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君が望む永遠 (Kimi ga Nozomu Eien) Portrait*5
Do fans of bishojo games really care about the guy? It really struck me as odd that they would release a song sung by Takayuki, who never had a voice until the anime. The unique thing about this CD is that Kisho wrote the lyrics to the songs himself. The other 4 were written by Minami. The first song included sounds like a typical rock song. He sounds like he's really stretching his voice to hit the notes (and probably has some help with post-production). The lyrics don't have much to do with the show and just describes a bit about his character. The second song is slower, but still features an electrical guitar and rock style rhythm. It seems like it's more in his range, but still isn't very spectacular. I like his impromptu song, the "Stupendous Cat Samurai," he did on the radio CD a little better than these two. They should have included an extended version of that, even if it's an inside joke. |
Title: 君が望む永遠 Portrait*5 鳴海孝之 (Kimi ga Nozomu Eien Portrait*5 Narumi Takayuki) |
彼氏彼女の事情 (His and Her Circumstances) Vol. 12
The story about Kazuma and Tsubasa comes to a close, and an abrupt one at that. I did enjoy it, but there were times when it got a little to psychological. Maybe that's a criteria for Shojo, but I thought it carried a bit too long. After the kinda surprise ending, it then starts focusing on Rika. I really wish she'd go back to Yuki-non, but I guess her and Arima's story is pretty complete compared to the other characters. Rather than a Tsuda Diary, this volume comes with a mini-comic about two of the band members. 54. ACT54 BORN: It's the end of summer and Kazuma decides that he's going to move out and take a break from school for a while to be with the band. His mother doesn't really mind, but Tsubasa isn't happy about it. 55. ACT55 YING AND YANG: Ying and Yang are topping the charts and their music is playing everywhere. Kazuma decides to finally quit school and pursue music. Tsubasa refuses to listen to it and ends up conditioning herself so that she no longer can hear it. 56. ACT56 TSUBASA: While walking through Shibuya, Tsubasa sees Kazuma projected on a building and passes out. In the hospital, Kazuma pays a visit to her and tells her that he left because he loved her and says that she's still very important to him. With this, Tsubasa starts feeling better. 57. ACT57 YOU LIGHT UP MY LIFE: Tsubasa contemplates on her own nature and how she has always kept herself closed up. Kazuma sends her a ticket to see him in concert as well as his latest album titled "Tsubasa" in which he sings "You Light Up My Life." Tsubasa takes the words to heart and to the surprise of everyone at school, decides to go to the concert. After the performance, Kazuma comes back and asks Tsubasa to marry him. 58. りかちゃんリイフ (Rika-chan Life): Rika explains the people she hangs out with (a rehash of all the characters introduced so far) and gives a glimpse into her crush on Aya's older brother, 恭 (Kyo). |
Title: 彼氏彼女の事情 (His and Her Circumstances) Vol. 12 |
少年マガ (Shonen Magazine), '04 Vol 35 & ヤングマガ (Young Magazine), '04 Vol. 35
The lottery number that came with last week's magazine didn't match the winning numbers presented this week. It's okay, I couldn't claim it even if I did win. This week's feature is the soccer teams, primarily Japan but also has coverage of other coverage as well as a previous of Van Helsing movie. No Tsubasa nor Changing Now this week. Hamanaka Ai: ０４４夏期合宿２ (Summer Training 2): Rin-ko tells a horror story but only scares herself and asks that Ayana, the class leader, to sleep with her to keep her safe. In the dark, Ayana tries to find Rin's sleeping bag but makes a mistake. Misaki wakes up to find her sleeping with Masahiko. Suzuka: ＃２３和輝 (Kazuki): A flashback chapter to when Suzuka was in middle school, first year and had Kazuki as her senior. Kazuki always teased her but at the competition the next year, gave her some encouraging words in the tournament. While she didn't qualify for the nationals, he did and before he left, he told her that he loves her (in his own way, hence the teasing) and awaits her response when he gets back. He never came back. Negima: 62時間目 ドキッ！ 南の島で、うちあけないで (Thump! Don't Confess To Me In the Southern Islands): Nokoda and Yue talk with Negi trying to find out why Asuna's avoiding him. They narrow down to the trip in the library as one of the problems and ask how they can help out in terms of being partners/mages themselves. Ayaka talks to Asuna and eventually has her apologize to Negi out in the ocean in the middle of the night.
Covers like this really don't make me feel bad for not renewing my subscription. Both females feature are J-cup sized (the smaller one is only 18 years old). Love Lucky is off next week, so this is the last time I'll be reading it. I don't think it's something I'm going to follow in tank form, but who knows. Love Lucky: 11天と地 (Sky and Earth): Fuuta and Kirari move into their new apartment, enjoy the lavishes and contemplate their new life as husband and wife in this posh place. Redlight: 15: Satoshi decides to move out of his house due to his brother and pregnant girlfriend. He tries to find a place with Chiko, but doesn't have enough money for most places decent. When he finally finds a place, it burns down the first night he's there. Minamike: 14たくらんでる (Conspiring): Chiaki comes home to find that Kana has invited her classmate, Fujioka, over. Haruka tells Chiaki that he reminds her a bit of their father. Chiaki, who doesn't seem to have known her father, decides to cozy up to him to see how it feels to have a dad. xxxHolic: 55: Kimihiro tries to invite the two kids at Yuuko's, Maru and Moro to the summer festival, but Yuuko tells them that they don't have soul's and can't leave the house. At the festival, he see the boy with wings get in a brawl. Afterwards, his wings get bigger. |
Title: 少年マガジン (Shonen Magazine) Vol. 35
Title: ヤングマガジン (Young Magazine) Vol. 35 |
えんxむす (En x Musu) Vol. 5
I'm still pretty mixed about this series, even though it's almost over. On one hand, I think the story is interesting in that it's dark and somewhat evil. But there's just something about it that doesn't seem right. Dunno. This volume focuses on a lot of "helping the enemy of my enemy" situations to the point where you don't know who's going to help Gisuke at the end. No bonuses here, not even a character intro page like the previous books. 36. 解と公式 (Informality and Formality): Yanagi is a bit unhappy and gets on Gisuke's case about his recent performance on a test. She tells him that he should still study despite being a potential successor to the Dragon Group. She then heads back to her own house where the servant reveals that it's Yanagi's birthday, but her dad is still too busy to be with. Gisuke then finds Yanagi on the street and takes her to a hill overlooking the city. He asks her what type of guy she likes, to which she responds a tall, rich, and smart man, completely different from him. 37. パワー (Power): As Sonya, Gisuke, and Yanagi are walking on the street, a truck cruises past them and into a building. They find out that the owner of the building won't sell, so the gang decides to destroy it by running an auto into it. As Gisuke tries to intervene, he gets beaten down by the gang, headed by a young female. Koan, another candidate who has saved Gisuke in the jungle, comes to his aid again by telling the gang that Gisuke is part of the Dragon Group. Upon hearing this, all of them bow down and apologize profusely. 38. 太陽 (Sun): Koan invites Gisuke into a very luxurious apartment where he tells him that unlike the other candidates, he doesn't want any of his charms, but wants him to be his underling. He then shows Gisuke to the lavish bath where he has that young female from last chapter, 出雲たける (Takeru Izumo), give him a bath as punishment. Afterwards, Koan tells her she is no longer needed, but Gisuke shows her compassion. Koan tells his maid that what he's doing is giving Gisuke all the power, money, and fame he'll ever need and wants to see if he can handle all that. 39. 運命の黒い系 (Black Thread of Fate): Koan has Yanagi marry Gisuke. Gisuke is a bit surprised, but seems to play along. However, it seems that Yanagi is just what Koan tells her as he has power and money, qualities she admires in her man. Koan also has some "fun" with her. 40. 本性 (True Self): Gisuke leaves his house for school with Yanagi and at lunchtime, is accosted by his old bullies. Koan's servant tries to buy them off when Asuka comes over. Yanagi tells her that it's a private Dragon Group and she's married to Gisuke. Asuka runs off in disbelief. 41. オトナの世界 (Adult World): Koan's maid has Gisuke try to be the vice-chair of Koan's group, but he's not respected by the board. He apologies and says he'll do better. Meanwhile, the maid invites Gisuke to a soccer game while Koan and Yanagi go to his house to talk to Sonya. 42. メイドの墓場へ (To the Maid's Grave): Yanagi convinces Sonya that she's a pest now that Gisuke's married and convinces her to leave. As she's being driven off, Gisuke arrives just in time to stop them. 43. 商売繁盛 (Business Prosperity): On his way to the game, Gisuke gets intercepted by Ryoko (yet another candidate) who tells him that Koan's charm, Business Prosperity, doesn't just relate to money. He can also "buy" people's hearts and souls. With this information, he comes back to save Sonya. They return to the house to find it seized by the court. Koan has also frozen his accounts. 44. コドモの選択 (Child's Choice): Gisuke, Sonya, and Asuka are now living in a box under the bridge. Sonya gets a lot of help from owners of food shops. 45. おカネ (Money): Takeru comes to their hut and decides to help him out with people and money. |
Title: 恋愛出世絵巻えんxむす (En x Musu) Vol. 5 |
ネギま！ １０月：科学と肉まん (Negima! October: Science and Meat Dumplings)
This CD is pretty weak. It features student 24, 葉加瀬さとみ (Satomi Hakase) the child scientist (her last name is the same pronunciation as the word "doctor"), student 19, 超鈴音 (Rinshien Chao), and the chubby student 30, 四葉五月 (Satsuki Yotsuba). How they got these three together is beyond me, but they're pretty minor characters that haven't really been used in the manga much as of yet. The lyrics are written to their personalities of the characters like all the previous CDs, but it's kinda hard to make something coherent when it deals with science and dumplings. When the lyrics are sub-par, the music can usually save it. But the music that accompanies the words aren't that much better. It has a slight futurist sound, I probably can explain it best as a cross between early RPG video game and synthesizer music. No feel whatsoever (unlike the pervious cd where it sounded like a "athletic" song). The remix just has the tempo turned up a notch. The singing is very flat and uninteresting. With a weak song, the drama track could possibly save it too. But the drama track in this volume is uneventful. It has Satomi trying to fix a android that Kufei gave her, but no matter what she does, it won't start. She and Rishien talk it over while Satsuki starts chowing down on some dumplings. The robot starts reacting to food with a couple of beeps. That's it. The cast talk has the three seiyuu, all of whom I think are in their debut role (well, I know for sure that it's Mai's first time), talk about their cooking. First edition comes with a Satomi tarot card. |
Title: 魔法先生ネギま！ １０月：科学と肉まん (Magic Teacher Negima! October: Science and Meat Dumplings) |
魔法騎士レイアース (Magic Knight Rayearth) Vol. 1
Rayearth has been on my "to read" list for a long time. I bought the first volume a long time ago but never read it. Then they had these re-release versions so I decided that if I were to read one, it would be the new versions which I got only a few months ago. I've already seen the anime a long time ago, so the story in itself isn't a surprise to me anymore. What I'm most surprised at was that this is only three volumes. I believe the anime was much much longer at 20 episodes. Reading though this gives me a strong sense of nostalgia though back to the days when anime was the only direct form of Japanese entertainment for me. The re-released version doesn't have as much bonuses as the original. I like the smaller size, but the only bonus is an afterward by a peer, 梶研吾 (Kengo Kaji) who writes about CLAMP in general. Umi, Fuu, and Hikari are three students from different schools who have just met each other atop Tokyo Tower. As they are they, the three of them hear a voice from Princess Emerald that summons them to the planet Cephiro. After they are transported there, they meet Clef, a master magician who tells them about their job as Magic Knights to save the princess. The princess is the anchor for the world and without her, the world will fall into chaos. Currently, she's being held captive by Zagato and their job is to free her. He equips them with some armor that will grow over time and send them to Presea's place to pick up some armor. There, they meet her and Mokona. Presea tells them that they need to find some Escudo to make complete their weapons so they take Mokona and search for some Escudo. After an enemy or two, they meet a strange guy. |
Title: 魔法騎士レイアース (Magic Knight Rayearth) Vol. 1 |
彼氏彼女の事情 (His and Her Circumstances) Vol. 11
