Mecha-Ude: Mechanical Arms (Volume 1)
In this adaptation of an anime series, Hikaru faces a challenge even bigger than middle-school as he finds himself attached to a mechanical arm named Alma. With Alma having lost her memory, Hikaru must dodge the mysterious characters of Kita-Kagami city that are out to get them.
This manga is a perfect choice for young fans of action and science-fiction as it is a continuous robot roller-coaster from start to finish. There is also a nice blend of humour as Alma’s hyper-formal personality and curiosity about the human world threaten Hikaru’s attempts to remain undercover. A cast of chaotic secondary characters drop in throughout the book to cause more trouble, resulting in a multitude of explosive showdowns.
One downside of the heavy action in the book is that it is sometimes difficult to follow what’s happening in the story. The illustrations during action sequences are so filled with sound effects and close-ups of the mechs that a closer look is often necessary to figure out what is going on. This book might therefore appeal more to readers who prioritise action and fight scene over story.
Reluctant readers may find the emphasis on visuals appealing and easier to progress through. This story would also be a good option for middle-grade readers who are interested in dipping their toes into the manga genre for the first time as a handy guide to reading manga is provided. The full-colour illustrations may also be a more attractive starting point before diving into the many black and white manga options.
