i ♥ manga

Goodbye, CMX

2010-05-18T20:40:00.000-07:00

Yes, it's been silent around here, even with my one-year blogiversary passing me by. But, I am compelled to write today because of the shutdown of local manga publisher, CMX.CMX published a slew of great books, many of which I enjoyed. While I'm sad to see some series will never be finished (like Two Flowers for the Dragon, Apothecarius Argentum, Venus Capriccio and Swan), there is a small

not simple

2010-04-11T22:03:00.000-07:00

The story: Ian has a troubled past and the only thing he wants to do is find his sister. Traveling across Australia, England and America to find her, he’s trailed by a reporter, Jim, who is recording Ian's travels for his book. As a lonely young man, Jim is the closest thing Ian has to a friend. Will Ian find his sister, or will his tragic life continue?Reaction: To say this story is a tragedy is

Honey and Clover, vol. 9

2010-04-07T07:30:00.000-07:00

The story: It's the beginning of the end in this penultimate volume—graduation is just around the corner for Takemoto and Hagu, while Morita and his brother will finally have their peace, or so they think. Even Mayama's life is changing when he moves to Spain to be closer to Rika. While the gang begins to see the light at the end of the tunnel that has been their college experience, they’re

MangaCast Review: Hero Tales, vol. 1

2010-04-05T11:01:00.000-07:00

During my unplanned hiatus, not only was i♥manga ignored, but so was MangaCast, another great manga blog where I occasionally provide reviews. But, I'm back with my latest post—this time around, I took a look at Hero Tales, vol. 1. Here's an excerpt of what I thought:Brother and sister Taitou and Laila are heroes of their town, fighting the Imperial Army as it tries to impose its will upon the

My Darling! Miss Bancho, vol. 1

2010-04-01T22:18:00.000-07:00

The story: After her parents’ divorce, Souka is determined to not be a burden on her now-single mother. Choosing to attend a technical high school, she sets her heart on learning a trade that can help her get a job immediately after graduation.But, there’s a major kink in her plans—her new school’s male delinquents have caused all the girls to leave and she’s the only one left! Refusing to reveal

Moyasimon: Tales of Agriculture, vol. 1

2010-03-30T19:40:00.000-07:00

While the connection to today's review may seem a bit tenuous, I'd like to give a nod to Cesar E. Chavez, who led the first successful farm worker's rights movement in the United States. In California, we celebrate his life's work on March 31 with a statewide holiday. Since this book focuses on farm work and agriculture, it seemed an opportune time to note Chavez's work in providing equal rights

Twin Spica, vol. 1

2010-03-28T16:06:00.001-07:00

Time to dust off my poor, neglected blog! After a month of silence, I'm glad to be back—moving and freelance writing assignments have been keeping me busy. And what better way to come back to manga blogging than with a super-sized review of Vertical's new Twin Spica?The story: For as long as she can remember, 13-year-old Asumi has wanted to become an astronaut. But, since her mother died a few

Flashlight Worthy Books List: Graphic Novels: About Women. By Women.

2010-03-28T15:54:00.000-07:00

Earlier this month, I was asked to contribute to a graphic novel list by Flashlight Worthy, a website with lists of books recommended by bloggers and others. In recognition of Women's History Month in March, the list, "Graphic Novels: About Women. By Women," focused on graphic novels about and by women.Unsurprisingly, many manga filled the list, including my selection, Town of Evening Calm,

MangaCast Review: King of RPGs, vol. 1

2010-03-28T15:27:00.000-07:00

While it's been more than a month since I reviewed this book, I'm listing it here as part of some belated blog-related housekeeping.Last month, I reviewed King of RPGs, vol. 1, for MangaCast, a blog featuring manga news and reviews. Here's an excerpt from my review:It’s freshman year at the fictional University of California Escondido for Sessions Maccabee and, while it’s a brand-new start, he’s

My Heavenly Hockey Club, vol. 3

2010-02-17T20:26:00.000-08:00

The story: Sleep- and food-loving Hana is a none-too-willing member of her high school's field hockey club, even if it is filled with gorgeous boys. This time around, Hana and one of the boys get lost in the jungle while on vacation, leading to hilarious results. Up next is the obligatory group vacation at a hot springs resort, only this isn't what the team expected. When the vacation ends and

Kitchen Princess, vol. 4

2010-02-04T22:59:00.000-08:00

The story: Najika has an amazing ability -- anything she tastes she can cook from memory. When her parents died when she was younger, she found comfort in the kindness of a boy she named her "flan prince." Now at Seika Academy, she's trying to find her prince while making new friends. Unfortunately, Najika and Daichi have had a fight, and Najika doesn't know why he's upset with her. Why all is

Land of the Blindfolded, vol. 8

2010-02-03T10:24:00.000-08:00

As you may have noticed, posting has been pretty non-existent around here during the past week or so. Unfortunately, I'm experiencing some technical difficulties with the home computer I use for writing reviews. Hopefully, I'll be able to have it taken care of soon. Until then, expect fewer posts than normal. Now, on with the review!The story: High schooler Kanade has a unique gift that allows

