Category: Manga

Manga Review: Suihelibe! by Naomi Azuma

Suihelibe! Vol. 01Suihelibe! Vol. 01

by Naomi Azuma

My rating: 2 of 5 stars

This is volume 1 of a short 2 tankoubon series. Though it doesn’t have anything to do with Chemistry (as the name implies) it does have to do with a school Biology club. The club president meets an alien girl who transfers to his school on a research abroad assignment to capture animals that escaped from her planet. Together they must find 3 other members or their club will be disbanded —
It has elements of 80s style shoujo drawing in it; which is weird (even if it is only to emphasize comedic moments). The art is fairly average, and there aren’t any real moments of tension or concern which makes it a quick and light read. I would recommend this comic — but it would probably suit a tween audience the most.

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Manga Review: Scandalous Seiryo University by Kazuto Tatsukawa

Scandalous Seiryo University, Volume 01Scandalous Seiryo University, Volume 01

by Kazuto Tatsukawa

My rating: 2 of 5 stars

A compilation manga with three separate stories: The first about the notorious student body president and the naive new student; The Second about two second-cousins — one of which is cute and frequently mistaken for a girl; and The last story is about an art student and his teacher.

It is more sexually explicit than other yaoi titles I’ve read, and the art style is unusual for this genre (one would normally find it in an action adventure story). However, I did find that the relationships between the characters had a bit more depth than is typical for a compilation.

Due to the explicit nature of the content, I probably wouldn’t recommend this title to anyone. But, If you like reading yaoi manga and aren’t offended by the sexual content, you’ll probably enjoy this series.

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Manga Review: Pixie Pop by Ema Toyama

Pixie Pop: Gokkun Pucho, Vol. 1Pixie Pop: Gokkun Pucho, Vol. 1

by Ema Tōyama

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Mayu, while drowning her sorrows in soda pop accidentally drinks a special concoction that belongs to Pucchou — a drink fairy. This special ‘magical’ drink was supposed to turn Pucchou into an adult. Now whenever Mayu drinks something, she transforms. Pucchou, heartbroken that she can never grow up, and Mayu, heartbroken that the boy of her dreams has rejected her, team-up to realize their dreams together.

This story is only 3 volumes long, which is the perfect length to create believable characters while also avoiding the repetitive nature that is usual in magical girl stories. The characters are all exceptionally cute, and the art style is clear and consistent. With few characters, this story is well crafted. It has a lovely upbeat ending and doesn’t leave any unanswered questions. I would definitely recommend this series to tween-aged manga-readers.

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Manga Review: Love Roma by Minoru Toyoda

Love Roma, Volume 1Love Roma, Volume 1

by Minoru Toyoda

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

In the very first panel Hoshino confesses his love to Negishi. Hoshino who has a problem with being blunt has fallen in love with Negishi who has a problem with being honest. Between the two of them (and their friends in the peanut gallery) they create a most unusual high school romance.

This isn’t your usual manga, it features bold marker drawings, undefined character rendering, is void of screen tones (at least I haven’t noticed any) — a style reminiscent of some independent North American comics.

That being said, the comedic timing is fabulous! It is so quirky and unusual, that there is little chance of you getting bored. The story is sweet, and even though it can be a bit episodic at times, it follows through to a satisfying conclusion.

I highly recommend this manga series!

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Manga Review: Kujibiki Unbalance by Shimoku Kio

Kujibiki Unbalance 1 (Kujibiki Unbalance, #1)Kujibiki Unbalance 1

by Shimoku Kio

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Kujibiki Unbalance is the story written within the story Genshiken. If you aren’t familiar with Genshiken, let me explain: Genshiken is a story about a college otaku club with a mixed group of interests (hentai, gaming, cosplay, doujinshi…). However, their most unifying source of conversation and interest is the new anime Kujibiki Unbalance.

That being said however, you do not need to understand or even read Genshiken to enjoy this manga. Although, I do think it is a fun read, regardless of why it was written. The art is solid, the pacing is satisfying and the story is actually quite strong considering the material. Actually, I think the the manga uses a much stronger approach than the anime.

