Hitohira vol. 3 by Idumi Kirihara

Hitohira vol. 3

Author/Artist: Idumi Kirihara

Publisher: Aurora Publishing

Rating: T – 13 and up

Genre: Shojo, Seinen, Drama, Comedy, School Life, Slice of Life

Grade: A

*** Review originally appeared at The Journal of the Lincoln Heights Literary Society at http://liheliso.org/. Check it out! ***

The time has arrived! It's the day of the school festival and by the end we'll find out which club gets to stay and which club must close its doors forever. The Theatre Research Group has worked very hard and will do their best in performing the play. Of course Mugi is so nervous she continually passes out. But there is one problem that might be bigger than Mugi freezing on the spot. That problem is Nono's voice. Nono has a vocal condition that causes her to lose her voice. Nono knows that this may be a problem but insists that the show must go on. The crew decides that if Nono's voice is going to disappear she'll give a sign and they'll improvise their performance.

Things start off rocky. Mugi is so nervous you can barely hear her. But thanks to Risaki she is able to gain a little more confidence. But Nono gives her sign that her voice is gone and Mugi freaks, yet again, but regains her composure and gives a performance no one will forget. But will it be enough to keep the Theatre Research Group's doors open? Plus Mugi's friend Kayo seems to be hiding something from Mugi and Chitose (member of the official Theatre Group) has her own troubles dealing with her feelings for Takashi. Oy, it's tough being a girl!

I am so glad that Aurora brought us this beautiful series (feel free to check out my reviews for vol. 1 and vol. 2). For some reason I've read in several spots that people are upset that Aurora is marketing this as a shojo title instead of a seinen title. I guess that Hitohira appears in a seinen magazine that appeals to men who like shojo story lines. If that's the case I don't see a problem in marketing it a shojo, especially if that helps sell more books. Hitohira is a fun coming of age story where Mugi must learn to step beyond her comfort zone and grow and that is most apparent here in the third volume. I don't want to give too much away because there is much divulged in this volume that will propel the story forward.

The art never ceases to amaze me. It is truly gorgeous and must be enjoyed just for that fact. I can't imagine how hard this mangaka works to get this title to look so good! Pick up this title if it's just for the art and then get hooked on the series because it is definitely worth the time you spend on it.

***Review Copy provided by Aurora Publishing***
***Reposted with permission from The Journal of the Lincoln Heights Literary Society***

Love Round!! by Hinako Takanaga review

Love Round!!

Author/Artist: Hinako Takanaga

Publisher: Deux Press

Rating: M – 18 and up

Genre: Yaoi, Comedy, Romance, Sports

Grade: B

*** Review originally appeared at The Journal of the Lincoln Heights Literary Society at http://liheliso.org/. Check it out! ***
Kaoru Komatsuna is very sensitive. He has a feminine name and has soft feminine features. Everyone knows that this is a hot button issue with him and not to approach it. Well, all but one person. Junya Kubo happened to pick up Komatsuna's student notebook and made the mistake of commenting on his name. Next thing Kubo knows is that some adorable shrimp knocked him out, which is a shocking thing in and of itself. Why, you ask? Well Kubo is a boxer who is in training to become a pro.

Once Kubo has come to he decides that he needs to convince Komatsuna to train to become a boxer at his gym. Komatsuna thinks that boxing is the ultimate in manly sports and decides to take a whack at it. One thing that Kubo and Komatsuna didn't expect is for Kubo to fall in love. Will Kubo's determination be able to win over Komatsuna, who can only punch out Kubo every time Kubo makes a move?

Hinako Takanaga-sensei has a wonderful ability to write madcap comedy with the best of them. Love Round!! is definitely like a yaoi manga version of a Three Stooges episode. OK, bizarre comparison but I hope you get what I mean. Komatsuna consistently knocks Kubo out and Takanaga-sensei is kind enough to keep count for us (a total of 18 knockouts) just in case you weren't keeping track for yourself. Another thing about the knock out scenes is there are always girls in the background screaming, if it wasn't crazy enough that a kid half the size of the boxing champ is able to knock him out with just one punch. But that's Komatsuna for you.

Takanaga-sensei has an interesting art style and is rather popular here in the states. She has some very dedicated fans. You're able to recognize her work from a mile away. It's sketchy and sparse but adorable nonetheless. Not only is Takanaga-sensei capable of drawing adorable schoolboys but she's able to create some of the sexiest adult characters as well (but none of those appear in this title). Takanaga-sensei's art compliment her story lines perfectly. In the case of Love Round!! there's plenty of blushing and embarrassment to go around and makes for the perfect one-two punch (sorry for the pun, it's pretty lame, I know).

