What I Should've Read in 2009

With the new year just a few hours away, I thought this would be a prime time to reflect on what I should have read this year. While so many folks have churned out their "best of" lists for 2009 (myself included), there are a lot of great books I missed this year (and, in hindsight, would have proven themselves worthier than what I did end up reading).

In between work and graduate school, I somehow still found the time to read a lot of manga and start this blog. Unfortunately, due to limits of time and money, there were some series that I couldn't get to. Without further ado, here are the manga I should have read in 2009 (and will most likely be getting to first-thing in the new year!):

More josei: Sure, I read the first volume of Fumi Yoshinaga's new narrative-heavy historical drama, Ooku: The Inner Chambers, and the newest mature addition to Shojo Beat, Butterflies, Flowers, but I didn't have time to get to all the new volumes of continuing series that came out this year, like those for Ooku, Flower of Life, With the Light or NANA, nor series like Nodame Cantabile or Minima!. Thankfully, this will be easily rectified thanks to the Borders gift card that's currently burning a hole in my pocket!

Oishinbo: I love food and I love comics, so Oishinbo seems like a perfect read for me, right? Unfortunately, my "I'll grab it next time" mentality at the bookstore always results in me either forgetting or the series being out of stock the next time I end up at a bricks-and-mortar store. We'll see if I can get my act together in '10.

More Osamu Tezuka: While I haven't gotten to Swallowing the Earth, published by Digital Manga earlier this year, I also missed out on new volumes of Black Jack from Vertical. Alas, I won't even get started on the pile of all eight volumes of Buddha that I've been meaning to get to! I suppose it's no surprise that reading more by the "godfather of manga" is at the top of my manga-related list of New Year's resolutions. And while it wasn't written by the godfather himself, the Astro Boy-inspired Pluto by Naoki Urasawa is high on the to-read list, too.

IKKI titles in printed format: I've read a lot of great online seinen manga on Viz's Sig IKKI website, but I haven't taken the time to track down print copies of the lushly illustrated and mysteriously captivating Children of the Sea. But, with Natsume Ono's House of Five Leaves and not simple going to print in the first half of 2010, I just might break this shameful streak.

A Drifting Life: While I've only dipped my toe into the gekiga genre, there's no doubt in my mind that this title is worth the hours I'll have to dedicate to reading it. It's appeared on numerous "best of" lists, and Drawn & Quarterly and Adrian Tomine, the tome's editor, undoubtedly did right by Yoshihiro Tatsumi and his expansive illustrated memoir.

Worthy second volumes: I had the opportunity to read both the first volumes of OEL graphic novels, Nightschool and Yokaiden, but haven't had the chance to dig into the second volumes (for shame!). I don't know about you, but I'm looking forward to what the ever-talented Svetlana Chmakova and Nina Matsumoto have come up with in the second volumes of their equally intriguing fantasy series!

More Yotsuba&!: Thanks to my local library, I've been able to immerse myself in the first few volumes of this endearingly cute series featuring the world's goofiest 6-year-old. And thanks to the fabulous folks at Yen Press who picked up this lapsed license, there were even more wacky adventures afoot in '09. Understandably, I can't wait to see what fun Yotsuba gets herself into next!

Give the little guys some love: While I made the time at San Diego Comic-Con International to stop by the booths hosted by Fanfare/Ponent Mon and Drawn & Quarterly (as recommended by this article), I had a hard time finding the time to read all of their amazing manga and graphic novel releases this year (see: A Drifting Life). Alas, these publishers put out consistently high quality work and, if what I've seen from D&Q so far is any indication, I need to get reading stat!

Best New Series of 2009

It's that time of year again where everyone puts out their "best of" list. Of course, this is by no means a comprehensive list of the best new manga series released in 2009 -- I don't know anyone who has read everything that came out this year and I'm certainly not one of them. This is simply a list of the best new series that I happened to read and review this year. So, read through and let me know what you think!

Children of the Sea: This series was the first published online as part of Viz's new IKKI website. I was immediately drawn in by the realistic art and the mystery behind Sora's and Umi's connection to the sea. This is a series that quietly sucks you in deeper and deeper, much like the tide along the ocean's edge. While I haven't reviewed the online chapters in some time, I've been able to keep up with this intriguing mystery. Children of the Sea is available in the U.S. from Viz.

