365 Days of Manga, Day 262: Hands Off: Don’t Call Us Angels

HANDS OFF: DON’T CALL US ANGELS • Kasane Katsumoto • Tokyopop • 13+
The original 8-volume series Hands Off was a shojo tale of teenage boys cursed with psychic powers; like the protagonists of Land of the Blindfolded, the hero could read people’s memories by touch. It’s not an uncommon theme, but Hands Off stood out due to Katsumoto’s mixture of attractive, clear artwork and well-told high school drama. In this stand-alone two-volume pseudo-sequel, high school basketball player Kiba is the one who has a problem with being touched, and when he brushes his standoffish rival Udou, he has visions of blood and danger. Turns out that Udou is a stronger psychic than Kiba, a coldly handsome, emotionless teenager who can read people’s minds and control them. Kiba becomes obsessed with stopping Udou from abusing his powers, while meanwhile, their oblivious classmate Haruhi tries to set up Udou with one of her friends. The characters’ paths take them to the street violence of Shibuya and to dramatic standoffs between hot guys. The psychic powers are understated, and the story treats its dark subject matter in a manner-of-fact, witty way. Not too original, but a solid story.
** 1/2 (two and a half stars)
Today’s winner is of Joyanna M. of Tennessee. Congrats, Joyanna!

This photo is of Kathy M., one of the previous winners of 365 Days of Manga (as well as a winner of the King of RPGs “Tell Me About Your Character” contest)! Instead of showing off her manga collection in the background, Kathy chose to dazzle us with her cosplay closet. Thanks for the picture, I’ll send you more manga tomorrow!