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On Vacation If I can hold out for another 30 minutes, it'll be the first day this year that I didn't do any of the above 1) read manga/Japanese novel 2) play a Japanese game (i.e. Kiminozo, Natsuiro) 3) watch anime 4) listen to Japanese music. I have 5 manga and a novel with me...oh, so tempting. I'm currently back at my parent's house for the Memorial Day weekend. That means I finally get to watch some TV! But of course, there's still nothing on. |
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せんせいのお時間 (Doki Doki School Hours) Vol. 1
Hearing the anime is out, I decided to pick this series up to see what it's about. The series is in 4 panel format, so there's not much of a plot, but rather short snippets and situations. I can't help but compare this to Azumanga Daioh as the format is the same and the setting is pretty similar too. While this has it's high points at times, the characters aren't as interesting. Mika, the teacher, is hilarious, but there isn't much of a supporting cast. The humor in here seems to be aimed towards a more mature audience, and appropriately so since this is published in a young women's mangazine. Bonus includes a few color pages in front and a bonus chapter. The story revolves around a 27-year-old school teacher 鈴木みか (Mika Suzuki) who just started work as a literature/language teacher at high school. She's abnormally small for her age and in fact, a lot of her students are taller, bigger, and even more "voluptuous" than she is. A big part of the humor comes from her size. Among her students are a homosexual, a big and tall girl who likes little girls (like Mika, her teacher), an otaku, and other students who are obsessed with one thing or another. |
Title: せんせいのお時間 (Doki Doki School Hours) Vol. 1 |
彼氏彼女の事情 (His and Her Circumstances) Vol. 1
I think this might have been the very first manga I've ever purchased, oh so many years ago. I never got around to reading it as girl's manga is quite intimidating with their long dialogue. But I managed to get all the books up to volume 16 at the closing sale at Nippon Books, so with 16 books sitting here, might as well get started. The first few chapters are pretty much the same as the anime. I always thought that the buildup in the first few episodes was the best in all of anime, and this manga is no different. The anime died pretty poorly though and I hear that the manga is a lot different. I hope so. There's a separate chapter which I believe is one of one-chapter story that sometimes gets included in the magazines. There's also another mini-comic after that. 1. ACT1 彼女の事情 (Her Circumstances): 宮沢雪野 (Yukino Miyazawa) is a first year high school student who obsessively cares about her appearance. She's always been the top student and the envy of all until now, when she feels like she's been overshadowed by 有馬総一郎 (Soichiro Arima). As such, she made it her duty to do better than him on the next test to regain her crown. When she does, he doesn't react the way she thinks he should, which makes her realize that he might not be putting up a front like she is. At home, Yukino is a real slob as no one sees her, but she accidentally lets Arima see her true self when he comes over unexpected to lend her a CD. 2. ACT2 シークレット (Secret): Using his knowledge of her secret life, he blackmails her and makes her do all his work. Along the way, they start talking to each other more, but eventually she gets fed up. He apologizes and tells her that he only did that so he could get a little closer to her. 3. ACT3 彼氏の事情 (His Circumstances): Arima lives in a nice house with very proper parents. Yukino has a lively family. After Arima sees this, he's reminded of his own life, how he was adopted and feels like he needs to live up to his worth. With these thoughts, he gets more withdrawn and starts ignoring Yukino as he tries to deal with what his true identity is. Eventually, Yukino slaps some sense into the boy. |
Title: 彼氏彼女の事情 (His and Her Circumstances) Vol. 1 |
妹 (Akane) Vol. 7
Alright, I love this series, but it's finally starting to get just a little repetitive. The another girl is gone and another one shows up. Meanwhile, the tension between brother and sister isn't really increasing or decreasing. I hope something dramatic happens soon as I don't want to become inured to this series. The bonus is a color front page with Akane in a nurse's uniform. 70. 秋、曇りがちのココロ。 (Cloudy Heart): Akane tells Mio that she wants to be a nurse. While walking home from a date, Shinpei and Suzu see other couples making out. At home, Suzu talkes with her roommate, but doesn't seem to have the courage to move the relationship forward. At the library, Akane bumps into a guy. 71. リンゴの願い (Apple's Wish): Flashback to when Akane and Shinpei's mother was sick and when she decided to become a nurse. The guy who Akane bumped into looks a lot like her dad, so that's why she paid a little more attention to him. Suzu's apartment is leaking due to the rain and so they get Shinpei over to help fix it. After he's done, they almost have a parting kiss. 72. ずっと前から (Since a Long Time Ago...): Just as their about to kiss, Shinpei thinks of Akane so he declines. Later at home, he gives Akane an embrace and then spends the night in the office. The next day, the two co-workers want Akane to go on a trip with them, but Shinpei won't give his permission. 73. Real Heart: Shinpei and Akira has a little scuffle when Akira brings up the idea that Shinpei loves Akane and that's why he won't let her go. Akane and Shinpei take a walk by the riverside where Shinpei finally admits that he loves her. Meanwhile, Suzu receives some more apples from her family and decides to return home to the countryside. 74. 君にしてあげられること (The Thing I Can Do For You): Suzu submits her resignation at work. Rather than having her travel by train, Shinpei offers to drive her back home. 75. さよならの向こう側 (Beyond Goodbye): At school, the track coach is still after Akane. He sees some punk kids looking at his students and tells them that he can pair them up if only they help him separate Akane and Shinpei. Shinpei drops Suzu off at her parent's house, but rather than staying and meeting the family, he departs quickly. 