Title: The Wallflower vol. 1
Author: Tomoko Hayakawa
Author: Tomoko Hayakawa
Illustrator: Tomoko Hayakawa
Publisher: Del Rey Ballentine Books
Publisher: Del Rey Ballentine Books
Copyright: 2004
Price: $10.95
ISBN: 0-345-47912-2
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Summary and Quick Thoughts: In a gorgeous, English-style mansion in Japan, four tall, gorgeous fifteen year old boys rent rooms. Why? They can get free rent, under the condition that they change the land lady’s niece into a beautiful creature, just like the house. Sounds easy right? Well, these four heroes soon discover that Sunako Nakahara is unkempt, dark, and loves horror movies as much as she loves her three mysterious anatomy dolls. There is no way she’ll let these four “creatures of light” as she calls them come near her and let her change her ways. In this quirky story, reminiscent of “My Fair Lady,” comedy and drama ensue as a battle of beauty, beast, and brains begins.
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Summary and Quick Thoughts: In a gorgeous, English-style mansion in Japan, four tall, gorgeous fifteen year old boys rent rooms. Why? They can get free rent, under the condition that they change the land lady’s niece into a beautiful creature, just like the house. Sounds easy right? Well, these four heroes soon discover that Sunako Nakahara is unkempt, dark, and loves horror movies as much as she loves her three mysterious anatomy dolls. There is no way she’ll let these four “creatures of light” as she calls them come near her and let her change her ways. In this quirky story, reminiscent of “My Fair Lady,” comedy and drama ensue as a battle of beauty, beast, and brains begins.
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Recommended Audience: Teens.
Recommended Audience: Teens.
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Things to be aware of: Constant nose bleeds, horror references, violence, sexual innuendos
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Things to be aware of: Constant nose bleeds, horror references, violence, sexual innuendos
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Further Thoughts: This first volume sets the stage for an intriguing plot line as four well-meaning, hot guys try to turn the scary chick into a gorgeous girl. Each boy has his “quirk”: Ranmaru is an all-around playboy falling for both married and older women, Yukinojo is well-meaning, bumbling, and androgonous; Takenaga is a deep thinking, poet type; Kyohei is the ultimate, hotty bad boy (and as you’ll figure out eventually, the one who actually has a thing for Sunako). Sunako’s angle is that she was turned down by a boy she had a crush on in middle school for “being ugly,” a fact that she took to heart and decided to become, despite her obvious beauty. It is obvious she hates her housemates, and knows what they are up to. On the other hand, when push comes to shove, she is there, stronger than Kyohei to save the day. In one particular side story, she rescues Kyohei and you can’t help but think, “Awesome!” as she reveals a military get-up and, basically, kicks butt. An intriguing story with fantastic, wispy art.
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Bonus:
Bonus:
Source: Library copy.
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