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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[2]
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.[3][4][a] There were initially 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.[2][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.[3][7]

The popularity of the Read or Die novels and manga resulted in the production of an OVA adaptation in 2001, which was directed by Koji Masunari and produced by SME Visual Works.[8][9] 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.[3][10][b][11][12][13][14]

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."[15][16][c][17]

Plot

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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[3] working underneath the British Museum;[4] its Special Operations Division (the British Secret Intelligence Service,[18] 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[3] (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.[3]

Only the first novel and first manga have similar stories, involving rescuing Nenene Sumiregawa from a vicious kidnapper.[3][19][20] 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 Ziggy 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. Likewise, the matriarch of Dokusensha who is arguably as ancient and powerful as the Library's Mr. Gentleman, a kung fu artist called "Grandma" is introduced at the end of Novel 6. 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. None of these characters, despite their vital presence in the novels, are ever referred to in the manga or the anime.[3]

Characters

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

British Library

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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

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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

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Light novels

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No. Release date ISBN
1 July 14, 2000[21]4-08-630002-8
2 October 25, 2000[22]4-08-630014-1
3 March 23, 2001[23]4-08-630026-5
4 July 25, 2001[24]4-08-630040-0
5 December 21, 2001[25]4-08-630062-1
6 July 25, 2002[26]4-08-630087-7
7 December 19, 2002[27]4-08-630105-9
8 July 25, 2003[28]4-08-630136-9
9 February 25, 2004[29]4-08-630169-5
10 July 23, 2004[30]4-08-630192-X
11 February 24, 2006[31]4-08-630280-2
12 August 25, 2016[32]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.[33]

Volume list

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No. Title Original release date North American release date
1Mr. Woo's WoesOctober 19, 2000[34]
4-08-876082-4		March 21, 2006[35]
978-1-4215-0248-9
  • Episodes 1-8
  • Postscript
2Ancient Chinese SecretsJune 19, 2001[36]
4-08-876175-8		May 16, 2006[37]
978-1-4215-0257-1
  • Episodes 9-15
  • Episode 16: Bonus Chapter
  • Postscript
3Reading Can Be DeadlyJanuary 18, 2002[38]
4-08-876263-0		July 18, 2006[39]
978-1-4215-0508-4
  • Episodes 17-23
  • Author's Note
4Dear Deadly DiaryJuly 19, 2002[40]
4-08-876329-7		September 19, 2006[41]
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, 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.[3][42][d][43][e][44][f][g]

Anime

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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, 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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The manga was positively received. Caitlin Donnovan of The Mary Sue argued that the manga was "pretty gross" and said the characters were "way less empowered" than in R.O.D the TV, and criticized it for including kidnapping, near-rape scenes, sexual assault, and gore.[13]

