Saturday, 18 January 2020

Book Review: Bungo Stray Dogs Light Novel 1 by Kafka Asagiri (Fantasy)

Title: Bungo Stray Dogs Light Novel 1
Author: Kafka Asagiri
Publisher:
Yen On

Publication Date: 2019 (2014)
Pages:
192
Format:
Paperback
Genre:
Fantasy
Source:
Bought Copy

 


Doppo Kunikida is an idealist and a strait-laced detective at the Armed Detective Agency, an organization that takes on dangerous jobs that even the police won't handle. Everything in his life is progressing as planned until one day he's ordered to watch over the new guy, Osamu Dazai, a suspicious fellow of unknown origin who is obsessed with the thought of suicide. While investigating an unusual case involving a so-called haunted building, they find several of the missing people from another investigation. However, before they can find out how these cases connect, they are attacked by the mafia's Ryunosuke Akutagawa, sworn enemy of the agency! This is the beginning of a hopelessly inseparable relationship between two detectives. A battle of Abilities erupts in the shadows of Yokohama! 


The first of the Bungo Stray Dogs light novels centres on a story told in the anime; however, it takes place in the past, prior to Atsushi's arrival. I enjoyed this chapter in the anime and I liked the story in novel format, too, particular in how it shows the development of Dazai and Kunikida's partnership. The story on the whole came across well and moved at a good place, and I also loved the handful of illustrations peppered throughout. The book is written in such a way that you could read and follow it without knowing anything about the manga or anime. However, fans will probably enjoy it more.

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