High School Debut Book 9
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Haruna, on the other hand, is full of enthusiasm, and friends speculate that her energy might break Yoh out of his shell a bit. The two have fun together practicing and planning, until Yoh gets nominated for grade captain, a school-wide election to pick group leaders. His increased duties mean more time and work away from her, as well as the kind of outgoing display uncharacteristic of him. There are also increased possibilities for jealousy, as the couple is thrown in with different people.

I didn’t enjoy this volume quite as much as I did previous ones because of the increased emphasis on school activities and the mechanics of such. It’s all very plausible, and the events are used to shed more light on the couple’s personalities and interactions, but … it didn’t seem quite as special to me. Plus, this book is all setup, with the festival presumably happening in the next installment.

I did appreciate the way it showed Haruna helping Yoh out, instead of the other way around, but it didn’t have the emotional punch I was hoping for. Maybe my expectations are just too high after so many excellent volumes so far; a merely good one suffers by comparison.

(A complimentary copy for this review was provided by the publisher.)

**Warning: Sundome is an adult rated series. This review contains some frank sexual language.**

This volume continues to explore the dysfunctional relationship between Hideo and Kurumi. At the same time, we see Kyouko and Katsu continue fumbling toward becoming a couple themselves.

Sundome Book 5
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The best word to describe this book is tenderness. Mind you, this is Sundome we’re taking about, so it’s tenderness relative to the prior volumes. However, this book marked a significant shift in tone for the series.

Absent from this volume is Kurumi asking Hideo to perform some crazy stunt or pass some test of obedience. Instead, we see them interact as normally as a couple can in this series. In the opening chapter, Hideo gets sick with a severe cold, and Kurumi shows up at his house to nurse him. Later, Hideo goes over to Kurumi’s apartment to help her change light bulbs. They actually have conversations about their relationship, and Kurumi hints that she may have feelings for Hideo.

What fascinates me in this volume is Kurumi’s openness. She reveals a couple of facts about her family and her past. She initiates kissing and scenes of intimacy. She actually even masturbates in front of Hideo. Kurumi is beginning to reciprocate Hideo’s affection. It appears that he has proven the sincerity of his love and devotion. Kurumi has realized that Hideo isn’t attracted to every girl; he is attracted to her. She is the only one he wants and wants unrestrainedly.

I get a sense that Kurumi’s openness comes from a new-found acceptance of her own body. Throughout the series, Kurumi has struggled with a mysterious illness. She is frail (almost anorexic), prone to nosebleeds, and gets sick often. It would be normal for her to come to despise her body. It has caused her great suffering and at times embarrassment. Hideo doesn’t see frailty or sickness; instead, he thinks that every inch of her flesh is wonderful. Quite literally, every part of her body turns him on.

I can understand why Kurumi is suspicious of Hideo’s desire. She is the new girl, and he knows nothing of her, let alone her physical ailments. How could find ‘this’ body appealing when there are so many other prettier and healthier girls to choose from? And not just attractive, but how can he find ‘this’ body erotic? How can he get so easily turned on by looking at her?

Yet, despite rebuffs and Job-like tests, Hideo’s erotic fervor never waivers. He desires Kurumi despite, and in the face, of everything she puts him through. Hideo’s ardor makes Kurumi rethink her own negative body image. In this volume, she begins to accept that her body is both beautiful and erotic. This self-affirmation tears down her own resistance to Hideo and his love. Now she is ready to express, and explore, her own sexual desires and romantic feelings.

Another joy in this volume is seeing the continued personal growth of Kyouko. At first, Kyouko came to the Roman club to get away from bullying boyfriends. Here, she could be the bully. However, we learn her choice of clubs wasn’t as random as she would have us believe. It turns out that she is actually a devotee of the paranormal and supernatural herself. She is also a video game junkie. These were aspects of her personality she wasn’t permitted to express when she was hanging out with the cool and dangerous kids. Now, she quickly jumps into discussions on the latest TV show exploring UFOs, haunted houses, urban legends, etc. Also, we see her asking for help in getting to the next level on the newest video games. It’s a pleasure to watch her come out of her shell and just be another fangirl.

Also, I get a kick out of watching Kyouko and Katsu awkwardly, and with glacial speed, becoming a couple. They are both attracted to each other, but neither wants to admit it. Katsu is too shy and uncertain for such a confession; Kyouko still isn’t ready to embrace her inner geek that completely. As is standard in most manga, their attraction to each other is obvious, they just have to overcome their personal reservations and fears. I love the scene where Katsu is showing Kyouko how to get to the next level of a game. It’s refreshing and cute to see them bond like that.

This is still Sundome, so fetishes abound. If bodily fluids make you squirm, then this volume won’t be to your liking. There are a wide variety of secretions to be found. There is even some toe-sucking action at the end. As always, this series is not for the faint of heart or weak of stomach. There are scenes I have to read quickly to make it through.

Okada’s artwork continues to communicate desire effectively. He makes passion tangible. As usual, there is a LOT of fanservice. There is no outright nudity, but plenty of wet shirts, loose shirts, and camel toe to leave little to the imagination. A couple of scenes are definitely softcore.

