Afterschool Charisma by Kumiko Suekane

Happy Holidays! 

I hope most of you school-going readers are having a wonderful break. I know I've been enjoying it thoroughly and have started dreading going back to finish my first year of college. :( Anyway, I was going through the series I've reviewed and realized I hadn't reviewed one of my favorite Viz Media series, 'Afterschool Charisma.' Funny thing is, I was quite certain I've reviewed it somewhere before! Nonetheless, here we go, either for the second or first time...

'Afterschool Charisma' is a manga series by Kumiko Suekane, published by Viz Media. It's focused in a school setting at St. Kleio's Academy, except this school isn't filled with your average run of the mill kids. St. Kleio's is a school for clones of noteworthy historical figures, all except for Shiro, who is the main character of the series. After the assassination of the John F. Kennedy clone, the students begin to wonder if they too are destined to repeat the same fate as their originals. Is it a coincidence or can the clones never escape the destiny of their originals? In the midst of the student's worries, Shiro sympathizes with his clone friends, who both love and hate him. The series continues with great suspense, conspiracy, and also a good dose of humor - what can you expect when the likes of Freud, Joan of Arc, Mozart, and Hitler clones all go to the same academy? The series is about to release it's 5th or 6th volume, and some of the chapters can be found online through Viz. I'm quite a fan of this series because history and manga really do make quite a good pair. It has fantastic art, as well as an incredibly interesting plot. Seeing historical figures in teenage manga form is also pretty entertaining. Overall, it's a great series and I highly recommend it! 

Amazingly enough, I don't have any qualms with 'Afterschool Charisma,' despite it's puzzling plot twists as the series continues, but isn't that always the case with manga? :3 That's part of the reason we love it, right? Anyway, off to enjoy more of break! Just wanted to send my regards to the manga/anime world. Now to decide what new anime series I want to start tonight! 

Best,

Pseudonymous Jayne :3

Please, no more live action movies...

Hello all,

Once again, it has been too long since I last wrote. However, after I found out about the new Paradise Kiss live action movie, I really felt the need to complain… I’m not sure how everyone else feels about live action movies; in fact I’m not sure how I feel about them entirely either.

After I watched the Nana and Nana 2 live action movie, I was stoked because I was seeing my favorite characters in people form! The costumes were fantastic and looked just like the comics, and that’s all I cared about. Though, now looking back – live action Japanese movies are like a dream. They seem perfectly perfect and real when you’re watching them, but once you’re done, you realize how many things were off about them. The acting is usually terrible, there are far too many gaps between the dialogues, which are fine in the manga because you’re just looking at panels, but in movie form it’s just bizarre. Perhaps I’m being insensitive, considering they’re foreign films, but I’ve also watched a lot of foreign films – it being my favorite genre- and there’s no reason for them to be so awful.

Anyway, I’ve tried to watch the Death Note live action movie and the Sailor Moon live action shows only to find myself disenchanted with them. When I heard about Paradise Kiss’ release as a live action movie, part of me was freaking out about how great the costumes must look. But this time… I’m not going there. I’m not going to ruin my anime experience with Paradise Kiss. So, I’m here to suggest the same to you. Stick to manga and anime like we usually do!b

That is all.

Hope this rant hasn’t thwarted everyone away from my blog.

<3 Jayne

Wanted by Matsuri Hino

Ahoy there,

So, I'm back! And, feeling great. Another follower for the win too! I'm loving all my virtual friends! :3 So, because I'm not far enough in any of the new series I've started to blog about them, I decided to pick one of my favorite mangas from the past, also by one of my favorite mangakas - Matsuri Hino. Matsuri Hino is known primarily for 'Vampire Knight' and 'MeruPuri: Marchen Prince.' I believe I've even blogged about both of them. As you can tell, I'm quite a fan of Matsuri Hino, mostly because the art is fabulous (as an artist myself, I always note/judge the art) and the stories are very easy to get into. 

'Wanted' is a one volume manga about an orphan girl, named Armeria who sings to earn money. When she was a young girl, she was in love with a boy named Luce. Luce happens to be a governor's nephew, who lost his parents as well, though he was destined for wealth. Unfortunately, Luce is kidnapped by a notorious pirate named Skulls, during a romantic exchange. Armeria swears that she will rescue Luce someday. After eight years pass, Armeria disguises herself as a boy to join Skulls' crew to save Luce. However, when she joins the crew she learns the truth about her old lover, which is not what you think... You'll have to read more to find out how Armeria fares on a ship of bad natured pirates. This manga is very fast paced, but has a lot of somewhat predictable twists. It's also a pirate shoujo manga, a theme I haven't encounter with my manga reading. I thought it was pretty original when I first started reading it. 

The only flaw with this manga is that it's so short! The story flows quickly, but ends too quickly as well. Makes you want to keep reading for more, as this story could definitely have continued with a few more chapters at least. It's also harder to relate to the characters because its so short, however I still recommend it for a fast read that will still make you smile! :)

Hope to blog again soon,

Pseudonymous Jayne :3

As you can tell...

I haven't been blogging as much. In fact, I haven't posted since the summer. However, a very sweet follower is prompting me to want to blog again. The fact that I even have followers is shocking still. :D

Anyway, I feel like before I start delving into my manga and anime frenzy again, I should update everyone with what's been going on in my life! I'm officially in college! I despise it worse than high school, but I guess that's what I get... I'm only halfway into my first semester, so I really can't complain too much - yet. Also, I kind of have a LIFE. When did this happen? I stopped reading as much shoujo manga and figured out I should probably stop reading about relationships and get one. ^_^ And... so far so good. I've been very happy, not to say I wasn't happy before, but now I feel like I've entered a different void. The last 3 or 4 months I haven't been on here, I've been out in the real world! Part of me thinks I deserve a pat on the back and then part of me feels like I've betrayed my anime/manga lover. However, I'm ready to use manga as coping mechanism for school, just as I did not so long ago. Hard to believe it's almost been a year since I started this blog. Time is flying.

I missed being here!!! Hope to post soon,
<3 Jayne

Pet Shop of Horrors by Matsuri Akino

Ahoy,

So, I'm back in action again on the manga front! Now, if I could only find some new anime series to watch and review... Anyway, I'm happy to start reviewing a series that is new to me, though in reality it's actually a pretty old series - I just completely bypassed it because it's a "horror" manga. Anyway, I'll begin. 

'Pet Shop of Horrors' is a horror manga series by Matsuri Akino, consisting of 41 chapters and an additional follow-up story that was released in 2008. The series first appeared in 1995 and ran through 1998. (Yes, I know I read a lot of 90's manga, usually considered the worst, but I think it's my true age showing through that I read so much of it!) 'Pet Shop of Horrors' follows the whereabouts and happenings at the eccentric pet store ran by the even more eccentric Count D. Count D's pet shop appears to be an average pet store with dogs, cats, and other typical animals, but when strange disappearances are linked to purchases at his store, the police becomes involved. The chapters show different encounters with Count D's customers and the unusual and rare pets he sells, as well as the unlikely friendship between Count D and the officer recruited for his case. As his officer attempts to catch Count D red handed knowingly selling dangerous pets, he begins to see that Count D is one of the most enigmatic people he will ever meet. 