Kubo and Komatsuna make an interesting couple but it seems to work well. If you are looking for a fluffy fun romance with a different feel to it I suggest picking up a copy of Love Round!! I enjoyed it.

***Review Copy provided by Deux Press***
***Reposted with permission from The Journal of the Lincoln Heights Literary Society***

Aurora Still Appreciate Their Fans

It looks like Aurora Publishing in continuing their Fan Appreciation sale indefinitely. You can grab most of their titles through Aurora, LuvLuv, and Deux Press for only $5.00. For $9.00 each you can get Deux Press' May releases. I highly recommend taking advantage of this opportunity if you haven't yet. And get to it because you don't want your title to sell out do you? Support your favorite manga companies so we can continue to see titles from this great publisher. I know I love them!

MIA!

Sorry to those of you who follow my blog and reviews. I really do appreciate the love and support that you show me. I know things have been rather scarce but I've either been busy with work, proofreading novels for Wapshott Press, ill, or stumped by writers block. I want to play around with my writing style but everything comes out terrible. So please continue to be patient with me. I promise I'll be back in top form!

breath vol. 2 by Chifumi Ochi

breath vol. 2

Author/Artist: Chifumi Ochi

Publisher: Yaoi Generation

Rating: M – 18 and up

Genre: Yaoi, Drama, Romance

Grade: B

Kohshi Yanagi and Arata Kirishima are still holding to the master/slave contract that Yanagi came up with in last volume (if interested click here to read my review). Things seem to be going OK, well at least OK enough when forcing someone into a sexual relationship. Yanagi started bringing Arata to his home instead of a hotel because of convenience, which this fact really does come in handy. Arata has the tendency to not eat, especially when he's busy. Soon Yanagi starts cooking meals for Arata. As far as I know when you're blackmailing someone you usually don't show much compassion. Yanagi is a bit confused by this new feeling. But Yanagi isn't the only one who is confused. Arata is also feeling something but he doesn't know what it is.

Complications soon arise. Life is busy for Arata at work and he is initially unable to meet up with Yanagi. Yanagi gets worried (another emotion you'd think you wouldn't feel when it comes to blackmail) and waits for Arata in front of the door to his apartment. Things look like they are progressing to falling in love with each other. But soon Ten (Arata's twin brother and one of Yanagi's sex friends) becomes suspicious because Arata seems to be eating. Soon a clue falls into his hands in the form of a cell phone. It seems that Arata and Yanagi accidentally switched phones and Ten does some snooping. The final complication comes in the form of the first man Yanagi slept with.

I have found myself thoroughly and utterly drawn into this story. The forcing someone into a sex contract, blackmail, and rape are common yaoi plot devices. Also you see a lot of falling for your attacker, which is the case with breath. Even though Arata agreed to sleep with Yanagi the first time, he's now just trying to save face because he doesn't want his precious brother to find out what he's been doing. But Arata is starting to fall for Yanagi, and vice versa. I find the character of Ten to be rather intriguing. Initially he seems to be a happy-go-lucky guy but it seems like he conceals darker sides that I'm pretty sure we'll have the opportunity to see it further develop in subsequent volumes. With the introduction of Yanagi's first love also throws a wrench into the plot. I guess there were a few pages that had to be cut due to the law here in the states so at the end they just included the text without images, which now makes curious to see what those pages contained image-wise. I guess I'll either have to be in the dark forever, or pick up the Japanese version.

The art is spectacular. There really are no words to describe it. Chifumi Ochi-sensei has good eye for detail but doesn't overdo it. She has a great sense of humor in some of her outside comments. She uses great placement for her chibis but doesn't go overboard with them. This may sound really bizarre but the thing I love most about her characters are their noses. I know that sounds really weird but often times with manga (and anime) is that the characters often have small turned up noses but here prominent noses abound (and I love it!)

Yaoi Generation has been doing a great job with this title. It looks like they are going to focus on getting this title finished up before they move on to their next series. The physical books are gorgeous. The books are a little smaller than your typical manga volume but with a story that packs a big punch, like breath, it doesn't have to be a larger trim. It has a beautiful glossy cover that is scored near the binding to make it easier to open the book and keeps the cover from getting an ugly crease. There is a full color cover sheet featuring Yanagi and Arata on the verge of kissing. The paper is a brilliant white, which makes Ochi-sensei's beautiful artwork jump right off the page. With this paper the volume is a little bit stiffer than what your mainstream manga publishers use, but it's still flexible enough that it's not uncomfortable to open. The translation is done smoothly and is an all around great read.