This volume really caught me off guard. I’m used to be conflicted and twisted up after reading Sundome. However, this time I actually enjoyed myself, without the self-loathing. Those following the series will find this volume a welcome change of pace. As usual, given the disturbing nature of the relationships in this series, I can’t recommend it, even though I continue to read it. You can read my previous reviews to see why.

Inubaka: Crazy for Dogs Book 13
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Kanako had a Pomeranian named Czerny. She doted on her pet, dressing the dog up in special outfits every day and generally treating her as precious. Unfortunately, Czerny has passed away suddenly. In this book, Suguri helps Kanako come to terms with her loss.

There’s a whole gamut of reactions covered here. One shop worker needs to be educated on how significant this loss can seem to a pet owner, while others feel a lot of grief. The problem of different recovery rates — some get over their pain quickly, others need much more time — causes tension among friends. An owner, losing her closest friend, might even feel suicidal.

The others worry about Kanako. Should they let her recover at her own pace, or should they step in to help? What kind of support does she need, because every situation is different? We don’t often see much of Kentaro, one of the pet shop workers, but here, he demonstrates unusual depth and consideration. And the gang has a creative suggestion to reorient Kanako in a more positive direction when it comes to remembering her beloved pet.

The big question is whether a grieving owner should get another dog, and if so, how quickly. Things are complicated by a natural disaster, which leaves both owners and pets homeless. By the end of the story, I admit, I was tearing up, because reading about the love between people and dogs is so heart-warming.

I was surprised but pleased to see such an affecting story in what I previously thought was a much lighter series. There’s a lot of thought-provoking learning here, accompanied by lovely pictures of cute doggies (and girls!). Although rated for Older Teens, I would think this would be a good read for anyone, teen and up, wondering about how to deal with loss.

Oh, and there’s also another story to change the mood, a comedy about feuding pet owners whose dogs are friends. It involves a modeling session with outfits for the pets, so the writer works in some information about sizing and reasons for dog clothes.

Love*Com Book 13
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A couple, friends of main pair Risa and Otani, are facing separation, since she got into college and he didn’t. The relationship of the two seems vulnerable, with all these changes, so another boy, a judo champion, is muscling in on the girl. Otani winds up promising “let’s you and him fight” in a classic sitcom situation of having to train quickly for a competition one’s completely over-matched for.

Thankfully, not a lot of time is spent on the battle and training — the important thing is being willing to fight for the one you love, a message any young romantic will appreciate. The surrounding setup is a bit over the top, which provides the funny, but the underlying emotions are still plausible to readers. The artistic focus on well-drawn faces — eyes, mouths, and eyebrows — makes it easy to keep up with what the characters are thinking and feeling.

After that comes some family conflict, with Risa’s younger brother about to start at her high school, which he’s cranky about. (He wanted to aim higher.) She and her friends try to show him around while acting particularly juvenile, which doesn’t help his impression, but at least they seem like real kids. Brother thinks Otani is the only cool one and so should break up with Risa. This, understandably, doesn’t lead to harmony between the siblings. The real conflict arises, though, when the previously unseen Grandpa decides to set Risa up with someone better suited for her (i.e., taller) while distracting Otani with a professional flirt.

I’m impressed by how Aya Nakahara keeps a very basic premise — tall girl and short boy in love — fresh by introducing different twists and characters as needed. The types may seem familiar, but that just makes it easier to get into situations quickly. At first, the conflicts keeping the two apart were created by themselves: ignorance (of their feelings), then mismatched timing. Now, to keep the story going, the conflicts are external, based on the objections of family members. It’s a movement from the self to the community, although ultimately, it all comes back to trust, an interior virtue.

(A complimentary copy for this review was provided by the publisher.)

This volume continues, and concludes, the adventures of Mao-chan and the Special Defense Corps as they attempt to fight off the aliens who want to steal all of Japan’s cultural landmarks. The two female alien spies disguised as high school students face new hardships as they run out of money and have to find jobs to pay the bills while continuing their mission. Once the alien leader appears, the final battle begins. What will become of Japan’s national treasures?

Mao-Chan Book 2
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As in volume 1, Del Rey has combined the third and fourth volumes of the Japanese edition into one book for US release.

Part of the charm of this series has been the over-the-top humor. Akamatsu continues to weave light satire into this series. He pokes fun at such diverse targets as Dominion Tank Police, Galaxy Express 999, Gon, and Tenchi Muyo. The jokes are genuinely funny; several times, I actually burst out laughing at a scene. Wait until you see what happens when a tank with artificial intelligence turns to a life of crime.

Surprisingly, the biggest target is Love Hina, with two chapters of Akmatsu making jokes at his own expense. We are introduced to Keinosuke Urashima, a student who keeps failing the entrance examine to Tokyo U, and his girlfriend Nana Nanasegawa. Together, they run a hot spring resort called Hinata Ryokan. The funniest moment in the book is when Nana and Private Mishima (both modeled after Love Hina’s Naru) meet, and everyone remarks on how they look identical.

But the series doesn’t rely solely on satire. Mao-chan is filled with appealing characters. The three young girls of the Special Defense Corps all really care about each other. Their grandfathers may try to make everything a competition, but they wisely ignore them and focus on being friends and developing teamwork. They also take seriously their role to preserve Japan’s landmarks. They’re earnestly trying their best in the face of overwhelming odds. It’s easy to find yourself drawn in by their youth and sincerely.

