TOKYOPOP has been on the forefront of manga for a number of years and it only made sense that the company would revolutionize the industry publishing a manga-style series devoted to the hip-hop scene.
@Large is an Internet gaming lounge/recording studio, located in Los Angeles. Here geeks, rappers, techno-ninjas, thugs, wannabe’s and undercover cops hang out. The manga, of the same name, focuses on a group of kids who frequent the lounge, seeking fame in their own unique ways. That is until their paths cross, uncovering a dark secret behind the recording studio leaving them in a struggle for community and their lives.
@Large started off as a strong drama, but an awkward attempt at humor did nothing to progress the plot. I felt the plot was too contrived. It just did not feel real. Life on the streets apeared very comedic and the drama, unreal. Still, @Large was a fun read. The characters were the story’s saving grace. Their individual personalities showed the potential @Large has as a series, but failed to yield.
The true testament to this trade paperback's worth was the art. Author and Illustrator Ahmed Hoke flawlessly integrated graffiti and manga styles to produce a new benchmark in comic book art that surely will be imitated.
@Large has the potential to be off the hook, with a little fine tuning. At the moment, however, it is definitely at least worth of a read, but do so with an open mind. There is no question that whatever opinion you have at the end of reading this manga, @Large is an originator of American hip-hop manga of which all others will be compared.
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