Monica's Manga & Anime Review Blog
Hello. My name is Monica and this is my review blog for all the Mangas & Anime (Japanese) I have read or watched.
All Mangas and Animes mentioned in this blog do not belong to monica. These reviews are all purely based on monica's own opinions and views.
If you do not like it, please click on the small cross on the top right hand corner of the window.
However, if you feel that monica has made an unjust comment or criticism on any of the Mangas or Animes, feel free to leave your comments in the Cbox below, monica will look into the matter as soon as possible and will only edit her reviews if she agrees with your comment.
Thank you for visiting (:
Layout: vehemency
Manga
Moe Kare
Otokomae Beads Club
Anime
Katanagatari
Links out
Please note that this blog is not affiliated to any of the sites below, nor is this blog a sister site. It's just that Monica is so in love with these sites that she decided to put these buttons here for everyone else to access it. She claims these sites are the most wonderful Disney and Animated movie sites ever! ♥
Information credits goes to websites such as http://hashihime.blogspot.com, http://myanimelist.net and www.mangafox.com for references to the actual manga.
1) Kaichou wa Maid-sama!
I heard so much about the manga (which I haven't started reading because I was waiting for it to be completed) that I just have to catch the anime. By the director of Les Miserables, this is a romantic comedy Anime revolving around a Student Council President, Ayuzawa Misaki, who works at a Maid Cafe after school to support her family. I'm guessing it's due to Ayuzawa Misaki's pride and high profile status in school that forces her to keep this part-time job a secret. Of course, the comedy and romance comes in when her guy classmate discovered this 'secret' of hers, (surprise surprise) and their relationship starts to grow.
The manga was recommended by a friend, however just few days ago, my friend changed her status of this Anime to 'Dropped' in her Anime List at myanimelist.net. And strangely enough, that actually makes me want to watch the Anime even more because I'm really wondering what made her 'drop' this Anime!
Oh well, the animations looks good, and I'm expecting the usual Shoujo romance comedy kicks and teases, so it's worth a try. We'll see how it goes.
2) Angel Beats! (13 episodes)
My expectation for this Anime soars pretty high in my list for 2010 Spring Season solely because of one reason - the Studio 'PA Works' did an amazing job at 'True Tears' and I'm expecting no less from Angel Beats.
I hear there's going to be some fighting involved between the Dead and the Angels? Not too sure what's going on yet, but sources tell me that it's a battle to regain a better fate and future. Sounds pretty interesting, but I'm hoping that insights on life and death would be the main focus of this Anime, even though 'Action' and 'Supernatural' seems to be the main genres.
Nonetheless, should be worth watching.
3) Hakuouki: Shinsengumi Kitan
I came across this fanart online, and I thought it's pretty impressive. Credits to http://gallery.minitokyo.net/view/381671 .
From the director of Itazura Na Kiss, and animation studio Studio DEEN, which helped bring us Higurashi no Naku Koro Ni and Fate/Stay Night, this Anime is set in the 1860s, where Yumikura Chizuru goes on an adventure to find her father, who is a doctor working in Kyoto. Along the way, she witnesses a battle between a monster and a group of people called Shinsengumi. And fortunately, the people of Shinsengumi are also looking for Chizuru's father, and thus Shinsengumi decides to go along with her in search of her father. Websites tells me that there's another Bakumatsu group involved, but I suspect the monster came from this Bakumatsu group. Don't quote me though, I haven't watched it yet.
I see good animations, romance, fighting and adventure oozing out of this one. So I'm intrigued. And when I'm intrigued, I watch (:
4) Arakawa Under the Bridge
A young man who vows never to be indebted to anyone was rescued by a gorgeous Venusian girl. In order not be indebted to her, this young man Kou fulfils the Venusian Nino's wish to have a boyfriend. And thus a love story unfolds under the bridge.
A pretty simple storyline I would say. But simplicity could also mean lots of room for imagination and character development. I personally felt that animation studio SHAFT did a pretty good job for the ef Anime series as well as the recent Winter 2009 Dance in the Vampire Bund, so I have relatively high expectations for this upcoming Supernatural Anime.
5) Senkou no Night Raid (13 episodes)
Following Sora no Woto, this is the second installment of the 'Anime no Chikara' series. Senkou no Night Raid seems a whole lot different than Sora no Woto, and that makes me very happy (:
The story is set in Shanghai in 1931, when the Imperial Japanese Army has been dispatched to mainland China due to the relatively recent First Sino-Japanese War, Russo-Japanese War, and World War I. In this cosmopolitan city of intrigue, there is a special military spy organization called "Sakurai Kikan" that has since been buried in history. (Source: ANN)
A-1 pictures showed us what they can do with fighting scenes in Kuroshitsuji, and Aniplex working with A-1 pictures satisfied me with breathe taking landscape scenery and animations. As such, I expect a blast from this one.
That's all I'll be picking this Spring!
I see lots of potential Animes this season, however I fear that the comeback of K-ON!!, xxxHolic & the fifth D.C series this Spring 2010 may overwhelm viewers with too many animes to catch up, and it may lead to lower viewer ratings for the more deserving new animes this season.
I'm definitely looking forward to 'Senkou no Night Raid' and 'Angel beats!'. 'Arawaka Under the Bridge' seems promising, but I don't dare guarantee!
Most of the Winter 2009 Animes seem to be wrapping up pretty nicely, so I'll get busy with those reviews!
Labels: 2010 Spring Anime, angel beats, Anime no Chikara, arakawa under the bridge, hakuouki, Kaichou wa Maid-sama, senkou no night raid
Since this is a 12 episode Anime, I'll be reviewing 6 episodes at a time.
Pardon my carelessness, but it was only when I started watching the show, I realised that only 2 out of 5 girls play musical instruments, or rather 'instrument', namely the trumpet.
Kanata gets along well with the 4 other girls, and even the slightly introvert and quiet Noel is happy to have Kanata joined their army.
Of course, taking into account this is a slightly Moe & Slice-of-life genre Anime, it should be a happy ending.
But, before it reaches this happy ending too quickly, I'm really hoping that there would be more character development and a more solid plot. These 6 episodes basically leads us no where! And considering the fact that this is the first Anime of the 'Anime no Chikara' (Strength of Anime) project by Aniplex and A1-pictures inc, I must say that I'm a tad little disappointed.
