Failed film director Daisaku Imari is gifted a mysterious mannequin with the power of shapeshifting. She is “I.L”, intended by her patron “Count Alucard” to be his leading lady in a series of performance pieces that take place in the real world, righting wrongs, wreaking revenge and saving lives.

I.L is being published in English for the first time, meaning fans can journey through Osamu Tezuka’s innovative and contemporary themes within a classic by the pioneer of manga.

Whether an enthusiast of Tezuka and Manga, or not, the nuanced exploration of thought-provoking themes and characters, and a compelling storyline coupled with captivating illustrations, is a reading experience that will linger in the minds of readers.

So says the blurb, for I.L, translated by Motoko Tamamuro and yours truly, and out now from Titan Manga. I don’t actually remember ever having translated anything by Tezuka before, so this is a first for me.