Manga Review: Tsuki no Shippo

Name: Tsuki no Shippo 
Author & Artist: Ueda Rinko
Chapters: 42
Genres:  Adventure, Comedy, Drama, Harem, Historical, Martial Arts, Romance, Shoujo 

Plot:

Usagi is the granddaughter of the leader of a prestigious ninja village, but she's such a klutz that she's never made it out of the lower class. Frustrated with Usagi's lack of progress, her grandfather sends her to marry Lord Hanzo with an order to breed many ninja children. But the lord has no interest in her or her childbearing potential!

Review:
Ueda Rinko is probably not the most original artist around but she probably has my favourite art and the most entertaining/addicting stories. More or less, she embodies what stereotypical shoujo plot lines are all about: bishies and dumb but lovable heroines.

Usagi, despite her lack of talent in shinboi law and possessing any common sense, is your average 15 year old who is a little selfish, demanding and boy crazy. I usually hate characters like this but given her age and sudden betrothal I can forgive her for feeling this way. Plus she's the type of annoying that isn't grating or hate-able.

Latest Fix: P to JK

Name: P to JK
Author & Artist: MIYOSHI Maki
Chapters: 15 - ongoing
Genres: Comedy,  Romance, Shoujo, School Life
Plot:

From ANN:

Female high-schooler Kako met Kouta at a party for adults. Although she gets into a good mood with him, she finds out he's actually a policeman.

Overview:
Hey readers, it's been awhile. Sorry for my disappearance yet again. I'll make a post about the happenings for the past 2 months and mangas and otome games I've been playing.

Anywho I actually haven't picked up much new manga but this is one of the few I've been following that has left some sort of impression on me.

Initially it's a fairly interesting premise with the policeman but soon it kind of devolves into some really unrealistic shoujo plot that requires you to suspend disbelief all up on another level. If you are able to get past this short coming, it's actually quite a solid series. The mangaka somehow blends in the shoujo universe logic, romance, friendships, some character development, some great side characters and a good foothold on darker themes like abuse.

Maybe the way the story is set up lowered my expectations and allowed me to enjoy the story for what it was. So give this series a go if you're looking for a light-hearted romance that isn't stalled with a fairly good plot and likable characters.

Manga Review: Kyou, Koi o Hajimemasu

Name: Kyou, Koi o Hajimemasu
Author & Artist: MINAMI Kanan
Chapters: 99
Genres: Comedy, Drama, Romance, School Life, Shoujo, Slice Of Life, Smut
Plot:

Tsubaki is a girl who loves making her younger sister's hair pretty every morning, but she doesn't think that kind of style suits herself! The day of her High School Beginning Ceremony, after she failed in being the top student (who usually makes the ceremony speech), she finds herself sitting next to the actual top student of the first years, the worst rude guy ever, Kyouta. She ends up cutting his hair on purpose because of the bad things he says to her. Kyouta demands that Tsubaki pay him back with her body, but Tsubaki fixes his hair instead--making it even shorter! After that, Kyouta unexpectedly kisses Tsubaki and swears that he'll make her his woman.

Review:
I dropped and picked up this manga several times already and I've only finished all 99 chapters recently so I will give you my personal thoughts on it.

It's basically your typical shoujo, teen wangst romance. Not that I have a problem but it took itself way too seriously and the main character, Tsubaki, was wangsting the whole way through about her feels (whining + angsting).

Manga Review: Miriam

Name: Miriam
Author & Artist: HIKAWA Kyouko
Chapters: 28 approx.
Genres: Action, Adventure, Comedy, Romance, Shoujo

Plot:

This is a cowboy shoujo manga set in the Wild West. Miriam is an orphan. Her father was a drunken gambler; she only had one dress and they moved from place to place, until one day her father died and Grace took her in. The series follows Miriam's life, growing up, and falling in love with her life-long friend, the skillful sharpshooter Douglas.

Review:

Sorry this was a draft for ages but I forgot to queue it since I've been swamped by finals and my likelihood of failure is still 50/50. Anyway, from the same author as Kanata Kara, it's another adventure story with a cowboy twist. I thoroughly enjoyed read it despite it being a western set shoujo.