Detroit Metal City: DMC is a laugh-out-loud comic filled with obscenity and profanity -- and I loved every minute of it! This series doesn't take itself seriously, but it does take the business of satire seriously. In a send-up of death metal bands, Soichi is a pop-loving, sweet country bumpkin who is also lead singer of Tokyo's raging death metal band, Detroit Metal City. While I haven't gotten around to the second or third volumes, I will be doing so soon! Detroit Metal City is available in the U.S. from Viz.

The Name of the Flower: Quietly poignant while illustrating the depth to which some people sink emotionally, this story is about love's power to save people just as much as it is about the main characters' depression. With reclusive writer Kei and teenage schoolgirl Chouko growing closer each day, how will they resolve their unexpected love story, or is a tragic ending truly too fitting? If you've tired of formulaic shojo romance, then please pick up this manga. The Name of the Flower is available in the U.S. from CMX.

Ooku: The Inner Chambers: In this period piece featuring an alternate history of Japan, woman literally rule. By turning the tables on men, interesting parallels are drawn and a medical mystery begins. Fumi Yoshinaga's latest work is heavy on the narration, but the characters are unsurprisingly compelling. If you're yet to explore this prolific mangaka's work, this is a great introductory series! Ooku: The Inner Chambers is available in the U.S. from Viz.

RIN-NE: While it's yet to be seen if this will be as popular as Rumiko Takahashi's older works, there's certainly a great foundation laid in this comedic shonen manga where a "sort of" shinigami and his classmate Sakura help the undead move on to the other side. While it took me awhile to get into this story, I'm glad I've kept up with it online via Viz's Rumic World website. RIN-NE is available in the U.S. from Viz.

Venus Capriccio: Tomboyish Takami gets dumped by her latest boyfriend, when her best friend, pretty boy Akira, tells her how he really feels. In a parallel to their piano duets, this pair deepens their relationship as they learn how to play together. I was pulled in by the quiet tension in this sweetly romantic shojo story. Venus Capriccio is available in the U.S. from CMX.

Yotsuba&!: While some might quibble over whether or not this is "new," I couldn't help but add it to the list. Yen Press picked up this previously lapsed ADV license and published seven volumes of the wacky adventures of the ever-goofy, green-haired, 6-year-old Yotsuba, including the first five volumes originally released by ADV. If my experience is any indication, Yotsuba's childhood innocence and vivid imagination will have you giggling in no time! Yotsuba&! is available in the U.S. from Yen Press.

Manga Bookshelf Review: Honey and Clover, vol. 8

I've got a new guest review up at Manga Bookshelf, a great manga blog by Melinda Beasi. This time around, I take a look at Honey and Clover, vol. 8. Here's a peek at what I thought:

Love triangles abound in this slapstick-happy manga that mixes comedy with a wistful thoughtfulness that can only be indulged in while attending college. ... This is another well done volume, with an overarching theme of how we try to help one another through pain of one kind or another – whether it’s the pain of the hiccups, pain from love or the pain of living, each of the characters in this volume are trying to help one another in some way.

To read the rest of the review, click here. Honey and Clover is available in the U.S. from Viz.

Review copy provided by the publisher.

Ouran High School Host Club, vol. 2

The story: In another set of wacky adventures, the club starts off the volume with physical examinations at school. Of course, there's one little problem -- what will happen if Haruhi's cross-dressing secret gets out? The second tale involves an unprecedented fight between the twins, Kaoru and Hikaru, and Haruhi can't help but get involved. But, with the way the twins are fighting, is there any hope of them resolving their differences? In the last adventure, the gang heads to a water park owned by Kyoya's family to hilariously disastrous results!

Reaction: Everything in this series is so out there and it takes nothing seriously. The characters are silly and so exaggerated in their satirical nature that I find myself giggling out loud. As far as the misadventures go, the endings aren't unexpected (things are fairly episodic still), but the physical comedy is at its best here. There are glimpses of romantic moments, but it's blushing cheeks and any feelings are relatively unacknowledged past the initial joke. I like that the focus here isn't on some kind of unending love between two characters, but on interactions between everyone in the club. It's refreshing and makes for some great visual gags.

Deep thoughts: If manga are any indication, full health examinations are a regular occurrence in Japanese schools. While the United States is in the midst of a major health care reform debate, many countries, including Japan, have a nationalized health care industry. With the exception of the United States, every industrialized country in the world has a form of universal health care.

