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Swoon! Romance in the main theme here, though that doesn't prohibit a bit of action, a bit of angst, and a bit of erudition. In then end, though, it's all about catching your breath and thinking, "That's how I want it to be."
Jump to a title:
Blue Monday
Boy Princess
Cheat
Crossroad
Desnha Otoko: A Shojo Manga
Eerie Queerie
La Esperanca
From Eroica with Love
Full Moon wo Sagashite
Gravitation
Hopeless Savages
Hot Gimmick
Love Fights
Love Hina
Love Roma
Maison Ikkoku
Marmalade Boy
Mars
Mary Jane
The One I Love
Only the Ring Finger Knows
Paradise Kiss
Peach Girl
Platinum Garden
Sorcerers and Secretaries
Sparks: An Urban Fairytale
Time Lag
Ursula
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review by robin |
Fantasy fans know that heroines are always disguising themselves as boys to escape a life of sewing and curtseying. In Boy Princess, young Prince Nicole must disguise himself as a girl--but not because he's got a secret passion for embroidery. After Princess Elena runs away to escape an arranged marriage to the prince of a neighboring kingdom, Nicole must take her place to save the strategic alliance. Despite his protestations, his brothers insist that with his youthful good looks and some apples down his shirt he'll be fine. After all, his future fiancé Prince Jed is said to have little interest in anything but battle. Nicole's new kingdom proves to be a place of dangerous secrets, where princes and princesses plot ruthlessly against one another to seize the throne. No one here is exactly what they seem, even cold Prince Jed. As lies are uncovered and Nicole and Jed grow closer, their position becomes ever more dangerous. To Nicole, Jed is the role model he always wanted; to Jed, Nicole is a dangerous distraction. Can he allow his feelings for Nicole to grow and still protect himself and his family? Can they preserve their charade? What happens when Princess Elena is found? Boy Princess is an entertainingly melodramatic Korean manwha with attractive art; the costumes and hair are spectacular. It's nice to see a twist on the traditional fantasy cross-dressing tale, and there's plenty of drama and tension here for boys’ love fans. There's also some sensuality, though nothing more explicit than the cover (on which the characters appear to be unclothed). Unfortunately, the awkward translation may distract readers from the story. Netcomics offers several promising-looking titles, so one must hope that they'll solve their readability problems. If they do, Boy Princess's Medieval-flavored romance could win a larger following. review by jen |
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I will admit, I fell in love with Ms. Norrie's artwork when I read the first Hopeless Savages. Cheat is her first solo book, and her artwork just shines all the way through. The black and white flow of her ink is beautiful and fully suited to this modern cautionary tale. Cheat is, rather obviously, about cheating. In this case, it's all about romantic cheating, and the many reactions to and consequences of such a situation. What isn't so obvious about Cheat is the resonance of the emotions and the simplicity of a well-told tale. There's are no fateful plots twists or revelations. Conversations are mundane in the best sense of the word -- familiar and welcoming. There's a truth in behavior shown by keen observation of just what romantic betrayal means, and the fallout for each person involved. This title is good for older teens and adults, and not really because of content (the one sex scene is not particularly explicit -- in fact, it's quite beautifully rendered) but more because of the sophistication behind the feelings contemplated. That being said, it's a shoe-in for all those girls who love romance comics -- this one just gives them a little more to chew on than most. review by robin |
On the first day of her junior year, Kajitsu attends a Life Instruction class where she meets Akai, substitute calligraphy teacher and part-time councilor. Kajitsu finds Akai very attractive and as she opens up more and more to Akai, he warns her that she could get into trouble if she is too trusting. In the meantime, Natsu has been contacted by his aunt and uncle, the people who fostered him when Rumiko first disbanded the family. Natsu’s cousin had attempted suicide after being unable to compete with Natsu academically, feeling that his parents had transferred their love to Natsu. Natsu left his aunt and uncle s home, hoping it would give his cousin the space he needed to heal. Upon hearing that the cousin has recovered and wants Natsu to return, Natsu chooses instead to remain with his new family. As readers gain insight into why Natsu is so anxious to please while at the same time trying not to be noticed, Kajitsu begins to see that holding herself apart has caused her world to shrink to where she can only see her step-brother. Determined to be in love with someone other than Natsu, she is thrilled when Akai agrees to take her out to dinner in return for helping him clean the calligraphy room. Aware of Kajitsu’s naivete, the reader is left anxious to find out just how far this possibly unscrupulous teacher will go. As this series turns from the family farce of volume 1 into something reminiscent of a traditional teen novel, the characters and situations become more recognizable and easy for older teens to identify with. review by eva
