Nura – Herr der Yokai 01

ぬらりひょんの孫 [Nurarihyon no Mago] #1

by Hiroshi Shiibashi

Rikuo Nura aparenta ser um garoto normal mas, na verdade, é neto de Nurarihyon, o chefe de todos os youkai. Seu avó deseja que ele se torne o terceiro chefe do Clã Nura, porém, não será tão simples convencer os chefes das outras famílias disso. E, para piorar, Rikuo só quer saber de viver uma vida humana normal!

Genres: Manga, Fantasy, Graphic Novels, Shonen, Supernatural, Comics Manga, Demons

224 pages, Paperback

Published March 8, 2012

About the author

Hiroshi Shiibashi (椎橋 寛)

Reviews

[noujoud · Rating 4 out of 5]

Il est magnifique, la seule déception est que l'intrigue se développe trop vite mais sinon magnifique les persos sont très bien dessiné et les Yokai sont drôle

[MissAnnThrope · Rating 4 out of 5]

25 January 2013

Creepers! But oh so fun!

Nura: Rise of the Yôkai Clan, Volume 1: Becoming the Lord of Pandemonium is an impressive debut manga that weaves old Japanese folklore into a modern twist of a ghoulish action-adventure. Rikuo Nura is the grandson of Nurarihyon, the Yôkai Supreme Commander. Nura is three-quarters human, and a quarter yôkai. His childhood ambition is to become the Third Yôkai Supreme Commander.

That is, until the day he tells his classmates who his grandfather is and they all mock him into embarrassment. Filled with doubt, he questions his goals and decides to shirk his clan duties and embrace his human side. His resolve wavers when he learns that his friends are endangered. Unable to let his friends get hurt, he takes on a powerful transformation to save them.

Nura's transformation begins a ripple effect throughout the clans. Some rejoice, but there is political unrest among the others who begin to manipulate a power-play for his title. Unfortunately, there is something tricky to Nura's transformation that could affect who becomes the next leader of the clan.

The plot gets really interesting with the introduction of Yura Keikain, the last of the Keikain Onmyoji Clan bloodline. I'm looking forward to seeing what dynamic she will have with Nura. It'll be intriguing to see if rival clan members can become friends.

The Nura Clan Main Family's yôkai are so amusing! I really like the disciplinarian Karasu-Tengu, but I especially adore Aotabo. He's a lovable lug who for some reason reminds me of Captain Davy Jones from Pirates of the Caribbean. I know they don't really look alike, but I can't stop thinking they do in my little twisted brain.

Although there is a lot of silliness with most of the yôkai in Nura's house, the evil ones in the story really, really creeped me out. There is one scene that reminded me a little too much of Ringu, and I still have that image burned into my head. Eek! Ringu scared the crap out of me and I haven't been able to watch a scary movie since! I'm such a wuss.




The art is amazingly detailed. There is a huge array of yôkai, all with distinctly unique features, that it almost borderlines on visually overwhelming you. Personally, I loved it and was reminded of Spirited Away when all the spirits come to the bathhouse.

I felt a bit of nostalgia reading of all the familiar yôkai that my grandparents used to tell me about in their ghost stories. It was really fun seeing the yôkai come to life in this tale, and I loved how silly some of them were. I'm definitely looking forward to reading more. The ending is a cliffhanger so you might want to have the next volume at the ready!

[Nikki in Niagara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reason for Reading: I love yokai! These are a class of spirits, demons, or monsters from Japanese folklore which range from evil to mischievous. Some are vile and wicked, others can be cute and fun. They can be anything from a massive ogre to an animated umbrella.

An exciting beginning to a new manga series! Riku is 3/4 human and grew up in a house full of yokai, his grandfather is the supreme commander of the Nura clan. Growing up Riku has heard all the tales and thinks that the yokai are cool, special and the good guys but once he starts school he learns differently. He speaks up against someone who has done a report on the demons and tells the truth about his household, everyone laughs at him and doesn't believe him. He learns the truth at home. Five years pass and Riku is a young bespectacled teenager, who is supposed to take over as the leader of the Nura Yokai clan but he refuses to have anything to do with them. Being 3/4s human, this is easy for him to do but somehow that 1/4 yokai blood comes out every once in a while and that 1/4 of Riku is very different and *he* wants to be the leader he is meant to be.

For a first volume this is packed with story and background. Much happens and I was drawn into the world right away. Riku's city has a high amount of yokai activity so we see them popping up frequently and a rival clan comes to town to challenge Riku's leadership causing an instant conflict. Riku is a complex character wanting no part of the evilness of yokai, yet protecting his clan from being found out by school mates. He battles emotionally with the repugnance of the evil that some yokai do and the petty thievery of others, while at the same time obviously loving and caring for the yokai he has grown up with. On top of that, there is plenty of humour from many sides. The story is light but can get intense, though not dark, at this point anyway. I had a real fun time with this one and see that there is a steady publication release for future volumes throughout the year. I can't wait for volume two!

