Ferry Eachna is a member of the Mythical Beast Investigative Unit, individuals tasked with investigating and reporting on mythical beasts in this world. In order for a creature to be on that list, they must possess supernatural powers. Ferry is not quite an Official just yet but is able to handle Official tasks, and throughout this two volume series we see her attempt to save a young wyvern from killing humans/preventing the humans from killing it; participate in a cat sith trial; and meet a water horse-dwelling mythical beast known as the each-uisge. She’s not alone — she journeys with a bat called Trow and dark-rabbit mythical beast Kushina, who each protect her. This allows her to continue to protect the peace between humans and mythical beasts.
And also continue her mysterious journey to record each and every mythical beast in exact detail she meets. Why so mysterious? Because as Kushina learns, Ferry has a secret she’s been able to hide until a terrifying battle reveals the truth.
If you didn’t see the creators listed on the cover, you’d wouldn’t think this was based off a light novel. This goes doubly into finding info about it; it appears it was a two-volume series in Japan, but do enough searching around and it’s still slightly unclear. That’s strange since Keishi Ayasato has been writing for a while (and has Torture Princess released in English). In any case, after learning the manga finishes in two volumes, you’ll quickly realize it’s original origins.
And also you’ll kinda figure out why it’s fairly short. The chapters aren’t terribly boring or anything, but the stories are mostly tame. Each are solved in either a chapter or two, where Ferry’s values (making sure humans and mythical beasts don’t kill each other) clash with certain people and sometimes Kushina. On one hand I can’t complain too much, as it keeps the focus isolated on her and what she encounters. Stories such as this can feel bloated when they introduce other characters and their wants, and by focusing on Ferry and her two creatures, things can be quite simple.
It’s just that on the other hand, I don’t think I got a strong sense of the Mythical Beast Investigators. Are they all doing this from the good of their hearts? Are there ones that can show how they deal with creatures (as Ferry shows no combat ability, but shows excellent de-escalation skills alongside resourcefulness)? Maybe introducing even one as a side character (and not one that’s dead) might’ve helped in that regard. Overall, it felt in that particular area, it was lacking.
Now, the reason the role of Mythical Beast Investigators comes up for me is due to Ferry. Not quite going to spoil everything, but my interest in this manga peaked when she explains her real reason for becoming a member to Kushina in volume 2. It is something that was unexpected, and in a way, could be considered a cop-out. For this manga, and from her seemingly lacking any powers, the twist felt welcome to me.
The art isn’t completely special, but it is nice to look at. Like we see the terror of a wyvern flying in the air, battles involving Kushina and the each-uisge, and one moment involving Kushina that shows his state of mind before he meets Ferry — all of that is drawn well enough. There are some comedic moments, but I’d consider them fairly light. There was one chapter that did attempt this straight up though…and it was disappointing. That’s likely due to it feeling out of place and the attempts of making Ferry moe. Maybe if it was consistent in doing that it would’ve have been funnier. (Though maybe if that particular story was clearer it would have been funnier).
Mythical Beast Investigator is a manga where the two volume read was interesting. It’s not a bad read and there are some cool parts here and there. But it doesn’t really feel as compelling as it should’ve been. If you’re in need of something about mythical creatures and is short, this won’t be a complete waste of your time. Otherwise, your mileage will vary on it.