While on their date, Kajitsu confesses to Akai that making memories with someone she knows is leaving is too painful for her and ending the date giving him a quick kiss on the cheek. Upon returning home, she tells Natsu he is the only person she is truly afraid of losing. When Kajitsu gets jealous of some classmates who try to attract Natsu’s attention, Natsu scolds her for trying to monopolize his time. He explains that while he knows he loves Kajitsu, he isn’t sure if it is love for a sister or a woman and asks for time to work out his feelings. Kajitsu continues to confide in Akai, now a permanent member of the staff, who finds himself more and more attracted to Kajitsu. While having an illicit affair with a teacher may be many a young girl’s fantasy, seeing it played out is a bit disturbing. Add the kind-of-but-not-really forbidden love of a sister for her step-brother and the sweetness to angst ratio hits the ceiling. Will Natsu come to love Kajitsu? Will Akai take his teasing too far? Ah, the drama! review by eva |
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This manga is based on a modern legend, the kind of story that creates a buzz -- part truth, part urban legend, part internet chatter, and in the end, it's anyone's guess what's truth and what's embellishment. The story has been told and retold in a movie and a book. On top of that, Densha Otoko, or Train Man's, story has led to no less than three different manga versions, and this one shows the shojo take on events. Ikumi Saiki is an awkard otaku (what we think of as a fanboy) who has never really bothered to care about his appearance, his job, or his social life. Instead, he spends his time on Channel 2, an anonymous online forum where social misfits and lonelyhearts gather to discuss their fandom and bemoan their cursedly single state. When a young woman is harassed on the train by a drunken lout, Ikumi is inspired to act the hero and, surprising everyone including himself, stands up to the bully. The girl wants to thank him, and soon he's been asked out -- but he has no idea how to act around a girl, let alone a girl he likes. Is it a date? How could she possible be interested in a schlub like him? If she is, what should he do? Channel 2 to the rescue -- his online buddies immediately jump in to guide him on his uncertain first moves, and their encouragement, advice, and sense of humor keep his hope alive. But can a cute girl honestly give a goofy otaku a real chance at love? The sweet style is all shojo -- cute art and a concentration on stammering, blushing, and romantic antics. The story, in the end, is pure melodrama -- and the fact that it may or may not be true doesn't make the story less cheeseball. The idea that online communities can make a real difference in someone's life -- inspiring confidence, lending support, and encouraging friends -- is not really a new one, but it's a welcome one given the negative associations online networking sites have been garnering lately. So, though fluffy, this manga gives readers a sweet hope that finding romance may be a bit easier that you think. review by robin |
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Eerie Queerie follows the adventures of one Mitsuo, a loner high school student who has the misfortune of also being a medium. Due to his gentle nature, he's prone to being taken over by any strong-willed ghost in the vicinity. Possessed, he ends up apparently afflicted with multiple personalities, professing his undying love to a classmate one minute and then running away shamefaced the next. His classmates all think he's got a screw loose, but Mitsuo is determined to figure out how to control these spirits once and for all. It doesn't help that he always attracts female spirits who can't move on until they've proclaimed their feelings to one dashing boy or another. Situations only get more complicated when one of the dreamboats Mitsuo asks out "under the influence," Hasunuma, doesn't think dating is such a bad idea. Dealing with homophobic taunting from his classmates, ghosts determined to express their feelings, and conflicted yearnings for his new friend, Mitsuo is on the verge of totally losing it. read more... If you like, you can skip to individual volumes in the series: Eerie Queerie
Volume 1 reviews by robin |
If you spend your whole life trying to be the opposite of what your parents were, do you really have your own identity? This is the question faced by golden boy Georges when troublemaker Robert arrives at the elite Saint Grollo boys' school. Georges has spent his life trying to make up for his father's evil deeds by being the perfect student, but Robert seems determined to make Georges lose his cool. While George tries hard to get along with everyone, Robert doesn't care who he pisses off. The cynical older boy feels compelled to shatter Georges' angelic image, yet the two find themselves forming a friendship that will transform them both. Georges and Robert have more in common than they realize--both are afraid to let anyone get too close, and both have a troubled past they try to hide. Their relationship, while platonic, soon becomes the most important thing in their lives--much to the dismay of jealous and protective classmates. In the deliciously