[Fugo Feedback · Rating 2 out of 5]

Voy a tratar de darle un par de tomos más de changüí, pero si me tengo que basar en lo que se ve en este: otro shonen genérico más con protagonista contradictorio y secundarios medio mamarrachescos. Agarré la serie porque leí que el autor había sido asistente de Hirohiko Araki en Steel Ball Run pero, al menos hasta ahora, mucha influencia del maestro no se le ve. De todos modos este tomo termina con un secuestro que quiero creer que concluye en el que viene, así que espero no colgarla demasiado.

[Mir · Rating 3 out of 5]

Concept: fine.
Art: decent.
Plot: insufficient.
Dialog: silly.

[Azbaqiyah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Plot - 4 ⭐️
Character - 4 ⭐️
Writing Style - 4 ⭐️
World Building - 4 ⭐️
Art - 4 ⭐️
Cover - 4 ⭐️

Overall - 4 ⭐️

[Of Butterflies & Books · Rating 3 out of 5]

I thought this was a solid first volume. We're introduced to our main character, who from a young age has been surrounded by supernatural beings and has been told one day if he proves himself, he'll be named the head of his clan. However, as he learns more about the nature of some yokai, he's wanted to work harder toward living a normal life. However, not understanding the power he's inherited or what other yokai clans would be willing to do to take that power from him, will he rise to the challenge and become who he needs to be to protect those he cares about, human and yokai alike?

As I said, this was a very solid introductory first volume to this series and these characters. The yokai are hilarious, I absolutely love them. The art is really cool. I did feel certain parts were a little bit repetitive but I'm interested to see how this world grows and hopefully, stuff like that will tone down.

[Angelica · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really admired this book! In the previous books and now, a 14 year old boy named "Rikuo" was living in a mansion full of demons(yokai). When he was young, he was very enthusiastic of telling everyone that his grandpa is the lord of all yokai. Many kids thought he was lying of course, since no-one believed in supernatural beings and only believed that they were just a myth. As Rikuo grew up, he wanted to be human as everyone else because his most trusted friend "Kana" told him that they were suppose to be evil, and so he believed her and didn't want to interfere with any yokai business. So Rikuo tried to live a normal life, but since he inherited 1/4 of his grandfather's blood, he had to become the next heir of the Nura clan, ever since his father's death. One day, he awakened his 1/4 yokai blood and transformed into his yokai form/side. Ever since that day, he had to be more cautious around his friends about that secret and his family connections. Not only that but, he also decides to protect his family and friends, and successfully become the next heir of the Nura clan. ...(more info awhile reading the book!)

In my opinion, this book is very compelling and unexpected. The events are unpredictable and at the end, it reveals a gripping suspense that makes the reader very captivated, craving for what will happen next. What I also really admire about this book is that it's Fiction and Fiction to me, contains various amounts of events that would set your mind in curiosity and wonder. This type of genre out levels reality as if it was a different world and creates many unbelievable possibilities. Though, there are also some other things that concerned me in this book. In the back round, the author doesn't really explain very well of his father's(Rihan) death, which creates many complications. I was also confused by that at first until it took me some time to notice what the author really meant, Hiroshi Shiibashi wasn't being really accurate and specific in his details and explanations. However, the story it's self is interesting enough to pull me into it and start reading even more.

I only recommend this book for those who are intrigued by supernatural and Fiction books. Though, if those that really like action series, you'll never regret reading this book! So for those who are interested, what are you waiting for? Start reading now!

[Jessica Kilian · Rating 4 out of 5]

Now I don't usually review books I've read, and especially not manga, but I think this series deserves a special mention. I was trolling for manga to read at the library, and I'd already read all my favourite series at least twice. Now this series had just arrived, and although I was sceptical, I decided to give the first one a try. It was definitely not what I expected. Now Nura, the protagonist, is three quarters human, and one quarter yokai, and his grandfather is the supreme commander of the yokai clan. Now, looking at the cover, I expected the main character to be a bit of a jerk, honestly, but I was pleasantly surprised to find a normal looking boy who only uses his yokai powers when someone close to him is hurt, which at the start is absolutely adorable (considering he's only 8), and soon evolves into being quite awesome. And yes, I suppose the loyal and powerful character who wishes he were normal, is very cliché, but I found the story interesting, the art extremely well done, and I can't wait to read the next one.

