Did you ever wish to become a superhero? Having amazing strength and abilities no one else has? Protecting the innocent against the evil that lurks in the shadows? Being adored by thousands of people and having a kick ass costume to boot? Well that’s what Shuto Katsuragi wants in Sekihiko Inui’s, Ratman. 

 

Set in modern day Japan, the world is full of heroes thanks to a special organization, which has not only helped decline the rate of crime, but also creates a bit of profit on the side due to advertising these heros. All you got to do is get your hero’s license and just about anyone can be a superhero these days. Shuto Katsuragi has always been obsessed with heros so much so that he’s a bit of a superhero fanboy or “otaku.” As much as he enjoys learning about various heros, he dreams to one day become one himself; fighting crime and showing that justice always prevails! There’s just one small problem and I do mean small. Shuto is a pip squeak. At 4’11, Shuto is picked on for his size and his adoration doesn’t seem to be taken seriously by his other peers. How can someone so short ever become a hero? Hope seems lost until he is kidnapped by an evil organization called, “Jackel” and is given a chance to save a friend who has also been captured. Without thinking, Shuto transforms into Ratman and it seems his dream is finally realized. Or is it? Though Shuto has saved his friend, in the end, it was all a ploy to trick him into becoming a villain. Now he is being forced to work for the evil doers and is already being sent on his first assignment: to break into the Hero Association’s headquarters and steal all their data. Shuto has no choice but to go along with the group’s demands, and sets out on his first assignment. 

 

 

Sekihiko Inui is both the writer and artist for this manga, just like his other work, Murder Princess. From what I’ve seen based on those works, Inui seems to be able take a simple concept and then put his own flair to it; that makes it unique in a way. He takes the perception of how people see comic book super heroes and parodies it by adding some clever humor, some fun, crazy characters, and a couple of dark twists that makes you keep wanting more. The action is really entertaining too and easy to follow. Everything looks nice and crisp, which of course, will appeal to any shounen fan. The main character is a typical boy trying to find his purpose in the world as a hero; nothing unusual. Though since he is a fan boy, he does have that charm in a sense of reacting to things he never thought he would be able to do or see, which makes him feel relatable if you were put in his position. It’s also nice to see that the female characters aren’t just simple “damsels in distress.” They’re strong and clever individuals; this may make them much more appealing than the main character at first, but he is just starting to find himself. The characters that steal the show however is the, “Jackies,” which are skeleton-like sidekicks that spy on Ratman and aid him on his missions; think of the Power Ranger Putties only much goofier and far more entertaining to watch. Even after you finish the chapters, Inui gives us a quick insight of how Ratman came to be as a Jackie, giving you a nice last chuckle before closing the book. 

 

 

Overall, this is a great manga to pick up! The simplicity of the story and humor make it a great read. The only thing I noticed that was strange was the lack of translation jokes to certain Japanese pop culture references, but it really isn’t a huge deal that will turn off people from the overall story. Not to mention after reading this volume, it makes me yearn to learn more about the characters and the secrets the organizations hold. This is great for almost every reader and I urge you to buy a copy of this!

 

ComicsOnline rates Ratman, Volume 1, 4 crazy Jackies out of 5.

 

Order Ratman Volume 1 on Amazon.com!

 

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