I'm only about halfway through the series, but I was very impressed with it's unique story line. However, I'm not impressed with the artwork, which looks like the general 90's style of manga character sketches. I don't like to judge a manga series entirely on its artwork, so I'll say that the storyline is definitely strong enough to ignore the artwork. One of my favorite aspects of the manga is that most of the animals in Count D's shop appear to be human, which plays around with the question of what distinguishes animals from us at all. It's really a very intriguing series and I highly recommend it!

Read it here: http://manga.animea.net/pet-shop-of-horrors.html

And, now I'm off to enjoy summer away from the computer screen! ;)

Best, 

Pseudonymous Jayne 

Gravitation by Maki Murakami

Hello again,

So, look who's getting back on schedule here? I have been having such a good week, though to be honest I  still haven't been reading very much manga, and especially not watching any anime. I did catch up on some of the series I've reviewed though, since quite a few of them had new chapters released last month. This week I'm diving into the past for my manga review and picking one of the first manga series I ever read. In my opinion it's one of the best manga series made because it includes music, drama, romance, and it's hilarious. So, without further ado I'll introduce 'Gravitation' by Maki Murakami.

'Gravitation' is the story of Shuichi Shindou and his band who are on their way to becoming music icons, while also following the exploits of Shuichi in his attempts to make famous romance novelist, Eiri Yuki, fall in love with him. Shuichi and Yuki could not be more opposite, as Shuichi is a charismatic jokester and Yuki is harsh and cruel. The manga is both serious and comically ridiculous as it includes a lot of typical shonen-ai qualities, but also quirky additions like panda robots, machine gun femme fatales, and spontaneous nose bleeds. The story is also heavily rooted in the romance between Shuichi and Yuki, who are known for their majestic and sometimes painfully one sided gay romance, as Yuki cruelly plays with Shuichi's infatuation.

When I first read this manga, I was not impressed with the art. It looked rushed and in the old style of manga from the 90's. However, as I read more volumes, he art improved as did the unusually compelling storyline. I was definitely more interested in the romance between Shuichi and Yuki, because at that time I didn't realize my favorite genre was shoujo... but, the rest of the plot still kept me interested to keep reading. I don't think this manga is for everyone, as it takes itself a little too seriously or just not at all. The series ended in 2002, but new chapters are released for a sequel series called 'Gravitation Zero' or 'Gravitation EX'. The original series even has an OVA anime, which is supposed to be pretty good, though I didn't enjoy it as much as the manga.

Read 'Gravitation' here: http://manga.animea.net/gravitation.html

Best wishes,
Pseudonymous Jayne :)

Ren-ai Shijo Shugi by Minami Kanan

Hi all,

Again, I am failing at keeping up with this blog. I love reading and reviewing manga, but lately I just haven't had time to keep up with my series, nonetheless start new ones to tell everyone about. I've been living my own shoujo drama lately, so I just wasn't too keen on reading about one! :) Not sure how I feel about everything, however, I'm here this week to review one of my guilty pleasures: Minami Kanan. At first I thought about reviewing Minami Kanan's 'Honey X Honey Drops', but I felt it was too popular, considering all of Kanan's work is basically the same story plot... You read one, you've read them all - but, it never stops you from reading them anyway. ;) So, I decided to go with her second most popular series, which I adore almost more than her other series because it at least tries to have a strong female lead. 

'Ren-ai Shijo Shugi' is a series by the much loved Minami Kanan. Her work is best known for being some of the best smut manga. Now, usually I'm not proud of the fact that I read a lot of smut manga, but I feel that even the best manga readers have set their eyes on Kanan and loved her. :) Anyway, this story is slightly unique because of the female lead, Seri, and her desire to be strong and independent, though this ultimately fails once she meets Tamaki. Both Tamaki and Seri are skilled in karate, which is a running theme for the series since the two were childhood friends, turned lovers. However, the conflict in this story begins with Sari and Tamaki's relationship, which seems to bring about the most unappealing and forceful rivals that continually try to break apart Sari and Tamaki. Sari often finds herself stuck in a lot of very edgy sexual situations, disregarding her karate training completely...

This series is definitely not what I consider classy or top notch manga. In fact when people who haven't read any manga thing of manga, this is the sort of smutty and weak-plotted type they think of. However, Minami Kanan remains one of my favorite mangakas, simply for her bold style and intense artwork. The lack of character building is pretty relevant, but the fact that the series is able to capture the reader in spite of this is really quite amazing. If you're interested in a gripping and smut filled manga series, I highly recommend this series. 

Check it out here: http://manga.animea.net/ren-ai-shijo-shugi.html

Best,

Pseudonymous Jayne :3

'The Girl Who Leapt Through Time' by Madhouse Studios

Hi all,

So much for me keeping up with this blog. Well, I can officially say that all my prior engagements which took up all my time, are over. Hopefully I will have time to start blogging here again. I honestly haven't been reading very much manga or watching very much anime lately. It's been hard to keep up with my series and most of them are still awaiting chapters, so I haven't started anything new. Thus, I'm just going to blog about an anime movie I watched a little while ago and loved. Next week I'll have some new series to tell everyone about, for sure! :3

'The Girl who Leapt Through Time' was produced by Madhouse Studios and is a full length animated movie, made in 2006. It's been praised for it's graphics and beautiful illustration, which is all for good reason. The story line and art are absolutely stunning! Probably one of the best anime movies since 'Spirited Away' by Miyazaki. The story is about an average school girl, Konno Makoto, who mysteriously finds the power to leap through time. Initially he uses the power to gain selfish and silly things like the pudding her sister ate an hour before, but eventually she realizes her power beginning to fade. She also learns that her best friend is in love with her, which she at first dismisses his advances by using her power, going back and forward in time with ease. However, at the last minute she learns he is from a different world and that it wasn't by accident that she found the power to leap through time, while also seeing how her power doesn't just make life easier without a cost. She soon learns that changing fate can have huge consequences.

I really enjoyed this movie and was so pleased to have found it. I definitely recommend it! I was actually surprised it took me so long to find it when it's been such a noteworthy movie in the anime world.

Anyway, I've gotta run. Next week I'll something new to blog about! Sorry for the quick review.

