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.

Some elements of the story seem a little bit far-fetched, but the story itself is rather cute. There are one or two interesting twists the reader comes across, and the characters are likeable; but the whole concept of what counts as “girly” and what is considered “manly” by the mangaka really needs to be brought into question here.

My biggest problem with this manga, if anything else, is the fact that all the characters, including Asuka, consider cooking to be only a feminine interest. Being the food fanatic that I am, I found this odd. The last time I checked, cooking was widely considered to be something both men and women could pursue. I also couldn’t help but wonder if Aya Kanno ever had time to watch TV or read a food magazine. I’m referring, of course, to the famous Japanese cooking show, Iron Chef. All of the chefs contestants could compete with were male, including the renowned Masaharu Morimoto. If that isn’t enough evidence, a search on Google reveals that there exists a world renowned pasty chef by the name of Sadaharu Aoki who is also a man.

Overall, the manga has is cute points and is admittedly an adorable read, but if you’re a foodie, you may find yourself wanting to grab the characters by the shoulders and shake them while screaming “Cooking isn’t just for girls!” repeatedly.

I understand Japan has very traditional views of gender roles, but this too exaggerated, especially considering the respect professional chefs seem to receive.

Gaba Kawa

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.

The story does start off a bit cliché at first, but there are some creative touches to the story. For example, Retsu, Rara’s love interest, has the typical bad boy look you often see in anime and manga. The twist, however, is that he doesn’t act the buddy; he’s actually a decent person and is kind to the main character. And the romance does have a few sweet and “aww”-inducing moments. One issue that, for me, seems to detract from the story (and seems common to shojo) is the inclusion of a clichéd female character-type who acts as both “best friend” and bully/romantic rival for the female lead.

Since this is only a one-shot manga, many things are left unexplained and the story suffers slightly from the lack of detail. I personally believe this story has the potential to be a series, perhaps ten or more volumes, such an expansion would give the author the opportunity to add more depth to plot and character development. All in all, while the manga is your typical shojo fare, it is an adorable read and something fans of the genre would enjoy.

The Magic Touch

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.

Chiaki Togu is a shy high school student who is the star of her high school massage society. She never expected or asked for much, as her self-esteem or confidence was often crushed by Sayaka her scheming twin sister. Life was pretty bleak for her, until one day as she was heading to school. She happens to see and fall in love with a back that cried out to be massaged. This back belonged to the back of Yousuke Moriizumi, the hottest and most popular guy in school. Undaunted, Chiaki tries to ask him for a chance to massage his back, and Yousuke issues an ultimatum, to let his back get massage. Chiaki must make him fall in love with her. Thus begins their pure and proper relationship.

In this book there is also another couple in this book, the Prince of the massage society Takeshi Togu, and Yuna Aizawa, a fellow first year of Chiaki. What guarantees Takeshi a fan club in the massage club, doesn’t mean that he is lucky in real life. He really wants a girlfriend, but always gets rejected from other girls who think of him as a jerk. It wasn’t until Takeshi asks for Yuna’s help to teach him how to court a girl, that Yuna realizes her attraction for him.

Since The Magic Touch is a series, and a shoujo one, it has its angst cut out for it – so expect it to be a long drawn out romance. What makes this a good read for any shoujo fan is the cast of supporting characters. There is also the animation of certain elements that makes it a comedic cute read. It is just a refreshing read to read massage as a tool for romance.

If this was a series to be animated, then I wouldn’t mind throwing my support for it. Yet possible animation of this manga series is quite unlikely, as in Japan, The Magic Touch is finished, and at only nine volume, this makes for a fun and quick read. If you want to learn more information about its Japanese counterpart, the title of The Magic Touch is Oyayubi kara Romance.

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St. Dragon Girl vol. 1

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.

Momoka Sendou is the daughter of a martial artist and her family owns a Kenpo dojo. Because of that fact Momoka has been learning Kenpo from an early age and has earned that nickname “Dragon Girl.” One of Momoka’s closest and dearest friends is Ryuuga Kou. He’s Chinese and is a descended from a long line of magic masters. The Kou family deity is a dragon (are you starting to see a pattern?) One afternoon Momoka finds out through Ryuuga that there is a demon that is after one of her best friends and Ryuuga’s cousin Shunran. Shunran is a powerful psychic and because of that she’s always being pestered and possessed by various spirits. Since the time they were children Momoka and Ryuuga have protected Shunran. But this time the Serpent King is too powerful for them and almost kidnaps Shunran. Feeling powerless Ryuuga decides to call upon the Kou family deity (yes, a dragon) to possess him but because of a strange twist of fate the dragon possess Momoka instead.