I do recommend this story, but if you don’t care for ‘fan service’ you might want to avoid this one.

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Manga Review: Fushigi Yugi: Genbu Kaiden by Yuu Watase

Fushigi Yûgi: Genbu Kaiden, Vol. 01Fushigi Yûgi: Genbu Kaiden, Vol. 01

by Yuu Watase

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

It’s the same story, and you already know how it ends if you’ve read the sequel… but, it still blew-me-away! Takiko is a strong, sad, but worthy protagonist. Watase leaves off the twists and turns that just add pointless length to an otherwise good story (unlike the original).

Yes. This series is better than the original. I can’t wait to see what Watase does with the byakko protagonist in the final story… if she ever gets around to writing it! Oh, please, someone convince her to write it!

Read it with a box of tissues.

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Manga Review: Fairy Cube by Kaori Yuki

Fairy Cube, Vol. 01Fairy Cube, Vol. 01

by Kaori Yuki

My rating: 2 of 5 stars

This manga is about Ian — a boy who can see fairies. Labeled as a liar, Ian has tried to keep this phenomena to himself. However, when a string of suspicious deaths occur (known as the fairy murders) Ian becomes involved in something more complex and sinister than a few harmless fairy stories.

Fairy cube is a slightly dark shoujo series with elements of psychological suspense and fantasy. The artwork in this series is also a bit darker, relying on frequently heavy brush strokes.

It has an interesting premise, but I felt it became too complicated too quickly. And although the series is named Fairy Cube, I still do not have a clear picture of the ‘cubes’ importance. In addition to this, the anticipated romantic relationship is void of any sort of tension at this point. Needless to say, it’s not one of my favourite series – and I’m hesitant to read more.

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Manga Review: High School Girls by Oshima Towa

High School Girls: Volume 9High School Girls: Volume 9

by Oshima Towa

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is better than the previous two volumes. In volumes 7-8 I felt like Ohshima was being pressured by her editors to really focus the manga on her male readers and punch up the fan service. In this volume she has toned it down and is working with much fresher material.

The ‘school trip’ is the focus in volume 9. A theme which is generally used as a device to break in a longer story arc or for the two main characters to discuss ‘their feelings’. I think she successfully works with the material she has here and is her crazy, ridiculous self.

I’ve heard talk that Ohshima only claims that this manga is inspired by her life experience, but it couldn’t be true; and to those people I would like to say that I have never read a manga that was more nostalgic…the characters…the situations…Oh, wait! I was trying to forget all that.

Anyways, most people won’t understand the comedy… but if you’re kinda warped and idiotic; this is the series for you. heh.

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Manga Review: Welcome to the NHK by Tatsuhiko Takimoto and Kendi Oiwa

Welcome to the NHK, Vol. 1Welcome to the NHK, Vol. 1

by Tatsuhiko Takimoto and Kendi Oiwa

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A clever approach to a problem plaguing the Japanese Youth Population today — the Hikikomori. Hikikomori is the Japanese word referring to acute social withdrawal. The story revolves around Tatsuhiro Satou a young 22 year old man who believes in a conspiracy that has caused him to become a hikikomori. When a young lady, Misaki Nakahara, approaches Satou, she convinces him that she can cure him of his affliction.

This is a humorous yet angsty filled approach to a problematic subject. The art is rough and successfully reflects the story’s mood and meaning.

I wouldn’t recommend this story to new manga readers. This is best understood by those who have successfully (or obsessively) delved into the otaku culture and/or mind-set.

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Manga Review: Yotsuba& by Kiyohiko Azuma

Yotsuba&!, Vol. 01 (Yotsuba&! #1)Yotsuba&!, Vol. 01

by Kiyohiko Azuma

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

An absolutely adorable story about a preschooler named Yotsuba who approaches life with joy and wonder. I have read this (and other available volumes in this series) more than a dozen times and laugh just as heartily each time. I unabashedly recommend this series to anyone who will give manga a chance. Sensitive, Charming, Innocent, Adorable and absolutely Hilarious!

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