Manga Review: Ojou-sama no Untenshu

Name: Ojou-sama no Untenshu
Author & Artist: SHIHARA Keiko
Chapters: 9 - completed
Genres: Drama, Historical, Romance, Shoujo
Plot:

From Omari's Sister: "It is the Taisho Era at a certain girl's school. There one young lady embodies the ambition and is the envy of every girl. The crimson ribbon adorning her marks her as the top student. She is none other than Yoshimura Sayaka. Always at her side is the chauffeur her family employs, Narutaki Shinobu. Are the two in love as rumored amongst the female student body!?" Note: Untranslated one-shot from the first volume—"Ruka to Touzoku (Ruka and the Thief)"

Review:
It's been awhile since my last manga review. I'll try to do more when I can since I hate those sites that post things that are irrelevant and don't stick to their core goals (hope you don't mind my Otome Plays.). I have less and less time, thanks to university and coupled with procrastination (yup even with things I enjoy doing), I've been reading less but expecting more.

This manga, for example, has beautiful artwork, a nice, basic storyline sprinkled with just the right amount of angst which doesn't get old too fast.
The characters are sweet, normal people who just want to be together.

Manga Review: Toukyou Lastochika

Name: Toukyou Lastochika
Author & Artist: MIYOSHI Furumachi
Chapters: 12 (approx.)  - Completed
Genres: Comedy, Historical, Romance, Shoujo, Slice Of Life, Tragedy
Plot:

In 1910, Hana Tsumura is hired to work as a servant for the Arima estate, throwing her into a turbulent whirlpool produced by the changing times and her meeting with Mitsuyuki, the young master of the household.

Review:
Recently, I bought this on Renta, a paid, online manga service in English since when I saw this, I had to buy it. I read this awhile ago but was hopelessly waiting for scanalations to pull through. Though I'm really happy to legally obtain it since it was such a good manga. It cost me about $8.64 USD so not too bad for 2 volumes of manga and I might make a post about my experience with Renta if anyone is interested.

I love historical manga, this being set in the Meiji era, had me intrigued from start to finish. It's a battle of social classes and the inevitability of how the two main characters were never meant to be. 

Manga Review: Help!!

Name: Help!!
Author & Artist: Fujiwara Kiyo
Chapters: 7 - Complete
Genres: Comedy, Drama, Romance, Shoujo
Plot:

Kousaka Shin's ultimate dream is to become a doctor. So despite the facts that she is a cry baby, a coward, has a baby face, and only has an A cup--she is much more passionate about persuing her goals than others. One day her teacher, Abe-sensei, tells her she is not fit to be a doctor. From then on, a battle between them begins. There's an added twist! Abe-sensei and Shin are neighbors! Now, her journey to becoming a doctor will be even more difficult than imagined!

Review:
I have a week off from university so I will probably be posting a little more this week.  Anyways, the plot doesn't sound too contrived but I was pleasantly surprised at how refreshing the story actually is.

The main character, Kousaka is your typical babbling klutz who somehow wants to become a doctor (I think the description makes her sound more annoying than she actually is). Despite all this, she actually pulls through and whenever a situation arises, she steps up and earnestly tries to do her best. This is why her character is tolerable and I grew to really like her towards the end.

Manga Review: Yoru Café. - My Sweet Knights

Name: Yoru Café. - My Sweet Knights
Author & Artist: ENJOUJI Maki
Chapters: 15
Genres:  Comedy, Harem, Josei, Romance, Smut

Plot:

At 23 years old, Hina Takato inherited a café and the workers in it from her deceased husband. Although he was much older than her, she loved him a great deal and has vowed to never fall in love again... only, she does.

Review:
A series I've finished reading the second time round recently was Yoru Café. I loved Enjouji's other manga Hapi Mari, despite it's flaws, but I honestly didn't love this one as much. Though it's always good to try something twice to make sure you don't like it.

I think the reason why it didn't resonate with me was because it was about a young widowed wife finding love after her old husband died.

Manga Review: Puzzle (MORIE Satoshi)

Name: Puzzle
Author & Artist: MORIE Satoshi
Chapters: 1 - completed
Genres: Mature, One Shot, Psychological, Romance, School Life, Shoujo
Plot: 
Miyabi is looking for someone to complete her.

Review:
The plot is a bit brief so the basic premise is about the downfall of the most popular couple in the school.The characters go under a metamorphosis from perfect, beautiful, straight-laced students to tragic pariahs at school and at home.

I love me a good psychological story and this really delivers. The thing about Morie's works is they have an almost foreboding atmosphere as it shows the psyche of the character's mind. Though it humanises their plight rather then highlighting anything two twisted.

The fact that it has smut in it actually adds another layer of intensity that I haven't seen in her previous mangas. The smut isn't too much in this story so it's alright for younger audiences, it as much as an American tv show.

