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