RAN continues to provide excellent artwork. He’s certainly an accomplished mimic. I would like to see a series where he gets a chance to develop his own style. Just a brief word of warning. There is plenty of fan service. No nudity, but lots of bikinis and towels.

Overall, Mao-chan was an enjoyable read. It was a good break from all the more serious manga I’ve been reading lately. The decision to keep Mao-chan short was wise. It prevents the humor or the characters from getting stale. I’m optimistic that Mao-chan will most appeal to anime and manga fans who like a good parody. However, the jokes are broad enough on their own that anyone can read and enjoy Mao-chan.

Choco Mimi Book 1
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Choco (Chiyoko Sakurai) is the sporty one interested in moody boy Ando. Mimi is the cuter, frillier one with the adorable dog Chiffon. He’s my favorite character. Although a fluffy dachshund, he thinks of himself as a man serving his master, dedicated to making Mimi happy and being stoic in light of the goofy things she does to him. There’s also Mumu, a cross-dressing little boy who causes conflict in weird ways.

Although we’re told several times they’re 8th graders (making them, what, 14?), they’re drawn in a little kid style (as seen on the cover) that reminds me of Junko Mizuno (only without the grossness). The few introductory pages tell you everything you need to know about them, their likes and dislikes. After that, it’s a series of 4-koma, vertical four-panel comic strips, with the characters being cute and silly at school or elsewhere.

Jokes revolve around Mimi having an unexpected response or the girls and their clothes or how the boys act. There are also half-page images of the girls hanging out, as well as fashion half pages, often seasonally oriented, where their outfits and accessories are described in detail. Sometimes the strips take up a full page or more, with more panels, creating little stories. The result is a lot of content, with plenty to read and lots of detail to look at.

I found it surprisingly readable. I liked entering the ChocoMimi world for a little while, when all that matters is looking cute and having fun with friends. It’s great escapism with an unexpected amount of creative imagination. Although rated for all ages, I don’t know that I’d recommend it for very young kids. It’s best for those who can evaluate what the characters do and figure out which parts make sense (taking care of animals) and which are fictional exaggerations (how Mimi acts in class, like wearing a bikini to school). It’s also not for those who are allergic to “girly”, a word used frequently and accurately within.

(A complimentary copy for this review was provided by the publisher.)

Hikaru no Go Book 13
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Hikaru has become a professional go player, and as the book begins, he’s dressing up for the recognition ceremony. He’s still learning how his new occupation works, who plays whom when and what it all means, but he’s still focused on catching — and passing — Akira Toya, son of the reigning champion.

They’re all so indoctrinated in the rules and roles of the competition that a slight or inadvertent insult becomes grounds for a vow to win against them in a match. That keeps the games emotionally involving both for the characters and the reader. Yet the characters recognize how much they all, as go players, have in common, as part of a tradition much bigger than they are. There’s also a mysticism about certain people sensing something special about Hikaru that fits right into a story that features a ghost.

Also in competition are Hikaru and Sai, since both want to play using Hikaru’s hands. Hikaru’s become a strong enough player on his own that his rise in professional ranking is believable, but he needs to continue making his own decisions in order to really learn the subtleties of the game.

Given how long Hikaru’s been chasing Akira, their match isn’t to happen yet. (The reader will remain in suspense even longer.) Akira is kept away from the games when his father, holder of five championship titles, has a medical emergency that hospitalizes him. Coincidentally, that wraps back to a previous plot point about playing go on the internet, an outlet that allows Sai to compete without others becoming suspicious. The champion player takes up online gaming when he must stay in the hospital, bringing him back into contact with Sai and Hikaru, whose childish exuberance and lack of thinking result in an unexpected wager with major consequences.

Hikaru no Go Book 14
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I realized in this volume that I really missed seeing women in major roles. Most of the competitive players and observers are male, so it’s only the rare wife or female assistant who gets to speak. I suppose it’s realistic that Hikaru no longer keeps in touch with his schoolmates, since his life has gone in a different direction, but I loved seeing his cute little friend appear again.

I haven’t said much about the art because it’s so excellent. Beautifully rendered, clear expressions, dramatic shots… the standout sequence, though, has to be when Sai plays on the internet. The game is staged with the two players, their board, and nothing else, just surrounded by black space. Sai’s presence comes into view behind Hikaru and then subsumes him as the ghost begins directing the play, one of the most important games of his (after)life. It’s impressive and intimidating, focusing only on the showdown between two giants.

The online game, watched by curious players all over the world, continues in Book 14. Hikaru sees something very important during the game, demonstrating to Sai that the boy has reached a whole new level of play. This is the most significant turning point in both of their lives. The way the match was arranged also causes some to be curious about Sai’s connection to Hikaru, causing him additional consternation.

Hikaru no Go Book 15
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Although Hikaru and Sai’s relationship is non-traditional, there are some very universal aspects to it. This turning point marks where the father figure gives up on his own plans and instead does what he can to see that his child will carry on into the future to become the best he can be. While Sai and Hikaru have this transition spiritually, Akira and his father face it physically. In both cases, they’re chasing their destinies.

