Tekkonkinkreet: Black & White All-in-One

Tekkonkinkreet: A concrete structure with an iron frame. Perhaps an appropriate name for a dark future comic set in a not-too-distant future of Japan gone somewhat wrong, where the streets are filled with violence. There are gangs, Yakuza and corporations all fighting to see who owns the city of Treasure Town. However, as each in turn makes their play to seize control, they have to face an unlikely pair. One is a very young child who has a childish innocence and an affinity for wrist-watches and animal-head-hats. The other is another boy, not too much older than the first, yet he's assumed the role of guardian of the other boy. He's also assumed ownership of Treasure Town. To him, it's his. No doubt in his mind, no room for hesitation. To him, everything is black and white...

...Which is interesting, considering those are the boys' names. White is the youngest, the childish boy with a kind soul. White is very open about his feelings, and seems to feel the world around him in a way that, at times, seems almost Jedi-like. Black, on the other hand, starts as White's protector, but through a series of circumstances not entirely under his control, becomes more and more at odds with the city of Treasure Town and those who seek to control it. This oppression leads to fear and this fear leads to hate and this hate leads to distrust... (or is it, hate leads to fear... hmmm...) At any rate, Tekkonkinkreet: Black & White tells the story of Black as he slowly turns to the dark side. White, it seems, has been protecting Black at least as much as Black has been protecting White, but while Black protects White from physical harm and, possibly, starvation, White protects Black's soul from spiritual starvation and keeps him human. Black's internal struggle leaves him changed; he wins out and overcomes his urge to sink into the darkness, but it is apparent that he is forever changed and the threat will always be lurking and waiting for its opportunity.

In Tekkonkinkreet: Black & White, Taiyo Matsumoto weaves an interesting can't-put-it-down sort of tale, with characters who are well developed and believable. It's this can't-put-it-down-edness that makes me truly appreciate this version - a book that contains all of the issues in one binding. Originally, Tekkonkinkreet was published as a series of 32 "skirmishes" and a final "epilogue." Although I don't know what the release schedule was like, I can't imagine reading a single section and having to wait to read the next one. Now, with an upcoming animated film in the works, Tekkonkinkreet: Black & White All-in-One gives you the ability to read the entire story in anticipation of the film.

Besides being a nice form in which to add Tekkonkinkreet to your library, All in One features a colorful book cover whose inside opens to reveal a color poster-ette of Black & White. The front of the book itself has different artwork than the book cover, but is equally as attractive. Also, inside of the front cover, Tekkonkinkreet features a full-color removable poster of Black & White.

Taiyo Matsumoto's Tekkonkinkreet: Black & White All-in-One is a heartwarming and spine-chilling story, presented in a unique graphical style. I would highly recommend this version to anyone interested in reading Tekkonkinkreet. I was very pleased.