“Descended from a long line of book collectors, high school student Mifuyu is surrounded by books in every aspect of her life. Her great-grandfather established the famous Mikura Hall, a library in the heart of town, and even the townspeople are all avid readers. There's just one problem—Mifuyu hates books! But when a thief in Mikura Hall triggers an ancient curse, she's left with no choice but to reclaim the stolen books herself…by entering the very stories she despises! With the help of the mysterious Mashiro, will she be able to restore her great-grandfather's collection and save her town from a magical doom?” (Yen Press)
Anytime a manga celebrates another literary form, it is always certain to capture the attention of those who romanticize the written word in its various forms. Yet, this does not always guarantee success as simply stating a love for books is not enough to entice readers to check out your own. Still, those who always on the lookout for a definitive series that relates the passion collectors feel while simultaneously weaving its own story, will be pleased to know that “Whoever Steals This Book” delivers.
The willingness to indulge in surrealistic journeys through other literary genres is what makes “Whoever Steals This Book” instantly appealing, with the inaugural volume seeing Mifuyu navigate through a fantasy story reminiscent of a classic fairytale. The world is beautifully lush in its description and visual appearance, complimented by diving into the novel's plot and opening, before transporting Mifuyu and Mashiro into it. The sensation is not unlike the experience of getting lost in a book, delivered with such sincere love for those seeking that peculiar place between zen and catharsis.
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The open volume also does a sensational job of teasing into the next chapter, closing with the next ‘stolen book' which will see Mifuyu delve into the world of murder-mystery genre to catch the next thief. If Mowaki Fukamidori & Kakeru Sora can keep the momentum of the first and keep switching between genres while keeping the wholesome love of literature at the forefront, “Whoever Steals This Book” has limitless potential.
The art of Kakeru Sora works exceptionally well with the stories of Mowaki Fukamidori, in so far as they complement the work without overshadowing. The story is certainly the larger draw. Sora's ability to bring across the key elements and shift between genres and styles may lack polish, but it hits all the necessary marks. This is best exemplified by the transition into the murder/mystery genre at the closing of volume one. Not quite reaching that darker/noir aesthetic made iconic by artists like Ryoichi Ikegami or Naoki Urasawa, it still shows the versatility of Sora and confidence to make those tonal shifts reflective of the various literary genres the series looks to explore.
“Whoever Steals This Book” will certainly please those who adore manga and literature in equal measure, though more importantly than that, love getting completely lost in various genres for hours on end; there is an undeniable romantic element for bibliophiles to find here.
