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Read or Die

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"Papermaster" redirects here. For the former Senior Vice President of Devices Hardware Engineering at Apple Inc, see Mark Papermaster.
Read or Die
Cover of first light novel volume
リード・オア・ダイ
(Rīdo Oa Dai)
GenreAction, spy, thriller[1]
Manga
Written byHideyuki Kurata
Illustrated byShutaro Yamada
Published byShueisha
English publisher
MagazineUltra Jump
DemographicSeinen
Original runDecember 18, 1999 – May 18, 2002
Volumes4
Light novel
Written byHideyuki Kurata
Illustrated byTaraku Uon
Published byShueisha
ImprintSuper Dash Bunko
DemographicMale
Original runJuly 14, 2000 – present
Volumes12
Manga
R.O.D Rehabilitation
Written byHideyuki Kurata
Illustrated byChoko Fuji
Published byShueisha
MagazineSuper Dash & Go!
DemographicShōnen
Original runFebruary 25, 2012 – December 25, 2012
Volumes1
Related

R.O.D: Read or Die (Japanese: リード・オア・ダイ, Hepburn: Rīdo Oa Dai) is a Japanese light novel series written by Hideyuki Kurata, published under Shueisha's Super Dash Bunko imprint. Read or Die follows Yomiko Readman, codename "The Paper", an agent for the (fictional) Special Operations Division of the British Library.[2][3][a] There are twelve Read or Die novels, though in June 2016, it was announced via Twitter that a thirteenth (and final) volume was set to be released.[4][5] Kurata confessed in a 2021 interview with long-time collaborator Masashi Ishihama (who served as animation director of the OVA and TV series) that to date, he has not continued with the novel project and has no immediate plans to do so. "I turned down the offer to [write the manuscripts for the long-running] Dragon Ball Z [franchise] - once. Because, the sequel to R.O.D by the same publisher, Super Dash Bunko hasn't even been written yet. I feel so bad for the editors [because I promised them a thirteenth volume]."[6]

Along with the novels, Kurata scripted the official R.O.D manga illustrated by Shutaro Yamada, which was originally published in Ultra Jump magazine and later printed into four paperback volumes, as well as Read or Dream, a manga illustrated by Ran Ayanaga set in the same universe as Read or Die.[2][7]

The popularity of the Read or Die novels and manga[8] resulted in the production of an OVA adaptation in 2001, which was directed by Koji Masunari and produced by SME Visual Works.[9][10] In 2003, Aniplex produced R.O.D the TV, a 26-episode animated television series, which served as a sequel to the OVA and introduced Read or Dream's characters to those from Read or Die.[2][11][b][12][13][14][15][16][c][17][d]

A manga called R.O.D Rehabilitation illustrated by Choko Fuji was published in 2012 in Shueisha's Super Dash & Go magazine, and collected in one volume. The comic tells the story of a future city created by bibliomaniacs in exile, "Bibliopolis."[18][19][e][20]

Plot

[edit]

Read or Die takes place in an alternate history world where the British Empire has remained a major superpower. The Empire's continued existence is guaranteed by the British Library (大英図書館, Daiei-toshokan), an external intelligence agency[2] working underneath the British Museum;[3] its Special Operations Division (the British Secret Intelligence Service,[21] more widely known as MI6) is also often mentioned, despite Kurata's editors (erroneously) telling him it no longer existed.[citation needed]

The series follows Yomiko Readman, also known as "The Paper", a superhuman agent of the Library's Special Operations[2] (possessing a "double 0" certification that denotes a "license to kill", as in the James Bond series, although she rarely invokes it).[citation needed] In both the novels and manga, her adventures alternate between doing missions for the British Library and helping young novelist Nenene Sumiregawa.[2]

