Copyright © Katsura Masakazu
English Adaptation by Dark Horse Comics

Followup to the previous review in EX 4.2:

As a followup to our original SHADOW LADY review, this is a look at the first Dark Horse SHADOW LADY graphic novel which collects the first seven issues. Dark Horse is continuing to release more issues as of this writing ("The Awakening") after finishing "Eyes of a Stranger".
It comes as no surprise to me to see Katsura Masakazu's manga titles become more popular in North America, even though he is better known for DNA^2, VIDEO GIRL AI and his current I''S series. His drawing style is easily identifiable (from dramatic stylized serious poses, to his cute heroines and ample minor fan service), while the romantic situations, mishaps, action and humor are distinctly his own.
SHADOW LADY is certainly a more humorous and simpler story than Katsura's standard works. Aimi, the main character, is a normally an amazingly shy girl. But by using a magical compact (from whence it came may be explained in later chapters), her personality and attire changes dramatically and she becomes Shadow Lady. Shadow Lady starts off as a thief who only does it for the thrills, and she always warns the police before heading out on an even greater challenge. However, when Bright, a cool detective/inventor, joins in the chase, Aimi discovers there's more to life than dodging police for fun. Bright himself has some learning to do too, as he sorts out his love for Shadow Lady (unknowing that Aimi is the same person).
Later on, other things complicate Aimi's life (as she figures out how to get past her shyness to Bright) such as silly police plots that come close to exposing Shadow Lady's identity, and even an unknown competitor in the thieving racquet.
Katsura Masakazu's art style remains consistent throughout these chapters, and fans of his work should easily see resemblance's to past characters. From full panel poses to action scenes, they look great and are easy to follow.
As a graphic novel SHADOW LADY definitely lives up to Dark Horse's quality standards that I have seen of late. The size is a couple of inches smaller than the comic form, but the book is of high quality and the print is very clean. Studio Proteus's translation is also excellent.
Overall, although not as serious or memorable as, for instance, VIDEO GIRL AI, I quite enjoyed this as a light entertaining read. Current (and future) fans of Katsura's works should definitely give SHADOW LADY a look.

English version published in N. America by Dark Horse Comics
Graphic Novel
200 pages, black/white
ISBN 1-56971-408-8
$17.95 US / $26.95 Can
Available now in North America
Where to buy