The story opens up as a group of junior high kids are "observing nature" on the beach during their summer program.  Coming across a cave that they find irresistible, they discover an incredible computer set-up and they meet a mysterious man who hesitantly talks to them about his game…

Since the surprises to come are part of the exhilarating fun of this story, I have to be guarded with story details.  This group of kids is a large cast of 14 and have a variety of personalities.  The task they have unwittingly committed themselves to is to control a giant robot and protect the planet from unearthly threats.  Kids being kids, they decide to keep this secret amongst themselves. 

To control the robot is a mystical mental process that slowly unfolds throughout the pages – sometimes astounding, sometimes confusing, but enjoyable to discover. Touching briefly on the previous life of one of the kids when it is their turn to be in control gives us insights into what prompts their particular approaches to battles. They  often justify their actions with the phase "Serve the Greater good ".

These battles do not go unnoticed by the world.  The communities are scrambling to figure out what is going on and the police are investigating.

Overall

I didn't know what to expect when I started this manga.  This story has lots of depth and layers: intense, action packed, underlying drama and secrets. The kids make up a large and interesting cast. Nothing is spelled out for them and no one really knows what they are supposed to do or what is truly going on.  We discover alongside of them. It left me almost desperate to find out what comes next.

The artwork tends toward realism and I thought it was well done.  The contrast, clarity and consistency are all top notch. The battle scenes were very exciting.  This is a fine example of why a picture is worth a thousand words.

Bokurano Ours Volume One is a captivating addition to most people's reading list.  Rated for the older teen, the underlying provoking study of how the human mind acts could be confusing or disturbing to a younger reader.  That said,  I found this to be an exciting read, full of unexpected and incredible twists and surprising results, not to mention a stunning exit.  Whoa!  What a ride.

ComicsOnline gives Bokurano Ours Volume One 5 out of 5 personalized chairs.