Shinesman [Tachibana Kaim]

Keywords:

Shoujo, sentai, comedy, action

Warnings:

Shounen-Ai (mild)

Volumes:

9

Publisher:

Pocke/Nora Comics (Gakken)

ISBN:

Volume 1: 4-05-600290-8

Volume 2: 4-05-600606-7

Volume 3: 4-05-600976-7

Volume 4: 4-05-601079-X

Volume 5: 4-05-601297-0

Volume 6: 4-05-601501-5

Volume 7: 4-05-601716-6

Volume 8: 4-05-601840-5

Volume 9: 4-05-601963-0

Overview:

The story revolves around 5 heros of justice as they protect earth from the invading aliens from Planet Voice. Although clad in their protess (power suits) in the vivid shades of Red, Moss Green, Grey, Sepia, and Salmon Pink to fight monsters that show up, when the day begins they dress up in suits and skirts and head off to work at a large corporation - even heros need a day job! Moreover, their rivals also hold human jobs at a rival company, as coporate domination is one way to conquer earth while leaving its precious resources intact. If this sounds silly and over the top, it is. Shinesman is first and foremost a parody of the myriad Super-Hero series known as Sentai - think Power Rangers and you get the drift - as well as why it's so easy to parody them! However, as the manga progresses, we see the other sides of many of the characters. We find out their loves and hopes, their frustration and despair, their successes and failures, and as the two sides continue to battle as Shinesman vs. Voice, they also become good friends and working partners through their mundane everyday lives. In the end it is a story that is quite touching and heartfelt, as even the villains have deeper motives for their actions and command quite a fair amount of screentime on their own.

Personal View:

Shinesman is one of my favorite manga by one of my favorite authors. I initially got into the series via the OVA and through the help of several online friends and fell in love with the artwork, the story, and the characters. For those who have only seen the OAV, it's a great, gag-filled (especially the dub!) treat that's a no brainer, but you're really missing out on some real drama and story (not to mention a great cast of characters, including Alen Koyasu, whose image graces this very site!).

Acquired from:

Mandarake (Torrance), Animate (Melrose)

See also: Nothing: A Tachibana Kaim Site

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