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Girls ブラボー (Girls Bravo) Vol. 10 LETitle: Girls ブラボー (Girls Bravo) Vol. 10 LE
Artist/Author: まりお金田 (Mario Kaneda)
Book Size/Pages: B-6, 177pp., w/furigana
Volume: 10/10
Original Serialization: Monthly Shonen Ace 12/04-5/05
First Printing: 3/26/05
Rating: 3/4

The story is finally over, and surprisingly, there's actually an ending. It involves a planned wedding (hence the cover) back on Selen but it ends without much surprise. As for the series as a whole, I thoroughly enjoyed it despite it's lack of story and repetitive jokes, usually involving Fukuyama and Koyomi. It's definitely something good to read in small bites (something I've had to do frequently lately) as you don't need to remember anything from the previous chapters.

Limited edition comes with an extra booklet with a bonus chapter as well as character sketches. The cover is different that the regular edition.

Contains chapters 62~68.

Girls ブラボー (Girls Bravo) DVD Box 2Title: Girls ブラボー (Girls Bravo) DVD Box 2
Original Creator: まりお金田 (Mario Kaneda)
Volume: 2/2
Catalog No.: BIBA-9106
Release Date: 12/21/04
Rating: 3/4

What's a harem series without a trip to a hot springs in the mountains? While there are only three episodes in this box, two of them are just that. However, my favorite episode has to be Lisa's episode. It's about as deep a story as there'll be in Girls Bravo. I don't remember anything about the doll from the manga, but it's a good story.

There's really no ending in the first season, but that's probably why they got the second season this year.

Bonus comes with a motorcycle figure, cards per DVD, and the last DVD has the censored version of episode 1.

9. 魔法対戦でブラボー! (Magical Fight, Bravo!)
10. 温泉でブラボー! (Hot Springs, Bravo!)
11. ピンポンでブラボー! (Ping Pong, Bravo!)

苺ましまろ (Ichigo Marshmallow) Chara-CD 2 MatsuriTitle: 苺ましまろ (Ichigo Marshmallow) Chara-CD 2 Matsuri
Original Creator: ばらスィー (Barasui)
Vocals: 川澄綾子 (Ayako Kawasumi) and cast
Release Date: 4/6/05
Catalog No.: GNCA-0010
Rating: 3/4

The second of the 4 character CDs. I think this is one of Ayako's better songs (she has had some horrible ones before). The song is slow and soft, fitting of her voice. The lyrics are a better fit than Chika's song.

The dramas are funny, but none of them are as funny as Ana's english lesson from last CD.

The bonus this time is a pen set.

1. オープニングトーク (Opening Talk): Chika hosts the opening talk with assistants Ana and Matsuri. Nobue complains why she has assistants and is followed by an introduction to the contents on the CD.

2. 茉莉への10の質問 (10 Questions for Matsuri): Chika interviews Matsuri, but does it faster than Matsuri can think and respond. After a few questions, Matsuri is so behind that she answers the previous question. The interview ends with Matsuri being cut off in the middle of the sentence.

4. お悩み相談 (Advice): Ana gets to choose letter this time and it concerns love. While there's a little concern that they're all quite underaged and don't have much experience, she continues with the letter. Ana starts reading the letter from a guy who wants to know how to confess his love and then stops and hands it off to Matsuri to finish reading. Turns out the girl can't speak Japanese and so they have Matsuri, who has been the most studious, give some words in English. Miu says she has a hammer of love. Thinking that hammer might be too much, Nobue uses a bamboo sword to show Miu how much she loves her. The response is to not use a hammer in expressing love because it hurts.

5. ミニドラマ「しつけ」 (Mini-Drama "Discipline"): Miu whips out some cat-ears, but she claims that it's dog-ears and it's from the Edo period despite the fact that is says "Made in Japan." After a long discussion, Nobue has Matsuri wear it. Nobue hugs her because she's so cute. Next is Aya and Nobue does the same. Miu then puts it on and acts in character, asking her master (Nobue) for an order. Nobue tells her to wait while the others get some pudding.

7. おまけコーナー「美羽の大予言」 (Bonus Corner "Miu's Big Prediction"): Miu says she has "awakened" but everyone responds by saying what supposed power does she have now. She says she can predict the future and says that Aya will step on dog crap on the way back from school. Then to Matsuri. Something will happen to her in the bathtub next week. The two of them become scared, but Miu then reassures them that they can change their future. Chika then tells Miu that if they can change it, she's not really predicting the future.

赤灯えれじい (Redlight Elegy) Vol. 3Title: 赤灯えれじい (Redlight Elegy) Vol. 3
Artist/Author: きらたかし (Takashi Kira)
Book Size/Pages: B-6, 205pp., w/o furigana
Original Serialization: Young Magazine Vol 44, '04 - Vol 4, '05
First Printing: 4/6/04
Rating: 3/4

Way to go Satoshi! He finally earns the envy of all his peers with Chiko. However, despite that, the two of them still don't get to see each other all that often. When they do though, it's a good laugh.

Bonus comes with a colored page featuring blonde haired Chiko, a letter, and some illustrations.

23. 雨、くもり後晴れ (Rain and the Clearing After)
24. 月の下で (Under the Moon)
25. 朝帰る (Coming Home in the Morning)
26. 幸せ? (Happiness?)
27. 男らしく (Like a Man)
28. ヒマやし (Break)
29. ガキんちょ (Childish)
30. 花火大会(前編) (Fireworks, First Part)
31. 花火大会(後編) (Fireworks, Last Part)
32. 何やってんねやー (Whacha Doin')
33. あせる男 (Impatient Guy)

少年マガジン (Shonen Magazine), 05 Vol 21Title: 少年マガジン (Shonen Magazine) Vol. 21
Issue Date: 5/4/05
Publisher: Kodansha
Pages: 560

New series starting this week from Tooru Fujisawa, the author of GTO. Titled "Rose Hip Zero," it's a action/police/and a tad bit of romantic comedy manga which centers on an odd partnership. King's Sword is FINALLY over, and there's a special preview comic (not really though) for a new series next week titled "Sayonara Zetsubou-sensei." The anime research comic features on the second Negima PS2 game. Tsubasa is off this week.

Rose Hip Zero: 1: The assistant commissioner of the police has an escort to back home give his daughter a present for her birthday. Even with that, there is an assasination attempt. Fortunately their car is bulletproof and the police riding with him murmurs something about a special agent... a young girl. At the local police station, Kyouji is a returning detective specializing in terrorism. He recently lost his sister, Kasumi, in a terrorist bombing. As he tries to let off steam at the shooting range, he sees a girl in a school uniform there practicing, and doing very well. Later, he hears from this chief the report on the attack on the asst. commissioner and is stunned that the group responsible is ALICE, the same group that killed his sister. He is assigned a new partner, the girl that he saw at the shooting facility. At first, she looks naive and clueless, but when a truck is about to hit a mother and child, she springs into action and takes out a tire making the truck swerve and miss the pedestrians. Her name is also Kasumi.