Only the first novel and first manga have similar stories, involving rescuing Nenene Sumiregawa from a vicious kidnapper.[2][22][23] Otherwise, the novels, manga, and animated versions of the stories have divergent plotlines. While characterizations are usually consistent even when storylines are not, some characters have different origins in different versions of the story, or do not appear at all. For instance, a prominent character named Jiggy Stardust (a "resident paper expert" of the British Library) was only ever introduced in the novels (Book 3) as well as Wendy's co-worker, Karen. Other key characters, such as Faust, a powerful Paper Master who was kept prisoner by the British Library as he held ulterior ties with the Library's sworn enemy, Dokusensha makes his debut in Novel 4.[2][24] Likewise, the matriarch of Dokusensha who is arguably as ancient and powerful as the Library's Mr. Gentleman, a kung fu artist called "Grandma" (a.k.a. China) is introduced at the end of Novel 6.[2][25] Furthermore, a team of Chinese Paper Masters (Hoi Mei, Hakuri Yuu, Rin Rii and Gai Kou) who have no relation to the Paper Sisters become hired hands for Grandma, then later, allies of Yomiko. Another important Paper Master, Wang Yan (also transliterated as Ou-En depending on the characters used) is cast as a main protagonist in the later books, notably in Volume 12.[26][27] None of these characters, despite their vital presence in the novels, are ever referred to in the manga or the anime.[2]

Novel Volume 1

[edit]

Yomiko Readman, a half-Japanese, half-English field agent for the British Library Special Operations Division, is employed as a substitute teacher at a Japanese high school. Unusually obsessed with books and able to channel telekinetic abilities as a paper manipulator (referred to "Paper Users" or "Paper Masters" in-universe depending on transliterations), she meets 17-year-old Nenene Sumiregawa, an established YA author who was a literary prodigy at just 13 years old.

Though Yomiko exhibits an aloof, often times spacey demeanor which stands as a stark contrast to Nenene's bold aggression and tantrums, the two young women spend the night together in Nenene's apartment, bonding through their love of books and humour. Yomiko especially opens up to the possibility of another relationship as she had lost her lover, Donny Nakajima under unusual, tragic circumstances.

However, an unhinged individual is on the prowl, Scissorhands, and soon, he targets Nenene and abducts her in plain sight. Yomiko embarks on a personal mission to rescue her, coming to terms with her deeper feelings for Nenene and her need for a meaningful friendship.[2][28]

Characters

[edit]
See also: List of R.O.D characters

British Library

[edit]

The British Library is an institution devoted to the promotion of literacy and the greater glory of the British Empire. More than a mere library, the British Library is a powerful political organization with branches all over the world. The organization is led by Gentleman (ジェントルメン, Jentorumen), an old man of extreme longevity and the power behind the throne of the British Empire.

The British Library Special Operations Division (大英図書館 特殊工作部, Daiei-toshokan Tokushu-kousakubu) is the secret enforcement branch of the British Library. Based in a giant underground complex concealed beneath the Great Court at the British Museum, the Special Operations Division employs a number of agents with special powers and runs operations all over the world to fight book-related crime and terrorism, and to acquire rare works for the Library. Their slogan is "Peace to the books of the world, an iron hammer to those who would abuse them, and glory and wisdom to the British Empire!"

  • Yomiko Readman (読子・リードマン, Yomiko Rīdoman) is a half-Japanese, half-English papermaster (紙使い, kamitsukai), an individual with the ability to control and influence paper. A substitute teacher in her spare time, she is the 19th British Library agent to earn the codename "The Paper" (ザ・ペーパー, Za Pēpā). Her name is a play on her nature as a bibliomaniac—the verb "to read" in Japanese is pronounced yomu.
  • Joker (ジョーカー, Jōkā) is the acting head of the Special Operations Division. A stereotypical Englishman, Joker's coolheadedness and silver tongue are his primary weapons. Though outwardly loyal and humble, Joker secretly wishes to be the actual head of the Division as it would allow him to gain control over the whole country.
  • Wendy Earhart (ウェンディ・イアハート, Wendi Iahāto) is a half-Indian, half-English girl. She joined the Special Operations Division at 19 years old, and soon became Joker's personal secretary. She is earnest and devoted, but clumsy and still an "in training" assistant.
  • Jiggy Stardust (ジギー・スターダスト, Jigī Sutādasuto) is the Special Operations Division's resident scientist, an aging man whose knowledge of paper is unrivaled. He developed the combat-use paper (戦闘用紙, sentōyōgami) Yomiko uses.
  • Nancy Makuhari (ナンシー・幕張, Nanshī Makuhari) is a 26-year-old agent; in the novels, Joker recruits her in China. Codenamed: "Miss Deep" (ミス・ディープ, Misu Dīpu), due to her special power of "Diving" which allows her to become intangible and pass through solid objects. However, "Diving" can be suppressed through the use of paper charms (御札, ofuda). Nancy does not appear in the manga, and has a different origin in the anime where she is one of two clones of Mata Hari.
  • Drake Anderson (ドレイク・アンダーソン, Doreiku Andāson) is a veteran of the American special forces turned mercenary, employed by the Special Operations Division as a field support operative for their agents. Drake is a hardened, no-nonsense soldier who, though lacking any kind of special powers, is incredibly strong and possesses considerable combat experience. Anderson has a young daughter named Maggie, whom he cares for deeply (Maggie Anderson is not to be confused with Maggie Mui from Read or Dream). He is also kind-hearted and will not harm children, even if it goes against the mission.

