Jaco: The Galactic Patrolman (Manga Review)

Retired scientist Omori lives alone on a deserted island while continuing his research into time travel. His quiet life is interrupted when galactic patrolman Jaco crash-lands and decides to move in with him. This agent from space claims to be elite, but sometimes it can be a little hard to believe. Can Jaco get along with the old man long enough to save the earth from a dangerous threat?

There is a reason Akira Toriyama is a legend in the world of Manga and Anime. When I picked up the book I assumed that this was just a new creation from Akira Toriyama. I have to say I haven't read a Manga that shocked me in a long time.  Jaco: The Galactic Patrolman is going to make any Dragonball universe fan smile from ear to ear. Without giving away the juicy details I will just say this takes place in the Dragonball universe and it's cannon.

The story itself is pure fun with lots of entertaining moments that will keep you reading non-stop. I honestly could not put the Manga down until I reach the end. The protagonist Jaco is  mix of some of your favorite Dragonball universe characters. Jaco has the cocky traits of Vegeta  and the flash of the Ginyu force. His interactions with old man Omari and the people of earth are the highlights of the book. The overall story is the theme of a fish out of water. Jaco crashes his spaceship on earth and he ends up with Omari who agrees to help him. Jaco must learn to adapt to the people of earth and stay low key. However this proves to be a problem since Jaco can be a show off. Jaco is a member of the super elite squad of galactic patrolman and he doesn't let you forget it. He decides he will protect and serve while he is on earth and until he can find a way to phone home in a sense. He tends to draw attention to himself and gets into a lot of trouble. This causes him to become a wanted man with police. A search begins to find out who Jaco really is.

 The plot is great  and it's the humor and lighthearted tone that makes it work. An added bonus to  the great story, wonderful pacing and characterization is that it takes place in the Dragonball universe. Akira Toriyama masterfully wrote this with no indication that this is actually Dragonball manga. He tells the story like it was a separate entity, a new creation or book. However by the end everything comes full circle and trust me you won't be expecting it. 

Final Grade 9.5/10