overwrought atmosphere of Chigusa Kawai's pseudo-European Catholic school, Georges' faith in Robert will be tested and Robert will fight to protect the boy whose innocence he both hates and admires. Though La Esperanca can be soap-operatic, the story deals with surprisingly complex emotions; Chigusa Kawai has created characters who are more than just types. Sure, they talk about their feelings more than most teen guys I know, but there's plenty of humor in La Esperanca to go with all the angst. The art is lush (all the bishonen certainly help), with a slightly gothic flavor. Chigusa Kawai tantalizes readers with hints about Georges and Robert's past, but doesn't give away her plans. Does Robert want more than just friendship from Georges? Whatever the answer, La Esperança promises to be a satisfying tale. The Complete Series review by jen |
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Originally published in 1976, Eroica is a shonen-ai classic. It centers around the adventures of Earl Dorian Red Gloria-- a.k.a. the Earl of Gloria a.k.a. Eroica, international art thief-- and his various conquests and thefts across the globe. The Earl is a flamboyant and extremely wealthy man. He loves beautiful art, beautiful men, and heęs perfectly willing to steal either to get what he wants. In volume one of Eroica we meet a trio of friends (Cesar, Sugar, and Leopard) about to enter the Earlęs domain. Cesar and co. possess special powers, including ESP, which, we are told, were given to them by a Mysterious Man earlier in their lives. (No, I have no idea how or why that fits into the overall story, but that's how it's written.) Mainly, all three are now incredibly, ridiculously gifted; super strength, super brains, super looks, and twenty million languages each. However, the important part comes when Cesar catches the Earlęs eye. Eroica quickly steals several major works of art and Cesar, who goes kicking and screaming. After a series of small escapades, Cesar is freed. Now however, Cesar and the Earl have quite a mutual attraction for each other and heęs more upset about the possibility of never seeing the Earl again than being kidnapped. This is all just from the first chapter of our little tale. Volume One has three more chapters to go! Next, we meet the other major character in our story, Major Klaus Heinz Von Dem Eberbach aka Klaus, a highly respected agent of NATOă- remember, this was written in the late 70ęs, apparently NATO was quite the place back then. Klaus encounters the Earl by chance and the two instantly hate each other, deeply. Three guesses where that might wind up going. In the meantime, NATO has its eye on Cesar and his ESP. The Major kidnaps Cesar, Eroica kidnaps some of the Majoręs art collection, and further adventures ensue. So far the characters and the plot lines are all fairly silly and over the top, but itęs in a fairly typical manga and shonen-ai kind of way. It's fun and Ięd be curious to see where it leads, but itęs not an intriguing enough story that Ięd ever really want to pay money for it. Having said that however, Klaus and Eroica are developing grudging respect for each other and, with Cesar lurking around in the background, Ięm sensing a rather amusing love triangle will be coming not so far down the road. Wherever it leads, I suspect it'll be amusing. review by katie |
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Mitsuki Koyama is a twelve-year-old girl who aspires to become a great singer one day so that she can become famous, and most importantly fulfill the promise she made to her long lost love Eichi that when they meet again, they would both be closer to fulfilling their goals. However, her grandmother (with whom Mitsuki is living) is extremely strict and forbids Mitsuki to sing or to do anything else that her grandmother thinks might be objectionable or dangerous, like leaving the house or having fun of any kind. To make things even more difficult for Mitsuki, her life is endangered by the fact that she has throat cancer, and going through with the operation would mean that Mitsuki would be left without her voice for the rest of her life, thereby shattering her dreams of becoming a singer. Mitsuki decides that she would rather die and try to achieve her dreams in the little time she has left to live rather than lose her voice, and fortunately for her two powerful yet comical shinigami (death gods) arrive to lend a hand. Takuto, who can, among other things, turn into a cat, and Meroko, who prefers to be a rabbit, use their powers to advance Mitsuki's career. Meroko shapeshifts into Mitsuki so that her grandmother doesn't get suspicious while the real Mitsuki is away. The two shinigami then transform Mitsuki into her future sixteen-year-old self, known to the rest of the world as Fullmoon, and Mitsuki begins to shine and show the music industry and the world what a talent she is. As readers, we are treated to some truly beautiful artwork and endearing characters. Even the chief villains, Mitsuki's grandmother and her chief rival Madoka Wakamatsu, are likeable and can be sympathized with for the most part, as can the somewhat inscrutable Takuto and Meroko. Full Moon WO Sagashite is a gripping story full of twists and turns that will have you laughing one moment and crying the next. Creator Arina Tanemura provides a hilarious yet informative commentary on the characters and their designs, fan letters she has received, her production staff, and what her life was like and what she went through in developing and producing Full Moon; this is almost as enjoyable as the story itself and provides even more depth and background information. Full Moon Wo Sagashite may not be for everyone, particularly very young readers (it is rated T for teens, which is about right), but it is certainly worth checking out. The cliffhanger of an ending will leave you eager to find out what happens in the next volume. Review by jack |