I know that I shouldn't be expecting a heavy plot-line or extraordinary animations etc, but I'm sure the Anime no Chikara Project was created to bring Animations and Animated stories to a greater level, so as a viewer, I should be expecting something amazing, no?
Oh well, I'm just hope the story line and character development will start propelling from here on, because if it drags for a 2nd Season, I don't think I have the strength to carry on!
Screencap credits: www.myanimestreaming.com
Labels: A-1 pictures, anime, Anime no Chikara, aniplex, sora no woto
This March episode has a more interesting plot than the previous two episodes, I would say. I have three explanations for this.
One, I believe it's because the producers and directors decided to throw us a rather interesting question - Shichika's Father's death.
Since the first episode, we've already been told that Shichika's Father, the sixth generation head of Kyotouryuu, passed away about a year ago, but none of us know the exact reason why. I assumed it was just old age, however this third episode actually brought up the possibility that Yasuri Shichika might have killed his own father.
And what's more surprising was that Shichika just admitted that he killed his own father in a very as-a-matter-of-fact way!
Seriously, it makes one wonder whether Shichika is really that dense to the point of not knowing any sadness or guilt when taking someone's life, or did he honestly feel that him killing his own father was the right thing to do.
I'm starting to doubt whether I was right to say that Shichika had good upbringing! What nonchalance he has when he just kills his opponents!
Two, the producers gave greater depth to the opponents and wielder of the 12 Divine Legendary swords that Togame and Shichika have plans to obtain. Which is good news for viewers like me who really appreciates the producers' efforts to give life and history behind the characters of the story.
In addition, her death of her father, who passed down the 'Sentou' skills to her, has a connection to the Rebellion that involved Togame's father! HAH! I love how characters are somehow connected to one another! So this is something else we should look forward to know more about!
Unfortunately, like all battles Shichika has fought in the last 2 months, she dies honorably while fighting to 'protect' the 1000 Shrine maidens. Although Togame gave her word that the higher authorities will make arrangements to take care of these 1000 maidens if Meisai-dono really dies, I'm starting to doubt whether these Higher Authorities are really that reliable. After all, I haven't seen anyone from there appearing in the last three episodes except for Togame!
Moreover, I'm starting to question why must Shichika have to literally kill his opponents in order to claim victory over the sword? I'm sure even Togame feels a little guilty that they always have to kill in order to obtain the swords. But as usual, Togame puts up a strong front and smiles at Shichika, praising him for his good work.
I may be analysing things too much, but I have a strong gut feeling that Togame's strong front, despite her gentle & weak nature, is a sure clue by the producers that Togame has a relatively dark motive, and dark history behind all her reports she has to right and why she's so determine to work for the Higher Authorities, even if it involved killing others.
And Three, the story ended off with us wondering how is Shichika going to defeat a strong new opponent in the fourth episode - Sabi Hakuhei, the swordsman who has a very 'cool' catchphrase of "I'll have you fall for me!".
Credits for screencaps: www.animedreaming.com
Labels: anime, Katanagatari, white fox studio
After watching two episodes of Katanagatari, there's just absolutely no reason to not love Togame (: She's just so adorable! She has a very unique & positive attitude towards things, and her temper can be annoying yet adorable at the same time.
What I find most adorable about her in this episode is when she starts screaming after Shichika kicked her backwards! Oh, please don't misunderstand Shichika's kind intentions, he was only trying to protect her from being sliced to half by this episode's enemy - a samurai who obtained that sharpest & fastest sword amongst all 12 of the Divine legendary swords.
This episode also showed the good upbringing but denseness of Shichika.
Seriously, he's good in everything related to fighting & martial arts, but he fails horribly in aspects of recognising people and recognising the boundaries between males and females.
The clueless and dense Shichika clearly disregards how awkward it must be to sniff and smell a female up close, while Togame blushes cutely but held her firm front when Shichika was smelling her.
I'm honestly impressed by his good character - something that I as a female find it very rare to find in this world today. So I guess Shichika is a character that the producers and directors hope to appeal to the female audience. Because after watching two episodes, I realise the fighting scenes aren't that spectacular or mouth dropping; they were just normal, and it was over in just a few minutes. No extraordinary effects or graphics, only some moves here and there were cool, but nothing much really.
So it's pretty crystal clear to me that Katanagatari was designed and directed to attract the female audience, and not the males, as the fighting scenes are a far cry from Bleach, Naruto or the latest Armed Librarians-The Book of Bantorra.
I know I can't simply judge the entire Anime base on two episodes only, but I believe that this Anime is going to focus on the relationship between Shichika & Togame, as well as unvealing the history behind the 12 swords and the history between Shichika and Togame's fathers.
So for those interested in Shounen or ultimate Action - stay away from KatanaGatari, and let us girls enjoy the cuteness of Togame, and macho-ness of Shichika (:
Labels: anime, Katanagatari, white fox studio
The first episode was not very face-paced, but that didn't surprise me because I expect this story to slowly unfold and it doesn't seem like the kind of Anime which will leave you more questions than answers, so I was relatively pleased.
As expected, I absolutely adore the artwork. Well done White Fox Studio & Kudou Tadashi! Clear, striking colours, with a lot of references to... Flowers? Haha that really surprised me, perhaps what gave the art work and general impression a touch of elegance and beauty is all due to the fact that there were references to flowers and maple leaves! No, seriously, their dressing was full of flower petal designs, and the swordless martial art skill even had flower names in it! What's more, even Yasuri Shichika's hair look a like a huge flower!
Togame, on the other hand, passes off as a strong-willed female who is ambitions and determined to reach her goal. Then again, her clumsiness and cuteness gives her true characteristic away. Clearly not a swordswoman, she trips over a stone while attempting to attack Yasuri Shichika, and she is undoubtedly amazed at how non-ambitious & good natured Yasuri Shichika is. Togame is clearly just a kind hearted girl, which leaves us wondering what's her true intention of obtaining the 12 legendary swords.
Credits for Screencaps: http://animeshoon.blogspot.com
Labels: anime, Katanagatari, white fox studio
However, I'm still determine to review on all the Mangas & Anime I've read so I decided to finish watching the 2009 Fall Animes at my own pace and catch up with the 2010 Winter Animes instead.