Artwork: Sure, there are plenty of pretty boys here, but Bisco Hatori's talent really shines when it comes to illustrating physical comedy. Whether it's Tamaki's dejected face or the Hitachin twins devious planning or even Mori's stoic silence, it's all played up to great effect. The costumes and settings are another strong point -- I especially like the Arabian-themed outfits from the sixth chapter.

The verdict: Highly recommended. This shojo rom-com has a cast of characters that exaggerate stereotypes to hilarious effect alongside straight woman Haruhi. OHSHC takes all the shojo tropes and takes them to their ridiculous extreme at a breakneck speed that had me zooming quickly through each chapter. If you're looking for laughs in a high school setting with no major romantic entanglements involved, you could do much worse than this series! Ouran High School Host Club is available in the U.S. from Viz.

Shinobi Life, vol. 1

The story: Ever since her mother died, Beni has blamed her father for her death. In fact, Beni hates her father so much that she wants to die in order to punish him. When she's kidnapped one day, Beni is rescued by a time-traveling ninja falling from the sky. Lucky for her, Kagetora mistakes Beni for someone else and continues to protect her. And even though they couldn't be more different, the two slowly fall for one another. But, can their love span the centuries of differences between them?

Reaction: I wanted to read this manga after reading about it in Danielle Leigh's "10 Underrated Shojo Titles" article on Comic Book Resources. And I was not disappointed! The characters are compelling, the situation unique and the love cute and humorous, but not without its challenges. Beni has an unexpected personality, where she's both parts adamant and vulnerable. Kagetora is interesting for his mystery, dedication to honor and sheer devotion. And he's a ninja!

Deep thoughts: From kung fu movies to uber-popular manga series like Naruto, "the way of the ninja," or shinobi, have always been a point of fascination in pop culture around the world. Ninjas, or covert mercenaries, date back to feudal Japan. As masters of weaponry and stealth, ninjas specialized in unorthodox arts of war, often using tactics like espionage, assassination or sabotage.

Artwork: There's some great action in this manga and it's illustrated well with great panel pacing, too. But, there's another manga that I immediately saw a similarity to -- Walkin' Butterfly. When characters are surprised, the irises of their eyes lose color. This is a bit of a throwback to '70s-era shojo manga, but I've only ever seen it used this regularly in Aurora's josei series.

The verdict: Highly recommended. This is a really entertaining and satisfying non-traditional romance manga. It has elements of fantasy, action and comedy, making it enjoyable on several levels. Shinobi Life is available in the U.S. from Tokyopop.

Butterflies, Flowers, vol. 1

The story: Time's are tough around Choko Kuze's house -- her family, once prosperous, lost its fortune and her parents run a little ol' soba shop. To help out, she interviews for several jobs. Unfortunately, the only job she can get is in an office where her boss is a total slave driver (not to mention kind of creepy). So, imagine her surprise when she finds out he used to be employed by her family as her old caretaker, Cha-chan! In work mode, Masayuki Domoto is all business, but outside of the office he insists on calling her "milady." Just how will this unlikely pair fare in work and in life?

Reaction: Oka-ay... So, I'm just going to get it out there -- I think the first pages of this manga are totally inappropriate and creepy. Masayuki asks Choko in her job interview if she's a virgin (and, no, this is not the worst part). Once she confirms that she is, he gets the weirdest grin on his face. Honestly, I got a little skeeved there at the perverseness and quiet misogyny. But, I decided to tarry on -- if this is the only new josei series I'm going to get for awhile, I'm going to finish reading it before fully judging it on its merits (or lack thereof). Thankfully, this story got much better (and funnier) after these inauspicious opening pages.

Deep thoughts: In many OL (office lady) manga like this series, there's always at least a hint of prejudice against women. However, these are josei titles like Tramps Like Us or Suppli, both created by female mangaka, making the prejudice more of an observation or statement regarding the inequality of women in Japan. Culturally, Japan is considered very masculine, to the detriment of the role of women; I've mentioned it here before.

Artwork: There's something very familiar in the shojo-like artwork here. I couldn't figure out what series it reminded me of, but it struck me as a style that I've seen before. Otherwise, there are some funnier moments here, like when Domoto hits an office intruder. As expected of its title, there are, indeed, flowers throughout this manga, along with the requisite shojo sparkles and appropriate screentone. Butterflies, not so much.

The verdict: If only... This manga has a lot going for it in the social class role reversal, goofy characters and physical comedy, but the beginning of the story belies that. Butterflies, Flowers is available in the U.S. from Viz.

