21 Aug / Blue Exorcist (vol. 1) by Kazue Kato, translated by John Werry
We all probably have a little bit of devil in us, but what do you do when you find out that your birthfather is Satan himself? Twin brothers (and, not surprisingly, polar opposites), Rin and Yukio, have been raised all their lives by Father Fujimoto, who is both a priest and exorcist. No matter how hard he tries, Rin can’t seem to be a “respectable person” – he’s constantly in trouble, especially because of his uncontrollable, violent temper.
When Rin gets into one fight too many, Father Fujimoto is forced to intervene, and as he’s saving Rin once again reveals Rin’s true lineage. With the secret out, Father Fujimoto can no longer protect his young charge, and violently loses his life trying. Rin, who didn’t appreciate the good father nearly enough when he was alive, promises to avenge his death by becoming an exorcist … “so I can kick Satan’s ass!!!”
Mephisto Pheles, mysterious friend of Father Fujimoto, appears as the twins’ new guardian. He’s also known as Johann Faust the Fifth, the president of the prestigious True Cross Academy, where both boys are enrolled. In addition to the usual high school education, Rin quickly learns that cram school for exorcists is going to be the bigger challenge. But nothing prepares Rin for the greatest shock of all: he’s definitely underestimated his academically stellar, going-to-be-a-doctor, virtually perfect brother Yukio!
While dealing with Big Issues of good and evil, life and death, Blue Exorcist is fueled by testosterone, tempered by brotherly love. No doubt Rin’s adventures caught between the dual worlds of Assiah, “the world in which we live,” and threatening Gehenna, “the realm of demons,” are sure to provide multiple volumes of just rollicking fun.
Readers: Young Adult, Adult
Published: 2011 (United States)
AO NO EXORCIST © Natsume Ono
Original Japanese edition published by Shueisha Inc.