Best,
Jayne :3

D.Gray-Man by Katsura Hoshino

Hi all,
Well, this week has probably been the hardest one for me in a while. My relationship just ended and it's really hard for me to get into the daily routine for things. Right now reading shoujo manga is really difficult because of the sheer unrealistic perfection of some of the relationships in manga, which make me want to gag. So, I'm detouring away from my usual favorite genre (at least while I get over this break-up) and I'm reviewing a shonen series. Hope you like it, though it's going to be brief  because it's just way too long of a series to get into too much detail.

'D.Gray-Man' is one my favorite series, and a good portion of the manga world's too. It's very popular and has over 200 chapters, so it keeps most of it's readers fairly occupied. I've been reading for a few months and I'm still not finished. The story is about a strange boy named Allen, who becomes a member of a group of exorcists. All exorcists have an ancient power called 'Innocence', which they use to combat akuma (or demons) and the ultimate villain, the Millennium Earl. Akuma are weapons made by the Millennium Earl to destroy humanity, preying on the pain and suffering of human beings. Allen is the protagonist of the story and he possesses a unique Innocence and power to see Akuma through his deformed eye. The story continues with Allen and his team of fellow exorcists as they destroy Akuma and the Millennium Earl, while both sides search for the greatest piece of Innocence called the 'Great Heart'. The story is fairly biblical, and it brings up some creative elements about good and evil.

'D.Gray-Man' is one of the most creative series I've read and I find the character sketches to be quite lovely. My favorite character Lenalee Lee was going to be my cosplay costume if I had went to the anime convention in my region. :) Anyway, I highly recommend the series. It's very action packed, as most of it involves fighting scenes between Akuma and the exorcists. This may sound boring, but it's very exciting and the art is fantastic.
Read it here: http://www.mangareader.net/210/dgray-man.html

Love,
Pseudonymous Jayne :3

Say I Love You by Kanae Hazuki

Hi guys,

I feel like a total slacker. I haven't kept up with blogging on either of my blogs! XP I love blogging so much, but life has been beyond hectic. I'm officially out of high school though, so at least that stress if over. It's a surreal feeling to be gone from that dreadful place. Though, when I'm bored I find myself missing it... I'm so confused. Oh well, I'm going to move onwards with the review now.

'Say I Love You' is a manga series by Kanae Hazuki and I absolutely adore it. My only problem with this manga is that the chapters don't come out fast enough! I've been waiting for the latest chapter for about a month and am hating every moment I have to wait for its release. The series follows the story of Mei and her unexpected relationship with the most popular boy at school, Yamato. Mei isn't the typical submissive and silly girl usually portrayed in shoujo manga. In fact, she runs from her feelings and Yamato ends up falling for her because of her dislike for him at first. The two become good friends and make for an exceptional pair of awkward lovers. Mei is insecure about her looks and her quite demeanor, which she thinks will make Yamato leave her, but in reality Mei grows into a beautiful and mysterious girl that makes her readers and Yamato fall for her.

I'm such a fan of the art of this manga - it is beautiful! Yamato's hair and character drawing is so great. Probably the best hair I've seen out of all my favorite series. I can't write too much today, but I definitely want to recommend 'Say I Love You'. I've been wanting to review it for a while, but there were never enough chapters out! There are currently 14 or 15 chapters out now, depending on the manga reader you choose to use. 

Read it here: http://www.mangareader.net/1145/say-i-love-you.html

Well, I've got places to name and things to do. I'll try to blog on time from now on! ;)

Best,

Pseudonymous Jayne

Hapi Mari by Enjouji Maki

Hi guys,

I'm trying to get back on track with this blog, so here I am. I've recently entered a relationship, which has made me read a lot less manga lately. It's funny how my relationships correlate to the type of manga I read! Anyway, I still decided to review a manga series I began reading a little while ago, which is why it happens to another shoujo one. It's also another Enjouji Maki manga, like 'Private Prince,' which I adored, if you you remember.

'Hapi Mari' is the story of the unlikely relationship between Chiwa and her arrogant boss, Hokuto. When Hokuto requests to marry Chiwa as a business agreement, Chiwa agrees so that she will be able to cancel her father's debt. However, Chiwa and Hokuto are completely different and neither knows what it means to be married. After moving in together to keep up appearances, Chiwa and Hokuto begin to fall in love, which makes the whole arrangement more than what they had intended. The whole series is really enjoyable and quick paced, but just sums up the love/hate relationship between two really immature people.

While 'Hapi Mari' can't really be considered an original story, as there are many with unsuitable random marriages, Enjouji Maki creates the usual humor, smut, and cute story lines that keep you reading for more. So far, only 15 chapters have been released on the internet.
Read it here: http://manga.animea.net/hapi-mari.html

Sorry for the short review this week! Hopefully it will be enough to convince everyone to read 'Hapi Mari'. I can't emphasize enough that it's one of my favorite series so far, but I also just love Enjouji Maki manga so I'm incredibly biased! :)

Best,
Pseudonymous Jayne :3

Hana-Kimi by Hisaya Nakajo

Hey folks,

I missed a week again... I'm pretty sure no one cares, but I'm mad at myself because I'm supposed to follow through with my commitments, right? Anyway, I don't have much time to rant today, so onwards.

This week I want to review 'Hana-Kimi' (aka 'Hanazakari no Kimitachi') by Hisaya Nakajo. Hana-Kimi is one of the most popular shoujo manga series in both the United States and Japan. It's about Mizuki Ashiya, a transfer student from the United States who admires a Japanese high jumper named Izumi Sano who goes to a high school in Osaka, Japan. When Ashiya gets the chance, she transfers to the school in Japan as an exchange student, except there's one flaw. Sano's school is an all boys school, thus begins Ashiya's cross dressing to disguise herself as a boy in order to be near Sano, the boys she idolized for athletics, but later falls in love with. The story continues with Ashiya's risky experiences being a girl in a boy's school and the love that forms between Sano and Ashiya, who ironically end up sharing a dorm together. From the beginning, Sano knows Ashiya is a girl, but throughout the story he helps her protect the identity without her realizing it, because he knows that once the secret is out he'll no longer be able to protect her.

Hana-Kimi is a typical cutesy shoujo series with themes on gender bender and sports. I'm not usually a fan of sports themed manga, so this is one of the first times I actually wanted to recommend one like it. I really enjoyed the art in this manga too, finding myself taking numerous screen shots of the amazing character designs. Overall, I definitely recommend it for a shoujo fan, wants their first taste of a sports themed manga. My only qualm with the series is that it's ridiculously long. I definitely spent a good two months finishing this one.

Read it here: http://www.mangareader.net/279/hana-kimi.html

Well, I can't write much today.
Best,
Pseudo-Jayne

Tamashii no Futago by Mitsukazu Mihara

Hi guys,

I'm back on schedule again! I've been suffering from extreme senior-itis these past few weeks, especially because I only have about three weeks left of school. I also know where I'm going college now, so all of the stress is pretty much non existent. I'm also getting used to the idea of staying in town for college, thus I'm feeling 100% right now. However, I have a looming last calculus test of the year approaching, but instead of studying some more I've decided to blog. It really is a great stress reliever!