Flashlight Worthy Books List: Best Graphic Novels of 2009

See what graphic novels I and others considered the best of 2009 in this list on Flashlight Worthy, a website of books recommended by bloggers and others. My selection was Detroit Metal City, vol. 1, by Kiminori Wakasugi. Here's my recommendation:

Main character Soichi is a sweet-as-pie boy from the country with dreams of starting a pop band. Instead, he becomes the lead singer of death metal band Detroit Metal City, where he sports KISS-inspired make-up as Krauser II. This is not a graphic novel for the faint of heart, but if you like awkward humor and irony — and know when to not take a book too seriously — this is the book for you!

See what other books were chosen by clicking here!

Two Flowers for the Dragon, vol. 3

The story: Shakuya, Kuwan and Lucien, along with other members of Shakuya's retinue, head to the Shade Oasis on official business. While there, they encounter a mysterious sword dancer who ends up being Lucien's old teacher. Lucien, who remembers nothing prior to the five years he spent with his master, pursues her in an attempt to find out how she is connected to Shakuya's father. Meanwhile, a sandstorm approaches, threatening the livelihood of the shade. When Shakuya and her fiances investigate, they find that there is much more to this sandstorm than meets the eye.

Reaction: Ah, the plot thickens! There's a lot of questions answered here, while also raising new ones. We learn a little about Shakuya's father here, as well as about Lucien's past. There's also some political intrigue afoot, but it's only given a set-up. All the while, Shakuya's relationship with her two fiances seems to deepen little by little, making me wonder who she will end up choosing.

Deep thoughts: Dragons play a large thematic role in this manga, with some of mythology about Shakuya's dragon heritage revealed in this volume. In Japan, dragon mythology is an amalgamation of native folklore and that of China, Korea and India. Much like Shakuya's inner dragon and Haku from Hayao Miyazaki's Spirited Away, dragons are believed to be water deities associated with rainfall and bodies of water.

Artwork: There's a lot of action in this volume, from chases to fight scenes. At times, I found myself reviewing panels several times to better clarify what was going on. With many characters with similar face types and hair styles, it can be easy to confuse them. But, the confusion is fairly few and far between. Otherwise, this is another well drawn volume where you can really see how far Nari Kusakawa's art has come in comparison to the one-shot at the end, Double Crown.

The verdict: Highly recommended. Not only is Shakuya's love life becoming more complicated, but so is her oasis' future. While a big secret about Shakuya has been revealed, what will it mean for the Dragon Clan? Honestly, this series has sucked me in and I can't wait to find out what happens in the next volume! Two Flowers for the Dragon is available in the U.S. from CMX.

Review copy provided by CMX.

The Name of the Flower, vol. 3

The story: Chouko's parents died when she was a teenager and she was forced to move in with her distant relative, Kei, a reclusive novelist. While both of them hide darkness in their hearts, they grow to love one another.

In this volume, Kei has disappeared and Chouko is despondent, missing school and unable to eat or sleep. Eventually Akiyama, Kei's best friend and editor, checks in on her only to find her crippled by depression at the loss of Kei's presence in her life. He vows to find Kei and heads off to find an old mutual friend, Iori. While Iori knows Kei's whereabouts, Akiyama recalls the last time Kei disappeared like this. Will Akiyama be able to bring Kei back home, or will Chouko continue to suffer from her love of Kei?

Reaction: There was a lot of backstory in this volume; the many flashbacks explain not only Kei's depression, but also his history with Akiyama. A lot of emotions were packed into this volume, leaving me near tears at some points and smiling at others. In terms of knowing characters' motivations, I don't think I've read anything this satisfying in a long time.

Deep thoughts: In some ways, it seems that this story is about depression just as much as it is about love. Caused by a combination of chemical imbalance and external factors, nearly 16 percent of all Americans have been diagnosed with depression. This number, provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, does not include people who never seek treatment. While depression is a "disease of the mind," those who suffer from depression are significantly more likely to suffer from heart disease, diabetes, obesity and asthma, among other conditions, illustrating the mind-body connection.

Artwork: This story is all about nuances and subtlety in emotion and Ken Saito illustrates each knowing look well. Backgrounds are sparse, both by design and intent, allowing the reader to fully focus on the story. Of course, flowers continue to provide a thematic element, but never create more than a simple serenity, nor do they overwhelm. Saito is masterful at visualizing the quiet desperation between Kei and Chouko that draws the reader into the darkness and, increasingly, the light of their relationship.

