Dr. Stone Graphic Novel Volume 8 cover image

There was a blinding flash, and every human was petrified and turned into a statue.  Civilization gradually fell apart.  When high school student, Taiju Oki, reawakened, bursting from his stone shell, he was shocked to discover that it is 3700 years later!  And he was not alone, as his classmate, Senku Ishigami, had been up and running for over half a year.  Now, the duo and more reawakened humans must kick-start civilization, which will not be easy, as not everyone agrees on how civilization should be rebuilt.

As Dr. Stone, Vol. 8 (Chapters 62 to 70; entitled “Hotline”) opens, Senku and his fellow tribesmen must deliver their newly created and re-invented cellphone into the Tsukasa Kingdom.  This is the realm of Tsukasa Shishio, the former “strongest primate in high school,” who does not believe in Senku's new “Kingdom of Science.”  In fact, Tsukasa almost killed Senku.  In fact, the fact that Tsukasa believes he killed Senku will play a part in where the primitive cellphone will be placed!

Meanwhile, Senku and friends begin their work on a steam engine.  Why?  They need an automobile, of course.  Plus, see the return of Taiju and Yuzuriha.

THE LOWDOWN:  The Dr. Stone manga continues to be a spry, imaginative manga that is as action-oriented as it is educational.  And while it is an odd shonen manga, in a delightful way for readers, the story introduces the most interesting oddities.

Dr. Stone Graphic Novel Volume 8 will confirm for readers that they can always expect the unexpected from writer Riichiro Inagaki and artist Boichi.  This manga is always filled will crazy inventions and re-introductions of science and technology, and reading about it is fun via Caleb Cook's translation.  Stephen Dutro does yeoman's work lettering this dialogue-heavy narrative.  I never know where this series is going, but damn, I want to read Dr. Stone and find out.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS:  Readers looking for odd shonen manga will want to try the Shonen Jump title, Dr. Stone.

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8.5 out of 10