This week, I've decided to review Tamashii no Futago or 'The Twin Souls' by Mitsukazu Mihara. The still unfinished series is about two lost souls who both died at the same time, and can only be seen by those who have a 'twin soul' somewhere else. Alex and Rita fly around surprising people who can see them, all the while inadvertently getting closer to each other while helping other souls meet their twins. Because only a few chapters have been released in english (six, to be exact), the back story on how Alex and Rita died is still in question, but we do learn that their deaths were under mysterious circumstances. Both characters seem to suffer some kind of amnesia that even they can't remember, due to the traumatic manner of their deaths.

I'm a huge fan of the art in this manga! Alex dons an old halloween costume and Rita is a little girl dressed in womanly clothes, which makes for adorable, but melancholy character desins. Overall, it's a great beginning to a manga that I'm sure will have a lot of twists and turns as it continues. If you like supernatural and dark themed manga, Tamashii no Futago is for you! My only qualm with the series is that it's a little confusing because of the non-biological twin concept. It takes a very literal meaning behind twin 'souls'.

Read it here: http://www.mangareader.net/1470/tamashii-no-futago.html

Wishing everyone the best,
Pseudo - Jayne :)

Midnight Secretary by Tomu Ohmi

Hi all,

Goodness. I don't even know how to apologize for missing a week (hence, why I posted a little early this week). It's my first time I've completely forgot about blogging here. I'm now running two blogs, though one is significantly less work, through tumblr. Also these past few weeks have been really difficult, because I'm finally getting my college decisions and it seems like I'll probably be going to school in my city (meaning, I'll be stuck for another four years in a place I don't really want to be). Being wait-listed to schools is probably one of the worst feelings, because you realize that you're so close to being in, but not quite... In short, I haven't been blogging on here because my life is not meeting the expectations I want it to. XP But, I'm back now. So, I've decided to review one of my favorite series: 'Midnight Secretary' by Tomo Ohmi.

Yes, the title of this manga is definitely hinting at some smut, which is actually a pretty good tip for this series. However, it's probably more accurately a josei manga. I'm not a huge fan of reviewing my favorite smut series on here, but this one is really good. I feel like most manga readers would love this even with its ridiculously silly name. The series is about Kaya, a very square, but very capable secretary. She finds herself working for a playboy boss of a big company, who usually hires beautiful women to work around him. When he sees how perfect of a secretary Kaya is, despite her meek looks, he is obligated to hire her. At first Kaya hates her boss, Kyouhei, because he is terribly hostile and spends most of his time in "engagements" with women. On one of these engagements, Kaya accidentally spies her boss sucking the blood from one of his women, and thus Kaya learns that here boss is a vampire! (Yes, this is another vampire series... I keep telling myself I don't like them, but I keep finding decently good ones). So, the story continues with Kyouhei needing Kaya's blood, where he realizes she is beautiful when she comes out of her stiff secretary look. Eventually the two fall in love, but against the rules for vampires like Kyouhei, who are only supposed to use humans as part of their diet.

I didn't think I would like this series when I started it, but it turned out to be really intriguing. I loved Kaya's character because she was so sensible at first, and didn't throw herself at Kyouhei (who is not so unique - he's just like any other male chauvinist in manga). Don't expect much as far as plot goes in this series, but the dialog and art make up for the typical plot. Despite its light smut and vampire aspects, it's a very good series that will keep you on the edge. Plus, it has fairytale ending, which I can't help but like. :3

Read it here: http://manga.animea.net/midnight-secretary.html

Well, I'll try not to miss anymore reviews!
Best,
<3 Pseudonymous Jayne

Inuyasha by Rumiko Takahashi

Ahoy there!

I want to apologize again for being late in blogging this week, again. My life has been so hectic lately, paired with the fact that I am incredibly unmotivated! Because I'm not done with any of the series I'm reading or watching right now, I'm going to review the series that got me started reading and watching anime: InuYasha. Yes, I realize it's an extremely over rated series and very redundant, but it's close to my heart - literally. I should probably explain why I even picked up the darn series. In middle school, about 7 years ago, there was a boy I was completely smitten over, and he was a huge InuYasha fan. In order to have something to talk about with him, I started reading InuYasha. Instead he ended up thinking I was some kind of stalker and didn't end up liking me until high school, where I it was my turn to think he was a stalker. In short, Inuyasha never got me any action, but I ended up loving manga instead. 

Okay, I'm done with my tangential romance of middle school. Onwards… Inuyasha is a very popular shonen/shoujo series by Rumiko Takahashi. To me, the series is one of the best made because it has everything - action, romance, supernatural, and suspense. The story follows Kagome, an average school girl in modern Japan, who falls into feudal Japan through a well. When she gets there she finds out that she is the reincarnation of a legendary priestess, Kikyo, who died protecting the Shikon jewel. The Shikon jewel allows demons to have their power increased, even making half demons into full demons. However, most demons can't control the power of the Shikon jewel. When Kikyo died, she buried the Shikon jewel with her, so that it could no longer create terrible demons, so when Kagome falls into feudal Japan, demons are drawn to her, because the Shikon jewel has been reincarnated inside her. While running from a demon, she meets Inuyasha, a dog demon that has been held inside a spell for years. Fearing her death, she releases Inuyasha from his spell, where he destroys the demon. This begins their journey together after Kagome accidentally shoots the Shikon jewel into hundreds of little fragments scattered through feudal Japan. The unlikely pair is set on a quest to gather the shards of the Shikon jewel. The romance begins when the learn the back story on how Inuyasha was set under a spell from the beginning, or the romance between Kikyo and Inuyasha before Kagome was reincarnated. The series continues with their blossoming romance, meeting more friends, and a quest to destroy Naraku, a dangerous demon who wants the Shikon jewel for himself. 

A series with over 500 chapters, and over 100 episodes of anime has a long story with many different adventures. I have shamefully read and seen all of them. :3 For those of you haven't seen or read the series, I don't want to tell the whole story (though that would be impossible, because it's just so long). Part of what makes the series so great is the characters. Along the way you'll meet Miroku, the lecherous monk, Sango, the badass woman demon slayer, Shippo, the annoying comic relief, and so many more. The art is basic, part of Takahashi's famous Rumic style, but still enjoyable. This series is really hard to explain, because it has so much going on, so I really can't do it justice. :( I must say that watching and reading it in one sitting can be really redundant, because it seems like the stupid Shikon jewel has a million shards, and there is like a never-ending flow of weak demons flying all over the frigid' feudal Japan. However, I can definitely recommend it! It keeps you reading and the romance between Kagome and Inuyasha will have you sitting at the edge of your seat! 

Read it here: http://www.mangareader.net/226/inuyasha.html

Sorry for the lame and long review this week. I think I'll refrain from reviewing super long series in the future, because I never know what I should leave out! 