Negima: 92時間目 宿敵との誓い (Vow With an Old Enemy): To train for the fighting event, Negi and Kotaro go in Eva's resort where time slows down. The girls with him play around on the beach while the two boys train. At the end of their training, Eva gives Negi a ring which he can use to summon magic so he doesn't have to carry around his staff. The next morning (in real-time), they gather at the event.

Hamanaka Ai: 083少女的バーストアープ計画II (Femine Bust Size "Up" Plan II): Jealous of Ayana's bust size, Rinko and Misaki are convinced that drinking milk will make them larger. Nakamura tells them that they won't, but offers some advice to Rinko if she wants to impress Ayana. She gives her some nipple pads that protrude through her uniform.

Suzuka: #58選択 (Choice): Suzuka is being wishy-washy. Yamato goes to the laundromat to do his laundry and finds Suzuka there doing it two. While they're waiting, Yamato offers her a combini bento. She declines, and then she tells him that she can't take her laundry out (with underwear) while he's around. So he leaves, but then she says she's hungry so she'll accept his offer. But she can't eat alone, so she has him stay and eat. But even with all her antics, Yamato admits that he likes her.

Student Council: #20戴冠の儀 (Coronation Ceremony): In preparation for Musashi's coronation as student council president, Mami has him do various chores arounds school while they prepare. They meet up at their student council room later and it suddenly goes dark. When the light is turned on again, they see that Naju has been attacked and is laying on the ground bleeding.

King's Sword: 最終話 奸雄と梟雄 (Last, Kanyuu and Kyouyuu): As Rakuyou burns, the army leaves. Everyone comes back except for Ryubi and Sousou. Kanu and Chohi start getting worried, but Ryubi eventually comes back and the three have a reunion.

Toto: 19父の写真、カカシの決断 (Father's Picture, Kakashi's Decision): After the initial shock of discovering that Kakashi is the son of the guy who released all the "accessories," Kakashi hears from the leader of the Witches that his father is still alive. Kakashi decides to go find him, but is told that it'll be difficult. However, if he collects all the "accessories," then the guy who released them will certainly re-appear. Kakashi agrees and is given a new partner, Dorothy.

Changing Now: #20参上!! 公園のヒーロー (Appearance!! Hero From the Park): At the toy store, Shiro (the baby son), wants a helmet in which he uses as a costume to dish out justice at the local park.

少年マガジン (Shonen Magazine), 05 Vol 22/23Title: 少年マガジン (Shonen Magazine) Vol. 22/23
Issue Date: 5/18/05
Publisher: Kodansha
Pages: 522

It's a pretty small double issue. Aya Ueno is the cover girl. As advertised from last issue, a new series, "Sayonara Zetsubou-sensei" starts with two chapters in its first issue. It's a gag comic so there's a lot of slapstick humor, but not much plot. There's a color page announcement for the Tsubasa movie preceding the chapter.

Zetsubou-sensei: 1さよなら絶望先生 (Goodbye, Zetsubou-sensei): While walking to the first day of school and enjoying spring, Kaori (?) sees a man about to hang himself. She "rescues" him and tells him no one would want to kill himself on such a fine day and he was probably just trying to make himself taller much like his dad when he was in heavy debt. She's extremely positive, he's extremely negative. She finds out that he's a new teacher with the name Nozomu Itoshiki (糸色望む). When written together closely, it spells Zetsubou, meaning despair. Nozomu runs out of the class and doesn't come back that day. From then on, they would write it with emphasis on the distance between kanji.

Zetsubou-sensei: 2帰ってきた絶望先生 (Zetsubou-sensei Comes Back): The students are asked to fill out a handout describing what they aspire to be. However, Nozomu has them write down what they don't believe they'll ever accomplish. When the principal sees this, he's pleasantly surprised at hope ambitious Nozomu's students are... except for a certain Kaori aspires to become god.

Rose Hip Zero: 2: Kyouji can't believe that he's teamed up with some 14-year-old girl who also acts that way. After a dinner with her and the chief, he dismisses her. Suddenly, an explosion happens nearby and Kazumi jumps into action. Kyouji sees that she has the tattoo of ALICE. The chief explains that she's a defector and wants to defeat the leader of ALICE, codename ZERO.

Negima: 93時間目 小太郎、出陣!いざ、開幕の武道会 (Kotaro at Front! Budou Event Opening): Before the event, Negi talks with Takamichi. Despite Negi telling him not to hold back, Takamichi says he can't use too much magic and show too much of himself. Asuna tells him that she knows he's also a mage. After Kazumi explains the tournament, Kotaro is up facing Mei Sakura, a fellow mage who he had a run in with a while back while trying to prevent students from kissing near the tree. Despite her magic, Kotaro quickly defeats her with his speed.

Suzuka: #59覚悟 (Preparation): At the inter-high, Yamato, Yasunobu, and the captain of the team are on a hill looking down at the track. The captain tells Yamato about Kazuki, Suzuka's old flame who died a few years ago, and an ideal track runner Yamato is always compared with. Not being able to take more of that talk, he screams out, attracting attention and embarassing Suzuka. He will be better than Kazuki.

Tsubasa: 76克服の時 (Time of Victory): Sakura and Shaoran are surrounded by Shogo and other familiar faces from previous parallel worlds. They try to ambush him, but using skills that Kuro taught him, he's able to repel their attack. He finds out later that they're trying to find out who cheated in the preliminaries with the dust in the clouds.

Hamanaka Ai: 084GWで100点 (100 Points During Golden Week): The group plays basketball, Ai-team with Ai, Rinko, and Masahiko. Nakamura-team with Nakamura, Ayana, and Misaki. As Nakamura's team is winning, she extends an olive branch and tells the other team that the next shot is worth 100 points. The score comes out to be 107-21, which they read as "ii-o-na-ni-i."

Changing Now: #50購入!! ニューマシン (Purchase!! New Machine): Dog Fighter gets a new scooter, but is sandwiched between the guardrails and a truck, destroying his new vehicle. In anger, he chases after the truck on a bicycle.

Student Council: #21裏切り (Betrayal): The ceremony must go on, says Mami. She tells Musashi that the ritual has already started since he walked around the perimeter of the school (the real reason he did those chores). Nagare and Musashi talk to each member trying to find out if there are any suspects. All seem strange, but not out of character. At the start of the ceremony, in the few seconds that everyone is looking at the flowers that sprouted from the ground, Hidemitsu becomes the next person to get nailed, literally.

