Black & White (鉄コン筋クリート) is a seinen action manga by Matsumoto Taiyo. The series was compiled into 3 tankoubon between 1993 and 1994.
Orphans Black and White are some of the most feared denizens of Treasure Town, a land of graft, desolation and lost souls. They prowl the back alleys and streets of the town, taking what they want, fearing nothing. When a dangerous yakuza returns to town after being released from jail things begin to change for the worst.
While the kids are some of the strongest and most reckless members of the underworld they try to keep away from the yakuza. When some of their friends begin to be harassed by them Black can't contain his sense of revenge. His progression towards animalistic rage mirrors the rapid decline of Treasure Town as a shady outside developer begins to morph the area into a more dangerous place. Black's ability to protect the mentally handicapped White from the growing threats begins to slip.
This was one of a handful of manga I really started to read in the mid 90's and has always had a special place in my heart. Over the years I have become a fan of Taiyo's other works and his style in general. This is one of his better pieces, particularly with the artwork. It could have been a much larger piece, spanning many story arc's but thankfully it isn't. It works best in this relatively compact framework. The major players are developed well in the space allotted and you really get an understanding for the role they play in it. This is a classic now in the world of English language manga and is well worth the time.
Black & White was originally released in North America in Viz's mature demographic manga magazine Pulp. The English language tankoubon's are readily available.
Orphans Black and White are some of the most feared denizens of Treasure Town, a land of graft, desolation and lost souls. They prowl the back alleys and streets of the town, taking what they want, fearing nothing. When a dangerous yakuza returns to town after being released from jail things begin to change for the worst.
While the kids are some of the strongest and most reckless members of the underworld they try to keep away from the yakuza. When some of their friends begin to be harassed by them Black can't contain his sense of revenge. His progression towards animalistic rage mirrors the rapid decline of Treasure Town as a shady outside developer begins to morph the area into a more dangerous place. Black's ability to protect the mentally handicapped White from the growing threats begins to slip.
This was one of a handful of manga I really started to read in the mid 90's and has always had a special place in my heart. Over the years I have become a fan of Taiyo's other works and his style in general. This is one of his better pieces, particularly with the artwork. It could have been a much larger piece, spanning many story arc's but thankfully it isn't. It works best in this relatively compact framework. The major players are developed well in the space allotted and you really get an understanding for the role they play in it. This is a classic now in the world of English language manga and is well worth the time.
Black & White was originally released in North America in Viz's mature demographic manga magazine Pulp. The English language tankoubon's are readily available.
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