Legal Drug, Vol. 1

Rating:
Summary: It does make you curious...
Review: First of all, Legal Drug has what strikes me as an unusual layout. The panels are large and spaced further apart than a normal manga. However, this also means the images are blownup, which isn't exactly a reason to be excited, as they are generally plain... there isn't any amazing detail to marvel over. But it's still nice. CLAMP displays its usual storytelling skills of suspense, action, and good-natured, slightly adult fun.

To get the best summary of the story, check out Tokyopop's website, but to sum it up the main character, Kazahaya, was found on the streets by a young man his age, Rukio. Rukio works at a pharmacy , where he lives and works with/for a beautiful pharmacist and his "friend". Kazahaya becomes Rukio's roommate and starts working at the pharmacy as well, but takes on strange additonal jobs for money. He seems to dislike Rukio, but they both have psychic powers that are needed for thier commissions.

The story was engrossing. Every page made me anticipate an answer for the pile-up of mysteries that overlapped as the story progressed. However, it skirts around... well, having a definitive point. Kazahaya goes out on his jobs, which all are problematic one way or another,but all of which imply that they are somehow connected to his past. However, this is never confirmed in the least and it becomes a little frustrating when the reader has to wonder if it's in the imagination. With such a surreal style and meandering focus, it seems very possible. But when a story is this aggravating in making the reader want to make absolute sure he has it right, it's obviously quite addictive!

The art looked as if it were compromise between a shoujo and shonen style- nice looking boys, but not too feminine, and straightforward clothing most of the time. Some leisure outfits were more unisex. The bodies portrayed male anatomy correctly- there was none of the slim willowy-ness that are typical in manga written by women. I didn't like how the pages sometimes looked a little empty- but I suppose other people would.

And as a warning- the manga ends on a cliffhanger, so if you buy, plan on completing the series for full satisfaction.

Rating:
Summary: Surprising
Review: I actually recieved Vol 1 of this manga as a gag gift for Christmas. I was amused by the 'pinup' type art that decorated the covers and ridiculous poses the characters occasionally struck. However, when I READ Legal Drug, I was pleasantly surprised. Out of all the manga and manwah I've read, the panel transitions and dialouge of Legal Drug are the most natural and effortless. Even simple, popular items like Fruits Basket have occasionally given me cause to read back in order to understand exactly what's happening in a scene, but Legal Drug was clear, consise, and beautifully drawn.

The first few pages set the tone: mystery interspersed with humor and suggestive undertones. The interaction between the two main characters, Kazahaya and Rikuo, is genuinely amusing. Rikuo is the stoic, mysterious one and a great foil for Kazahaya, who(despite his serious appearance on the covers)is very much a 'spaz'. Plus, there are fun little extras to enjoy like a color page, a humourous "What If" section, and transparent sheet. One of the most enjoyable gag gifts I've ever recieved.

Rating:
Summary: Not the most informed review, but better than nothing!
Review: I haven't had a chance to look at the English-language version, but I liked the look and what I could read of the Japanese one. More CLAMP strangeness with beautiful young not-quite-openly-gay, could-maybe-even-be-straight-if-you-squinted-right men and angsty pasts waiting to finish pouncing. I get the feeling that they'll be spending a lot of time hallucinating, and I'm not sure that all of it will be voluntary. If you're generally fond of CLAMP, then you'll prolly want to take at least a look at this... but then, if you're fond of CLAMP, you're prolly already thinking about it.

Rating:
Summary: Psychics and surrealism
Review: Legal Drug is excellent. I read a bit of ch. 1 via scanlations, but it gets SO good. The mysteries build in a way that keeps my interest piqued and keeps me turning pages to satisfy my need to know more... more about the characters, their powers, their situations, etc.

The story and characters have absolutely nothing to do with drugs... unless you count the fact that the two main characters work at a drugstore-- as in a Rite Aid/Revco/CVS type of convenience store/pharmacy.

The main characters have all been drawn together because they have psychic abilities. The psychic pharmacist employs his two stock boys to use their talents to find obscure stuff as side-jobs for bonus pay. These jobs are strange and surreal, but oddly compelling.

As far as shonen-ai or yaoi goes-- absolutely Nothing happens between the two main characters in vol. 1 but... let's just say the situation is ripe for it. ;] I'll definately be buying the rest of the series.