Toto: 20ドロシー、師範に会う (Dorothy Meets The Instructor): In order for Dorothy to be a partner, she needs to go train. She, along with Kakashi, Noiru, and Paisley, go to a special temple where Dorothy will train. The headmaster of the place is a hairy-chested man named Kenbi Sou in a leotard. The males are disgusted, but Dorothy along with the other women at the training grounds all drool at the sight of him. At first, Kenbi turns down Dorothy and tells her to go home, but after seeing Dorothy take down Kakashi, he accepts her.

電撃大王 (Dengeki Daioh) April '05Title: 電撃大王 (Dengeki Daioh) April '05
Issue Date: 4/1/2004
Publisher: メディアワックス (Media Works)
Pages: 578

Two new series starts this month. The first is To Heart 2, which for its premiere comes in a separate booklet. The second series is based off a long running novel titled "Shakugan no Shana" (Red-Eyed Shana). It's a bit of the horror/magical girl type story.

Bonus is the To Heart 2 booklet which not only has the comic, but also a lot of information about the characters from the game.

Uta~Kata ends this month. Pretty Maniacs ends (sequel to Maniac Road). KuraKURA ending next volume. NA-NA-NA-NA ends next volume.

Shakugan no Shana: 1: Yuuji thought that life would be normal until one day he gets attacked by several monsters. Apparently, they put everyone else in a form a stasis, but he can still move. As he's about to be eaten, a red-haired, red-eyed girl shows up and starts slaying the monsters. She accidentally slices him too, and even though his body is almost split in half, he doesn't feel anything and still and talk. After defeating the monsters, she fuses him back together again and he notices that he has a flame burning inside, much like what is surrounding the other people. The girl then "unfreezes" everything. Yuuji notices that there's a dark haired girl nearby and tries to ask what's going on. She tells him that he's not human.

Yotsuba to: 24よつばとばんごはん (Yotsuba and Dinner): Yotsuba and father go to the supermarket to find ingredients for dinner. After hearing some other kid wanting hamburger for dinner, Yotsuba suggests they have hamburger. She makes a point to tell everyone at the store that she's having that for dinner. However, father finds out that he forgot his wallet, but fortunately Fuuka is there and she pays for their groceries. The dinner they make tastes better than it looks.

Gunslinger Girl: 第26話ピノッキオ5 (Pinocchio, Part 5): Pinocchio leaves the vineyard and returns to Christiano's mansion urging him to leave. Despite knowing that they're coming for him, Christiano is reluctant. Toriella comes into the mansion and meets up with Pinocchio again. After a short scuffle, Christiano tells Pinocchio that he's going to go abroad and gives him keys to a getaway car.

HayatexBlade: 16世界の中心にバカが集まる (The Baka Gathered in the Center of the Universe): Ayana still has issues with her old partner, Yukari. Jun introduces Hayate to her partner, Yuuho, the quiet and strange girl Hayate had lunch with several chapters back. They're both at rank B, so they'll eventually have to fight each other. Yuuho is convinced that Jun will beat Ayana, Hayate rebuts.

Tsukihime: 17: Shiel invites Shiki into a club room for some snacks and has a conversation with him about his past. In her last question, she asks if Shiki knows about vampires and asserts that they must not exists because they're monsters. At night, he goes out to find Alcuid, but can't find her even in her apartment. Later in the night, he wakes up in his room to find Alcuid standing over him.

Muv-luv: 8: Takeru and Mikoto continue their trek back, but Takeru can't walk anymore. As it becomes dark, the two of them camp out. Mikoto explains that she became a soldier to fight for the sake of others. The next morning, Takeru forces himself to urge on. He explains to Mikoto that he looks like Mikoto from earth, except that that Mikoto is a male. All of a sudden, they meet up with everyone else.

Uta~Kata: 7: Ichika goes back in the attic to find Manatsu and sees Saya there as well. Saya makes her choose between her her life or the lives of everyone else. Because she can't decide, she violates the rules and will follow the same fate as Sei 6 years ago. However, Manatsu jumps in and offers her life instead. Ichika and Manatsu then have a tearful goodbye as Ichika disappears.

Ichigo Marshmallow: ??: Matsuri comes over wearing a cat hat (hood with ears). With everyone saying how cute she looks, Miu decides to wear some rabbit ears. When that fails, she dresses up as a tiger and finally as Dracula.

To Heart R: 6: Hiroyuki is invited to Remi's Christmas party, but is reluctant to go. Akari shows up and Remi assures her that Hiroyuki will come, but he doesn't. Akari goes outside and finds Maruchi there waiting to talk to her. Maruchi tells her that she wants Akari to be with Hiroyuki and then passes out.

To Heart 2: 1: Takaaki and Konomi are running late to school. Yuuji finally catches up with them and reminds Takaaki that he's been living single for the past month since his parents went abroad. At lunch, Yuuji makes Takaaki think about his relationship with Konomi. After school, Konomi, Michiru, and Chie have ice cream and each tries each other's flavors. The two other girls are amused when Konomi asks Takaaki to try her flavor. At dinner, Konomi brings some food over and Takaaki affirms that Konomi is his most important childhood friend.

Kashimashi: 10見てるだけが… (Just Looking...): The class is going to have a bravery event where the students will walk around school at night. As Hazumu mopes, she accidentally sees Ayuki turns down another invitation. Ayuki catches her and tells her that she's not really interested in dating. That night, Hazumu walks with Tomari and Yasuna, but still gets frightened off. He runs into Ayuki later on and asks her what she meant by not trying. Ayuki explains that she's always enjoyed observing, not participating and tells Hazumu to make his choices wisely between Yasuna and Tomari.

KuraKURA: 8: Just as Ruuna is about to confess to Hayakawa, she finds out that there's two of them and the one she's been talking to is the alien. The false Hayakawa and accomplice knock out the real Hayakawa and run off into the classroom. Ruuna transforms and follows them into find the room full of students (including her mother).

Psi-ren: 9: After the date, Souichiro has a nightmare imagining that Meruna might be using him just like how he's been trying to use her. The next day at work, Meruna is told that she can dress different when she leaves work so that she won't get so much attention. However, that afternoon, she calls on Souichiro to pick up her. He drives her to an outlook, but the mood is ruined by her grumbling stomach.

