"Ga-Rei" or "Enhanced Spiritual Beast Ga-Rei" is ongoing Japanese manga series that originally ran back in 2005. The manga series is still ongoing as there are nine volumes at least. So far, Ga-Rei is an interesting story that is split into several different arcs which combines comedy, horror, action, and the supernatural. However, it also looks as if there are bits and hints of science fiction implemented as well.

Back in 2008, a twelve-episode series called "Ga-Rei: Zero" was released which serves as a precursor to the manga. It revolves around the "Yomi arc" of Ga-Rei. I had gotten into the manga by watching Ga-Rei: Zero. I have to say that I was pretty satisfied. From what I have seen, the manga is far comedic than the anime series. Overall, I was pretty satisfied with Ga-Rei.

Storyline: A

The storyline is pretty much plot-driven as it takes place in modern-day Tokyo in which rogue spirits are running around. They are graded in classes with the "A-Grade" being by far the most dangerous for the most part.

In the manga, the main characters are Kensuke Nimura and Kagura Tsuchimiya. The two of them are agents for a government agency with a special department tasked with combating these rogue spirits. Also, there is a good mix of political drama involved between the environmental ministry and the defense ministry due to a turf war at the time.

In the manga, it starts out with Kensuke being a normal high-school; except, Kensuke can see spirits. After an interesting turn of events, Kensuke works with Kagura for the Japanese government in dealing with these spirits. Overall, it brings forth an interesting story that has plenty of substance.

Characters: S

Ga-Rei has an interesting cast of characters. The main characters are Kensuke Nimura and Kagura Tsuchimiya. Kagura was introduced in Ga-Rei: Zero as a trainee. Kensuke is a young boy with kenjutsu training that can see spirits.

After running from spirits, he runs into Kagura. In Ga-Rei: Zero, Kagura had shorter hair and she was a trainee learning the ropes. Ironically, Kensuke received his first kiss from Kagura by accident. In Kagura's case, she is somewhat of a veteran and can summon a beast called a Ga-Rei.

The characters are introduced in different arcs. In the first arc, Yomi Isayama is the main antagonist. Yomi's past is revealed in Ga-Rei: Zero. In the manga, Yomi has come back as a malevolent evil spirit with her crosshairs set on Kensuke.

Characters from the anime also make their appearances as well such as Noriyuki Izuna.

Illustrations: A

The illustrations of the manga are a bit different from the designs of the anime. However, there are similarities for the most part. Kagura looks about the same but is a little older with longer hair.

There is graphic violence and bloodshed in the manga as well. However, there are depictions of comedic situations accurately portrayed in the manga between Kagura and Kensuke. Overall, the illustrations and graphics were well done for the most part.

Overall:

Ga-Rei is quite the decent manga that I had ever come across. If you are into storylines that have the supernatural, you may like reading Ga-Rei. This is perhaps one of the best mangas that I had ever come across.

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