Try this out and you'll be surprised. Quite a solid one shot full of dimension and intrigue.

Manhwa Review: Antique Romance

Name: Antique Romance
Author & Artist: KIM Mi Jung
Chapters: 27 - finished
Genres: Drama, Historical, Mature, Romance, Shoujo
Plot:

From Esthétique: "I am a human, but a doll... Feelings are not needed. Physically alive, but not mentally. I am a painting trapped inside a rusted frame. The cold skin of a statue. Like a stuffed bird-- Killed and set for display. I wonder... I wonder, on whose display I will be placed..." Includes extra story, The Dancing Marionette (Vol 3).

Review:
It seems like most of the manhwas that I end up and enjoy reading are the ones set in with darker mature themes which are inevitably coupled with tragic elements.
This has all the drama in a European ambient setting.

Some warnings before picking this up would include themes of prostitution and rape which are basically red flags that indicate that this ain't some fluffy shoujo.

There's also a certain scene that is horribly cryptic. It's not horror in a supernatural sense but the monstrosity of what humans can do to each other. It parallels closely with reality despite cliches and plot devices.

Manga Review: Magic

Name: Magic
Author & Artist: SHIMIZU Reiko
Status: Complete - 2 chapters
Genres: Drama, Mystery, Psychological, Romance, Sci-fi, Shoujo
Plot:

From MangaArt:

There are 2 manga series in the book. In the first series, Magic, the background is set in the futuristic 2200's in the edge of the galaxy. Super model Kana has died in a space ship accident when she traveled to a planet on the edge of the galaxy. Her daughter was found 3 years after the magnetic storm has rested. A distant related cousin of Kana adopted the young child (he was also an old boyfriend of Kana!). Years later, Kana's child has grown up to be a teenage girl...

Review:
Here's some more 90s shoujo for y'all. This is a really interesting read since it's sci-fi and a breath of fresh air for shoujo lovers. I am not a big sci-fi fan but this had me intrigued from start to finish and if you're someone that avoids this genre I do recommend to give this a shot.

Every frame and dialogue bubble was utilised effectively and there wasn't too much to wrap your head around. It has a sort of... dark-ish ambiance about it (as expected from psychological stories) and the plot twists add even more layers to this story. Additionally, it made me question the morals of the characters, sets new boundaries of what is socially taboo or not. 

Manga Review: Viehmannin wa Utau

Name: Viehmannin wa Utau
Author & Artist: YAMAGUCHI Miyuki
Chapters: 26 - Complete
Genres: Adventure, Comedy, Drama, Fantasy, Mystery, Romance, Shoujo
Plot:

From Wingtip Cafe:
Rina is always busy studying and working to support herself. After the depressing news that she again lost first place in the school rankings to Julius, an expressionless guy who is her arch rival, Rina finds Milch, a little fairy girl. Later, she meets Sylvie, a Fairyland knight who has come to rescue Milch.

Review:
I'm a fan of a good mahou shoujo and stories with fairytale elements so it's probably why I enjoyed the story so much. It's more toned down and slower paced compared to a modern day manga since it was made in 1990 but it's a merit more than anything.

Older 90s manga is a hit and miss for a lot of people but if you enjoy fantasy I think this is pretty good. It has enough mystery and intrigue so that it doesn't feel like I'm trudging my way a long while reading it.

Manga through the eras + Sorry I've been MIA

Hello readers, I haven't been posting since I've been on two 1 week long trips (sorry I didn't cue anything) and I've been playing otome games like a mofo.
I also fell into a personal slump so I didn't want to force out crappy posts for no good reason. This blog is more of a hobby than anything.

I still have been reading manga so I'll short list some of the new manga series I've picked up below.

1. 1985 - Cipher by NARITA Minako
2. 1987 - Boku no Chikyuu o Mamotte (Please Save My Earth) by HIWATARI Saki
3. 1990 - Viehmannin wa Utau by YAMAGUCHI Miyuki
4. Hadashi no Aitsuby TAKADA Rie
5. 1999 - My Sweet Dragon by SAKAKI Yuuka
6. 2005 - Tenkuu Seiryuu by YAMAGUCHI Miyuki
7. 2007 - Ten no Ryuu Chi no Sakura by SUMOMO MOMO
8. 2010 - Scarlet Palace by YI Huan
9. 2010 - Mairunovich by SATO Zakuri

I felt like it was appropriate to put them in chronological order since the 80s manga were definitely interesting but really draggy at times though after reading a review of Cipher, it all made sense. It was written for 80s teens (and Japanese teens at that) where time traveled slower and people actually went outside to have fun. I really enjoyed 80s manga like Miriam (1983) by Hikawa Kyoko if you're into investigative cowboy adventures.

