Dolls (manga)
Dolls (ドールズ, Dōruzu?) is a Japanese manga series by the manga artist group naked ape (Saki Otoh and Nakamura Tomomi). Originally starting serialization in the Shōnen manga magazine Comic Zero-Sum published by Ichijinsha. Ten volumes have been published in Japan.
Plot
In the 3rd Toutoh Empire, the excessive immigration led to an increase of violent crimes, and the government approved a law to expedite trials and alleviate the pressure on the overcrowded prisons: the Rationalization of Trials (RoT). With this law it is possible to hold trials without the suspect present, and the sentence is often the death penalty.
To enforce the law was then created a new special police unit, in charge of investigating and carrying out the execution: the Tokkei (特刑?), abbreviation for Tokubetsu Shikeishikkou Keimukan Butai (特別死刑執行刑務官部隊?, Official Unit for Punishment and Special Executions). The Tokkei, composed of 47 groups (units) of 3 people, soon became known for its brutality as a group of heartless assassins, almost only hollow shells without feelings, and commonly called the Dolls. Against them rose a terrorist group, the Doll Hunters, which opposes them but is as violent and brutal as them, if not worse.
Characters
Tokkei
- First Brigade
- Shouta Mikoshiba (御子柴笑太?) is the 24-year-old captain of the First Brigade of the Tokkei, as well as all-round Captain of the Tokkei's 47 brigades. After graduating as top of his class from the training academy, he was assigned to the First Division which had 2 vacancies at the time. He held that position for a record 5 years, the longest in history. During that time he became a "man of legend" due to his 100% mission completion rate. He regularly uses two large-bore Desert Eagle pistols that he carries as the Main Captain's privilege. The Desert Eagles previously belonged to Sakurazawa and don't agree with his physique. He's not only skilled, but also wise and cunning. Shouta was the one who killed Sakurazawa prior to the story, due to Sakurazawa's crime of murdering twenty fellow comrades of the Tokkei. Shouta also seems to be very stubborn at times, and prefers to do things "his way". He expresses a strong desire for the public to realize that the Tokkei are not just emotionless "dolls", but for them to realize that they are also human beings with emotions who strive to eliminate criminals for the safety of the public.
- Seiju Shikibu (式部清寿?) is the 23-year-old vice-captain of the First Brigade. He is usually cheery and outgoing but transforms into a ruthless killer when fighting. His weapon is a cutting wire. Aside from his deadly fighting skills, he is very beautiful and compassionate. He is also seen to be rather a caring person. It is later revealed that Seiju's parents were both murdered when he was very young. He also seems to be good with children, as seen when he volunteered to take care of Kei, a child whom he and his brigade rescued on a mission. Even when it was revealed that Kei was helping the Doll Hunters, Seiju still forgave him and sent him to a child shelter. Seiju also takes an interest in art and small animals, as shown when he stated, "I go to the Toutoh Art museum in my free time." As for his interest in small animals, he stated, "I love little animals!" when he mistook Usaki's name as usagi which means "rabbits" in Japanese.
- Usaki Toudou (藤堂羽沙希?) is a 19-year-old new member of the First Brigade, freshly graduated from the Academy at the top of his class. He's promptly renamed Usagi from his companions. He's very surprised of the attitude of his colleagues, because he is the one who looks emotionless more than any other. His weapon is a katana. He also has a twin brother in a coma, whom he regularly visits in the hospital. He seems to hold some sort of guilt, and it is implied that he killed someone in his youth. It is revealed that Usaki wanted to become a Tokkei, because since he heard that the job was difficult, becoming a Tokkei might help atone for his "sin". Usaki has a strong sense of respect for Seiju and especially Shouta, not only of their high rank, but their belief in justice.
- Second Brigade
- Rami Aikawa (藍川蘭美?) is the Captain of the Second Brigade of the Tokkei. Makes her first appearance in Chapter 12. Her specialized weapons resemble over-bent scythes with short handles. She is a very feminist woman and fights to be acknowledged; not just because of her gender, but the skills she possesses that were able to make her captain of the second brigade. It is shown that she has a bad temper and tends to start shouting very often, especially when it involves Shouta. Rami is acknowledged by others that she has "a good nose" when she "sniffs out" the true culprit behind cases.
- Yoshino Saeki (佐伯慈乃?) is a member of the Second Brigade of the Tokkei. Her specialized weapons are three long, narrow blades on a horizontal handle. Yoshino appears to be the most sensible of the second brigade.
- Ayane Kubou (久宝綾寧?) is a member of the Second Brigade of the Tokkei. Her specialized weapon consists of several blades arranged in a hand-like pattern along a thick rubber grip. She appears to be very innocent.
Third Brigade
- Riku Kamijou (上條璃宮?) is the 20-year-old Captain of the Third Brigade of the Tokkei. He makes his first appearance in chapter 10, along with the other members of his brigade. His specialized weapons are small knives. Riku is desbribed as a "slimy rat" and generally un-trustworthy. He also seems to hold a dislike for Shouta, as he strongly opposes him being captain of the Tokkei. Thus, he was captured by a terroist group against the Tokkei along with his two comrades, and was on the verge of being killed by them until the first and second brigades came to rescue them, led by Shouta.
- Motochika Kagami (香我美元親?) is a 22-year-old member of the Third Brigade of the Tokkei. His specialized weapon skill is wielding two katana.
- Mizuki Kurose (黒瀬瑞城?) is a 21-year-old member of the Third Brigade of the Tokkei. He excels at marksmanship and can easily use a variety of firearms besides the standard-issue gun.
- Other Members
- Sakurazawa Tokio (桜澤時生?) entered the First Brigade at the time of the Tokkei's establishment, and also served as the first main Captain. With a mission completion rate of 100% he was the original "man of legend". Five years ago while he was operating on his own without team-mates, Shouta was assigned to his Brigade. He was killed prior to the story by Shouta, due to Sakurazawa's crime of murdering approximately twenty other members of the Tokkei. Sakurazawa seemed to have gotton along well with Shouta, until his death.
- Tatsuto Mikami is the Department Head of the Special Executions Police force.
- Sakyou Igarashi belongs to the Intelligence department of the Special Executions Police force. He appears in the first chapter. He is constantly irritated by Shouta's teasing, but often steps up to help him in times of need.
Others
- Tamao Hasui (蓮井珠緒?) is a 27-year-old inspector in the Metropolitan Police Department. He holds a strong dislike of Tokkei members, and often tries to prevent the Tokkei from killing the criminals. He lives with Shouta Mikoshiba, whom he has a close relationship with, but seems to be unaware of Shouta's affiliation with the Tokkei (even though he suspected once that Shouta, who was performing an execution, is a Tokkei but this thought was quickly dissipate). In the Metropolitan Police Department Tamao is considered as a role model, and is hard-working and honest.
Other
The drama CDs of Dolls feature: