Line: Volume 1

by Yua Kotegawa and 

Chiko's life changes drastically when she finds a cell phone.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1413902499
• ISBN13: 9781413902495
• Release Date: October 2006
• Publisher: ADV Manga
• Length: 184 Pages
• Weight: 0.40 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.6" x 4.9" x 7.6"

Customer Reviews

"Line" - A strange yet compelling read.

Having previously read Yua Kotegawa's Anne*Freaks, I was intrigued enough by both her talent and the ads for this single-volume story to pick it up. The interplay between the two main characters as they race to stop people from comiting suicide, as well as the desperation of the people caught up in the game, make it a thrilling page-turner from beginning to end. Another worthy story from one of suspense manga's rising stars.

"I'm glad it was you that picked up the phone."

Chiko is a mouthy, underachieving high school girl who finds a mobile phone left on a train station bench. Before she has a chance to turn it in, it rings and she answers. The voice on the other end of the line tells her that at a certain time and place, someone will die, and that she must get there in time to prevent it. The caller knows Chiko's name and claims to see the future. Dragging along a classmate who takes the situation oddly in stride, Chiko arrives too late. But before long, there is another call, and then another, and Chiko finds herself trapped in someone's twisted game. LINE is an interesting exploration of human nature in the modern world but I found it a bit light considering its subject matter. It's never as dark as it pretends to be, nor does the drama ever reach the intensity I was hoping for. Its conclusions are somewhat vague and open-ended which is common in eastern storytelling, but I wished the two main characters had at least been more developed, as we learn very little about them. In the end, it seems to be about seeing one's life in a new perspective, and how people bond with each other under extreme or bizarre circumstances. The artwork in LINE is rather nice but more or less typical. It appears to be complete in one volume, which makes it a good purchase for those who want to buy manga but are intimidated by the length of some of the series out there. While I wished this book had a little more depth and atmosphere, it is thought-provoking and enjoyable.