The following Anime series are the ones I plan to pick up this winter season in Year 2010!
As usual, I've gotten all my information from hashihime.blogspot (:
A 'Slice-of-life', 'Music' & 'Military' genre Anime which setting is reportedly modeled base on the Spanish city of Cuenca and the nearby Alarcón Fortress - this is a story of how a 15-year-old girl enlists into army, and together with 4 other girls, they vowed to protect a fortress which looms over a small village (from anidb). And together, (okay this is what I find most intriguing about this anime), they play music. Yes, no kidding, according to various anime websites, these 5 girls play music. Base on my research from one of the anime website myanimelist.net, 'So Ra No Wo To' is apparently translated to 'Sound of the Sky'. So I guess one can expect the 'Music' genre to be one of the main focus of this anime.
For what purpose and what reason these 5 girls decided to play music, I am not sure, but that's why I'm going to watch it to find out (:
According to myanimelist.net, the title can be translated to: 'The Idiot, the Test, and to Summoned Creatures'. This 'School Life' & 'Fantasy' themed Anime is about a relatively 'Baka' boy, Akihisa Yoshii, who keeps doing very badly in his tests and is always ranked the lowest in his level. In his school, the more academically inclined students get to enjoy benefits such as air-conditioned classrooms and high-class seats, while the more 'Baka' ones, like our main character, has to sit on straw tatami mats and studies in poorly furnished classrooms. Talk about meritocracy!
Anyway, because of this horribly large difference in social status Akihisa Yoshii experiences in school, he decides to fight back and is determined to work his way up. Together with an unfortunate Mizuki Himeji, a A-class student who failed her exam due to a bout of flu, and making use of an experiment to summon magical fantasy creatures, they charge into the 'Exam Battlefield' to achieve the highest grades in order to be a A-Class Student.
Though 'School Life' genre isn't my cup of tea, and the story line does seem kind of weak, I'm willing to give it a shot because this Anime is directed by the famous Oonuma Shin, director the ef animes. In addition, this seems to be a more light-hearted work of the season, so I'm expecting some good laughs and hilarious moments from this work.
A Vampire & Romance story very different from the well-known vampire work of Matsuri Hino-sensei; different in terms of style, storyline, and a whole new set of Vampire rules.
I'm guessing directors and script writers all over the world, from Hollywood to Japanese Animations, are trying to ride on the 'Vampire Bloodlust' before this trend dies down. Ever since 'Twilight', 'Vampire Knight' and 'The Vampire Diaries', teenagers (especially the females) are being engulfed by this mysterious sexy darkness, and vampires (not to forget werewolves) are being more highly regarded.
In Nozumo Tamaki's world (mangaka), there is an ultimate ruler of the vampire kingdom - Mina Tepes, Queen of Vampires. Using her vast fortunes and riches the Vampire Monarchy has accumulated for thousands of years, Queen Mina Tepes paid of Japan's trillion dollars debt and bought a landfill near Japan, and named it the 'Vampire Bund'. The Vampire Bund is a place where vampires all over the world can reside without fear of being targeted at or exiled from the human society.
However, though it may seem like a heaven for Vampires, trouble soon follows after. Mina Tepes, together with her guardians and her werewolf bodyguard Kaburagi Regendorf Akira, they enter a battlefield to fight against other vampires, other human beings, as well as themselves.
I'm already reading the Manga, if the anime plans to follow the manga's storyline, 12 episodes is simply not enough, so I'm assuming a second series.
Nevertheless, for another Manga turned Anime work, I expect no less action, thrill & sexy attitude from all the characters that the mangaka has portrayed in the manga.
I look forward to how the directors and animators are going to present this piece of work!
4) Katanagatari (12 one hour episodes)
This is a story about the new head of the Kyotou School of Japanese Sword Martial Arts - Yasuri Shichika. He, together with his sister Nanami, were exiled and live on an isolated island, as their father is the famous 'Swordsman' who specialises in swordsmanship skills that does not involve the sword. This swordless martial art is passed down to Yasuri Shichika before their father passed away. A year after the father's death, a female samurai General Togame seeks out Yasuri Shichika and asked for his help to obtain the 12 legendary swords made by Shikizaki Kiki.
The actual reason behind Togame's plan to obtain these 12 swords using Yasuri Shichika's help is unknown. It seems like there's a dark history and motive behind Togame's plan, but Yasuri Shichika still devoted his swordless martial art skills in obtaining these 12 legendary swords. And us viewers will just have to see what kind of adventure the two of them will go through together.
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That's all I'm going to pick up this season!
I'm not going to do any 5 episode review for Anime 'Dance in the Vampire Bund' because I plan to do a Cross Review for both Manga & Anime,
However I plan to do a 1 episode review for 'Katanagatari' because it's being released once every month!
Pictures are taken from 'http://www.hashihime.blogspot' and 'http://brianandrew.wordpress.com'.
Labels: 2009 Winter Anime, baka to test to shoukanjuu, dance in the vampire bund, Katanagatari, sora no woto
Base on hashihime.blogspot, I plan to pick up the following Anime:
I heard it's just some silly romance-supernatural about a boy who doesn't like cats but because of his carelessness, ends up offending the Cat Deity (I can't believe I'm actually planning to watch something that sounds so ridiculous!) and now he has to grant 100 wishes for cats, otherwise, he will turn into a cat -.- Wow, my heartfelt condolences dude. Good luck with that -.-
Yes I know it sounds really lame, but I honestly don't want to downgrade or judge this anime base on hearsay, so I decided to give it a try.
After all, anime such as 'Kaiba' and 'Myself, Yourself' were labeled as simplistic and dissapointing in terms of plot/content, however I felt otherwise and I believe that these two animes were under-rated and deserved better reviews and fame.
This anime brings you a world where dead people are turned into books and are stored in a library. A boy named Koira has been robbed of his memories and has a bomb embedded in this chest. Why? I have absolutely no idea, and the fact that Koira fell in love with one of the "protectors" of the books in this library has intrigued me even further.
