Tokyo Ghost, which can be purchased here. has both disappointed and exceeded what was expected of the comic. The comic’s main disappointments have come from the even issues as they establish the important backstory in a simple boring way. These are typically followed by the odd numbered issues providing enough action that utilizes little to no information previously explained but keeps us hooked as we crave more. Issue five of Tokyo Ghost is a great ending to part one of this comic series as it provides enough action to keep the reader engaged as they turn each and every page, until they are staring at the back cover wanting more. The readers will be forced to wait till issue 6 part two of this story comes out.
The Good:
The issue utilizes Kazumi’s death to create a difficult choice for Debbie. As Kazumi is dying she appoints Debbie to be the new leader and protector of Tokyo. As the new leader Kazumi’s powers are passed to her. Kazumi explains to Debbie how the powers were created with a serum that was to be used much like an EMP to destroy power grids and kill livestock of other countries. Kazumi has taken that power and used it to rid Tokyo of technology, one of the reasons for this dystopia. Kazumi told Debbie how important this land is for humanity to be technology free. While Debbie is being informed of this Led Dent has begun to defend himself and attack the residents of Tokyo with help from his technology, as Kazumi is dead there is no restriction on technology. Led Dent starts to cause massive havoc as his former employer has semi control over him as he is setting a bomb. This bomb will wipe out anything organic that will kill the people in Tokyo but leave the resources. This situation forces Debbie to make a choice as she has the power to become the new protector of Tokyo and neutralize Led. Yet if she does that she will be distancing her self from Led and most likely will not be able to be with him. Thus Debbie has a choice of weighing love over the importance of maintaining resources for a group of people creating an interesting situation for her.
The Bad:
The choice that Debbie makes has a feeling of inconsistency to the plot. The comic does not set up the situation well as for the four previous issues Debbie and Led Dent’s goal has been to escape the technology driven world so they can live their lives with each other. So for Debbie to be immersing herself in technology is an inconsistency with the comic. Furthermore, the issue never explains the reasons why Debbie changes her mind 180 degrees from being anti-technology to becoming immersed in it. The issue feels rushed as Murphy and Remender are attempting to pack too many things into an issue that makes the comic confusing and takes away from ending the arc on a high note.
The Verdict:
It’s no secret that Tokyo Ghost is not perfect as a series. Issue five falls into this category, as it is a rough comic to read. The comic did an excellent job of creating a unique situation between the two main characters that will have significant effects on them moving forward in the series. Yet the comic does not provide any explanation for the decisions that were made as they conflict with previous issues. Due to these conflicts an interesting dynamic is created and the reader wonders what happens next to Tokyo, Led Dent and Debbie. The verdict of this comic is that it does not pull any punches but is a rough comic to read. It could have been expressed in a cleaner and sharper way, especially when ending an arc in a comic.