Girls ブラボー (Girls Bravo) Vol. 9Title: Girls ブラボー (Girls Bravo) Vol. 9
Artist/Author: まりお金田 (Mario Kaneda)
Book Size/Pages: B-6, 177pp., w/furigana
Volume: 9/10
Original Serialization: Monthly Shonen Ace 7/04-11/04
First Printing: 11/26/04
Rating: 3/4

I don't know what I can say about the manga. After seeing the anime, it's pretty tame in terms of fan service. There's no plot, nor any attempts at a plot, but it's still rather funny. My favorite chapter for this volume is probably chapter 57 with the magical frog. But really, they're all equally funny if you like this type of humor.

Bonus comes with colored first pages. My first printing copy also came with a Miharu Christmas card.

Contains Acts 55~61.

Girls ブラボー (Girls Bravo) DVD Box 1Title: Girls ブラボー (Girls Bravo) DVD Box 1
Original Creator: まりお金田 (Mario Kaneda)
Volume: 1/2
Catalog No.: BIBA-9105
Release Date: 10/22/04
Rating: 3/4

Girls Bravo was a random anime purchase for me. I had read most of the manga up to the point when I bought this last October, but unlike the other tie-ins that I buy, this wasn't a priority. But the series turned out to be pretty good, meeting my expectations about what it was going to be.

The packaging has a sticker that says "No Smoking." At first I thought it was pretty strange, but I realized that what it meant was that for the bathing scenes, there's no steam to cover up the female body. The series has a lot more nudity compared to the novel. It seemed a little unnecessary at times, but overall, it didn't seem too forced.

While I remember some of the stories from the manga, I'm not going to review the books and try to compare them. The first few episodes seemed familiar, but as the series went on, it became more divergent. Given that the manga didn't have a plot anyway, as long as they were faithful to the characters, it's okay.

I'm really impressed with Mamiko Noto's performance as Yukinari. Given her usual roles as a soft spoken girl, she's quite capable of having a more scruffy male voice (although not as much). yuzuka*'s intro is catchy, but I think I'll just stick with the anime and manga for this series.

The box comes with a Kiyomi figurine, trading card holder, and each of the 4 DVDs comes with a trading card that matches the cover.

1. お風呂場からブラボー! (From the Bath Tub, Bravo!)
2. 学校でブラボー! (At School, Bravo!)
3. クッキングはブラボー! (Cooking, Bravo!)
4. 豪邸でブラボー! (At the Mansion, Bravo!)
5. 雨の日にブラボー!(前編) (Rainy Day, Bravo! First Part)
6. 雨の日にブラボー!(後編) (Rainy Day, Bravo! Last Part)
7. おムコさん探してでブラボー! (Searching for a Groom, Bravo!)
8. いっぱいでブラボー! (Full Bravo!)

恋姫草紙 (Koi Hime Storybook)Title: 恋姫草紙 (Koi Hime Storybook)
Artist/Author: コゲどんぼ (KOGE-Donbo)
Book Size/Pages: A-5, 164pp., w/furigana
Volume: 1/1
Original Serialization: Monthly Dengeki GAO! 11/04-3/05
First Printing: 3/25/05
Rating: 3/4

Knowing that she's busy with Karin-chama, I was surprised to find this in the bookstore. There are actually two stories in here. The first is the story of Koi Hime, the second is a one shot titled "Haruka." The Koi Hime story has more violence that I had expected with slayings and death, but it tells a nice parable about a young princess who finds out that the power to make anyone fall in love with her is actually a curse in disguise. The one-shot really doesn't look like her usual character designs and tells a story about a girl who gets more than she wished for.

The first few pages are colored and she includes a letter.

Contains chapters 1~5.

ドラゴンマガジン (Dragon Magazine) January '05Title: ドラゴンマガジン (Dragon Magazine) January '05
Issue Date: 1/1/04
Publisher: Kadokawa (Fujimi Shobo)
Pages: 226

There's a new series this month titled "Himiko Ensenki" which I thought I could start, but upon further research, it turns out that the story that's just starting is a side story to a series that already has a couple of novels. Since I have no time to catch-up, I'll pass. Ahh, I'm so behind.

Bonus comes with a pencil board and a trading card.

キミボクそして私が立つ今日 (You and Me, and Today I Stand):
Chapter 4: Chapter starts off with a scene in a room where Haruka is about to disrobe and show herself to a nervous Yuuki. Agnes comes barging in with a flying kick to disrupt the mood thinking that the two are up to no good. Turns out that Haruka was just showing Yuuki her design for the new school uniform -- a school swimsuit. Flash back to three days ago. At the 12th student assembly, Shizuki suggests that they design new school uniforms for the girls with Yuuki and Agnes as the judges while everyone else, namely the Season Sisters, design the attire. With the first cut, Haruna has her swimsuit design, Natsuki has a PE uniform design, Akina has a nurse's outfit, and Fuyumi has a maid outfit. All these designs irritate Agnes. While taking a break in the cafeteria, Agnes explains her disgust and Yuuki realizes that the real reason is that Agnes always got kicked out of school and never had a good experience with school uniforms. When the real judging time comes, Agnes disapproves of all the designs and storms off in her room and dozes off. Himuril has an idea. When Agnes awakes, she's dressed in a school uniform matching the other girls and they declare Agnes the winner. During the photo op, she doesn't seem too bothered by it.

聖竜伝 (Legend of the Sacred Dragon):
Chapter 5: After Daurat returns back, he sees a mysterious woman, Riel Fen, who tells him that she had sensed a strange presence recently and has learned from Daurat's son that he had just transported a couple of kids to a city. She wants him to take her there. He eventually agrees to do so. Meanwhile, Latkis is gambling to get some money. He wins a good amount and tries to leave, but his drunk opponents are happy that he's taking the money and cause a ruckus. In the confusion, Shin and Fana lose site of Latkis. The two of them try to escape the place and are helped by a strange who, as he sees them out, tells Shin to tell Latkis that if he's going to cheap, don't win so much. They finally meet up with Latkis and leave town hidden in a horse carriage full of baggage. Once inside, Shin starts hearing voices beckoning him. He finds a strange stone in a box and picks it up to find that it's stuck to his hand. As they arrive at Asufa, Shin decides that he should just keep his hand in his pocket. In town, a mysterious woman who knows their names comes up to Shin and tells him that the rock he has in his hand has an unimaginable power and says that even she can't remove it. She then vanishes. Later as they're watching the festivities in town, Shin feels a knife in his back with the guy telling him that he wants something that's more important than money.

Kagetora Vol. 2Title: Kagetora Vol. 2
Artist/Author: 瀬上あきら (Akira Segami)
Book Size/Pages: Small B-6, 192pp., w/furigana
Original Serialization: Monthly Magazine Special 11/02-3/03
First Printing: 6/17/03
Rating: 3/4

A new character enters in this volume and provides a little more romantic tension. Of course, like in all romance comedies, the girl is a childhood friend of the hero. In this case, it's Sakuya, who is also a ninja. She isn't overbearing and knows that Kagetora likes Yuki. Meanwhile, most of the stories tell how the two main character's relationship is developing (for the better).

