Comics in Japan run from science-fiction to adult fiction, and are read by millions of Japanese. According to its editors, Area 88 was the first large scale attempt to bring Japanese comics (“manga”) to the U.S. in a traditional comic book form. In doing so, it helped open the U.S. comic marketplace to the amazing variety of Japanese comic storytelling.
The Area 88 of this series is a battleground in North Africa, right at the front lines of the war between Asran and its enemy. Asran employs a force of mercenaries to do their dirty work, running their air force much like a taxi company. The pilots provide their own planes, pay for their own ammunition and fuel, then receive payment for the kills they make. To survive at this game takes both skill and cunning, a combination which is best found in Shin Kazama, a blonde, Japanese mercenary, and the hero of the series.
