Manga Review: Midnight Secretary - Series Recap

Title: Midnight Secretary (volumes 1-7)
Author:Tomu Ohmi
Illustrator:  Tomu Ohmi
Publisher:  Viz Media, Inc.
Copyright:  2013-2014 (Japan: 2007)
Price: $9.99 each
ISBN: Vol. 1: 978-1-4215-5944-5
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Summary and Quick Thoughts: Kaya Satozuka knows what she wants to be and that is a secretary. She works hard to be the most efficient, pleasant, and best secretary anyone knows. No one can really say a bad word about her work. Actually, they'd say she really should take some time for herself. Her identity is built around the idea of her being a secretary. Otherwise, she's got a baby face and looks much younger than she really is. Being a secretary allows her to comfortably be her age and be taken seriously. Things change for her though when she's assigned as Director Tohma's secretary. Unfortunately, it is not the blonde haired Director Masaki Tohma, whom she has a crush on in the beginning

Kyohei Tohma is just one of the directors of the Tohma corporation. He's known to be a womanizer, constantly taking women into his office for a little afternoon fun. On the other hand, he is good at what he does. Kyohei does have some strange tendencies that at first just seem odd. When Kaya stumbles upon the truth that he's a vampire, she does what she would naturally do: research and support her boss for all that he needs.

Just one problem: the moment he tastes her blood, he realizes he doesn't want anything or anyone else and it infuriates him. Kaya and Kyohei navigate what at first is a working relationship that slowly becomes deeper.
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Recommended Audience: adult
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Things to be aware of: nudity, sex, a little blood (vampires!)
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Further Thoughts:  I have not been this excited for a manga artist/writer for a long time. Until recently, my all time favorite artist/writer was CLAMP (which is actually a collection of women). Tomu Ohmi is now up there. I could gush about her art for hours and I have pretty much decided I will own as much of her work as I can get. I am currently reading/purchasing her new series Spell of Desire (SO GOOD).

Just to recap, I was reading this at the same time as Happy Marriage?! My review of that you can find here. In my review, I mentioned that Midnight Secretary felt similar. The similarities include: a secretary falling for the head of a company (and vice-versa), the head of the company changes his original direction and theoretically takes a step down, the male love interest is dark and brooding, and lastly, the characters are navigating how to be in a relationship with each other.

Now Midnight Secretary is much more serious than Happy Marriage?! and the similarities I list above end there. Whereas I felt Happy Marriage?! let me down, Midnight Secretary was closer to what I wanted: a considerate hero, a smart heroine. The story about the vampire clan was a successful subplot that eventually becomes the plot.

The romance never felt as if one of the two had to be dominant over the other. Kyohei started out thinking he needed to be that way, but Kaya was willing to stand up for herself. She did not let him walk all over her. I admire her for her ability to take what she wanted and take into consideration her best interests. She makes a few missteps, but she's human.

I also admired that Kyohei could see her beauty and understand why she did what she did. There was a story where her glasses break, and he finds out what she really looks like with her hair down and everything. He offers to get her glasses, even after finding out the glasses are fake, but tells her she doesn't need them. On the other hand, he recognizes that her personal image is "the secretary." She breathes that image and he doesn't want her to change that if that's what she wants.

Kyohei is a considerate vampire hero and one that I like (unlike another one who borders stalking). Kyohei depends on Kaya being herself. Instead, his internal struggle is realizing that he does need someone to keep him in check after spending so long convincing himself, for the safety of himself and others, that it was better to be alone. Kaya works with this. When the hero disappears (as required of a romance hero) she doesn't just stop, she shines. Yes, she has her meltdowns, she misses him, but in a glorious scene, when they meet again, he explains everything. His actions speak louder than the words he uses.

The physical part of the romance is always consensual. He never takes her blood without permission. The only reason it starts is that she recognizes he needs help or he'll be ill. He considered the circumstances and took it. Looking over it again, I realized that in a way, the blood offering is almost always a sexual gesture and he takes a brief moment to ask please (more in a body language way).

Let me take a moment to talk about the vampire mythology. The mythology is strong in this. He's a vampire while his brother isn't because his mother is and not his father. It is interesting how vampires could "walk among us" so easily in this story. With a few adjustments to their schedules, activities, and such, the vampires are just like anyone else. I know I wanted just a little more about The Clan mythology, but overall, I enjoyed the subplot and conflict that was The Clan. The way the series ends, I have a small hope that we'll see these characters again, but more secondary.

In the end, Kyohei and Kaya are individuals and remain as such throughout the story, but without each other they couldn't grow into stronger individuals. This is how a relationship should be to me. They come together and eventually work through the forces tearing them apart, together. Side characters support them and are three dimensional. Occasionally, they get their own small story at the end of the volume, which adds even more depth to what is happening.

The art: Kyohei is the traditional brooding manga hero, but he is crazy sexy. He has the requisite dark hair, narrow eyes, the right muscle lines and I have a crush on him from the art and the story combined. His one fault is that he smokes, but hey, he's a vampire and adult.

Kaya is different for a manga heroine (at least compared to that other title). She starts out pretty much a blank slate with her dark hair in a bun, glasses, and the standard issue secretary uniform (which is a thing). When her hair is down, she looks childish with big eyes. The glasses narrow her eyes a bit. As the story progresses though, her style slowly changes from a wisp of hair here, to fashion that I want in my closet. The hair tends to stay up in a professional setting and the glasses stay, but she's coming into her own and you can see that.

Overall feeling:  If you're considering adding "new adult" manga titles to your collection but not sure where to start, then this is a strong one and at 7 volumes, affordable.

If you read romance but not manga, or new adult and not manga, please weigh in and ask me questions! As I said, I don't really read romance, but this genre of manga is something I will be sure to read more of as it comes stateside (if it does).

Tomu Ohmi's stuff better keep coming stateside, and while we're at it, let's get CLAMP back in publication!
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Note: Looking at the back covers, I noticed there is a small "animation" going from each volume that works up to them kissing. HOW COOL IS THAT?
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Source: Vol 1-3 purchased; 4-7 Edelweiss ARCs and then purchased vol 4-6. Still need to get myself volume 7 apparently.

