by Can Tran

Created on: July 04, 2009

Back in 2008, the fourth installment and the third sequel to the Persona series called "Persona 4" which is part of the Shin Megami Tensei series. Like its predecessor of Persona 3, Persona 4 was just as popular. Many of the elements and concepts of Persona 3 were retained in Persona 4. Persona 4 had original elements as well. Still, Persona 4 was quite the popular role-playing game.

Like Persona 3, there was a manga adaptation for Persona 4. So far, I had checked out Persona 4. I found it to be quite appealing. So far, the manga keeps true to the game's storyline. If you have played Persona 4, you probably will be able to quickly breeze through the story.

Storyline: A

The story of Persona 4 is loosely linked with Persona 3. So far, this is pretty much a plot-driven story. The main character gets sent to a backwater town because his parents are constantly working. It takes place two years after the events of Persona 3. In Persona 3, there is something called the "Dark Hour" which is the twenty-fifth hour. During that time, the high school turns into a labyrinth called Tartarus. Creatures known as Shadows appear and prey upon the living. Those that are not immune to the Dark Hour are confined to coffins for that hour.

In Persona 4, the Dark Hour is replaced by the "Midnight Channel." So far, it revolves around a group of high school students investigating the mysterious disappearances and deaths of notable figures around time. It turns out that the Midnight Channel is actually a constantly changing labyrinth similar to the Dark Hour in Persona 3.

It becomes very interesting in which the students enter the Midnight Channel through this large TV set at this shopping center called Junes.

Characters: A

Persona 4 sports a completely new cast of characters. The nameless main protagonist is called Souji Seta who moves in with his uncle and cousin while living in this backwater village. In a sense, Souji is placed at odds with his uncle at times due to the investigation.

So far, the characters in Persona 4 acquire their Personas through different means. The characters do fight against Shadows. Souji makes all sorts of friends as they fight against Shadows. They eventually find out the reason of the mysterious disappearances and deaths.

The manga keeps true to the video game counterparts but tends to go a bit more in-depth as a result.

Illustrations: A

From what I have seen, the illustrations are similar to the game. That is not a bad thing at all. I happened to enjoy the graphics and designs of Persona 4. If you liked the graphics of the game, you will like the graphics of the manga.

Overall: A

Overall, the manga does keep true to the events of the video game. Regardless, the manga has an interesting storyline. If you liked playing the game, you probably will like reading the manga. For those that like Persona 4, check out the manga.

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