By: JUSTIN ONEAL
Staff Writer
Cirque Du Freak, also known as The Saga of Darren Shan in Japan, is a Japanese manga series illuminated by Takahiro Arai (also known for Les Misérable) based on the novel series The Saga of Darren Shan. The series was published in Shogakukan’s Weekly Shonen Sunday from August 2006 to February 2009, consisting of twelve volumes. It follows the story of Darren Shan, a young boy who became a half-vampire by his new guardian, Larten Crepsley. Throughout their exploration, they share an uneasy relationship, confused about each other feelings and concerns, Darren starts off disliking Crepsley for taking his human’s life. Steve Leonard, Darren’s best friend feels betrayed and swore to kill him. In 2004, Cirque Du Freak’s first volume received the Wyoming Soaring Eagle book award.
It has four significant arcs in the series, Darren and Larten Crepsley must travel to Vampire Mountain to present Darren to the Vampire Princes. Next, Darren must pass fearsome Trials to prove himself to the vampire clan. The introduction of Vampaneze became the driving force in the second half of the series. Something noticeable throughout Cirque Du Freak is the drastic improvement of the character art. This Manga series tells the story of Darren Shan as a half-vampire. The actions and story progression is balanced evenly and gift the audience Cirque Du Freak, a manga series that words can’t describe how amazing it is.