I recommend this title first, for the beautiful art, second, for the fact that the characters have gorgeous noses, third, for the quality of the physical book, and fourth, it's a fascinating story. I guess I should have listed the fourth reason first. The characters possess a certain depth that grabs your attention and keeps you hooked and leaves you wanting more.

***Review Copy provided by Yaoi Generation***

Deux Press Fan Appreciation Sale Extended!

While checking out the news over at one of my favorite publishers, Deux Press, I found some interesting news. It looks like Deux Press has extended their Fan Appreciation Sale through the end of May. The same goes for the Aurora and Luv Luv titles as well. Go to:

Deux Press - http://www.deux-press.com/images/booksale/DeuxBooksSale.html
Aurora Publising - http://www.aurora-publishing.com/images/booksale/aurorasale.html
Luv Luv Press - http://www.luvluv-press.com/images/booksale/luvluvsale.html.

Stop by to see what titles are available and get instructions on ordering! But you'll have to hurry because it ends May 31st.

Sayonara, Zetsubo-Sensei vol. 1 by Koji Kumeta review

Sayonara, Zetsubou-Sensei vol. 1

Author/Artist: Koji Kumeta

Publisher: Del Rey

Rating: OT – ages 16+

Genre: Shonen, Comedy, School Life

Grade: A

*** Review originally appeared at The Journal of the Lincoln Heights Literary Society at http://liheliso.org/. Check it out! ***

I'm the type of reader that whenever I hear (or in this case read) a lot of hype surrounding a particular title, I tend to shy away. Actually, I'm like that with more than just books but that's beyond the point. Really the only reason why I decided to volunteer to review this manga was because I was trying to round out my shipment of review materials from the editor here at J LHLS. I have to say I can see why the buzz surrounding this title is so positive. It's a really wacky title. Many say that this title is mostly geared to the otaku (major manga and/or anime freak) but I think that the layman, like me, can enjoy it.

Nozomu Itoshiki is a high-school teacher. He's also one very depressed man. He basically feels that he's no good so his goal in life is to find the perfect place to die. But he is the beloved teacher to a class of misfits. In this first volume we meet these unique female students. You have Kafuka Fura the most optimistic person on earth and every cloud has a silver lining to this young girl. She seems to cancel out all of Itoshiki-sensei negativity with her positive attitude. Next up is Kiri Komori. She's the class shut in. Matoi Tsunetsuki is the third in line. She's always falling madly in love with her crushes that she soon becomes an obsessive stalker. Abiru Kobushi always shows up to school with weird scrapes and bruises, is she being abused? Kaere Kimura is a Japanese student who spent time abroad and seems to have a split personality. One being like an aggressive American and the other personality being like the meek ideal Japanese woman and she cycles between these two extremes regularly. Meru Otonashi doesn't speak, well at least not like others in the class. She chooses to use text messaging to get her points across and they are poisonous in their tone. Chiri Kitsu probably suffers from a form of obsessive-compulsive disorder; everything has to be precise. If things aren't like the way she wants them she freaks out. Taro Maria Sekiuchi has moved to Japan with her entire family by hiding out in a shipping container. Finally we have Nami Hitou. She wants to be pitied and feel special so she behaves in such a manner that she can get sympathy but in this class of misfits Nami is only an ordinary girl.

What kind of influence can Itoshiki-sensei have on his students?

I found this to be a very fun manga. Not only does it have obvious humor but there are some inside jokes as well. It seems that when it comes to shonen manga there are particular things that need to show up (like the regular panty shots). Not only do these things show up but it is done in a tongue-in-cheek manner that makes it that much funnier.
Each of these characters are so unique and crazy you can't help but love these girls. I especially found myself relating to Chiri Kitsu, the obsessive-compulsive girl. Plus anyone who knows me will see me in her as well. Even though the girls are charming in their own wacky way you can't help but love Itoshiki-sensei. Even though he's negative he cares for his students and goes out of his way to help them, even if it's not needed.

