Rating: 
Summary: Overall a gripping story
Review: In short, a story about conspiracy, politcs, and the Japanese mafia or yakuza. In the centre, two men one above ground, the other underground, who share a strong bond through the unspeakable horrors they endured in Cambodia. Their aim is to re-shape not only the Japanese political system, but also Japan. I had orignally brought the first volume to taste a bit of Ikegami's art, but the story was so stunning, I had to continue. There is gratuitous sex, there is disturbing graphical detail, but eye candy aside, this is an intelligent story. Overall I highly recommend this series, although I did find towards the end the story did get a bit too convoluted, and certainly the ending seemed rushed. Eye candy chaser need not bother. However if you the person who like the ethics debates in Appleseed or Ghost in the Shell, this this is for you.
Rating:
Summary: Makes Yakuza Sexy and interesting
Review: But that's not what this is about. It's the steamy world of politics and scandal. An excellent story with excellent art. I cried at the end and I never cry at the end of anything. The characters are awesome and devious. Read it.
Rating: 
Summary: good plot for the most part
Review: I admit, Ryoichi Ikegami's art caught my eye when I say this book, but he doesn't write the stories. The synopsis on the back cover of volume one had me very interested. The story starts off well, about two young men in two very different worlds, one in the Yukuza (Japanaese triad) and the other aiming to be a politician, who collaborate to create an ambitious vision. Towards the end, the story becomes a bit too convoluted, however overall it is a good story, amd well worth the read.
Rating:
Summary: good plot for the most part
Review: I admit, Ryoichi Ikegami's art caught my eye when I say this book, but he doesn't write the stories. The synopsis on the back cover of volume one had me very interested. The story starts off well, about two young men in two very different worlds, one in the Yukuza (Japanaese triad) and the other aiming to be a politician, who collaborate to create an ambitious vision. Towards the end, the story becomes a bit too convoluted, however overall it is a good story, amd well worth the read.
Rating:
Summary: Gripping Story of Power, Politics & an Unlikely Partnership
Review: I bought the Sanctuary series without even having a clue what they are about. As far as I was concerned, Ryoichi Ikegami's art was realistic-- therefore awesome, and I wanted some samples. I never regretted my purchase. The story got me hooked from the very beginning--it was almost painful waiting for the next installment. In short, Sanctuary is about two Japanese men who survived the Cambodian Killing Fields. When they came back to Japan, they were dismayed by its state that they decided to go for separate paths to change it. Akira Hojo joined the Yakuza, while his friend, Asami went for politics.
Rating:
Summary: Phenomenal Read
Review: I'm new to manga and while I was initially attracted to Ikegami's art (art that still gives me pause it's so beautiful)the story really, really captured me. It was like a history lesson in Japanese politics and the mob (the Yakuza). All the characters were so interwoven and yes you do have to pay attention because there are twists and turns all the time. The nine volumes that it takes to tell this story never becomes dull.
The story drives all the time and is never ever predictable. The writing is exceptional. I highly recommend this series to the mature reader who appreciates not only great art but great intricate storytelling.
Rating:
Summary: Makes Yakuza Sexy and interesting
Review: Ryoichi Ikegami's art work was the reason I purchased the first volume in the Sanctuary series. I'm glad I did. His work did not dissapoint. But that was only part of the reason I ended up buying all the volumes in this series. Sho Fumimura, the writer, weaves a powerful story of politics and the Yakuza and masterfully adds the elements of friendship, love, loyalty, deception and betrayal which in my mind, makes this story a classic. I was particularly amazed by the way Fumimura managed to maintain the momentum of the story, particularly since this story is presented in volumes. His main characters are well developed (he writes them in such a way that makes you care what happens to them), the story is well structured and makes sense which does not always happen in graphic novels or comics. The plotline is clever enough to keep you interested, gripping enough to make you lose track of time and straight forward enough to keep you reading. I was sad when I started reading the very last volume, as I knew, this tale was going to end. When I turned the last page, I was almost in tears. Almost. The Sanctuary series offers great storytelling and stunning artwork. A 'must read' for graphic novel fans. Go on, treat yourself!
Rating:
Summary: The Sanctuary Series: Stunning, clever, gripping ....
Review: Ryoichi Ikegami's art work was the reason I purchased the first volume in the Sanctuary series. I'm glad I did. His work did not dissapoint. But that was only part of the reason I ended up buying all the volumes in this series. Sho Fumimura, the writer, weaves a powerful story of politics and the Yakuza and masterfully adds the elements of friendship, love, loyalty, deception and betrayal which in my mind, makes this story a classic. I was particularly amazed by the way Fumimura managed to maintain the momentum of the story, particularly since this story is presented in volumes. His main characters are well developed (he writes them in such a way that makes you care what happens to them), the story is well structured and makes sense which does not always happen in graphic novels or comics. The plotline is clever enough to keep you interested, gripping enough to make you lose track of time and straight forward enough to keep you reading. I was sad when I started reading the very last volume, as I knew, this tale was going to end. When I turned the last page, I was almost in tears. Almost. The Sanctuary series offers great storytelling and stunning artwork. A 'must read' for graphic novel fans. Go on, treat yourself!
Rating:
Summary: A wonderful manga with a stomach clenching plot.
Review: Sanctuary is one of the best Manga series that I have read. It has a plot so gripping you won't want to stop reading, courtesy of Sho Fumimura. The art is astounding, even better than you would expect from the man that drew the Crying Freeman manga (which inspired the anime series), Ryoichi Ikegami. The story rivals some of the best western straight novels, and in my opinion surpasses them. It is a tale of political climbing, Yakuza dealings, and the odd combination of the two. I highly recommend the whole series. Be warned... once you read the first volume you'll have trouble waiting until you can read the second...third...fourth...
Rating:
Summary: Disturbing, brilliant
Review: This is a story of two people who set out to change japan (and to some extent, the world) by unwaveringly sticking to their principles, using both Japanese politics and its underworld. The plot details the intricate maneuverings of the two; there is little violence. Their opponents are not weak (mentally, in power, or in integrity), and their friends sometimes carry liabilities. The characters are as believable as those in any of the best western novels (the plot is far more western than eastern); this seems more like a novel that just happened to be drafted in graphic form. Unfortunately, westerners should be cautioned that manga often contains graphic depictions of rape, which is usually treated in a humorous light. This book should be docked for that, but I'll leave it be. The only other manga I've read is Crying Freeman, so I'm not very biased towards manga.
| 
