Must-Read Series
On the back page of the cover Viz has the following statement " Epic in scope, and one of the best-selling shojo titles of all time in Japan, Akimi Yoshida put an electric shock into the genre and gained a huge crossover audience through Banana Fish's stripped-down, non-stop style." And boy were they right. Over twenty volumes in length this is an extremely addictive rollacoaster ride. Intense, gritty, violent, action-packed, and suspenseful. This is a manga aimed at older teenagers and adults due to its complex storyline and topics. The term shojo is misused in this book's context, as this is a manga that crosses the border between shojo and shonen and will appeal to guys & girls.
The story is fast-paced and is multi-stranded. Akimi expertly introduces many characters and weaves them in a complex (but never confusing) story. It is 1985 New York - While NYPD is investigating a series of mysterious suicides they escort two Japanese photographers (Eiji and Ibe), who are completing a story about young gangs, to the den of Ash Lynx. Ash is one of the main gang leaders in New York who, due to his looks, brains, and charasmatic personality, is respected and feared. He in turn is under a larger crime syndicate, controlled by Dino Glozine - a mafia like don. When Ash and Dino fall out over a drug sample that falls into Ash's hands, Ash begins an investigation into the name Banana Fish - a term that his sick brother keeps repeating. At the same time one of Ash's gang members tries to take over the gang in a violent raid and Eiji and Ibe find themselves split up and caught up in the following power-struggle.
Many have mentioned that it is a shonen-ai and although it does have an underlying current, this is actually a story of friendship. Imagine the bond of friendship shown in the Shawshank Redemption - this is like that, a self sacrificing and close relationship between Ash and Eiji that grows gradually through the volumes. They form an emotional bond that makes their platonic relationship more close and real than most represented in shonen-ai titles. Akimi also inserts small comic moments to lighten the mood so the story does not get too dark. The drawing style is basic, but the storyline makes up for it. However action sequences are expertly drawn so it almost feels like you are watching a movie. I have read many Manga, but have not been so hooked since I read the Angel Sanctuary series. The closest title I can compare it to is Let Dai, but longer, more complex, more action packed, and a nicer main character. Really recommend as this is one title that stands above the rest.
Banana Fish, Vol. 1
I thought that this was a very well written book. The story was very easy to follow and you can get a feel for what the charecters are going through. The nonstop action and all the twists and turns really got you thinking!
Banana Fish, ridiculous key word for mistery, violence and love
Ash Links, the hero of this story, is a "poorest" guy who has everything such as money, beauty, power, skill and inteligence.
He is respected by everybody but did not have a friend who shares his saddness.
The drama starts with a key of mistery and and goes to the end without stop.
Whole story is filled with violence and conspiracy at the dark side of Manhattan, but it's a grace story which express a warmful heart of a sensitive innocent boy.
I have read more than 20 times, and could not end without tears every time.
Among 1000s of Manga in Japan, some titles have great stories that can not be fond on even highly applauded novels, and can be understood by real adult.
This is obviously one of such segment.
One thing to my regrett, US version of Banan Fish has two series. Prior one (that I have) terminated at Vol.7 which is almost the half of whole story.
Beware to get continuing series by cheking the design of cover.
Jinsei
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