Nichiren

Gr 8 Up—In 13th-century Japan, a time of great turmoil and corruption, a Buddhist monk attempts to guide his people toward the teachings of the Lotus Sutra, hoping to improve their lives. This stand-alone graphic novel reimagines the historical tale of the monk Nichiren. He remains notoriously steadfast in his teaching when faced with threats from all angles. With a clear narrative of good vs. evil, Murakami's action-filled writing will engage readers in a graphic tale about a rarely discussed subject matter. While the story may not branch beyond a snapshot of a monk's life, the plot provides an interesting take on one aspect of Buddhist history. Illustrator Tanaka's landscapes and expressive characters will delight those who enjoy classic art styles of manga like "Lupin the Third" and "Detective Conan." However, this title may not be popular beyond a niche manga aficionado audience.