Category: Reviews

Manga Review: Venus in Love by Yuki Nakaji

Venus in Love, Vol. 01 (Venus in Love, #1)Venus in Love, Vol. 01

by Yuki Nakaji

My rating: 2 of 5 stars

The story of Suzuna, a young woman and her group of friends as they begin university & fall in love. This is a perfectly nice series, but I gave it such a low rating because the translation is horrendous! It could be that the directness of the story could have been difficult to translate. I have a hard time believing that it was intended to be so straight-forward. Japanese is NOT a language that works like that! I think it was probably supposed to be more subtle; but, the subtleties didn’t work in the English language. Why do we have to be so boorish?

Because of the translation, you don’t get drawn into the story; completely impedes the “flow”. However, I have read this a number of times. Why? It’s actually because it is so easy to put down. The illustrations are charming, and it seems that every few panels there is a scene and story change. It packs a great deal of story into 8 short easy-to-read volumes. [There are more volumes out there, but CMX closed before it released any more… that’s all we got!]

So, not one I’d recommend, because there are definitely better English translated manga out there. Plus, this one is out of print so…you know.
But definitely one I like to read when I need something light & airy that won’t stay with me when I go to sleep. Sometimes you just need to read “fluff”!

I think I’d like to read the Japanese version someday to see if I’m actually right about it though. I just can’t fathom that Nakaji-san would have gotten away with writing so many volumes had she been so intentionally direct in her story-telling…

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Manga Review: Demon Love Spell / by Mayu Shinjo

Demon Love Spell, Vol. 1Demon Love Spell, Vol. 1

by Mayu Shinjo

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Demon Love Spell is a short 6 volume series by Mayu Shinjo.

The story follows Miko (a miko) and daughter to a famous Shinto priest who has abundant powers but no abilities to sense or see spirits… and Kagura (an incubus) the strongest demon from the demon world who gains his powers from the directed love and passion of women. Miko is surprised when she accidentally seals his powers, and they are both surprised when they begin falling in love with each other.

This story is so a-typical of Mayu Shinjo. And, if you were familiar with her work, you would know exactly what I mean. From the love/hate relationship of the main couple, the continual passionate declarations of love followed by complete denial and forgetfulness, and of course the classic art style with bizarrely over-proportioned features (particularly hands and torsos) – it is her work from start to finish.

Compared to some of her other works, this story tends to be lighter and fluffier. And, is nearly void of the rape, torture, and drug abuse that you would expect from her. Probably the most dynamic of Miko and Kagura fights lead to no more than a bit of pouting on Miko’s side. So unusual, but personally, also nice and refreshing.

I often have a hard time deciding whether the situations Shinjo writes belong in a shoujo or josei subgenre – this one I believe fits neatly as shoujo. Apart from the constant sexual references from a being whose entire life is supported by sex, this is no more than a silly high school fantasy of a romance. A handsome virile man who is suppressing his immoral nature because he is desperately in love with the plain, boring, moral, and slightly disconnected school girl… what girl can win against that combination??

The end for me was a failure. It ends, yes, and the solution is what you’ve been waiting for the entire time. But, with a story so focused on the “getting together” of the main characters (from page 1), you’d think there’d be a bit more romance at the end. Instead it just fizzles out, because well, it had to happen. Oh well.

Despite the ending, I actually enjoy this series. And, of Shinjo’s works it is probably my favourite. The best scene for me falls in the beginning of volume 4. Miko finds a baby/demon in a peach while bathing in a hotsprings (think Momotaro), and she and Kagura raise it as their own child. But, of course, as you read and as the source of the baby is determined, you realize that Mayu Shinjo has thrown together some of Japan’s most famous fairy tales and weaved them into one very strange outcome to the point that even the characters are left scratching their heads. It was a nice fun diversion.

For the most part it was a fun romantic series. And, I’ll probably read it over many times.

