There are a lot of exorcism manga out there. It’s definitely one of the major trends to come out of this decade. It’s an understandably attractive genre for mangaka because it mixes horror with action. This gives them the chance to draw creepy monsters and cool ritualistic magic attacks. Plus it's a perfect setup for dramatic scenarios. So how does Twin Star Exorcists fare in terms of exorcism manga? Not bad. Not bad at all.

The manga really gets into its stride in volume 3. Volume 1 does a great job of establishing characters and setting the tone. Volume 2 doles out more tantalizing details about the characters’ tragic backstories. Volume 3 drops the hammer and sets up the first major villain. It’s also where our characters finally start to gel and become the team you hoped they would. Well, assumed they would. I guess the whole manga could have just been them bickering, but they wouldn’t have got much done in the way of exorcism like that!

If you haven’t read the first volume, the set up is a manga classic—two characters that meet and can’t stand each other must get married! Of course they do! But this isn't just any betrothed couple that doesn't get along, they’re super powerful exorcists. And ones that can produce a legendary offspring that just might save the world. No pressure, though.

The manga bounces along from trope to trope until it finally begins to open up to what seems like the real meat of the story in volume 3. This is when I started to realized the mangaka was taking time to build up to a standoff that changes the tone of the story dramatically. I admire mangaka that don't rush the story, especially if it leads to something worthwhile. I don't want to give out too many details, but if you only read the first one and it didn’t blow you away, I’d stick around to at least volume three.

Aside from characters and story, the other outstanding feature of the manga is the art. It has been rock solid from volume one. Nice clean thick line work, dark and gritty textures, slick character designs and lots and lots of horrific monsters. I’m a monster guy. And demonic monsters are some of my favorites because of their dark and creepy designs. Yoshiaki Sukeno definitely has a knack for drawing disturbing demons.

He’s also great at drawing exorcist battles with lots of cool “magicky-looking” effects for lack of a better term. Fights are peppered with energy blasts that crackle with electricity, intricate mandalas from incantations and plenty of good old-fashioned punches to the face. The fights have a tremendous sense of impact and are bursting with power and energy. Some of the better battle art I’ve seen in my day.

In a market crowded with exorcism manga, Twin Star Exorcists manages to stand out due to its excellent art, interesting characters and intriguing story. If you missed it, I recommend it. If you only read the preview in Weekly Shonen Jump or first volume—keep going, it’s totally worth it!

You can read some drama and demon exorcising in volumes 1–3 available at viz.com! 

by Urian Brown