Book 15 is where the most important change occurs. I don’t want to say too much about it, for fear of spoiling anything for readers, but I will say that I never expected the series to go in that direction, although it’s a stunningly good choice in retrospect. (According to one source, this is 2/3 of the way through the overall series, which ran to 23 volumes, so it’s a good time for it, too.)

The event shows how Hikaru is growing up while reminding us in many ways that he’s still a young boy, with a lot to learn about life and behavior. His enthusiasm and energy need tempering before he drives everyone around him crazy. And he doesn’t realize the truth of what he’s got until it’s gone.

Also in this volume is a tour of significant go history sites and shrines, reminding the reader just how long this game has been played and revered.

Solanin
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Meiko graduated from college and took an office job while waiting for her “epiphany”, when she figures out what she wants to do. Her boyfriend, a freelance artist, moved in with her, but she’s tired of him, just like she’s tired of everything else. She knows what she hates, but she doesn’t know what she loves.

Her days are defined by boredom, especially after she quits the job to figure things out. She thinks she’s getting the freedom she needs, but she wastes her time hanging out at home, too apathetic to try any of her dreams or fancies. Her boyfriend’s also part of a band that doesn’t do anything but rehearse, and most of the other members have similar reactions to things. They claim “depression” because they’re too sensitive to deal with daily life.

Simple faces with detailed emotion convey every feeling in a way the reader can easily relate to. And most will have gone through this or known those who have. When I first heard about this story, my jaded side thought “why do I want to read this when I lived it?” But I found myself caught up in their uncertainty about life. I enjoyed the book more, having survived it and come out the other side. It gave me perspective that made the story richer as the characters discuss various philosophies and purposes.

The question of “what is happiness” is something everyone has to determine for themselves, and Meiko’s mom seems to have the right idea, saying it can be simple if you don’t make it hard for yourself. Bandmate Rip finds his own kind of contentment, while Meiko struggles for the strength to forge a new direction.

At first, she piles her drive into her boyfriend, encouraging him to pursue the music he loves, but that’s not a long-term solution for her, and fate makes that clear. That particular event was the most disappointing part of the book for me, because I got the feeling it was going to happen before it did, and I found it a little heavy-handed and cliched. But the point is to more fully develop Meiko. She tried to break out of routine, of settling for what she had, but while she had enough determination to make that choice, she didn’t have enough to keep pushing through to the next step. She too easily settled back into a new routine. It took shock and the removal of the guy she was clinging to to really make her change stick.

While Meiko is often aimless, the book is not. If you like Honey & Clover, try this for a more realistic, less wacky take on sometimes similar happenings. And be sure to linger over the outstanding art capturing the band’s stage performance. It captures music and energy wordlessly.

Here are a few more reviews:

• “like Scott Pilgrim but without the video game realism, and twice as much of the drama” — Christopher Butcher
• “a classy, beautiful book and at over 400 pages, a bargain to boot” — Greg McElhatton
• “exactly the kind of book that fans of manga who want to read mature, adult work have been hoping for” — Matthew J. Brady

Another Inio Asano work, What a Wonderful World!, has just been offered for order through the Previews catalog. Two volumes, 210 pages/$12.99 each, JUL09 1105 and JUL09 1106. They’re due out in October. (A complimentary copy for this review was provided by the publisher.)

KimiKiss Book 1
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Exhibit A: KimiKiss. Kouichi would like to kiss a girl, so it’s awfully convenient when the slightly older neighbor Mao-chan (who sports a huge rack) offers to teach him to be a great boyfriend, including kissing lessons.

Whenever things are getting boring, there’s a panel of Mao-chan staring right at the reader, puckering up or otherwise inviting him to envision interacting with her. I assume that this is reminiscent of the sim screens, with the characters facing the players directly, especially when she’s asking a question like “wanna give it a try?” In the game, I imagine that this is when the user would get to choose an action, but here, it’s pointless, because you know what his answer’s going to be: whatever gets him further along with the girl.

I understand why Mao-chan is so excessively built, but is it too much to ask that the artist remember her huge cup size from panel to panel? Many pages feature a normal-looking schoolgirl, until it comes time for the big “stare at me” focus panel, at which point she’s suddenly smuggling cantaloupes under her shirt.

In case you get bored of this eye candy, there’s also implied lesbianism between Mao-chan and Kouichi’s younger sister. The two bathe together, in the most explicit sequence in the book, before they end up falling asleep together. (Between the two sequences, Mao-chan climbs into bed with Kouichi.) There’s also a pool chapter, with plenty of bikini cleavage.

KimiKiss Book 1 is due out July 6. Future volumes will apparently focus on different types of girls, with a “hot sports jock” up next. A complimentary copy for this review was provided by the publisher.

Detroit Metal City Book 1
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The comedy comes from the contrast between Soichi’s incompetence at so much of life and his made-up posturing on-stage. I did have to tamp down my gag reflex when it came to some of the foul lyrics spewed by the band, but then I thought about how stupid the listeners were for wanting to hear this ridiculous noise. It’s also kind of a scary (unintentionally) comment on how far you have to go to purposefully shock people these days.