6. オバケなんてウソさ! (There Are No Monsters)
7. もう子供じゃない! (I'm Not a Kid Anymore)
8. クリスマス・ヴァージン (Christmas Virgin)
9. 二人だけの秘密 (Our Secret)
10. いじわる (Tease)

少年マガジン (Shonen Magazine), 05 Vol 20Title: 少年マガジン (Shonen Magazine) Vol. 20
Issue Date: 4/27/05
Publisher: Kodansha
Pages: 463

Yuuko-rin! This time, she's dressing and posing as Suzuka. She didn't dye her hair blue, but she's cute regardless. I think she would be a better Asuna though. There's a new series tarting this week, "Vinland Saga," by the same author as "Planetes." Unfortunately, Viking stories don't really appeal to me in manga.

This week's anime research segment features Yuu Kobayashi, who voices Setsuna in Negima. Negima is off this week.

Suzuka: #57仲直 (Making Up): Yamato finally tells Suzuka the real reason why he broke with Honoka. At first, she seems angry, but later that night, she calls his cell phone from her room (they're just next door) and then just ends up screaming through the wall saying that she doesn't hate him and for him to try harder in the relay.

Tsubasa: 75幸せな夢 (Happy Dream): The gang celebrates the clearing of the round of racing. As Sakura falls asleep, Shaoran notices that she seems to be having a good dream. Meanwhile, Tomoyo orders an investigation into the sparkling dust that appeared during the first race and she wants answers before the next round. As Sakura and Shaoran go out to town the next morning, they're minor celebrities... but then they're surrounded by a group of seemingly bad people.

Toto: 18赤い頭巾の男 (Red-Hooded Man): Chopin gets eatened by his own beast, the snake, and the it takes a life of its own and goes after Kakashi. Suddenly, a new guy appears who has extra and big arms. He smashes the snake and then goes after Kakashi and Toto. Paisly (witch) tries to tell this newcomer, named Red, that Kakashi is a friend, but not before he smashes up Noiru's locomotive. They finally arrive at the North Witches castle and Kakashi notices a picture on the wall. Paisly explains that the guy picture was the one who originally released the powers of the ring. It's Kakashi's father.

Student Council: #19生徒会長代理 (Student Council President Representative): Musashi and Hidemitsu have a scuffle with Misashi coming out on top. He later asks Mami about a vision he saw during his fight with Valkyrie. Mami confirms that the vision was of his parent's death on the boat, which she explains was attacked by Valkyrie. With that, Musashi agrees to be the president (representative) and fight on.

King's Sword: 32落陽炎上 (Rakuyou in Flames): They see Rakuyou burn and spot Toutaku escaping. Ryubi manages to catch up and almost gets his head before falling debris split them up. Chohi has a fight with Ryofu but Ryofu manages to escape. Sousou then gets shot by an arrow.

Hamanaka Ai: 082えせわらしべ長者 (Sneering Millionaire): Ai gives Nakamura tomato juice to help her with her hangover. In return, Nakamura gives a tampon, but that gets used to plug up Rinko's runny nose. In return, Rinko gives a lipstick which Ai puts on Masahiko. Ai then helps his mom with making miso and when asked, Masahiko says it's delicious (apparently there's a pun at this point).

Changing Now: #48盛況!! ヒーローショー (Success!! Hero Show): At a hero show, Fujiwara sees that a real baddie has shown up, but he can't transform in public. He just stands there and apparently he's awarded the bravery award for the day for not cowering to the bad guy.

ドラゴンエイジ (Dragon Age) April '05Title: ドラゴンエイジ (Dragon Age) April '05
Issue Date: 4/10/2005
Publisher: Kadokawa (Fujimi Shobo)
Pages: 682

The size is now back to normal. Full Metal Panic and Magical Cat X ends this week. It thought that FMP ended quite weakly, but probably because the new series is starting in next month's issue. The cover features a pro-wrestler cosplaying as Kogarashi of Maid Guy.

Maburaho Colorful has a short, but all-color bonus chapter this month. Last month was also a bonus chapter which I put as chapter 4 by mistake. The relationship in Mahou Tsukai ni Taisetsu na Koto finally get all fleshed out. It's pretty complicated. Nodoka Nobody has a bonus chapter featuring Miki, titled "Miki and Anybody." That title is usually used in the little sidebar where the author explains what's going on in his life.

Maburaho Colorful: 第4話「ゆうな、ぱすてるぴんくの優しさ」の巻 ("Yuuna, Pastel Pink Gentleness" Chapter): Kazuki has the cold and Yuuna tries to take care of him, but for the most part scares him with her alchemy and later, shots. He explains that the reason he got a cold was that he wanted to find Yuuna a 4 leaf clover and became sick after spending a night outside. Yuuna tells him that his health is more important to her.

Karin: 恥の24「雨水君の戸惑いと文緒の動揺〜embarrassment〜」 (Kenta's Confusion and Fumio's Shock): Kenta's father comes to the bookstore again trying to find more about Kenta. Karin tells Kenta that she saw someone who looks like his father. He responds that he doesn't have a father. The PI goes to Fumio's house and informs her about her husband, but Fumio doesn't want to talk to him. She then remembers when she ran away with Kenta several years ago. On the street as Kenta and Karin leave work, they bump into his dad. She suggests that Kenta and mother come stay at her house, but Karin's parents don't approve as Fumio doesn't know they're vampires. Karin then has an unexpected blood rush and passes out. Her parents put the blame on Kenta.

Tsubame Syndrome: 16[君から僕へつながる道] (The Road that Connects You and Me): Tsubame and Taiga get a visit from one of Tsubame's former teachers and upperclasswoman, Urufin. At first, Taiga doesn't know that Urufin is a she and gets a bit jealous when Tsubame and her start reflection on their past. Later, Urufin has a talk with Taiga and explains how Tsubame has changed so much because of him and thanks him for it. She then returns.

Zero In: Piece 18: Slide Stop: Mikuru is full of bandages after her recent scuffle and goes to a park alone and sits on the swings remembering Kina and crying because she thinks she has failed. Kou then comes and gives her a hug and walks her home.

