What an honor to work on this book! Doors of Chaos is one of the first projects where TOKYOPOP has teemed up with our Japanese editors in Tokyo and some extremely talented artists to make some dazzling manga! And Ryoko Mitsuki is no exception. Not only is her artwork real eye candy for the average gothic & Lolita fan, but it’s clear she put plenty of thought into the complex story and even more unique world! Even as the editor, I’m more than anxious to read each new chapter that arrives at my desk, and I hope you have just as good a time falling into the world Mitsuki-sensei has created as I did. Be sure to check out the bonus section in the back of volume 2 for an inside look into this gothic creator’s life!

Only the twins Clalisa (open) and Mizeria (close) control the Four Doors that protect the world from descending into chaos. When Rihitel, their guardian, kidnaps Clalisa, he weakens the Door of Chaos and demons begin to pour through, threatening to destroy the entire kingdom. Will Mizeria find her sister in time to close the door and restore order to the world?

Mizeria – Mizeria is a lively and tomboy-ish twin older sister. As the “Closing Key” for the 4 Doors, she was raised hidden from public view. She goes on a journey to close the doors and to bring back her sister and return to their old happy life with her sister and Rikhter.

Clarissa – Clarissa is Mizeria’s twin younger sister. As the “Opening Key” for the 4 Doors, she was raised deep within the palace with Mizeria. She is more mature than her older sister, but she was taken by Rikhter during her Coming-of-Age ceremony. She has gentler personality than Mizeria.

Rikhter – Rikhter is the young man who takes care of Mizeria and Clarissa. For the two, he was the only connection to the outside world, but he is actually the “Key Guardian” who monitors and protects the “Living Keys”. He takes Clarisa during her Coming-of-Age ceremony, and leaves on a journey to open the doors. He has a quiet and calm personality.

Zelfa – Zelfa is the acting “Key Guardian”. Because Rikhter betrayed his duty as the Guardian, Zelfa appears in front of Mizeria. He goes on a journey with Mizeria to chase after Clarisa and Rikhter. He has a straight-forward and lively personality, and fights often with Mizeria but they still get along.

Blogcritics
I'm impressed with Doors of Chaos. It grabbed me from the start, and I let dinner burn in my rush to see what would happen next.

Mizeria and Clarissa are sisters living in a locked garden in the kingdom of Druaddle. They are harmonizers, women capable of stabilizing the harmonies that run through all living things. But Mizeria and Clarissa are special because they are living keys, one to open and one to close the four doors that link their world to a much darker evil plane.

On the night of their 16th birthdays and coming-of-age ceremony, the girls are attacked by dark beings. Clarissa is kidnapped by their trusted tutor, Rikhter. Mizeria is shocked and believes that Rikhter must have had a good reason to kidnap her sister. He has been there all her life, and Mizeria, no matter what happens, refuses to believe that he would ever harm Clarissa or herself.

Zelfa, a member of the Jishouin, a mysterious order dedicated to protecting the living keys and keeping the four doors closed, shows up to save Mizeria in the nick of time. Though she isn't too receptive at first, Mizeria is finally convinced that Zelfa really is there to help and protect her. Clarissa is the key to open the four doors, and Rikhter, for whatever reason, is determined to use her to open them. Mizeria, with the help of Zelfa and other members of the mysterious Jishouin, follow behind Rikhter and Clarissa, attempting to close the doors they try to open.

The artwork is average - better than most - and I enjoyed the style. As Mitsuki says in the postscript, "The artwork and story still have a long way to go." But this is such a great start that I'm sure that Mitsuki will deliver as the series continues.

Doors of Chaos is rated 16+ for mild violence, moderate gore, strong language (the only thing that really stood out to me here were a few minor swear words and the use of the word "wench," which just made me laugh) and some mild fan service. Over all, it's a great start to a series, and I can't wait to pick up the next volume in August to see if Mizeria can close all the doors and rescue her sister Clarissa.