Junk Vol. #06

By Matthew Alexander     July 04, 2008
Release Date: April 01, 2008



Creative Talent
Writer/Artist:Kia Asamiya
Translated by:Kenji Komiya
Adapted by:Ailen Lujo

What They Say
Hiro goes back to school to begin a fresh start in his life... or he thought until his new JUNK counselor becomes his homeroom teacher. As the third JUNK's terror escalates, a cult Kofukukai reaches out to the fear-ridden citizens of Tokyo.

The Review
The Red Junk's killing spree seems to nearing the end. The Junk Company has finally collected enough data from the Red, White, and Black Junks. Now they can release the first mass production Junk suit, and mop up the mess. All the Junk suits must be returned to the company, or else. The Red Junk is the first to find out what the 'or else' results in. Refusing to turn over his suit, the Red Junk faces the first mass production Junk in a fight that can only have one outcome. The Red Junk's counselor, Natsuki, believes she is in far too much trouble for all his crimes. She decides returning to the Junk company is a bad idea, they are quick to bury their problems after all, so she tracks down the White Junk to ask for protection.

The White Junk, the pop-star Manami's look-alike and protector, wants nothing more to do with the Junk and ultimately Natsuki's problem. This is where the character development over this series really shines. The White Junk was so enamored with Manami that she had plastic surgery to look like her. Then the Junk suit arrived on her doorstep and she was able to become Manami's protector. All of these things were so the White Junk could escape her own life and problems. Somehow, during her time as the White Junk, she was able to overcome her problems and fears, and now she is prepared to return to her life. Returning the Junk suit to the company is an easy decision for her. Now, what about her face? Will she have corrective surgery to get her old mug back?

That did not work out as well as Natsuki would have liked. She eventually tracks down Hiro as her last defense against the Junk Company. Hiro has already decided to return the Junk suit. The incident with Ryoko's kidnapping really seems to have matured Hiro. Now he attends school everyday and even losing his sex partner, Aya, I mean Junk counselor, doesn't seem to faze him. Aya will have to return to the company if Hiro no longer possesses the Junk. I have very much enjoyed Hiro's growth over the last six volumes. He began as an arrogant brat, killed innocent people, lost his first love and his parents, but was still able to pull himself back from the brink. Hiro could have very easily wandered down the twisted path of the Red Junk, but instead he has successfully assimilated into society. Ultimately, this makes JUNK a great series and one that doesn't get the attention it deserves.

It doesn't end here though. That crazy religious cult behind the terrorist attacks in Tokyo is garnering strength. First, they seduce school kids with the power of money, before brainwashing them into believing everything the cult tells them. However, the cults true desire is to pull the children's parents into their fold. That way, the cult can force its members to vote as they see fit. Perhaps paving the way for the cult's leader to become the next Prime Minister? For now, that remains a mystery. The real problem comes from Hiro's classmates, who have imprisoned him in the cult's temple so they can add him to their ranks. Hiro finds himself with no friends and no Junk. How is he going to get himself out of this? Damn, one more volume to go. I hope the last volume lives up to my expectations.