Otomen
Written by: Aya Kanno
Published by: Shojo Beat
Copy supplied by publisher
ISBN13: 978-1-4215-2186-2
ISBN10: 1-4215-2186-5

Reviewed by Lauren Lapinski

When we think of males and their hobbies, the first thing we usually think of is sports. From baseball to wrestling, if it’s a spectator sport, men will watch it. This is not the case, however, for Asuka Masamume of Otomen, a guy who loves all things girly, and who is forced to hide his passions to appear manly.
» Continue reading “Manga Review: Otomen”

Gaba Kawa
By Rie Takada
Published by: Shojo Beat Manga
ISBN13: 978-1-4215-2259-3
ISBN10: 1-4215-2259-4

Reviewed by Lauren Lapinski

When someone says “shojo manga”, the image that usually comes to mind is of high schools girls, pretty boys, and huge helpings of romance. Gaba Kawa is no exception to this rule, while adding a somewhat supernatural twist, another element becoming coming in the genre. The main character, Rara, is a demon who has come to the human world to wreak havoc, drag human souls down into the pits of darkness, and other lovely things like that. The last thing she’s supposed to do is fall in love with a human, which, anyone at all familiar with the shojo genre can guess, is exactly what happens. » Continue reading “Shojo Review: Gaba Kawa”

The Magic Touch
Story and Art by Izumi Tsubaki
Published by Shoujo Beat, imprint of Viz Media.
ISBN10: 1421516713
ISBN13: 9781421516714

Review by Linda Yau

The purpose of a massage is to often relax and de-stress a person. So what would it be like to have a massage society in your high school? The purpose of this club is to unite students who are interested in practicing to massage others, and what would happen if there is sparks there? The Magic Touch with a tag line of “Romance is at your fingertips!” is such a shoujo series.
» Continue reading “Manga Review: The Magic Touch vol. 1″

St. Dragon Girl vol. 1
Story and Art: Natsumi Matsumoto
Published by VIZ Media
ISBN-10: 1-4215-5040-9
ISBN-13: 978-1-4215-2010-0

Review by Kris

Kenpo. Many know of this martial art but don’t know much about it. Kenpo, literally translates to “Fist Law”. Here in the United States we use the term Kung Fu to designate any form of Chinese martial art (just like Karate is often used to designate any form of Japanese martial art). In Japan the term Kenpo is used to describe Chinese systems. You’re probably wondering why on earth I’m defining martial arts terms. I found that knowing the difference with terms helped in making St. Dragon Girl a much more enjoyable manga to read.
» Continue reading “Manga Review: St. Dragon Girl vol. 1″

Wanted
Story and Art: Matsuri Hino
Published by VIZ Media
ISBN-10: 1-4215-1934-8
ISBN-13: 978-1-4215-1934-0

Review by Kris

Pirates are hot, especially ones created by famed mangaka Matsuri Hino (mangaka behind Vampire Knight and Captive Hearts). Thanks to Johnny Depp and popularity of the Pirates of the Caribbean pirates are hip once again. Wanted was published in Japan in 2005 after original movie was released. Was that the inducement for creating a pirate manga? I don’t really know, but pirates are definitely cool.

Armeria lost her family while she was young and was adopted into a traveling musical troupe. Armeria possesses a beautiful singing voice. During her travels she meets Luce, the nephew of a rich landowner, and falls in love with him. One evening while performing at their estate the infamous pirate crew led by Skulls kidnaps Luce for ransom. On that night Armeria vows that she will find and rescue Luce. She knew who she had to find due to the unique tattoo that Skulls had.
» Continue reading “Manga Review: Wanted”

Wanted
Story and Art by Matsuri Hino
Published by the Shojo Beat imprint of Viz Media.
ISBN10: 1421519348
ISBN13: 9781421519340

Review by Linda Yau

All songstress Armeria ever wanted was to find Luce her first love, after he got kidnapped by the infamous pirate captain Skulls. Fast forward eight years later, she has disguised herself as a boy, and joined up with the crew. Unfortunately her plans of finding Luce is dashed when the crew realizes that she is a women. Now what is she to do after Skulls tether her at her feet binding her to his side?
» Continue reading “Manga Review: Wanted”

Time Stranger Kyoko vol. 1
Story and Art: Arina Tanemura
Published by VIZ Media
ISBN-10: 1-4215-1797-3
ISBN-13: 978-1-4215-1797-1

Review by Kris

In the 30th century Earth has become one harmonious place to live. Kyoko Suomi is the princess of Earth, but she craves anonymity. She attends a normal high school and has normal friends who all think that she’s a normal high school student. Kyoko is supposed to be presented to the people of Earth as the princess on her 16th birthday. Of course Kyoko has no desire to be princess. She has a twin sister who is just as capable but there is one slight problem holding back Ui (Kyoko’s twin). It seems that Ui is trapped in time and the only way she can be saved is with the help of Kyoko. The king offers Kyoko her freedom if she can find twelve sacred stones and twelve telepaths. Once the task is done Ui can wake and take her place on the throne.
» Continue reading “Manga Review: Time Stranger Kyoko vol. 1″

Captive Hearts
Story and Art: Matsuri Hino
Published by VIZ Media
ISBN-10: 1-4215-1932-1
ISBN-13: 978-1-4215-1932-6

Review by Kris

The Kuroishi family has been serving the Kogami family for generations, thanks to a curse placed on the Kuroishis by the Kogami family’s guardian dragon. The current Kogami family left Japan and was living in China for a time, but they disappeared. No one knew what happened and the worst was accepted (you know, they were dead). The will was unsealed and the fortune was left to the family butler and his son, Megumi.
» Continue reading “Manga Review: Captive Hearts vol. 1″

B.O.D.Y: Volume 1
Story and Art by Ao Mimori
Published by Shoujo Beat, imprint of Viz Media.
ISBN10: 1421518023
ISBN13: 9781421518022

Review by Linda Yau

Ryoko Sakura is a fanciful naive 16 year old, who’s friends criticize her for having a crush on Ryunosuke Fuji, a silent guy who sits next to her in class. She imagines him to be a studious gentleman. Yet, nothing prepares her for the reality of Ryunosuke actually working in a host club, where women pay men for their entertainment. Her fantasies shatter, now Ryoko would have to face Ryunoskue’s sudden interest in her.
» Continue reading “Manga Review: B.O.D.Y. vol 1″