Another reason why I'm looking forward to this series is because the writer is the famous Okada Mari, the same person who did 'True Tears' and 'Vampire Knight', and the animator is the same one from 'Code Geass R2'. So I'm having high expectations of this anime and I'll be looking forward to its release! (:
I heard quite a bit about this upcoming anime because many anime-blogs reviewed the Special as an awesome piece of work. Not very sure what is it about, but I guess it's worth to watch. I'll decide whether to drop it after watching the Special (:
Apparently it's a Bishounen Comedy. I heard the OVA released in August this year was warmly welcomed. Well, I guess it's fanservice for the fangirls, but I really want to take a look at this because the Director is Kansai Kinichi, the person who brought to us 'KimiKiss' and 'Nodame Cantabile', which are famous animes that are highly recommended by many. Besides, I'm a sucker for pretty things, so I'm pretty sure looking at Bishounens (Pretty Boys) won't be too torturous even if the plot ends up being very dull and withered-dry.
*Note: The possibility of even watching this series is extremely low because I heard the subs may not come in as fast, so I may put this on hold for the mean time.
I'm going to watch this because I have made plans to read the manga. This anime adaptation of the actual manga by Karuho Shiina was awared as 'Best Shoujo Manga of Year 2008'. So as a Shoujo-fan myself, how can I afford to miss this?
Well, that's about it for this Fall. I don't think I can afford to pick up anymore than this, since I've yet to finish 'Jigoku Shoujo' and my studying.
There were a number of ecchi-comedies and moe-comedies that contains pretty promising and interesting plots, so if I hear good comments on some, I may check them out at a later date.
For now, it's just these five and I'm hoping the subs will come up soon!
Labels: 2009 Fall Anime, updates
Category: Manga
Title: First Girl (Fuasuto Garu)
By: Chiho Saito
Genre: Mature, Romance, Adventure, Drama, Shoujo, Tragedy (supporting characters)
Chapters: 18 chapters (5 volumes)
(Some scenes are not meant for young children!)
My Rating: 6.5/10
Plot/ Story line:
Okay, if I rate this purely on my personal taste, I would rate it 6/10, but I seriously want to give credit to Chiho Saito for drawing and putting together this romantic story that was dragged through war, blood and tears, so I think it deserves a 6.5/10, where 3.5/5 goes to story line & characters, and 3/5 goes to quality of drawings.
This manga’s title totally doesn’t give any hint to what the story line’s about. I have yet to find out the real reason why this manga is called “First Girl”, but I believe it has something to do with Leon Rosas falling in love with the first Japanese Girl, or the first Japanese Girl to be able to enchant so many men from all walks of life. (No, Mui is NOT a whore) This romance story is about a girl who loves to dance the Tango, Mui, living with her step-brother and Mother and going through a rough patch because they are short of money and such. Then suddenly, out of the blue (at least that’s from Mui’s point of view), a handsome foreign man snatches her away and her mom calls to tell Mui that she’s been sold to this handsome foreign man, Leon Rosas, who is awfully rich and powerful back in his country, and owns acres of blue rose gardens that are used to make perfumes. (The blue rose thing totally made me think of Blood+, I’ll never look at roses the same way again!) Then, as all irrational love story and Shoujo manga goes, even though Mui was sad at first but ends up falling in love with Leon Rosas and they both love doing the Tango together, and they are both very good in it, or so the manga says.
Then this is where the adventure begins. Because the Rosas family is very powerful in the country, there was some kind of revolution and anti-government people, so there was a major massacre in the Rosas family and some of the anti-government people who thought that the Rosas family did a bad job in “governing” the country wanted to kill all the family members of Rosas. (They are terribly mistaken, because the lunatic Military General, who I don’t even bother remembering his name, did a worse job in ruling the country) So that’s when Leon Rosas and Mui starts running away and they get separated and such.
So this whole romance story is how Leon Rosas and Mui got separated because of political issues and life-threatening dangers, and how their strong love for each other gave them the strength to live strong and find their way to each other again.
It’s a relatively touching story, because Mui had to go through a lot of hardships and her love for Tango held many memories about Leon, so everytime she danced the Tango, her heart ached for Leon. It’s sad to see how Mui tries to fight through it all when she is constantly unsure whether Leon Rosas is even alive in the first place because Leon Rosas is constantly being chased by people who wants to kill the Rosas family and the lunatic Military General is also after his life so that he can have complete power and authority back in that country.
I personally feel that Chiho Saito could have put in much more emotions and drawn more emotional scenes to make this manga even more heart-wrenching. Perhaps the lack of such scenes was the reason why I wasn’t exactly very impressed by it, I just think this manga’s a good read and worth the time reading, but not very emotional nor did it captivated me entirely. And the ending was slightly abrupt, because I was expecting a more romantic scene but none of such happened, so I guess Chiho Saito wants to leave the last scenes of Leon Rosas and Mui to the reader’s imagination?
Drawing:
I didn’t really find the drawings very captivating, just that some of the country’s scenery and famous world-known places were detailed and realistic enough to give two thumbs up. Of course not to forget those interesting Tango dance poses and moves made by Mui and the so many other characters who have extremely unrealistically good bodies.
But seriously, I think that Chiho Saito draws female bodies much better than the males, sometimes I think the male bodies look too robotic, with too broad shoulders and too slim waist. Probably Chiho Saito’s style of drawing the characters bodies – the elegant and feminine touch.
I wanted to give a 2.5 out of 5, but I realise the way Chiho Saito draws the eyes are really elegant too, so 3 out of 5 for the quality of drawing.
Characters:
I definitely have to talk about that lunatic Military General. I am still not even bothering to find out what his name is, but I have one thing to say to him…
WHAT THE WORLD IS YOUR PROBLEM DUDE?