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By now you've probably heard something about shonen-ai, the manga genre that translates as "boys' love" (Robin gives an excellent introduction to the subject in news and gossip). Shonen-ai is usually written by women, for women; it involves beautiful boys experiencing some kind of love for a member of their own gender, from the platonic to the sexual. Shonen-ai is just now starting to appear in the U.S., and American readers may not know what to make of it. Is this a positive portrayal of homosexuality? Are these characters actually gay? If not, what does it all mean? read more... If you like, you can skip to individual volumes in the series: Gravitation
Volume 1 all reviews by jen |
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Hopeless Savages remains one of my favorite books simply for its exuberant punk family dynamics, youngest daughter's Zero's creative (non)swear words, and tribute to the power of music. In this second volume, it also made me get all mushy. This time around, instead of the wacky hijinks involving the rescuing of kidnapped parents and the return of one brother from the yuppie dark side, the focus is on romance and relationships. Zero, usually so unflappable, is zinged by cupid in the form of a bespectacled Ginger, a boy who refreshingly doesn't think Zero's a freak or a celebrity notch on his belt. Unfortunately for Zero, she's also being followed by a TV camera crew, part of a reality show filming her entire family (sound familiar?), as if high school wasn't enough of a mine field all on its own. On top of all of that, Zero's mom, Nikki, is inexplicably sniping at everything Zero does, her motherly instincts suddenly in overdrive. After numerous embarrassing incidents and a few acts of vandalism, can Ginger and Zero still find love? As members of the family weigh in on the perils and joys of love, from family bonds to romantic thunderbolts, the artwork shifts from O'Malley's simple but endearingly angled lines to flashbacks from guest artists Watson, Clugston-Major, Norrie, and Dodson. The overall style of O'Malley's work too me a while to get used to, though in the end I loved it and was impressed by the economy of line to create such a variety of expression. The writing, always with Van Meter, was note perfect. review by robin |
review by eva Volumes in Series Currently Reviewed: Hot Gimmick Volume 1
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There have been quite a few series lately that focus on what mere mortals' lives might be like in a world of superheroes, from Bendis' and Rucka's cop-centric Powers and Gotham Central to Kurt Busiek's classic Marvels. As with all things Andi Watson, he takes a familiar idea and gives it his own light, romantic touch. Jack, a comics penciller working to retell a real-life superhero's acts of bravery and heroism, is in a bad mood. Not only is his superhero, the Flamer, lacking for dramatic stories lately, but he's also being hit with a paternity suit that has his public image hitting rock bottom. On top of that, Jack is less than suave with the ladies and is particularly paranoid about how he might compare to superheroes prime physiques – in a world of paragons, why would anyone want an ordinary guy? Then he meets Nora, a smart young woman who, wonder of wonders, likes him back. Of course, once love is looking possible, life starts hitting Jack with everything that could go wrong. Nora is not just a great girl next door, but also a reporter for the scandal mag that broke the story about the Flamer's unclaimed son. She also seems a little too cozy with the Flamer himself, setting off all of Jack's insecurities. On top of that, Jack's cat Guthrie not only starts talking but gains superpowers, dons a costume, and joins the ranks of caped crusaders. Anyone who's ever lived with a cat can just imagine the weirdness, never mind the snide commentary, that might well be voiced if your cat could talk and kick your butt. Watson is known for his romantic comedies, and this tale has the same bittersweet and everyday rhythm feel that makes all his work unique and endearing. His artwork remains intentionally rough around the edges and full of broad strokes, and it works its minimalistic magic in eloquent expressions and implied movement. A fine addition to any teen or adult collection. review by robin