The art is very low-key and rather simplistic but for this story it works very well. Plus Itoshiki-sensei wears more traditional clothing like kimono and hakama. Everyone seems to look similar yet they are so unique in the way that they are portrayed story wise they are easy to tell apart. The art and story aren't the only thing that make this a stand out title. Del Rey definitely did a great job not only with the physical aspects of the book but also the extras that they provide. The volumes are slightly larger than normal sized manga titles and this particular book has a matte cover that has a velvety fell (what can I say I'm really into tactile sensations). In every volume they always provide a section for Translation Notes. Because this is a rather deep and layered with irony title the Translation Notes do come in handy for someone who is not seeped in Japanese culture, like myself. It points out the puns and have explanations on what the normal everyday reader might not pick up on. I have read some other Del Rey titles and have been very impressed with their high quality.

Whether you are an otaku or not I can't see why you would want to miss this title. I know I'm kicking myself for avoiding Sayonara, Zetsubou-Sensei for as long as I have. Since this is a series, I have high hopes for the upcoming volumes and I can tell you now that I won't miss them.

***Review Copy provided by Del Rey***
***Reposted with permission from The Journal of the Lincoln Heights Literary Society***

Yaoi Generation's Release Schedule

Hot from my email account! This is Yaoi Generation's release schedule for the year:

05.15.09 Breath Vol.2
07.31.09 Breath Vol.3
09.30.09 Breath Vol.4
11.25.09 Breath Vol.5
http://yaoigen.com
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Yaoi-Generation/50577268016
http://www.myspace.com/yaoigeneration.

breath is an intriguing title by Chifumi Ochi. If interested you can read my review here. I look forward to getting my grubby little paws on the next volume!

Doki-Doki Fukuseigenga!

The next two DokiDoki books are coming in soon!

We'll be getting a limited supply of Taishi Zaou's Living ForTomorrow and Saemi Yorita's Brilliant Blue Vol. 1 pretty soon! Bothare May titles, but we'll be shipping out books early, as soon as theycome in!

Like our first two books, we're giving away promotional items withthe books if you purchase through Akadot Retail<http://www.akadot.com/>.

Again, the items will be fukuseigenga, which are large prints of original pages. You can see them below:

Pre-order now at Akadot Retail to make sure you get one of these great items before we run out! Just follow these links!

http://www.dokidokibooks.com/blog/236/new-dokidoki-pre-order-giveaways (link added by me to the DokiDoki blog for promo items)

Living For Tomorrow<http://www.akadot.com/product_info.php?products_id=28477>
Brilliant Blue Vol. 1<http://www.akadot.com/product_info.php?products_id=28478.

The above information is from the DokiDoki newsletter regarding the pre-sale of the next two titles. You can get the awesome fukuseigenga that they offered with the first two releases. If you don't know what a fukuseigenga is, it is the original print from the manga publisher. These ones in particular are from Shinshokan and are autographed by the authors.


In the picture I have the fukuseigenga next to the picture in the book so you can see the size difference. I apologize for the quality of the picture but when all I had was my cell phone camera you make do. I really appreciate this swag because it is truly beautiful and I hope to frame and display these pages (I just don't have the spare wall space right now).

Be sure to check out Lissa Patillo's more in depth post over at Kuriosity (http://www.kuri-ousity.com/?p=2838). Her input is very insightful because she's an artist where as I'm just a wannabe at everything.

Cool Stuff at NETCOMICS

I spend quite a bit of time over at NETCOMICS.com. Well, not as much now because Totally Captivated has come to an end, but I still check out what they have going on. They've started a new serialization of an est em title called Age Called Blue. I may not be one of em-sensei's rabid fans but if you liked Seduce Me After the Show and Red Blinds the Foolish (which the storytelling in Red Blinds the Foolish is top quality even though I don't really like her art style) chances are you'll like Age Called Blue.

Not only has the serialization for Age Called Blue started but NETCOMICS is also featuring titles published by Deux Press starting with I Shall Never Return (a series I definitely recommend). They've also started serializing Chihiro Tamaki-sensei's Walkin' Butterfly. This is a title published by Aurora Publishing, and a pretty dang good one at that. It looks like Aurora is going to provide their titles in print as well as providing them through NETCOMICS which is a great way to get their titles (they've been serializing Luv Luv titles over there for a while now). So if there's a title that you've wanted to check out through one of Aurora's three imprints but you haven't wanted to spend the cash to purchase the books you can now indulge by visiting NETCOMICS. Plus you still have a few more days to indulge in Aurora's fan sales!