Manga Review: Happy Marriage?! Series Recap

Title: Happy Marriage?! (vol. 1-10, series recap)
Author: Maki Enjoji
Illustrator:  Maki Enjoji
Publisher:  Viz Media, Inc.
Copyright:  2013-2015 (Japanese 2009)
Price: $9.99 each
ISBN: Vol. 1: 978-1-4215-5934-6
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Summary and Quick Thoughts: Chiwa Takanashi is working two jobs to pay off her father's debts. By day, she's a secretary at Mamiya Corporation and at night, she's a hostess. To help Chiwa, the Chiarman of Mamiya offers her a deal: marry his grandson and all the debts will be erased. Seems legit, but then she finds out he's the jerk that got her fired from her hostess job the night before. Oh, and he's the company president.

Hokuto Mamiya has his own reasons to work up the ladder of Mamiya Coporation. Part of that has to do with the death of his mother by a hit and run. Hokuto is convinced that the Mamiya family is behind it somehow and will stop at nothing to find out what happened. So if the Chairman, his grandfather, wants him to marry a secretary he doesn't know, so be it.

In 10 volumes, the story covers their on again, off again relationship, how they navigate this semi-arranged marriage and their insecurities, which both have. The story is from Chiwa's perspective. Every volume has a fight that has someone walking out or slamming a door and the mystery of Hokuto is a strong subplot.
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Recommended Audience: Adults
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Things to be aware of: sex, druinkeness, emotional abuse, nudity (female)
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Further Thoughts:I am not an avid romance reader. See my note below on that, but if I was a romance reader, I'd say this reads like a romance. Mostly.

It was the last volume that killed it for me and I'll get into that in a bit. The series starts out strong enough for a romantic comedy: Chiwa is innocent and a virgin. He's the head of a company and the heartthrob in the story. How does Chiwa get to have him? For the first three to five volumes, they keep their marriage a secret from the other employees Chiwa works with (but of course, he tells the WORLD). Then she considers fooling around with an old love interest and decides to work for him because Hokuto isn't supportive of her being a housewife, which she only became because she didn't feel he supported her work, not to mention he's an idiot and works himself to exhaustion so Chiwa feels responsible to keep him healthy. Also, she's a neat freak and he's not.

The plot almost always follows the same cycle: they keep secrets, it escalates, one of them passes out/gets drunk/ticks the other one off/a side character reveals a secret, they fight, they promise to be open to each other and then it starts all over again.

Chiwa is a typical manga heroine: curvy, shoulder length hair, relatively good dresser, and shorter than the hero. She has her moments as a strong heroine, but more often than not her insecurity gets in her way and she's wondering: am I the perfect wife to Hokuto? If only she could help Hokuto. If only he would LET her help. Really, by the end of the series, I really don't know much about her likes or dislikes and she felt flat as a character (compared to Midnight Secretary which I was reading at the same time and in a way, has a slightly similar plot). Even the Christmas story illustrated that the only gift she wants is whatever makes him happy. Although, he does pick up that she might like a personal island.

Hokuto is the brooding hero and he's handsome as is expected in manga. He has the eyes, the dark hair, is tall, broad shoulders, well dressed, and he's got all the right lines (I'm talking muscles here). Honestly, he's a jerk more often than not by the end of the series. On the flip side, he's a wounded guy. He's strongest as a character when he protects Chiwa from a stalker, opens up to her about his real motivations for what he does with Mamiya Corporation (after she finds out from someone else he's done something like stepped down from Commerce) and he's patient enough to wait for her to be ready for sex (which happens in volume 3 or 4. The sex is so "hot" that a lot of the volumes I purchased were plastic wrapped. Fact: The sex in the Midnight Secretary, seemed hotter and was not plastic wrapped).

Let's talk about the sex a little. It's steamy in places. It's just the right amount of romantic. The most you see is what you'd see in movies, but there are at least two or three times I'm kind of concerned about the characters. He has drunk sex with her and doesn't realize it until half way through. I'm certain there is a borderline rape at least once where she says "NO" but he pushes the right buttons and she gives in. I always find fault with these kinds of scenes regardless if it is a movie, book, or comic, because I honestly don't know how I should feel about it.

There's also a few instances where he hits her. She hits him a few times too (like as part of the drunk sex scene because he really is like "Oh, hey, I didn't realize I was having sex"), but as a Goodreads Reviewer did note: he hits her to calm her down. He doesn't talk her down, he just slaps her face and she doesn't bat an eyelash. She blinks and seems calmed down enough to listen to him. UGH.

So you think by volume ten, the end of the series, they'd get what it was to be in a relationship. No. I had realized by volume eight that every volume had the same formula. Although, from eight to ten where the stuff with the family starts to come to light (the most interesting part at this point and the only reason I was still reading), we had the requisite "where'd the hero go?" Chiwa acted like her life was over. She cleaned her Dad's place and went back to attempt to help his lazy self. She worked (I think. I was getting bored with the series and really just wanted the subplot). She thought about Hokuto, but he had to go find himself. So, she'd be true and wait for him. UGH.

The last volume came along, I read it twice, and was really disappointed in how the characters had NOT grown. It was such a let down that the same patterns from earlier just continued: keeping secrets, a side character points out the secret, they fight. I was not convinced that these characters loved each other and I really didn't think they should be together in the end.

On the flip side of all of this, I know that Japanese culture is different. For example, working to exhaustion is a real problem and is used often in manga. Regarding relationships, I'm not sure what is permitted or not, but seeing how I've read a lot of romance-ish manga, this relationship was an odd one.

Overall feeling: The first few volumes are a quirky, romantic comedy and enjoyable. After the halfway point though, elements of abuse start to sneak in and can make the reader uncomfortable. It was the first time I didn't feel the characters "grow" in a manga title. I only own up to volume 7 with no intent to purchase more. There are better new adult manga titles out there.
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Note: I am not an avid romance reader and by that, I'm mostly talking about the trade paperbacks/Harlequin's. The only one I've successfully loved in that genre of romance is J.D. Robb. On the other hand, I've had my fair education on romance novels and the plot. I defended romances in college in Gothic Lit and did some research then. This book started to fit the romance genre and then went somewhere else entirely. If you're a romance reader, please weigh in at the comments below!
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Source: I purchased 1-2 and read volumes 3-10 from Edleweiss (an then purchased some of those).