76. 秋風の贈り物 (The Gift of the Autumn Breeze): With Suzu gone, there needs to be another girl. Now comes 高岡 (Takaoka), the owner of a chain of used car dealerships in Yokohama. She has come to gets some help in repairing cars. 77. ハッピーウェディング (Happy Wedding): Mio and another co-worker (forgot his name, not Tetsu nor Akira) are getting married because she's pregnant. She and Shinpei have a long discussion afterwards. When Shinpei goes to inspect Takaoka's cars, she tells him that the dealership used to belong to her brother, but now she's in charge of it. 78. I wish: The coach gets fired for his actions. Akane is learning how to stitch so she can make a sweater (it's Christmas time). Takaoka has a party and Shinpei is invited. She gets drunk and ends up in the same bed as Shinpei. He hears her mumble that she'll take her of her brother (sibling love). 79. 冬の一日、晴れのちくもり (A Winter's Day, Clouds After a Clear Day): Due to a Christmas promotion, the dealership has promised 50 cars, but none of them are ready. 80. holy night: It's Christmas, but because of the emergency at the dealership, Shinpei can't come home to Akane, so she goes out and tries to look for him. |
Title: 妹 (Akane) Vol. 7 "Real Heart" |
ぴたテン (PitaTEN) Vol. 8
Maybe it was because I rushed through reading this, but I didn't enjoy the ending all that much. Having just finished "Sugar" not too long ago, with character design by the same person, it seemed like this ending was pretty much like it. I don't know how else it could have ended, but I really wasn't expecting it to end so quickly. There's a bonus color page and a message from the author thanking readers. 43. 自分の探し方 その四 (How to Find Oneself, Part 4): A little love triangle forms with Koboshi, Ten, and Kotaro. Koboshi confesses to Kotaro, but Ten loves Koboshi, and so a little tension arises between the two guys. To round it off, Kotoaro confesses his love for Misha. Misha finds out that her test question to be an angel is to make the Kotaro happy. 44. 幸せの見つけ方 その一 (How to Look For Happiness, Part 1): It's testing season again, so everyone's a bit nervous about their entrance exam. Apparently Koboshi isn't at school today and Kotaro thinks that it's because she doesn't want to face him. After school, he and Ten get in a minor scuffle and he gets a nice whack. It seems like he's angry about Kotaro's treatment of Koboshi, but in fact, he also has his entrance exam to deal with. 45. 幸せの見つけ方 その二 (How to Look for Happiness, Part 2): Kotaro finds out that Ten is taking the same entrance exam as he is. Later that day, Misha is missing. He looks around for her, but can't find her. When he finally finds her, he realizes how much she means to him. However, Sasha tells him that once she passes her test, she can no longer stay with him. If she doesn't pass, she'll disappear, so it's a lose-lose situation. 46. 幸せの見つけ方 その三 (How to Look for Happiness, Part 3): Ten comes to terms with his academic and relationship issues. Koboshi comes to terms with her affection for Kotaro. However, Kotaro still hasn't figured out what makes him happy. 47. 夢の終わり方 (How a Dream Ends): Kotaro passed his high school entrance exam. Misha has also passed her test. Kotaro realizes that Misha is what makes him happy. But he makes one last request, that using her angelic powers, she rids him of the ability to see angels. |
Title: ぴたテン (PitaTEN) Vol. 8 |
まほろまてぃっく (Mahoromatic) Vol. 7
Everything is revealed in this volume and it looks like this series should wrap up soon (actually, recent news says that volume 8 is the last one). Once things go rolling in this chapter, I couldn't put it down. Bonuses are 4 panel comics on the inside covers, a color page, and the back of the dust jacket features Serra and Shiina (誰?). 1. 宿命との対峙 (A Confrontation With Destiny): Using a little child/cyborg, #773, Felderance lures Suguru into a church where he's to be bait so that Mahoro would come. When she does, Felderance tells Suguru that Mahoro killed his father. 2. 解放の瞳 (Liberty Bell): Mahoro tells the story about how a corrupt leader started the whole conflict between Vespa and the Saints and the Keeper. She also describes the anguish he had to go through when she had to shoot his dad. After the story, Suguru admits that he kinda knew she had something to do with his dad's death and apologies for not telling her. At the end, Felderance grabs Suguru and makes Mahoro make the decision again. 3. ごめんなさい（前編） (I'm Sorry, First Part): This time, Mahoro can't shoot. Fortunately, she doesn't have to as Ryuuga and Slash come to help defeat Felderance and the Professor and his bots. Felderance goes outside with Minawa and tells her that the professor would have disposed of them anyway, even if Minawa had helped out. She also tells her that the brains of the destroyed cyborgs, like #369 end up as cheap computers. 4. ごめんなさい（後編） (I'm Sorry, Second Part): With her newly found rage, she goes after the professor and his machines. Just as she's about to confront him, her body starts "malfunctioning." The professor tells her that she was defective and that her body can't handle the stress. Mahoro jumps in and saves her while a robot ends up killing the professor. Mahoro tells her that she shouldn't go down so easily and then collapses from her own wounds. 5. 涙のあとさき (Imprudent Tears): Minawa is "fixed" and she takes on a new little sister, #733, or rather, Nanami. Mahoro is also repaired and learns of her new sister. Meanwhile, the Management blows up Air Force One to instigate another conflict. Mahoro then gets told that she has no time remaining until she "dies" and could do so at any minute. 6. 花降る夜 (The Night Flowers Descend): Things seem to be back to normal again at Suguru's house. They have a large feast. After the dinner, Mahoro sneaks out. Shikijo sensei catches her as she leaves, and Mahoro responds by giving her thanks to everything she's done. After Mahoro leaves, Shikijo seems to realize what's going to happen. Mahoro is outside crying, saying that she doesn't want to "die." |
Title: 7. まほろまてぃっく： 涙で動くメイドさん (Vol. 7 Mahoromatic: A Maid Who Sustains By Tears) |
少年マガ (Shonen Magazine), '04 Vol 26 & ヤングマガ (Young Magazine), '04 Vol. 26