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Poor Keitaro Urashima! All heęs ever wanted was to get into prestigious Tokyo University. Well, that and a girlfriend. In fact, the two goals seem to be connected: Keitaro once promised his childhood crush that theyęd go to Tokyo U. together. Unfortunately, heęs failed the entrance exams twice. Kicked out of the house, the hapless Keitaro makes his way to the hotel his grandmother owns: Hinata House. Little does he know that disaster awaits him there; Hinata House is no longer a hotelă itęs now a residence for female students. When the lovely but near-sighted Naru gets into a pool with Keitaro wearing nothing but a smile, the trouble begins. Only his status as the owneręs grandson saves Keitaro from being tossed out of the house as a pervert. Instead, he becomes the landlord while his grandmother is away. His tenants promptly start plotting to make his life a living hell. To make matters worse, Keitaro finds that Naru is as smart as she is cute; can he ever get her to forgive him? Or at least help him with math? Love Hina is very popular, and it has obvious appeal for fans of raucous teen comedy. It also has the makings of a sweet romance. The problem? This reviewer found it a bit racy for a teen collection. Although it started out with a teen (13+) rating, Tokyopop has since upped it to older teen (16+). Nothing is depicted explicitly, but Keitaro does have an unfortunate tendency to end up accidentally groping peopleęs breasts. review by Jen
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Every once in a while, you want a story that's ordinary, no flying princesses, no dashing knights (or demons), and no chirping sidekick. Happily, Japanese manga has always had its share of tales of school, dating, and teen life, something that distinguishes manga from U.S. comics. Love Roma is just such a tale: everyday girls dealing with guys equally unsure of themselves, struggling to work up the courage to ask out a recent crush, and depending upon friends to help, guide them away from their own fears and toward taking chances. When the blunt, honest and slightly awkward Hoshino confesses his love for Negishi, she reacts the way any girl who's never been asked out before would: stuttering, flattered, and not quite sure whether this guy is really the guy she's wants to try out this whole dating thing with. Negishi is eventually won over, but these two lovebirds-to-be are still taking baby steps in figuring out when to kiss, how to make up after a fight, and just how to say what they're feeling without acting like a big dork. Or at least owning their dork status and not caring. Love Roma's art is intentionally simple and clear, almost childlike, but the content is amusingly, affectionately teen. Toyoda, one of few male manga creators writing romantic comedies, has a great flair for finding silliness in innocent misunderstandings while also pulling it all back to the important things: liking, even loving, someone despite all the little habits that drive other people nuts. Liking someone because of those habits. Everyone wants that, and it's rare thing to find your match, even if they are a bit goofy. Review by robin |
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How can Yusaku Godai ever pass his exams living in a nuthouse like Maison Ikkoku? Between Mrs. Inchinose's snooping, sexpot Akemi's teasing, and Mr. Yotsuya's mooching, Yusako's academic life is going down the tubes. He's just about to move out--really, he means it this time!--when Kyoko Otonashi walks in the door. Kyoko is Maison Ikkoku's new manager, and she's a lovely young widow. Needless to say, Yusako falls for her like a rock. Can he ever hope to win her love? Maison Ikkoku is a screwball romantic comedy like Love Hina, the sexy farce set in a girls' dorm. This romantic romp gets it right, delivering the comic misunderstandings and mix-ups with a light touch and snappy dialogue. Rumiko Takahashi's characters may have doe eyes and 1940's pin-up bodies, but they also have a realistic range of emotions and a genuine sweetness. Kyoko is an appealing leading lady, and Yusako, despite his bumbling, is a truly nice guy. The other residents of Maison Ikkoku take a wicked delight in making trouble for the pair, and romantic rivals liven things up as well. While it features a few racy moments (the obligatory accidental breast groping, for example) and occasional drunkenness, Maison Ikkoku is truly a sweet story. Fans of romantic comedy will smile, sigh, and guffaw at the antics of Maison Ikkoku's hapless neighbors. The characters are college age or older, so Maison Ikkoku may not have the teen appeal of other manga romances. Rumiko Takahashi is the author of the wildly popular Ranma 1/2 and Inu-Yasha, though, so fans of those series may take to this one as well. There are fourteen volumes in all. review by Jen |
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Marmalade Boy Imagine this: youęre a perfectly normal teenage girl. Your parents go on a cruise. They meet another coupleÄand fall in love! Divorce is hard enough under normal circumstances, but Miki Koishikawa thinks her parents have gone crazyă they want to keep living together, with their new spouses. Now she has four parents and a new stepbrother her own age: Yuu, a boy with a beautiful face and a prickly personality. Miki canęt figure Yuu out; heęs like marmalade: sweet and bitter at the same time. So why canęt she get him off her mind? When I first looked at Marmalade Boy, I wasnęt sure I could get past the weirdness of the premise. I ended up loving it. Miki is an appealing, believable protagonist; her reactions to the storyęs romantic hijinks are funny and true. And thereęs romance aplenty; not only is Yuu sending