Best,

Pseudonymous Jayne

Girl Friends by Milk Morinaga

Hey guys,

So, I'm late in blogging partly because I've been busy, but mostly because I've been distracted by another blogging site: tumblr. It's probably one of the coolest sites I've been on, next to MAL and facebook. :3 I really like it because it's so easy to use! Anyway, I've decided that I'm going to just post new blog entries whenever I can, which will probably be more around Thursday and Friday, than the Wednesday entries I'd planned. It's so hard to keep up with what I've been reading and watching. I always want to blog things I'm not finished with!

Okay, this week I want to blog about, 'Girlfriends' by Milk Morinaga. It's the first girl romance shoujo I've ever read (I think it might be considered a yuri manga) and I was surprised how much I liked it! 'Girlfriends' is about Mari Kumakura, who is a quiet straight A student, who draws the friendly and outgoing Akko Oohashi to be her friend. Surprisingly, they become best friends and Mari finds herself thinking about Akko more and more. Mari evenutally realizes she is in love with Akko. At first, it makes Mari unable to be around Akko, but when she thinks the prospects of going out with Akko are futile, she gets past her love and tries to fall in love with a boy. Akko sees this new relationship, and finds herself jealous over Mari's new relationship, and that's when Akko realizes she too feels for Mari. The story continues with Akko and Mari realizing their love for each other and the hilarious exploits the two best friends go through.

What makes this manga so interesting is how realistic and natural the characters are. They have real conversations about shopping, hanging out, etc. while also expressing genuine confusion over the way they feel about each other. Both Mari and Akko are adorable characters with very different personalities, which only shows that opposites do attract. I was really impressed with the plot, but perhaps it's because 'Girlfriends' was my first girl romance manga. Great series, and I definitely recommend it!

Check it out here: http://manga.animea.net/girl-friends.html

Best,
Pseudonymous Jayne :3

xXx Holic by CLAMP

Dear Readers,

I want to apologize for being incredibly tardy with my posts lately. To say I've been busy is an incredible understatement... Though, without revealing too much over this cyberworld, I can proudly say I've had a fantastic week! :3 Things are a ch-ch-changin' and I'm ridiculously happy! Aside from feeling a little down about relationships (and their lack of) with prom around the corner, I'm also feeling pretty positive. Hence, I've decided to review a series that is, for the most part, without very many romance themes, but includes both comedy and the supernatural (my other favorite genre).

'xXx Holic' is a series made by the famous CLAMP mangakas. They are famous for their work with renowned series: Cardcaptor Sakura, Chobits, Angelic Layer, etc. 'xXx Holic' is nothing short of their other series with its beautiful art, witty comedy, and creative plot. 'xXx Holic' is both an anime and manga, and after watching/reading both, I'm equally thrilled. The story follows the clumsy and lovable Watanuki Kimihiro, who has the ability to see spirits and supernatural entities. This ability has plagued him all his life as they frequently try to harm him. One day on his way home, he feels strangely compelled to enter an odd house where he meets the sultry, but mysterious Yuuko Ichihara. She claims to be able to solve his problem with spirits if he agrees to work for her. This begins the hilarious duo between Yuuko and Watanuki. The story continues with Watanuki's bonding with Domeki, a guy who is able to repel spirits, and Watanuki's love interest, Himawari. Despite the small reference to romance, this part of the story is more a comedic motif, due to Watanuki's unrequited love.

The episodes and volumes continue with Watanuki's various supernatural encounters, which are both eerie and humorous. My favorite quality is the inclusion of mythology, which is cleverly intertwined into the plot. I also have to mention again how beautiful the art is! It's one of the first CLAMP series I read and immediately fell in love with it's unique style, particularly with Yuuko's fashion!
Overall, it's a fantastic series and I recommend both the anime and manga!
Read it here: http://www.mangareader.net/160/xxxholic.html

Sorry for the rushed and late review this week!
~Pseudonymous Jayne

Emma by Kaoru Mori

Hey guys,

Another busy week is almost finished. As much as I love school and no matter how amazing the idea of continuing in a college setting is, I look forward to the weekend like a five year old does Christmas. Imagine that kind of anticipation every week... :( But, perhaps that's just a typical teenage rant. Onwards... This week, I've planned to review a series I'm not entirely finished with, but already love. It's the same type of romance that I usually review, but with a timeless twist you'll love.

Emma by Kaoru Mori is romance manga set in the late 19th century. The story follows the blossoming romance between a maid, Emma, and a wealthy gentry man, William. Emma first meets William when he comes back in town and decides to visit his old teacher, who is Emma's mistress. Emma is a practical, but beautiful maid with many suitors she usually denies, but with William, she finds herself blushing and enjoying her time with him. William is instantly drawn to her because of her beauty, but also her intelligent demeanor. The story continues with conflicts because of William's status in society versus Emma's lack of one as a maid. The two are pushed apart as William's family does not approve of his marrying a commoner. The story is also intercepted by William's friend, Hakim, who came from India riding on elephants and surrounded by dancing girls (he's definitely my favorite character), who at first decides he wants Emma for himself, until he realizes that William is head over heels for her.

Unlike other romance manga series I've read, this manga isn't fast paced into a physical relationship between Emma and William, which shows the accuracy of Mori's 19th century remake, where propriety was of utmost importance. Though, for some reason it's in the mature section of the site I'm reading it from, so perhaps it steps out of that for a while... I can't really say because I'm only on chapter eighteen out of the 52 chapters.

It really is very creative and unique twist from the usual romance manga I've read. I love the art, which is not overflowing with detail, but instead very simple and crisp. However, as a Jane Austen fan, I love the time period most of all! A great series that I highly recommend! There is also a highly rated anime for this series, which I'm going to start as soon as I finish the manga. I might make a comment review of the anime when I'm finished! :3
Read it here: http://manga.animea.net/emma.html

Sorry to post late again!
~Pseudonymous Jayne

Captive Hearts by Matsuri Hino

Ahoy,

So much has happened this week! I can't say I'm glad it's almost over though... I'm absolutely exhausted from the extraneous homework and extracurriculars I've committed myself to this month. Anyway, in commemoration of Valentines Day (aka 'Singles Awareness Day') we're going to review a shoujo manga. Big surprise, right? I always review shoujo manga :3 It's my favorite genre, so I really can't help it! ^ ^  I'm not exactly a hopeless romantic, but I do enjoy seeing perfect couples fall in love under strange circumstances! And, that's just what 'Captive Hearts' is all about!