MangaMan

Title: MangaMan
Author: Barry Lyga

Illustrator: Colleen Doran
Publisher: Houghton Mifflin

Copyright:  2011

Price: $19.99

ISBN: 978-0-547-42315-9
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Summary and Quick Thoughts: Comic book worlds unite when a rift in one comic book world is opened and that rift grabs a character from the other comic book world. Manga character Ryoko is brought into the American style comic, a “real world” that doesn’t realize it is even in a comic book. Ryoko knows better though, although, he spends time adjusting to the new rules. Marissa, once a popular queen bee, now a questionable freak who goes around in costumes, is the love interest of this tale and learns from Ryoko the secrets of comic books. An intriguing premise, a great diversion, MangaMan is certainly a fun read, but this reader found she had conflicting emotions about this book.

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Recommended Audience: high school, teens, anime/manga fans, comic book fans

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Things to be aware of: a sex scene that, after the fact, seems pointless except for humor
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Further Thoughts: Let me address the sex scene first. You know it is coming when they kiss first the “real world way” then “the manga way.” A lovely two page, manga-spread, shows them kissing then quickly undressing, then BAM, a point is made and we move on. O…k…? Felt kind of pointless.

I like the premise. I like the idea, but I found myself in a multiple reader situation.

My comic book loving self (the part of me that enjoys Batman) loved the idea. It was fun, quirky, enjoyable, and for some reason hopes for more in that we find out what the rift is about.

My manga self (the part of me that enjoys a variety of manga) was offended. Every manga trope was thrown in, but the tropes, to me, seem to be from the 1970s: boys with long hair, boys who look like girls, mecha*, fighting (see Dragon Ball, seriously, the art is SO similar). Not exactly tropes I’ve seen recently, but I’m realizing I’ve been sort of out of touch. Either way, that is what is holding me back from really enjoying this story. Oh, not to mention that at first glance, please pardon this, it looks like references to tentacle porn (Wikipedia it…at home). There is of course a reference by a character about the manga porn and tentacles, but that’s not a large portion of mainstream manga and I’d like to think Ryoko isn’t from one of those books. In fact, he seems to come from a manga that has everything from giant monsters to magic to fighting to on and on.

So, I had The Philosopher Musician read it and after some thought and seeing his reaction, this book is better suited to guys. Girls want to know why Marissa is acting that way. Guys just want to be entertained. There is certainly a little of everything for both groups to enjoy the story.

Overall, Barry Lyga seems to be doing what he does well: taking stereotypes and overdoing it (Fanboy and Goth Girl) to the extent it may make some readers cringe. Looking at the catalog, this isn’t a wildly popular book, even with an endorsement on the cover from Jeff Smith (Bone). If you are looking to add more, interesting one-shots to your collection, go for it, but this is better suited for readers who like their super hero comics or Barry Lyga. Basically, save your money if you need to (although, if you do want it, wait for paperback as it may just have a better chance in paper back instead of hard cover).

*Mecha – Giant robots. Larger than life robots, piloted by humans. Animes like Gundam, Escaflowne, Neon Genesis. (Mom: my high school obsession, the anime Big O. Roger Smith piloted a Mecha).

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Bonus: I saw Barry Lyga speak at WildCat Comic Con a few weeks ago. While I still have some mixed feelings about the book, I have a slightly new respect for it. If money is tight, wait for the paperback. I'm curious to see what the formatting of that will be because I do sort of think the hardcover doesn't work.

Source: Library copy.

The Wallflower, Vol. 2-3

Title: The Wallflower (Yamatonadeshiko Shichihenge) 2 and 3
Author: Tomoko Hayakawa

Illustrator: Tomoko Hayakawa
Publisher: Del Rey Ballentine Books

Copyright: 2004 (2); 2005 (3)

Price: $10.95

ISBN: vol. 2 0-345-47949-1 / vol. 3 0-345-47999-8
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Summary and Quick Thoughts: Horror geek Sunako is still her dark and dreary self, despite the attempts of her gorgeous roommates, especially Kyohei, to transform her. Yes, she trimmed her bangs and maybe she’s trying a little on her appearance, but she just wants to be in her dark world. Unfortunately, her world is changing as she has a female friend (a beautiful creature with a crush on one of her housemates) and is finding that she’s friendly to her room mates. In these volumes, there is the school festival, a trip to the hot springs, Sunako’s first kiss (although she was possessed), and fighting, fighting, fighting. Will her roommates ever be able to change her?

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Recommended Audience: Teens

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Things to be aware of: sexual innuendoes, blood, horror, murder, sexism
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Further Thoughts: I’ll admit I had high hopes for this series, but as I ended volume 3, I just couldn’t help but feel this is dragging on. Instead of one continuous story line, this just seems to be story after story with no regard to physics or normalcy. While sometimes I want fluff, I don’t like my fluff like quite this. Sunako’s attitudes have hardly changed over the books and I feel we aren’t reaching any decent plot goals yet (i.e. maybe she won’t wear a hat to school or maybe she’s keeping her hair brushed). It is obvious who is in love with her and he’s hinting majorly what she needs to do to win his love (“be yourself!”), but she doesn’t care. I’m also finding the constant nose bleeds to be annoying, the guys interrupting her personal time annoying, and her general whining about how she just wants to be in the dark, well, annoying. Not to mention, the constant back and forth about how she should cook and clean and look beautiful while it is still cool for her to kick butt. If you want to promote stereotypes, go for it, but this promotes stereotypes and wishes to shoot them down (be beautiful but be yourself too). I think I’ll pass on the rest of this series.

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Bonus:

Source: Library copy.

The Wallflower, Vol. 1

Title: The Wallflower vol. 1
Author: Tomoko Hayakawa

Illustrator: Tomoko Hayakawa
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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Recommended Audience: Teens.

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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:

Source: Library copy.