Miki conflicted romantic signals, her childhood crush Ginta seems interested as well! Marmalade Boy is light-hearted but unexpectedly tender, as Miki struggles to reconcile her parentsę desires with her own. Wataru Yoshizumięs art, though nothing unusual, is a good partner for writing that juggles humor and drama with ease. Ięve only read the first volume of the series so far (there will be eight volumes by August 2003), and the action may heat up later, but so far Marmalade Boy is a refreshingly innocent romance that will appeal to a wide range of ages. Ięd especially recommend it for grown-ups trying manga for the first timeăYoshizumi has included fun notes in the margins, explaining unfamiliar aspects of Japanese society that pertain to the story. See, itęs educational as well as fun! review by Jen |
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Ięll admit it: up until recently, I knew nothing about manga. In my ignorance, I assumed it was all cute little creatures and cartoon-style battles. Then I read CLAMPęs amazing series, Clover, and my eyes were opened. Mars is another title that should win manga new readers. This comic has it all: well-drawn teenage characters, good dialogue, and a love story that packs an emotional punch. Anyone who loves teen romance will be glued to this tale of a reckless "bad boy" and the shy, talented young girl who attracts his attention. Motorcycle racer Reięs rebellious attitude and good looks make him a girl-magnet. Kira is a gifted young artist, but her fear and awkwardness make her a target for bullies. After seeing Kiraęs beautiful, Klimt-like drawings, Rei offers himself as a modelă and a protector. As their friendship grows, Kira discovers a hidden sensitivity in Rei. Both are powerfully drawn to one another, but can love blossom between such an unlikely pair? Meanwhile, a jealous classmate threatens to rob Kira of her dreamsă maybe even her life! review by Jen |
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You probably already know Mary Jane Watson as Spider-Man's redheaded girlfriend. But this book takes place before Mary Jane and Spider-Man start dating, when Mary Jane's still in high school. She's dealing with the typical problems a girl her age has. Her best friend Liz thinks that she should date Harry Osborn (but does she really want to?). She doesn't have enough money to buy all the things she wants, so she has to get an after-school job (can she make enough to buy a homecoming dress?). She should be doing better in school, and while some students tease her, her friend Liz is weirdly obsessed with being homecoming queen. To top it all off, she kind of has a crush on Spider-Man. Though this is a book set in the Marvel Universe, there are remarkably few superheroes in it--Spider-Man shows up two or three times, but his appearances feel very incidental. This book is drawn in a very manga-like style, and it fits very well with the themes. It's a cute teen drama, and it's illustrated in a way that emphasizes that fact. This is a great book for teen girls: the story is charming and will resonate with their lives. review by gina |
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Love can be hopelessly confusing or perfectly simple. In these twelve vignettes by Mick Nekoi and Nanase Ohkawa, the women of CLAMP reflect on romance with the same sensitivity they bring to all their manga. Each story is brief, but you might recognize yourself in at least one. In "Cute" (Kawaii), a girl wonders how such an overused word can take on new meaning when you hear it from someone you love. In "Different" (Chigau), a woman finds the courage to be honest with her boyfriend by trying on a traditional kimono. While a few stories follow a traditional romantic path, others seem like pages from a real woman's diary. The art may not be CLAMP's most impressive, but it's definitely kawaii and fits the sentimental innocence of the stories. Short and very sweet, The One I Love should be a quick mood-lifter for any die-hard romantic. Review by jen |
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Only the Ringer Finger Knows, based on a prose novel, is one of the best titles for introducing the romantic subgenre of shonen-ai/yaoi (boy's love) in any library. The story follows Wataru Fujii, an ordinary junior struggling through high school and passing the time tracking the trend of students using rings as cues: couples wear matched rings on their left ring finger, singles wear rings on their right middle finger. Senior Yuichi Kazuki, admired throughout the school as handsome, kind and popular, is the object of every girlęs affection. Every time a girl screws up the courage to ask him out, however, he politely declines. Wataru canęt care less until he runs into Kazuki and the two boys discover they wear matching rings. Wataru is relatively unfazed until Kazuki snipes contemptuously at him and rushes out of the room. Irritated but curious as to how someone so universally acknowledged as kind could be so rude, Wataru attempts to figure out where he took a wrong step. To complicate things, Wataruęs sister appears to succumb to Kazukięs charms and sends Wataru on a romantic errand to Kazuki, starting a sequence of more confusing confrontations. In many ways this romance falls into the traditional pattern of two characters who canęt do anything but provoke each other until they realize the reason theyęre so prickly is not repulsion, but attraction. These characters act like teenagers, full of awkwardness and confused by their own hormones, and the rocky road to love is understandable once all of the pieces fall into place and confessions are made. In terms of content, some steamy sexual tension and a few good kisses are all you get, but itęs just the right amount for the story. The art here is above par and the focus on slender hands and fingers both set off the rings as key plot points and gestures, ratcheting up the tension in a single touch. You understand why Wataru shivers. review by robin |