How nice of them to provide the page number on the cover (they do it occasionally). This week's feature girl is 深田恭子 (Kyoko Fukada). This 21 year-old has been featured in Magazine since 1998 when she made her debut in issue 33 of that year. It looks like Tsubasa has incorporated some elements of "The Matrix" into the story line as well as introduced another character from Chobits. Suzuka: ＃１４出発 (Departure): Yamato is still in the dumps after being rejected by Suzuka. Megumi and Yuuka pay him a visit and drinks with him. After Megumi passes out, Yuuka and Yamato have a heart-to-heart talk on the roof. She tells him how she used to have someone she really loved too. Despite being rejected, she kept trying. Upon hearing this, Yamato also vows to keep trying. Negima: ５４時間目 地図とお熱とチョコレット (A Map, Warmth, and Chocolate): Asuna has a strange dream where she is a child and sees someone strangely familar. She wakes up in her own room to find Negi studying a map of Mahora that his father had created. She notices some chocolates on the table and eats a few. Soon after, all the other girls come into her room. Negi decides that he needs more training so he asks Eva if he could be her pupil. She reluctantly agrees. Meanwhile, Asuna feels a little strange and has gotten a strong attraction towards Negi. She tries to deny it, but her heart beats faster whenever he's around. Turns out that the chocolates where a failed experiment, and instead became a aphrodisiac, causing the consumer to fall in love with the first person he/she sees. Asuna calms down knowing that this is only temporary. Changing Now: ＃５招集 秘密結社 (Convocation, A Secret Society): The aliens have a meeting where they try to figure out what new creature to create. The leader of the gang gets some ideas from fan mail. The meeting boils down to a discussion about what to order for take-out. Hamanaka Ai: ０３７沈黙の部屋 (Silent Room): Nakamura thinks that they haven't been concentrating enough recently so during the study session, she makes every hush and communicate only by writing notes. Things go awry when Masahiko's mother comes in and slips on the papers used to write the notes. Tsubasa: ４６夢の世界 (Land of Dreams): Seishirou kills Shaoran. Shaoran then wakes up in his dream capsule and sees Fye outside. Apparently, the world they were previously in was just a virtual world and he was just playing a game. This is the real Ooto country, an amusement park where he was just enjoying one of the attractions. It takes a while, but he finally remembers how she started playing this "game." Later, he meets 千歳 (Chitose, landlady from Chobits) who tells him and Fye that she created the game and wants to get more information about Seishirou since he's interfering with the game. Futatsuki: １６口目／オレのラメン (My Ramen): Futatsuki makes his lamb organs ramen, which turns out not to be completely organs, but pomegranate (I think) made into ramen. The idea was instead of making ramen that won't increase weight, he'd make ramen that would make the girls look better. This ramen does exactly that, making them look cuter and having their figures improve/increase. Futatsuki wins and is leading in the competition.
This issue comes with the second set of Morning Musume mini-cards. First set was in last week's volume. Cover girl is 熊田曜子 (Yoko Kumata), a 22 year old. There's also a promotion for some 4th-7th grade girl group in the back. Redlight: ８見逃したらやかんやで (Don't Run Away): Satoshi has just purchased a cell phone in hopes of using it with Choko. Almost a week passes and he doesn't get a call. When he finally gets a call, it's from a guy friend. After he and his friend have dinner, Satoshi rides to Choko's house and ends up telling her that he loves her. XXXholic: 49: Yuuko is quite annoyed that Shaoran and gang hasn't given her White Day gifts. She's been waiting since March. It's currently pouring and when Kimihiro curses the weather, a girl appears and gives him a whack. This girl is something like a rain fairy. She makes a deal with Yuuko as and she requires Kimihiro, and only Kimihiro, to help him out. |
Title: 少年マガジン (Shonen Magazine) Vol. 26
Title: ヤングマガジン (Young Magazine) Vol. 26 |
妹 (Akane) Vol. 6
It looks like Shinpei is even more certain that he can't let anything happen between him and Akane. However, Akane finally reveals her feelings for him and tells him directly. It's not even half way through the series, and there's already so much that has happened. I wonder how it'll turn out. There's a color page but I don't particularly like the picture. 58. my sweet home: With some money that Shinpei received from Akane's true mother, he and Akane finally move out of his small apartment. While he has the money to get a decent place, Akane decides that she wants to live in a small and run-down hut. This hut is where she and Shinpei grew up. 59. 義妹だよ (Step-Sister): Suzu hears that her relatives, the (evil) people who ran the restuarant that she used to work in, are having less and less business, partially due to their ailing bodies. Suzu helps out and gets tricked into working there. She decides to quit her job at the auto repair shop, but part of her decision is also because it's hard for her to be around Shinpei, especially since she feels like she's competing with Akane for his love. Afterwards, he declines Akane's invitation to pick him up in the rain, and tells her that she's just a step-sister. 60. 傷だらけを抱きしめて (Embracing Many Wounds): Akane's quite an athlete and is approached by the coach (not just for her skills, but rather her body). Emily knows that the coach is a bit sketchy and tells Shinpei. She asks whether he's worried, to which he responds that Akane is already 16. After work, he heads over to the restaurant and after some talk, he hugs Suzu. 61. Yes or No: Suzu's roommate accidently sends off a text message to Shinpei that asks "Do you love me? Yes or no." Akane and Shinpei both see this. He delays his response and finds out from Suzu that it was an accident. While Suzu is there are the shop, Akane has told Akira and Tetsu to let her know what's going with the two of them. Akira exaggerates and Akane ends up crying by herself. 62. ダーゲッと！ (Target!): The coach pays a visit to Shinpei with the alibi that he wants to ask him to allow Akane to join the track team. When Shinpei declines Akane's invitation to go to the festival, the coach sees his chance and convinces Akane to join the team, making her believe that he'll put some sense into Shinpei. 63. バッドタイミング (Bad Timing): At the festival, the coach and Akane end up together in the house of horrors. Akane is claustrophobic, so she needs to take a break. While she's resting, the coach sees Shinpei and Suzu. He embraces Akane in front of Shinpei. 64. 恋する瞳 (Loving Eyes): After the festival, Shinpei takes Suzu home. At his own house, Emily, Marina, and Akane are there lighting fireworks. Shinpei comes back, Marina and Emily depart and leave the two of them alone. 65. 恋夏合宿 (Summer Love Training Camp): The track team go to the beach for training (of course, the only reason is that the coach wants to see Akane in a bathing suit). The guys from the auto-repair shop also decide to go, but Suzu unfortunately has promised a few clients that their cars will be fixed. Shinpei volunteers to stay behind and finish the job and allowing the others to leave first. 66. アブないすれちがい (Dangerous Encounter): Akane accidentally gets stung by a sea urchin. Later that day, Akira tells her that he'll take her to meet Shinpei at the train station. However, he pretends to get lost in the mountains in the pouring rain. He has his devious plans, but meanwhile Akane is starting to hyperventilate and getting a high fever. Akira still has his dirty thoughts even though she's incapacitated. 67. SOS: Akira's car gets bumped and gets pushed down the side of the road and water is starting to fill the car. Meanwhile, back at base camp, Shinpei and Suzu hitchhiked from the station since they didn't have a ride. His boss take him to try to find Akira and Akane and find them just in time. 68. Kiss Me: Akane and Shinpei spend the next day playing at the beach. At dusk, Akane tells him that she wants to kiss him. 69. 夏のかけら (Pieces of Summer): During their last night on vacation underneath fireworks, Shinpei asks Suzu to be his girlfriend. |
Title: 妹 (Akane) Vol. 6 "...Kiss Me" |
こどものおもちゃ (Child's Toy) Vol. 2
A fairly good volume with some emotional moments. The more I read this, the more I'm liking the character designs and artwork. The romance in the story is pretty appropriately paced too, but probably because it's a girl's comic. My only gripe is that the books don't have chapters. Makes it hard to itemize the summary. These re-releases contain are plenty of colorful artwork used in the magazine throughout the years. Sana and Hayama get more quality time together in this volume. Hayama's father gets hospitalized because of an ulcer and Sana is there to support Hayama. During the school trip, they also fall into a ditch and spend some time there. Sana also realizes that she can't go on pretending that her manager is her pimp. The biggest development comes near the end of the book where Sana's mother releases her essay that states that Sana isn't her child. Rather, she found baby Sana on a bench in the park and ended up being her surrogate mother. |
Title: こどものおもちゃ (Child's Toy) Vol. 2 |
少年マガ (Shonen Magazine), '04 Vol 25 & ヤングマガ (Young Magazine), '04 Vol. 25
All of the stories I'm following are back in this (last, since I finally got it today) week's issue. Negima is now official done with the Kyoto sequence as the last scene has him sitting on train going home, fast asleep and leaning on Asuna. OH NO! SHAORAN IS..SHAORAN IS... Yamato hits a wall in his relationship. Oh, and it's Waka. Changing Now: ＃４決戦！！上空一万メートル！！ (Showdown, 10,000 Meters in the Sky): Fujioka (father) is on the plane enroute to Hawaii for a business trip. He spots a strange alien fellow sitting on the airplane's wing, apparently getting a free ride. He has the urge to battle, but he has air-sickness so nothing happens in the sky. When he lands, he sees this alien on the beach enjoying the sun. Suzuka: ＃１３失恋 (Unrequited Love): Yamato has confessed to Suzuka, but she declines. He tries to make it sound like that he's fine with it and they leave the amusement park shortly after. When he gets into his room, he finds Yasunobu there reading the newspaper that he subscribed to in order to get the tickets. He explains the situation to Yasunobu calmly. Before he leaves, Yasunobu leaves him some kleenex knowing that he'll need it. And surely he does as he starts crying uncontrollably after he leaves. Negima: ５３時間目 思い出の京都 (The Nostalgia of Kyoto): Kasumi Asakura takes pictures of everyone on the trip. Konoka's father takes Negi and a few other key girls to Negi's father's summer hut. They take a look inside and find a picture of his father with Konoka's father. Asuna also notices someone familiar. Negi doesn't learn much about his father unfortunately, but is given tube that he doesn't want to open until he gets back to Mahora. Everyone gets on the train and sleeps during the ride back. Hamanaka Ai: ０３６固定観念による誤算 (A Misstep From Prejudice): Masahiko is away attending a funeral, so the girls and tutors decide to have their study session at Ayana's house as it's close by (she's the current class leader). She lives in a very nice house, but no one's home. The guests ruffle through her stuff. Ayana knows that her family members are out doing things that wouldn't help her image if she spoke about it, so she keeps quite. Tsubasa: ４５決別の桜 (The Sakura Flower of Parting): Mokona, who's with Kuro and Shaoran sense that something has happened to Fye. They quickly return and Shaoran has a confrontation with Seishirou. Seishirou tells him that Fye is dead. Shaoran enters in a battle with him and the last scene has Shaoran with a sword-like thing puncturing straight through his body. Futatsuki: １５口目／クジャクの笑顔 (Peacock's Smile): So the meat that Futatsuki brings in is lamb. He starts preparing it using his impressive cutlery skills which gets his opponents thinking about their past when they were in the same cooking academy. Futatsuki's final concoction from this carcas is ramen made from the animal's organs. He claims that if the girls eat this, they'll return to their normal selves.