Manga Review: Hotarubi no Mori e + Short Anime Review

Name:  Hotarubi no Mori e aka what fangurrrl tears are made of
Author & Artist: Midorikawa Yuki
Chapters: 1
Genres: Drama, One Shot, Romance, Shoujo, Supernatural, Tragedy
Plot:

 Hotarubi no Mori e tells the story of a young girl named Hotaru and her friendship with Gin, a strange young man wearing a mask, who she meets at the age of six in a mountain forest near her grandfather's country home. Hotaru learns that her friend is supernatural and that touching Gin will cause him to disappear forever. Hotaru returns every summer to spend time with Gin, and their relationship matures as both struggle with its limitations.

Review:
I was recently reminded about this gem of a manga while scrolling down my facebook newsfeed and went a long with fangirling about this manga since I don't have any friends that like manga.

It starts off with little girl meets masked boy in mysterious forest (who turns out to be a spirit btw) and start a friendship together.

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.

Manga Review: Sailor Fuku ni Onegai!

Name: Sailor Fuku ni Onegai!
Author & Artist: Tanaka Mecca
Chapters: 21
Genres: Comedy, Romance, School Life, Shoujo, Supernatural

Plot: When Hina hits a homerun ball and goes to get it back, she realizes she has damaged a shrine with the baseball. When she touches the object inside the shrine, the object is absorbed into her, and she becomes the shrine's god. Now she is protected by the shrine's guard dogs, Shishi and Koma. On her journey she meets other spirits, guardians, and the legendary nine-tailed fox.

Review:
So I've read this manga 2 years ago and re-read it again just recently because I was bored. I basically forgot most of the story line, only having a vague idea of the ending, so it shows this isn't exactly a very memorable manga.

Nonetheless I found it pretty funny, I mean I really like Tanaka Mecca's sense of humour since it's quite befitting for shoujo. If you're looking for happy-go-lucky characters and almost idiotic comedy then you should read her other works like Faster Than a Kiss. Of course there's a few moments that tugs on those heart strings but it didn't leave me in a crying mess.

I think what's saves this manga from being completely cliched is the comedy. Otherwise it'd leave a pretty bland taste in your mouth. The guy is your basic, "If you get too close, I'll hurt you" type whereas the chick is not exactly a Mary Sue but there aren't any distinct characteristics that really make her the main heroine.  Though I like the art, simple and recognizable.

I think it ends on a good note as stories like this tend to overstay it's welcome. It was good to see it end in about 20 chapters and the author wasn't trying to milk their franchise coughVampireKnightcough.

This isn't bad but it isn't great either. It's the kind of thing you read when your bored. It's short and sweet is how I'd sum it up, more or less.

Manga Review: Hadashi de Bara o Fume

Name: Hadashi de Bara o Fume
Author & Artist: Ueda Rinko
Chapters: 57
Genres: Drama, Historical, Romance, Shoujo
Plot: From Viz:

Poor Sumi Kitamura… Her irresponsible older brother Eisuke keeps bringing home orphans for her to take care of even though they can barely afford their own basic needs! Just when Sumi's financial problems become dire, wealthy Soichiro Ashida enters her life with a bizarre proposition: he'll provide her with the money she so desperately needs if she agrees to marry him. But can Sumi fool high society into thinking she's a proper lady? Moreover, is it worth giving up everything for this sham of a marriage?

Review:
Remember how I took a trip to the manga shop and totally spazzed out? Well I saw this amoungst the many titles that were being translated and I had to stop myself from laughing. I don't know why anyone in their right mind would consider translating this. First of all the Jerk with a Heart of Gold trope only works if he's a adorable tsundere not some rich d-bag.

I read this awhile ago and gave up halfway because it was shoujo at it's best and when I say best I mean it's really bad. Everything you can hate about shoujo is in this story. Add a psychotic third wheel and you may just have the single best badly-executed manga ever.
What I mean is it's so stupid it's funny. Reading it the second time around to kill time and also with my expectations lowered gave me some enlightenment.

I don't recommend this unless you have absolutely nothing better to do.

Spoiler alert highlight to see:
There's a really hilarious moment when the two dumb leads are making love and the crazy ass mofo third wheel pulls a "Here's Johnny" moment. Like he literally goes around the hotel with an ax and starts smashing up doors. I laughed for hours.