18 Jun / Library Wars: Love & War (vol. 1) by Kiiro Yumi, original concept by Hiro Arikawa, translated by Kinami Watabe
With the too-often news of banned books that crop up to remind us that our reading choices can easily be restricted at any moment, the premise of Library Wars is not so far-fetched, regardless of its futuristic setting. Making its English translation debut this month, the new manga series is – no surprise – already a favorite among librarians!
Bookstores and libraries in the near future are under constant threat by the federal government which intends to cleanse collections of titles it deems “offensive” and “problematic.” But the people refuse to let censorship go unchecked (power to the people!) and have formed the Library Defense Force to protect the freedom of all readers.
Iku Kasahara is a corporal in training, who joined the Defense Force after a mysterious stranger saved her long-awaited book from being stolen by raiding government agents. In spite of her quick temper and her inability to stay awake during classes, she’s also remarkably strong and dedicated.
When she’s chosen to be the first woman to join the elite unit of the Library Task Force, she’s not the only one surprised. Kasahara’s definitely got challenges ahead, not the least of which is dealing with her superior, Instructor Dojo, who won’t cut her a single break, or her fellow newbie, the perfect Hikaru Tezuka (whose name, I’m pretty sure, means ‘shining, radiant’ Tezuka, and must be an homage to the godfather of manga Osamu Tezuka!) who can’t understand how anyone thought Kasahara was elite. Let the competition begin …
In Japan, Library Wars began as a bestselling four-part novel series; award-winning Kiiro Yumi’s manga is but one of two adaptations (!). The original books also spawned an anime and radio series. Throughout her adaptation, Kiiro adds an extra level of goofy, silly fun, inserting her own sidebar comments about her gratitude, her nervousness, her artistic process, her worries, even her fatigue. By volume’s end, creator Arikawa adds her own note of thanks for Kiiro’s artwork and “fresh perspective.” It’s a lovefest all around … girl power indeed!
Readers: Young Adult
Published: 2010 (United States)
Toshokan Sensou LOVE&WAR © Kiiro Yumi and Hiro Arikawa
Original Japanese edition published by Hakusensha, Inc., Tokyo