Manga Shakespeare: The Merchant of Venice

Title: Manga Shakespeare: The Merchant of Venice
Author: William Shakespeare (Adapter: Richard Appignanesi)
Illustrator: Faye Yong
Publisher: Amulet Books
Copyright: 2011
Price:  $10.95
ISBN: 978-0-8109-9717-2
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Summary and Quick Thoughts: I’m not going into a summary on this one. Simply: The Merchant of Venice told in a manga style…with elves. Dark haired and eye lined elves are Jews, blonde haired elves are Christians. This is more confusing and oddly disconcerting compared to seeing the play live (I think).
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Recommended Audience: High School
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Things to be aware of: Shakespeare?
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Further Thoughts: First, I adore the art, aside from what certain people represent. The art is flowy, entertaining and in a lovely manga style which drew me to this title in the first place. Yong does a lovely job representing the story, but it is a shame I was more confused in this story than anything else.

The adaptation is another story. While original Shakespeare language, and I assume lines, were used in the story, there are moments where the flow is interrupted and something is missed. I have not actually seen The Merchant of Venice yet, at all, and oddly, without the background knowledge, this is a confusing story. I understand that so-and-so is in love with so-and-so and this guy (well, the dark haired Jew) is the bad guy. So scary [/sarcasm]. The “opening credits,” in color, illustrated by Yong, easily told me who was who and introduced “the cast.” On the other hand, this is supposed to be a comedy and not a tragedy? Looking at the cover you’d think it was going to end badly.

What is disconcerting to me is how the difference between the Christians and Jews is night and day. I was informed by my mom and The Philosopher Musician that this is an anti-Semitic play. Ok, but why does this have to look like an issue of race?

I know there are better graphic novel adaptations out there and I keep wondering why these (Manga Shakespeare) keep coming out. I don't enjoy them when I read them and I need to learn that these titles are a pass, no matter what the review journals say.
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Bonus:

Source: Library copy.

Wanted (Shojo Beat Title)

Title: Wanted
Author: Matsuri Hino
Illustrator: Matsuri Hino
Publisher: Shojo Beat Manga (Viz, Inc.)
Copyright: 2008
Price: $8.99
ISBN: 978-1-4215-1934-0
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Summary and Quick Thoughts: Pirates never let a lady board their ship, but what happens when Armeria, dressed as a boy and calling herself Arto, secures a position on the Pirate Skulls ship? For Armeria, it is her search for Luce who was kidnapped the night he saved her from ruining her voice and showed her the flower of her namesake. Surprises abound though when after one stupid mistake, Armeria’s ruse is discovered and Captain Skulls tells her Luce is dead. But, how can it be that the captain looks so much like her beloved Luce and why does Doc have the same tattoo? Wanted is a collection of three stories featuring Arto/Armeria and Captain Skulls as they sail the ocean in search of treasure and act like pirate Robin Hoods.
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Recommended Audience: older teens
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Things to be aware of: female nudity (chest), prostitution/brothels
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Further Thoughts: Wanted is a fun adventure on the high seas as Armeria and Captian Skulls travel the ocean. Her voice is his heaven and each tale returns to her love of singing, a treasure to the Pirate Skulls. I honestly wanted the adventure to keep going due to the chemistry between these characters, but the author says she may or may not return to it. I’m doubtful we’ll see any more at this time as her other work Vampire Knight is taking off. Hino is also the creator of the short run series Captive Hearts. A perfect one shot manga title for libraries with limited budgets and limited space, but want lots of circulations. An added bonus is another love story of a lady who learns to speak her mind in a bygone era (Meiji Era) because of love. Just lovely and entertaining!
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Bonus:

Source: Library copy.

Rin! Volume 1

Title: Rin! 1
Author: Satoru Kannagi
Illustrator: Yukine Honami
Publisher: Digital Manga Publishing
Copyright: 2006
Price: $12.95
ISBN: 978-1-56970-920-7
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Summary and Quick Thoughts: Everyone has stress and anxiety and each person finds a way to cope. For Katsura, his coping strategy is to seek out Sou, his brother’s best friend (and his own) since childhood and beg for a “squeeze.” After one particular “squeeze” (hug), Katsura finds himself advancing in the archery ranks and suddenly confronting the issue Sou’s “squeezes” provide. Is there more to the “squeeze” and Sou’s relationship to Katsura? In this book of “boy love,” readers follow child-like Katsura as he works through his archery problems and his feelings for Sou. Simple black, white, and gray illustrations tell a story of love and facing who a person really is.
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Will Teens Like It? Maybe. This is a tough call because of the “boy love” in it.
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Things to be aware of: homosexuality; masturbation (in the last chapter/extra)
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Further Thoughts: If I had read the back cover first which says “Katsura needs a hug,” I’m not sure I would have read this title. I picked it up though because “June” books are generally interesting books, especially with the boy-loves-boy stories.

Satoru Kannagi and Yukine Honami have created a very realistic work. Although, at times, I looked at Katsura and said “he’s the girl and Sou’s the boy.” The illustrations present a real enough feel to them that it is not over done and the reader can imagine this happening anywhere. The dialog is smooth and everyone “acts” their age.

There’s more than meets the eye in this story though. Katsura seems to feel that the Sou’s “squeezes” are starting to cause problems for both of them. Also, how is this “problem” helping either of their chances with the girls? For Katsura, this is a coming-of-age story where he faces the fact that he isn’t a child anymore and really can’t be dependent on Sou every time he is scared. Katsura is also facing the fact that he and his good friend, Kouichi, are going to be captain and assistant captain of the club next year, yet if Katsura can’t get his act together, is he ever going to be a good archer? Katsura has a strong support group rooting for him to find out who he is. His “house husband” Dad (oh, dreamy!) and his brother all want to help Katsura out, even when Katsura admits to having feelings for Sou. At the moment in the tale, his brother tells Katsura not to worry about that now, they’d work on that later, but the general idea was that it was “ok.” A positive family structure and friend circle help this be more than a story of romantic love and archery. It is also a strong story about love of all kinds.

