Blue Exorcist by Kazue Kato

Posted by : Deborah Takahashi Monday, July 7, 2014

Plot Summary:
Rin and Yukio are fraternal twin brothers with two very different personalities and abilities. For the youngest twin, Yukio, he is very intelligent, likeable, and successful. In fact, Yukio is the youngest exorcist to ever be enrolled at True Cross Academy and Father Fujimoto (his guardian) is very proud of him. For Rin, the eldest twin, he is the opposite of Yukio with a short temper, a tendency to get into fights, and lacks academic discipline. Although Father Fujimoto is more protective of Rin, Rin wants nothing more than to find his place in this world. As Yukio gets ready for school, Rin must find a job because it's about time that he learns some responsibility so he, too, can be a productive member of society. However, what should have been an easy process, turns complicated when Rin realizes that he can see demons and ends up losing his job over protecting a little girl being plagued by demons. Rin may not understand why he can see demons, but the truth about who he is comes with a great price. Unbeknownst to Rin, but he was chosen by Satan to be his liaison between the realm of the demons (Gehenna) and the realm of the humans (Assiah). When Satan possesses, and murders Father Fujimoto, Rin vows that he will avenge his "real" father and defeat Satan. After meeting Mephisto, Rin tells him that he will destroy Satan and tells him that he wants to be an exorcist. However, as a demon, his role as an exorcist will not only make him target from other exorcists, but every demon will come after him. Although Rin has no problem with the fighting and death part of being an exorcist, he has to face one of the greatest challenges of his life: succeed at True Cross Academy by doing homework, showing up to class on time, and learn the power of team work.

Critical Evaluation:
This is a fun manga filled with plenty of action and emotion. Rin is absolutely adorable because underneath the demon exterior, he is just like every vulnerable teen guy who just wants to fit in. Although Yukio and Rin are light years apart in certain aspects, there is a love that no one could ever understand and it warms the sould to see how the take care of each other. The question that may plague readers is if Yukio had to, would kill Rin? Honestly, I don't think he can regardless of what his duty is because, unlike any other demon, Rin has grown up with the capacity to love and protect those dearest to him. Rin may not be the most devout exorcist, but he knows that is anyone messes with his family, there will literally be hell to pay. The best part of this story is Rin's education. True Cross Academy is this microcosm where exorcists in training learn the various facets of exorcism. Not just anyone can enroll in this school because they have to have the strength, the heart, and the faith to do what they have to do. What we learn about this world is that there are two realms specifically meant for demons and humans. The reason why Rin exists is because Satan needed a body in the human realm in order to launch his hostile takeover. The problem with Satan's plan is that Rin, who truly believes himnself to be human, refuses to side with him, which leads to all sorts of complications for the human world. As Rin learns to control his power, he must also prove to his brother and classmates that he has what it takes to become an exorcist and that is not going to be an easy task.This series is going to be a lot of fun and I can't wait to read more.

Information about the Author:
According to the Blue Exorcist Wiki:

Kazue Katō (加藤和恵, Katō Kazue), born on July 20th, 1980 in the district of Shinjuku, in Tokyo, is a Japanese mangaka, author of shōnen manga. She is mainly known to be author of Blue Exorcist. She also created Robot to Usakichi ( ロボとうさ吉 ), for which she received a prize: Osamu Tezuka Award.

Genre:
Teen Fantasy Manga, Teen Action Manga

Reading Level/Interest:
Grades 9 & up

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