The verdict: Highly recommended. Quite simply, this manga touches the heart and there's a fascinating solace to be found in this story's pages. This is a quiet tale of love and redemption, and finding a reason to live. And if that doesn't touch your heart, nothing will. The Name of the Flower is available in the U.S. from CMX.

MangaCast Review: Lizard Prince, vol. 1

I've posted another guest review at MangaCast, which features manga news and reviews. This time around, I review Lizard Prince, vol. 1. Here's a small excerpt:

Now that she’s of marrying age, Princess Canary’s father is interested in her getting engaged. So, the king of Lunaria proposes a meeting with Prince Heath, from the neighboring kingdom of Gazania. Only problem is, Heath’s known far and wide as a dolt and womanizer! But, Canary doesn’t mind — it’ll give her a chance to give him a piece of her mind. When Heath catches wind of the plan, he uses magic to switch places with his talking pet lizard. ... I couldn’t help but enjoy this cute manga, particularly since Canary was able to look past Sienna’s physical form in loving him.

To read the rest of my review, click here. Lizard Prince is available in the U.S. from CMX.

Review copy provided by CMX.

Scott Pilgrim's Precious Little Life, vol. 1

The story: Scott Pilgrim is a "between jobs" 20-something with a band that just so happens to rock. Oh, and he's got a 17-year-old girlfriend named Knives Chau. So what's up with some rollerblading chick skating through his dreams? When Scott finds out it's the new girl in town, Ramona Flowers, he's determined to learn all about her. Too bad Scott's got to fight Ramona's seven evil ex-boyfriends if he wants to be with her!

Reaction: This is another one of those books I've wanted to check out for some time, especially with the movie coming out next year. Scott Pilgrim honestly reminds me of an old friend -- no job, check; plays guitar in a band, check; dating high school girls, check. Heck, I think my buddy had the same fake fur-lined winter coat, too! So, I enjoyed this on some levels and the humor is definitely "hipster cool" -- make of that what you will.

Deep thoughts: I thought it was fairly entertaining that Ramona worked for Amazon.ca, or Amazon's Canadian site. It being the holiday season, Amazon is in a pricing war with Wal-Mart over movies, books, toys and electronics. While Ramona hand delivers products to Scott and others, Amazon just introduced same-day shipping in seven cities throughout the U.S. I wonder if they're employing Ramona-like rollerbladers to help deliver the goods?

Artwork: Bryan Lee O'Malley's artwork is balanced between broad strokes and what always seems to be the perfect amount of white space. His cartoon and manga influences are pretty evident, too; I found myself reminded of some gekiga artists I've recently become familiar with. Characters are designed with modern fashion in mind and, despite O'Malley's minimalist approach, show a fairly broad range of emotions. The changes in perspective are well integrated and the pacing of the panels gets increasingly more jagged as the reader moves through the more action-oriented scenes. Lastly, the ending battle with Ramona's first ex-boyfriend is one of the more entertaining "fights" I've ever seen in print.

The verdict: If only... While I mostly liked this graphic novel, it still skeeved me a little bit to see Scott Pilgrim with a high school girl. Otherwise, this is a fun little tome with an anti-hero if I ever saw one! Scott Pilgrim is available in the U.S. from Oni Press.

Note: While I've tagged this book as an original English-language (OEL) manga, as well as a graphic novel, it's actually a borderline case -- while O'Malley's work is definitely manga-inspired, it hasn't been marketed as OEL and many would argue that it's not OEL to begin with.

Kurosagi Corpse Delivery Service, vol. 8

The story: This time around the gang attempts to recruit some new club members, with mixed results. Later, they hire a part-timer and encounter a wedding planner who works for both the living and the dead -- not to mention yakuza. In the last tale, dead infants are abandoned at the local hospital and the gang is determined to find out why. All the while, Sasaki and Karatsu unknowingly grow closer for inexplicable reasons.

Reaction: There was a lot of Japanese culture on display in this volume, mostly in the chapter involving a marriage ritual for the dead and the yakuza thugs who profit off of it. It was interesting to learn about rural traditions and other Far East customs. Otherwise, this was a good volume, but perhaps not as good as the last one.

