4 out of 5

Reading this as a mature reader’s tale – the inclination given the eventual subject matter – sets an odd discrepant tonal overcast, given that we’re narrated to by 10-12 year olds.  But if you give over to this flow – this youthful exuberance – and then let it carry you through its reveals, the tale transforms (along with its plotty revelations) into a terrifically tense adventure.  This essentially boils down to an “escape the orphanage” setup, with the three eldest – and generally seen as the most intelligent – kids leading the way, pledging to save everyone from…

Well, that’s part of what’s revealed.  The slight sci-fi bent of things is apparent from the start, as these aren’t exactly orphans, and their not-exactly-orphanage involves everyone taking continual aptitude tests while jacked into computers.  But the quirkiness is accepted as part of the upbeat tone preferred by lead Emma; amongst the leads, this is balanced by the terse Ray and reserved Norman.  As we learn more about this particular world, the kids learn more about it too, prompting the aforementioned escape.  Posuka Demizu’s layouts are a bit too bombastic and anime-influenced sometimes (more cinematic than comic), but overall it fits with the high-energy narration, and while the children and home are pretty plain, there are some greatly detailed characters later on that show Posuka’s got the art chops, and the layouts seem to smooth out as things go along.  The most exciting aspect is surely the caper planning: these are smart kids, and with the blend of personalities, their effected plans are (in context) logical.

It’s an undeniably intriguing setup that keeps stacking on the thrills once it gets going, leading to a breathless wait for whatever’s to come in volume 2.