The girls of Morning Musume. And they say Britney Spears is bad. Waka also adorns a few pages this week. Love Lucky: 3: Fuuta and Kirari are spending their first night. Kirari turns off her cell phone as she doesn't want to be bothered. However, her manager thinks it's strange that Kirari isn't picking up. That and the fact that she's been acting a little different lately has him getting a little more suspicious. Kirari and Fuuta talk a little about their secret marriage. While Kirari is a bit hesitant, Fuuta manages to get her in bed. Just as he's about to do her, he mind flashes back to her fans who love her innocence and purity. He seems to have second doubts, thinking that it might affect her career. Redlight: 7: Satoshi's manager at work pair his working hours with Chako's so that they may get a little more intimate. His manager is a lot more interested in having them hook up than he seems to be. When the manager hears that Satoshi didn't ask Chako out on a date despite his schedule manipulation, he passes out and has to be taken to the hospital. The next day, Chako takes Satoshi by the hand and heads over to the hospital to check out their boss. Their boss just passed out from lack of sleep, but Satoshi is happy that Chako actually held hands with him. Minamike: ８バレー部に入ろう (Join the Volleyball Club): Haruka is apparently quite skilled in volleyball, but goes home everyday rather than join the club. Rumor has it that she has to take care of "the kids." 速水 (Hayami), the captain of the volleyball club is motivated to help bring her into the club until he mishears that she has kids. |
Title: 少年マガジン (Shonen Magazine) Vol. 25
Title: ヤングマガジン (Young Magazine) Vol. 25 |
ぴたテン (PitaTEN) Vol. 7
So much stuff happens in this volume. Fortunately, I didn't read the blurb on the back (which surprisingly is in broken English). It reveals a huge spoiler in this volume. Anyway, lots of emotions here and it lasts pretty much throughout the 5 chapters. There's a color page, story summary, a special mini-chapter, and of course the letter from Koge-Donbo. 38. 探し物の見つけ方 その六 (How to Find What You're Looking For, Part 6): Shia visit his former husband and recognizes that Kotaro is her great-grandson. She tells him that people should take care of people they love because after they die, they'll have regrets. At the train station, they talk about all the things they will do when they go back. However, as she waits on the bench, she falls silent. The mysterious boy who accompanies her tells Kotaro that she passed away. He takes her away, leaving Kotaro alone holding her ticket. 39. 涙の流し方 (How Tears Flow): Back at school, Kotaro is extremely depressed and a little frustrated, but he doesn't tell anyone about Shia. Ten earnestly awaits her return, but Kotaro knows that's not possible. He finally tells Misha about the situation and at the same time lets out a lot of his guilt. Misha calms him. 40. 自分の探し方 その一 (How to Find Oneself, Part 1): Sasha tells Kotaro that he's bothering Misha's training and puts him to sleep where, in his dreams, he discovers himself inside Kotaro (grandpa's generation) and meets Misha from the past. 41. 自分の探し方 その二 (How to Find Oneself, Part 2): Kotaro can see the angel Misha, but he also seems to be able to see other ghosts too and has the villiage spooked with his bad omens. They hate him with a vengence. He later finds out that his own sister thinks he's a spook. The only person who understands him is Misha, but he overhears that Misha can't be with him anymore. So he decides to kill himself so he can be in heaven with her (that means Kotaro isn't Kotaro's grampa). 42. 自分の探し方 その三 (How to Find Oneself, Part 3): Kotaro awakens and realizes that Misha is there, not to help him, but because she wants to fix what happened with old Kotaro. He doesn't appreciate this. |
Title: ぴたテン (PitaTEN) Vol. 7 |
苺ましまろ (Ichigo Marshmallow) Vol. 3
The little episodes in this volume where all that funny. Some made me chuckle, but for the most part, it was just negligible reading. I hope it picks up a little in the next volume. I like the characters, but they need to be put in better/more humorous situations. Like the other books, the only bonus is a color page. More adventures with the 5 girls. Some major sections are Miyu dressing up as a samurai and causing havoc, a peek into the dreams of each of the girls, and a Cinderella tale as told by Miyu. |
Title: 苺ましまろ (Ichigo Marshmallow) Vol. 3 |
君が望む永遠 (Kimi ga Nozomu Eien) Comic Anthology
My 100th manga of the year, and guess what, it's a Kiminozo! (not a coincidence) Scary thing is that I already have the next 100 books piled up on the floor next to me. Anyhow, I believe this is the last Kiminozo doujinshi anthology manga from any publisher. There are 5 novels written about it, two for the game, three for the anime (so far), as well as a game artbook and an anime artbook. The novels are currently sitting pretty on my shelf, I'll probably get to them someday. So, there's nothing much to explain about the story. Like other others, this has a compilation of fan-created stories that range from silly to serious, funny to profound. Artwork varies, but in general, I like these more than from the other Game Anthology comic. I really hope they make some move given the revival of the show from the anime, but this book was published more than a year and a half ago, so I'm not keeping my hopes up There's a few color pages and a whole bunch of ads for other doujinshi series. |
Title: 君が望む永遠 (Kimi ga Nozomu Eien) Comic Anthology |
君が望む永遠 (Kimi ga Nozomu Eien) Special Concert DVD
This is the DVD that came as a bonus with the third volume of Kiminozo. It comes with three songs, the intro to the anime, the intro to the game, and the ending to the game (and final ending to anime) which was sung by rino/Megumi. I was impressed with the live version of the game intro, but mostly for the instrumentals. I didn't believe they could pull off such a "manufactured" sound live, but they did a pretty good job. Minami's singing falls short of the original version (I'm sure they re-engineered her voice for the soundtrack). She still sings quite well though, given that she was trying to hype up the crowd. The intro to the game is the same clip that was included in DVD #3 with some more footage before the song. Rino's singing started off pretty slow, but as she got into the song, her singing ability really showed. She really sounded like she was going to cry at the end, which actually is quite appropriate for the song. I almost cried when I first finished the game. In addition to the songs, it has a few minutes of MC talk before and after each song, hosted by the two guys who make up 3-nin Musume (see Kiminozo Radio OP/ED Single). Now they are *strange*. Finally, there's an interview with the seiyuu for Haruka, Takayuki, and Shinji where they talk about the show a bit. Not all that interesting. Plus, I really wanted to see Tomo-rin, but apparently, she's not very camera friendly. |
