Cerberus is a shounen manga that has been around for some time. Written by Takumi Fukui, it first appeared in the manga world in 2010. This series continued until 2011, providing readers with an action-packed adventure throughout. Just shy of 4,800 members on MAL, the manga isn’t what anyone would term as ‘popular’. In this review of Cerberus, we will discuss the positives, the negatives, and everything in between.
Warning: Spoilers Ahead!
Story
Kei isn’t exactly the toughest kid around, often finding himself on the losing side of confrontations. However, one day, while he and his childhood friend Tomoe are delivering some textbooks to an old school building, a monstrous surprise attack alters everything. To protect Tomoe, Kei takes on the role of a Grave Protector.
The manga fits the mold of a typical fantasy shonen. It may not be groundbreaking, but it is certainly an enjoyable and fun read for fans of the genres. So, if you’re looking for something easy to get into and appreciate, this might just be the right pick.
- Hart, Christopher (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 144 Pages - 07/07/2015 (Publication Date) - Drawing with Christopher Hart (Publisher)
- Shinjuku Press (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 128 Pages - 05/02/2022 (Publication Date) - Independently published (Publisher)
- Yoai, Yoai (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 144 Pages - 08/24/2021 (Publication Date) - Rock Point (Publisher)
Unfortunately, the story doesn’t introduce anything new to the mix of elements and tropes familiar to most shounen anime and manga. Everything in this manga has been seen before. That being said, even recycling established concepts can work if executed properly.
Art
The artwork is rather mediocre but aligns with the typical shonen style. Kei’s “grave keeper” appearance is a nice touch, though.
Characters
The characters are what you would expect from a shounen manga. Most characters conform to their stereotypes and don’t stray from the norm.
Kei Tomitsuka
Kei is the overpowered protagonist with a heart of gold, determined to shield everyone around him. He encapsulates that classic shonen archetype, which is quite typical. He may not be the strongest, but he compensates with an unyielding resolve to protect his friends. Regardless of the obstacles he faces, he confronts challenges head-on, which is an admirable trait.
Yukifusa
Yukifusa, the mysterious hellhound in “Cerberus,” plays a crucial role in the narrative. It is Yukifusa who transforms Kei into a Grave Keeper, completely altering his life.
One of Yukifusa’s unique traits is its ability to take on a concealed form, often appearing as Kei’s school jacket, or more specifically, his gakuran. This mystical and adaptable creature’s influence on Kei and their bond adds an intriguing aspect to the plot and the character dynamics in the series.
But there’s more. The growth of the relationship between Yukifusa and Kei is interesting. Initially, Yukifusa views Kei merely as a means to an end, but this evolves into a genuine and deep friendship. There’s a backstory for Yukifusa as well, providing insight into his past and how meeting Kei transforms him from a discontented guardian.
Tomoe
Here she is, the oblivious childhood friend that Kei will defend at all costs. To her credit, Tomoe will also protect him when she can. Based on her blushing when confronted about her closeness to Kei, it is very likely she has feelings for him.
Overall Thoughts
As a devoted shounen manga enthusiast, you might enjoy Cerberus. That is, if you are a fan of action scenes and the classic shonen vibe.
However, I won’t embellish the truth to enhance this series’ appeal. The reality is, if you don’t particularly enjoy shounen, it’s best to skip it as there is nothing out of the ordinary in the narrative.
- Banno, Eri (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 384 Pages - 02/01/2020 (Publication Date) - Japan Times (Publisher)
- Used Book in Good Condition
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- English (Publication Language)
- 376 Pages - 08/22/2014 (Publication Date) - Learn From Zero (Publisher)
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- English (Publication Language)
- 463 Pages - 10/18/2024 (Publication Date) - Independently published (Publisher)