Kekkaishi

A junior-high student who works the night shift as a barrier-maker for demons and goes to school by day. Rin likes the hook right away, because the magic is specific and easy to picture. The fights have a clean rhythm, and the barrier mechanics give the battles their own logic. The complete run keeps the focus tight, so the story never feels like it is stalling. Honest take: the early chapters lean on familiar shounen beats, and it takes a while for the series to find its voice. The episodic structure can also start to repeat over a long run. Some side characters are sketched more than developed. Still, it is a warm, energetic read with a sense of fun. If you like yokai action with a clever twist on the usual battles, this is a good pick. Stick with it past the first few chapters.