Title: 君が望む永遠〜凉宮家のお見舞い返し〜 (Kimi ga Nozomu Eien, A Visit Back to Suzumiya's) |
妹 (Akane) Vol. 5
Another deep chapter, this time it focuses on Akane and her biological mother. The story about how she ended up being his stepsister is revealed. Meanwhile, it's no longer a secret that Akane has a crush on Shinpei. Bonus is a first color page with Akane styling with blue hair! 46. ゆうやけこやけ (Sunset Glow): Chappati goes back and is told that she has to perform a difficult tightrope stunt by tomorrow, despite the fact that's she's quite tired. She trains and trains, but never gets it right. However, she is determined to as the manager says her colleagues welfare depend on her performance. 47. 声援が呼ぶキセキ (The Miraculous Cheer): She falls during the performance and becomes depressed. However, she becomes a hero again when she saves a little girl from a burning building. 48. 家族旅行 (Family Travel): Akane takes a part-time job so she can save enough money to bring her brother to the countryside to watch Sakura bloom. She had promised their father before that she'd bring the 4 of them here, but Shinpei is the only family member she's got. The manager of the inn thinks they're a lovely couple. 49. 桜の夜 (Night of Sakura): They spend the night on the same futon (because of the manager thinking Shinpei is just shy). The next day they bring the photo of their parents to see Sakura bloom. 50. 危ない感触 (Dangerous Touch): Suzu sees Akane trying to hold hands with Shinpei as they're walking. Although they may be able to do that, Suzu knows that they'll never be able to kiss, and that's where she thinks she has her opportunity. 51. あの人の足音 (The Sounds of That Person's Footsteps): Suzu and Shinpei go on a date on Sunday. At first, Shinpei tells Akane he's got work, but Tetsu, who wants to get closer to Akane, tells him the truth. Akane's not too happy at Shinpei's deceit. Meanwhile, a lawyer representing Akane's biological mom pays a visit to the auto shop. 52. Confession - 告白: Shinpei concludes his date with Suzu. Mio is at the shop and hears from the lawyer that Akane's mom wants to see her. Mio pays a visit afterwards to Akane, intending on telling her the situation. However, Akane is excited that Shinpei is coming back and tells Mio that she loves Shinpei. 53. 母・・・登場・・・ (Mother...Appears): Shinpei knows about the mother and seems to be a little disturbed by it. He goes to a fancy hotel where he finally meets her. 54. おもかげ (Image): The mother explains to Shinpei why things happened the way they did. She became a famous jewelry designer, and baby Akane had come in second to her job. That was the reason for the divorce and their separation. 55. Last Smile: Shinpei finds out from the lawyer that the reason why the mother came back for Akane is because she has a sickness and may only live for at most 10 more years. Shinpei goes back to the apartment, not telling Akane anything. 56. 母として (As a Mother): Shinpei and Akane are at his workplace when Shinpei sees the lawyer and mother spying on them. The mother is happy to see her daughter again, even if it's in secret. Shinpei tells them to visit his mom's grave. Later, the mother decides to leave, but she collapses in her car. 57. 涙の決意 (The Resolve of Tears): After visiting his mother's grave again, he goes to Akane's mother's sickbed and tells her that he'll return Akane to her, but only after she's done with high school. |
Title: 妹 (Akane) Vol. 5 "Last Smile" |
ぴたテン (PitaTEN) Vol. 6
This volume focuses mostly on Kotaro and Shia's past with Kotaro visiting scenes from his grandfather's life and finds out how it ties in with Misha, Shia's, and his life. Quite a moving segment of the story. There's a quite lovely first color page and a letter from the author. Note to self: Remember the kanji, not the pronunciations to names. Otherwise you'll get your self terribly confused. 32. 見知らぬ時間ののぞき方 その二 (How to Peek at A Strange Time, Part 2): Kotaro is still in that strange time where he's seeing a boy, Taro and Shima. While Taro and Shima becomes good friends, strange things happen like sparrows dying after being handled by Shima. Shima's family's house (she's adopted) gets destroyed. Kotaro comes to the conclusion that Taro is his great-grandfather. 33. 探し物の見つけ方 その一 (How to Find What You're Looking For, Part 1): Kotaro comes back to reality. After he gets injured in his confrontation with the strange boy that's accompanying Shia, he asks Misha if she could take him back to that time again. She does so and takes him to when Taro was a college student in Tokyo. 34. 探し物の見つけ方 その二 (How to Find What You're Looking For, Part 2): Taro bumps into Shima again. While he's grown, Shima is still looks like a child. Even though Taro has a girlfriend, eventually he chooses Shima. A big earthquake happens. 35. 探し物の見つけ方 その三 (How to Find What You're Looking For, Part 3): While trying to rescue Shima inside a collapsed building, Taro himself gets trapped. Shima uses her powers as the devil to save him. Some time passes and now they have two kids, 小太郎 (Kotaro) and 志乃 (Shino) (different spelling that current day Kotaro and Shino). At the end, Kotaro flashes to darkness and then to a lake with another mysterious boy. 36. 探し物の見つけ方 その四 (How to Find What You're Looking For, Part 4): That boy is Kotaro (grandfather), and for some reason, he can see the visiting-through-time Kotaro. It is there that Kotaro (grandfather) first sees Misha and befriends her. 37. 探し物の見つけ方 その五 (How to Find What You're Looking For, Part 5): Kotaro comes back and finds out that his great-grandfather has just passed away. He goes out to find Shia and tells her about the death of her husband. Although her memory was erased, had her name changed, the memories comes back to her. She then comes back to Misha and Kotaro. |