'Captive Hearts' is a shoujo manga by Matsuri Hino, who is famous for the popular series 'Vampire Knight'. 'Captive Hearts' is about the Kuroishi and Kogami families, who have had a strange curse for generations. The Kuroishi family members have been cursed to serve the Kogami clan in both mind and heart. Lucky for the young and oblivious Megumi, the entire Kogami family disappeared years ago. This changes when Suzuka Kogami resurfaces in China and lives with Megumi and his dad, who are compelled to serve her. By meeting Suzuka, Megumi learns the full extent of the curse his family is under, as he overwhelms himself and Suzuka with compliments and servitude constantly. Little does Megumi realize, he is also succumbing to Suzuka with his heart, as their relationship grows into a romance. Suzuka is determined to remove Megumi's curse, but also feels conflicted when realizing that Megumi's feelings may only be a part of his curse and not true love. The series progresses with a familiar servant and master relationship, except reversed with a female master and obedient manservant.

As usual, I have picked a shoujo manga with slight supernatural elements, as the family is cursed by a strange curse. The story progresses as Megumi and Suzuka work to break the curse, involving magic and many hilarious adventures. I have really enjoyed all of Matsuri Hino's work, so it was no surprise that I loved this series. Hino draws beautiful characters that are just so much fun to look at. It's also refreshing to see a refreshing reversal of roles with Suzuka in charge of Megumi.
A great/cute story and great art = thumbs up from me! ^ ^
Read it at: http://www.mangareader.net/1264/toraware-no-minoue.html

Once again, Happy Belated Valentines Day!
Best,
Pseudonymous Jayne

Black Bird by Kanoko Sakurakoji

Dear Cyberspace,

I've just discovered the stats section of my dashboard for this blog, and I found out that people are looking at my blog. XD Hurray for internet popularity increase! *sigh* Alright, I'm feeling a little sluggish today. I've had so much on my plate this week and using myanimelist.net (MAL) has become such a distraction to my daily life. Let's just say my homework productivity in the last two weeks has begun to decrease. :P Plus, I've been reading so much manga! Though, I haven't been watching enough anime to keep up with the MAL users! I've officially been coined a "newb". Yes, it's true. I am in fact, a newbie at watching anime. But, I've been reading manga for almost seven years. I just don't have the time to watch as many anime shows as I'd like. :( Perhaps that will change with college next year.

Alright, enough of my usual moping and such. I've decided to review one of my favorite manga series out right now: 'Black Bird' by Kanoko Sakurakoji. 'Black Bird' was released in 2007, and the series now has seven volumes out in english, and an eighth is soon to come. The seventh volume came out February 2nd this year, and I just finished it this weekend! So, I felt it was necessary to review the series and the new volume! :3

'Black Bird' is a series about Misao Harada, a girl who has been able to see monsters and demons ever since she was born. Because of this, her only friend was a boy named Kyo, who left her when she was child. The story begins with Misao's reintroduction to her childhood friend, who rescues her from a demon attack, which has become a frequent occurrence now that Misao is older and susceptible to a legendary demon prophecy. Kyo's rescue reminds Misao of her old friend, who she then learns is demon as well. Misao learns that Kyo also wishes to fulfill the demon prophecy, except by making her his bride. Most demons would choose to eat Misao to gain long life, but Kyo's marriage to Misao would bring his demon tribe, Tengu, prosperity. From this, the story begins with Kyo's seducing of Misao and their love affair, which evolves into a passionate romance with demons, violence, and betrayal.

'Black Bird' is widely popular for its beautiful art and mature content. It's reception has been muddled as many consider it to be an overdone concept. Critics even dislike Kyo's character for being too manipulative and demanding, and Misao's character for being too submissive. I personally have loved the series for its combination of romance and supernatural themes. I found the series by scanning the manga section of a nearby bookstore and was immediately drawn by it's alluring cover art. I'm glad I picked it up, because it's one of my favorite new series! :3 I definitely recommend this manga for shoujo fans and for an older audience. ;) Check it out here: http://www.mangareader.net/1003/black-bird.html Readers can look forward to an english version of the eight volume in May of 2011.

Enjoy,
Pseudonymous Jayne

Tsukuyomi: Moon Phase by Keitaro Arima

Ahoy,
Before I start this week's review I want to tell about the most amazing website known to manga/anime fans: myanimelist.net. The website, known through users as MAL, can easily be considered the anime fan's facebook equivalent. I know it's definitely old news to most, but it's new and amazing to me! The site allows you to keep track of all your current manga and anime, get recommendations and reviews, while also socializing with other fans. I just joined, and absolutely love it. Unlike most forum sites, MAL is frequently trafficked and in addition to that, MAL has an incredibly friendly network of users. My first week and I had numerous welcome comments and friend requests. :3

Okay, I'm done raving about MAL. This week, I want to review an anime series called 'Tsukuyomi: Moon Phase', which was released in 2004, though the style is reminiscent of older anime styles. I haven't read the manga, but I've skimmed the first volume, which has beautiful art! 'Moon Phase' is about a young vampire girl named Hazuki, and her failed slave, Kohei. Kohei is an aspiring photographer, who can't help but attract spirits and supernatural presences. One night on a commission to photograph a German castle, he spots a beautiful girl in the moonlight. In order to further investigate the castle, he meets Hazuki, who only desires him to be her slave and rescue her from the prison of the castle. Unfortunately, both Hazuki and Kohei get off to a bad start when Hazuki doesn't show up in Kohei's pictures and Kohei proves to be resistant to her vampire's "kiss," which would usually turn human's into slaves for vampires. Kohei unexpectedly helps Hazuki escape from the castle and takes her home with him, where they begin their friendship of convenience. With Hazuki in Kohei's home, results in a lot of trouble for Kohei and his grandfather, who happens to be a spiritual medium. The series progresses with more vampires, action, drama, and even a bit of romance. The series also surprises you with both Hazuki and Kohei's character growth in both supernatural abilities and personality as Hazuki develops special vampire traits and Kohei becomes a prized 'vampire's lover'.

Like, I've said before, I'm not a huge fan of vampire themed manga/anime series, but I was drawn to 'Moon Phase' because of its combination of humor and action. Hazuki plays a perfect spoiled vampire princess, which Kohei plays a resistant vampire slave, which already is pretty hilarious. The series also has a dark undertone, which drives a more complex plot line as Hazuki and Kohei share an unexpected romance.At times it's just too cutesy, and others it just prides itself in being too dramatic and action packed.  'Moon Phase' is a fairly unknown anime series, probably because it's getting old, but I definitely recommend it, though sometimes I'm embarrassed to say I like it more than I should. :3

Another thing I should mention about 'Moon Phase' is that it has some very random motifs, like washpans dropping on the character's heads... I still don't understand why those are included so much towards the end of the series.

