Inspecteur Kurokôchi #9

Volume 9 of Inspecteur Kurokôchi makes an immediate impression with its cover: a broad-shouldered man in a dark fedora and red tie dominates the frame, his smirking expression radiating dangerous confidence against a blood-red background. Scénariste Takashi Nagasaki and dessinateur Kôji Kôno continue their noir-drenched crime series with this 2016 Komikku Éditions release, and that cover alone sets the tone — brooding, stylish, and a little menacing. If you've been following this atmospheric manga policier, volume 9 looks like essential reading.