Dokusensha

[edit]

Dokusensha (読仙社) is the series' main antagonist, a secret organization based in Sichuan devoted to Chinese supremacy and led by China (チャイナ, Chaina). Known as Grandma (おばあさん, Obaa-san) to Dokusensha's high-ranked agents, China is a "little girl" who, like Gentleman, has lived for a long enough time to know the hidden history of humankind.

Supporting characters

[edit]
  • Nenene Sumiregawa (菫川 ねねね, Sumiregawa Nenene) is a world-famous Japanese author. Her debut novel Kimi ga Boku o Shitteru (君が僕を知ってる) was written when she was just 13-years-old. Nenene became acquainted with Yomiko when she worked briefly as a substitute teacher at the latter's school. The two would meet again and soon become good friends after Yomiko rescues Nenene from a crazed fan who tried to abduct her.
  • Donnie Nakajima (ドニー・ナカジマ, Donī Nakajima) is Yomiko's deceased mentor and lover. He was the agent who held the title of "The Paper" before Yomiko, he died at her hands under mysterious circumstances, yet Yomiko recalls that she killed him with her power. She now wears his glasses in his memory, and believes that reading through them enables him to continue reading as well.
  • Faust (ファウスト, Fausuto) is a prisoner of the British Library. Like Gentleman and China, he has lived for hundreds of years and, because of it, Gentleman trapped him to hide certain secrets.

Media

[edit]

Light novels

[edit]
No. Release date ISBN
1 July 14, 2000[29]4-08-630002-8
2 October 25, 2000[30]4-08-630014-1
3 March 23, 2001[31]4-08-630026-5
4 July 25, 2001[32]4-08-630040-0
5 December 21, 2001[33]4-08-630062-1
6 July 25, 2002[34]4-08-630087-7
7 December 19, 2002[35]4-08-630105-9
8 July 25, 2003[36]4-08-630136-9
9 February 25, 2004[37]4-08-630169-5
10 July 23, 2004[38]4-08-630192-X
11 February 24, 2006[39]4-08-630280-2
12 August 25, 2016[40]978-4-08-630765-9

Manga

[edit]

The Read or Die manga series was written by Hideyuki Kurata, illustrated by Shutaro Yamada, and published in Shueisha's Ultra Jump from December 18, 1999 (January 2000 issue) to May 18, 2002 (June 2002 issue). It was later collected into four bound volumes by Shueisha and later licensed for translation and release in North America by Viz Media.[41]

Volume list

[edit]
No. Title Original release date North American release date
1Mr. Woo's WoesOctober 19, 2000[42]
4-08-876082-4		March 21, 2006[43]
978-1-4215-0248-9
  • Episodes 1-8
  • Postscript
2Ancient Chinese SecretsJune 19, 2001[44]
4-08-876175-8		May 16, 2006[45]
978-1-4215-0257-1
  • Episodes 9-15
  • Episode 16: Bonus Chapter
  • Postscript
3Reading Can Be DeadlyJanuary 18, 2002[46]
4-08-876263-0		July 18, 2006[47]
978-1-4215-0508-4
  • Episodes 17-23
  • Author's Note
4Dear Deadly DiaryJuly 19, 2002[48]
4-08-876329-7		September 19, 2006[49]
978-1-4215-0509-1
  • Episodes 24-30
  • Postscript

