CREDIT: MYANIMELIST.NET
In/Spectre is an interesting read that takes the reader on a mythical and supernatural adventure. Volumes one to five of the series are now available in bookstores near you, with volume six on its way this September 26.

For manga fans out there, here is a series for you to check out.

In/Spectre is a series of paranormal intrigue by author Kyo Shirodaira and artist Chashiba Katase. The series follows Kotoko Iwanaga, a young woman deeply rooted in the world of the supernatural.

As a child, she was kidnapped by spirits called yōkai, who took a leg and an eye from her.

Since then, she has been able to communicate with the unseen world who proclaim her as their a ‘God of wisdom’ and approach her to solve their problems.

Alone with her powers, Kotoko works diligently to solve the disputes of her paranormal friends. However, she is not alone for long, when she encounters Kurō Sakuragawa, a young man with his own ties to yōkai.

Immediately gaining a crush on the goat-like man, Kotoko is determined to have him join her in her work with the paranormal, not just as a partner but also as a lover.

In/Spectre is a series that I have found myself coming back to over and over again.

Both serious and comedic at times, the series does well in balancing the two opposites through the scenarios and character interactions, fitting the comedic seamlessly between the significant moments of plot.

Kotoko’s fits of jealously are the most softhearted moments and are especially enjoyable to read.

In/Spectre takes a unique perspective on the paranormal, centering a large portion of the series on the concept of the human mind and its effects on the existence of yōkai. This focus changes the theme of a simple ghost detective story, to one with a root deeply imbedded in the psychology of humans.

As you read, you will be surprised on just how much the human mind will affect the supernatural in this tale.

This is probably the most integral and intriguing part of the series, in my opinion. Sharing Kotoko’s genius mind, we get a look as to the reason why she was chosen as a ‘God of wisdom’ when seeing her deductive reasoning in action on the central case of the series, the case of “Steel Lady Nanase.”

Here, readers will be delighted to see a well thought out analysis from the author’s thoughts and opinions on the psychoanalysis of the paranormal anomaly that is “Steel Lady Nanase.”

This is my favorite aspect of the series and seeing the supernatural psychoanalyzed was a first for me and I highly enjoyed reading about this topic. As it did it with me, this may even have you contemplating your own effect on the unseen world around us.

Currently the series is out with five volumes, with the final sixth volume coming out on Sept. 26. If you are interested in a small read on paranormal psychology and deductive reasoning, I highly recommend picking up the first volume of In/ Spectre from a local bookstore today.