Code: Breaker - Manga Review

When I first started reading Code: Breaker, I gave it a less than glowing review, frustrated by the repetitive plot and lack of interesting character interaction. I would like to retract that statement now. While the opening arcs remain frustrating, the latest arcs (along with the introduction of new characters) are well worth the read.

Rei is only the sixth of six code:breakers. The introduction of even more, including a rogue code:breaker, definitely makes things more interesting, especially since they have such engaging personalities. Each story arc is more intriguing that the last, all leading up to Rei's showdown with his sworn enemy, who has also collected a group of people with powers know as the re-codes (very clever, I'm sure). While the plot doesn't deviate too much from standard shounen fare (ex-members of the team, a mysterious sworn enemy with his own army, assassination plots), it manages to present the events in a fresh light with decidedly fun characters.

Toki is by far the most amusing of the group, and possibly the deepest, as his carefree manner hides a very serious and troubled past. Yuuki is the most fun (and my current favorite), as he seems to be the only one who doesn't really hide behind another personality. Plus, his obsession with the cartoon character Nyanmaru leads to more than one amusing occasion. Heike remains the weak link in the chain of code:breakers as he seemingly has no personality, motivation, or weakness. Plus, he's really, really creepy with his bondage fetish. Sakura manages to hold her own and becomes decidely less annoying, which is a good thing. The only thing I find weird is how the powers of the code:breakers seem to overlap quite a bit. For instance, the one wielding electricity uses its magnetic properties, making his power similar to the one who wields magnetism. Then the one wielding light uses it in a power socket to connect to a computer, since data is transferred as light. Doesn't that seem a little too close to electricity?

For all its faults, Code:Breaker has actually managed to come out as a series that I thoroughly enjoy. The plot is far from original, but the presentation and the interesting characters are enough to draw me in. Plus, the art remains exceptionally solid, and that's always a good thing.

---Ou-bento