OVA

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Main article: Read or Die (OVA)

Based on the characters of the Read or Die light novels and manga,[8] the OVA series was directed by Koji Masunari and animated by Studio Deen. It was released from 2001 to 2002 in Japan, and was distributed outside Japan in 2003 by Manga Entertainment. Although the story features established characters such as Yomiko Readman and Joker, it is not a continuation of the Read or Die storyline detailed in either the novels or the manga.[2][50][f][51][g][52][h][i]

Anime

[edit]
Main article: R.O.D the TV

R.O.D the TV is a 26-episode anime television sequel to the Read or Die OVA,[16] animated by J.C.Staff and produced by Aniplex, directed by Koji Masunari and scripted by Hideyuki Kurata, about the adventures of three paper-manipulating sisters, Michelle, Maggie and Anita, who become the bodyguards of Nenene Sumiregawa. Its official title of R.O.D -THE TV- is a catch-all acronym referring to the inclusion of characters from both the Read or Die novels, manga and OVA and the Read or Dream manga, which revolves solely around the Paper Sisters.

Reception

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Manga

[edit]

Though Caitlin Donnovan of The Mary Sue praised R.O.D the TV, was fair towards the OVA and named Read or Dream as "lighthearted fun", she argued that the Read or Die manga was "pretty gross" and believed the characters were "way less empowered" than in R.O.D the TV. She went on to criticize its portrayal of kidnapping, near-rape scenes, sexual assault, and gore.[14]

Light Novels

[edit]

Erica Friedman of Okazu gave an overwhelmingly positive review for Volume 1. While she noted that the book depicted scenes of stronger violence opposed to previous R.O.D works, antagonists emulated "extra creepy nuttiness thrown in for good measure" and Yomiko as a protagonist felt fully rounded. "Yomiko did definitely kill Donny," she explained, pointing out that Yomiko's past with her tragic lover had been open-ended in the manga and anime, "in order, she says, to become The Paper. As she so succinctly puts it, 'He chose me over books – I chose books over him.' She further praised Yomiko's complexeties, writing: "She is very disturbed, that is clear. Her bibliomania is an advanced Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, yes. But despite the first chapter, once she meets Nenene, she becomes instantly sweeter, more human and more sympathetic."[28]

In an advance reader copy review, Hosokawa of Subaru NOW hailed Volume 12 of the light novel franchise as "the climax of [all] climaxes." He thought the latest work was "adrenaline pumping," spotlighting Yomiko's natural development as a heroine, demonstrating that she was a strong female character with layers. Though he admitted he was satisfied with the conclusion, he noted: "It's not over yet," expressing that he was looking forward to the next installment.[57] Yohei Kuu, writing for Aoi Media held the opinion that "the cuteness of Sumiregawa-sensei and Wendy is the selling point of this work [...] so it's a shame that they don't appear much [in this installment]."[58] Syosetu wrote that "the depth of the story [in Volume 12] is firmly and lightly packed into this short novel. There weren't any high expectations since the recent anime that Kurata-san has been involved in has not been very interesting, but [this book] was truly wonderful."[59]

In a more critical essay compiled in Shinchō, columnist Asa Tanaka voiced her disapproval of illustrator Taraku Uon's artwork, which had obviously transformed from his early career from "soft caricatures" to "high contrast black and white images" that lacked any rough qualities, appearing too neat. "The drawings have changed so much that it's no longer nostalgic," she commented. However, she was pleased with the near closure of Faust's character arc, who was introduced as Yomiko's adversary in the early novels, a morally grey character who was a spy for Dokusensha and had tricked Yomiko, though eventually became her complicated-companion-turned-dubious-foe-again, and underscored Drake's growth as a central protagonist in one of the chapters. She felt confused that Nenene was not as big of a character as she hoped since she was only present in Chapter 1 (accompanied by Wendy and Shark, a male character from earlier books), and was disappointed that the story was left incomplete.[60]

Tsundoku Reader has called the novel "interesting" and "wild", outlining that the series' main antagonist, Gentleman ultimately met his downfall in "a rampage [where he] had his wisdom taken from him by Faust, and ended his life as a human." They further stated that the story was full of sacrifices, depicting ominous climaxes for key characters. In conclusion: "The writing style is quite sophisticated."[61]