Surprisingly, I found much of the book funny, especially when unbelievable coincidences started making Soichi’s life worse. Or his mother calls at just the wrong time. Or they point out how easily a happy poppy song becomes a hell chant by changing just a few nouns. I still can’t stand his boss, though.

The chapters are short, a good choice to keep things from getting too meaningful and keep the humor punchy. The art is a little flat, with an emphasis on people looking shocked (open mouth, wide eyes, color on cheeks). This may not be the book for you if you’re put off by obscene language or wimpy protagonists — so much would change if Soichi would just take some responsibility and tell people the truth or accept his occupation or say no to being bullied. But that’s putting more thought into this comedy than I think it wants.

A complimentary copy for this review was provided by the publisher. Here’s a more in-depth review.

Angelic Runes Book 1
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Sowil is a rune-wielding magic user who comes across a village preparing to bury two angelic-looking children alive. He trades some magic seeds for them, only to find out that the girl hears demons and the boy angels. Since they tell other people what they hear, they’re freaking everybody else out.

The kids are spooky-cute, with no personalities of their own. They don’t say much, but when they do, it’s mystically disturbing (and plot or exposition convenient). Especially when they contradict each other. Everything they say is close-captioned, typically of the form “blah blah says the (angel/demon) (name), (title).” At its silliest, it runs like, “‘Yes’, says the angel Raziel, keeper of secrets and records.”

Sowil takes them with him on his quest for his father, a structure that allows for individual chapters to pose separate mysteries, which the wanderers use their abilities to solve. One is a forbidden romance, another a flashback to Sowil’s youth, the last a village with a string of murders. The book is full of “I want to find out why this is happening” situations. Why do the villagers keep trying to kill the kids? What are Sowil’s secrets? Will he find what he’s looking for? I’m not sure it would have much re-readability, but the first time through, it’s a page-turner, with plenty of fights against magical monsters for visual interest.

Unfortunately, very little is resolved in this volume, and there is no book 2 listed on Digital Manga’s release schedule for the rest of the year. I can’t recommend you start such an open-ended series without some idea that some more satisfying conclusion will be coming. Angelic Runes is due out either July 22 (according to the publisher) or August 5 (according to Amazon.com). (A complimentary copy for this review was provided by the publisher.)

Flower of Life Book 4
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It’s been a while (two years) since the previous installment, but I found that the characters came right back to me. Plus, there’s a handy catch-up listing to start. Harutaro and Shota are trying to make manga professionally, while Kai and his teacher lover are figuring out their relationship, left as the cliffhanger from book 3.

But as the book opens, we meet Harutaro’s mother, visiting from her job overseas. She turns out to be surprisingly tyrannical, another character twist I’m beginning to find typical of Yoshinaga’s work. Art-wise, the figures are attractive in a finely lined way, lovely to look at regardless of their mood.

Catching up with Harutaro’s family is just the introduction to the soap opera with Kai, his teacher, and her married former boyfriend. This is a volume with plenty of decisions, focusing towards the future. New characters include a young manga editor with the philosophy “you must be cruel to be kind”. The advice he gives to Harutaro and Shota provides an interesting glimpse inside the manga industry.

Just taken on its own, this book is a relatively satisfying story of two boys completing a year of high school and working towards achievement in a field they adore (although approached that way, you’ll wonder at the high number of side characters and why the purpose of the presence of some is so unclear). There’s even high drama, as the question of Harutaro’s previous battle with leukemia is taken up again. It’s a bit abrupt, dropping from everyday concerns to matters of life and death, but I suppose one could argue that that’s more like life.

As a minor qualm, this volume doesn’t exactly match the previous ones. In the years since the earlier books came out, Digital Manga has cut back, as so many other manga publishers have, on its production value. In this case, the book no longer has a dust jacket, although the pages are still on good paper, at no change in price. I’m sure, though, that fans are just happy to see the series finish. (A complimentary copy for this review was provided by the publisher.)

I’ve reviewed the previous volume of this anthology series that focuses on stories involving lesbians. Perhaps the greatest strength of this volume is how normal it portrays lesbian relationships. These same stories could have easily been about heterosexual couples. It’s this normalcy that makes it easy for terminally straight people like myself to connect with the characters here.

Yuri Monogatari Book 6
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“Make a Style” by Grass and Nishi Uko is the typical story of co-workers, who happen to be teachers, trying to have a relationship without anyone in the office catching on. It’s a decent story. The line work in the art is good, but the tone work is flat. There needs to be more use of fading in the tones.

“40 Minutes” by Maria Bieganska is a poetic story that’s a twist on the Orpheus myth. It was a little too esoteric for me, and it took me a couple of reads to figure out what was going on. The art is good, but not memorable.

“Sakura Gun (London)” by J.D. Glass was horrible. The art was atrocious. The story was confusing. You’re dropped into the middle of events that require a lot of background to figure out. Of the who, what, why, and where, I only knew the where, and that’s only because it’s in the title. If you haven’t read Glass’ novel American Goth, then avoid this story. It was my least favorite in the book.

“How to Tell the Difference” written by Erica Friedman, with art by Mike Hayes, is a four-panel comic strip illustrating the difference between lesbians in fiction and real life. The art is acceptable. The writing is funny and insightful. I think you could do a whole book of these yuri vs. reality strips. The companion book would be yaoi vs. reality.