Deep thoughts: In the same wedding story, the yakuza are shown shooting and killing someone. This is unusual because Japan has a strict gun control policy in place. Unlike the United States, handguns are increasingly rare and rifles and shotguns highly restricted. In the democratic world, Japan has some of the most stringent laws in place.

Artwork: Some truly lonely young people are introduced in this volume, one of whom looks like a female version of Yata, carrying the same constant eye-shielding bangs. Unfortunately, she ends up having a particularly gross death. And on the "eww" scale, this book is definitely leaning towards the truly icky when we're shown and given a narration of how to clean a person's body following death.

The verdict: If only... This may not be Eiji Otsuka's and Housui Yamazaki's best volume, but it's certainly better than a lot of other shonen manga out there. Regardless, I'll still be reading the next volume as soon as I can get my hands on it. Here's to hoping they expand on the resident hacker's and psychic's connection soon! Kurosagi Corpse Delivery Service is available in the U.S. from Dark Horse.

Yotsuba&!, vol. 1

While Yen Press picked up the lapsed license for this manga and started printing it earlier this year, I actually reviewed a volume by the previous publisher, ADV Manga.

The story: Yotsuba is an energetic, curious and pig-tailed 5-year-old who has just moved into a new neighborhood with her dad. After meeting her neighbors, the Ayases, she has goofy adventures from learning about the dangers of global warming and air conditioners to catching cicadas with her dad's best friend, Jumbo, and one of her new neighbors. Along with her dad, Jumbo and the Ayases, every day is a new experience for Yotsuba.

Reaction: This is one of those series I've been meaning to read and I'm glad I finally got to it. Yotsuba is a curious little girl and everything she does reminded me of the innocence and wonder of childhood. Each chapter is an unrelated and humorous story, usually where Yotsuba discovers something remarkable and hilarious. Interestingly, her dad seems like a slacker, even if he does work from home as a translator. The only thing that surprised me was his apparent nonchalance when Yotsuba got lost in their new neighborhood. Of course, my surprise disappeared once I learned a bit more about Yotsuba.

Deep thoughts: It's barely mentioned, but Yotsuba is adopted by her father. While it's not a big deal in the manga, there is a social stigma attached to adoption in Japan, whose adoption laws haven't changed since the 1940s following World War II. However, a traditional adoption practice has been held over -- the adoption of grandchildren by older people without descendants. In order to pass on the family name, inheritance or company, an older person without children might adopt an adult into the family to keep their name alive.

Artwork: I love the character design here -- from Yotsuba's green, pigtails-cum-four-leafed clover 'do to Jumbo's impressive height and gaudy Hawaiian shirts! It's very shonen in its design, at times reminding me of Full Metal Alchemist (perhaps it's Yotsuba's surprised and aghast little face à la Edward Elric). Kiyohiko Azuma's paneling paces the story along nicely, rushing us along after Yotsuba and her latest adventure.

The verdict: Required reading. This is the perfect "gateway manga" for anyone unfamiliar with Japanese comics. It's unassuming and endearing in a way that sneaks up on you without blinding you with its cuteness -- kind of like Yotsuba herself! Yotsuba&! is available in the U.S. from Yen Press.

Kusosagi Corpse Delivery Service, vol. 7

The story: Our fab five(and a half)some is back with another slew of funny, if not zombie-filled, mysteries. In the first story, the boys are being exploited by the girls and get a painful gig moving gravestones. Thankfully, a trio of engineering students lend a robotic hand, but things go from bad to worse when the robot goes on an "hideous mission of otaku slaughter!" The second arc in this volume gets readers one step closer to the mystery that is Karatsu's spirit guide, Yaichi, when a jinmenso, or a haunting where the face of a murdered person appears on their killer's face, becomes bait for the two. The third and last vignette features a director ready to kill for the perfect film -- but, little does he know about the Kurosagi group's true skills!

Reaction: I really liked this volume; it might be my favorite from the series. The first story of a video game-loving, otaku-killing robot had hilarious lines that made me giggle openly and it definitely reminded me of one of my favorite zombie movies, Shaun of the Dead. In terms of overarching storyline, it was interesting to see the Shirosagi Corpse Cleaning Service return, this time with a hidden purpose. But most surprising was the development in Aoi's and Kuro's relationship.

Deep thoughts: At one point in this volume, freegans are mentioned. Freegans are a dumpster-diving subculture of anti-consumerism; the New York Times had an article on the lifestyle named for a portmanteau of vegan and free. While freegans believe what they do is a natural extension of an ethical lifestyle, in this volume it's used as an excuse for stealing dead bodies -- a none-too-ethical choice. Can we say irony?