Maid Guy: 5: Naeka did poorly on her exam and her friends explain that test scores are inversely proportional to bust size. As a punishment, she's not allowed to be in the kendo club until she brings up her test score. She admits that she's in kendo because it keeps her trim and fit, not because she likes it. Kogarashi tries to cook up some potion that'll help her remember, but that doesn't work out. Later, Fubuki explains that Kogarashi is really smart and even took up teaching at MIT. So he ends up being a harsh tutor. Kogarashi then reveals that he has mental images of all the lectures and using a printer, he prints them out. He then thinks that it might work the other way, so he tries to plug the cord into Naeka to have her remember. On the day of the test, Fubuki binds Naeka's chest just in case, but during class, it comes undone. However, Naeka does extremely well on the next test.

Full Metal Panic: LAST MISSION: The Endless Summer: Sosuke sets up a military gate at their school's festival and when she pouts, one of the turrets spouts fire and burns up a part of her hair. She then remembers to when Sosuke took her to his secret fishing spot just as they were about to leave the base and kissing him there. Back to present day, Sosuke has her wear a hard hat, which annoys her even more. However, in her mind, she thinks that even with all the things that have happened, she still has her friends and Sosuke.

Supasu-pa: 27「鈴と春奈と樹の想い」 (Suzu, Haruna, and Itsuki's Memories): Itsuki goes to the amusement park with Haruna and Suzu. Despite the fun, he's in anguish because he knows that he'll have to choose one and drop the other girl.

Taisetsu na Koto: Step 14: 想いの行方 (The Whereabouts of Memories): Here we go. Hideki finds Ryutaro's student ID in Nami's room. Nami likes Ryutaro. While Nami and Ryutaro are talking, Kayoko comes up and interrupts them. Nami thinks Ryutaro and Kayoko are a couple. Hideki tells Chika that he found Ryutaro's ID in Nami's room. Chika runs away. Hideki thinks Chika likes Ryutaro. Later, Hideki talks to Ryutaro and asks if he likes anyone as a lead on question. He almost chokes on his noodles, but upon further questioning, he tells Hideki that he should confess to the girl if he likes her. Nami later decides to give up on Ryutaro and return his ID. Mitsuake then finds Nami and asks her for her answer on whether she'll date him or not. She remains silent and apologizes. She then realizes that she lost his ID and tries to use her magic to find it. She's unsuccessful. Later, Hideki tells Chika that he likes her, but she says she has someone she loves already (Nami). Reiko finds Kayoko and is surprised that she's walking by herself. Turns out that Ryutaro told her he won't be her taxi. Nami finally finds his wallet on the street, but by now, she's drenched in rain.

Love Dog: 第6話「実録☆マジやばいって☆犬神娘大慌ての巻」 (Records, It's Really Bad, Canine Goddess's Big Panic Chapter): Amane and Yura believe they have been photographed and their true identities revealed. They go after the photographer, but he runs into Shinichiro's school, a place where they're not supposed to go as it'll cause problems for him. They dress up as school girls and go in anyway. They find Shinichiro and explain to him the situation. They finally find the photographer, who didn't actually take a picture of them as dogs, but he has panty shots in his camera. They punish him for that.

Girl Following: 第5話「唇の記憶」 (Remembering Lips): Eitaro has a dream about his past when he and Natsuru saw a romantic movie and she had asked him to kiss her on a bridge which was similar to what they saw in the movie. In the morning, he's almost late in meeting with Miori, whose brother has followed her out because he thinks she's been acting strange lately. At the diner, Natsuru's spirit takes over Miori's body. The brother gets caught stalking and when the police asks Miori who the guy is, she says she doesn't know him (of course, because she's Natsuru right now). The two go to the bridge again and Natsuru reminds him about the movie they saw as a kid and asks for a kiss. He hesitates, she changes back to Miori. The brother shows up again and gets dragged away again by the police.

Nodoka Nobody: 九ノ湯「天才の憂鬱」 (The Genius's Depression): Nodoka is pretty bummed because one of her previous projects turned out to be a disaster with water leakage and massive property damage. As she tries to fix the problems she caused, an old guy friend comes by and tries to meet her. However, they keep missing each other. She finally finds out that he'll be at the public bath at midnight and waits for him there. He wants to be a story teller/singer, but because he lives in a cheap apartment, his practice always bothers the neighbors, so he borrows the public bath afterhours for practice. Seeing this, Nodoka is rejuvenated in her work.

苺ましまろ (Ichigo Marshmallow) Chara-CD 1 ChikaTitle: 苺ましまろ (Ichigo Marshmallow) Chara-CD 1 Chika
Original Creator: ばらスィー (Barasui)
Vocals: 千葉妙子 (Saeko Chiba) and cast
Release Date: 3/9/05
Catalog No.: GNCA-0009
Rating: 4/4

I had put this CD on the chopping block for upcoming series, but thank goodness I didn't as Chika's theme has become one of my favorite songs. Saeko sings the song extremely well and the song seems to be tailored to her particular singing voice. Lyrics don't really match the character, but I like the story it tells regardless. The various interjections are a nice touch.

The dramas on the CD are hilarious, especially Ana's track. Hitomi Nabatame, who plays Nobue, really surprised me with her voice. I'm used to her speaking as high-pitched Yuuna from Maburaho. In this series, she plays the mature Nobue, so her voice is really low (probably her regular voice). It was the only voice that I couldn't recognize. Fumiko Orikasa's voice also threw me off for a bit. I could pick up Mamiko, Ayako, and Saeko's voices pretty quickly.

Bonus comes with a box for all 4 character CDs.

1. オープニングトーク (Opening Talk): Miu tries to energize the audience by introducing the contents of the CD, but the other girls sound very unmotivated.

2. 千佳への10の質問 (10 Questions for Chika): Miu interviews Chika but answers some of the questions herself, including what Chika thinks of Miu.

4. お悩み相談 (Advice): Matsuri reads a letter from a guy who doesn't have any money. At first, they think that it's Matsuri who doesn't have money and blame it on Miu. Later, each girl gives some advice with Miu saying that he can get other people to buy things, just like how she does with Matsuri.

5. ミニドラマ「作戦会議」 (Mini-Drama "Tactical Meeting"): The girls, lead by Miu, try to figure out what color ranger each of the girls should be. Discussion arises when Miu tries to assign Chika yellow based on her favorite food.

6. おまけコーナー「アナの英会話」 (Bonus Corner "Ana's English Conversation"): Ana tries to teach the girls how to say "I Like You" but she teaches them to pronounce it in romanji, イ・リケ・ヨウ!

AIR Vol. 1 LETitle: AIR Vol. 1 LE
Original Creator: Key/Visual Art's
Volume: 1/6
Catalog No.: PCBX-50668
Release Date: 4/6/05
Rating: 4/4

It's finally here!

The story is heavily edited and compressed, which may be a downside if I didn't know the story inside-out already. It seemed as though in the first episode, they had to give a cameo for everyone who's involved in the story (at least the present-day part). But that gives a ton of foreshadowing, for example the crow appears even before the intro song starts in episode 1, a treat for those who already played the game.