See ya next week (as you can see, I'm late again and writing on Thursday... I blame school XP)
Best,
~Pseudonymous Jayne

The Wallflower by Tomoko Hayakawa

Hi guys,

So, not that anyone cares, but I am late in posting this week. My reasons for this are because of the dreaded finals I had this week. Like I said, I don't think anyone cares... Alright, if I secretly have readers out there, they're probably supremely irritated that all I do at the beginning of my posts is complain about how no one is reading... *insert cliche sigh* Somehow I need to get myself into the manga online community, so that I may meet my grandiose dream of having followers who aren't already my friends in real life. :3 Anyone know the best manga forum site?

Okay, this week I chose to reviwe another old anime show called, 'The Wallflower' or 'Perfect Girl Evolution' by Tomoko Hayakawa. It's also a manga of course, but I haven't actually read it, though I can tell you that the art is very different from the anime. The story is about a girl named Sunako, who was told she was ugly by the only boy she had ever liked. Since that experience, Sunako shuns all 'beautiful' things, including her own blossoming beauty. She prefers to spend her time watching horror movies and making friends with anatomical science mannequins. Her aunt notices this unusual behavior and sends her to live with her four handsome renters in order to turn Sunako into a 'perfect lady'. If successful, the four boys will receive free rent! Unfortunately for them, Sunako is the farthest thing from a perfect lady, and is also far from willing. The anime is a twenty-five episode series, which ends rather abruptly with a hint about Sunako's love for one of the boys.

While looking for something good to watch over my winter break a few weeks ago, I ran into 'The Wallflower', which is a romantic comedy with a lot of gothic undertones. Along with some of its strange interjections of gothic doom, it still keeps a light hearted tone. It wasn't my favorite anime to watch due to its often repetitive plot lines, but it was very entertaining at its best. Sunako is prone to nosebleeds, cares more about her mannequin, Hiroshi, and spends most of the show in demented chibi form, rather than her true beautiful self. As you can see, it's pretty hilarious. I would definitely recommend this anime if you're looking for something fun and silly, but not if you're looking for a serious shoujo or dramatic anime.

Well, gotta go!
Best,
Pseudonymous Jayne

Mars by Fuyumi Soryo

Dear Cyberspace,

So, it seems my internet popularity has increased within the last day! In spite of the fact that I am acquainted with my one follower, I am overjoyed that my reviews are being read by more people than yours truly. :3

After a stressful day debating in french (oui, je parle francais, mais jusque un peu), learning 'u substitution' in calculus, and writing an essay on the reasons I know what I know, I've decided to pick a school related manga. Even when I'm out of school, I just can't help but love manga with school themes! Though, I must admit the adorable uniforms are a definite perk! Ironically, the manga I've chosen (Mars by Fuyumi Soryo) doesn't actually have any uniforms... Anyway, I'll stop rambling and start reviewing!

'Mars' is a manga series by Fuyumi Soryo. It was released in english language through Tokyopop, but is now considered out of print, though it can be found on most online manga sites. The series was released in 1996 and ended in 2000, which makes the clothing and art style a little dated. In spite of this, it's really one of the best manga series I have ever read. 'Mars' follows the romance between Kira Aso and Rei Kashino, who are opposites in every way, but both come from troubled backgrounds. Rei is a professional motorcycle racer with a bad reputation for using girls and starting fights, while Kira is an introverted artist who spends most of her time hiding from people. Even though, Kira and Rei live different lives, they're drawn to each other and eventually fall in love. Through their journey together, they learn about each other's dark pasts, which both are filled with pain, loss, and sadness.

'Mars' follows a traditional shoujo plot with romance and high school themes, but it's very unique in its character depth. The characters, Kira and Rei, are lost in their dark pasts and show growth as they learn to move on to make the best of their lives. Aside from the romance, 'Mars' has sports, drama, psychological, and mature content. It's action packed and fast paced, but classic in all aspects of the word. 'Mars' will make you laugh, cry, smile, and cringe with the story Soryo brings you. I'm actually really disappointed I wasn't reading manga when this came out, because I would have loved to forum or talk about this manga in the decade it came out! :3

Anyway, I really loved this series and definitely recommend it to everyone. It has aspects that make it interesting for all manga readers. Its fifteen volumes can be found at: http://www.mangareader.net/mars
(I'm going to start linking the manga sites from now on!)

In case anyone is interested, Mars has also been made into a live action drama in Taiwanese! I can't attest to whether it's any good, but I imagine it's very entertaining. Soryo also made a prequel to the series called 'Mars: A Horse By No Name' in 1999, though most reviews say it's way overdone to be taken seriously...

Well, I should stop procrastinating my work!
Best,
~Pseudonymous Jayne ;)

Princess Hanaka by Kayono

Ahoy again,

So, it looks I still don't have any readers... :( Sad, but very true. I don't know what to do to start getting some readers, but I know it's probably because I currently have zero advertising tactics! At least I enjoy ranting and raving about manga. It's my stress reliever in my very busy pre-college schedule. Okay, I should probably stop moping about my lack of internet popularity, and get reviewing. Since we reviewed a manga about a prince last week, let's review a manga about a princess... 'Princess Hanaka' by Kayono. Unfortunately, I didn't really like 'Princess Hanaka', but it will be fun to review something awful (wow, I sound terrible).

'Princess Hanaka' is about a girl named Hanaka, who is used to traveling frequently with her fortune telling grandma. When her grandma announces that they'll be leaving again, Hanaka is upset because she's in love with a popular boy who barely notices her. The next day, Hanaka is confronted by a group of cross dressing thieves who address her as Princess Hanaka and demand an object called the Laga Star. Hanaka doesn't know what they're talking about, but finds herself being rescued by an other-worldly boy of her past, who professes his love for her. Hanaka learns that she is a princess from a world called Oz, where she is wanted for the jewel she carries on her belly. On her way back to Oz with her new lover, she is followed by her love from earth, whom she didn't know loves her back. The story continues with a rescue of Hanaka's kidnapped grandma, but more importantly, a duel between her two lovers. Hanaka tests their love by measuring the amount of flowers that appear from her Laga Star jewel, which shows how much she is attracted to someone (weird, right? o_0). The story ends abruptly without resolving who Hanaka likes more, but concluding that she has two lovers in Oz.

I am usually not as adamant about how much I hate a manga series, because I usually love just about anything, but 'Princess Hanaka' is probably the worst thing I have ever read. Kayano's artwork is beautiful, and her bishounen boys are simply marvelous, but her plot was ridiculous. This would have been okay if her ending had not sucked so much! The story uses a great big lover's duel between her two lovers (who are so pointless aside from their looks, that I can't even remember their names!), but ends up making them share Hanaka! I really love Kayano's drawing style, but that's all I can giver he kudos for. I can't honestly say I'll never read another Kayano manga, but I can at least advise everyone not to read 'Princess Hanaka'!

Enjoy the week,

~Pseudonymous Jayne :3

Private Prince by Enjouji Maki

Hey!