Erica Friedman in her essay for Okazu summed up her impression by saying: "The bulk of the book is a series of extended battle scenes. China and Gentleman duke it out for dozens of pages, some of which include Yomiko saying '…!' or just '!' " She voiced her disappointment with how jarring and strange the story became, stating: "Hire a ghost writer [Kurata-san] if you have no ideas. If the series had wrapped up in Volume 10, as it should have done, even if it were a mash of incoherent whatever, it would have been acceptable. But waiting this long for incoherent whatever is just vexxing." She concluded with a scathing remark: "[This series] died an ignominious death."[27]

Notes

[edit]
  1. ^ R.O.D Official Archive, p. 124. "The King's Library, built on the ground floor of the British Museum's East Wing, was not fully open to the general public until 1857. The 'British Library' as we know it today was created in 1973 as a result of the British Library Act 1972." Therefore, the British Library of the R.O.D universe is located in a fictional underground base of the British Museum.
  2. ^ R.O.D Official Archive, p. 71. "The idea crafted within the novel spread to an anime and comics, with various media loosely interacting with one another to expand on the 'R.O.D' world. [...] A few of the story's key elements [in the novels], such as Mr. Gentleman's desire to achieve immortality, were preserved in the animes [sic] that followed."
  3. ^ Animage, March 2004. "As the story progresses, the reality of the sisters' origin is revealed by Joker. It becomes clear that Anita's hidden past goes deeper. [...] The flames in Anita's memory are due to Yomiko. [...] This month, we will explain in detail the link with the OVA version. The three sisters who were living in Japan were suddenly surrounded by the British Library, who were involved in a worldwide siege."
  4. ^ Animage, March 2004. "Joker-san and his agents are secretly working to take over the UK, then Yomiko and Nancy appear. And their memories are stored in seven books. Who on earth is the Gentleman? To understand the second half of 'ROD -THE TV-', you need to watch the OVA. It has become necessary to look back at the previous version. Let's organize the complicated relationships between the characters [of the TV series] along with the story of the OVA version!"
  5. ^ Mantan Web, 2012. "[R.O.D Rehabilitation] is a completely new work written by Hideyuki Kurata with artwork by the young illustrator Fujichoko, who has attracted attention [on social media]. [...] Mr. Kurata says, 'Yomiko is a character [who was] created [to reflect] the positive side of love for books, but Yomi-meko [of the new manga] is the opposite of that, the dark side.'"
  6. ^ R.O.D Official Archive, 2013, p. 80. "Familiar faces gather at the ruins of an ancient tomb. [...] [Episode 9] marks [Drake's] first appearance in the television series." He meets Nenene, but offers no indication of knowing her.
  7. ^ R.O.D Official Archive, 2013, p. 93. "[In Episode 22] Nenene proceeds to become a willing hostage [for Wendy and the British Library]." Once more, Nenene and Wendy speak to each other like it's their first time.
  8. ^ R.O.D Official Archive, 2013, p. 113. Kurata: " 'R.O.D' was always intended to be a mixed media project, so each incarnation tells its own separate story, but you are able to gain a deeper understanding of the 'R.O.D' world as a whole by experiencing all of them together."
  9. ^ In the final chapter of the manga, Joker's hands are sliced clean off by a rival Paper Master, Ridley as an act of revenge for what he and Mr. Gentleman did to his friend, Donnie. While Joker is seen with prosthetics in the Epilogue as he meets with Mr. Gentleman at the British Library,[53] his handicap is neither mentioned nor seen in the anime version, the OVA or the TV series given that all R.O.D stories follow a separate canon. Not to mention, Nenene, Wendy and Drake are introduced to one another in both the novels (for example, on p. 70 in novel five, the accompanied illustration by Taraku Uon depicts Wendy and Nenene arguing in Nenene's apartment) and the last volume of the manga,[54][53] however, they act like utter strangers in the anime when they finally meet in Episode 9 and Episode 22 of the TV series.[55][56]