Artwork: Visually, this volume is much the same as its predecessors. However, I must note that Housui Yamazaki does a particularly good job with the jinmenso tale, especially in his recreation of an "earmouse." And there's some great physical humor in the otaku-killing robot tale. Of course, there are plenty of realistically gruesome deaths, all of them grotesque in their own way.

The verdict: Highly recommended. As I mentioned previously, this is my favorite volume yet -- it has that perfect balance of seriousness and laughs, the hallmark of this series. Kurosagi Corpse Delivery Service is available in the U.S. from Dark Horse.

MangaCast Review: Deka Kyoshi, vol. 1

Another one of my guest reviews is up at MangaCast, a blog dedicated to manga news and reviews. This time around, I review Deka Kyoshi, vol. 1. Here's an excerpt:

After an elementary school teacher supposedly commits suicide, detective Toyama goes undercover to investigate. One of his students, a young boy named Makoto Miyahara, sees emotional manifestations that appear as monsters, later dubbed “synthes.” Once Makoto learns Toyama’s secret, the detective enlists the young boy as an assistant of sorts. ... It’s hard to ignore this story’s parallels with the Arnold Schwarzenegger comedy Kindergarten Cop. But, outside of the funnier moments and the undercover cop plot, that’s where the similarities end.

To read more about what I thought of this new series, click here. Deka Kyoshi is available in the U.S. from CMX.

Review copy provided by the publisher.

Two Flowers for the Dragon, vol. 2

The story: Shakuya is heiress to the Dragon Clan and has the ability to turn into a dragon herself. Each arm is tattooed with a flower: one representing her original fiance, Lucien, who recently returned to the desert oasis, and the other representing Kuwan, who replaced Lucien as Shakuya's fiance when the former disappeared. Now, Shakuya has been kidnapped by a snake charmer with ulterior motives. Will Kuwan and Lucien be able to save her?

Reaction: I liked watching the dynamic in the Lucien-Shakuya-Kuwan triangle and the evolution of Shakuya's relationships with both men. But, I found myself a little creeped out by Kuwan's affection when his first meeting with Shakuya was shown in a flashback; she's 11 years old, while Kuwan's 21. What is it with Nari Kusakawa and older man-younger girl couples? While I'm not nearly as uncomfortable about it now (especially since Kuwan is such a cool customer), it was odd.

Deep thoughts: In this volume, a snake charmer has enchanted Shakuya's dragon form. Interestingly, snake charming is a process whereby snakes become hypnotized simply by hearing music. These types of performances started in India, then spread across the Indian subcontinent to Southeast Asia, then westward towards the Middle East and north Africa. While it was very popular at one point, it has fallen out of favor since a 1972 Indian law banning ownership of serpents and is much rarer.

Artwork: There's been a steady improvement in Kusakawa's artwork since I first encountered The Palette of 12 Secret Colors. Her characters no longer look awkward in proportion or limb length, and paneling is more well developed. But what I love most about the art are the Chinese and Arabian influences, from costumes to settings. It's adds a touch of exotic mystique to this desert oasis tale and illustrates how much more attention Kusakawa pays to the little details.

The verdict: Highly recommended. There's more to this story than a simply love triangle -- there's Shakuya's parents' sudden and unexplained divorce, and some shady characters preying on the young heiress. While it would be easy to let this simply devolve into a romance story, Kusakawa takes care to keep readers entertained in other ways -- and she does it well. Two Flowers for the Dragon is available in the U.S. from CMX.

Review copy provided by CMX.

Manga Bookshelf Review: With the Light, vol. 5

I wrote a guest review for Manga Bookshelf, a great manga and manhwa review site run by the wonderful Melinda Beasi. Here's an excerpt of my review of With the Light, vol. 5:

In this volume, little Hikaru is growing up fast. Now in the fifth grade, Hikaru has a new teacher and several new classmates as he finishes his last year of elementary school. While Hikaru’s new teacher left his old school in scandal, can the newbie instructor handle the group of four disabled students on his own? ... I really enjoy this series — the first two volumes I reviewed were so emotional, they brought me to tears.

Interested in seeing what I thought of this fifth volume? Then just click here. With the Light is available in the U.S. from Yen Press.

