Demon Days Mariko #1 Review

When I first read Peach Momoko's Demon Days X-Men #1, I did not know what I was in for. I was expecting a traditional X-Men story staring one of my favorite X-Men characters Psylocke. I was pleasantly surprised to find a original concept and fresh story only loosely inspired by Marvel characters, but taking place in an entirely different world. This was a Japanese fantasy taking place at the foot of the Kirisaki mountains. In a small village. With a loveable cast of characters. 

Demon Days part 2 takes place in the book Mariko #1 and continues the saga after a time jump from the first story. This tale follows the adventure of a young Mariko Yashida. She has dreams of the Oni. A type of Yokai from Japanese legend. Her guardians are her grandmother. A jushi descendant of Juju from the last tale. And a character resembling the Black Widow named Kuroki. 

Mariko's grandmother tells her a tale of how she came to find Mariko in the forest near a slain Oni woman. This Oni left Mariko with a tanto dagger and jawbone armor. When Mariko dons these items she can then communicate with her slain Oni mother. 

A twisted woman named Ogin seeks Mariko to drain and consume her blood. Ogin believes she needs Oni blood to survive. The widow was a spy who was sent by Ogin to alert her if Mariko's memory of being an Oni ever returns. But widow betrays her, feeling love and compassion for Mariko who has been her ward since she was a child. 

Ogin enlists other superpowered individuals to help capture widow and Mariko. But after finding her mother's possessions Mariko decides to set out on her own to find Ogin. Her mother's spirit guides her in this task. 

This book continues on the fundamentals brought forth in the first Demon Days book and Peach Momoko doesn't disappoint with her lush artwork and stunning visuals. This is a beautiful book with stunning, unique art and an original concept. I am glad to have found this series and look forward to the next volume. Demon Days Cursed Web #1. Check back here for the next review of this awesome series soon.