Everybody has to start somewhere, but Hiro Mashima, author of many prototypes such as Cocona, has always been able to outdo himself in his line of work.
As a Mangakas or manga writer (which is illustrating pictures and placing captions with the drawings for a graphic novel most likely from Japan) creating stories that relate enough to human life and go as far away from it is a challenge, but his latest series, “Fairy Tail” was able to take on such a feat.
Manga writers have incredible imaginations most of the time, allowing for rich stories that are not just fantasy. Having enough originality with the right blend of characters makes the story feel like it could actually happen. Every once in a long time, a certain story is written that will completely capture the senses; the next thing readers will know, they have wasted half the day sitting down and reading a book. That’s what “Fairy Tail” does.
“Fairy Tail” managed to win the 2009 Shounen Manga award by their own publishers Weekly Shounen Magazine.
Having an action adventure, fantasy-type story targeted toward young teens to young adults is not an easy task. But its 23 volumes and constant chapter updates online prove otherwise.
The story begins with a young celestial wizard Lucy Heartfilia exploring the worl d around her going from town to town in hopes to better her understanding of the magic arts. Until out of the blue she runs into one of the well known Guilds or clubs of wizards “Fairy Tail.” She first meets one of the main characters Natsu Dragneel, or “Salamander” who is a Fire-type Mage (wizard). After she learns who he is and what he does she decides to befriend him in order to get into the famous Guild, next thing Lucy knows is that she does gain entry into the guild.
When she begins to understand why she has been accepted into the famous guild, Lucy learns that all of the members must go out and perform dangerous missions to build up her reputation. These missions pay, but they require more than just quick thinking to survive.
Along with Natsu, Lucy meets other powerful mages along her adventures such as the Ice mage Gray Fullbuster, comedy relief Happy the Cat, and the Armor Mage Erza Scarlet. Each has different abilities, and they form a team that can make these deadly missions a walk in the park.
Having a book that has the elements of Power, Greed, and Authority never worked this well. “Fairy Tail” is a colorful mix of fresh ideas worth the $8.79 per volume price tag at a local Borders. The latest independent chapter, 214, was released online Dec. 4.