Manga Review: Hyakunen Renbo

Name: Hyakunen Renbo
Author & Artist: MASHIBA Nao
Chapters: 8 completed
Genres: Comedy, Drama, Fantasy,  Romance, Shoujo
Plot:
From Mousou Scans:

Eva, a long-lived witch, takes in Fernest kingdom’s youngest prince, Louis, when she is asked to heal the eldest prince of an illness. Although witches are traditionally despised, Louis forms a close bond with her. When Louis is called back to the palace by a strange twist of fate to take his father's place on the throne, Eva must decide whether to let him go or follow.

Review:
This is a sweet, kawaii-ful manga. It's nothing that really strays from your shoujo formula but it's done fairly well. The protagonist isn't especially exceptional nor is she annoying so I can't complain.

Male leads on the other hand is cute, lovable and hot. He's definitely belongs on some bishie list and I oggled over him as I read this.

I kind of wish the mangaka had the opportunity to expand on this story line since this had a lot of potential. Though putting my fangirl tendencies aside, it's mediocre at best.

Spoiler (but I don't think it is really):
Some people were complaining about how old the character was (like she was 110 years old) and how she acted like a "teenager". It's ridiculous to say that when it's published in LaLa magazine, which is shoujo mind you. Their demographic are tweens and older teens (deluded shoujo fans aka me) so to open up a magazine like this an expect a 12 year old to appreciate the wise teachings of a 100 year old witch is absurd. That's why I can understand why she acts young for her age. Guys don't nearly get as much flack as girls do.

Manga Review: Koi Shitagari no Blue

Name: Koi Shitagari no Blue 
Author & Artist: FUJIWARA Yoshiko
Chapters: 24 - completed
Genres: Comedy, Drama, Romance, School Life, Shoujo, Slice of Life
Plot:
From Aerandria Scans:
“Won’t you become my girlfriend?”
On the day of her high school entrance ceremony, Ao got asked that by Riku, a guy that she has only just met. But by that, he meant to ask her to become his fake girlfriend, just to pretend. Ao was surprised by the sudden request, but after knowing Riku’s true feeling, she decided to agree to become his fake girlfriend...?

Review:
My initial impression of this was nice art and the whole story progressed very smoothly. All in all, I really liked it. Though as the plot unfolded, I really started to hate it.

The heroine, Ao, is likable and noble and I feel like the reason why the whole premise went downhill pretty fast was the other supporting characters.
Her main love interest is a classic example of that really cute guy who's childish/immature tendencies inadvertently hurt everyone else.

Manga Review: Akumu no Elevator

Name: Akumu no Elevator
Author & Artist: Kinoshita Hanta & Roppongi Aya
Chapters: 1 (148 pages)
Genres: Mystery, One Shot, Psychological, Seinen
Plot:
Jun receives a phone call from his wife Manami telling him that she's about to give birth, while he's at the apartment of his mistress Yoko. He promptly breaks up with his mistress and runs out the door to rush his wife to the hospital.

Unfortunately, the elevator becomes stuck on the way down, and he's trapped with three strangers. To pass the time, they decide to share their deepest, darkest secrets. Jun can't help but be horrified by the criminal acts these seemingly normal people are capable of committing... and getting away with. Will a rescuer ever come, or will they be stuck in this nightmare elevator until they all die?

Review:
I know this ain't shoujo or even aimed at the female demographic but this was an intriguing story and hey, it's Friday the 13th (I know I'm a bit early for you North Americans).

In a nutshell, it starts off as a dark atmosphere with black humor and really takes a casual light on their given situations. It's amazing how the offset humor enhances the overall dark and creepy effect of this manga. It really needs to be read rather than explained.

If you love mystery and don't mind thrillers I recommend this, also there are a lot of abrupt plot twists that are sure to surprise you

Manga Review: Hapi Mari

Name: Hapi Mari
Author & Artist: ENJOUJI Maki
Chapters: 40 - Completed
Genres: Comedy, Drama, Josei, Romance, Smut
Plot:
From Aerandria Scans:

Men - they're the root of Takanashi Chiwa's problems, which is why she never had the time nor the opportunity to have a boyfriend in her entire life. A full-time office lady and a part-time hostess, she works night and day to pay off her dad's debt from his failed business. One night at her part-time job, a high-class customer has her fired. Then the next day, she's called in to see the president - whom she had never even seen before in the office - only to find out she's to marry him! But what kind of guy is Mamiya Hokuto anyway? Will he become one of Chiwa's problems, or will he save her from them? And will this marriage even last?!

Review:
After reading this a couple of times I've decided to do a review for this.
My expectations for this manga were just above average, a lazy Sunday afternoon a I-got-nothing-better-to-do-on-the-with-my-life type of read.

The plot was a tad melodramatic and typical of office romance genre. They had their cute moments which I liked though the jealously got a bit past the point of endearing and became more of an annoyance. The story could have been cut short a few chapters if the mangaka just moved on.