Black Bird 1-8

Title: Black Bird
Japanese Title: Burakku Baado
Author: Kanoko Sakurakoji
Volume(s) Reviewed: 1-8
Publisher: Shojo Beat, VIZ Media
Genre: Supernatural Romance
Rated: Mature (sensuality and sexuality, violence, some gore, adult situations) (The Publisher rating is Older Teen - this is laughable.)

Summary: Misao sees things that other people can't. Normally, the monsters would do harmless things. But suddenly, on her sixteenth birthday, the creatures she sees take it farther by trying to kill her. She's saved by a childhood friend from her past, Kyo Usui, who just so happens to be a demon as well. She finds out that she is the rare "Bride of Prophecy," also known as "The Senka," and must depend on Kyo for protection from those who wish to eat her flesh or drink her blood, which gives the consumer incredible power.

Art: B&W; Cute and beautiful characters, engaging action.
Story: An intriguing premise in the world of Japanese folklore, I was quite entranced by the surface of it. But where I thought the story could have shined in restraint, there was none. The story revolves around all sorts of breathtakingly handsome demons trying to make Misao their "bride" (aka sleep with her) or eat her (oh, if only someone would've eaten her and been done with it). And Kyo is no different, able but completely unwilling to restrain himself from claiming her as his own - and when she resists, has no compunctions in "showing her who's boss." Volumes 1-8 follow Misao's initial resistance, reluctance, but eventual surrender to Kyo's "powers of love," no matter what or how he may be. For the first time I wished for a woman to try to change her man for the better, but Misao takes him as-is and let's him have his way - with her and everything else. All sorts of forces (demons, demon hunters, family) try to split them up, but are unable (unfortunately). It is a true story of love conquering all, of seeing the ugliest bits of a person and still standing by them no matter what - even taking that ugliness onto oneself to remain with them. 
Characters: Misao is both strong and weak, which is not a good combo in a female lead but fits perfectly in this story. She is a mess that Kyo must always save, but has no problem standing up for how he treats her or her eventual love for him. Kyo is beautiful but a sadist - he loves Misao too much, and it brings out the literal demon in him. He is a good protector though, and fights for what he wants. The supporting cast of friends and enemies play their parts to bring them together or pull them apart, all existing solely to continue the story along on it's dark and blood-soaked path - and, thankfully, add a bit of much-needed humor.

Favorite Bit: I always love a good demon and human of prophecy story, which is why I read it this far.

Comments: While the premise is right up my alley, the sensuality (and eventual sexuality) overpowered the interesting bits of the story and became just too much for me. By the end of Volume 8, I'd had quite enough. Kyo is just too rough with her, and the fact that Misao puts up with it and then eventually likes it rather disgusts me. He could have been gentle, but instead liked to "teach her lessons" through pain. Needless to say, a few scenes made me a little ill. I know for a fact (for I have peeked) that a pregnancy is soon in the making - a pregnancy that, it is my guess, will surely kill her, or something equally horrid (Breaking Dawn-like, perhaps?) - and that has gone and put me off the rest of the series once and for all, thank goodness. 

Recommend?: If you like paranormal "bodice rippers" with overbearing, sadistic male leads, then by all means.