Banana Fish is a completed manga that was serialized in Bessatsu Shōjo Comic from 1985 to 1994 with five side stories released as well. The manga has also been adapted into a twenty four episode anime by MAPPA which was released in 2018.
Synopsis[]
Nature made Ash Lynx beautiful; nurture made him a cold ruthless killer. A runaway brought up as the adopted heir and sex toy of “Papa” Dino Golzine, Ash, now at the rebellious age of seventeen, forsakes the kingdom held out by the devil who raised him. But the hideous secret that drove Ash's older brother mad in Vietnam has suddenly fallen into Papa's insatiably ambitious hands--and it's exactly the wrong time for Eiji Okamura, a pure-hearted young photographer from Japan, to make Ash Lynx's acquaintance...
Characters[]
Ash Lynx[]
Aslan Jade Callenreese is a seventeen-year-old gang leader in New York City. Arriving there as a child from his home in Cape Cod Ash was targeted by mob leader Dino Golzine. Having gathered many to him Ash states that they deal with Golzine's men as equals, and he is also adept at liaising with other unaffiliated gangs. An accomplished physical fighter Ash also uses his sharpshooting skills to fire at threats including hostage takers. Caring for others, Ash followed Skip and Eiji who were kidnapped and suggested he have some alone time with Marvin to knock him out for a chance to escape. Thinking on his feet and having an IQ of 180 have helped Ash suspect that Golzine is involved with the Banana Fish he has heard about that affected his older brother, Griffin. Ash has an affinity for Eiji on account of his innocent and calming nature then that he was the first person who helped him without asking for something in return.
Eiji Okumura[]
Retiring from competitive pole vaulting due to an injury Eiji was nineteen years and a college student when he came to Japan as Shunichi Ibe's photography assistant. Curious about new things Eiji requested to check Ash's gun when they first met. Whilst somewhat naive about gang environments and American culture in general Eiji is attuned to the feelings of others particularly Ash. In dangerous circumstances Eiji had the initiative and capability to use a pole to vault over a wall, escape and contact the police to save others. He also gave and excuse to Ibe to locate Shorter for Ash when he was imprisoned.
Max Lobo[]
A soldier in the same regiment as Griffin he bore would investigate to little avail the Banana Fish that was mentioned. Coming to work as a reporter Max was in prison when he was contacted by his friend Ibe to look out for Ash who was sent there. Helping him to investigate Max would contact his wife, Jessica and son, Max as he delved further into the circumstances he was affected by.
Shunichi Ibe[]
For a report on documenting street gangs Ibe would travel to New York and bring Eiji with him. Protective of Eiji and views him as a son of sorts. Long time friends with Max Lobo.
Shorter Wong[]
The leader of Chinatown's mafia Shorter is on friendly terms with Ash and warns him of potential threats. He would interrogate rival gang members to learn Ash's location and head there to help rescue him. Shorter defends Eiji from hostile people and is especially to his sister, Nadia Wong.
Jessica Randy[]
A journalist and ex-wife of Max, Jessica would see him again when he travels to Los Angeles to see herself and her son, Michael.
Griffin Callenreese[]
Ash's older brother. Served as a US soldier in Iraq where he was drugged with Bananafish. He faced devastating mental consequences and even shot his own squad. Shot by Max Lobo and for years after lived as a secret under his protective brother's care.
Alex[]
Skip[]
Bones[]
Kong[]
Cain Blood[]
Antonio Jenkins[]
Charlie Dickenson[]
Dino Golzine[]
Frederick Arthur[]
Alexis Dawson[]
Abraham Dawson[]
A member of Griffin's platoon.
Mannerheim[]
Blanca[]
Eduardo L. Fox[]
Lee Yut-Lung[]
Sing Soo-Ling[]
Lao Yen-Thai[]
Images[]
Story Introduction[]
As the Iraq War takes place a soldier named Griffin Callenreese suddenly begins shooting his own comrades. His friend Max Lobo hears him mention "Banana Fish". Within New York City gang leader Ash Lynx happens upon a dying man (Stephen Thompson, a military intelligence officer) and is handed a vial and hears an address. Before he passes away the man also speaks the words Banana Fish that Ash has heard before. After finding Marvin Crosby and speaking with mob leader Dino Golzine to find out who the man was, Ash discuses the meeting with his friend, Shorter Wong. Returning to his apartment where a boy named Skip has been looking after Ash's brother, Griffin who lives with him albeit in an unresponsive state, Ash hears that officer Charlie Dickinson is arranging interviews from visiting Japanese reporters. Shunichi Ibe is calling to Eiji Okumura to board the plane to their destination.
Notes[]
- The manga features the Vietnam War in 1973, the anime updates this to the 2003 Iraq War.
Link to wiki[]
- An overview article on the entire series, read and document further in-depth information on the the Banana Fish wiki!