The visuals are fantastic, I particularly like the cloud scenes. The soundtrack is excellent, but that's because all the music is from the game. I think Kawakami Tomoko's voice has changed a bit since the game. Misuzu sounds just a tad different. The bonus commentary has the series director, and the directors for the first two episodes giving their thoughts and opinions.

Limited edition comes in a digipack to match the Prelude disc. It also comes with a special poem postcard as well as a proof of purchase to redeem for goodies if you get all 6 LEs.

1. かぜ〜breeze〜
2. まち〜town〜

Air
The only way to enjoy it!

アカネマニアックス (Akane Maniax) Vol. 2Title: アカネマニアックス (Akane Maniax) Vol. 2
Original Creator: Age
Volume: 2/3
Catalog No.: ZMBZ-2048
Release Date: 3/25/05
Rating: 4/4

Mitsuki, Haruka, and Takayuki have a cameo in here, although they're not really mentioned by name. Gouta is a rather interesting character with a wild imagination. The story is sweet, although a little cheesy. You also have to know the stories of Muvluv and Kiminozo to fully appreciate the motivation for each character.

The bonus concert DVD is a real treat. It's a compliation of several concerts/events from last year to promote Akane Maniax (held in Tokyo, Sapporo, Nagoya, and Fukuoka from mid-September to mid-October). The footage is mostly from the Tokyo concert though, I believe.

Minami looks like she hasn't slept for days, but her singing voice is as good as ever. I'm really surprised at Kaori's performance. She didn't look too comfortable on stage, but her voice was almost perfect. She also looked a little taller than I expected, but then I realized she's wearing platforms. It's also got a good selection of my favorite Kiminozo songs including the intro to Radio Sky Temple and the old Kiminozo Radio intro song.

The DVD comes with the concert DVD, another Akane mini-figurine, reversible cover, picture label, Rumbling Angel card, and a proof of purchase for the mail-in offer at the end of the third disc.

2. 剛田城二入部せよ (Zyouji Gouta, Join the Club!)

CooRie: 木漏れ日カレンダー (Komorebi Calendar)Title: CooRie: 木漏れ日カレンダー (Komorebi Calendar)
Vocals: rino
Release Date: 3/24/05
Catalog No.: LHCA-5005
Rating: 3/4

The song that I was really looking forward to on this CD was rino's version of the intro to Sakura Setsugekka, originally sung by Yui Horie. She does a wonderful job of singing it, much better than I imagined. I'm still biased towards Ho-chan though, but that's because I'm a bigger fan of hers. The other song I wanted to listen to was the remixed version of the ending to Kimi ga Nozomu Eien. The voice is the same as the original version, but the more piano-esque version on this CD doesn't improve on the song.

There are many songs from Da Capo, as well as other games, that were written by CooRie that she performs. CooRie's melodies still have that magical quality about them that I love.

少年マガジン (Shonen Magazine), '05 Vol 18Title: 少年マガジン (Shonen Magazine) Vol. 18
Issue Date: 4/13/05
Publisher: Kodansha
Pages: 476

The feature this week is a showcase of the 16 finalists chosen for Miss Magazine 2005. Their ages range from 17 to 20. They also seem to be getting younger and younger. There's also a one-shot documentary manga about a real-life rescue after the recent Niigata earthquake.

Negima: 90時間目 帳尻合わせ?の中夜祭 (A Midnight Festival to "Reconcile?"): As the first day of the festival draws to a close, a few students including Ayaka and Chisame come up to Negi and mention things that Negi doesn't remember saying or doing. With this, he knows that he has to go back in time again and brings along Kotaro (with Kamo). He helps out Yuuna and Misa at the haunted house event and then accompanies Ayaka. He later falls asleep on Ayaka's lap, much to her delight and later catch Chisame by surprise.

Suzuka: #55応援 (Support): After finding out that Suzuka dislikes Yamato because he said he broke up with Honoka because it was bothersome, she goes to Yamato herself to find out what's actually going on. Yamato explains that he had to say something and couldn't tell the truth -- that they broke up because of Suzuka. Miki understands and promises to keep it a secret. She later invites him to dinner and gives him some encouragement when he starts wonder why he joined the track team as Suzuka hates him now.

Tsubasa: 73二人の力 (The Power of Two): Everyone's flying the race. Sakura has some trouble, but manages to control her craft.

Toto: 16指輪の男 (The Guy with the Ring): Snake Ring Chopin, the guy who appeared earlier, comes again, but this time he's after Toto. He manages to trap Kakashi in a hallucination where he meets the leader of the Man Chicken gang again when in reality, he's been petrified. In his dream, Toto the dog manages to save him and allow him to break free from his stone casing.

Hamanaka Ai: 079中村的行楽 (Nakamura-style Holiday): Nakamura manages to borrow Seiji's (one of Masahiko's teachers) car for a trip. The drive to the ocean and while Ai, Rinko, and Misaki are outside enjoying the view, Nakamura and Masahiko realize they're out of gas. Think that shaking the car will help, she has Masahiko do the work while she shouts out comments that can be mistaken for some other activity.

School Council: #17王の証 (Proof of a King): With his speed, Musashi defeats Valkyrie forcing it to retreat back behind the gates. He and Mami soon pass out of exhaustion. As he recuperates in his room, Akane finds that Touko and Hitsuji, fellow female members of the student council, have secretly crawled into his bed.

King's Sword: 30孫堅孤立 (An Isolated Sonken): Sonken, who's fighting in front, finds out that he's going to be outnumbered. He has a messenger go back for help. Ryubi comes with reinforcement.

Changing Now: #45再戦!! 激斗の砂場 (Rematch!! Fighting in the Sandbox): While Fujioka (Dog Fighter) is sleep, his baby plays in the sandbox. Two punk toddlers come up to him, but he's teams up with another child playing there and beats the kid baddies.

少年マガジン (Shonen Magazine), '05 Vol 19Title: 少年マガジン (Shonen Magazine) Vol. 19
Issue Date: 4/20/05
Publisher: Kodansha
Pages: 462

Interesting, Tsubasa has two covers in a row. There's also a bonus Tsubasa short chapter as well as a double dose of Hamanaka Ai to commemorate the 3rd volume. The AMR manga has interviews with the Tsubasa cast. Rina Satou, the voice of Negi, has a lengthy interview in this volume too.

Next week will feature Yuuko Ogura (Yuuko-rin!) cosplaying as Suzuka!

