“Half-vampire Darren Shan has agreed to undergo the Trials of Initiation in order to restore Mr. Crepsley's honor…but the consequences of failure are higher than he first thought! With his life at stake, Darren's counting on help from his reliable friends and a little bit of luck as he faces his toughest challenge yet. The manga adaptation of internationally acclaimed author Darren Shan's Cirque Du Freak continues in this oversize, deluxe omnibus edition!” (Yen Press)
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The ongoing saga of Darren Shan (the vampire not the author), has already covered ample ground in its first two volumes; A childhood filled with macabre obsessions, firstly as an ill-fated love as a vampire, and now, as an introduction into the politics and culture behind vampires. As such, volume three begins to transform the meek, yet determined character into the stuff of vampire legends, while Takahiro Arai continues to prove he was the perfect artist to tackle the world created by Darren Shan.
Entering the third omnibus edition (approx. 400 pages per release), not much has changed as far as deserved praise for the title since it wowed with its inaugural release. The art of Arai still really embodies the YA aesthetic with a perfect blend of childhood wonder and light horror – the title a perfect intro for older kids getting into all things spooky. In addition, the release tickles that nostalgic spot will transport readers back to their own early exploration of horror. Essentially, as the story progresses, it does not lose its sense of accessibility and celebration of the macabre even as its protagonist continues to mature.
Keeping to familiar structures, “Cirque Du Freak” still manages to grow narratively within the, occasionally restrictive, YA genre. Certainly, Darren starts to feel the weight of his gifts as he has to prove his maturity and morality to older vampires in a series of death defying, and mentally draining trials. Furthermore, the title punctuates Darren's plight by introducing violent conflict which leads to the demise of some beloved characters. Tragic and upsetting, volume 3 shows how it can pull at the heartstrings for that emotional sting. Consequently, there is a sense of growing up along-side Darren with everything that happened to him before seamlessly building up to the greater challenges he now faces.
Hopefully, readers who have gotten to this point are already intently following the series and don't need convincing, though if you are first hearing of the title, it is recommended to start with volume one to catch up, particularly with the omnibus releases from Yen Press being so well presented. In addition, the books contain an adorable flow through a story that covers Takahiro Arai's own introduction to the series and his fears of being able to tackle the work with the attention he thinks it deserves – it is an entertaining compliment to the release.
Starting off with the nail-biting trials of young Darren and leading to a vampire coup whose repercussions will be felt throughout future volumes, this entry is easily the most successful in the series to date. Furthermore, the book is perfect for audiences both young and old giving it a real broad appeal and an idyllic path for veteran fans to introduce their passion to their kids/nieces/nephews.
