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)
----------
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.
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
Sunday, June 26, 2011
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
-----------
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.
---------
Recommended Audience: Teens
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Things to be aware of: sexual situations
----------
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!).
------
Bonus:
------
Source: Library copy.
Author: Kanoko Sakurakoji
Illustrator: Kanoko Sakurakoji
Publisher: Viz Media (Shojo Beat Imprint)
Copyright: 2010 (2005)
Price: $9.99
ISBN: 978-1-4215-3066-6
-----------
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.
---------
Recommended Audience: Teens
--------
Things to be aware of: sexual situations
----------
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!).
------
Bonus:
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Source: Library copy.
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
How I Made It To Eighteen: A Mostly True Story
Title: How I Made It to Eighteen: A Mostly True Story
Author: Tracy White
Illustrator: Tracy White
Publisher: Roaring Book Press
Copyright: 2010
Price: $16.00
ISBN: 978-1-59643-454-7
-----------
Summary and Quick Thoughts: No one saw it coming. Not even the four friends that Stacy has made over the years. The four friends who offer insight into Stacy’s choice are happy she’s made the decision and hope that maybe she can heal. Stacy Black is on the verge of a nervous breakdown. She’s depressed, she’s making bad decisions, and she’s self-destructing from eating disorders to smashing a window, which prompts her to seek help. This is Stacy’s story of sorting through her mind in the mental hospital.
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Intended Audience: Teens
--------
Things to be aware of: eating disorders
----------
Further Thoughts: First, I am completely aware that this title is a cathartic journey for the author. Tracy White is obviously writing herself in Stacy Black (the names are too similar) and in her own experiences, but I have to admit I was hoping for more from this story as it had been somewhat hyped up (it crossed my radar a few times).
As far as books on depression and the story of someone working through depression go, this is a weak choice. Stacy’s story somewhat meanders and she just can’t bring herself to break down. Her depression and need to heal was not real to me (and as a sufferer of depression, myself, I just couldn’t understand Stacy’s problems). I didn’t feel Stacy was at the end of her rope just yet when she checked in. The flow of the story attempts to mimic an episode of “Interventions” (or the like) where friends comment on the person in question and there are snippets of Doctor Reports to add background. The Doctor Reports certainly helped a reader understand the story, but the four friends offering input could have been stronger. Only two of the four friends actually made an appearance in the story. What I wanted was to see a reconnection with the other two or something. It was very unsatisfying.
The art is also not my style. It is simplistic and I suspect the author is a stronger artist than this work let’s on. Throughout the story I was reminded by the ALA 2009 Great Graphic Novel choice Tyranny which had more complex art to represent the depression and eating disorder. You could feel that character’s pain. I couldn’t feel Stacy’s so much.
All in all, public libraries that all ready have Tyranny will find this an additional purchase. In terms of bibliotherapy, this is a weaker title than Tyranny, which packs a stronger punch. I recognize that this is the type of book that might fall into the hands of someone who needs it; on the other hand, there are other, stronger, graphic novels that cover the same territory. School libraries would be a better audience for this title.
------
Bonus: ALA Great Graphic Novel 2011
------
Source: Library copy.
Author: Tracy White
Illustrator: Tracy White
Publisher: Roaring Book Press
Copyright: 2010
Price: $16.00
ISBN: 978-1-59643-454-7
-----------
Summary and Quick Thoughts: No one saw it coming. Not even the four friends that Stacy has made over the years. The four friends who offer insight into Stacy’s choice are happy she’s made the decision and hope that maybe she can heal. Stacy Black is on the verge of a nervous breakdown. She’s depressed, she’s making bad decisions, and she’s self-destructing from eating disorders to smashing a window, which prompts her to seek help. This is Stacy’s story of sorting through her mind in the mental hospital.
---------
Intended Audience: Teens
--------
Things to be aware of: eating disorders
----------
Further Thoughts: First, I am completely aware that this title is a cathartic journey for the author. Tracy White is obviously writing herself in Stacy Black (the names are too similar) and in her own experiences, but I have to admit I was hoping for more from this story as it had been somewhat hyped up (it crossed my radar a few times).
As far as books on depression and the story of someone working through depression go, this is a weak choice. Stacy’s story somewhat meanders and she just can’t bring herself to break down. Her depression and need to heal was not real to me (and as a sufferer of depression, myself, I just couldn’t understand Stacy’s problems). I didn’t feel Stacy was at the end of her rope just yet when she checked in. The flow of the story attempts to mimic an episode of “Interventions” (or the like) where friends comment on the person in question and there are snippets of Doctor Reports to add background. The Doctor Reports certainly helped a reader understand the story, but the four friends offering input could have been stronger. Only two of the four friends actually made an appearance in the story. What I wanted was to see a reconnection with the other two or something. It was very unsatisfying.
The art is also not my style. It is simplistic and I suspect the author is a stronger artist than this work let’s on. Throughout the story I was reminded by the ALA 2009 Great Graphic Novel choice Tyranny which had more complex art to represent the depression and eating disorder. You could feel that character’s pain. I couldn’t feel Stacy’s so much.
All in all, public libraries that all ready have Tyranny will find this an additional purchase. In terms of bibliotherapy, this is a weaker title than Tyranny, which packs a stronger punch. I recognize that this is the type of book that might fall into the hands of someone who needs it; on the other hand, there are other, stronger, graphic novels that cover the same territory. School libraries would be a better audience for this title.
------
Bonus: ALA Great Graphic Novel 2011
------
Source: Library copy.
Monday, June 20, 2011
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.
---------
Recommended Audience: Teens (mature)
--------
Things to be aware of: death…the scary factor is that most of the death happens “off screen”
----------
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.
