|

|
Title: 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.
|
 |
|
Title: 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!)
|
 |
|
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.
|
 |
|
Title: 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.
|
 |
|
Title: 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)
|
 |
|
Title: 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.
|
 |
|
Title: 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.
|
|
|