This whole volume is dedicated to the step-siblings, Kazuma and Tsubasa. At first, the book was going pretty slow but then it became more and more apparent that there's something romance between Kazuma and Tsubasa. While I've had my fair share of brother-sisterly love, it's still interesting. Bonuses are more Tsuda diaries and results from the magazine poll. 48. ACT48 BEAUTIFUL DAYS: It's been over a year since Kazuma became Tsubasa's step brother. They're relationship is getting along well. His band is become very popular among the indie bands and his student life is passable, even if he's not the brightest student at school. However, every once in a while, he gets a feeling like something isn't right. 49. ACT49 RAIN: It's been raining heavily, but despite that, Tsubasa asks Kazuma to go with her to the amusement park the next day (Sunday). Next day comes and it's still raining, so the trip is canceled. However, his fellow band mates drag them out to go to the mountains camping, but that's a failure as they can't even enjoy a nice meal in the downpour. On their way back, they tell the story about how they got Kazuma as the lead vocal of the band. After Kazuma and Tsubasa get home, Kazuma apologizes to her for having her hand out with his strange bandmates. She says she doesn't mind as long as she was with him. 50. ACT50 SING A SONG: With the band always on his mind, Kazuma has been slacking off at school. He finally comes to the point where he's feels like school is preventing him from being able to fully participate in his bad and he tells his bandmates that he wants to quit school. While getting a little resistance, they have him think it over and take him out partying where he gets drunk. 51. ACT51 LIVE: The band is to have a live concert with all his friends from high school coming. As he's performing, he attains euphoria knowing that this is his life. Tsubasa also realizes this and is bothered by it. The next day, Kazuma overhears Tsubaki, Rika, and Aya talking about Tsubasa and how happy she's become after having to go through her father being remarried, and Arima going out with Yukino. She finally has a guy to herself. 52. SLEEPING BEAUTY: Kazuma begins to realize why Tsubasa acts that way around him as he's the only guy that she has now. However, he has always chosen music over her. He realizes that his life as a carefree youth is now over. One day as he is arriving home, he sees Tsubasa sleeping and almost gives her a kiss. 53. LOVE: He's starting to notice everything Tsubasa does, almost as if he had his first crush. The bandmates come to realize that there's something with him and his sister and he admits that he finally understands a bit of what Arima had gone through. However, he still feels there's something wrong about it and pushes Tsubasa when he felt she got too close to him. |
Title: 彼氏彼女の事情 (His and Her Circumstances) Vol. 11 |
鋼鉄天使くるみ (Steel Angel Kurumi) Vol. 5
I really liked the first chapter. Reminds of the the episode in Eva where Shinji dreams about having a normal life. The other chapters, while more serious, finally tell who the Steel Angels are and why they're here. Good plot material. Bonus material includes fan art and a mini-comic on the authors's trying to get a Kurumi figurine. First four pages are color and includes an incomplete character summary. Inside of the dust jacket has a "Sky Kurumi" hand-drawn cutout doll. 23. 鋼鉄学園くるみ！？ (Steel Campus Kurumi!?): Kurumi has a dream where she's a high school student and all the people she's in contact are there in one way or another. Nakahito is the new transfer student who is quick to make pals with Mihail and Shinobu. He then gets captured by the Waltzski who demands more budget allocation for his department (all the adult figures are the teachers). Kurumi saves the day. 24. 決勝前夜 (Decisive Previous Night): Dr. Amagi is hesitant on giving the three Steel Angels the last few flags they need to meet the minimum requirement for participating in the battle at Ragnarok, but she does so. Aoi and Shinobu are already at the site where they're supposed to meet. At first there's nothing, but then a large floating city appears. 25. 世界鋼鉄天使大集合 (Big Gathering of Steel Angels from Around the World): While battle has already begun on Ragnarok, Kurumi and gang are still lost and wandering the woods around the floating city. Apparently, it's magically protected and Eiki asks if Nakahito can sense it as she senses her brother's magic there. They eventually take a hot air balloon up to the city. 26. 発動！！ 全鋼鉄天使停止命令 (Executed!! The Order to Stop All the Steel Angels): The Steel Angels who didn't make it to Ragnarok have come together and have started attacking the floating city from outside. Meanwhile, Kurumi and gang have crash landed and due to an accident, have been split up with Kurumi, Karinka, and Nakahito (with Eiki) as one party. With the onslaught, the leader of the Academy orders his assistant, Diana, to stop all the Angel Hearts. 27. 魔人転生 (The Devil Reincarnated): All the Steel Angels outside stop dead in their tracks. Kurumi and Karinka however are fine as their Angel Hearts didn't come from the Academy. They discover that the person in charge is Dr. Ananokoji, the person they've come to save. However, Diana tells them that he has 7 personalities, and the one they know isn't the current person. He explains that the Academy is from the future and has come back to save humanity from their eventual destruction. Suddenly, a demon appears having used the Chaos Mind (opposite of an Angel Heart) and wants to destroy the world in this era. Kaga and others battle this new enemy. 28. 堕天使・加賀 (Chaos Angel, Kaga): At first, the Devil is a bit surprised that Kaga is a match for her. Kaga explains that she has the same powers. Kurumi gets reunited with Saki during the battle and it seems like the good guys are take the upper hand. |
Title: 鋼鉄天使くるみ (Steel Angel Kurumi) Vol. 5 |
君が望む永遠 (Kimi ga Nozomu Eien) Vol. 5
While watching the first episode on this disc, I was almost shaking my fist at Takayuki for ignoring Mitsuki like that. Does he realize how many guys would love to have a person like Mitsuki around? Who am I to complain, though? I picked Haruka the first time I played the game. But that's why I love this series, at least for me. All the feelings I had during the game are as strong as ever. Hmm. Episode 10 is different than what I remember from the game. Namely, I don't remember her school mates who invite her out and Akane doesn't spill the beans. First edition comes an Akane Rumbling Angel card and reverse cover with the two nurses, Hoshino and Hotaru, and also comes with a Ayu figurette. The bonus feature comes with a non-aired intro to the show which features the characters in a mecha-type show (it's a joke as this series has nothing to do with mechas) and two commercials. 9. Takayuki comes back from the hospital after promising to find the kid's book, "Mayaru no Okurimono" (the one he was going to give her right before that tragic accident, but dropped it in the rain). He takes his time coming home, but Mitsuki waits for him regardless. Both Takayuki and Mitsuki can't focus at work, and Mitsuki runs off to the hill to reminisce. Takayuki tries to find a cleaner copy of Haruka's book but can't find it. Uncharacteristically, Ayu helps out and uses her connections and a few phone calls, she gets the book personally delivered to her. Takayuki now has to consider a promotion at work from part time to full time worker. Mitsuki starts drinking and starts hanging out with Shinji. When Takayuki delivers the book, he meets up with a tired Akane who is a lot nicer to him. 10. Haruka is starting to notice that there's something wrong with her as she's not who she remembers herself to be. Despite warnings from the Dr. Kozuki, Takayuki's allowed to give her the book. Akane meets with Takayuki and thanks him for the book. Takayuki notices that she's a bit sick and tired and sends her home. Takayuki gets sick himself. Meanwhile, Haruka bumps into some people who were also on the swim team and hangs out with them. Being depressed, she allows herself to be led to a love hotel with only Shinji stopping her at the last minute. She falls into dementia. Despite being sick, he still visits Haruka. In the hospital room, Haruka tells the doctor, Takayuki, and Akane that she knows something's wrong with her and demands to know what day it is. Akane finally reveals that she's been sleeping for 3 year, Takayuki's dating Mitsuki, and that everything's a lie. |
Title: 君が望む永遠 (Kimi ga Nozomu Eien) Vol. 5 |
君が望む永遠 (Kimi ga Nozomu Eien) Vol. 4
Oops, I thought I had written a review of this after I saw it, but I guess I hadn't. A little slow this time around with a lot more emphasis on the relational aspects rather than any new shocking plot advancements. Mitsuki and Takayuki are becoming more distant as Takayuki is cuddling up to Haruka a bit more. Akane is starting to warm up to Takayuki as he's giving Haruka more attention. First edition comes with a reversible cover featuring the two waitresses, AyuMayu and a Mitsuki Rumbling Angel card. The bonus footage in on the disc is the non-credit opening, both TV and DVD versions as well as the usual two AyuMayu shorts. 7. It looks like Takayuki is going with Mitsuki now as he's reluctant to recite their poem. He and Mitsuki are still on good terms and she's still able to party with her co-workers. However, he still goes and visits her even after proper visiting hours. But things start getting interesting when Akane catches them two kissing. Akane knows Takayuki isn't doing it for reals and runs off. Takayuki comes home to find Mitsuki looking at apartments for the two of them. Takayuki then tells her that he wants to stay around a bit longer, until Haruka's back to normal. Mitsuki tells him that she knows he still loves her. But despite that, she invites herself to live with him in his small apartment. 8. They spend the next morning almost as a normal couple. After work, Takayuki goes to the hospital again and is spotted by Mitsuki who is sitting on the same bus. That night over dinner, they talk about Haruka and he responds with "she's just fine." The next day Mitsuki decides to go to the hospital and see for herself. She comes back and tries to snuggle up to Takayuki, but he grows ever more distant. They continue life like roommates instead of couples for the next few days. Takayuki and Haruka get closer and they almost have an intimate moment until he sees her large scar. |
Title: 君が望む永遠 (Kimi ga Nozomu Eien) Vol. 4 |
ちびまる子ちゃん (Chibimaruko-chan) Vol. 1
Kinokuniya doesn't wrap all their books, or at least in one of the stores. This re-release is a "bunko" comic, which means it's tiny (A-6 paper, postcard sized). I have a few novels of that size, but this is the first comic. Despite it's size, the paper quality is excellent. It's black and white, but man, the black ink is really black and the paper is really white. Anyway, since it wasn't wrapped, I had a glance and I remembered seeing this as a cartoon somewhere, sometime ago, but can't remember when. However, I do remember the character so I picked this series up. When I was at Book-Off last weekend, I saw they had previous hardcover re-release of this series (so this is a re-re-release), but I like the paper in this one even though the hardcover version has some color pages. There are a ton of little stories here, each of them disjoint but all deal with the life events of a fictional third grader, Chibimaru-ko. The character is named after the author herself and some of the stories are based on life experiences she had, but this is still fiction. This book is what's been delaying me these past few days. This thing reads like a novel, despite all the pictures. In addition to the dialogue, there's a lot of exposition explaining things. However, I enjoyed this thoroughly as it deals with issues and situations that a real elementary school student might go through. What I related to most was the earthquake drill chapter. In the comic, Chibimaru is ever so anxious wondering when the drill will happen -- will it happen in math class? language? I remember having gone through the same feelings way back when (although it wasn't "class" it was math "hour"). Needless to say, reading all 9 books will keep me busy for a while. |
Title: ちびまる子ちゃん (Chibimaruko-chan) Vol. 1 |
少年マガ (Shonen Magazine), '04 Vol 34 & ヤングマガ (Young Magazine), '04 Vol. 34
They're having a 4 week campaign and Yuuko-rin is the host! The feature story has swimmers for the Olympics (hence the cover). Suzuka is quickly becoming a favorite of mine. The events in this chapter threw me off completely, but made it all the better. In chapter 61, Negima and gang go vacationing in the Southern Islands. Keitaro leaves for Pararakelse (sp?) in chapter 61 of Love Hina. Coincidence? Hmm... Suzuka: ＃２２恋敵 (Rival In Love): Yamato goes to Suzuka's house and meets her sister, Suzune who takes him to where Suzuka's former love, Kazuki, is. Turns out Kazuki died in a car accident two years ago on his way to a track meet and Suzuka's been visiting his grave every time she has a vacation. Yamato leaves but tells Suzune not to tell Suzuka about him coming. Negima: ６１時間目 南国マシュマロ帝国 (Southern Islands, Marshmallow Empire): Negi and Asuna are still on bad terms, so Ayaka invites him to the Southern Islands to relax. She thinks they'll be alone, but word got out and the other classmates are there too. Ayaka has a plan to get those two on better terms, which is by having Negi fall into the water and letting Asuna save him. After the rescue, Asuna finds out it was all planned, but she still says she was worried. Changing Now: ＃１３登場 悪の将軍 (Appearance, The General of Evil): The head of the baddies, General Frost is traveling in a limo. However, he gets his horns stuck in the sun roof. Tsubasa: ５２魔物の贈り物 (The Gift of the Monster): Sakura is able to talk with the gusting wind and has it calm down (Shaoran remembers that she has this ability). The wind tells her that a powerful force is keeping it there and they figure it's the feather/Sakura's memories. They go back to the bunny camp where they find out that the bunnies have the feather. Once it's returned, the wind gusts away and leaves flowers behind. Hamanaka Ai: ０４４夏期合宿 (Summer Training): The gang goes to the beach and after some talk and Rin getting intoxicated while floating in the ocean, Masahiko pulls some thread from the mound where Ayana is buried in the sand. He pulls out her top.