Title: ぴたテン (PitaTEN) Vol. 6 |
まほろまてぃっく (Mahoromatic) Vol. 6 LE
Good volume, some more chapters with Minawa as she tries to fit in with the rest of the crew. The main highlight of this chapter though, is the connection between the aliens, Saints, Vespa, and The Keeper (management people?). From the ending, it looks like Minawa is going to have to make some decisions in the next volume. Limited edition of this manga comes with a Mahoro figurine. As for the book, there are the comics on the front and back covers, color pages in front, and two out-of-story chapters which were published in June and January of the serialization dates. 1. 機械に心 (Heart In a Machine): The gang goes to the flea market and the girls pick up different costumes. Unbeknownst to them is that the costumes are actually devices in which the Keeper's android, #154, aka Pumpkin Head can read the wearer's thoughts. Feldrance, Keeper's android #227, is with Pumpkin Head when he tries to go inside of Mahoro, but Mahoro has some sort of defense mechanism which causes Pumpkin Head's head to go pop. Meanwhile, Suguru and Mahoro finally realize that Hamaji has a crush on Minawa. 2. 愛より甘いちょびっと苦し (Sweeter than Love, A Tiny Bit of Pain): It's Valentine's Day. Minawa gets taught what Valentine's means and she reluctantly gives her chocolates to Hamaji. The other girls all give their chocolates to Suguru, who, being undecided, eats all the chocolates at once. Minawa is spotted talking with Feldrance and Suguru's grandfather, the captain of Vespa comes to his house. 3. 祖父と孫と (Grandfather and Grandson): Suguru's grandpa is quite a character. His secretary, 椎名 (Shina), tells Mahoro that the fated day between the aliens and humans is quickly approaching, so he wanted to visit. Gramps has a flashback about Suguru's next of kins. In America, there's some urgency with the president and the revelation of aliens to the public. But at home, the gang drinks and parties. After everyone's asleep, gramps gives Suguru some paternal advice. 4. 宵の明星 (Evening Star): In the park, gramps has a chat with Kanzaki and tells him the events 40 years ago that started conflict between Vespa, Keeper, and the aliens, who are called Saints . Later, gramps departs from Suguru's house. 4. 僕が一番欲しかったもの (What I Wanted the Most): Hamaji and Minawa go on a date (with Suguru and Mahoro trailing, of course) where Hamaji confesses to her. She smiles back and says she's extremely happy, which is good enough for Hamaji. 5. 何でもない夜 (A Night Where Nothing Happens): The younger girls have a slumber party at Rin's house while Mahoro and Suguru are alone. They have their fun and games, but at the end, Feldrance appears outside the house mentioning that it's time for Minawa to return. |
Title: 6. まほろまてぃっく： 笑顔の素敵なメイドさん (Vol. 6 Mahoromatic: A Maid With a Nice Smile) LE |
Behind Schedule Due to an unexpected party that my co-workers decided to have at my house, I have become somewhat behind in my readings. I'm usually a few books ahead whenever I write reviews, but recently I've gotten behind, so now I am bottoming out. I have no more books that are in the "to review" pile. Gotta start speeding up and reading again. Plus, UPS and/or Asahiya hasn't delivered my weeklies yet. It's not the first time that this has happened, but it sure is annoying. I have a letter on my desk asking for donations to John Kerry. It was spared the shredder (i.e. my two hands), but I don't know if I should donate now. Will they send me more junk mail if I respond? I would hate that. Whoo! My order from Amazon is coming. They had a deal with four manga set, meaning shipping is the same cost as one book. I ordered it last month, making them hold it for me. Now, the set is out-of-print, but it's still being sent to me! Hoorah! |
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苺ましまろ (Ichigo Marshmallow) Vol. 2
I'm stopped trying to find a plot in this series and decided just to enjoy each chapter as they come. With the 5 girls now, it seems to try and replicate the success of Azumanga Daioh (same magazine). Unfortunately, it comes up short. The characters aren't as appealing and the jokes, while at times pretty funny, isn't as hilarious as AzuDai. It's still a nice read as I don't need to overload my brain with plot details. The only bonus is a color page. Some major developments from the last volume is that a new girl has joined the group, Anna Copula. Despite having lived in Japan, she is a Westerner. Since she just transferred to the school, she wants to give the impression that she doesn't know Japanese. However, Matsuri finds out. They later find out that her last name is Copula and accidentally leak it to the class. Anna doesn't like the fact that her name is shared by a famous director. From there, the chapters seem to become episodic with the girls having humorous situations through Christmas, New Years, and beyond. |
Title: 苺ましまろ (Ichigo Marshmallow) Vol. 2 |
かりん (Karin) Vol. 2
I'm still liking the story quite a bit. I found out that there's been two novels of this series already and that a drama CD is being produced, set to be released in July! This would probably be a good series to get animated. As always, colored first page, and some mini-comics involving the author. 6. 健太の疑問と少女の言葉〜Doubt〜 (Kenta's Doubt and The Words of the Girl): Kenta's has his suspicious that she's a vampire and he tries to subtlety suggest that he knows. In front of Karin, he starts reading a vampire book. However, Karin doesn't reveal anything. Later, Anju, Karin's little sister, tells Kenta not to investigate her any further. 7. 杏樹の狙いとかんりの真実〜Plot〜 (Anju's Goal and Karin's Reality): On her way back from school, Karin gets accosted. Kenta comes and saves her. She's grateful, but she suddenly has her urge again. The next day, he tries to avoid Kenta. That afternoon, thinking that the scene is clear, she makes her attack and bites a depressed schoolgirl. However, Kenta catches her red handed. Anju had given Kenta some clues so that he could find Karin. 8. かりんの涙と健太の自尊心〜Pride〜 (Karin's Tears and Kenta's Pride): Flashback to the previous incident when Karin had bled all over in front of Kenta. Anju said she tried to erase his memories, but wasn't there in time. However, she also has some trust in Kenta and was the one that allowed Karin to be seen. Kenta and Karin, who is wailing, talk a bit about her real identity. 9. かりんの惑いと杏樹の提案〜Propose〜 (Karin's Confusion and Anju's Proposal): After the incident, Karin's brother appears, almost ready to beat up Kenta, but Anju stops him. At home, they talk some more about Kenta and how he could possibly be Karin's partner. Meanwhile, Kenta's mom is hyped about starting work again, this time at a love hotel. Karin comes over to Kenta's house and invites him over. 10. 健太の事情と親の審判〜Judgement〜 (Kenta's Situation and The Parent's Judgement): Kenta visits Karin's eccentric parents who seem to approve of him, but make him promise not to let their secret out. After that, Kenta's and Karin's relationship seems to be a little better. She doesn't try to avoid him anymore. |