St. Dragon Girl is an eight volume series that is beautifully illustrated. It is a typical shojo manga in every sense of the word. Momoka has a crush on her childhood friend but can’t admit those feelings aloud. Of course those around her all know that she’s crushing on Ryuuga, and Ryuuga is pretty sure that she has feelings for him too. Even though he’s not as obvious as Momoka, I’m pretty sure Ryuuga feels the same way.

I found myself really enjoying St. Dragon Girl. I’m pretty sure one of the reasons I liked it so much is because I’ve dabbled in Chinese martial arts myself and found the action beautifully drawn. Momoka is a very skilled martial artist and has earned her nickname. In the martial art style I studied (Shaolin Ch’uan Fa Kung Fu) the Dragon is the final animal that you tackle because you incorporate everything you learned and have internalized all of the other animal techniques to the point where you are able to act instinctually. That is definitely Momoka.

Another reason why I liked this manga is because of the costuming. Instead of using a gi Matsumoto-sensei uses a traditional Chinese yifu. Also there is use of Chinese dress that, in my opinion, rivals the kimono for beauty and grace. Even though the story takes place in Japan it definitely mixes these two ancient and fascinating cultures. Matsumoto-sensei richly illustrates an interesting story with extraordinary detail.

After reading this first volume I can tell you that I’m now hooked and it looks like I’m going along for the ride with St. Dragon Girl.

Wanted

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.

Several years pass and Armeria has located Skulls’ crew. Concealing her identity Armeria joins the crew as the young cabin boy Arto. Not long after she joins the crew her cover is shot (no pun intended, she actually gets shot) and a female on board a bunch of sex-crazed is dangerous. Once her identity is discovered she asks about Luce’s whereabouts and is told by Skulls that Luce is dead. Armeria isn’t so easily fooled and is determined to find out what happened to him.

There is also a brief one-shot called Spring Cherry Blossoms. It takes place during the Meiji Era. Sho wants to become a doctor but because of customs her marrying a young man of an influential family comes first. She meets a young man at the bookstore. This young man is dressed in traditional Japanese dress but has on one piece of clothing that makes him stick out, a ten-gallon hat.

For a quick read with beautiful artwork Wanted is a great choice. If you want something thought provoking Spring Cherry Blossoms is definitely an interesting look into Meiji era Japan and introducing us to a story that is both similar and foreign all at once. As a whole I enjoyed Wanted as a great diversion. It’s not terribly deep and it moves quickly so if you want something with teeth you might not be too impressed with it. I think that the story would have benefited more by being a series. I wish that there was more character development so we could delve more into the psyches of the characters. The revelation of what happened to Luce and the current situation comes too quickly and then things just become a tad ridiculous. The story of Wanted also doesn’t really wrap up as nicely as Spring Cherry Blossoms. In the brief Afterword Hino-sensei mentions that she doesn’t know if she’ll continue the story of Wanted. I think that it could benefit everything greatly if sometime in the future she decided to add to it. I think that back story would be a good addition to the story.

I must say that one thing this manga has going for it is Hino-sensei’s art. She is really quite gifted. From lush costuming to detailed backgrounds she definitely has some major talent. I’ve had the opportunity to check out some of her other works and it is just as visually amazing. VIZ is a great company to bring us her work because they bring manga titles to the masses and always present them for a reasonable price. It’s no wonder that many of their titles sell a lot of copies. They are always publishing titles that they know will sell which in this economy is always important. Matsuri Hino-sensei is a mangaka that definitely appeals to a wide audience.

If you are looking for a title to distract you from reality for an hour or two set sail with Wanted! Also feel free to check out Linda Yau’s earlier review for Wanted as well.

Wanted

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?

Of course, I don’t want to spoil the story anymore than necessary. Wanted actually has another one shot story, Spring Cherry Blossoms, and takes place during the Meiji Restoration period of Japan. Sho is a woman with dreams of becoming a female doctor. One day at her local bookstore, she notices flamboyantly dressed man, and later becomes attracted to him after he stands up for her.

However, society seems to go against her ideas, soon after she learns that she was betrothed to be wed. Sho is disappointed by this, and tries to run away from this reality. She soon realizes that the flamboyantly dressed man is Takao, her betrothed’s younger brother. Sho’s reputation is brought into question after she tries runs away from this fate, and what will eventually happen to her as she tries to grasp control of her fate?

I truly enjoyed this one-shot graphic novel. The artwork for this book is actually quite prettily drawn. The plots of the stories are all very well drawn. A short complaint on the ending for Wanted not being as finalized as Spring Cherry Blossoms was.

