[BOOK REVIEW] Rin-ne Volume 9 by Rumiko Takahashi

Title:  Rin-ne Volume 9


Author:  Rumiko Takahashi

Genre: Horror / Adventure / Comedy / School


Year Published: 2009


Year Read: 2016


Series: Rin-ne #9

Publisher: VIZ Media


Source:  Library


Content Rating:  Ages 7+ (Violence)


Buy on:  Amazon  //  Book Depository 

As I continue to read Rumiko Takahashi’s “Rin-Ne” series, there are more characters being added and therefore, the world of the Shinigami continues to expand much further!  Well, this volume is no exception as we get introduced the world of the black cats that assist the Shinigami on their missions!

In this volume, Rinne and his friends continue to go on more adventures in dealing with the spirit world including dealing with a ghost girl at a skating ring, a spirit who came from the Taisho era and Rinne’s deadbeat father being possessed by a spirit that is forcing him to work at a ramen shop.  But, probably the biggest storyline in this volume is Ageha coming face to face with her Black Cat by Contract, Oboro!

What was the deal between Ageha and Oboro?

Read this volume to find out!

Once again, I simply cannot get enough of Rumiko Takahashi’s writing and artwork in her works as they combine so effortlessly and make her manga so interesting to read!  I loved the fact that in this volume, we get to learn more about the Black Cats by Contract and their relationships with their owners.  Sure, this volume started off as another filler volume that is just full of Rinne’s adventures that is not connected to an overarching plot, but as soon as we get to the story arc about Ageha coming face to face with her Black Cat by Contract, Oboro, the story starts to get more developed as we finally see another black cat in this universe, besides Rokumon.  I also loved the way that Rumiko Takahashi’s writing remains consistent throughout the series as there is the perfect balance between the humor and drama in this series and it makes the series extremely interesting to read!  Rumiko Takahashi’s artwork is always a treat to look at as the characters have a unique style to them (especially with Rinne having red hair as opposed to the other characters) and I enjoy seeing the different kinds of spirits that pop up in this universe!

A bit of a fair warning for some manga readers:  this volume contains some intense moments where the ghosts forces some of the cast members to do activities that would hurt them or nearly kill them.  Although, luckily no one is really hurt and this is all done for laughs. Unless, you do not like seeing people hurt, even if it is for laughs, then you might want to go through this volume with caution.

Overall, “Rin-Ne Volume Nine” is another great volume that greatly expands the characters and the world they live in and I cannot wait to see if there is going to be a long overarching story line taking place soon!