So the problems I have with this particular work: I disliked the story at the end. It was somewhat “thrown” in there. The author at the end says it was added because there needed to be more than them kissing in the end. Frankly, this is a three volume set so why not add the “extra” stuff as part of the story in the next volume? I also didn’t like the pacing of that story compared to the rest of it. On the other hand, it illustrates the issues Katsura is working through.

Libraries looking to add to their Yaoi collection without adding something risqué should look to this title.
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Bonus:  Satoru Kannagi is the writer behind “Only the Ring Finger Knows,” which, if I remember correctly, is recommended for those who want to try out Yaoi manga.

Source: Library copy.

Black Bird Vol. 6

Title: Black Bird Volume 6
Author: Kanoko Sakurakoji
Illustrator: Kanoko Sakurakoji
Publisher: Viz Media (Shojo Beat Imprint)
Copyright: 2010 (2005)
Price: $9.99
ISBN: 978-1-4215-3066-6
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Summary and Quick Thoughts: Picking up where volume 5 left off, Misao is trapped in the store house with Sho, who has been imprisoned for trying to hurt her. Willingly, she walked into a trap with Sho and she must decide how to end this fight between brothers once and for all. Much to everyone’s surprise though (maybe not to Kyo’s), Misao has a trick up her sleeve which will either buy time or end a life.
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Recommended Audience: Teens
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Things to be aware of: sexual situations
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Further Thoughts: Here we go again. What makes this volume different is the fight between the brothers. Misao’s memory problem is revealed to have been a trick by Sho in an attempt to keep his spot as the clan leader. Instead, it just muddled up her memories of Kyo and Sho, making it possible that she’s confused them. This story arc is simply a story of the good, kind brother, the evil brother and the girl trying to save the one she loves.

A few problems though, her coyness at being intimate with Kyo is getting tiring. Yes, she’s 16 or so, but come on! She spends some time with him, he helps her, and she’s shy and coy. My biggest annoyance though is that this is not the final volume. I thought with volume 6, we’d have the end of the story as Kyo and Sho’s showdown was the big event (I thought). Instead, we are left hanging at the end with yet another group wanting something to do with her blood so that Kyo and Misao can get to the bottom of their future once and for all (maybe, but it is possible that Sho is still their biggest obstacle to come).

The story has transformed from a group trying to dominate Misao to Kyo and Misao wanting to know what their future holds. Black Bird is still an enjoyable read, and Shojo fans will still continue to read this title (and I probably will too because darn it, I want to see them happy!).
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Bonus:
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Source: Library copy.

Death Note - Boredom by Tsugumi Ohba

Title: Death Note Vol. 1 - Boredom
Author: Tsugumi Ohba
Illustrator: Takeshi Obata
Publisher: Viz Media (Shonen Jump Advanced)
Copyright: 2005 (Original 2003)
Price: $9.99
ISBN: 978-1-4352-1400-2 (Paw Prints Edition)
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Summary and Quick Thoughts: Boredom. What will it drive you to do? For demon Ryuk, it means dropping his Death Note, a notebook that determines when people die, into the human world to see what happens. For Light Yagami, a bored and intelligent student, the notebook is his ticket from boredom. When he discovers that he can control life or death of all criminals, he begins a battle between “L,” a special and secret detective, and “Kira,” himself. In this first volume, the stage is set as we find out what Light is beginning to plan and how “L” will find a way to find him.
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Recommended Audience: Teens (mature)
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Things to be aware of: death…the scary factor is that most of the death happens “off screen”
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Further Thoughts: A dark story of life and death, Death Note is a wildly popular title, and why not? It is a different plot involving a common theme of good versus evil. Ryuk is in for a fun ride while Light is determined to change the world and bend it to his will. This strong volume, full of twists and turns, will bring in readers who enjoy horror and moral dilemmas as Light, “L” and Ryuk see how their actions pan out.
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Bonus: This is tied to the wildly popular anime Death Note and the live action movies inspired from it.
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Source: Library copy.

Still here

Small update today and that was to add an audio book and correct the title of another all the way at the bottom of the page. I'm in the middle of two audio books currently: Ecological Intelligence and Omnivore's Dilemma. I don't post the title until I finish them because sometimes I abandon them (i.e. The Secret Life of Prince Charming).

I just wanted to mention that for those of you on Twitter, you should follow Publisher's Weekly's Comic thing: Twitter.com/PWComicsWeek Very useful links to useful articles, such as Amazon's recent Ban on Yaoi (definition: boy loves boy manga which, I might add, is not always "steamy." Some is very innocent).

Hope you checked out Free Comic Book Day yesterday. I couldn't. :(

Maid Sama - Vol. 1

Title: Maid Sama vol. 1
Author:  Hiro Fujiwara
Illustrator: Hiro Fujiwara
Publisher: TokyoPop Inc.
Copyright: 2009 (2005 Japanese)
Price: $10.99
ISBN: 978-1-4278-1403-6
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Summary and Quick Thoughts: Boy hating, student council President of Seika High School, Misaki Ayuzawa has a secret and one that she really, really doesn’t want the school to know: she works a part time job at a maid café.*(See bonus). For Misaki, this counterbalances her tough girl persona at the high school. To Takumi Usui, the school’s sexy bachelor, Misaki’s tough spirit hides something and he wants to know what it is. One chance lands him outside of Misaki’s café where she pleads him to keep the secret, which he willingly does in exchange for a bizarre, bantering friendship and some timed rescuing from a fan club and stalkers.
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Will Teens Like It? Teens who like shojo totally will.
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Things to be aware of: Cartoon violence, mild sexual situations.
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Further Thoughts: Maid Sama is a funny, crazy ride as Misaki slowly pushes away her tough girl exterior around Takumi Usui. This title has many of the stereotypical shojo elements: not so popular girl, sexy popular boy falling for girl, high school drama, school festivals (I’m really starting to notice how every manga involving high school includes a school festival where crazy things happen). The only twist on this title is that she’s a tough chick, who works at a Maid Café- and enjoys it. Beyond that, I feel like this title could easily replace any other popular shojo romantic comedy that is out there. I did grow tired of the fact that every chapter gave us a recap of Misaki and what she does at the high school (“I’m high school president!” Ok, GOT IT). I think it was because it was serialized before becoming a manga title, but usually manga titles don’t need such a recap. The violence and force that Misaki displays in the story does grow tiring, except when she defends herself just as Usui arrives (another shojo twist!), For its cheesiness, I’m interested in seeing where this goes.
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Bonus: *Maid Cafes are rather popular in Japan. It is a place where servers dress in maid outfits or other cosplay and serve the customers like they were maids at the customer’s home.