“Cause x Play” by Hope Donovan is about two cosplayers who fall for each other. The story starts out well, but there is too much loaded into the last pages. The story needed to be a bit longer so there was room for all the final revelations. The art is decent. The figures were a little stiff. The tone work was flat.

“Miho-chan’s Memories (Part 1)” by Rica Takashima is the tale of being a tomboy in a culture with very rigid gender roles. Miho-chan’s parents and friends are very supportive of her nonconformist ways, which I imagine would be unusual for most girls in the same situation. The art is in a simplified style, but well done. The art really highlights the youth of the characters.

“Jaded” by Cheryl Ingro & SirKozz is about a gangster and her girlfriend. I’m not really a fan of gangster stories, so this didn’t move me. The art is little rough. The line work could be a bit smoother.

“For the Girl Who Has Everything” by Althea Keaton is a story showing how a couple meet, fall in love, and get engaged. I don’t like punk/hardcore fashions, so I was prejudiced against the story going in. However, it’s a strong story that overcame my aesthetic reservations. The art is rough, but that fits perfectly with the lifestyle and look of the characters. It’s a tie for my favorite story of the book.

“Sinful” by Houjou Koz is the story of a songwriter whose music is part of a teen’s own awakening sexual awareness. It’s well told and has good solid art.

“(Un)Invited Guests” by Jessie B is the story of a raucous birthday party and a reluctant birthday girl. It’s a fun story with lots of manic energy. The art is unpolished, but it’s perfect for the story. This is tied with Althea Keaton’s story for being my favorite.

“Simple” by Sophia Kudo is the story of two teen friends. One teen discovers a hidden ability. It’s a good opening chapter for a longer work. I would like to see Kudo develop this story and these characters further. The art is well done.

“Speak Love” by Greyscaled is about a couple going through a dry patch in their relationship. This should have been my favorite story. The art is gorgeous. The story is excellent. However, there is a HUGE conflict of interest problem in the third act that the ending can’t justify. This ruined the story for me.

“The 30th Christmas” by Eriko Tadeno is a new take on O. Henry’s “Gift of the Magi”. It’s a good story with good art, perhaps a little too short.

Yuri Monogatari is the perfect anthology. It provides a diverse sample of writers and artists, and that’s what I look for in an anthology. I might not have enjoyed every story, but I got the opportunity to be exposed to works I normally wouldn’t come across on my own. I continue to recommend this book, and this series, to anyone looking to get a feel for the lesbian comics from across the globe.

You can find out more about the Yuri Monogatari series and ALC Publishing at the publisher’s website. (A promotional copy was provided by the publisher for this review.)

Ballad of a Shinigami Book 1
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It’s appropriate that this series is being published by CMX, part of DC Comics. Their sister imprint, Vertigo, put a similar friendly face on the end of life with Death, the Sandman’s sister and one of the Endless. Momo is a tad younger-acting, though, without the sense of eternal wisdom about her. Instead, she’s a friendly ear to those suffering. And she rarely does much.

Her presence is the common factor in a series of short stories. A girl gets a last message from a dead friend. A boy who can see shinigami gets a warning about the girl he’s recently met. A boy and girl who spat realize their deeper feelings for each other. An old woman, about to pass, tells a story of first love and misunderstandings. The only other continuing character is Daniel, Momo’s talking cat. He provides both exposition and humor in the few moments he gets on-stage.

The art is heavy on faces to convey the various emotions of loss and resignation, with a focus on moments instead of movement. The characters are attractive, which made me want to know more about them; that’s a help when there’s a mostly new cast every chapter. The episodic structure allows for pick-up-and-put-down reading, one story at a time.

Momo, in her minimal presence, serves as a reminder to value life, and the connections made with others, because death could come sooner than expected. (A complimentary copy for this review was provided by the publisher.)

Emma Book 8
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The first two chapters are a flashback to Kelly and Doug Stowner as young marrieds. (Kelly was, later in her life, Emma’s employer.) They’re debating visiting the Great Exhibition, for which the Crystal Palace was built, but the expense will be difficult for them to manage. She’s harshly practical, but the way the two of them clearly care for each other, giving in to make each other happy, softens her. And the wonders of the Exhibition are enough to make one realize it’s worth the sacrifice.

The next two chapters follow Eleanor Campbell, William’s ex-fiancee, on a visit to the beach. In her bathing costume, with long blond hair and headband, she reminds me of Alice in Wonderland. But it’s at the evening’s ball, where her sisters the Countesses display beautiful gowns, that we truly enter her world of society. A young man, considerate and scholarly, wants to get to know her better but may run afoul of her history. (I wish this part spun off into a whole ‘nother series, because I’d like to see a lot more of these two.)

There are two more stories. One features glimpses of other maids and a former mistress, all structured around various uses of the daily newspaper. I didn’t recall the characters enough to identify them, but I liked the framing device. (If you don’t remember either, this listing may be helpful.) Given all the recent troubles of the newspaper industry, the importance of the paper in everyone’s life adds to the feeling that this story is definitely set in the past. The last tale shows Tasha, another maid and Emma’s roommate, returning home to see what her brothers and sisters aspire to.

