Muhyo & Roji's Bureau of Supernatural Investigation · review
Muhyo and Roji's BSI is probably one of my very favourite mangas ever, although I don't read very many. It has a lot of special traits to it that I love greatly, and so goes a run through. The story is pretty good-- spirit possession with our snarky protagonist Muhyo and his wimpy helper Roji that quickly turns into a long story arc that begins in volume 4 and ends at around 15. It keeps you wrapped in pretty nicely, and the battles are nicely made with actual substance and logic to them rather than just "because I felt like lasers" sort of feeling. Art- Theart is unique, as you can see, but the art gradually gets better as the manga goes along-- it's one of my favourite things about reading a manga, seeing the art get better. Later on, if you probably did not like Muhyo due to his bratty and childish looking appearance, you'll probably start liking him as the art style matures and as he matures himself.
Characters- Muhyo is the greatest snarky hero of all time. This is a biased opinion. He's not a jerk because he has to be spicy and contrast with Roji, but he's a jerk because he IS a jerk, which, what I mean that his jerk-ness has substance to it. It is revealed later on in around volume 6 and is a reoccurring theme of how Roji must be able to face his fear and create courage to stand up with the smartest kid of all time-- I'd go as far as to say a deconstruction of the Insufferable Genius trope, which makes me like him a lot. His actions with the other characters, especially Roji are notable, and every character has their own quirks, like Enchu and Rio, making them nigh unforgettable to me.
Enjoyment- I loved every bit of it. The battles were nicely portrayed, the story moved along at a wonderful pace, the art was unique yet fun. It's easily one of the nicest things I've read, and it's a shame that it has no anime, as it would be rendered nicely all action or not.
Overall- Muhyo is my favourite character with the manga's twist to the Insufferable Genius, with themes of friendship and jealousy, and is a really nice look between rivals and flat out green eyed monster character types. If you're looking for an actiony read about the wiles of human nature with justified shounen tropes, this is a great manga for you.