Thanks to barnesandnoble.com for the image.

Twins Clarissa and Mizeria Rezelput have literally lived under the tutelage of their guardian and teacher Rikhter Eintetta for all of their 16 years, as he nurtures their great powers.  They have lived in isolation in the Locked Garden, but now, they are about to meet the wider world of the Kingdom of Druaddle at their Coming of Age ceremony.

The ceremony, however, becomes a disaster when Rikhter spirits Clarissa away, and the Door of Chaos opens, allowing demons to pour forth into the kingdom.  Suddenly, Mizeria, the older and supposedly less skilled sister, must discover the mystery behind Rikhter’s actions and restore order to their world before more demons arrive.

In her manga, Doors of Chaos, Vol. 1, manga-ka Ryoko Mitsuki presents a world nearly burdened by a dense back story and a multitude of complex characters, none content with being a bit a player.  However, that doesn’t squeeze out a genuinely creepy horror fantasy that Mitzuki fills with deformed monstrosities bent on ripping, tearing, shredding, and generally destroying flesh.  Doors of Chaos peddles the fear of destruction and sudden painful death.  All actions and events have meaning and the threat of peril behind them.  It’s Clive Barker meets Goth-Loli, with a side of Underworld cool.  It’s fantasy not ashamed of being down and dirty horror.

B+