Akira Kanou’s Outsiders did something I never would have expected in a million years: it made me actually interested in a vampire vs. werewolf war. This is a big surprise because I feel like the concept had been run into the ground with the Twilight craze, but Kanou finds two new ways to make it feel fresh. The first is that vampire Tamaki and werewolf Taiga feel less like centuries-old enemies and more like bickering brothers, as they might be the only two members of their race that don’t want to murder each other.
The second involves Outsiders‘ lead character, Ema. After her sister seemingly vanishes, Ema tracks her down…and witnesses a fight between Tamaki and Taiga. But when Tamaki tries to utilize his “mage’s eyes” to wipe Ema’s mind, she proves to be immune…and grows more determined to learn more about the supernatural world that lies underneath her feat. But unlike Twilight‘s Bella Swan, who was more or less a blank slate for fans to project on, Ema is a more well-rounded character. She’s easily excitable, determined to find out more about the two supernatural beings she stumbled upon, and even brings her own weapon in the form of a crossbow to vampire/werewolf fights.
Kanou actually started the concept sketches for Outsiders back in 2013 following the end of the Twilight film series, and he did intend to make Ema the anti-Bella Swan; a “strong and independent character, with convictions.” I can say that he succeeded: Ema’s quest to find out Tamaki and Taiga’s secret kept me hooked throughout Outsiders, and helped offset the fact that it was a fairly breezy read. Vol. 1 clocks in at a mere five chapters, yet somehow manages to build out an entire world, which is nothing short of impressive if you ask me.
Titan
Outsiders is also a gorgeous looking book, as Kanou blends aesthetics of shojo and shonen manga. The latter can be felt in Ema’s design; she resembles a shojo protagonist with her schoolgirl uniform and reddish-brown hair, yet her expressions run the gauntlet from shocked to angry to horrified. A key moment comes when Ema’s surrounded by three men who are far taller than her, the text at the bottom forms an arrow that points to her and says “she’s tiny.” The shonen part of the book centers around the fights, which are chock full of action. From the way Tamaki and Taiga move, you can tell they’re supernatural in origin. Taiga moves with power and fury, while Taiga carries himself with the grace of a dancer.
Since this is a horror series, Kanou inserts imagery that is disturbing yet eye catching at the same time. A great example surrounds Taiga, who’s normally a tall, tanned muscular man when he’s in human form. When he turns into a werewolf, the transformation is unsetting: his profile grows more wolf-like, his fingers elongate into claws, and his eyes glow with an eerie golden light (or close to golden as black and white artwork can get.) Tamaki, on the other hand, remains human until he reveals his fangs – and then things take a disturbing turn. I’m happy that Kanou remembers that these are monsters, as it adds a real sense of danger to the story.
Outsiders launches a truly unique take on a classic supernatural conflict, mixing beautiful art with horror-based action. If you’re a fan of Something is Killing the Children or the Underworld movies, this needs to be on your reading list.
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