References

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  3. ^ a b Hayashi 2013, p. 124.
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  5. ^ Green, Scott (August 22, 2016). "New "Read Or Die" Anime Being Considered". Crunchyroll.
  6. ^ Ishihama 2023, p. 249.
  7. ^ Hayashi 2013, pp. 107–108.
  8. ^ a b "Stranger Than Fiction: How light novels have become a powerful new force in anime". Anime Insider (57). Wizard Entertainment: 12–13. 2008
  9. ^ Hayashi 2013, p. 108.
  10. ^ Aniplex 2010, p. 2.
  11. ^ Hayashi 2013, pp. 71–100.
  12. ^ Hayashi 2013, pp. 111–113.
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  14. ^ a b Donnovan, Caitlin (September 18, 2014). "Shining Seinen Part 1: Leading Ladies in Anime and Manga for Men". The Mary Sue. Archived from the original on January 28, 2023. Retrieved July 3, 2023.
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  50. ^ Hayashi 2013, p. 80.
  51. ^ Hayashi 2013, p. 93.
  52. ^ Hayashi 2013, p. 113.
  53. ^ a b Kurata, Hideyuki (2002). "Final Episode; Postscript". R.O.D Read or Die, Vol. 4. スーパーダッシュ文庫 (Super Dash Bunko). pp. 178-212.
  54. ^ Kurata, Hideyuki (2001). R.O.D Read or Die: Book 5 (Light Novel). Japan: 株式会社集英社 (Shueisha), スーパーダッシュ文庫 (Super Dash Bunko) (in Japanese). p. 70
  55. ^ "Episode 9: Heart of Darkness." R.O.D the TV, directed by Koji Masunari, Stuido ORPHEE / Aniplex Inc., 2003.
  56. ^ "Episode 22: Seize." R.O.D the TV, directed by Koji Masunari, Stuido ORPHEE / Aniplex Inc., 2004.
  57. ^ Hosokawa (June 2016). "R.O.D: A Series of Rapid Developments and Exciting Content". すばる Subaru NOW: 10. (in Japanese).
  58. ^ Kuu, Yohei (November 2016). "Will they stick to the original story or will the paper users just go wild? (R.O.D Novel 12 Review)". Aoi Media. Hosoda Ltd.: 101 (in Japanese).
  59. ^ "R.O.D... After 10 Years (Novel 12 Review)". Syosetu. December 8, 2016 (in Japanese).
  60. ^ Tanaka, Asa (April 2019). "Superhuman Light Novels and Books". 新潮 (Shinchō). Shinchosha: 25 (in Japanese)
  61. ^ "The Guttenberg Papers Arc Finally Comes to an End (R.O.D Novel 12 Review)". Tsundoku Reader. August 30, 2018. Retrieved April 23, 2025 (in Japanese).

Bibliography

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  • Kurata, Hideyuki (March 6, 2001) [January 18, 2002]. "Ultra Reading King YOMIOH: Special Stream-of-Consciousness Ramblings Upon the Release of Volume Three". R.O.D Read or Die: Vol. 3 (Manga). Japan: スーパーダッシュ文庫 (Super Dash Bunko). ISBN 1421505088.
  • Kurata, Hideyuki (December 21, 2001). R.O.D Read or Die: Book 5 (Light Novel). Japan: 株式会社集英社 (Shueisha), スーパーダッシュ文庫 (Super Dash Bunko) (in Japanese).
  • Kurata, Hideyuki (July 19, 2002). "Ultra Reading King YOMIOH: Hideyuki Kurata vs. Shutaro Yamada!". R.O.D Read or Die: Vol. 4 (Manga). Japan: スーパーダッシュ文庫 (Super Dash Bunko). ISBN 4088763297.
  • Aniplex (2010). R.O.D The Complete Blu-ray BOX (Booklet). Japan: Studio ORPHEE, Aniplex Inc., Aoyomiou (in Japanese).
  • Hayashi, Kirie M. (January 15, 2013). "Character Profiles; Story Guide; 'R.O.D' Main Staff Interview; Glossary". R.O.D Official Archive. Japan: Udon Entertainment Group. ISBN 978-1-926778-62-4.
  • Ishihama, Masashi (February 14, 2023) [2021]. "Interviews - Conversation: Masashi Ishihama x Hideyuki Kurata cross talk". Masashi Ishihama Animation Works. Japan: Impress Holding, Inc. (in Japanese).
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