I mean, he is like some control freak la! He just wants everything under his possession, and he is not even good looking for goodness sake. I think he deserves death than anything else. (SPOILER ALERT: I think the ending for him is way to lenient, I agree that it would make Leon a tyrant if he were to brutally kill that crazy ass Military General, but I highly doubt that the laws of that country can keep such a crazy man behind bars for long! I personally thought Chiho Saito could have made the Military General die in an accident or a more appropriate and reasonable manner :/ I can’t believe they let him off like that! END OF SPOILER)
Next, I think Mui really matured throughout the eighteen chapters of the manga, she became a strong independent woman who fights for what she believes in. Her passion for tango is a combination of her love for Leon Rosas and her memories of her family, so it’s really admirable. But the one unrealistic part about her is how she managed to capture the hearts of four men in the whole manga, excluding Leon Rosas. I know I should give the benefit of the doubt that Mui might really be very beautiful and unique to the four men, but making her seem so imperfect to 4 fours of eyes other than Leon Rosas’ actually changed my impression of Mui and sometimes I felt that Mui was betraying Leon Rosas because she got too close into a relationship with two of the men chasing her. Overall, Mui has grown to become a good woman and deserves to live happily with Leon Rosas.
Most memorable line/scene:
To be very honest, I don’t have an exact scene/line that made much significant impression on my mind. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not saying this manga isn’t good enough to leave an impression; I just think that this manga is a good read OVERALL, so the mark it leaves behind isn’t the art, characters, scenes or dialogue, but the whole story line itself.
Nonetheless, after some thought, I think this is the most memorable scene:
Just a slight note, I am NOT A PERVERT who likes kissing scenes and such, this particular scene is the scene moments before the two main characters, Mui and Leon Rosas were planned to be slaughtered & slaughtered in public by some lunatic Military General. AND in this scene, Leon Rosas is like half-dying and is enduring a gun-shot wound in his chest and still bleeding while dancing. Mui on the other hand, has gone through mental torture and a terrible past, and is wearing a wedding gown as a mockery, because the lunatic Military General wants to marry her in front of Leon Rosas. Crazy stuff, eh?
But really, this scene was rather heart-wrenching because of the emotions and history behind how they all got to that place.
I would recommend it to:
Mature Romance lovers who likes a little bit of action & adventure.
Credits:
http://myanimelist.net/manga/4631/First_Girl
http://www.onemanga.com/First_Girl/
Category: MangaTitle: Love for Sale (One Shot)
By: Yuwa Shiori
Genre: One Shot, Shoujo, Romance, Comedy (Slight)
Chapters: 1
My Rating: 5/10
Plot/ Story line:
A simple and short story line, in fact, I wouldn't even label this as romance, because there isn't much romance in this one shot. This one shot is more of Kanade and Hashiba getting to know each other better, and how they always meet at the supermarket because Hashiba works as a cashier there. And I think it's rather childish yet sweet of Hashiba to actually think of getting Kanade's attention by criticizing her all the time. So there were some funny scenes and occurrences that made me smile. I felt that this plot is actually very suitable for a one shot because there doesn't seem to be a proper continuation to this story. It's a bit too simple for me actually. At least Yuwa Shiori managed to sufficiently explain the relationship between Kanade and Sophomore Hashiba and Kanade's brother. Unlike many other one shots which tend to neglect the history between the characters, Yuwa Shiori did explain enough about the past relationship to allow readers to appreciate this one shot better. So yeah, it's quite okay for me.
(Spoiler!) The fire incident was rather ridiculous. Why wasn't there a fire alarm or something? It's quite silly for Hashiba to battle the fire with just a fire extinguisher. And how come the chick keychain doesn't even look dirty? I was quite unsatisfied for that part. BUT I COULDN'T STOP LAUGHING AT THE SCENE AFTER THAT! I'll describe it more at the 'Most memorable scene' section (:
Drawing:
I think the drawing is really just average ): Not be my standard at all, partly because I have very very high standards towards art and animations.
My benchmark is Walt Disney Classic animations and drawing. So yeah, sorry for being so critical ):
And I think Kanade's hairdo is really strange, at certain angles, it looks like a lion's mane!
Seriously! Even the body drawings aren't very good, but at least Yuwa Shiori did reasonably well (: Cheers to you!
Characters:
Ehh, not enough character development ): But I can say that Kanade is kind of tomboy-ish but she has this huge brother-complex thing. Well, it's not her fault, her brother is really popular and he is the president of the student council.
Hashiba can be so childish, but I believe it's because he is inexperienced in this aspect, but he can be really mean at times and really straight forward. Haha. I still can't help thinking about how he jump into conclusions!
Most memorable line/scene:
SPOILER!
IT HAS GOT TO BE THE PART WHERE KANADE'S BROTHER PURPOSELY HID THEIR SIBILING RELATIONSHIP! He did that to force Hashiba to admit that he has feelings towards Kanade! It was really very awkward and embarrassing for Hashiba, but it was so so so funny! That brother is really cheeky!
I would recommend it to:
Those who are into One Shots, this is not bad. But for those after the Romance genre, don't read it, I don't think it has enough Romance ):
Credits:
www.mangafox.com
Category: Manga
Title: Love Cruise
By: Tomu Oomi
Genre: One Shot, Romance, Josei (Two scenes should be censored)
Chapters: 1
My Rating: 4/10
Plot/ Story line:
I guess the story line's kind of average I would say. I mean, after reading this one shot, I was like, "Err okay. The end." It's super short though it has 67 pages. If you get my drift, I meant to say that it's rather draggy. This story is basically about this strong, independent women who just broke up with a man who is already in a relationship with another woman! Seriously wonder why they even want to have an affair! Anyway, apparently Yuri, the main character of this One Shot manga, felt hurt because she wonders why men always choose weaker women over woman like her. So she went on a cruise for the sake of pleasing her Aunt. And she went on the cruise, ALONE. Oh please la, when I read until there, I think that was like page 6 or earlier, I already could guess what's going to happen next. For such a gorgeous looking lady, OF COURSE SOMETHING WILL HAPPEN LA. Haiyo!
But anyway, I really felt that there could be more drama and action. Though the boy-turn-into-a-man part was rather surprising and at first I thought I was reading a Fantasy genre one shot. And there should be more development and clearer explanation about Shinobu's mom and all that. I was actually pretty confused as to what's going on. So yeah, I wasn't very pleased with it overall ):
It really could have been slightly better. Good thing it's just a one shot, or else I will have given up after the first chapter.
No offense, but I really didn't really like it ):
Drawing:
Well, I can really give good comments for this section!
