to work on, partly because I get to learn a lot about Japanese monsters, but also because of the comedy relief. The drama can get pretty heavy, so it's nice when Sakurakoji inserts a silly scene. She doesn't let any of her characters get too full of themselves, even the heads of powerful demon clans.
Don't worry, Misao isn't a wimp. Because all the demons want her for the power she promises, she does tend to get in dangerous situations that she is ill-equipped to handle, but she doesn't just freak out. She's got a strong will, and I'm looking forward to how she learns to deal with the demons as the series progresses.
Editor's Note. Shojo Beat Vol.5 Issue 7 July 2009
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