[Meida Widy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nura, bocah lelaki keturunan 1/4 *Yokai. rumah nura merupakan markas yokai, kakeknya sendiri adalah komandan tertinggi klan yokai. Saat diminta jd penerus klan yokai nura nya g mau. komik ini nyeritain pergelutan antara nura dan 1/4 yokai yg ada di badannya.

*Yokai itu kaya roh/setannya jepang

tp yokai di komik ini agak2 konyol ya :D , jadi ga da serem2nya deh, paling suka waktu perubahan karakter nura jd yokai, jd keren ih kirain bakal absurd kaya yokai2 karakter lain ;)

Lumayan lah ceritanya, cuma karena setting t4 ceritanya ga banyak ganti2 , rumah ,sekolah , rumah, sekolah . . gambar nya bagus, cuma kesan nya suram . sampe2 malem nya kebawa mimpi yokai *hadeh* #curhat

dari semua nya komik ini lumayan recomended lah yah ;)

[Ya Boi Be Reading · Rating 3 out of 5]

3/5. The beginning was incredibly strong (a 4 or 4.5) but it petered out as it went on. It's a neat little cozy goosebumps-ish battle manga. Like a spooky Fairy Tail that errs on the younger side of shonen so far.
The art is pretty nice. The character designs are a definite strength with fun and evocative character designs. The art is also great at creating a spoopy goosebumps-ish atmosphere. Shiibashi also does a nice stylistic choice with the art shifts to ink painting brush strokes. However, as the volume goes on its clear the schedule of a weekly volume started hitting as the art still had strong panels but had far less consistency or had art tricks to help avoid drawing in more regular panels.
I'm not always a fan of the paneling as well. It feels quite packed and tight at times with panels squashed into vertical columns or tiny square panels.
On the writing, I do care more for the yokai on yokai moments than the middle school investigation parts. The yokai have fun and vibrant designs while the middle school designs are bland except a bit for Kyoutsugu. They also feel lower stakes. I get the vibe they're going for but the yokai on yokai moments are where the series seems to shine more. Although the yokai stuff at the end with the Rat Clan was a kinda boring setup.

[Jack Reynolds · Rating 3 out of 5]

While I'm waiting for more volumes of Haikyuu and Jujutsu Kaisen to come in at my local library, I decided to jump back to a shonen series I watched eight years ago to read where it all began. I've seen the first half of Nura's first season, and based on the content here, the anime streamlines a couple plot points to start in the present day.

Shiibashi pens a solid introduction by giving background on Nura's current change of heart, fun yokai characters, and danger looming on the horizon. His art is a little rough, but it fits with the manga's tone and story it's trying to tell. From a storytelling standpoint, introducing Yura is a move I'm appreciating more now than I did at 13. The manga also doesn't put as much emphasis on the love triangle than the adaptation team.

The only problems I'm seeing right now are Nura's stubbornness to accept his role as the third heir and too many yokai side characters that I can't get a handle on yet. I can see the former getting old and the latter making the series too cluttered, but I think with more time, Shiibashi will find his stride. I'll be sticking around until I get caught up with where I am in the anime. From there, I'll return to the anime.

[CharlyyGentlePhoenix · Rating 3 out of 5]

Expectations : je ne l’ai pas acheté ni choisi. On me l’a offert.

On nous présente direct « le maître des esprits malfaisants » on pourrait saluer le fait que l’auteur ai séparé les esprits bienfaisants des malfaisants.

Des dessins très petits et criblés de dialogues.

C’est pas vraiment la mise en page de mes rêves.

Une histoire dans une école, de camaraderie, avec des esprits bizarres mais gentils (je crois).

Le fait que l’histoire soit centrée sur des enfants m’a un peu dérangé. Quand c’est traité façon « The promised Neverland » ou « Hunger Games » ça me plaît, cela sert le propos, le drama, mais quand c’est du shonen… Bah j’ai un peu tendance à tous les voir comme des clones de Naruto.

Des personnages « esprits » haut en couleur que ce soit leur design ou leur rôle dans l’histoire…

J’avoue j’ai sauté quelques pages… En m’appuyant surtout sur les images. Le récit peine à démarrer. Enfin, il a démarré, mais je n’étais pas à bord (désolé c’était méchant ! aha).

De toute façon je préfère les Seinen et les Ecchi.

Cela dit une lecture « light » comme ce Shonen, entre deux Seinen, franchement, ça fait un peu du bien!

Je ne valides qu’à moitié donc vous l’aurez compris !! Allez je tire un peu vers le haut… Ce sera un 3 étoiles.

Phoenix

Biz

++

[Kelli · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rikuo has grown up surrounded by yokai — demons and spirits of the night.