Although I have to say Tomu Oomi's drawings are very simple, but they are very clean cut. Meaning, the eyes are really very nicely drawn! The eyes for both male and females are almond-shaped, not the usual manga kind of big starry-eyed kind of drawing. It's super elegant and graceful, and I really like it, because it fits this mature, Josei plot very nicely. The drawing of the hair is very silky and smooth, so when there's a slight breeze of wind, the hair floats about very gently and naturally. I thought it was really very impressive! However, I really felt that it would be nice if Tomu Oomi could have drawn the scenery and the rooms of the cruise in greater detail, then it would be even better!
I think the drawing really deserves a 3/5, that's what brought my rating for this manga to 4/10. (I think you can already calculate how much I thought the plot deserved)
Characters:
There wasn't much character development since this is a One Shot, but Tomu Oomi made it very clear that Yuri is a very independent woman who, unlike many other woman, doesn't show her weaknesses to others. So she hides and masks her feelings of hurt in order to portray a strong side. That is one character trait I like about her, but what I really find it strange was that,
HOW CAN YOU SAY THAT A MAN GOOD LOOKS SETTLED IN YOUR HEART AT FIRST SIGHT??
I truthfully believe attraction at first sight exist, which many people claim that this 'attraction' is actually love (when it is definitely not love), but how can Yuri say that he already set foot into her heart the very first time they met? I'm like, what the world????!!!!
But seriously, Yuri's a true beauty, a woman with elegance and grace. She has a kind heart as well, who is sensitive to other people's feelings and just know when to smile.
As for Shirou, he is indeed a Bishounen! (Personal opinion!) Rich, charming, handsome, polite, a gentleman! Though a super duper good flirt.
Most memorable line/scene:
It will definitely be this scene where… aiya I shall just show it to you.
For that moment, I actually went "HUH???"
I would recommend it to:
Those who are just damn bored and want to kill time reading a Josei One Shot.
Credits:
http://www.mangafox.com/page/manga/series/2101/love_cruise/ chapter.44623/page.13/
http://www.mangafox.com/page/manga/read/2101/love_cruise/chapter.44623/page.2/
Category: MangaTitle: Mucha Kucha Daisuki/ Love You Like Crazy
By: Ako Shimaki
Genre: Shoujo, Tragedy, Drama, Romance
Chapters: 14
My Rating: 7.5/10
Plot/ Story line:
Actually, I would rate it 8/10, but I wanted to give a fairer rating, so after much consideration, I reduced it to 7.5/10. But seriously, even though the starting of this manga was super crappy, but till the very end, I felt it really moved me. As in, every single emotion and feeling that Tsuyoshi, Aoi and even Heita experiences, it was as though I was in their position and I could really feel it. And I have to be super honest and admit, I was crying like some idiot in the last volume. Seriously, I couldn't stop sobbing. Because I felt this manga was so so sad, and I just couldn't stop myself from believing that Tsuyoshi really fell so deeply in love with Aoi and vice versa. I believed it so much that for a split second, it made me wonder whether such a strong power of everlasting love really does exist in this universe.
(SPOILER AHEAD)
The ending was rather unexpected for me, because I thought Tsuyoshi would really commit suicide to leave together with Aoi, but he didn't. Instead, he stayed strong and helped fulfill Aoi's dream. I just can't forget the part when he said that he found what he was looking for when he met the field of flowers. Walou, memories are really something. AND AND AND, I REALLY DIDN'T EXPECT THIS TO HAPPEN! I mean, I really didn't know that Aoi was ill until she puked blood. I was completely taken aback!! I didn't even realise this would be a tragedy la.
It's just super heart-breaking. I really cried ):
Drawing:
To be truthful, I didn't really like the drawings. But at certain angles, Tsuyoshi and Aoi does look rather handsome and cute respectively. The crying scenes were really sad.
I think Ako Shimaki can really draw nice scenery. Other than that, I didn't exactly like the drawing.
But the plot was good (: So yeah! Well done (x
Characters:
I think Tsuyoshi is really very sweet when it comes to the one he truly loves. He even vowed never to fall in love again, which I actually wonder whether is that even possible in reality. I can't believe he can be so insensitive towards Aoi yet so sensitive towards her at the same time. He is truly a charmer and really knows how to make girls fall for him in an instant. But what I really like about him is that, even though at first he was super concern about other people's thoughts and impression about him, he soon realises that he should not bother about such comments and just be what he wants to be and just do his very best to make Aoi happy. From just 14 chapters alone, I feel that Tsuyoshi is the kind of guy who will be very faithful and go all out to be with the one he really loves.
(SPOILER AHEAD) Especially since he dyed his hair black for her and instantly wanted to marry her even though Aoi was going to die very soon. (SPOILER ENDS)
And Aoi, wow she is SUPER NAÏVE AND INNOCENT AND GUILABLE. But I think that's what makes her so special and unique. I think such qualities are what attracted Tsuyoshi to her. Aoi is just so cute la. There was once she mistook a couple having sex in the nurse room as playing sumo wrestling. I was like, "What the world? How dense can you get??!!" She gets tricked so often that others just make use of her weakness. I can totally understand why Tsuyoshi wants to protect her every single second. What I really like about Aoi is her big kind heart, who is so accepting and so kind. She goes all out to try her best to fit in and to be strong so that others wouldn't worry about her. And she tries her best to understand what others are feeling and thinking. She is just so kind and warm-hearted that I feel extremely heart-broken that she has to leave so soon. She is so sacrificial that I just can't help but cry.
You just want her to be happy.
You wouldn't care about anything else- not even your own pain,
you just want her to leave, with a big smile on her face.
What the hell, why am I getting all emotional again.
Most memorable line/scene:
Two damn tear-jerking scenes!
Firstly, it's the scene where Aoi was teaching the little children and smiling away. The part where Tsuyoshi said to Heita,
"Let this burn in your eyes – Aoi's smiling expression."
Wah I tell you, while I was reading the last volume, I was listening to songs like 'How do I live without you' by LiAnne Rimes and 'Helpless when she smiles' by Westlife.
Please la, how do I stop my tears from flowing at times like this?
Secondly, it's the scene where Aoi was praying out loud in the temple, and she said this,
"I wish for Tsuyoshi-kun to be happy from now until forever."
What the hell, and she was leaving so freaking soon.
I would recommend it to:
Shoujo lovers and those who are easily satisfied with super short and super simple love stories.