This week's volume features a one-shot manga related to the new Steam Boy movie in Japan. I don't know how the movie is, but this manga is more of a gag than anything serious. Featured girl is Juri Ueno and back page girl is Mari Shinomura, both of whom were featured many a times before. Redlight: 14: The pregnancy test Satoshi found on the floor belongs to his brother's, Yatoshi, girlfriend who they now find out is pregnant with Yatoshi baby. She wants to have the baby, he doesn't. They're both still in high school. The girlfriend has an argument with parents and decides to come live with Yatoshi. xxxHolic: 54: Kimihiro goes to work and Yuuko automatically sense the feather he picked up. Later, Kimihiro and Himawari are drawing and note the hot weather. They then see that winged boy, but he's the only one who can see the wings. Doumeki and Kimihiro wonder if those wings have something to do with the weather. スチーム爺さん (Steam Grampa): Ray's grandfather has constructed a new house fully powered by steam. It has such conveniences as a tea kettle, dishwasher, fridge, vacuum...etc. He also has plans for steam powered rockets, but the main problem is that with all that steam power, the house gets extremely hot. |
Title: 少年マガジン (Shonen Magazine) Vol. 34
Title: ヤングマガジン (Young Magazine) Vol. 34 |
鋼鉄天使くるみ (Steel Angel Kurumi) Vol. 4
Maybe I'm stupid, but I don't remember any of this happening in the anime, especially the girls singing the intro to the show. I liked this volume a little better than the previous one as it kept the less serious plots in separate chapters. The first two and last chapter were fun whereas the middle chapters were serious. I have to admit though that I was singing along at the beginning of chapter 18. The bonus manga has the Steel Angels taking a tour of the animation studio, OLM, that's doing the anime. The backside of the dust jacket has a hand drawn, build-yourself Kurumi figure. 17. くるみ、恋のライバル出現 (Kurumi's Rival in Love Arrives): 氷姫 (Eiki) the mini-Steel Angel Nakahito picked up at the end of the last chapter in the cave has apparently merged with Nakahito in that anything she feels, such as pain, Nakahito feels too. Kurumi becomes jealous and asks Dr. Amagi for some help. She gives her a record player that will win his heart, but the three Steel Angels fight over it, break it, and send the loving vibes to everyone in the city who in turn fall in love with them. 18. アイドル天使・ようこそくるみ (Idol Angels, Welcome Kurumi): With their new popularity, they becoming a singing group and perform the theme song to the anime and also participate in a play retelling the story of Cinderella. Because of their stardom, two competing Steel Angels give them their emblems. 19. 二人の絆（前編） (Two People's Bond, First Part): Despite their powers, Kurumi, Saki, and Karinka don't rank up with other Steel Angels in the Academy's competition. This bothers one of the Academy's Angels, Kaga. There's rumors that Kurumi, Saki, and Karinka have been ganging up other Steel Angels and taking their emblems. Aoi and Shinobu go investigate. Kurumi doesn't know anything and has only collected the emblems because they looked nice. Nakahito himself doesn't know about the competition until Shinobu tells him. With Eiki's help, Nakahito has a vision and see Kurumi and gang in action. 20. 二人の絆（中編） (Two People's Bond, Middle Part): While the girls are out, they find some more emblems. However, Nakahito catches them red handed with the emblems and they can't explain how they got it, so he has no choice but to suspect the worst. Kurumi gets bummed and Saki tries to cheer her up. Nakahito and Shinobu then try their magic again, this time Nakahito sense that Aoi is in danger and runs out. 21. 二人の絆（後編） (Two People's Bond, Last Part): Kurumi, Saki, and Karinka also arrive and find their fake clones who turn out to be Kaga and two other angels from the Academy. Kaga just wanted to boost Kurumi's score so she can enter the final competition on the Ragnarok. To entice her, Kaga tells her that Dr. Ayanokoji is also there. Aoi tries to attack Kaga, but gets defeated and her sword broken. 22. くるみのデートでウキウキですぅ (Kurumi's Exhilarating Date): Kurumi and Nakahito go on a date with Saki and Karinka following. They end up at the hot springs where he, Kurumi, and Dr. Ayanokoji first met. |
Title: 鋼鉄天使くるみ (Steel Angel Kurumi) Vol. 4 |
Lucky Me! What good timing! I was doing my manga rounds today and at the used bookstore, Book-Off, I saw the first/limited edition of Koi Koi 7. Since I have the other two LEs already, I allowed myself to buy double just to be a completist. Fortunately, being used, the price was cheaper than if I bought the regular edition new (only $4), so I didn't feel too badly about wasting money. I've updated the entry for the first volume and replaced the cover, but rather than having to flip there, here's a comparison of the two covers (LE on left, regular on right):
While I'm at it, here's the damage for today: Kinokuniya: Bookoff: Asahiya: Animegamers (special trip): |
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こいこい７ (Koi Koi 7) Vol. 3 LE
The mystery of the new Asuka is revealed, so that's another subplot finished. While I like the story overall so far, I think it needs to still a little too fragmented. With the various characters involved, it seems like it should be a little more epic than episodic. Limited edition comes with Hanaukyo Maid Tai volume 9 and matching covers. In the package, there's a mechanical pencil, a bandana, and a special box for the two issues and goodies. The book also includes a pullout of the cover image. 12. 五光会、沈黙 (Goko Club, Silence): Miyabi is on the verge of defeat as her body is falling apart. Fortunately, the other members of Koi Koi 7 find her in time. Hifumi attacks this new Yayoi Asuka and makes her run away, but not before it's revealed that she's also a robotic creation. 13. 五光会まで何マイル？ (How Many Miles to the Goko Club?): At the Goku festival, Yayoi and Tetsuro meet the other Asuka in the haunted house activity. Asuka tells them that she's the Asuka who made a promise to Tetsuro and had to get her body created just so she could keep that promise. 14. 嗚呼、栄冠はミヤ様に輝く (Aa, the Crown Shines Towards Miya): Asuka finally breaks down and Tetsuro asks Kano, the teacher and people who can repair the Koi Koi 7, if she could help repair Asuka too. Before the festival is over, Asuka emerges without any of her memories and participates with the gang at the fireside dance. 15. 常夏 五光会 (Everlasting Summer, Goko Club): It's summer vacation and the new Asuka, who Sakuya just calls as Eye-Patch girl, moves in with them. Tetsuro receives some mail from Miya who's vacation at the beach and from his father. Yayoi mentions the she would also like to receive some mail. Tetsuro tries to find out more about Hifumi's past, but Hifumi implores that he doesn't ask about her former life. The next day, the girls all get cards in the mail from Tetsuro. Miya also receives one. 16. 五光会のいない８月 (August Without the Goko Club): There's a thief in the farm that Hifumi attends to. With the help of Yayoi and Tetsuro, they catch the culprit, Sakuya. In repairing the field from Hifumi's attack, Tetsuro unearths a box which Hifumi recognizes as a time capsule she and Akio buried in the past. 17. 五光の湯だよ、全員集合！！ (Goko's Bath, Everyone's There!!): Eye-patch messes up the bath at the dorm, so the girls and Tetsuro go to a public bath. There, they cause a ruckus and destory the place. Afterwards, they go light some fireworks. |
Title: こいこい７ (Koi Koi 7) Vol. 3 LE |
花右京メイド隊 (Hanaukyou Maid Tai) Vol. 9 LE
The volume starts off very early with a little hint at some deeper story about Mariel, but quickly returns to its usually fan-service-y, wacky, disparate story mode. Grace is turning into one of my favorite characters, especially with her wit and cunning as shown in chapter 57. Of course, Ikuyo is still up there, but she doesn't do much in this book. Limited edition comes with Koi Koi 7 and matching covers along with a box for the new manga, bandana, and a mechanical pencil. 54. マリエル (Mariel): Mariel awakens from a nightmare and has a fever. Taro makes her stay in bed and takes care of her until she's well. 55. マリエルさーん 温泉ですよー！！ (Mariel, Hot Springs!): Upon hearing that Mariel has been sick, Shizuka sends Jia to take the Taro and the maids on a mini-vacation to the hot springs. Ikuyo and Mariel take a lot of pictures and of course, there's some mixed bathing in the springs. 56. マリエルさーん 観光ですよー！！ (Mariel, Sightseeing!): They visit some places near by and Taro gets to spend some private time with Grace and Mariel before heading home. 57. にゃーん にゃーん にゃーん (Nyan, Nyan, Nyan): Ikuyo overlooks Grace's computer and sees that she has a screen up with something that suggests there are pictures of Mariel that kids under 18 shouldn't view. This perks her curiosity and so she, Taro, and Ryuka sneak into the computer room and break into the computer. All they find are innocent pictures of her, but there's a button labeled "top secret" which Ikuyo presses and it reveals embarassing pictures of the three infiltrators. 58. 夜さ来い (Yosakoi [Festival]): It's Christmas and Ryuka wants to give something special to Taro. Her plan is to pop out naked out of a cake for Taro, but her underling maids fail and instead of presenting just to Taro, everyone sees her in the nude. 59. 八島がんばる! (Do Your Best, Yashima!): Konoe lets Yashima back into the defense group on the condition that she helps Taro. It just happens that Taro and Mariel are also training with the group just to see what it's like. Yashima helps them out, but is more happy that she's part of the gang again. At the very end, Konoe tells her that unfocused people aren't worthy of wearing the defense maid uniform and Yashima takes this advice to heart. |
Title: 花右京メイド隊 (Hanaukyo Maid Tai) Vol. 9 |
こいこい７ (Koi Koi 7) Vol. 2 LE
So who's this Asuka girl. It's been a while since I read the first volume and after some review, I realized that there was a new character introduced here. Maybe it's the long delay between volumes, but the stories, while fun to read, don't really click with me just yet. Having read most of Hanaukyo Maid Tai between this volume and volume 1, I can definitely tell the similarities as they're by the same author. This limited edition comes with several postcards, a postcard holder, and a special cover. There's a bonus chapter inside with the Goko school newsletter as well as pullout poster of the Koi Koi 7. 7. 月読さんの”ゆううつ”って漢字でかける？ (Can I Write Tukuyomi's "Depression" in Kanji?): Miyabi, while admired by many of her classmates and wanted by the Goko club, isn't all that happy. A mysterious girl with an eye-patch appears one day and causes her to collapse and remember events in the past. Later, she's alone with Tetsuro and asks him if he would still care for him knowing her weirdness (she proceeds to inflate her head as that's one of her traits). Of course he says yes. 8. 哲郎受難の日 (Tetsuro's Day of Agony): Yayoi accidentally rips Tetsuro's pants on the way to school, so she has him wear a girls uniform. He's not wearing glasses which is enough for him to go through the day without being noticed. However, that mysterious girl with the eye-patch knows and gives him a kiss. 9. 立て！ 「五光会」今は立て！ (Stand!, "Goko Club" Now Stand!): The Goko school is holding another festival and each of the girls is participating to win a vacation trip. As Yayoi is flying Tetsuro in to school, he sees the girls with the eye-patch and recognizes her as Asuka, the girl he thought he had lost in the past. 10. フィーバー！！ ミヤ様、五光会 (Fever! Miya, Goko Club): Yayoi is a little bummed but happy that Tetsuro has found his lost friend. If she is to be destroyed, she wants to be turned into a crab-stuffed bread, her favorite food. Yayoi talks to Asuka and after she receives confirmation that she is who Tetsuro remembers, Asuka slashes Yayoi up with her box cutters. Meanwhile, Tetsuro witnesses a fellow student supervisor for the festival being assailed. 11. 五光会特攻 (Goko Club Suicide): Tetsuro comes to the rescue and with Sakuya's help, they find Yayoi. Fortunately, Yayoi can't die and comes back to life again. Miyabi is outside in the rain dealing with Asuka. |
Title: こいこい７ (Koi Koi 7) Vol. 2 LE |
彼氏彼女の事情 (His and Her Circumstances) Vol. 10