Though he is three-quarters human and considers himself basically human, his grandfather is none other than Nurarihyon, the supreme commander of the Nura clan of assembled yokai. This essentially puts Rikuo in line to inherit the position ion his grandfather’s abdication.

But, Nura enjoys being a human teenager and doing fun things with his friends. While he considers his yokai houseguests as family, he’s not sure he is truly fit to be their leader. After all, not only does he feel more human, his blood is also more human.

When his yokai blood begins to reveal itself though and off powers begin to manifest and trigger transformations, Rikuo must consider not only what he wants but what the yokai inside of him craves.

Definitely recommend! This is such a fun manga to read and the art is quite engaging throughout. It’s an eye catching blend of sharp lines and soft brush strokes. I’m really looking forward to reading more!!!

[Oki Zukii · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sudah lebih dulu menikmati Animenya, dan kini membaca manganya. Tentunya punya pengalaman volume pertamanya aku makin jatuh hati dengan seri ini.

Volume pertama ini sangat padat, kita diperkenalkan dengan karater utama kita yang sejak kecil sudah dikelilingi Yokai (Makhluk ghaib). Ia memiliki 1/4 Darah Yokai dari kakeknya yakni Nurarihyon.

Alurnya masih maju dan mudah diikuti, komedi yang menghibur dengan aksi yang digambarkan dengan baik walau porsi aksi masih belum terlalu banyak.

Yokai tetap saja lucu, aku selalu menyukainya kehadiran mereka di manga apapun. Artnya teramat keren, karakternya punya ciri khas yang berbeda-beda.

Kesimpulan dariku, Nura Rise of The Yokai Clan volume pertama teramat menarik, dimana ternyata banyak bagian yang berbeda dengan versi anime dan ada beberapa bagian yang tidak di adaptasi. Lanjut volume 2.

[Selena Pigoni · Rating 3 out of 5]

A yokai comedy where the yokai are like Yakuza and the next in line doesn't want to live the yokai life at all.

It's an interesting premise that just didn't quite click for me. The characters are okay. The individual chapters are okay. The conflicts are okay... I guess what I was really hoping for was yokai mischief with Rikuo solving the issues either peaceably or by force as the Nurarihyon. I saw hints of what I wanted out of this one in the old school building and the possessed doll, and the comedic timing on the doll was especially good.

The art was passable for a shounen manga, though some of the facial expressions look a bit weird on the designs, particularly on the girls.

I'll probably give the next volume a shot and see if it gets closer to what I want.

[Jonathan · Rating 3 out of 5]

There is more layered world-building in this manga series than in Bleach. More fantasy elements to remember, and some characters have multiple names which can be confusing. The intro and conflict is set up pretty well in volume one, and I can see that the action and tension probably picks up in subsequent books, but...not my cup of tea. Still, I have most of the series in my middle school library, and I’m glad I do!

[Felix · Rating 4 out of 5]

My rating for this volume of this manga series is 4 stars, but I really enjoyed it!

My rating breaks down like this:
On the writing, I gave it one star for the concept and another for the story, but for me the plot was lacking.

As for the art, one star for the style, and another for the characters’ designs but I felt confused during some of the action because the visuals were not able to tell what was going on.

[Thomas Wickinghoff · Rating 2 out of 5]

Couldn't really enjoy this. It certainly has an interesting setup and it could've been a great horror manga, but it prefers to be... nothing really? It's not scary, it's not funny, it's not exciting and the art is also nothing so special that you wouldn't mind the missing substance. Mostly the behaviour of the protagonist doesn't work for me and is mostly just annoying.

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not awful, but not one I feel much enthusiasm for continuing either. It's very lore heavy with lots of unnecessary dialogue, and I think there were too many characters to keep track of for a #1. I really liked the main character, though.

[gabi · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting, but I'm not sure if it is interesting enough.

[Teresa cox · Rating 5 out of 5]

So want the book series.

[Cassandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really well drawn and written, although after. watching the anime of this I would recommend reading the manga first.

[brisingr · Rating 5 out of 5]

(guess who's adding manga on gr as well? me. add me as a buddy on mal as well, i'm @ teavious there as well!!)

[Raki Oddbooks · Rating 3 out of 5]

Too many speech bubbles! Alot of the cool detailed art work is hidden by the ridiculous amount of speech bubbles!
Interesting story so far, but it hasn't got me completely hooked just yet.

[BINTEX · Rating 5 out of 5]

good for me

[Pang Khong Yun · Rating 5 out of 5]

Overall a fun manga series with interseting characters and a good presentation of the main character.

[Raechel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Whoa! That's an awesome take on supernatural stories in the modern world.

[Kye]

Well

[Serena]

I haven't even thought about this since I started it so I'm DNFing @15%