Manga Draft: DETROIT METAL CITY

I’m a March Madness addict. Seriously, I even took PTO days last Thursday/Friday just to watch the first round games for 12 hours straight. I love it, which probably explains while I’m formatting our new feature around a mock manga draft (it’s like Rivals.com!!). In our new feature, I will peruse and scout unlicensed manga and evaluate it’s translated potential with armchair deftness. When available, I will add small sample scans so everyone can get a good feel for the title I’m blathering on and on about.

It’s Manga Draft 2007! Get your clipboards and checklists ready!!

The first title that we’ll be taking a look at right off the bat is one of the favorites around the MangaCast, DETROIT METAL CITY. Ed called this one “bat shit insane”, which is putting it mildly. This one, in pure DMC fashion, defies categorization and demands to be read. Just hide the innocent women and children before cracking it open!

Krauzer commands you!!

If you are one who follows the manga trends and sales charts in Japan, there is one title that has surprised almost everyone with its explosion onto the scene and the legion of fans that have embraced it fully. That title is Detroit Metal City by Kiminori Wakasugi, serialized in Hakusensha’s Young Animal magazine. Ask Ed about his recent trip to ComiKet, and he will tell you about the large array of merchandise available: wristbands, trucker hats, band t-shirts, and much more. Hell, there’s even a faux-cover band who’s making DMC music!! After reading a couple chapters, it was immediately apparent why readers have fallen in love with this “death metal comedy”.

What? Did I lose you at “death metal”? Never fear, as I assure you that DMC’s appeal lies in a very relatable boy-behind-the-mask storyline mixed with over-the-top yet well crafter humor that will have even the most bitter, hardened otaku soul bursting with loud laughter.

Souichi’s dream Swedish Pop band

First there was The Phantom. Then came Batman. Now get ready for Krauzer, the crude and lewd vocalist/guitarist of the three-piece death metal band Detroit Metal City (or DMC). With long blonde locks, devilish make-up, and a KISS-inspired outfit, Krauzer terrorizes the stage with his crass lyrics and stage presence that riles the crowd up in a frenzy. Once the live show is over, Krauzer takes off the wig and makeup and returns to the world as Negishi Souichi, a 23-year old ronin with a music degree and a dream of starting a Swedish Pop band. As Souichi, he’s a mild-mannered, somewhat weak-willed young man who just wants a normal life. As Krauzer, he’s a foul-mouthed, solo-busting guitar master who controls a throng of fans at his will and command. He’s not to particularly proud of his alter ego, and keeps his identity as Krauzer hidden from everyone.

Krauzer, however, hates Swedish Pop

Much of Wakasugi’s well-crafted comedy comes from situations where Souichi and Krauzer are forced to confront each other; the clash of personalities resulting in disaster and hilarity, usually at Souichi’s expense as he squirms uncomfortably trying to keep his other identity a secret but inevitably gives over to the “dark side”. For instance, while Souichi is out on a date with a girl who despises DMC, they confront a group of DMC fans which leads to Souichi briefly assuming the Krauzer personality to protect himself. As Krauzer takes over, Souichi loses himself and accidentally spouts vulgar insults at his date. When Wakasugi reveals each train wreck that is where much of the humor shines. Sure, you may get a few chuckles at the outrageously profane lyrics (“Demon King/Demon King/I’ll rape every fucking woman you see!”) coming from the mouth of such a good-natured Souichi, but it’s the shocking disparity between the two personalities that makes this title work. When the streams cross, it’s definitely bad.

Jack Ille Dark: Emperor of Black Metal
…and cobras?!

Surrounding Souichi/Krauzer is a world of quirkiness and absurdity. Souichi’s bandmates also lead normal lives, but are definitely not playing with a full deck. Their band’s manager is a foul-mouthed, biker babe who judges their performance by how wet she gets from her heavy metal induced orgasms. The first volume also ends in a guitar-thrashing competition with America’s Emperor of Black Metal, Jack Ille Dark, throwing the story off the Cliff of Sanity and providing a worthy finale for a “death metal comedy” manga. So the comedy doesn’t just rinse and repeat the split-personality collisions, but also revels in absurd situations that rival Cromartie High School but a bit more cohesive and less esoteric.

Fear the metal buffalo.
Fear it!!

The Bottom Line
Upside - Brand of humor could find a large audience appealing to fans of South Park, Mike Judge, Aqua Teen Hunger Force, and definitely Cromartie; especially with the help of either a JP or US produced anime. Lots of merchandise potential.

Downside - Crassness may detract from well-crafted humor. Artwork is also quite crude at times. No other supporting media to drive sales so will need resources to support the title and get it out there into the hands of many.

Outlook - The stock on this title will continue to rise with each new release in Japan. With the humor easily transferable to US culture, I’d say someone probably already has this one in the bag and would expect DMC to flood our shores soon.

Projected Draft Position: LOTTERY PICK

NOTE: The following images were used from available translated scans. I won’t post the link to the scans, but will assume you are all resourceful enough to find them on your own. Just buy the book if it’s licensed!!

If you are interested in a scout report of a certain title, feel free to email me at samacast@gmail.com or post your suggestions here!