No more cultural festival anything! The Kyoto trip is a nice and simple story that fortunately is just that. There's no deep meaning other than it's just a few kids having fun. Coming off last volume, this was a little refreshing. The two chapters that focused on Maho's chapter were insightful, but seemed a little out of place as they were just inserted there. The bonus is the Act 0 chapter which was derived from the drama CD (for summary, see that). There's also a handwritten letter from what I think is just some random stuff from the staff (can't read their handwriting!). 43. ACT43 陽射しのいい部屋１ (A Brightly Sunlit Room 1): While studying in the well-lit room in her boyfriend, Takashi's, house, she reflects on how she first met him. Back in third year middle school, she was smart, but not very well liked among her peers. One day on her way back from school, she sees an alley that she didn't notice before. She finds a house there that she admires and finds out that it belongs to a dentist named Takashi. She befriends him and eventually comes to like him. 44. ACT44 陽射しのいい部屋２ (A Brightly Sunlit Room 2): This time it's the story from Takashi's side. At first, he was resistant to the relationship as she was still a child. They part for a few months, but after she graduates from high school, they meet again with no hard feelings and start to date. 45. GO GO 京都１ (GO GO Kyoto 1): Right before winter break, Yukino's class goes on a field trip to Kyoto. They have some little situations on the train there. At one of the temples, a few guys are being obnoxious around Yukino and gang so Arima slugs them. Their teacher sees this but pretends he doesn't. 46. GO GO 京都２ (GO GO Kyoto 2): The next day, the group goes sightseeing but manages to be split up. It's now Yukino/Arima, Rika/Aya/Takefumi, Maho/Tsubasa/Kazuma, and Tsubaki/Asaba. Each go their separate ways and plan to meet later on. 47. GO GO 京都３ (GO GO Kyoto 3): Kazuma and Tsubasa are talented singers as they try to earn some change to ride a boat. Meanwhile, Arima and Yukino take a quiet stroll. That night, Yukino wants to continue staying out, but Arima finds out she has a fever and makes her get some rest. They go home a few days later. |
Title: 彼氏彼女の事情 (His and Her Circumstances) Vol. 10 |
十兵衛ちゃん２ (Jubei-chan 2) DVD Box 1
After seeing the preview disc, I was pretty excited about the rest of the series. However, I have to say that I was just a wee-little disappointed in episode 2-6, but not by that much (not enough to drop it a rating). While it was cute the first time, the constant jumping around between serious and non-serious scenes started getting to me. The way he phased out Shiro and Hajime also disturbed me a bit. With those two out of the picture as serious characters, there's no counterbalance to the two strong female leads. The video comes in an anamorphic letterbox setup and as with all R2s, the video quality is superb. The audio is standard Dolby compressed stereo. This limited edition box set comes with two discs and liner notes. The liner notes have summaries of the 6 episodes, an interview with the voice actresses of the two main characters, Felicia and Jiyu. It also includes a production log, Yui Horie's experiences in learning swordsmanship, and a few comics. The DVD comes with 6 episodes and a 20+ minute segment where Yui Horie takes on the Jubei challenge of learning Yagyu Jubei's school of swordsmanship. Three hundred years ago, Yagyu's Jubei's daughter, Felicia got encased in ice. When she finally thawed, she found out that her father had left an eyepatch and she believes she's the rightful owner and so she starts her hunt for Jiyu. Meanwhile, Jiyu is trying to get her life back to normal after last season. She befriends the new transfer student, Felicia without any suspicions. However, she is challenged by several new foes, one of whom is Felicia and the other descendants of another school that had fought against Jubei. She doesn't have the eyepatch anymore but that's quickly solved by a pint-sized Koinosuke, his son Ayunosuke who always happens to be there when she needs to transform. Despite Felicia actually being her enemy, she protects her at all costs. At the end of the last episode, Felicia finally reveals herself. |
Title: 十兵衛ちゃん２〜シベリア柳生の逆襲〜 (Jyubei-chan 2~The Counterattack of Siberia Yagyu) DVD Box 1 |
こどものおもちゃ (Child's Toy) Vol. 7
Finally finished. This volume was close to a 300 page monster and took more time than I had originally planned. While it was terribly surprising, I'm satisfied with how this series ended. If it were me, I'd cut out a bit of the "fat" surrounding her illness as that kept going and going. The little epilogue at the end was a nice touch as I'm a sucker for that type of stuff. Bonuses are the plethora of artwork originally presented in the monthly. There's a feature of the international releases and a lengthy letter from the author. From the shock of Hayama leaving for Los Angeles, Sana falls into a depression that her mother has seen once before. Her mother left this incident out of her book, but already had the manuscript where she describes how Sana had a psychological illness for 15 days after emotional trauma learning that her mom wasn't really her mom. They recall that it was Naozumi who helped her overcome her sickness the first time around. This time, she's able to overcome her shock by taking a secret trip with Hayama and talking to him. Hayama finally agrees to leave for Los Angeles and Sana agrees as he's being sent to go see a famous doctor who can fix his arm. After a few years, Sana is working at a psychological helpline and Hayama is able to use his arm enough to win a karate tournament. While brief, they have a reunion. |
Title: こどものおもちゃ (Child's Toy) Vol. 7 |
えんxむす (En x Musu) Vol. 4
It's been a while since I've finished book 3. This volume is a little better in that the whole bloody jungle arc has finished and the story has returned a bit back to the comedy that I remember from the first volume. There's still some carnage, though. There's a summary page as well as a mini-comic concerning the author. 27. トラップ (Trap): Sakura and his maid, Chui, lure Gisuke, Sonya, and Shizuku out of the forest. As Shizuku and Sonya are dangling in the river, Gisuke looks on helplessly. He then sees Sakura on the other side of the riverbank just about read to dump in toxic chemicals. 28. 円光寺櫻 (Sakura Enkoji): Asuka, the rebel, saves the day by managing to catch the barrel of toxic chemicals by a rope and then throwing the rope up so that it snags Sakura's feet. When Sakura falls, the barrel gets thrown back on the riverbank. Once they capture Sakura though, the original candidate for the Dragon clan, Tendou appears. 29. ゴーイング・ホーム (Going Home): Tendou tells Asuka to hand over Gisuke in exchange and he'll let her take Sakura to which she obeys (with a gun to her head). Tendou then lets Gisuke go home as he wants him to get stronger before he officially challenges him. 30. 転校生 (Transfer Student): Asuka enrolls in the same school where Gisuke and Sonya attend. At first, they get attacked by Chui, who is seeking revenge for her master. Tendou's maid comes and stops her. Asuka decides to move in with Gisuke and the other girls. 31. ソーニャのお引越し (Sonya's Moving): Yukina, Gisuke's other maid who was at home while he was out being abused in the jungle has an idea. Since she doesn't like Sonya that much and wants to be Gisuke's sole maid, she tricks her (not hard to do as Sonya's a big and dumb maid) into moving out of her current room. Conveniently though, there are no other rooms, so she ends up staying in the dog house. This plan backfires when Gisuke invites her to live in his room together. 32. ソーニャの宿題 (Sonya's Homework): Sonya reveals that she has no reading nor writing abilities and instead of turning in a report to her teacher, she makes up for it by making her some lunch. She does eventually do an oral report, but in it, she reveals how close she is to Gisuke. 33. スローターハウス （前編） (Slaughter House, First Part): Sonya recalls the time she was working as a maid in the Dragon clan. Since the house was run quite strictly with maids killed when something goes wrong, Sonya was quite unpopular as she's naive and always plays around. This got her quite a many beatings from her peers. 34. スローターハウス （後編） (Slaughter House, Last Part): One of the people Sonya plays with is an old man in the park. When the head maid (the murderous one) finds out about an escape plan, Sonya confesses even though she doesn't understand the question nor implication. That old man comes saves the day as he's the leader of the clan who doesn't usually show his face much (hence why Sonya didn't know him as her boss). |
Title: 恋愛出世絵巻えんxむす (En x Musu) Vol. 4 |
鋼鉄天使くるみ (Steel Angel Kurumi) Vol. 3
It finally strikes me that the Steel Angels who wanted Kurumi back were from the Academy. This issue has a lot of Steel Angels getting their clothes ripped off from battle. I guess that's one aspect of this series, but they could have make the story a little more interesting. I didn't notice that there was stuff behind the dust jacket. In this issue, it has some alternate lyrics to the intro of the anime. It doesn't make much sense though. In addition, it has the color pages as well as a mini-comic where Kurumi and gang see their seiyuu counterparts. 12. 密会 (Secret Meeting): After experiencing being super Kurumi, she wants Dr. Akagi to help her become more powerful which for one, includes the ability to fly. She says it's impossible, and indeed it is as she tries to affix some wings but fails to fly. Meanwhile, the Academy have invited generals from all over the world to show their strongest Steel Angels. The winner will receive the latest and greatest technology from the Academy. 13. 日本鋼鉄天使大決戦 (The Big Battle Among Japanese Steel Angels): The American and France Steel Angel lose by having their country's emblem removed from their clothing. The last one standing is 葵 (Aoi) and his (her?) master, 神宮寺忍 (Shinobu Jinguji). However, they're told that Kurumi is representing Japan, so they go and seek out Kurumi to defeat her. 14. ９００年目の対決 神維家と神宮寺家 (900 Year Old Showdown, Kagura Family and Jinguji Family): Apparently, Shinobu's family and Nakahito's family know each other. Kurumi is currently away so she's not available for a fight. Shinobu has Aoi start attacking, first Saki and then Karinka. While he easily defeats Saki, Karinka manages to avoid his finishing sword move. 15. 破れ！ 時皇真空剣！！ (Broken, Jikoshinkuken): Karinka unleashes an attack and thinks it's almost over, but Aoi presses on and manages to defeat his double-Angel heart opponent. Kurumi then comes back and without even trying, she's able to parry his sword move and eventually have him give up. 16. 新しい絆 (New Binds): Nakahito and his brother, Kamihito, are training in the mountains with their three Steel Angels accompanying them. Kamihito shows them the his powers but accidentally causes Kurumi and Nakahito to be trapped in a cave. As he can't remove the boulder blocking the entrance, he and Kurumi take the long route and walk through the mountain. |
Title: 鋼鉄天使くるみ (Steel Angel Kurumi) Vol. 3 |
彼氏彼女の事情 (His and Her Circumstances) Act 0