Title: かりん (Karin) Vol. 2 |
妹 (Akane) Vol. 4
Such evil pleasures. The stories in here are a bit cliched. They all tug at my heart a little when I read them, but it's all good. While the Nanako story ends, another girl enters the picture causing some more distress for Akane. The cover, colored page is quite nice. The message on the inside flap seems to be hinting at the obvious; that Akane is slowing starting to love his brother in a non-familial way. 35. その微笑みを忘れないで (Don't Forget That Smile): Nanako says farewell to Shinpei as she has to leave to Australia for music school. Soon after he leaves, another girl appears. Her name is 前田鈴 (Suzu Maeda). She works at a restaurant, but is really a klutz and doesn't do her job all that well. 36. リンゴの唄 (Apple's Song): Suzu's mom sends Suzu some apples along with a letter from her little sister who's in the hospital. Meanwhile, Tetsu confesses to Akane, but as the story continues, it seems like Akane has more feelings for his step-brother. At work, Suzu has money deducted from her paycheck because of her dropping everything. Without this money, she can't help pay for her sister's hospital's bills, so she finds a job at a "gentlemen's club." 37. リンゴの唄＊２ (Apple's Song x 2): At the club, Shinpei's two co-workers see Suzu. They recognize her since she made food delivers to their auto shop before, but they enjoy her company regardless. The next day, they tell their friends who also pay a visit to Suzu. Shinpei overhears this. 38. リンゴの気持ち (Apple's Feelings): Shinpei goes to the club and makes Suzu quit the job (but not before he gets a beating from the clientele). He takes her to his apartment where Akane sees him and this strange girl. 39. リアクションラッシュ！ (Reaction Rush!): Suzu leaves thinking that Akane's his lover. Akane's not particularly happy either. At work the next day, there's a small scuffle and Chako accidentally causes some containers to fall on one of the more rich and arrogant clients. 40. へんしん！ (Transformation!): To repay him for the damage, he makes Shinpei go fix some of his cars in addition to his own job. Akane feels bad about it, but Shinpei tells her not to mind. 41. せっきん (Approach): At the yard where Shinpei does the repairs, Suzu pays a visit and finds out that Akane is the sister. Akane brings Shinpei lunch. Knowing that she's the sister, Suzu kindly tells Akane that she doesn't have to stay out in the cold and can go home already. This annoys Akane. The next day, Suzu finds a job at the auto shop. 42. あの日の夕焼け (The Sunset on That Day): Shinpei tells Suzu about his past and how Akane was always a peculiar sister. She seemed cold, but was rather loving in her own way. 43. In Your Eyes: It's starting to snow and so Suzu rushes to the yard. Shinpei, being tired from working so much, passes out. Suzu makes it just in time to catch him and to tell him (while he's unconscious) that she loves him. Akane sees all this from afar. 44. チャパティ参上 (Chapati Visit): An circus troupe is in town, but the tightrope walker, a young Indian girl is out and about causing havoc. One of the things she does is steal Akane's school uniform while she's in PE and wear it around. 45. Indian Witch: Akane almost apprehends Chapati, but she goes on a telephone wire using her skills. Apparently she doesn't want to go back, so Akane and friends play with her and later take her back to the apartment. |
Title: 妹 (Akane) Vol. 4 "In Your Eyes" |
がぁ～でぃあん Hearts (Guardian Hearts) Vol. 5
I guess without the BURN sisters, things have quieted down a bit. There's two more new characters, but they don't really add anything to the story. Bonuses are pencil sketch under front cover, letter from author on back, two more chapters from Sae Amatsu's earlier work, color first four pages and a summary page. 30. さよなら、魔女の修行は１年限り (Goodbye, The Magical Girl's Training is Limited to One Year): Chelsea has to go back to her home country, so the family throws a going away party for her. Since Daisy is her cat, she has to go back too. However, 3 days later, Chelsea reappears because Daisy made a huge ruckus back home. 31. 約束 (Promise): Two girls show up on day, the gentle 皐月姫 (Princess Satsuki) and her violent maid 鏡円 (Madoka Kagami). The princesses tells Kazuya that they're fiances and are going to be married. Of course, this is a surprise to everyone, including Kazuya. His mom explains that this is true, in that a long long time ago, their relationship was bound. However, she didn't expect her to follow up on it. In any case, Kazuya doesn't accept it and later he finds out that the princess is actually the maid and vice versa. 32. 揺れる心にふれて (Reaching the Wavering Heart): Maya is having angst again because she can't get herself to confess to Kazuya. He knows she has to since he saw her naked, but it takes a whole lot of courage for her to finally utter the words. 33. 大ギャンブル祭 (Big Gambling Fest): It's a rainy day outside and so the family plays some games like Mahjong and poker. Kurusu loses everything, including her clothing. 34. とめられぬ想い (Unstoppable Memories): Now it's Chelsea's turn to confess as she's bothered by it. However, before she can, Kazuya passes out from a fever. As Maya is caring for him, Kotono almost catches them kissing. 35. 葛藤 (Conflict): Hina is feeling out of the loop as all of the other girls have confessed to Kazuya. She consults Ren, but her senior is of no help. She then talks to Kazuya's mom who tells her about Kazuya's twin sister who died at birth and how Hina is like a surrogate daughter. 36. 自分が決めた自分の道 (I Decided On My Own Path): Ren |
Title: がぁ～でぃあん Hearts (Guardian Hearts) Vol. 5