------
Bonus: This is tied to the wildly popular anime Death Note and the live action movies inspired from it.
-----
Source: Library copy.
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)
-----------
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.
---------
Recommended Audience: Teens (mature)
--------
Things to be aware of: death…the scary factor is that most of the death happens “off screen”
----------
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.
------
Bonus: This is tied to the wildly popular anime Death Note and the live action movies inspired from it.
-----
Source: Library copy.
Sunday, May 8, 2011
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. :(
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. :(
Sunday, April 24, 2011
Cat Burgler Black by Richard Sala
Title: Cat Burgler Black
Author: Richard Sala
Illustrator: Richard Sala
Publisher: First Second (:01)
Copyright: 2009
Price: $16.99
ISBN: 978-1-59643-144-7
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Summary and Quick Thoughts: Katherine “K.” Westree may finally have a home and some family. As an orphan, she grew up in an orphanage where she was trained to be a cat burglar, but she hopes to leave that all behind. Unfortunately, her aunt is ill, leaving her to do the deeds of the questionable head mistress. Readers will follow “K” as she performs to the task only to see demons from her past. Sala presents a book with more telling than showing with average artwork, plot holes, and yet a compelling story about K.
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Will Teens Like It? Questionable. Teens may be turned off by the huge amounts of text
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Things to be aware of: Nothing. This is clean except for the topic of burglary and even that is frowned upon.
----------
Longer Thoughts: Cat Burglar Black made it to my desk because the children’s department did not think it was appropriate for their area (at my previous gig). I have to agree, yet it does work for a middle school crowd. More or less, this is the story about K, who just wants to leave burglary behind and enjoy life. She is forced into stealing again, but does what she’s told because she believes it is what her Aunt wants.
Richard Sala’s art is simplistic and a few times I questioned why he used certain perspectives, which jarred me out of the story. In panels where characters were running, I often thought they were just walking quickly. The art, as delightful and different as it is, does not convey the actions he wants to convey. There is also too much text in places. Some panels are just a person’s head and shoulders and the rest is text. To me, the point of a graphic novel is to show, not tell, and feel more like a movie in my head than a book in my hands. Lastly, there are a lot of open plot points involving the characters from the aunt (where was she throughout the story?) to the groundskeeper (I know he’s important, but how?). The ending neatly ties up the story, but hints at the possibility for more.
Cat Burglar Black can be a compelling read, but only for those not familiar with graphic novels and who possibly want to see what the genre is. Unfortunately, it is not really a good representation of the genre.
One last thing: the review on the back by Lemony Snicket is not helpful in the least. It is an alphabetical listing of one to three word phrases that supposedly describe the book. When I realized it was an alphabet, it became clear that it really did not give a review of the book.
------
Bonus: ALA 2010 Great Graphic Novel
------
Source: Library copy
Author: Richard Sala
Illustrator: Richard Sala
Publisher: First Second (:01)
Copyright: 2009
Price: $16.99
ISBN: 978-1-59643-144-7
-----------
Summary and Quick Thoughts: Katherine “K.” Westree may finally have a home and some family. As an orphan, she grew up in an orphanage where she was trained to be a cat burglar, but she hopes to leave that all behind. Unfortunately, her aunt is ill, leaving her to do the deeds of the questionable head mistress. Readers will follow “K” as she performs to the task only to see demons from her past. Sala presents a book with more telling than showing with average artwork, plot holes, and yet a compelling story about K.
---------
Will Teens Like It? Questionable. Teens may be turned off by the huge amounts of text
--------
Things to be aware of: Nothing. This is clean except for the topic of burglary and even that is frowned upon.
----------
Longer Thoughts: Cat Burglar Black made it to my desk because the children’s department did not think it was appropriate for their area (at my previous gig). I have to agree, yet it does work for a middle school crowd. More or less, this is the story about K, who just wants to leave burglary behind and enjoy life. She is forced into stealing again, but does what she’s told because she believes it is what her Aunt wants.
Richard Sala’s art is simplistic and a few times I questioned why he used certain perspectives, which jarred me out of the story. In panels where characters were running, I often thought they were just walking quickly. The art, as delightful and different as it is, does not convey the actions he wants to convey. There is also too much text in places. Some panels are just a person’s head and shoulders and the rest is text. To me, the point of a graphic novel is to show, not tell, and feel more like a movie in my head than a book in my hands. Lastly, there are a lot of open plot points involving the characters from the aunt (where was she throughout the story?) to the groundskeeper (I know he’s important, but how?). The ending neatly ties up the story, but hints at the possibility for more.
Cat Burglar Black can be a compelling read, but only for those not familiar with graphic novels and who possibly want to see what the genre is. Unfortunately, it is not really a good representation of the genre.
One last thing: the review on the back by Lemony Snicket is not helpful in the least. It is an alphabetical listing of one to three word phrases that supposedly describe the book. When I realized it was an alphabet, it became clear that it really did not give a review of the book.
------
Bonus: ALA 2010 Great Graphic Novel
------
Source: Library copy
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
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
-----------
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.
---------
Will Teens Like It? Teens who like shojo totally will.
--------
Things to be aware of: Cartoon violence, mild sexual situations.
----------
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.
------
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.
--------
Source: Library copy.
Author: Hiro Fujiwara
Illustrator: Hiro Fujiwara
Publisher: TokyoPop Inc.
Copyright: 2009 (2005 Japanese)
Price: $10.99
ISBN: 978-1-4278-1403-6
-----------
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.
---------
Will Teens Like It? Teens who like shojo totally will.
--------
Things to be aware of: Cartoon violence, mild sexual situations.
----------
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.
------
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.
--------
Source: Library copy.
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