Shadow Star Vol. 3: Shadows of the Past (Shadow Star) Paperback – October 4, 2002

Digging down even further into the story behind Shiina Tamai, her strange otherworldly companion Hoshimaru, and the psychic alien-controlling teens she confronts, the third book of Shadow Star is just as eerie and fascinating as the previous two volumes (not to mention the next nine). About halfway through the second book, when the first twisted evildoer meets his brief and bloody demise, readers know that it won't be the last madman/monster team that Shiina, her insecure friend Akira, and their young dragons will encounter.Putting those speculatious to rest once and for all, a new "shadow dragon", as they're called, is introduced. A gorgeous angel creature with sparkling eyes and the power to sprout hulking machine guns from its clawed wings appears, almost out of thin air. This femme fatale attacks some local jet pilots, including young Shiina's dad, who are soon labeled missing by the Japanese government. The beauty of this new critter perfectly balances its deadly weapons and thirst for blood.To make matters worse, Shiina's impossibly strict mother Misono manages to worm her way into the situation. Her mother is one of the most sickening parts of the series; not because of any graphic violence or disturbing sexual acts, but simply because of the things she says to her daughter. "You really make it clear, don't you?" she scolds, upon seeing Shiina's poor school report card. This scene shows us a new side of the fearless, energetic, adventurous heroine we have come to love--an insecure little whisper that tugs at her from deep inside. This is that moment you understand how plucky, carefree Shiina can be placed in the same category as the messed-up psychos who happen to have shadow dragons like she.Yet again author and artist Mohiro Kitoh combines honest, realistic dialogue with supernatural adventure and very thin, bony character designs to make a fantastic package that keeps you begging for more. It's so strange how a bunch of dysfunctional teenagers with fanged, clawed, tentacled beasts could be so entertaining, but somehow they are. Though most of this book is pretty tame, it certainly has enough aerial battles, exposition, tense conversations, and hints of upcoming plots to keep even the most demanding fan satisfied.