a couple of reviews

Ok, so I've really slacked off the last couple of weeks. I just can't seem to stay awake from 7:30-9 which means I miss everything!! I missed Heroes because of class so I'm hoping to GOD it comes on this Friday. Did you see the controversy over Heroes close ties to Watchmen. They are worried plot twist in the movie will be given away. Personally, I'm way more into Heroes than I ever was with Watchmen, I mean good book but meh. Bring on the Clairebear any day.

Here's a few reviews:

Shugo Chara - looooovvvveedd it! It's a super cute shojo about a girl wanting to reveal her true self. So she gets this eggs that hatch into little people who can transform her. It's funny and adorable and has enough visual flair to work you into a fit! I gave it a starred review.

My heavenly Hockey Club - Boo. It's a sad knock off of Ouran High Host Club. The main character spends most of the time sleeping. How boring is that? Narcolepsy doesn't exactly lend itself to good character development. When she isn't sleeping, she's complaining. You're on free vacations with hot guys, SHUT UP. One cool thing was I got the prepublished version which I love getting with manga because it includes editor notes and stuff.

Shakugan No Shana vol. 1

So, I've decided not to post my official review - since "officially" I don't think I own it. Nor do I think Library Journal will come after me but you never know. If you want to read the actual review (thrilling I know) you can check out their Express Reviews on their website.

Anyway, Shakugan No Shana is pretty sad. The artwork is generic and looks computer generated. Now, I'm not totally opposed to this and know that, in fact, most manga/gns go through some computer at some stage - but this was just so canned. A teenager with a copy of Manga Studio could have done it.

The storyline is confusing. And they put everything in quotation marks!!! Boo translators. Part of the problem is that it's a poor adaptation. Apparently, the novel is a big hit. But so was Socretes in Love and the manga of that just sucked balls.

The final verdict - no reason to bother.

The anime looks very cool though....

Kaze Hikaru

Kaze Hikaru
by Taeko Watanabe

"19th century Japan was not a peaceful place. During this period of social upheaval, a teenage girl (Sei) disguises herself as a boy in order to join the Mibu-Roshi. She is determined to revenge the deaths of her father and brother. The warrior group, which is ferociously loyal to the Shogunate and bushido code, is a perfect place for Sei. Going by the name Kamiya Seizaburo, she quickly develops feelings for her assistant vice-captain, Soji. In this shojo, romance takes a backseat to action. Volume 4 opens with Soji agreeing to kill the Mibu-Roshi captain. Sei is shocked to discover he follows through on his promise. After the new captain institutes a strict policy where seppuku is the punishment for even minor offenses, Sei begins to question her morals and loyalty. The historical aspect is well researched but readers without a base knowledge of Japanese history will be lost. For instance, some may miss the significance of Sei’s shaved head. However, the history is also the novel’s greatest strength. Sei lives under an interesting code, very different from modern ideals. The story will appeal to fans who followed its run in Shojo Beat. New comers will have to read volumes 1-3 before picking up 4. Where demand warrants, it’s a solid addition to teen collections"

Again, that was my official review. Personally, I hate this series. I can just watch that one Disney movie about that one girl warrior and save myself time. Sei has a weird shaved head that I can't get past. Sorry hardcore shaved head womens...

Also, the history is interesting but Sei spoils it by being stupid.

Most recent manga review - Buso Renkin

"Buso Renkin series and vol. 4
By Nobuhiro Watsuki



Plagued by bad dreams, Kazuki Matu sneaks out of his dormroom and gives his life to save a schoolgirl in monster trouble. He wakes up to discover the schoolgirl is actually an Alchemist Warrior and his life’s been replaced by a kakugane. In battle, the kakugane (now Kazuki’s heart) becomes a powerful weapon, a buso renkin. Together he and the girl, Tokiko, battle flesh hungry homunculi When he fails to save a man, the weight of death and his role hits Kazuki hard. That man becomes the flamboyant and outrageous homunculus Papillon, complete with skin tight costume and mask! Besides Papillon, Kazuki battles a league of unusual villains including Moonface and Dr. Butterfly. Lurking at school are the human but deadly Hayasaka twins. The creator of Rouroni Kenshin does not disappoint. The volumes are filled with battle after battle with lots of humor thrown in. The numerous flashback scenes might be confusing for novice readers but not enough to put the books down. In volume four, the series really picks up. Old characters become more defined; new characters are introduced. Kazuki struggles with his decision to become a full fledged warrior under the tutelage of the warrior chief, Captain Bravo. Tokiko fights her instincts. Dr. Butterfly plans his attack. The series is rated OT for violence, though compared to others it is quite mild. The language is censored but sexual innuendo is not uncommon. In one memorable scene the boys do compare sizes (the part in questions is never shown)! Overall, this is a fun series with high appeal. It starts off slow but shows great promise.'"

That was my official review. Personally, I love the humor in this series but the fighting is too much. It's long and drawn out - and even Watsuki himself admits that the buso renkin lance is too big. I love the Hayasaka twins but I'm always a glutton for ambiguous brother/sister relationships.