I've had this CD for almost more than a year and a half, waiting until I the time to read through the manga and listen to it in a chronologically correct manner. This CD was a promo item that came with the monthly magazine, LALA, in October, 1999 (according to the KareKano Character Book). The October chapter was Act 39 in vol. 9 of the series (which I just finished), so it's only appropriate that I listen to it now. I'm not supposed to know this, but the drama on this CD is included in manga form in vol. 10. However, the manga was published after this CD was released. In terms of drama CDs, this one has a pretty short story that has Yukino recalling some events that happened during their high school exam test where she met up with all the people who would later become her friends in high school. The story itself is nice addition, but doesn't add to the bulk of the story. In addition to the drama, there are also a bunch of answering machine messages and wake up calls from a few of the characters. For me, these are the highlights of the CD as some of them are hilarious. My favorite has to be Yukino's third one where she shows her polite and her true self. Since this CD is not a regular retail CD, it doesn't have much artwork. The case itself is a plastic snapcase and illustration is only on the front. There are liner notes included with the lyrics to the intro song (same as the anime) and track listings. 2. プロローグ (Prologue): Yukino explains that this is her third year of middle school when she was still extremely vain and before she met all her new friends in high school. 3. SCENE1 宮沢家 (Miyazawa Family): Yukino tells her parents that she's leaving for the extrance exam with the goal of not just entering high school, but to be #1. Her family cheers her on. 4. SCENE2 有馬家 (Arima Family): Arima leaves for the test in a little more subdued manner. 5. SCENE3 街角 (Street Corner): Arima meets up with Rika, Tsubaki, and Aya. Yukino explains that this story is about the day that they first met, without knowing they'd be friends in high school. 6. SCENE4 受験会場内・廊下 (In The Testing Center, Hallway): While going to the testing center, Yukino is still obsessed with her quest to be loved and admired. 7. SCENE5 駅前広場 (The Plaza In Front of the Station): Tsubasa hasn't met up with Arima and gang, so they decide to wait a bit. But after some discussion, Arima decides to go back to Tsubasa's house to see what's up with her (remember, he has a test to go to). 8. SCENE6 路地 (Alley): As he's running back to her house, he bumps into Tsubasa. Tsubasa says she woke up a little late from stay up too late. Arima carries her and runs back to the testing center. In an exposition, Tsubasa says she wants to always be with Arima. 9. SCENE7 受験会場 (Testing Center): In the testing room, Arima pops in huffing and puffing. The interruption throws off Yukino's rhythm, but she tells herself to remain calm. They start the test. 10. SCENE8 女子トイレ (Girl's Bathroom): Maho is in the bathroom during a break in the girl's bathroom freshening herself up. Yukino offers her a comb. 11. SCENE9 廊下 (Hallway): Asaba is in the hallways scoping out his sheep and is shocked that they're all infatuated with some other guy (Arima), but then becomes with Arima himself. 12. SCENE10 試験会場 (Testing Center): After the morning portion of the test, Yukino falls asleep. She explains that she has a dream about high school and the experiences she'll have there. There's some person in her dream, but she can't make out his face. The clock chimes wake her up. Arima also has a dream. They finish up the test. 13. SCENE11 廊下 (Hallway): As Yukino is skipping home in delight, she passes by Arima and they have a freeze frame moment. 14. SCENE12 宮沢家 (Miyazawa Family): At home, Yukino boasts about her test. 15. SCENE13 レストラン (Restaurant): At the restuarant where Arima is after the test, Arima says he did well. 16. SCENE14 イメージ (Image): Yukino gives more exposition about how, despite liking Arima, he's still her rival. |
Title: 彼氏彼女の事情 (His and Her Circumstances) ACT 0 |
dear Drama CD
This drama CD is unique in that the author of the manga did the script and scenario. Usually, it's done by another person. This story takes place right after the last volume of the manga, #4, but isn't really related to the main story (is there a main story?) as it's a lot more wacky than the manga. Unlike the Ichigo 100% drama CD and Mahoraba, the soundtrack here is very uninteresting. The cast includes some familiar names including Kuwatani Natsuko (Kanako), Yuki Matsuoka (Kuriko), and Fumiko Orikasa (Regen). Carol is also voiced by someone who sounds a lot like the voice for "Tenken" from Kenshin, but they're not the same person. 1. それぞれの朝 (These Mornings): The captain, Kein, gets a call from his mother. 2. 悩める隊長 (The Captain Who Can Worry): Chiruha does narration as she introduces the different characters. The captain tells the gang, but leaves out Prino from the news that his mother wants to come and have a o-miai (choosing out a bride). The captain already has his eyes set on Prino, but he seems like an obedient child who wouldn't disobey his mother. 3. お母さん襲来 (The Mother's Attack): Kein's mother arrives and she's about as eccentric about beauty as his is (like mother like son, I guess). Kein introduces Subaru, Komomo, Kurenai, Carol, Chiruha, and Kisara. 4. キャロルの作戦 (Carol's Plan): Carol tries to interrupt the o-miai by acting and breaking down in tears in front of Kein's mom. She tells her that she's a product of an o-miai where her parents didn't really love each other but were set up. As a result, she has had a troubled life. However, this plan fails. 5. 妃杈決意する (Kisara's Determination): The plan now is just to come clean with her mom and introduce Prino. However, they know that Prino probably isn't up to the task, so they decide to have one of them pretend to Prino. Carol can't do it as she's already had a long interaction with her. Remembering back to the party from vol. 4 of the manga, they have Kisara cross dress as he did a pretty good job back then. 6. 散葉頑張る (Chiruha Does Her Best): As Chiruha and Kisara are about to execute their plan, Chiruha goes ahead and has a talk with the mother. The mom tells her that she just wants Kein to be happy as she doesn't think she has enough time to see her grandchild. This makes her get all emotion and convince the captain to properly introduce Prino. 7. 子の心、視知らず (A Child's Heart, Wisdom Teeth): Kein nervously introduces Prino and to his surprise, she accepts him. 8. おまけ劇場 プリノの憂鬱 (Bonus Drama, Prino's Depression): Carol has prepared a meal for all of them, but Prino doesn't eat any as she's worried about her weight. |
Title: dear Drama CD |
魔法使いさんおしずかに！ (Be Quiet, Magician!) Vol. 2
I thought this was going to be a long series when I first saw it, but it turns out that it's only two books long. The story is a continuation from last time, so the pace and the mood is the same. It really seems like this story could have been expanded, but it probably wasn't popular enough at the time. The artwork reminds me a lot of Mahoromatic, especially Sue, except with less pen strokes and ink volume. The cover inside the dust jackets have a map of the forest and there are a bunch of little letters from the author, most at the end of each chapter. 6. Sue received some presents from her parents in Europe, one of which is a wood carving of some strange creature. Wally sees this and realizes it's a carving of a troll, natives to the forest they live in. If he had the item, he could get the trolls to do the dirty work of stealing money. So, he tries to convince Sue to give him the carving. Sue doesn't know why he wants it, but figures he's up to no good. Meanwhile, someone has been cleaning her house and doing her housework. With Elle's help, she finds out it's the elves and trolls that have been doing work for her since she posses the little statue. 7. Wally continues to try and take that statue away, but fails almost everytime. Finally, he is able to steal it but just as he's about to order the trolls to do the deed, the floor of his underground hideout collapses and he falls into the freezing water below. Elle asks Fred, Sue's guardian to marry her. 8. There's are a few strange new people in town. One girl whom no one has seen before comes and hugs Will. While Sue doesn't admit to liking him, she still feels uneasy. Later on, she finds out that there's a clone of her running around. Turns that it's the mirror at the local shop that's creating all these characters. Sue's parents unexpectedly come pay her a visit. 9. With Fred getting married, her parents think that they new couple should live alone, so they've decided to take Sue back (to her other uncles though). Sue doesn't particularly like this idea, but it's best for the newly weds. As they're about to leave, they encounter some thick fog, at which Sue knows immediately that it's Wally's doing. After getting a little lost, she finds her way to his house with Will's help. As they're trying to figure out what's going on, a large create appears outside. 10. The large creature is a troll that's been playing hide and see for the past 30 years. He started hiding after playing with Sue's dad (the house in the forest where Fred lives belongs to her great-grandfather, so the dad used to live there to). The creature and her dad have a heartful reunion and he decides to not move and live in the forest. Happily ever after... |
Title: 魔法使いさんおしずかに！ (Be Quiet, Magician!) Vol. 2 |
せんせいのお時間 (Doki Doki School Hours) Vol. 3
More adventures with the pint-sized high school teacher and her eclectic students. There were a few strips in here that I though were hilarious, including Kitagawa's constant teasing because she loves Mika's smile and tears, the class leader explain why "cunning" means to cheat in Japanese, but there's no such verb as "cun," and finally, where Mika gets hit on my an elementary school student. Like before, the covers on these books have little pop quizzes and it also includes a bonus, tank-only chapter (2 pages though). From the end of the book where Watabe (the otaku) explains that he still has one more year to graduate, that would place this book from the new year of their first year (?). I dunno. Anyhow, it starts around New Year's, and goes until Golden Week of the following year (~17 months). The usual holidays are covered including situations at Valentine's, White Day, Golden Week, various athletic and cultural festivals, and such. There's a lot more homosexuality humor in this volume and in the past two volume. At times it seems overbearing, but there's enough other humors situations to compensate. |
Title: せんせいのお時間 (Doki Doki School Hours) Vol. 3 |
彼氏彼女の事情 (His and Her Circumstances) Vol. 9
Finally we're out of the 14 days. The majority of this volume is devoted to Aya's play which she wrote for Yukino, et. al. to perform at the festival. It's a science fiction story, but has a deeper meaning, especially for Arima. There's also a side story with Takefumi and Tsubaki that seem a little out of place given all the momentum with the play. There's no bonus chapters here, not even the Tsuda Diary, and only has a few letters from the author. 37. ACT37 14DAYS 文化祭はじまる (Cultural Festival Starts): Takefumi has second thoughts about being a Tsubaki's boyfriend. At the school, everyone starts arrive including the Miyazawas, and Tsubasa's step-brother Kazuma and his band the "Ying-Yang," who do an unscheduled performance on the available stage. 38. ACT 38 文化祭１ (Cultural Festival 1): Preparations for the play "Steel Snow" start, but Maho is missing. Yukino finds her in the bathroom feeling sick from being so nervous. But she overcomes her fear (despite her boyfriend being there) and the play starts. The story beings with Yukino as a scientist who wakes up after 80 years of statsis and revives her child android, Antique. 39. ACT 39 文化祭２ (Cultural Festival 2): The scientist wonders who woke him him and he soon meets Neo-Model, a highly advanced android, at the peak of perfect, that has come to seek some answers from this legendary scientist. At the same time, Neo-Model is able to provide services in return such as saving Antique from a potentially fatal flaw in her body. 40. ACT 40 文化祭３ (Cultural Festival 3): The scientist, Ren and Neo-Model, despite being the epitome of their kinds, all have a deep sense of regret. This strikes close to home for Arima who's in the audience. Ren had a previous love, Rosemary, who ended up breaking his heart. At the end of the first act of the play, Ren tells Neo-Model that he's going to tell her all about his past. 41. ACT 41 文化祭４ (Cultural Festival 4): During the intermission, Arima heads outside for a breather and Takefumi contemplates more about love. The play starts up again. After Rose left Ren, she comes back and hands her a baby who he names May and raises by himself. Despite being the sole parents, he and May have a rocky relationship. May eventually passes away and Ren creates Antique in her image. 42. ACT 42 運命の車 (The Vehicle of Fate): Ren gets flack for starting the creation of these androids. Flash back to present day where Neo-Model finally tells him about what has happened in these past 80 years, that there was a war and cities were wiped out and her plan was to take him back to earth. He agrees. End of play. More scenes with Takefumi and Tsubaki, even though they're already broken up and Arima is yet again haunted by his evil half. |
Title: 彼氏彼女の事情 (His and Her Circumstances) Vol. 9 |
少年マガ (Shonen Magazine), '04 Vol 33 & ヤングマガ (Young Magazine), '04 Vol. 33