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"Sweet exotic scents filled its every corner, as if someone was making candies in a Chinese import store. Dizzying music pulsated and bounced off the loud pink walls. There was an old bar, and a pool table, and three sewing machines. They called it their studio. It was like a secret hideout." So opens Ai Yazawa's Paradise Kiss, a stunning manga series that combines fashion and romance to tell a moving coming-of-age story. Paradise Kiss is the manga I imagine Francesca Lia Block might write; Ai Yazawa's beautiful, fairy tale visuals recall Block's dreamy prose. Yet Paradise Kiss keeps its feet firmly on the ground, following its believably flawed heroine on her journey of self-discovery. That heroine is Yukari Hayasaka, an average student struggling (apathetically) to make it through prep school and wondering who she is. Her life is suddenly thrown off its predictable course by an encounter with a group of fashion students: prickly, punk Arashi, wise (and transgendered) Isabella, doll-like Miwako, and George, the enigmatic leader of the group who call themselves Paradise Kiss. Read More... The Complete Series Paradise Kiss Volume
1 reviews by jen |
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In my mission to educate myself further about manga, I sought out the recent popular titles. First off, a confession: I am not a girly girl. I never have been. I have never read romances and tend to disdain them, as much as I know I shouldnęt. So, I was not terribly excited about delving into romance manga, worried that I would only find tales of fashion plate girls swooning and impossibly pretty boys being either monstrous or too good to be true. Peach Girl was a happy surprise. Don't be put off by the fact that she can't seem to do up her fly on the cover. While the girls are fashion plates and the boys impossibly pretty, the story is familiar to anyone whoęs fallen in love, is too self-conscious to have the confidence to do anything about it, and yet canęt stop thinking it. Momo is terribly aware of how she looks: blond hair and a tan she cannot get rid of in a world where pale skin is the ideal. She is teased for either being a beach bunny or a slut by her peers, though she is most certainly neither. Her –friend” Sae, actually her back-stabbing rival, sports dark tresses and a pale complexion. Will Momo get the object of her affection, the quiet Toji, despite her perceived flaws, or will Sae win the day? Add in the class dreamboat, Kiley, making eyes at Momo, and you have a recipe for humor and heartache in all the right doses. review by robin |
During the reading of her grandfather's will, Kazura discovers she's been left to Mizuki in return for the cancellation of her grandfather's debts and Mizuki expects her to be his fiancé! Mizuki, only a year older than Kazura, is moody, secretive, and determined to keep Kazura away from his prying family. He moves her into his home, enrolls her in his school, and makes sure she attends flower arranging, tea ceremony, and etiquette classes. Kazura can't figure out why Mizuki wants her there so badly, but her grandfather promised she'd stay, so Kazura is determined to honor that promise. It's only after one of Mizuki's cousins begins meddling that Kazura learn the truth: Mizuki supports his incredibly wealthy family by performing Soul Returns: calling back people's souls from the dead. Kazura's presence threatens Mizuki's family ability to stay in control of Mizuki and his money. The artwork in this volume is refreshingly clear and the characters are easy to identify, with more than just hair color or glasses used to differentiate them. The story starts off slowly and the lack of translated special effects in either the text or an appendix makes things tough to follow at times. But as new characters are introduced and secrets are revealed the plot becomes richer and more intriguing, leaving the reader looking forward to future volumes and the possibility of more questions answered. review by eva |
Nicole Hayes carries a notebook with her everywhere she goes--she loves to write, and she's got an entire fantasy story in her head that she's trying to put down on paper. But other things are occupying most of her time--she's in business school, because her mom wants her to learn to help run the family business, and she also works part-time as a receptionist. Nicole feels like she has no one to talk to, especially because her closest friend, Susan, thinks that fantasy stories are just for kids and spends most of her time talking about boys and clothes. But then Nicole meets her former neighbor, Josh, who says that he has a crush on her. She really likes Josh, but she knows that he's a flirt who makes a game of seeing how many girls' phone numbers he can collect. What should she do? This is one of the first books in Tokyopop's Original English Language manga line, and it's a great showing by Amy Kim Ganter. The story is engaging, and it will attract teens who are fans of both manga and fantasy novels. Amy Kim Ganter draws adorable characters, and she handles the transitions between the events of the story and Nicole's fantasy writing superbly. review by gina |