Notes

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  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. ^ 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.'"
  4. ^ 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.
  5. ^ 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.
  6. ^ 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."
  7. ^ 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,[45] 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,[46][45] however, they act like utter strangers in the anime when they finally meet in Episode 9 and Episode 22 of the TV series.[47][48]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ Santos, Carlo (October 31, 2006). "Ode to Nodame - RIGHT TURN ONLY!!". Anime News Network. Archived from the original on August 7, 2018. Retrieved August 7, 2018.
  2. ^ a b "Read or Die's Final 2 Novel Volumes Scheduled After 10 Years". Anime News Network. June 24, 2016. Archived from the original on March 28, 2023. Retrieved March 28, 2023.
  3. ^ a b c d e f g h i Gutierrez, Jon (2005). "Paper Jam: The Ultimate Guide to the Read or Die Universe". Anime Insider (20). Wizard Entertainment: 54–57.
  4. ^ a b Hayashi 2013, p. 124.
  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. ^ Hayashi 2013, p. 108.
  9. ^ Aniplex 2010, p. 2.
  10. ^ Hayashi 2013, pp. 71–100.
  11. ^ Hayashi 2013, pp. 111–113.
  12. ^ Donohoo, Timothy (May 8, 2022). "R.O.D: The TV: The Perfect Anime for Both Writers and Bookworms". CBR. Archived from the original on May 15, 2022. Retrieved July 2, 2023.
  13. ^ 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.
  14. ^ Martin, Theron (January 11, 2011). "R.O.D The Complete Blu-Ray". Anime News Network. Archived from the original on November 16, 2018. Retrieved July 3, 2023.
  15. ^ "New Read or Die Manga's Darker Side Story Outlined". Anime News Network. 2023-05-25. Retrieved 2023-05-25.
  16. ^ "R．O．D　REHABILITAION ： 人気ラノベの最新作、マンガ連載スタート (R.O.D REHABILITAION: The latest work of the popular Read or Die novel/manga series arrives)". Mantan Web. February 23, 2012. Retrieved April 18, 2025 (in Japanese).
  17. ^ Kurata, Hideyuki. R.O.D Rehabilitation. 集英社 (Sheuisha), Super Dash & Go, 2012.
  18. ^ R.O.D Volume 5, Hideyuki Kurata, Shueisha Super Dash Bunko, ASIN B0006FFRIE
  19. ^ Kurata, Hideyuki (July 14, 2000). R.O.D Read or Die: Book 1 (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). pp. 10–226.
  20. ^ Kurata, Hideyuki (October 19, 2000). R.O.D Read or Die: Vol. 1 (Manga). Japan: スーパーダッシュ文庫 (Super Dash Bunko). pp. 5–87.
  21. ^ "R．O．D 1" (in Japanese). Shueisha. Archived from the original on September 2, 2021. Retrieved March 24, 2019.
  22. ^ "R．O．D 2" (in Japanese). Shueisha. Retrieved March 24, 2019.
  23. ^ "R．O．D 3" (in Japanese). Shueisha. Archived from the original on July 9, 2023. Retrieved March 24, 2019.
  24. ^ "R．O．D 4" (in Japanese). Shueisha. Archived from the original on July 9, 2023. Retrieved March 24, 2019.
  25. ^ "R．O．D 5" (in Japanese). Shueisha. Archived from the original on July 9, 2023. Retrieved March 24, 2019.
  26. ^ "R．O．D 6" (in Japanese). Shueisha. Archived from the original on July 9, 2023. Retrieved March 24, 2019.
  27. ^ "R．O．D 7" (in Japanese). Shueisha. Archived from the original on July 9, 2023. Retrieved March 24, 2019.
  28. ^ "R．O．D 8" (in Japanese). Shueisha. Retrieved March 24, 2019.
  29. ^ "R．O．D 9" (in Japanese). Shueisha. Retrieved March 24, 2019.
  30. ^ "R．O．D 10" (in Japanese). Shueisha. Archived from the original on July 9, 2023. Retrieved March 24, 2019.
  31. ^ "R．O．D 11" (in Japanese). Shueisha. Archived from the original on July 9, 2023. Retrieved March 24, 2019.
  32. ^ "R．O．D 12" (in Japanese). Shueisha. Archived from the original on July 9, 2023. Retrieved March 24, 2019.
  33. ^ "To Die For: Long-awaited 'Read or Die' leads new 2006 releases from VIZ". Anime Insider. 26. Wizard Entertainment: 74. 2005.
  34. ^ "R.O.D 1". Shueisha. Archived from the original on January 23, 2005. Retrieved March 24, 2019.
  35. ^ "R.O.D: Read Or Die, Vol. 1". Viz Media. Archived from the original on December 23, 2010. Retrieved 20 October 2009.
  36. ^ "R.O.D 2". Shueisha. Archived from the original on May 8, 2005. Retrieved March 24, 2019.
  37. ^ "R.O.D: Read Or Die, Vol. 2". Viz Media. Archived from the original on December 23, 2010. Retrieved 20 October 2009.
  38. ^ "R.O.D 3". Shueisha. Archived from the original on January 23, 2005. Retrieved March 24, 2019.
  39. ^ "R.O.D: Read Or Die, Vol. 3". Viz Media. Archived from the original on February 8, 2010. Retrieved 20 October 2009.
  40. ^ "R.O.D 4". Shueisha. Archived from the original on May 8, 2005. Retrieved March 24, 2019.
  41. ^ "R.O.D: Read Or Die, Vol. 4". Viz Media. Archived from the original on February 8, 2010. Retrieved 20 October 2009.
  42. ^ Hayashi 2013, p. 80.
  43. ^ Hayashi 2013, p. 93.
  44. ^ Hayashi 2013, p. 113.
  45. ^ 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.
  46. ^ 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
  47. ^ "Episode 9: Heart of Darkness." R.O.D the TV, directed by Koji Masunari, Stuido ORPHEE / Aniplex Inc., 2003.
  48. ^ "Episode 22: Seize." R.O.D the TV, directed by Koji Masunari, Stuido ORPHEE / Aniplex Inc., 2004.

Bibliography

[edit]
  • 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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