Negima PS2 video game has been announced (an ad is included in this week's volume). It doesn't look too spectacular, but it's still a work in progress. Anticipated release is next winter. Hamanaka Ai: ０４３風と冷気のいたずら (The Teasing of the Wind and Air Conditioner): Masahiko's air condition got fixed so the study group debates on whether the A/C or fan is better. Rin and Ai choose the fan, Nakamura and Masahiko choose A/C. Misaki is the tie breaker until Ai turns on the fan right behind her, flipping up her skirt. They then change the topic. Suzuka: ＃２１写真 (Photograph): Yamato overhears Suzuka and the track captain talking about a Kazuki and she mentions that she wants to see him. He later finds out from Ayano, her aunt and owner of the house/public bath, that Suzuka has gone on a little trip back to her house in Yokohama. Yamato accidentally finds a picture of Suzuka and a strange guy who he thinks is Kazuki and without thinking, he leaves for Yokohama too and arrives at her door. As he's about to push the doorbell, a woman comes up and asks who he is. Negima: ６０時間目 正しいカードの使い方？ (How to Use the Correct Card?): Negi and his 4 partners, Asuna, Konoka, Makie, and Setsuna are training with Eva. Asuna informs him that she knows he went to the Library without her and asks why. He explains that he didn't want to bother her, but they end up in an argument where he blurts out that she has...umm... (oh boy, I wonder how Del Rey is going to edit that). She smacks him and storms off. Afterwards, Eva discusses with him about what kind of person he wants to be, a Magic Knight or a Magician (she mentions that his dad was a knight). When they conclude, the other girls tell him the reason Asuna's so pissed off at him and he goes an apologizes. He uses his magic to summon Asuna, but she's currently taking a bath and he makes her appear undressed. Changing Now: ＃１３邂逅！！ ２人のヒーロー Encounter Both Our Heroes): Machina VV from last chapter gives Dog Fighter a book on how to be a super hero. While he's reading it, an enemy appears. However, Dog Fighter foils him unknowingly as he accidentally activates some of his gadgets after following the instructions in the book. Tsubasa: ５１魔物の正体 (The True Form of the Monster): Kuro, Sakura, and Shaoran go look for the so-called monster and get entangled in a strong gusts of wind. They wonder if the monster is just a weather phenomenon.
Covergirl is Maya Goto, back page is is 田中かおり (Kaori Tanaka). For the first time, Young has a more decent cover than Shonen. There's also news of the CLAMP Cafe opening in Kodansha's shop in Chiba. This week features two chapters of Minamike. Love Lucky: 10結婚を認めてっっ！！ (Accept Our Marriage!!): Kirari and Fuuta go see Kirari's boss. The boss is a bit disappointed that she's getting married as that'll break the hearts of her fans, but accepts their marriage on one condition: they keep it a secret for a year. He also offers them a new apartment to stay at. Redlight: 13: After he gets his hair dyed, Satoshi realizes he doesn't have any drinks for his guest/girlfriend. He goes to the convenient store to buy some milk and figures he'd pick up a few condoms just in case. He comes back and they kissing in the bathroom and he's just about to fondle her when they're interrupted by his brother. Satoshi then sees that there's a pregnancy tester on the floor and Chiko sees the condoms in the back pocket. Minamike: １２教えてやろう (I'll Teach You): Haruka, the oldest girl, tries to explain to Chiaki and Kana about kissing. Kana then tries to give Chiaki a kiss much to Chiaki's disgust. However, after Kana gives Haruka a kiss, Chiaki punches Kana. Minamike: １３天才だもん (I'm a Genius): Chiaki and her schoolmates talk about a nickname for the next typhoon. The conversation then diverges into a nickname for her, to which she responds "Princess." XXXholic: 53: Yuuko opens up the item she received from the rain fairy and shows it to Kimihiro. It's a "tube wolf" (literal), a long slender animal with magical powers. At school, it pops out from inside Kimihiro's clothes and Toumeki grabs it. Upon returning it to him, he notices a feather and then a boy outside who is growing wings. |
Title: 少年マガジン (Shonen Magazine) Vol. 33
Title: ヤングマガジン (Young Magazine) Vol. 33 |
まぶらほ (Maburaho) Vol. 5 LE
This is the infamous Maburaho that comes with the defective sound CD. It contains the same tracks as the previous one. However, they offered a free replacement. Unfortunately, it's too much of a hassle for me and since it's just sound-bites, it's nothing to be worried about. These two episodes are ho-hum. Second one is a little touching, but maybe I was just too tired when I watched it to get any emotional response. Bonuses include a special keyholder for the previous three keyholders (see, they don't expect people to actually use it). The sound-bites CD, some cards, a DVD case, and the usual liner notes with little stories and summaries, and the picture label disc. 9. つかちゃった (I Used It): Kuriko convinces Yuna that she needs to take Kazuki to a hot springs resort where it's said that he can increase his magical abilities. The catch is he has to stay submerged for more than two years. Yuna and Rin decide to go and see what their up to, so with Elizabeth's help, they and their homeroom teacher go to the resort. The owner says that there's another way to increase his magic which is to play baseball against demons. During the game, Kazuki uses his magic to win the game, but breaks even when he's given one more magical use. 10. のびちゃった (I Grew): Kazuki hears voices out in the schoolyard. He finds that it's the tree there crying out for help and learns of a student two years ago that disappeared after using all her magic. |
Title: まぶらほ (Maburaho) Vol. 5 LE |
こどものおもちゃ (Child's Toy) Vol. 6
An good volume, although like the previous ones, it seemed to dwell on just a few items. The love triangle between Sana, Hayama, and Fuuka is cleared up, Hayama gets so serious bodily injuries, but that's about it. Just one more volume to go. In addition to the artwork, there's two bonus comics, one with different characters being weather broadcasters and another with Sana dressed as a monkey. Hayama passes out from the blood loss from being stabbed in the arm by Kazuyuki. He almost dies, but he sees the ghost of his mom who says it's too early for him. He eventually recovers, but loses mobility in his right arm. Kazuyuki comes to terms with his over-protective mother and move away. Sana is finally public about being Hayama's girlfriend, Hayama's family is shocked that he split up with Fuuka. Sana and Hayama go on a date, which he decided was his mother's grave and then Sana takes him ice skaking. At the end, Sana and Hayama try to hook Fuuka up with someone she used to love back in Osaka. |
Title: こどものおもちゃ (Child's Toy) Vol. 6 |
魔法使いさんおしずかに！ (Be Quiet, Magician!) Vol. 1
This is a random find at the bookstore. I didn't think it was shojo as they placed it in the boys section, but this comic was originally serialized in Nakayoshi, the same magazine that was home to CCS and Sailormoon. The story is pleasant and light and the artwork is simple and natural. It has a different feel to it than most current manga, but probably because it was written so long ago. It's like how Osamu Tezuka's stories seem a little different than more recent stuff like Miyazaki Hayao's. Since this is a re-release, it has a lot of color illustrations like the Kodocha reprints. 1. Susan (13 years old) and her uncle Fred (30) have moved into her great-grandfather's house. Her great-grandfather is current traveling. There, they meet their neighbor Ellie, a soap-opera-loving young woman, Will, a boy about Susan's age, and his grandfather, Wally. His uncle is an unsuccessful illustrator and so they're usually low on money. Sue gets an idea that Ellie should marry his uncle, partially because she doesn't want to do the chores anymore. Sue brings her over for a bit, but his uncle gives her the cold should because he doesn't like pretty women (and that's why his illustrations aren't selling, because his females aren't pretty). She then has to run off again to catch a TV show. Later, Sue goes out and sees Ellie disappear into a pond and then pop back out again. Ellie reveals that she's a fairy and uses the ponds as shortcuts, but that Sue has to keep it a secret since no one else knows. 2. Sue asks Will if he believes in fairies and such, but he doesn't although he believes in UFOs and space travel. Over lunch with him and his grandpa, she finds out that Will is almost like her in that he has to do most of the chores around the house too. They go take a walk in the woods where she falls in a hole and various animals, including elephants come running out. She discusses this with Ellie who tells her that there are elves who dig tunnels. She also asks if Ellie can model for her uncle as his latest work was rejected again because the women aren't drawn beautifully enough. 3. Sue's dog, Cooper has been sneaking off in the middle of the night, and she wants to know why. With the help of Ellie, Sue is able to become a rabbit and follow Cooper. She travels through the tunnels in the ground where she overhears two magicians discussing plans to dig underneath the bank to steal money. Upon her return the next morning, she reports this to Ellie. 4. Sue goes out the next night with a shovel and tries to find out who those people are. She discovers that it's Will's grandfather, Wally, and one of his assistants. Wally tries to convince her that stealing is okay as the bank is insured, but to no avail. With Ellies help, their plans get ruined. 5. It's been a few months since previous chapter and Wally is up to no good again. He's got a blueprint to the bank and plans to make a magical cloth that will create holes in the wall. However, he loses his map and it falls into Ellie's hands. When he tries to rob the bank, all he gets when he opens the wall is water rushing out. |
Title: 魔法使いさんおしずかに！ (Be Quiet, Magician!) Vol. 1 |
君が望む永遠 (Kimi ga Nozomu Eien) Anime OST Vol. 2
This soundtrack is supposed to cover the second half of the show. While I haven't watched the show in its entirety yet, I know what the story's about enough to appreciate the music. Most of the tunes here are piano or violin, and all have a somber and solemn tone to them. Given the story, I believe it fits it well. There are some familiar tunes from the previous CD, but most of the music here are original to the anime, not just remixes from the game. There are few tracks that are specifically special arrangements of the game music, but they're all clumped together at the end, so I don't know if they're used in the anime or not. As for vocals, it contains the TV sized versions of Rumbling hearts and the game ending (as well as the ending song of the last episode, I believe). These two were available elsewhere on the game CDs to. I don't think they're re-recorded. |
Title: 君が望む永遠 (Kimi ga Nozomu Eien) Anime OST Vol. 2 |
花右京メイド隊 (Hanaukyou Maid Tai) Vol. 8
Several disjoint short stories in this volume. Entertaining, especially the chapters that involve the eccentric Ikuyo, and some that are a bit touching such as Sayuri and Konoe's sword stories, but not really plot-moving. Bonuses are a mini-comic featuring Ikuyo, a few illustrations, and a summary/character intro. 48. 慈悲王リュウカ、立つ！ (Merciful Queen Ryuka, Stand!): Ryuka has challenged Taro into a battle to the death in a wrestling ring. Ryuka is winning as Taro doesn't fight back, but she knocks herself out by performing a flying drop and missing her target. 49. ラベンダー色のあのコ (Lavender Colored Child): While running away from Ikuyo, Taro meets a maid who is changing. She allows him to hide under her dress. Later, she wipes him off with a lavendar hankerchief and runs away. Taro then tries to find out who that maid was and asks the two good friends, Sayuri and Aya. They both deny it, but Taro knows that it's Sayuri (who's complete different without her glasses) and returns it to her. 50. イクヨのメイドさん日記 (Ikuyo's Maid Diary): Having writers block, Ikuyo becomes a regular maid. She performs maid duties very well, much to the surprise of others. After spending time with Taro, she gets her breakthrough and goes back to her old, Otaku self. 51. マリエルのうれしい事 (What Mariel's Happy About): Shizuka comes back for a short visit, despite still being injured. Taro asks Mariel what makes her happen, and she can't come up with an answer. This bugs her a lot, which leads to Taro being a little worried. Konoe wonders if he's worried about the Mariel portrait in the underground mansion, to which he says is not. Finally, Mariel comes to understand her happiness although she can't describe it in words. 52. 花園よ永遠なれ (Flower Garden, Eternal): There's a big party at the mansion and almost everyone is drunk, including Konoe who gets into a breast size competition with Ryuka. They all start playing a kissing game where Taro gets a small kiss from Mariel. 53. 最後の贈り物 (The Last Gift): Konoe is bummed that her sword is broken. It's particularly important because her sister gave it to her. Grace tells her that she can go atop a mountain to get a replacement to which she does and for an instant, sees the image of her sister. |
