Title: Wanted
Author: Matsuri Hino
First published January 1, 2005
208 pages, Paperback
ISBN: 9781421519340 (ISBN10: 1421519348)
Rating: 4.08
Overview
Matsuri Hino, the creative genius behind the hit series MeruPuri and Vampire Knight, has done it again with her latest release, Wanted. This action-packed adventure comes with a bonus 40-page story (unrelated to Wanted), making it a must-read for any fan of Hino’s work.
With over 150k units sold in the U.S. alone, Vampire Knight and MeruPuri are just the beginning of Hino’s success. In this thrilling tale, we follow former songstress Armeria as she disguises herself as a boy and sets sail with the pirate Skulls – the very same man who kidnapped her first love, Luce.
Captain Skulls is no ordinary pirate – he’s arrogant, violent, and has a reputation for chasing skirts. And when he discovers Armeria’s true identity, he makes it his mission to uncover her secrets.
With Japanese fans already clamoring for a sequel, Wanted is sure to be a hit with readers worldwide.
About the Author
Matsuri Hino, a native of Hokkaido, was born on January 24. Prior to becoming a manga artist, she worked as a bookshop keeper.
In 1995, only nine months after making the decision to pursue manga, Hino published her debut work, Kono Yume ga Sametara (When This Dream Is Over), in Japan’s LaLa DX magazine.
Editoral Review
Wanted, a manga series by Matsuri Hino, offers readers a thrilling and captivating tale of love, betrayal, and revenge. Hino, who is also known for her popular manga series Vampire Knight, brings her signature style and flair to Wanted, which was first published on January 1, 2005.
Wanted follows the story of a young girl named Yura, who is the daughter of a famous Hollywood actress and a renowned martial artist. Yura yearns to follow in her father’s footsteps and become a skilled fighter, but her mother has other plans for her.
When Yura’s mother arranges for her to marry a wealthy businessman, Yura decides to take matters into her own hands and enrolls in a martial arts school. There, she meets a group of talented and handsome fighters who become her friends and allies.
However, Yura soon discovers that her new friends are not who they seem, and she finds herself caught up in a dangerous game of deception and betrayal.
Hino’s expertly crafted characters and vivid illustrations bring the story to life, immersing readers in the world of Yura and her friends. The setting of the story is a modern-day Tokyo, but the themes and conflicts are timeless.
Wanted explores the themes of identity, loyalty, and the struggle between personal desires and societal expectations.
The pacing of Wanted is fast-paced and thrilling, with plenty of action and plot twists to keep readers engaged. Hino’s writing is skillful and sophisticated, taking readers on a journey that is both exciting and emotionally resonant.
The artwork is stunning, with detailed character designs and dynamic fight scenes that are sure to impress even the most discerning manga fans.
While Wanted is a stand-alone series, readers familiar with Hino’s other works will recognize some similarities in style and themes. However, Wanted stands on its own as a masterful work of manga, showcasing Hino’s talent and skill as a storyteller.
One potential flaw of Wanted is that some readers may find the plot to be too predictable or formulaic. However, Hino’s expert execution and attention to detail more than make up for any weaknesses in the story.
Overall, Wanted is a must-read for fans of manga and anyone looking for a thrilling and captivating story. It receives a rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars, based on its expert writing, engaging characters, and stunning artwork.
Whether you’re a longtime fan of Matsuri Hino or a newcomer to the world of manga, Wanted is a book you won’t want to miss.