This title includes a bonus story by the author/illustrator. It is a sweet, sad story, but enjoyable nonetheless. It is an early work and some story issues are barely noticeable.
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Source: Library copy.

Mixed Vegetables - Vol. 2

Title: Mixed Vegetables Vol. 2
Author: Ayumi Komura
Illustrator: Ayumi Komura
Publisher: Viz Media (Shojo Beat Imprint)
Copyright: 2008 (2005 original)
Price: $8.99
ISBN: 978-1-4215-1968-5
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Summary and Quick Thoughts: Hanayu’s plan has backfired. You know, the plan to date the son of a sushi chef, marry into his family and become the sushi chef she has always wanted to be. When he asked, she spoke honestly, and seemingly, crushed his heart and possibly hers in the process. What is there to do? Hanayu will have to suffer Hayato’s anger for three years in culinary class unless she can confront him and clear the air.
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Will Teens Like It? Teens in for a good romance will.
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Things to be aware of: Lots of slapstick. If this wasn’t a romance comedy, it’d be awkward.
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Further Thoughts: Honestly, half of this book was Hayato (the boy) brooding as Hanayu (the girl) tried to figure out a way to “break through” and at least try to be friends with him. Hanayu is surprisingly grounded despite her air-headedness and I’m finding that she tends to take a lot of the male roles instead of the female. Maybe that is the point with her going toward sushi (typically male?) and him going toward pastry (female?).

This title is fun, light, and romantic. I enjoy Hanayu’s honesty bravery and determination not to lose her dream. I also admire that when Hayato does break through, he is determined to help her as she is willing to help him. Despite the arguments, despite the slapstick and bruises, these two are a great team.

Now to the art: I find the style of the faces different with large eyes, but very, very curved faces. It is not like a lot of manga out there with pointed cheeks. There is something different (and I don’t think I can put a finger on it just yet). The details to the dishes add a bit of flare and enjoyment to the story. It is nice to see the final outcomes of all the ingredients and it might make you hungry!
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Source: Library copy.

Mixed Vegetables - Vol. 1

Title: Mixed Vegetables: Vol. 1
Author: Ayumi Komura
Illustrator: Ayumi Komura
Publisher: Viz, Inc.
Copyright: 2008
Price: $8.99
ISBN: 978-1-4215-1967-8
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Summary: For Hanayu Ashitaba, her love affair with fish and cooking sushi began with a trip to a sushi shop with her dad. After that day, she was determined to be a sushi chef, but how can the daughter of a celebrated pastry chef just change tracks? Hayato Hyuga happens to be her ticket to into the sushi world. All she has to do is convince him to date her and eventually marry her so that she can marry into his celebrated sushi cooking family.

It has taken some time, but Hanayu has somehow “wooed” Hyuga by her clumsy ways and her love of fish. After school, Hyuga confesses his love for her and they begin dating. Hanayu is conflicted by her desire to marry into the family and his love for her. Just when she resolves this conflict, an excursion for cake ingredients may ruin the relationship for Hanayu.
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Thoughts:  I really enjoyed Mixed Vegtables. The characters are typical high school students with the bonus of a high end cooking class. Hanayu is truly a good chef, but could still use some help, which Hyuga willingly provides. In the story, his help is actually a path to him asking her out, which was not expected in this first volume. Even the ending of this volume I did not expect and I really want to read more! The art is slightly different for this manga artist, but it is still in the shojo style and manga style. My only complaint with the character art is that Hanayu’s parents look like they could be her age, which threw me off during my first perusal of the book.

The real treat is the food in this manga. The artist adds such great detail to the food that you almost wish the recipes were included. The only distracting part of this manga was the amount of side panels and boxes, which I felt continually interrupted the flow of the story. The artist uses these boxes to explain things that are later explained at the end of chapters, and the artist comes off as really insecure. This is a pity as the artist has certainly created the start of a fun, enjoyable, light romance.
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Will Teens Like It? Probably. High School Drama and cooking.
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Things to be aware of: Clean!
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Bonus: ALA GGN 2010
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Source: Library.

Ooku: The Inner Chambers - vol. 2

Title: Ooku: The Inner Chambers Vol. 2
Author: Fumi Yoshinaga
Illustrator: Fumi Yoshinaga
Publisher: Viz Media, LLC
Copyright: 2009
Price: $12.99
ISBN: 978-1-4215-2748-2
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Summary and Quick Thoughts: Shogun Yoshimune has sought out and started reading “Chronicle of a Dying Day” to better understand why 80 years ago, the customs were changed and put into motion.

Throughout the land, the Redface Pox is killing men and women are making decisions they never originally had to make. Those in Edo Castle believe themselves to be safe, but when Shogun Iemitsu falls ill and dies, the Lady Kasuga prepares Japan for a change. His illegitimate daughter, his only living heir, is called to the castle and picks up where her father left off, a pawn in Lady  (now Reverend) Kasuga’s efforts to make a swift transition by any means necessary.
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Will Teens Like It? This is an adult title dealing with adult themes.
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Things to be aware of: sexual situations, criminal activities, rape
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Further Thoughts: What you are reading in this volume is an account of what Shogun Yoshimune is reading. We meet Monk Arikoto, who is forced to renounce his vows and enter the Inner Chambers. His entrance and forced servitude introduces a clear, if not heart wrenching love story.

Volume 2 sets up the stories that will be continued in future volumes, including the struggle the current Lord Iemitsu faces as she must come to terms with her story of pain as she is forcibly taken from her content life and placed into a position she neither wants nor cares for. We also watch as Arikoto is forced into decisions he cannot stand as well as the actions of Lady Kasuga who desperately wants the man she idolized alive again.