Title: 花右京メイド隊 (Hanaukyo Maid Tai) Vol. 8 |
鋼鉄天使くるみ (Steel Angel Kurumi) Vol. 2
I don't remember Akanokoji's story taking this long, but then again, the anime was bite-sized. The artwork jumps to SD very frequently, even during serious battles. It could get annoying, but currently, I enjoy it. It keeps a light mood throughout the story doesn't seem to interfere with the subject at hand. Bonus has a mini-chapter where Kurumi's wandering through a manga house trying to find the authors and she also says there's going to be an anime based on this story. 6. 綾小路博士救出作戦 (Dr. Akanokoji's Rescue Plan): Kurumi, Amagi, and Nakahito go to the base of Mt. Fuji to find the whereabouts of Akanokoji and find Saki there hanging from a cross next to the victorious Karinka. Karinka then starts attacking Kurumi and reveals that she contains two angel hearts, so Kurumi by herself cannot defeat her. Saki then offers her angel heart to Kurumi. 7. 激闘は憎しみ深く (A Fight Full of Hate): Having become Super Kurumi, she defeats Karinka. Karinka then has a flashback with her and her master, Mikhail. She says she fights because of him. But he shows up and scolds her for hurting Nakahito and takes him away to the castle near Fuji. In the sky, there's an invisible flying fortress with some strange characters inside. 8. 再会、くるみと仲人 (Reunion, Kurumi and Nakahito): Amagi and Super Kurumi go to the castle. Amagi finds there are hundreds of Mikhail's bodies lying around. Nakahito is encased in a glass vessel which Kurumi breaks and rescues him. She is then visited by someone who splits Super Kurumi into just Kurumi and Saki and tells her to come back with him. 9. 悠久の再会 (Eternal Reunion): Kurumi doesn't remember who the people are who want her to return. They introduce themselves as people (things?) who want to interfere with the Academy's plans. Soon, the castle slowly comes to life in the shape of Dr. Waltzski (Akakonoji's abductor). Kurumi and Saki try to join, but can't. Later, the castle gets blown to bits by the new visitors. 10. くるみのなかよし大作戦 (Big Plan With Kurumi's Friends): Kurumi takes in Karinka and befriends her while taking a bath. 11. くるみのスパイ大作戦 (Big Plan With Kurumi's Spies): Saki has taken a job at the local restuarant and works with a fellow co-worker, Miyuki. When an unruly customer comes, she wants to use her powers, but doesn't want to reveal herself. Miyuki happens to save her using what seems to be extra-human abilities. Turns out that she is extra-human. |
Title: 鋼鉄天使くるみ (Steel Angel Kurumi) Vol. 2 |
彼氏彼女の事情 (His and Her Circumstances) Vol. 8
Yet another ho-hum volume. When will the 14 days be over? The story is a bit staccato, jumping from different characters to different characters, but a few main events happen, especially concerning Takefumi and Tsubaki. There's a Tsuda dairy segment as always, and a really long chapter featuring a one-shot manga the author did 4-5 years prior to Karekano. 33. ACT33 14DAYS しりたい (I Want to Know): Takefumi is afraid of Arima because of his closeness with Yukino. Arima is still haunted by his other, evil half. Aya is wigging out because she has a writing job and deadlines to meet. Takefumi also gets a little close to Tsubaki and he realizes just how big he's gotten since Tsubaki seems lighter than what he remembers her to be (since he was just a child). 34. ACT34 14DAYS 私の好きな人 (My Favorite Person): In the summer heat, the girls start talking about their breasts, or lack of. Tsubasa is getting along very well with her new step-brother. Takefumi is coming to terms with his love for Tsubaki, with flashbacks of his past and his impressions of her. 35. ACT35 14DAYS 気温３１C (Centigrade 31): Takefumi gives Tsubaki an unexpected kiss behind the school building and they both inform each other that they love one another. Takefumi hopes that he no longer has to fear Arima. Meanwhile, Rika has finished their costumes for the play. Arima and Yukino then share a quite moment together. 36. ACT36 14DAYS ハリケーン (Hurricane): A typhoon is coming so everyone hurries and cleans up at the school. Without umbrellas, Arima sees Yukino home. Since he's drenched, teh family has him stay over for the night. Arima imagines his evil self being left outside as he lives in this comfy home. |
Title: 彼氏彼女の事情 (His and Her Circumstances) Vol. 8 |
千葉紗子：everything (Saeko Chiba)
I'm pretty sure that I knew about Saeko well before The World of Narue, but I can't really where. Anyhow, she sings the ending to Narue no Sekai, which I enjoyed very much. All the music in here is composed by Yuki Kajiura, the composer of BGM for Noir, .hack, Madlax, etc... Yuki plays the keyboard in all the songs and for some, she does even more. All the songs here show Yuki's style of music with heavy use of keyboard synthesizers, echoes, and reverbs and give a sense of presence (i.e. isn't elevator music). I really like Saeko's voice. It's not too squeaky and soft, but still very feminine despite the energetic songs that Yuki writes for her. My favorite songs on here is of course, the ending to Narue no Sekai which is included, track 2 which is epitome Yuki with heavy echoes and reverbs, and the last track which I though was cute with the sound effects that make the song seem very impromptu and informal. The CD comes with a special cardboard sleeve. I don't think it's a first pressing bonus like other CDs as it doesn't say on the sticker, but I'm not sure. |
Title: 千葉紗子：everything (Saeko Chiba) |
妹 (Akane) Vol. 14
The series is finally over, and it finished in a way that I thought was appropriate and not too artificial. Akane was one of those rare finds for me as I was walking through Bookoff a few months ago. Having known nothing about the author, I took a glance at the first two books and knew it was something I would enjoy. Now it has become a favorite of mine. I also found out that this is the same author who wrote "If I See You In My Dreams," something I vaguely heard about in the R1 DVD world. Maybe I'll see what that's about. The author has a letter in which explains the motivation for writing this manga. 137. 願い、何ですか？ (What is Your Wish?): The girls are all studying for their final exams. In the library, Akane meets with the friend who looks like his father. In particular, he's carrying a book by Kenji Miyazawa. He tells her that if he were her father, he would support her relationship. But Akane doesn't him to say things like that, given his appearance and pays a visit to her father's grave. 138. お父さん (Father): At the grave, she imagines being visited by her father. Then, an old friend of her father's comes by to tidy his grave. Akane asks who his father's favorite author was and she responds with Kenji Miyazawa. Akane then knows that she's got her father's blessing. 139. Valentine's Day: Akane brings Shinpei chocolates, but he denies them and tells her (lies) that she has a girlfriend and will be busy for the night. 140. answer: After her entrance exam, she and Shinpei go on a date. She later calls her biological mother in Milano. 141. yell: Akane tells her that she can't go because she loves Shinpei and asks her to promise not to die. Eriko tells her that she will see her get married and her grandchild. 142. 発表 (Results): Akane is accepted into the nursing school of her choice, but she has made up her mind: she's going to go live with her mom in Italy (yes, it's a 180 from previous chapter). 143. 小さな頃から (Since I Was Little): Rei finds out from Shinpei that Akane has decided. She then takes Akane shopping and in the end, Akane thanks her for her friendship. 144. 涙の夕焼け (Sunset of Tears): Nanako comes back for a visit and Shinpei tells her that he can't imagine life without Akane. 145. 卒業 (Graduation): After graduation ceremonies, Shinpei tells Akane that she's graduated from calling him "brother." 146. LOVE LOVE LOVE: Replay of her "graduation" from sister-ship. Begin sex scene. 147. 妹・あかね (Sister, Akane): Continue sex scene. The next day, he takes her to the airport where all their friends are waiting. Last: そしてミラノへ (And Then To Milano): She goes to Milano, but not after a touch goodbye at the airport. Three years later, Akane receives a letter from him saying he's now an engineer for Ferrari. He gives Shinpei a call at the shop, but he's out for the time being. He's enjoying the day holding a box with a wedding ring inside. |
Title: 妹 (Akane) Vol. 14 "卒業" (Graduation) |
こどものおもちゃ (Child's Toy) Vol. 5
The story in this volume was longer than necessary. There are little advancements with the relationships between Sana, Hayama, and Fuuka, but nothing exciting happens until the end with Hayama and the neurotic friend. There's a bonus chapter concerning Hayama's childhood and how he's become so calloused as well as many color pages and memos from the author. The bulk of this volume focuses on the love triangle between Sana, Hayama, and Fuuka. Naozumi accidentally reveals on TV that Sana has someone she likes and gives a small clue. This clue is enough for Hayama to figure out that it's him. She tries to avoid him the next day but they eventually meet. Sana cuts off ties with Naozumi for his actions and decides to take a break from school to dedicate herself in her work. Meanwhile, Hayama and Fuuka's relationship has gone quite cold. Hayama acts very isolated during Sana's absence. In the meanwhile, he meets a teacher who hates him because he reminds him of his bullies in grade school. He also has an incident with another loony classmate who wants to kill himself because Hayama doesn't like him as a friend. |
Title: こどものおもちゃ (Child's Toy) Vol. 4 |
少年マガ (Shonen Magazine), '04 Vol 32 & ヤングマガ (Young Magazine), '04 Vol. 32
Featured girls are 19 year old 小坂由佳 (Yuka Kosaka), winner of Miss Magazine 2004 and 17 year old 星野飛鳥 (Asuka Hoshino). There's also a new series starting this week, M.I.Q. about money (gambling maybe?). In any case, doesn't really look like something I'm interested in. Negima is off this week, but Tsubasa is back with a very pretty color title page. Suzuka: ＃２０相似 (Similarity): Yamato has thoughts about quitting since his purpose for joining track has disappeared. However, Suzuka's track friend, Hashiba tells him that she'll hate him even more if he's a quitter. At weight training, Yamato has become quite popular with the teammates. The captain remarks to Suzuka that he's a bit like 津田和輝 (Kazuki Tsuda), previous track member. Suzuka denies it, but there seems to be something between Kazuki and Suzuka that has happened in the past. Hamanaka Ai: ０４２学校の怪談めぐり (The Ghost Stories at School): Rinko, Misaki, and Ayana go investigate the 7 mysteries of the school including the missing step, the hand in the swimming pool...etc. Ayana is the only one rational, but gets scared when she sees the skeleton move, but it's only Masahiko carrying it. Changing Now: ＃１２その名はマシンナー (The Name is "Machina"): Machina saves Takeko, much to the digust of her dad. However, Machina apparently has some times with the (what looks to be) nameless arch-enemy. Tsubasa: ５０偶像の国 (A Country of Icons): Sakura wakes up deep in the woods. Shaoran quickly shows up when she awakens and tells her that they warped again, but this time, they didn't get her memories from the previous word (Seishirou escaped with it). Suddenly, they get pelted with tree fruits and Shaoran is knocked out and dragged away. Sakura tells Kuro, Fye, and Mokona, who were exploring at the time, and they look for Shaoran. They find him among a group of friendly anthropomorphic rabbits who tell them about a monster nearby. Sakura, Kuro, and Shaoran go hunt it.