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Manga Review: Shuriken and Pleats / by Matsuri Hino

Shuriken and Pleats, Vol. 1Shuriken and Pleats, Vol. 1

by Matsuri Hino

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Hino is Hino. If you like her other work, you’ll like this. And, if you don’t, you won’t. She’s a solid 3 star read for me. Her characters never seem too deep, and the main love interest is usually at odds with itself. I’m never sure if I care if the characters get together, or feel like there is any chemistry between them. Usually the scenario is different enough from other series, and short enough that I’m relatively entertained and interested for the duration. Hino’s main draw for me is her art. Overall, her work just seems to be getting more and more sophisticated.

This title is odd in that it features a relatively depressed and emotionless main character. I wouldn’t call her tsundere — just kind of void of personality. I expect that the intention of the story is that she’ll change into a more “human” portrayal of a teenager. If you’re looking for a series with “cool” and “tough” ninja… I don’t think you’ll be super impressed.

I liked this well enough, and will probably pick up the next volume.

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Manga Review: My Monster Secret / by Eiji Masuda

My Monster Secret Vol. 1My Monster Secret Vol. 1

by Eiji Masuda

My rating: 2 of 5 stars

In general this is a cute manga — but, I had some structural issues with the story. A few times the characters were transported to new conversations or locations without prior indication. It was a little jarring. Overall, I didn’t mind, however; and I appreciated that it read as a “shounen” romance but wasn’t blasted with fan-service.

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Graphic Novel Review: 750 Years in Paris / By Vincent Mahé

750 Years in Paris750 Years in Paris

by Vincent Mahé

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Gorgeous bold contrasting colour palette, that reminds me of vintage Eastern European Children’s book illustration. Who doesn’t love teals and orange together?!

This title follows 1 piece of infrastructure in Paris over the period of 750 years – following a seemingly accurate depiction of architectural history. It is essentially wordless, with a very brief timeline summary on the final page.

I enjoyed the colour and illustration — but, being a plotless and textless novel, I suspect is not something I’d pick up very often. Maybe would be good as a coffee-table book to flip through and enjoy at random.

You’ll probably enjoy this title if you also like: “Tokyo Sanpo”/”Tokyo on Foot” by Florent Chavouet or, “Here” by Richard McGuire.

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Manga Review: Oyayubihime Infinity / by Toru Fujieda

Oyayubihime Infinity: Volume 1Oyayubihime Infinity: Volume 1

by Toru Fujieda

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Okay. So, this series is obviously out of print considering that the publisher no longer exists. But, if you have the finances and inclination I would urge you to buy a copy of this series.

Oyayubihime Infinity is one of those romantic shoujo dramas about reincarnation, with memories of the past life, and a hint of fantasy. It’s a bit less dramatic or science fiction-y (yes, that’s a technical term) than titles like, “Please Save My Earth” but nevertheless, the premise is essentially the same. However similar, I find that the the story feels fresh, and isn’t as overwhelmingly heavy as other attempts.

Back Cover – Meet Kanoko, a high school student, and manager of the up-and-coming young actress Maya. Humble, modest Kanoko’s only dream is to see Maya hit the big-time. But the butterfly-shaped birthmark on her thumb might change her entire life.

Essentially the birthmark is one shared by a number of young people in the story. They are indicative of a past life where as lovers – tattooed themselves with a butterfly before committing suicide.

Why butterfly tattoos? This is due to the will of each couple to follow in the footsteps of the famous Agemaki and Sukeroku’s tragic past. Agemaki taking her name from the Japanese word for butterfly. The tragic story of Agemaki and Sukeroku is represented in one of Japan’s most famous kabuki plays “Sukeroku” – I’m sure you can find a synopsis online if you care to read about it!

Kanoko learns about the connection with her birthmark to the past life when one of the most popular boys in school starts pestering her about her being his past love. He too has one on his thumb, and is looking for his missing soul-mate.

There is plenty of drama and angst, and love triangles. Actually, it looks more like a love hexagon. But, what is great about this manga is that the characters grow up, mature, and give up some of their past insecurities. The meek become strong, the lonely find happiness, and the angry find peace. The past is given a proper burial, and everyone has a chance to move on.

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Review: Alice in Wonderland / by Rod Espinosa

Alice in WonderlandAlice in Wonderland

by Rod Espinosa

My rating: 2 of 5 stars

Recommended for younger readers, who might be unfamiliar with the story.