Once again, the author weaves an intricate story and the translations again seem to be that of English used ages ago. The artwork is still fantastic, but again, distinguishing between characters is sometimes difficult. Arikoto is easily identifiable but I did confuse the Shogun and Arikoto’s attendant often as he worked with them on their issues. Plus, it seemed that a character from volume 1 had returned, but I had to remind myself that this story takes place 80 years earlier, not currently. The story of Arikoto and Chie/Iemitsu is the story of two lonely people, who together find they must cope, but how.
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Source: Library.

Ooku: The Inner Chambers - Vol. 1

Title: Ooku: The Inner Chambers Volume 1
Author: Fumi Yoshinaga
Illustrator: Fumi Yoshinaga
Publisher: Viz Media, LLC
Copyright: 2009
Price: $12.99
ISBN: 978-1-4215-2747-5
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Summary and Quick Thoughts: It is the early 1700s in Japan, in a time called “The Edo Period.” A mysterious Redface Pox has wiped out over half of the male population in Japan over a period of eighty years. While the country women and few men left cope with the devastating loss in the male population, the Shogun (ruler) of Japan lives a life of comfort and luxury in the palace and with the secret Inner Chambers. In the Inner Chambers of the palace there live countless men all with one purpose: to please, serve, and give the female Shogun (ruler) an heir.

The majority of the story takes place when Shogun Yoshimune is ushered in as the eighth Shogun. This simple woman, with a fiery temper and lust, begins to question the past 80 years and the practice of the Inner Chambers.
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Will Teens Like It? This is an adult title, dealing with adult themes. Mature teens will enjoy this.
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Things to be aware of: sexual situations, death
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Further Thoughts: In what I believe is an alternate/parallel history to Edo Japan (time of the samurais! Woo!), we follow a quick recap of the past 80 years, minus what will be coming up in the next two volumes. From my understanding, it seems a little boy brings the Redface Pox to the village and from there it spreads. Times change, and the jobs and positions traditionally given to men are happily switched to the women.

I was initially drawn to this story, first because it was recommended to me, and second, because of this notion of women in charge and conducting the majority of the business in Japan. In some respects, you could say this is a feminist work asking “what if women were in charge?” The majority of this volume sets the stage, as well as introduces how Shogun Yoshimune happily takes the post and immediately begins to challenge traditions which some would like to continue.

The translation of this work takes on a slightly different spin using words traditionally associated to the 1700s. It does take some getting used to, but it becomes second nature after a time. Unfortunately, this may turn the less mature and light readers away from this excellent title. Yoshinaga’s art style is fluid, detailed, and wonderful. Her men are gorgeous and the women who are meant to be lovely as flowers are as well. I enjoy the images of couples embracing, the fashions, and the men. Unfortunately, the art can get confusing as some characters look a little too similar to another character.
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Bonus: Shogun Yoshimune did exist, only as a guy. Here’s a link to the Wikipedia article (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tokugawa_Yoshimune).

ALA Great Graphic Novel 2010
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Source: Library.

Library Wars Vol. 1

Title: Library Wars vol. 1
Author: (Concept: Kiro Arikawa)
Illustrator: (Manga: Kiiro Yumi)
Publisher:  Viz, Inc (Shojo Beat)
Copyright: 2010
Price: $9.99
ISBN: 978-1-4215-3488-6
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Summary and Quick Thoughts: Iku Kasahara’s life was changed one day when, finally, a fairy tale story was published and she could purchase it. Yet this is not society as we know it today. On this fateful day, the bookstore she was in was raided and the book confiscated as it was deemed “unsuitable.” The Library Defense Force stepped in that day and took the books from the Government and one particular agent returned a dented copy of the fairy tale book to Iku Kasahara.

A few later, Iku Kasahara is training to join the Library Defense Force, but it seems that she has many, many hurdles to jump from annoyed group-mates to the tough Instructor Dojo who seems to have picked her, unknowingly, as his protégé. The first volume spends a lot of time setting up the story.
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Will Teens Like It? Library loving teens will get a huge kick out of this.
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Things to be aware of: None
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Further Thoughts: This is a story of modern day librarianship meeting Farenheit 451. In this not too distant future, some books are considered inappropriate for society by the Government and the librarians have a covert military force that helps defend the right to read. Libraries are neutral zones, where books cannot be challenged, but that doesn’t mean library users will not challenge this.

Does this sound familiar yet? Mind you, librarians don’t have a secret military force that can help in the war over books, but it is an interesting take. For a book about libraries, it seems to have the library aspect spot on down to the decimal system (although, I trust the Japanese system isn’t quite as similar as Dewey) and how busy a public library is (illustrated with the librarians in the basement running to find books).

A lot of the story in this first volume is setting up for future volumes. To me, it is clear the romantic interest lies in Dojo and Kasahara, and that Dojo is her inspiration, and he knows it. While I know this, I’m more interested in reading about the war over the books and how libraries will continue to fit into this. While I know many librarians do not read graphic novels, this is one that the librarian should pick up just to read the first page detailing “The Library Freedom Act.” It sounds very similar to one we have today…
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Bonus: ALA Great Graphic Novel 2011

Source: Library Copy.

Love*Com volumes 14-16 (and that wraps up Love*Com)

Title: Love*Com Volumes 14-16
Author: Aya Nakahara
Illustrator: Aya Nakahara
Publisher: Viz, Inc
Copyright: 2001 (Japan) 2009 (Viz) 2010 (Volume 16)
Price: $9.99 each
ISBN: (vol. 14) 978-1-4215-2372-9 (vol. 15) 978-1-4215-2373-6 (vol. 16) 978-1-4215-2382-5
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Summary and Quick Thoughts: Readers will find a dramatic (literally) conclusion to this wild roller coaster of a love comedy. Risa and Otani continue to support each other, especially in the face of Otani being played followed by the player trying to destroy Risa. An out-of-the-world twist throws everyone together and everyone is happy, including Grandpa. The last two volumes (15 and 16) focus more on Otani and Risa as they realize it is the end of high school. The last two volumes felt more like a collection of stories leading up to the inevitable graduation and separation of friends. There is a volume 17, but in the interest of time and money, ending at volume 16 is the perfect ending for readers who have enjoyed watching this couple and continue to root for them.
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Will Teens Like It? Probably, although it might not be memorable.
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Things to be aware of: swearing (minor)
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Further Thoughts: To leave this series at volume 16 is probably the best ending a reader can hope for. Nothing is hinted beyond graduation, but this is the perfect series to discuss what could have happened after graduation. The last two volumes seemed to have lost their thread of continuity. They were just a collection of stories including the character. Again, some stories focused more on the side characters while others focused on showing Otani’s caring nature, Risa’s support, and how much they care for each other. This is a sweet, sugary series and perfect for fans of Shojo or just wanting “mind candy” (a book that is fluff).
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Bonus:

Source: Library copy.