It's officially the first night I'm blogging on the schedule! I'm also running on about four hours of sleep and I have a manga series to blame. :) I just finished Enjouji Maki's 'Private Prince', and really loved it. Yes, it has a cheesy title, which is what detoured me from it for the longest, but it's actually much better than I expected. I usually don't like to admit that I like sketchy "ecchi" manga, but 'Private Prince' isn't incriminating at all. ;) It's actually one of the few manga series, categorized as ecchi, with an adorable plot and powerful female character! For that, I give it a thumbs up.

'Private Prince' is about the unusual romance between Miyako, an obsessive history research graduate and the famous Prince Willfred of Estolia. It just so happens that Willfred has the information Miyako needs, because he is the grandson of Queen Ritsuko. Miyako is willing to stop at nothing if she can finish her thesis, but when Willfred refuses to tell her anything until she falls in love with him, she's not so sure she can comply. Willfred thinks of the whole ordeal as a game and a way to be around Miyako who has a quality he loves: big boobs (and that's where it get categorized as ecchi!), but as the story continues, both Willfred and Miyako begin to fall for each other. The story also deepens when Miyako meets Prince Willfred's royal family, and the additional drama that ensues with being in a relationship with Willfred. This romantic comedy is definitely for more mature readers, but its lighthearted characters and plot ease it into a very carefree series.

I'd never heard of Enjouji Maki or 'Private Prince', but I'm beginning to wonder why I hadn't! It's definitely one of my favorite this month (even if we're only a week into it!). I also really liked how 'Private Prince' was an echhi/"smut" manga series with a pretty focused and intelligent leading lady. Miyako is an incredible and motivated researcher, and refuses the Prince's advances with a different reproach than other manga characters. Aside from being fairly naive, she doesn't beg and plead to gain the Prince's love. In fact, it's her constant denial that eventually makes the Prince fall for her. I'm sure you can tell that I take this sort of stuff pretty seriously... :) I think we all get tired of reading the same relationships in manga, so this was nice break from that!

Well, I'd better head out!
~Pseudonymous Jayne :3

Bizenghast by M. Alice LeGrow

Hi all,

I seriously cannot believe I'll be back in school tomorrow! It's too unbearable to think about right now, thus I will blog. Today is the last day I'll blog until Wednesday, which will begin my weekly schedule. (Maybe I'll blog on Saturday, too...) Anyway, let's talk about 'Bizenghast', an English-language (OEL) manga series I've really enjoyed. Yes, it's not technically manga, but it's still a very pretty and entertaining series. Though, the fact that it's read forwards, rather than the traditional backwards of manga, is annoying! XP

Okay, 'Bizenghast' is series by M. Alice LeGrow. It's published in North America by Tokyopop, which has released seven volumes, expected to finish with a final volume soon. The story is set in the haunted town of New England, where an orphaned girl named Dinah Wherever is sent to live with her aunt. Dinah can see ghosts, which causes trouble because her aunt's home is haunted; however she is believed to be schizophrenic. Later Dinah and her only friend, Vincent, find an old mausoleum where they accidentally subject themselves to servitude to free ghosts and release their souls, or die! Dinah is bound to a contract that makes her return every night to work, a job which Vincent voluntarily accompanies her. The story continues with the adventures Dinah, Vincent, and the ghosts of the mausoleum experience.

Unlike the shoujo romance I usually love in manga, 'Bizenghast' caught my eye entirely for its art. 'Bizenghast' is illustrated in beautiful gothic styles, for which Dinah and Vincent are always dressed. LeGrow uses interesting macabre objects to create figures for her characters and the prisons the ghosts in the mausoleum have suffered in. This quality and creativity in art does slack as the series continues, probably due to the fast publications of the series, which has only been out for five years. The story is very strong in art and plot with the first four volumes, but after the death of Vincent (spoiler, but you just had to know), it seems the plot unfolds too. The attempt to become a horror manga is weak, but it's lucky that LeGrow illustrates so well, because she definitely keeps her readers interested in the visuals of the story. The story was well received for its American audiences, but has yet to be come an animated show. It's been released as an imanga (a concept I don't quite understand, or like at all) through myspace, which doesn't do the art justice, so I definitely recommend taking a look at the manga yourself.

Best,
~Pseudonymous Jayne

Fruits Basket by Natsuki Takaya

Happy New Year! :)

Let's start the year off with a related and very popular manga series, 'Fruits Basket'. 'Fruits Basket is a manga series by Natsuki Takaya. It's one of the best selling shoujo manga series in the United States and Japan, even earning itself a very popular anime series with 26 episodes.

'Fruits Basket is the story of orphaned and destitute Tohru Honda, who before meeting Yuki, Kyo, and Shigure Sohma, lived in a small tent in the forest. The Sohma boys take Tohru into their care after her tent home is destroyed in a mud-slide. Tohru knows Yuki as a quiet and popular boy from her school, but as she comes to know the Sohma family, she learns they are cursed. Thirteen members from the Sohma family represent an animal of the Chinese zodiac, and are cursed to turn into their animal forms when hugged by someone of the opposite gender. Yuki and Kyo are the rat and cat zodiac animals, who naturally loathe each other because in the traditional folk tale, the rat caused the cat to be removed from the zodiac. After finding out about the Sohma's curse, Tohru must promise to keep their secret or have her memory removed. Tohru's optimism teaches the Sohma family many lessons as she meets each member of the zodiac, who have all dealt with family, love, and emotional problems caused by the curse. Tohru also develops a strong bond with Kyo and Yuki, who both seem to love her. As the story continues, Tohru learns that the Sohma curse is darker than she thought, but sets out to break the Sohma curse and help each member of the zodiac in any way she can.

'Fruits Basket' is a long series with 23 volumes, which is shortened and rearranged in the anime. The anime series changes almost all events regarding Kyo's "second form", which is the darker part of the Sohma curse. The anime also ended with an ambiguous ending, which didn't touch the true ending in the manga series, where Yuki and Kyo express the manner of their love for Tohru.

Overall, 'Fruits Basket' is a cute series with a lot of small stories and events intertwined in it. I was never able to get through the whole manga series, because I felt the pace was just too slow. The anime left too many details regarding Yuki and Kyo's feelings for Tohru, but was entertaining. Plus, I really loved the theme song, which helps a lot when watching a series! :D The anime makes Tohru seem like she could be a therapist! She is just so good at recognizing all of the Sohma family problems (plus, the adorable theme music intercepts and it's nearly impossible not to smile or feel like crying!).

The manga and anime both have perks, but are both fairly slow-paced. Popular or not, I've also never liked Natsuki Takaya's art very much. The characters are lovely, but have bizarre proportions when it comes to their unusually short legs! XP Takaya succeeds in creating a kid-friendly shoujo manga though, which provides a key reason to the manga's popularity. If you like cutesy shoujo manga series with romance, gender bender, school themes, and animals, 'Fruits Basket' is a must see/read! :)

~Pseudonymous Jayne