Credits:
www.vnmanga.com
http://www.manga-news.com/public/images/vols/dingue_toi_03.jpg
Category: MangaTitle: Love Monster/ I Love a Monster/ Love's Monster/ Rabuu Monsuta
By: Miyagi Riko
Genre: Shoujo, Romance, School life, Comedy, Smut, Fantasy, Drama
Chapters: 82 chapters
My Rating: 9/10
Plot/ Story line:
I have such a strong urge to write a review for this because so many thoughts and emotions rushed through my heart, mind and soul when I read through all the 82 chapters! This manga is really very sweet and touching, and quite sad towards the end! So my feeling towards it is very mixed up. There are times where I just can't help but smile at its sweetness, and there are times where I can go, "What the world? This is so dumb!" But for some strange reason, it has impressed me enough to make me give it a rating of 9/10, equivalent to Vampire Knight, Kare First Love and Akuma De Sourou status! This manga is also very mysterious, with all the White Crow and Demon King issues here and there, which made me think of VK. In addition, I thought the ending was rather similar to the anime Petite Princess Yucie (aka Puchi Puri Yuushi). But this manga is however revolving very much on the strong love and bond between the two main characters Tenma Kurou and Osora Hiyoko! This manga is super fantasy like because it has crows and vampires and snakes and cats and monsters and all that crap, but it was so fun and interesting to read (:
There is a strong feel of friendship between the characters that made this whole manga even more touching and sweet! It's like, there were many times where characters were willing to go all out to protect and save their friends, like the Chihwahwa twins for Kon the fox, and K and J the vampires. Their friendship is just so unbreakable!
And of course, there were some scenes, which we thankfully censored, that aren't meant for the young to see (x LOL. But it was really really very sweet (: I mean, I have to agree with Hiyo, sometimes there is really no right or wrong, everyone just has different perception and different ways of loving others.
I think one of the more adventurous chapters was the part during summer vacation where Hiyo had to go to the China branch of St Monster High to help them choose a student council president. That was the part when I was most confuse about Tenma Kurou's intentions and I was super confuse about Rin-san. But that whole scene actually showed the true suffering of commoners and victims of wars. That's what I really like about manga, the mangaka really use their wonderful art to display the true side of the world we live in today. It's like, in the midst of fantasy, there is reality. It's super cool and I absolutely love it whenever mangakas do that. So, thumbs up for you Miyagi Riko (: One other thing that I really enjoy when I read this manga is that, I NEVER GOT BORED. As in, there is always something new or a change of events or something more mysterious that will pop up, and in the end, everything is revealed and the reader will finally understand everything that the mangaka showed in the previous chapters.
Okay, let's talk about some of the bad points of this manga. (Must be a balance argument right? Haha)
Anyway, there were some times when I felt that Miyagi Riko made things too simple, or she was just plain lazy to make it more interesting. Okay, take for example, (SPOILER AHEAD) the part when Hiyo's friend got 'kidnapped' mysteriously, and everyone thought that she was kidnapped because they were after Hiyo's white feathers! So I was getting all excited and started speculating who was the kidnapper, WHEN ACTUALLY, it was Gin and Yuki and Kon who made a mistake and mistook Hiyo's friend for Hiyo and brought her friend back to SM High. I was like thinking, "WAH SO ANTI-CLIMAX!" I was seriously ready for some butt-kicking action! (Well, partly because I think Tenma Kurou looks really cool when he's fighting! Haha (x )
To add on, I felt that the relationship between Osaru Shou (Hiyo's dad) and her mother could be more emphasised. I mean, they are both from different worlds, so shouldn't their relationship be very strong? Why didn't Miyagi Riko explained in greater detail their powerful love? I was disappointed in this aspect ):
Overall, I really like this manga and I felt that the 82 chapters were worth my time and energy reading (: I would love to reread it again, but maybe once I'm done with my homework ):
This manga is so just naughty and sweet and fun (:
Drawing:
I think Miyagi Riko is damn talented in drawing children. ALL THE CHILDREN SHE DREW IS SO CUTE (: Her drawing of eyes are super cute too (: Especially the Chinese eyes, they are super sexy and mesmerizing. I really enjoyed her drawing during the China branch part. All the Chinese costumes and scenery are really amazingly Chinese! Haha! Though I realise that most of her good looking guys look nearly the same, but those guy characters are really good looking (x Hehe.
Characters:
(THIS SECTION IS FULL OF SPOILERS)
I think the character that had the STRONGEST impression on me was actually L the vampire. HAHA, even though he isn't an important character at all, but he resonate the vampire effect created by Matsuri Hino in VK. So I was really sort of attracted to him. He's short but quite cute as well, and he seems the kind of guy who will really protect the one he loves (: I think I respect vampires even more after reading Love Monster.
Okay, I'll state the obvious now, I think Osora Hiyoko resembles the angel of hope and cuteness! She's so short and petite but she's just so lovable till SO MANY GUY CHARACTERS, namely Haine, L, Yamata, Kon, the child doctor and obviously Tenma Kurou fell in love with her! I mean, IS THAT EVEN POSSIBLE??? But of course, this is just a Shoujo manga, but Hiyo is seriously very cute and lovable that I think I will fall in love with her as well (: She is just so hopeful till the very end that she eventually saved the day! (Like D-U-H she is the main character after all) But like every other girl, she has her own fantasies and her own weaknesses, and she tends to get naughty, especially when she's alone with Kurou, which makes things rather cute and funny (: I think her white wings really suit her, she truly is a cute and clumsy and naughty angel!
I think guys like Tenma Kurou, one of the strongest crow monsters in Love Monster, deserve to live in only dreams and imaginations, because guys like him are impossible to even exist on earth. His love for Hiyo is just super unconditional and sacrificial that I was extremely moved by his actions during the time when the vampires intervened. He was so totally going to kill L if the Principal hadn't block his attack. Please la, even L was crying. (And for a full minute I seriously thought Hiyo was going to become a vampire) He is also such a show off and rather insensitive towards Hiyo's feelings towards him that I actually think it's rather amusing (: He can be just so immature sometimes (: And he just doesn't know how to love Hiyo that it makes me sympathise with him somehow.