The detailed artwork continues to astound. The characters are clear, and the focus of most panels, but the backgrounds are impressively detailed, which is key to making the historical setting real to the reader. I like the way the author explores different levels of the culture, with experiences varying depending on family and money. It’s lovely to see the characters’ lives expanding, either with flashback detail or continuing on their own path, beyond the story of William and Emma’s romance.

(A complimentary copy for this review was provided by the publisher — and my very big thanks to them for doing so. I had originally asked my local comic shop to get this for me, but apparently, it was one of several titles that got misplaced when Diamond recently relocated their warehouse. After waiting for six weeks, during which my patient retailer had to put up with me asking where it was, I gave up on that avenue. It was a very pleasant surprise to get one sent to me.)

The Name of the Flower Book 2
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They’re all astounded by how pretty she is, so they instantly go out drinking, and various club members tend to grab at her to keep her from leaving. The behaviors in this volume, unlike the first, reinforced for me that this story took place in a different country with different expectations. I was vaguely reminded of Genshiken, but the characters aren’t as distinctive.

More strange to me is Chouko’s insecure behavior. She’s figured out she has feelings for her housemate, so she’s turned into Dropsy Girl around him, spilling things nervously and running away to avoid feeling lonely. He’s also running away, going on a hot springs trip with his editor, who remains the most normal character in the book. “Mr. Frowny Face” (as the book’s editor calls Kei), by contrast, is ever more remote (and thus oddly attractive, under the idea of wanting what you can’t have).

For a story of young love and discovering one’s heart, this book should be more emotional, but instead, it’s oddly quiet and remote. That’s also what I like about its characters, they they don’t react the way you expect them to. They don’t wear their emotions on their sleeves, but deep inside.

Gimmick Book 3
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I admit, I do miss the shorter stories, because they’re easier to keep track of. This book starts with two chapters that finish a story from the last book, about a girl avenging her father’s death. Mone is quite a talented painter, and since she hangs around after this story ends, I’m hoping she’s now a permanent member of the cast. She helps break up the sausage factory in her responses to Kohei’s transformation into a slobbering dog around attractive women. (An attitude one assumes is shared by the target audience, given the couple of pointless shots of naked girls.)

Also introduced is an antagonist, someone with abilities equal to Kohei’s. Instead of wielding a “sacred silver spatula” (the tool used to apply makeup), this mysterious villain has a black one. Both, though, apparently worked for the same mentor, a notable Hollywood special effects genius. A flashback shows both Kohei’s talent and recklessness in the way he got started in the business.

After that, another long story begins — but doesn’t end in this volume. It’s about a beautiful young lady being threatened to give up her inheritance. Everyone winds up on a cruise ship, trapped with a possible murderer. Unfortunately, several of the other characters are just two-dimensional caricatures, but that provides humor and the desire to see them get their comeuppance.

Many of Kohei’s effects serve no purpose in the bigger story beyond entertaining the reader. And as usual, Kohei is near-omniscient in predicting and preparing for those he’s battling, with double- and triple-crosses, but this isn’t a series you think too hard about. Instead, it’s an enjoyable action romp with an unusual slant.

The book also has a two-part stand-alone story about an early client of Kohei’s, some short 4-panel strips, and information about the authors visiting with Rick Baker, real-life effects expert.

So I Need to Lose 15 Pounds
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First, there’s the cartooning itself. I’m ok with simple art, but the illustrations here are so minimal as to make me ask why it was drawn at all. Most of the time, reading only the text carries all the information, making the images superfluous. The lack of imagination is most obvious in the naming of the supporting character: the author’s younger sister is referred to as “Lil Sis”.

According to the book, the editor emailed the author out of the blue based on her blog and proposed this idea. Which means that the two didn’t have a pre-existing relationship, and how they end up interacting is rather contentious and off-putting.

Then there’s the art style. None of the characters have eyes, just batches of four lines (as shown on the cover). Everyone has a big, round, moon-faced head with a minimal body hanging from it. (Combined with the eyes, they all look liked stoned Powerpuff Girls, but with much less style.) I would expect a book about losing weight to pay a lot more attention to illustrating bodies accurately, but you certainly can’t tell if any character is or isn’t overweight by their visual appearance. That’s another reason the art is irrelevant.

I really wouldn’t have put the chapter about how the author doesn’t go to the bathroom enough (because she only wants to use her own toilet) so early in the book. It’s repulsive; later on, a reader might have more patience with the character and find it less so. But since discussion of constipation keeps appearing, maybe it’s a warning to the reader to bail out early if they aren’t interested.

The book is billed as “lighthearted”, which is a fine approach to the serious question of a healthy weight, but this is so flaky as to be dangerous. There’s no information about the only sensible way to lose weight (eat less, move more). Instead, the idea that you can somehow buy your way to weighing less permeates the pages.

The author tries going to the gym first, but she labels herself lazy and says it’s not fun. She and Lil Sis overdo it, feel miserable the next day, and nothing more is said about the mistakes they made or why they didn’t go back. Other exercise options, like walking or aquarobics, are blown off or rejected because she doesn’t like the people who do them. Or she does them, but she doesn’t mention whether they were successful for her, which makes them seem unrelated to her loss.

