I have been re-exploring one of my favorite of all the manga series: CRYING FREEMAN. On the surface, this manga would seem like countless other comic books and action-adventure tales. We have an anti-hero that works as a hitman but he is a hitman with a heart of gold. Ok, that is a rather weak description of the character because he rises far above the lame stereotypes we have grown to see repeatedly in comic books. That is why CRYING FREEMAN is such a unique and brilliant work. It takes many of the common concepts of how to present an anti-hero and tosses them on their head. The title character is more than just a wanton killing machine. Yes, he does kill villains and thugs and he does so often. But, there is much more going on with the motivations of this character who wishes he was anything but a brutal killer. ====================================================================================