Manga
Future Diary Volume 7
By Chris Zimmerman
November 1, 2010 - 15:23

Tokyopop
Writer(s): Sakae Esuno
Penciller(s): Sakae Esuno
ISBN: 978-1-4278-1751-8
$10.99 US



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Yukiteru Amano’s habit of keeping a diary on his cell phone took on a new meaning when he was chosen to be one of twelve individuals to participate in a game of life and death with the winner inheriting the title of Deus Ex Machina, or the king of time and space. Wielding a cell phone that can delve into the future, Yuki is forced to compete for his life against other diary holders who also possess mysteriously powered objects. Fortunately, he is aided by the somewhat eccentric Yuno Gasai, yet another participant in the game whose sole wish is to see Yuki succeed, even if it means her death.

As the seventh volume kicks off, six of the twelve diary holders have been taken out of the equation with all of their identities being revealed save for the eleventh. Yukiteru and Yuno are pitted against a similar couple in Marco and Ai, whose diaries act as a portal into the other’s lives, allowing them to see into their spouse’s future, making them mirror versions of Yukiteru and Yuno in a sense.

Sakae Esuno has a wonderful gift for twisted narrative and expressive line-work that combines to form an adrenaline rush of a series. Despite the fact that nearly all the characters are twisted beyond belief, each one displays a redeeming quality that makes them feel human. Every volume of Future Diary has been page turner and volume 7 is no different. The final page in particular is a game changer and sets up the events for the next volume nicely.

While there’s no shortage of psychological thrillers out there, Future Diary stands atop the heap as one of the few must read series for its willingness to take chances and deliver an intoxicating story at the same time.
Rating: 9.5/10

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