V.B. Rose, vol. 1

2010-01-28T22:23:00.000-08:00

This is another title that I was turned on to by Danielle Leigh's Manga Before Flowers column, "10 Underrated Shojo Titles." I was intrigued enough to check this out since, so far, Danielle is yet to let me down!The story: When Ageha finds out her perfect older sister, Hibari, is pregnant and will be marrying her "lame" boyfriend, she loses it and says some pretty hurtful things. Feeling bad

We Were There, vol. 2

2010-01-27T21:56:00.000-08:00

The story: Nana has a crush on popular guy Yano, but he's constantly picking on her in school. When she finally 'fesses to her feelings, all she gets is an ambiguous response in return. But, in this volume, Yano's behavior is explained with flashbacks to memories with his now-dead, ex-girlfriend. From the start of their friendship to her death in a car accident, Yano's emotions run the gamut. But

Profile on Manga Views

2010-01-26T21:20:00.000-08:00

A few weeks ago, Manga Views put out a call to profile manga bloggers. And today, they published my profile! If you've ever wondered what motivated me to blog about manga, click here to find out.Manga Views "is a hub for manga reviews and reviewers from around the world. Bringing together writers, their thoughts and a love for manga..."

MangaCast Review: Stolen Hearts, vol. 1

2010-01-26T09:20:00.001-08:00

Sorry about the lack of posting these past few days -- life gets in the way, you know? Regardless, it's back to our regularly scheduled programming with a new guest review I wrote for MangaCast, a website featuring manga news and reviews. This time around, I take a look at Stolen Hearts, vol. 1, a new kimono-centric title from CMX.Here's a peek at what I thought:Koguma is misunderstood — everyone

We Were There, vol. 1

2010-01-21T23:08:00.000-08:00

The story: It's the first day of high school for Nanami Takahashi and she's determined to make new friends. But, things don't go exactly as planned -- plenty of people already know each other, so she feels left out. Then there's Motoharu Yano, the most popular guy in class -- he has plenty of friends (and fans), not to mention he does well in school. But, there's something about him that both

Swan, vol. 5

2010-01-20T22:57:00.000-08:00

The story: Masumi is a small-town girl with big ballet dreams. After her successful entry into Japan's National Ballet School and the injury of her talented classmate Sayoko, Masumi is chosen to audition for a special production in Moscow, Russia. In this volume, she's auditioning against the talented Larisa Maximova. In the two-day process, the two dancers each perform the roles of the main

Two Flowers for the Dragon, vol. 4

2010-01-19T20:45:00.000-08:00

The story: Ten years ago, Lady Shakuya's fiance Lucien mysteriously disappeared without a trace and the Dragon Clan found their heir a new fiance, Kuwan. Now that Lucien has returned, she must choose between the two and Shakuya will marry whomever she loves most, as evidenced by the magical, floral tattoos that grow with her increasing adoration. This volume picks up where the last one left off

Parasyte, vol. 5

2010-01-18T22:43:00.000-08:00

The story: Shinichi used to have a carefree high school life -- until parasitic aliens stealthily attacked the Earth, possessing and eating people as they pleased. But, when Shinichi's parasite doesn't infect him properly, he and Migi (literally "right hand" in Japanese) must learn to live together in order to save mankind. In this volume, Shinichi and Migi team up again with Oda and the renamed

The Seven Magi, vol. 1

2010-01-17T16:44:00.000-08:00

The story: The land of Cheironia is in trouble -- a black plague, mysteriously brought forth by their cursed leopard-headed king, has descended upon the people. In a desperate attempt to save his country, King Guin sets out to find the black magic sorcerer Yelisha. While he seeks out Yelisha, he meets some curious characters and dangerous creatures in the Alley of Charms. But, once he finds

Black Bird, vol. 2

2010-01-16T11:26:00.000-08:00

The story: Misao was just your normal, everyday teenage high school girl. Except for the whole "seeing demons" thing. But, when she turns 16, her life takes a turn for the weirder when her first love and childhood best friend Kyo returns from a long absence, demanding she become his bride. As a tengu demon clan leader, Kyo wants to marry Misao for the vast power her blood yields -- their marriage

The Palette of 12 Secret Colors, vol. 6

2010-01-15T22:02:00.000-08:00

The story: The island of Opal is home to tropical birds and magical craftsmen -- dubbed palettes -- who can manipulate colors. It's the end of the school year (and this series) and Cello must pass her final exams, or she'll be a third-year freshman! While Cello and Dr. Guell have admitted their feelings for one another, there's seemingly no movement on the romance front. But, when Cello learns

MangaCast Review: Ooku: The Inner Chambers, vol. 2

2010-01-14T09:42:00.001-08:00

I've posted my first review of the New Year on MangaCast, the source for manga news and reviews. This time around, I reviewed the second volume of Ooku: The Inner Chambers. Here's an excerpt:In an alternate history of feudal-era Japan, a mysterious epidemic has hit the country’s male population. ... While this started as an AU history lesson, it slowly developed into a twisted love story.

Yotsuba&!, vol. 4

2010-01-13T19:20:00.000-08:00

As noted in previous posts, this is a review of the ADV release of Yotsuba&! and not the newer release by Yen Press.The story: It's summertime and the livin's easy for Yotsuba and her pals! From punishing games of rock, paper, scissors and summer fishing trips to a grocery-shopping trip and the pain of heartbreak, silly protagonist Yotsuba is squeezing every last drop of fun from her vacation. At