Set during the Taisho period of Japan (1912-26), Tactics is a comedic fantasy from Kazuko Higashiyama and Sakura Kinoshita.  There’s not a lot to be said for the story.  It’s mildly entertaining, but the art is beautiful and well-drawn.  Although many characters are androgynous, Tactics is not totally bishounen manga, and some of the material makes it a bit too old for kodomo manga (for children).

Why is it too old for children?  The lead character, Ichinomiya, is a deceitful, manipulative liar.  He does it all the time to the point where even the most casual or inattentive reader would notice.  Maybe, that’s not the right character for a young reader.  He may, however, be an age-appropriate anti-hero for ‘tweens as a sweet-natured go-getter.

Thanks to barnesandnoble.com for the images.