After that, it’s all goofy stuff like a “reset diet” (which sounds like the equivalent of an Atkins low-carb approach, but since there are no cultural translation notes, I wasn’t sure), a coffee “cleanse”, skipping meals alternating with overindulging, drinking various tea combinations, pre-packaged macrobiotic food, eating based on blood type, expensive spas, hypnosis, or body manipulation.

There’s some emphasis on sweating that I think is related to general health, but there are so few explanations and connections provided that it’s hard to tell. More background information on why these various treatments were supposed to work and how they really acted on body chemistry wouldn’t make them less gimmicky, but it would at least feel more informative. For something that claims to be educational, it’s almost criminal that these fads and expensive scams are billed as successful. In the spa section, the idea that high heat should be followed by drinking no water for two hours is actively dangerous, since it could cause dehydration.

The book is due out in September. An advance copy for this review was provided by the publisher. I hope that the final version has the really obvious typos (”I here the answer”, “work on sliming your legs”) corrected.

Momoka Sendou’s family owns a kenpo dojo. She is already a master of kenpo (a generic term for Chinese martial arts) and so teaches at the dojo. Ryuga Kou comes from a long line of magic masters. His family is responsible for banishing demons. Momoka and Ryuga are both in high school and have been close friends since childhood. They also are in love with each other, but both are too shy to let their feelings be known.

St. Dragon Girl Book 1
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Ryuga summons a dragon, the family’s guardian deity, to help banish a powerful serpent demon. Momoka misinterprets the scene and thinks Ryuga is being attacked by the dragon. When she jumps in front of Ryuga to protect him, the dragon merges with Momoka, giving her the power of the dragon spirit. Scared that Momoka can’t handle such power, Ryuga seals the dragon inside her and only he can release it. Together they fight demons and evil spirits.

St. Dragon Girl is a light romantic fantasy tale. It’s not hard to draw parallels to Ranma ½. Both Momoka and Akane are masters in martial arts, and their fathers own a dojo. Ryuga’s behavior is similar to Ranma’s, including flat-chested jokes. Momoka rewards such humor by kicking Ryuga into the stratosphere, just like Akane, However, St. Dragon Girl is far from being a Ranma ½ clone. In a word, the difference is that St. Dragon Girl is wholesome.

One pleasant surprise I had while reading St. Dragon Girl was how modestly everyone dressed. The girl’s school uniform is a skirt that actually falls BELOW the knees. Remarkable! This means in those fight scenes where Momoka is wearing her school uniform, we don’t get any fanservice. Most fight scenes have Momoka wearing her dojo uniform, a Chinese style shirt with matching slacks. Wait a minute, girls fighting in slacks? Revolutionary! This is a wonderful change of pace from most manga, where the school uniforms/fighting costumes seem to barely cover their butts, let alone preserve modesty in fighting.

St. Dragon Girl Book 2
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I know some think this is the kiss of death, but all the characters in this series are genuinely nice people. (Of course, a couple of the villains are exceptions.) The group of friends that surround Momoka and Ryuga care for and look out for each other. There is good-natured humor as they all seemed to have been friends for most of their lives. They are compassionate and use their abilities to help others. Matsumoto avoids the traditional writer’s pitfall, she has created a cast of wholesome people that aren’t boring. They have fun and enjoy life. They’re the kind of people I actually want to know better and spend time with.

As mentioned above, Matsumoto has created a delightful supporting cast. Shunran Kou is Ryuga’s cousin and Momoka’s best friend, thus she appears frequently. She has psychic powers, which makes her attractive to demons and ghosts, so Ryuga and Momoka have sworn to always protect her. I like the opening story of volume three, because it’s the first time Shunran gets to shine on her own. Readers of Xxxholic will find this story similar to an encounter Watanuki had.

My only frustration with this series is a frustration I have with most manga romances. The lead couple are obviously attracted to each other. Everyone around them knows it. Everyone seems to be working hard to get them to be a couple, yet the two would-be lovebirds refuse to express their true feelings. St. Dragon Girl is slightly more maddening because Momoka and Ryuga are always dropping hints to each other about how they feel, hoping the other will respond. They each catch the hints the other is dropping, but they’re still too scared to be honest with each other. Aaargh! I don’t know how their friends can watch all this and not blow a gasket.

St. Dragon Girl Book 3
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I continue to be impressed by the page layouts in shojo manga. Matsumoto is no exception. In three volumes, there isn’t one page with the standard grid format. The fight scenes are dynamic and well choreographed. The clothes are beautiful, especially the formal wear. It’s nice to have female characters with realistic figures and proportions. Matsumoto’s artwork is alive and filled with the same energy and vitality that her characters posses. Her joy at creating this series really shines through on each page.

All three volumes come with bonus stories at the end. The first two volumes have stories about Matsumoto and her head assistant, Queen. The third volume has side stories about the characters.

St. Dragon Girl is a pure pleasure to read. The wholesomeness of the series reminded me of Aria. It’s a series you go to when you want to wash away some of the cynicism of daily life. These books are a fun escape from darker or more serious manga. It’s a perfect series for younger readers and for those new to manga. St. Dragon Girl reminds me I need to read more shojo, so I look forward to future volumes.

(Cmplimentary copies for this review were provided by the publisher.)