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This may be a story you think you've heard before: a princess, a knight, magic, and perils overcome by true love. You'd be wrong. In this version, the princess is a car mechanic, the knight a sweet and melancholy mechanical product of her loneliness, and the perils are the far more common dangers of prejudice, violence, low self-esteem, and the cruelty of expectations, both the world's and the ones we put on ourselves. Jo, our princess, is a stick of a girl with little more than genius mechanical know-how and a sweet nature to get her through the world. Sometimes that's enough, especially on the night she creates, with a Frankensteinian addition of lightning, a metal knight built entirely from spare car parts. Most of the time, though, the glares of "real" girls Jo desperately wants to be, the bellowing of a drunken father, the silence of valium-addled of a mother, and the stream of disappointments in her social life affect Jo more than she'd like to admit. Her one source of comfort is the unlikely knight: he learns to speak through flashcards, dubs himself Galahad, and carries Jo across the night rooftops far away from her troubles. In teaching Galahad about the world, Jo begins to see a way out of her life, as well as the problems she must face before she can be what she dreams. The artwork in this tale is fluid and simple -- utterly perfect for the story presented. Too much detail might have made Galahad unbelievable, but the calligraphic lines of Marvit's work make every line a soulful look or a shimmer of movement. Love, loss, and a wandering path to independence weave through Sparks -- it is not a tale I will soon forget. Great for older teens and adults. review by robin |
Three years ago, naive young Satoru confessed his love to his childhood friend Shirou with devastating consequences. Now, though Shirou will have nothing to do with his former companion, Satoru continues to dream of his crush. He takes thousands of pictures of Shirou, who's now the schoo's track star, for the student newspaper. Seichi, the handsome and sardonic editor-in-chief, wishes Satoru would get over his first love, and does his best to make trouble between them. It looks like Satoru is doomed to disappointment, until the day he receives a letter from Shirou: a letter lost in the mail for three years. From the artist of Only the Ring Finger Knows, Time Lag is a melodramatic but sweet romance. It's shonen ai, so any resemblance between these characters and real teenage boys is purely coincidental. Still, Time Lag manages to capture some of the awkwardness of growing up and discovering new feelings for old friends. Can the bond the two boys' share survive the transition from friendship to love? Readers who know and love these stories will find plenty of gorgeous guys to admire in Time Lag, and they won't even have to hide the book under the bed: our heroes never get the chance to do more than kiss. Touching details, like the tin-cans-and-string phone Satoru and Shirou used to use to talk through their windows, make it possible to believe in (and root for) their relationship. review by jen |
Once upon a time there was a story. A love story. Those are the opening lines of Fabio Moon and Gabriel Ba's Ursula, the story of two kids--Miro and Ursula--who spend their childhood together. But when they start to grow up, they're separated--Ursula is sent off to school. When it becomes time for him to get married, Miro finds Ursula again, but he soon learns that she's a fairy, and when fairies fall in love, they explode. Is there a way for them to be together? Ursula is drawn with a simple, flowing line. It's a charming story about two kids in love who grow up to be two adults in love: a fairy tale with a number of South American influences (from the creators, who are both South American). review by gina |
Blue
Monday
The aptly named, cobalt
maned Bleu has the kind of problems every girl can relate to --
while her girl friends are undeniably loyal and fabulous, her guy
friends are crude, hormone-driven lechs who are tempting her to
give up on the whole gender once and for all. If only she could
get tickets to that concert by her idol, the beautiful rock highwayman
Adam Ant, she knows she could die happy. That is, until a dreamboat
new substitute arrives and arrives throws a wrench in all of Bleu's
well laid plans. Chynna Clugston-Majors, drawing art inspiration
from manga, has created a heartfelt and raucously funny teen comedy
-- and keep an eye out for the soundtrack noted in every scene!
Cheat 
Eerie
Queerie
Gravitation
Hopeless
Savages: Ground Zero
Love
Fights (Volume 1)
Love
Hina
Maison
Ikkoku: Volume 1
Mars
Only the Ring Finger Knows
Paradise
Kiss
Peach
Girl: Volume 1
Sparks:
An Urban Fairytale
Back to no flying, no tights
copyright Robin Brenner 2002-2003