Bouken Shounen

Sometimes the past haunts us. Sometimes we recall memories that still linger within and it is difficult for us to move onward when a part of ourselves still remains behind. In the manga "Adventure Boys" the past comes back to haunt everyday people in strange ways. Story: The story is different every chapter. Each segment deals with a different character and each character deals with a different memory from their childhood that still haunts them well into adulthood. The stories are unique and pleasant in their own ways and mange to subtle convey a message. Whether it is the message of forgiveness, or theallure of second chances. The stories were brilliant in their own right and managed to convey the sense of nostalgia and childhood wonderment while still being able to look at these themes from an adult's perspective. Art: The art for this title was cartoonish at best which became a little annoying at times. The art worked well with the theme of the piece (childhood and the way it affects our lives as adults) but this style managed to place a "friendly face" on the theme, almost like seeing a close friend after a long time a part. The art is nice, but it takes some getting used to and even after that it still can be a distraction. Character: The strongest aspect of the story. Each of the characters change within their own story. Each of characters are so different in so many aspects, there's a phantom their, and a business man who can't move on, and a group of friends united by a secret tragedy. Still, the theme for each story remains the same, letting go of what has already come to pass. What is amazing is how each of these characters take different roads to reach the same conclusions. Enjoyment: Loved the stories and characters, the art left a little to be desired but it is easily overlooked. Childhood is a strange thing. Within the world of childhood we learn that what ever we wish is possible, but as we grow older we forget this. Adventure Boys flirts with the ideals of childhood while still encouraging its readers to move forward, it reminds us all of the days in the summer heat or the times we went to the swimming pool with friends. It forces us to remember, relieve, and to finally move on.