小坂由佳 (Yuka Kosaka) is featured as the front and back girl. XXXholic is still off this week. Only 4 more issues to go before my subscription for this magazine runs out. Hopefully I'll get a few more XXXholic chapters in. Redlight: 12: Satoshi is in nirvana now that he has Chiko as a girlfriend. Not even the most obnoxious drivers he meets at work can bring him down. He's also dyed his hair blonde. Satoshi then arranges a date with Chiko at a fast-food joint. Before he meets Chiko, he meets some of his friends who don't believe that he has a girlfriend, but eventually meets Chiko. Satoshi and Chiko then spend the rest of the day around time and after Chiko's remark, he decides to dye his hair color back (with her help). |
Title: 少年マガジン (Shonen Magazine) Vol. 32
Title: ヤングマガジン (Young Magazine) Vol. 32 |
少年マガ (Shonen Magazine), '04 Vol 31 & ヤングマガ (Young Magazine), '04 Vol. 31
This issue sports coverage of Spiderman 2 and features idol (熊田曜子) Yoko Kumada. Tsubasa is off this week and the people who made the table of contents messed up with Negima's page. The TOC says page 145, but Negima actually start on 279, which they listed as the GetBacker's page. Suzuka: ＃１９拒絶 (Rejection): Continuing from last chapter, Suzuka has started turning cool towards Yamato. Yamato thinks he can win back her heart by excelling in his race, the 100m dash. He runs in in under 11 seconds, much to the awe of his teammates, but when he meets with Suzuka again, she tells him that she hates him. Hamanaka Ai: ０４１家庭科３を目指す少女 (The Girl Aiming for Home Economics 3): Misaki is terrible at cooking, so Masahiko's mom allows her to practice in her kitchen with Ai. Despite their assistant, she is still helpless. Negima: ５9時間目 テガカリをキミに (A Clue for You): After being treated for his wounds, Negi takes a look at the map that Konoka's father gave to him that's supposed to have clues about the whereabouts of his dad. Yue and Konoka, the library explorers help out and tell him that they know he's a mage. Negi and the two girls go the library island, but meet a dragon guarding the gate. Chachamaru arrives just in time to whisk them away. Yue wants revenge on that monster. Changing Now: ＃１１危機！！ 親子断絶！！ (Crisis!! Parent-Child Separation): Fukuoka gets no respect from his daughter Takeko. However, when Takeko gets attacked, he makes her say that he's a good guy in order to receive help. After she says it, he realizes he doesn't have his transformation belt. As Takeko is about to be attacked, she gets rescued by Machina Double-V, another hero, who she truthfully thinks is awesome.
Featured girl is 下村真理 (Mari Shimomura) and also features a very mature 14 year old, Kyoko Kamidozono. Ms. J-cup also has a few pages (one where she's seen in a bikini milking a cow...that's just wrong). Love Lucky: ９離婚なんてしない (I Won't Divorce): Kirari has a concert and afterwords, she secretly meets with Fuuta. They almost get caught by her manager, but manage to slip by. That night, she comes home quite late. Kirari starts making him some ramen, and while they're waiting, they start getting it on, but get interrupted by the boiling water. As they eat dinner, Fuuta tells her that he wants to see the president of her agency the next day to receive his blessings. Minamike: １１すごい好きだ (I Really Love You): Kana gets told by a classmate, Fujioka, that he really likes her. She has some angst over it and talks about it with her older sister, Chiaki. Chiaki convinces her that he didn't actually say "I Really Love You" but rather, "You're Full of Love." |
Title: 少年マガジン (Shonen Magazine) Vol. 31
Title: ヤングマガジン (Young Magazine) Vol. 31 |
ネギま！ ９月：運動部仲良し４人組 (Negima! September: 4 Friends From the Athletic Club)
The 6th disc in the series that features the more athletic students in Negi's class, Makie the gymnast, Akira the swimmer, Yuuna the basketball player, and Ako the soccer player. Makie voiced by Yui Horie, who has star roles in Love Hina and Mao-chan. Since Makie was voted most favorite character in the first two Negima polls, that's probably why she got that role as she couldn't take yet another lead role in Ken Akamatsu's story. The song this time tries to be the type of music that you pump yourself up with right before exercising and such, just so it can fit the personalities of the athletic characters. It's pretty good, but it does sound a little forced to have these high-pitched girls singing a fire-up song. The remix version tries to do much with the song, first making it really slow and then having it finish on a fast beat. The drama track has Yuuna and Makie discovering what looks like a diamond in the construction area as they're trying to repair the dorm that got damaged by Chisame's computer exploding from last CD. Both want it, so they have a heated ping pong match. Ako is worried about their behavior so asks Akira to stop them. Akira comes over and tells them that they just picked up a piece of glass. The cast talk has the seiyuu talking about their experiences in sports when they were growing up and what sports they enjoy now. Yui Horie says she played volleyball, but if I remember correctly, she told Rie Tanaka in her CD that she didn't join any clubs in high school. Hmm... First edition comes with a Makie tarot card. |
Title: 魔法先生ネギま！ ９月：運動部仲良し４人組 (Magic Teacher Negima! September: 4 Friends From the Athletic Club) |
妹 (Akane) Vol. 13
Finally some action between Shinpei and Akane! But it's very premature and he knows something is wrong when he's able to make her little sister moan in pleasure. As with the past few chapters, it's still pretty constant with this volume ends in a minor cliffhanger. This volume has a nice color illustration of Akane and also includes a bonus one-shot manga published many years ago titled "Pocket Sized Wish." 128. ミラノより (From Milano): Rei has fun with Akane and a dog in heat. Eriko's lawyer tells Akane that her true mother had cared for her by sending her money, about $3,000 bucks every month (!) after her father died. 129. 今と違う現在 (A Different Reality): Akane, the Lawyer, and Shinpei go to the house of Akane's evil relatives who have kept all of Eriko's alimony. However, at the last minute, Akane decides to stop them and Shinpei explains that they don't need the money now; Akane is already happy knowing that her biological mom did try to help out. 130. ２人の母・瞳編 (Mother of Us Both, Hitomi's Chapter): Flashback to 1995 where Shinpei's mom is asking the relatives for Eriko's alimony, but she's told that Eriko hadn't sent any and they give her $100 "out of the goodness of their hearts." So works long hours and finds out that she has TB, but doesn't regret it as she comes home to two wonderful kids. 131. ２人の母・恵理子編 (Mother of Us Both, Eriko's Chapter): Back in 1992 in Milano, Eriko sees a mother telling her child that she can't play with her since she's at work, but later apologizes to her kid. She later gets approached by another young child who gives her a candy cane. Both these events remind her of Akane. 132. クリスマス・イブ (Christmas Eve): Shinpei and Akane go out to dinner and in the park after dark, they embrace. 133. うらはら (Opposite): On Christmas, Akane dresses up in a skimpy Santa suit and tries to tease her brother. Her brother almost falls for her, but then yells at her that she's not his type just to fend off her approach. 134. 先にひとすべり (Skiiing Ahead): Akane, Shinpei, Emily, and Marina go skiing (snowboarding actually). After dark, the two friends see Akane and Shinpei playing in the snow. 135. 銀世界 桃色吐息 (Snow Fields and Pink Breaths): At the hot springs at the resort, Akane and Shinpei go bathing together. Shinpei *finally* breaks down and gives her a passionate kiss and then proceeds to grope her. 136. くちづけのそのあと (After the Kiss): He stops abruptly when he hears her moan. Back at school, Akane is more bummed and she tells Rei that she can't go on like this anymore. She pays a visit to her mom's grave and confesses that Shinpei might be better off if she wasn't with him anymore. |
Title: 妹 (Akane) Vol. 13 "くちづけのそのあと" (After the Kiss) |
Slight Sidetrack Due to the computer program I've been working on (see previous entry) and the holiday weekend, I haven't gotten any reading done. My backlog is now back up to 40 :(. But with the program mostly functional and normal weekends, life with anime and manga will resume starting tomorrow. |
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Kanji Paper I was looking through the JLPT words last week and come to the realization that even though I know more than 70% of them on sight, I would have a tough time writing even 20% of those words. Having read and listened to the language, I have a good grasp on the mechanics as well as understanding vocabulary on sight and sound, but to have to produce it myself is a problem. So, I decided to make this program. Computers are great and allow me to *NOT* remember things. I can "write" kanji on the keyboard all day, but I won't remember stroke order. That's why I'm a little skeptical of computer programs that suppose to help you teach language, including electronic flashcard programs. The best way to learn, for me anyway, is to just write the words over and over and then some more. That's where this program comes in (yes, I know I just said computers don't help me learn...but this is different). The basic idea is that this program will extract raw vocabulary from text and print out kanji style worksheet with all the information I would need to practice and test myself including the pronunciation, translation, and model characters. Among the features is that it includes the entire JMDict Japanese to English dictionary for automatic translations. It's also able to detect the appropriate direct/dictionary form for different verb conjugations, allows for custom dictionaries, and I can also rate each text on a scale from 1-5 so that I can randomly print out previous texts to test myself. With a click of a button, the text is parsed and prepared (usually with some minor errors, but easily correctable). I can then print out three types of worksheets, practice, test, and proof. Practice has the pronunciation, translation, and character models for tracing with options to increase or decrease practicing area. Test has several options, but for the most part, it just has the pronunciation without the kanji as I'm supposed to test my knowledge. Proof just prints out the entire text with the correct answers to compare to what I wrote down in the text portion. It only took me a little more than a week to write this program (including a few days off for 4th of July) so it's still very buggy and has hideous system requirements (it won't run with anything under 256 megs of RAM). Maybe I'll distribute it publicly some day, but right now, it's an embarrassment (that and the fact that the brush script kanji font isn't free but has to be purchased). But it works for what I need it for. I print out a practice sheet and a test sheet. I do my writings nightly and the next night, I test myself. Lather. Rinse. Repeat. But enough of that, I've included a demo with the program in action (click image below for 1.3 meg quicktime movie):
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