Crying Freeman Volume 1 Paperback – 21 Mar. 2006

Original Rating: Originally, I gave Crying Freeman, Vol 01 3.5/5 stars.Reread Rating: I’m now giving this manga 4.5/5This book is about a spiritualist ceramist, Yo Hinomura, that was trained to be an assassin by the Chinese Mafia, the 108 Dragons. His talent as an assassin earned him the name “Crying Freeman” due to his tears whenever he kills someone. However, when Emu Hino, a young painter, is witness to one of his killings, they both begin to feel a connection between each other.At first, I wasn’t really sure what I thought about this book. It seemed to glorify Yo as a murder, and romanticise the fact that he murdered people, and I now assume this was due to me reading it before so late at night. However, after reading it a second time, I can see this was not actually the case. Although this is the reason that Emu is drawn to him at first – he’s dangerous – their connection deepens and becomes much more than “hunter and prey”. Although still slightly iffy with me, this is enough for me to let it drop and continue on with the manga.After reading this the second time, I managed to get a lot more from the manga, and was able to enjoy it much more. I was able to delve more into the mafia story line, the story behind Yo and how he became what he has become, the story of everyone hunting him down, and how Emu fits into everything. This was quite… soul wrenching. There was a lot I missed the first time reading it and I am really shocked at just how much I missed. This is a very raw manga, with a lot of real feelings in an almost fictional situation and it shocked me how true to life it is.The artwork is simple and wonderful. Different to the generic manga style (considering it was first published in 1989, I’m not surprised), which is wonderful to see. Ryoichi Ikegami has done absolute wonders with this art work and it’s a wonderful thing to see just how a simple art work can do so much for a story.The story line itself is dark, gritty, romantic and gripping. Kazuo Koike has done absolute wonders with this dark story line and I really, really want to read more of his works. Once I’ve finished Crying Freeman, I will definitely be going on to read his other works, more notably, Samurai Executioner, Vol. 1: When the Demon Knife Weeps .This is a really well done manga, with a lot in place, and I would definitely recommend this to manga lovers. It’s wonderful, and I regret not giving it a second chance sooner.

Once you get used to reading this comic book right to left (which doesn't take long), you soon get into the story.Having seen both the movie and the manga series, it was quite interesting to follow events at a more leisurely pace. I picked up a number of things I'd previously missed.The graphics are good and the story interesting. I look forward to reading the next instalment.

Great to see this after so many years. The anime was a great adaptation as was the live action movie with Mark DaCasos.A great starting point for a very interesting manga series.

This is by the master of manga, Kazuo Koike. one of the finest examples of adult manga there is, packed with sex, violence and the unexpected!

This is by the master of manga, Kazuo Koike. one of the finest examples of adult manga there is, packed with sex, violence and the unexpected!In the first volume we meet the Japanese artist Yo, who is abducted by the Chinese mafia and turned into a super efficient killing machine by brainwashing. As happens sometimes of course. He is now the Crying Freeman who weeps as he kills, since he has no mental control over his actions. But what can he do when he falls for a beautiful woman he is meant to kill? With his body covered in amazing tattoos and his guilty anguish, Yo is a compelling lead in this ace crime drama.By the author of lone wolf and cub and samurai executioner.Make sure you watch the anime too! A must for serious fans of manga, read it now.

If you are looking for one of the most acclaimed manga of all times, look no further! But be ware that this manga is not for the faint of heart or ppl with weak stomachs...This is a violent, erotic, dark story but you WILL love it... You will not be able to put it down!Everyone should at least see the artwork which is amazing and the story just blows your mind!READ IT!!