This is a romantic story book that will appeal to the romance fans that are out there. So if you are also a fan for Hino’s other work, Vampire Knight, and waiting for the graphic novel to be translated then this book, can provide a sweet break from the dramatic angst.

Time Stranger Kyoko vol. 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.

It sounds easy enough right? Wrong! Due to unforeseen circumstances Kyoko is outed as the princess. It also turns out that she possesses one of the stones that are needed to free Ui. With the help of Cane-chon (the cane and stone that control time) Kyoko can travel through time to locate the other eleven telepaths and stones. Through Kyoko’s travels she meets interesting people and is able to help out her two bodyguards that are the only surviving members of the Dragon Tribe. Will Kyoko be able to find the rest of the telepaths and stones to free Ui from her slumber? You’ll have to check out Time Stranger Kyoko.

Time Stranger Kyoko is a three volume shojo manga series released through VIZ Media. It’s a wild ride from the beginning. As a first volume it does a great job of introducing us to the many characters that Kyoko meets and interacts with. Kyoko has a strong sense of justice and will do what she can to help those in need. Her two bodyguards, Sakataki and Hizuki, are the surviving princes from the Dragon Tribe that was wiped out by the Demon Tribe. The King takes in these two young men and the two men vow to protect Kyoko with their whole being. Sakataki is kind of a stiff young man whereas his older brother Hizuki is much more laid back. Kyoko has many friends at school and as soon as her classmates find out her secret they vow to continue treating her the way they did before they found out that she was a princess. But for me the best character out of the whole series is Witzig. He’s a member of the Snake Tribe but spends his time looting, pillaging, and kidnapping Kyoko at every turn. He’s always in the middle of things and even travels along with Kyoko into the past. He rides around on a snake with the name of Snake-chama and has a second-in-command named Ginga. He travels with a gang called the Destroyers and these men will follow Witzig anywhere. There is a plethora of characters that I haven’t even introduced but play a part in the story.

Arina Tanemura-sensei’s art fall into the typical shojo style, you know big eyes, slight figures, small mouths, etc. The panels are filled with flowery screen tones and you have a ribbon and lacy explosion on just about every page. Yet it is tastefully done and doesn’t seem to be as gaudy as other shojo manga I’ve read. The manga is around the same size as a typical paperback. The paper seems to be a higher quality and I didn’t notice too many problems with ink rubbing off onto my fingers. The story is intriguing, cute, funny, and is pretty interesting. One thing I’ve found is I enjoy titles that keep me on my toes and Time Stranger Kyoko is one of those titles. I can’t wait to read the rest of the series!

If you like fantasy, magical type stories this is a fun title to pick up and read. It will keep you riveted to your seat and you can’t move until you’ve reached the end.

Captive Hearts

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.

Megumi has been living in the lap of luxury when disaster strikes (well, disaster in a way). The only daughter, Suzuka Kogami, has been found and has been brought back to Japan. The last time Megumi saw Suzuka was when he was still a young lad and she was a baby. Because Megumi hasn’t been around any Kogami family member so he hasn’t built up a resistance to the curse. So who knows when he’ll be hit by his urge to serve Suzuka. Megumi and Suzuka seem to have stronger feelings for one another but are Megumi’s feelings because of the servant curse?

Captive Hearts is a shojo title from front to back. The art and panels are laid out in such a way that you can tell that this is a girly manga. You have flowers, lace, ribbons, bubbles, etc. adorning every page; it is a little busy. It’s like an antique store exploded and left ribbons, lace doilies, and other knick-knacks all over the pages. But that seems to be typical in shojo manga. Despite the busy background I was captivated by the story (no pun intended). I laughed out loud at Megumi’s antics. One minute he’s a normal dude and the next he’s a doting butler. Suzuka is a sweet hardworking character, not a rich girl by any means. I am looking forward for the next volumes. I recommend this title for those who like sweet stories and happy endings (I figure that the series will have a happy ending).

If you enjoy sweet, funny, romantic stories, you’ll probably enjoy Captive Hearts. I liked it, you probably will too.

B.O.D.Y: Volume 1

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.

I picked up this book because I have rarely seen host clubs being mentioned in manga, so I imagine that the premises is interesting like Ouran High School Host Club, I wasn’t really impressed. I found Ryoko and Ryunosuke being very shallow characters. There is the concept of a guy having a crush on Ryunosuke, but it wasn’t explored as in depth in this volume.

As a standard the first volume can either draw readers into continuing the series. I could only imagine the teenage angst that is to come in the remaining volumes of this series. There are 15 volumes in total as this story has already ended in Japan, currently though there are three books translated into English.There is some possibility, but if the series continues on this same vain such as how the first volume proves, then that makes this series a disappointment all together.