Real Volume 7 is another fine offering from Viz signature, written by Takehiko Inoue, who also wrote Slam Dunk.   It is a serious and active story with character development as the key. The story revolves around a team called the Tigers and includes a cast of characters carried through the series and an introduction of a new character, Ryo. 

With the introduction of the new character, a reader can join in the series at this point and ride along with him as he experiences the team and its members (you do not have to start at the first volume ). We discover, as he does, about the team members – in his words, "He isn't disabled. This guy . He's a genuine athlete."   This book focuses on the characters Nomiya Tomomi  and Togawa Kiyoharu ( who Tomomi calls Vince ).   Hotheaded Tomomi is a high school dropout, trying to find his place in the world.  Although he is not disabled, he is a huge supporter of the team, and he needs the team as much as any of the members.  For him, it is a connection to hope, inspiration and stability.

Highlights

The intense practice work-outs quickly plunge us into their world and show us the strength and character of the group as we watch on the sidelines with Ryo.  Although Tomomi is actually on the sidelines with him, it feels like he is in the action. His intense and personal involvement parallels his own life. It is he who gives Togawa the insight that he needs to grow as a player and a person.  Swept alongside is Ryo. Just being there to fetch balls for Togawa, he begins to learn the moves and feel the sport in his body.  This is a tremendous opportunity for the drama of the artwork to be exhibited. The artwork is incredible.

The play-offs have arrived and the Tigers are up against the Dreams, which is the stronger of the two teams.  More important than the win, Togawa's future path will be determined, along with the outcome, because of a promise he has begun to regret.  I expected a cliche game, but it wasn't like that.  The action kept going and I with it.  Definitely the outcome wasn't what I expected.  It was much more dramatic than that.  To avoid spoilers, I can't go any farther than that.

Tomomi's path seems to mirror that of the team.  As he thinks he has found his path, and struggles to see things clearly, conflict arises, and he turns back to the team for support, although they do not realize what they do for him.  Once again he inspires Togawa with the seemingly simple advice, you've got to respect your opponent.

Overall 

Flashbacks are employed to explain how the characters came to be where they are physically, mentally and spiritually. There are times when characters from past volumes are mentioned or thought of, and that might be a bit confusing.  So to clarify, Kumi is a friend of Togawa and she is a big supporter of the Tiger team.  Yama is a former team mate whose condition has deteriorated to the point where he can no longer play.

 This was my first book in the series, and I've since ordered the first volume.  It was easy to get to know and care about the characters. The ending after the play-offs is somewhat of a cliff hanger.  It left me impatiently waiting for the next volume.  If you are not into sports, don't let the basketball scare you off.  This has a wide audience appeal.  I thoroughly enjoyed it.   

For information on Wheelchair Basketball in the United States of America check out the National Wheelchair Basketball Association  at www.nwba.org. 

This is a great example of what manga can be. There is such a great variety in the medium, that there is something for everyone.  I had been a skeptic myself and avoided manga even though my whole family has been enjoying them for years. It's more like watching a TV show than reading a book.  It is a visual medium that adds to the enjoyment and understanding of the story and its message. Well done. This book has a lot of heart.

ComicsOnline gives Real Volume 7 4.5 out of 5 basketballs.