As a child, I loved Alice in Wonderland. I recalled enjoying Espinosa’s courageous princess years ago and thought I’d try this. It wasn’t my favorite. I know the Alice story too well, seeing as it was a favourite growing up. And also, I don’t see myself as the demographic for this title.

Personally, Espinosa took some of the famous scenes from the story and hurriedly smushed them together in a fast narrative. He forgot to add the “wonder” to his story. Alice barely has a chance to catch her breath before she’s already onto something new. Espinosa is relying too heavily on the reader knowing the story… And, on Alice being incredibly adaptable.

The art is 50/50. Scenes are well expressed. Some of the character design is interesting, if a little over-simplified. But, Alice is a poor attempt at a manga style. Ineffective, expressionless, and distinctly uninspired-“fan” work. It doesn’t look like Espinosa has bothered to meld his own style… It’s just a poor rehashing.

I might be overly harsh on this comic.
Espinosa is treading into too many territories where I have strong opinions on.
Maybe if this was a retelling of a story I didn’t know… in a style of comic that I didn’t read daily… I wouldn’t be so annoyed by it.

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Manga Review: Sorako / by Takayuki Fujimura

SorakoSorako

by Takayuki Fujimura

My rating: 2 of 5 stars

Short stories about Sorako: an aimless slacker, who is bored and dissatisfied with her current situation. Normally this would be the premise of a story where the character slowly comes into her own, finds ways to be satisfied with her situation… Or, you know… Do anything. She doesn’t (do anything, that is).

This comic could be construed as a character study, but I would argue that it just doesn’t go very deep. It’s not particularly moving, I don’t think it feels like a commentary on society. So, I have to judge this based on story and art.

Story-wise, it’s nothing special. Short vignettes, that don’t really go anywhere.

Art-wise this is a fair comic. I appreciate the heavy use of cross-hatching to create texture and shading over screen tones. There were still “screen tones”, but they were laid with computer rather than sheets. However, this is one of the few titles that a CG screen tone didn’t annoy the heck out of me. Each story seems to display slightly different art style as though several people were working on this — or possibly, the author is still trying to decide on their own unique style. It was interesting, but a little too obvious at times.

I originally read this title because of reading Anomal, also published by Gen. I was incredibly disappointed with the translation of the title. I really really wanted to like the publisher. I will admit that this translation is far far far superior to that other title… But, I’m still not overly impressed.

There is one more title by Gen that a friend highly recommends, which I’ll try before officially saying, “sayonara” to works by this publisher.

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Graphic Novel Review: Sweater Weather & Other Stores / by Sara Varon

Sweaterweather: & Other Short StoriesSweaterweather: & Other Short Stories

by Sara Varon

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I enjoyed several of the VERY short stories. And I think her colour palette is divine.

But I don’t think it’s a particularly good curation of stories. You’ll be hard to classify the reader for this work. The pacing generally makes each story feel geared to early readers–with lots of wordless stories. but then are mixed with a handful of text-heavy stories dealing with more adult topics. Not “adult”, just ‘adult’ (if you catch my meaning). But, I’m not sure how many grade schoolers are interested in pages from the author’s journal, or her worries about quitting her job. Certainly, an adult would appreciate this book more on the whole than a child would.

Generally a fun quick read… But I couldn’t see myself reaching for this more than once.

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Manga Review: Drunken Dreams and Other Stories / by Moto Hagio

A Drunken Dream and Other StoriesA Drunken Dream and Other Stories

by Moto Hagio

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was so fantastic! I’m not generally a fan of short stories, but these were so wonderfully created and curated. They generally follow themes of past regret or finding your place in your family. The stories varied quite a lot in form and genre, but were delivered with with a similar feel. The artwork was stunning, especially in the title comic. Those reds! Gorgeous!

I did think there were translation issues with one of the comics. But I may be interpreting the interpretation wrong.

I guess the only real problem with this title is that it is a collection. This would have been nice to read in singles. I can never allow myself that time to take a break when I’ve got a whole compilation of great stories staring at me. The best way to enjoy this would be to read a story and take some time to reflect on it.

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