Takeru: Opera Susanoh Sword of the Devil #1    by Kazuki Nakashima & Karakaramuri Order:  USA  Can TOKYOPOP, 2009 (2009) Paperback      Reviewed by Ricki Marking-Camuto Takeru: Opera Susanoh Sword of the Devil is a unique action/adventure manga that is based on a play by the Skinkansen theatre troupe. This story works so well as a manga under Kazuki Nakashima's storytelling and Karakaramuri's artwork that it is hard to imagine it being taken from a stage play. Izumo-No-Takeru is looking for treasure. In particular, he is looking for a serpent embellished box that matches the one he has. Together, it is said, the two boxes will lead to the Sword of Susanoh. Along the way, he enlists the help of Kumaso-No-Takeru, a strong fighter, and Oguna-No-Takeru, a sullen wise man. They form an unlikely team, but their coming is foretold in a prophesy of the Jagara women whose kingdom they have come to in search of the sword. The Jagara are under attack by the Amamikado and the three Takerus offer their help, but first they must pass the Jagaras' test. This is a perfect adventure story. Three men with only a name in common set out on a quest for a mystical treasure – does that not sound like a engaging plotline right there? It becomes so much more under the team of Nakashim and Karakaramuri, who deftly bring the characters and story to life through their dialogue and art, respectively. Takeru: Opera Susanoah Sword of the Devil is a must read for any adventure manga fan. Note: Opinions expressed in reviews and articles on this site are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of BookLoons. Find more Teens books on our Shelves or in our book Reviews