Haine, the president of the SC of SM High's rival school, who is also a crow monster, actually reminds me of Hayate in Pretear. Strange isn't it? I have no idea why, but I thought Haine's love for Hiyo is actually very real that I was super shock to see him disappearing when he confessed the Hiyo for the second time. Haine really is a great guy (: He can be Hiyo's big brother or something (:
I think Miyako (Tenma Kurou's mom) or the Moonlight Goddess (or whatever Priestess she is), is a really loving deity that protects her love ones to the very end. I was rather touched when she chased her husband away by saying she hates him to be around, because she was actually trying to protect him. She is so mysterious and complex that I actually begin to like her after a while even though she continued being very mean and harsh. She really reminds me of Tomoyo in Tsubasa Reservior Chronicles!
Most memorable line/scene:
Three scenes that have left a mark in my mind.
One, the part when Tenma Kurou truly showed his unconditional love and sacrifice for Hiyo that I could feel a stab of pain through my heart. He was willing to let Hiyo become a vampire and allowed her to lose her memories about him because he wanted her to live.
And he said something like, "No matter what Hiyo becomes, she'll still be my Hiyo and I will still love her."
Bittersweet love. Nothing can ever beat that kind of power. Nothing.
Two, the scene where Tenma Kurou actually said something like this to Hiyo:
"The more light you shine, the more my hands will be stained with darkness."
I felt an overwhelming sense of fear and pain for both Kurou and Hiyo and I was seriously worried about what will happen next. I can never forget that pained look from Tenma Kurou's eyes at that time.
Three, this very scene:
This scene is so filled with hope that I just smiled and laughed to myself.
If only the world could be like this.
I would recommend it to:
Shoujo manga and Romance lovers who can stand a little ecchi and smut, and those who go crazy over Bishounens (Pretty boys) !
It's worth your time, trust me! :D
Credits:
www.mangafox.com
www.vnmanga.com
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v340/peiishaannn/manga.jpg
Category: Manga
Title: Otokomae Beads Club
By: Motomi Kyousuke
Genre: Shoujo, School Life, Comedy
Chapters: 3 + 2 Special Chapters
My Rating: 7/10
Plot/ Story line:
This light hearted Shoujo-comedy manga sort of lifted my spirits! Though I can’t see the link how the world Takami actually fell in love with Ibuki (I guess it’s love at first sight?), I personally feel that for such a short manga, the story line’s simple and sweet enough for me! Of course, I would prefer it to be a longer manga that can have more events base on the couple as well as knowing the team members of the Beads Club (More like Council Committee) better in terms of each individual’s personality. Ibuki realizing her feelings for Takami were rather sudden and not elaborated enough to me.
It’s rather comical too, especially the other team members, or council committee members, because they are always hiding to spy on the couple during their kissing scenes. So at the end, Takami and Ibuki never really did anything daring because they were often spyed on. Haha! However, I thought it could have been more comical, but this is just a light hearted manga, so the blend between romance and comedy was just nice.
In additional, this manga somehow reminded me of Paradise Kiss. Especially the part when they had to bead their products.
Drawing:
I LOVE THE CRYING SCENES! I don’t mean to be sadistic or anything, but the way Motomi Kyousuke draw the tears-streaming-down-cheeks scenes are so touching and emotional! I just couldn’t bare to see Ibuki crying because she really looked hurt and sad! Takami look gorgeous and damn handsome in many scenes as well, especially the scenes with his hair flying to the side. It’s just super cool. I thought
The way Motomi Kyousuke draws the eyes (Especially Ibuki’s) are near perfect. Dreamy, big and full of emotions. I’m always captivated by Ibuki’s eyes!
Characters:
Takami is like the cool guy in this manga, and it definitely left a good impression on me as he appears to be a very caring boyfriend! His dark aura sometimes appear to be cool too. For someone like Takami, I couldn’t imagine him beading a cute Tiara for the Beauty Pageant in Chapter 3! It’s really hard to believe, but that’s what makes him more interesting, isn’t it? (:
I just love Ibuki’s character! She’s manly and she stands firm in her believes, keeping to her promises as far as possible. And the fact that she knows martial arts make me like her even more! A fantastic role model for me and all the other girls! Though I feel that she should behave like herself more often, rather than hide her manly side in front of others. She’s also a very brave and responsible, and this character trait of hers was clearly shown when she promised to not let any girl in the Beauty Pageant come to harm as she will protect and take care of them. She even got injured because she protected one of her friends. Admirable and respectable, isn’t she?
Most memorable line/scene:
“Don’t touch her! She’s mine!” Takami to the Ghost in HYPER CHAPTER. (I JUST LOVE HIS POSSESIVENESS TOWARDS HER!)
I would recommend it to:
Shoujo lovers and those who just want to read a short, light hearted romance manga.
Credits:
http://www.whatismanga.com/images/manga/otokomae-beads-club.gif
Title: Moe KareBy: Ikeyamada Go
Category: Manga
Genre: Shoujo, Comedy, Romance
Chapters: 36 + Extra Chapter (7 volumes)
My Rating: 8/10
WARNING! Some scenes are for teenagers and above only!
Picture from www.dailymanga.org
Plot:
Okay to be very honest, when I read the first 10 chapters, I felt it was going to be a very cliché story line and I was getting quite bored of it already. BUT THANK GOODNESS I CONTINUED
Animation/ Sound effects/ Drawing:
I think the drawings are great(: Seriously! Of course not as detailed as Clamp’s works, and the characters eye’s are not as enchanting as Matsuri Hino’s, but Ikeyamada Go’s works are good enough to make me swoon(: And I love how this mangaka draws the kisses. I think they look damn sweet(:
I would recommend it to:
Romance and Shoujo lovers! And those who are suckers for sweet and romantic scenes.
I will post up my reviews and comments on them and rate it base on my personal opinion.
This blog is also like my own personal record on what I have read and watched, so I won't forget them(:
You can find my personal blog link under 'The Dango'.
Those who think you have the same taste as me or trust my recommendations, this blog will be helpful to you(:
Just for your info, I'm a major fan of Disney Classics.
And I always have good impressions on works that have good drawings and animations.
Don't you think the dangos are cute? You can listen to the Dango song by clicking here.
Take care and Live life!