Tsubasa: 74君の強さ (Your Strength): Kuro thinks that if they want Sakura's feather, they can just take it. But Tomoyo says that the one on display is a replica as the real one is safely stored away. The race finishes and as Sakura is vying for the last spot to advance into the finals, fumes start obstructing her view. She finishes the race at #20, just good enough to advance. Tomoyo asks for some investigation into the smoke, especially the sparking that seemed to help Sakura to the goal line.

Suzuka: #56後悔 (Regret): Yamato hasn't been able to concentrate at practice and continually drops the baton. After practice, Miki offers to practice with him, yet he still is bothered by Suzuka. Miki makes him realize that he still regrets not telling the truth about his breakup and wants him to mend his relationship with Suzuka.

Hamanaka Ai: 080子供と大人の間 (Betweeen Kids and Adults): Masahiko is now a third year. As he walks back from school, it starts raining and Ai offers him her umbrella. When he goes home, he tells his mom that Ai let him go in (in under the umbrella) and she became wet. Mother brings a pair of female underwear.

Hamanaka Ai: 081天野vs若田部最終戦 (The Last Battle Between Amano and Wakatabe): The class needs to choose a class leader and Ayana declares her candidacy. Rinko then nominates Misaki. Last year, Misaki lost the spot to Ayana. This year though, there isn't a test to have a showdown. Later, Ayana gets the allergies and tries to get some tissues from Misaki. She accidentally touches her chest and mistakenly calls her Masahiko. Ayana then withdraws from the race giving the spot to Misaki.

Negima: 91時間目 コスプレの極意、教えマス♡ (I'll Tell You the Cosplay Secret): In private, Negi tells Chisame that he knows of her little web site and actually reads her blog every day. Negima, Kotaro, Ayaka, and soon Makie find out about the cosplay contest, and the two girls join. Chisame, not being satisfied, gives Ayaka and Makie a better outfit. Meanwhile, she tells Negi that she won't cosplay. However, she gets called and panics. On stage, she starts crying because she can't get herself to play her other self. Yet, this wins over the audience. After winning the even, she tells Negi not to leak out her secret to the other classmates.

Toto: 17指輪の男2 (The Guy with the Ring, Part 2): Chopin starts unleashing his powers, one of which includes petrifying the forest they're currently passing over. This causes the stones to start tumbling, potentially hitting the train. Kakashi tells Dorthy and everyone else to go to the locomotive section and speed on ahead. However, the others stay and help fight. Toto swallows a turret on the train and then regurgitates it to shoot Chopin. Apparently, that's one of its powers.

King's Sword: 31袁紹の裏切り (Ensho's Betrayal): The group approaches the city Totaku is supposed to be. After a bloody battle, the find out that Totaku has escaped. Ensho decides that they've already won, so he calls for his troops to retreat while the others press ahead. Totaku, from afar, orders that they burn down the city where Ryubi, et al. are.

Student Council: #18少女の傷 (The Girl's Wounds): Musashi wakes up and finds Kaoru and Nagare who guess correctly that he's been worried about Mami. They bring him to her house and he sees her in bandages. Then Amata, the person on the Student Council who still hates Musashi, shows up and challeges him. Amata reveals that he is actually a she and that she loves Mami.

Changing Now: #47新作!! 春のモード大作戦 (New Item!! The Big Plan for Spring Mode): The general tries on new arms after losing his to Machina.

いちご100% (Strawberry 100%) Vol. 15Title: いちご100% (Strawberry 100%) Vol. 15
Artist/Author: 河下水希 (Mizuki Kawashita)
Book Size/Pages: Small B-6, 199pp., w/furigana
Original Serialization: Weekly Shonen JUMP Vol 44, '04 - Vol 52, '04
First Printing: 4/9/05
Rating: 3/4

I think Aya is the victor in this volume, although Satsuki came on pretty strong in the first half of the volume. Both of them get plenty of face time in this volume. Kozue also has her segments, but not as much as before. Chinami is now off the market in a surprising turn of events, but that's one less girl for Junpei to consider.

Bonus comes with short "Date with Tsukasa" manga interspersed throughout the book. The omake manga is no up to Ichigo 12~13%.

126. 誰がために泳ぐ (Swim for Whom?)
127. 全員集合夏合宿 (Summer Camp for All Members)
128. 湯けむり大脱出 (Big Steamy Escape)
129. トモダチ!?それとも… (Friend!? Or...)
130. 小宮山力也の奇跡 (Rikiya Komiyama's Miracle)
131. IN THE 暗闇 (In the Darkness)
132. 両手に花でSOS (SOS With Flowers in Both Hands)
133. どっち!? (Which One!?)
134. 風が吹いたら (When the Wind Blows)

イリヤの空、UFOの夏 (Sky of Iriya, Summer of UFO) Vol. 4Title: イリヤの空、UFOの夏 (Sky of Iriya, Summer of UFO) Vol. 4
Author: 秋山瑞人 (Mizuhito Akiyama)
Illustrator: 駒都え〜じ (Eiji Komatsu)
Book Size/Pages: A-6, 337pp.
Volume: 4/4
Original Serialization: Dengeki hp Vol 20 - Vol 24
First Printing: 8/25/03

It's over!

Like many stories, I felt that the ending was a little rushed. The plot was pretty good for most of the volume except the last two chapters where it concluded pretty abruptly. I liked how it ended as I don't think any other ending would have worked. Maybe another chapter would have made it work even better.

Overall though, I thought the 4 books told a very nice, and at times, very sentimental story. Many of the supporting characters got phased out at the end, which is unfortunate, but they probably couldn't have added any more to the plot as the story is mostly about the relationship between Iriya and Asaba. I'm looking forward to finishing the anime and the next Mizuhito Akiyama novel.

My volume, despite buying it used, still had the bonus postcard with a montage of images used on the cover of the 4 volumes. The pullout picture is a depiction of what Asaba dreams their lives could have been. It's my favorite drawing in the series.

10. 夏休みふたたび(前編) (Summer Revisited, First Part): Asaba and Iriya have run away from Sonohara and are heading south. While she has her black card that she can use to withdrawal money from (coming from the military money pool), they decide that it's a bad idea and so they live off Asaba's savings, which totals to a little more than $1K that he has in his duffle bag. They first start out living at an abandoned train station, but Asaba then decides that since all the schools are in recess due to the recent national emergency, they can camp out at a school. They choose an elementary school in the town of Kikuni. Iriya and Asaba are having the best days of their lives. The place they're staying at has bedding (nurses office), washing, and dining... all the necessities. Most of all though, they have freedom.

Using the multitude of cellphones that Suizenji had and that Asaba brought along, Iriya sets up a perimeter alarm system. One night, it gets triggered and after a brief struggle in the darkness, they see that it's just a hobo named Y