Manga Moveable Feast: Yotsuba&! - Discussion

In my head Saturday: YES! I finally did it! I can finally participate in the Manga Movable Feast! Good Comics for Kids (at School Library Journal, many kudos to Robing Brenner on this one) this time is the host it and it doesn't start until August 30, and I have read the title and...oh drat, I've posted the review all ready... 

PS: I haven't read any of the other discussions this week, so be prepared for an addendum.

Little Librarian:
I am surprised to think about Yotsuba&! as a kid's title. Honestly, I would not suggest to put it in my children's collection at the library I work at and I almost always find it in the teen and adult collections at libraries. Why? I'm not exactly sure. Considering the creator behind the work (he wrote Azumanga Diaoh), I'd suspect that somewhere along the way, the creator would sneak something "questionable" in, but I haven't read past volume 1.

When I think of Yotsuba&! I don't think of kids reading the title, I think of adults reading the title. I learned about Yotsuba&! in college, from my college friends. Those in the web comic community know that a particular artist really loves reading Yotsuba&! so I link all of those things up to a teen and adult readership. In fact, if this is to be billed as a children's story, then why does it say in this post that Yotsuba&! is "seralized in Dengeki Daioh (Japanese website here), a magazine aimed at adult men[.]" I'm sorry, but that does not help the cause that this should/could be a kids' title. I honestly did not know that "While Yotsuba! is not officially a children’s series, as noted above, it has been embraced by young readers here in the United States as well as older readers." (Same post as above). I'm not one to go recommending this title to children. That's despite, if I remember rightly, the All Ages stamp on the back of the book by ADV.

Now don't get me wrong. I loved Yotsuba&! and think it is fantastically funny, adorable comic. I enjoyed her sense of wonder and her abandonment of her safety in the name of exploration, but some of the situations  make me feel it is better suited for a teen and adult audience (although, that's not to say kids won't discover it).

This is a place I'm willing to hear your thoughts. Why kids? Do you picture it or is it located in your library's children collection? If it is not, why do you think that? Why are kids picking this up (I'm pretty sure I know why...) Please discuss. I'm willing to be convinced.

Manga Movable Feast: Yotsuba&! and Chi's Sweet Home (Review Part)

SWEET! I'm excited to finally join in on a Manga Movable Feast. This time around it is the adorable comic: Yotsuba&! which I actually reviewed Volume 1 of way back in May. Basically, I loved the title and highly recommend it as a different title that will give your manga collection something fun to read. I enjoyed the first volume because of Yotsuba&s wild and crazy antics and that she is such a child and everything is new to her. Although, I wonder why I haven't picked the rest up...too many comics really.

As part of the Manga Movable Feast, people were asked to include a kids manga pick and seriously, what better title than my new all time favorite: Chi's Sweet Home volume 1. Enjoy!

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Title: Chi’s Sweet Home Vol. 1
Author: Konami Kanata
Illustrator: Konami Kanata
Publisher: Vertical
Copyright: 2010
Price: $13.95
ISBN: 978-1-934287-81-1
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Summary and Quick Thoughts: It all starts with a bird and a little kitten. Chi, the kitten,  grew interested in a bird and forgot to follow her mother and siblings back home from a day out walking. As Chi struggles to find her way home, she discovers a world full of scary things. Just as she gives up, luck would have it that a child falls in front of her and both have an understanding the other is unhappy. Chi is taken in by the Yamada family, despite the apartment complex rule that no pets are allowed. In quick, short and colorful chapters, it tells the story of Chi’s development and eventual adoption by the Yamada family. For any cat lover, or anyone who has raised a kitten who strayed from its family, this story will remind the reader of those days and elicit laughter and “awwws!”
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Will Teens Like It? This is a great all ages title!
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Things to be aware of: Nothing.
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Further Thoughts:  Chi’s story covers everything from her attempts to get home, to settling, to her first bath (with lots of growling), to her litter training, to discovery of bouncy balls (one of many favorite cat toys), to her first vet trip (which reminds me of the story of a cat I know) and many other firsts and developments with the Yamada family. In this book, instead of just having the cat go “meow” or “miu” the reader also sees what Chi is thinking or saying with those meows and it is spot on with those thoughts.

The artwork is what really makes this particular work special. Chi’s fear, frustration, anger, excitement, and other expressions are clear and mimic a real cat in a cartoony way. Combined with the words, this is one of the few titles that I often found myself laughing out loud or grabbing one of my family members to show and say “isn’t that like a cat?”

Chi’s story also sometimes parallels Yohei’s (the son), story as he learns to use “the potty” and when he has a growth spurt. Many times I thought, this would be a perfect book for a child who is growing up and needs positive stories about how “this child could do it, so can you.”

Overall, I’d highly recommend this title as it is feel good story about a cat and her family as she grows and explores a little. Cat owners everywhere should be able to relate to many of these stories and fondly remember times with their own cats (or chuckle at moments such as the cat clawing the couch). It almost makes you want to have a kitten again…almost…(please do not offer me kittens. We have 2 cats who are entering the “senior” years plus a temperamental cat that lives with the dog on the main floor with my mum).
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Bonus: This title is pricy, but you’re getting color which is a rarity in manga. If and when I get funds for myself, I’m getting this for my personal collection. And I might get a stuffed Chi too if I find one…oh dear, I've reached fan girl status....

Source:  Library copy.