Review copy provided by the publisher.

Great Manga Gift Guide

It's that time of year again! While there are some great gift guides out there, those that focus on graphic novels have seen fit to ignore manga entirely (for shame!). So, to rectify the situation, manga readers across the blogosphere are suggesting great manga for gift-giving this holiday season. While my list didn't make the Black Friday deadline, I figured better late than never!

After some consideration, I've decided to give suggestions via genre, pointing others in the direction of a similar manga. The series I've included have 10 or fewer volumes available in English or are manga that can be purchased individually. Links to my reviews of these series are posted where available.

Without further ado, here are my suggestions:

For the adrenaline junkie: these are the folks that like an adrenaline rush -- from superheroes to ninjas to government conspiracy, they're looking for a fast-paced story with some intrigue, bloodshed or explosions along the way:

Dororo: Orphaned as a baby, Hyakkimaru has struggled his entire life due to a curse placed on him by his father. Roaming the countryside, he kills demons in order to restore his body to its true form.
Parasyte: Parasitic aliens have invaded Earth and are latching on to human hosts. When teenage Shinichi is incorrectly infected, he finds himself at odds with his body's new occupant.

For the comedian: being serious is oh-so-boring for these folks. So give 'em what they want -- a good laugh!

Detroit Metal City: Country bumpkin Soichi dreams of starting his own pop band one day. Only problem is, he's the lead singer of one of Tokyo's hottest death metal bands!

Honey and Clover: A group of art college students come of age in this manga that mixes unrequited love with slapstick comedy.

Kurosagi Corpse Delivery Service: Five starving college students with a special gift for helping the dead start a business together in this funny, if at times creepy, series.

For the drama addict: so maybe goofy giggles aren't your thing. If what you crave is bittersweetl drama or quietly and poignantly told stories, look no further than these manga.

Children of the Sea: It's summer vacation and Rika, a young girl, is in for a boring one after getting in trouble at school. But that all changes when two boys born from the sea enter her life and bring mystery with them.

Emma: In Victorian Era England, Emma, a maid, falls in love with a man from a well-to-do family. Is there love destined to fail, or can she rise above her social standing and marry the one she loves?
Ooku: The Inner Chambers: In this historical alternate universe, a virus has killed 75 percent of the male population, leaving women in charge of everything -- including the shogunate.

For the fantasy lover: these folks can find reality over-rated at times. So, why not indulge in "what if" stories that range from traditional fantasy to supernatural stories?

Apothecarius Argentum: Princess Primula's fictional kingdom is under seige when her former food taster, Argent, re-enters her life. As these two fall in love, just what does their future hold?
Two Flowers for the Dragon: The love life of Shakuya, heiress to the Dragon Clan (who can turn into a dragon herself), has just gotten complicated when her old fiance returns after a long absence. Only problem is, she's already gotten engaged to someone else!
Yokaiden: Yokai-loving Hamachi ventures into the yokai realm when a yokai, or demon, kills his grandmother. Just what will Hamachi encounter on his journey and will he ever find his grandmother's killer?

For the foodie: for those that love cooking and eating, learning the story of their food is an important part of the process. These tales promise to tickle the tastebuds and the mind!

Antique Bakery: It seems innocuous enough when Tachibana decides to open a traditional French bakery. But, things are not as they seem in this comedic food manga with a serious underlying plot.
Oishinbo: A reporter is on a quest to find the perfect Japanese meal -- from rice to sake to ramen and gyoza, there's a taste of everything for everyone. This series is "a la carte" and each volume stands alone.

For the indie types: mainstream is so...well, uh, mainstream. Whether it's hole-in-the-wall bars that no one else knows about to that up-and-coming band you just have to hear, these folks are independent spirits in every way.

Sexy Voice and Robo: Sexy Voice is Nico, a teenage girl and phone club operator, and Robo is toy robot-collecting 20-something Iichiro. Together, they solve random mysteries and petty crimes.
Red-Colored Elegy: Ichiro is an unhappy artist, as is his girlfriend Sachiko. Depression, death and the quarter-life crisis are explored in this alternative comic.

My Heavenly Hockey Club, vol. 2

The story: The hockey club is up to it again -- from Hana's propensity to sleeping on stomachs to traveling across Japan in order to play other field hockey teams -- and hijinks ensue. When the student council's Ota brothers threaten to disband the field hockey team, Hana and crew must win a match or get kicked out. While Izumi is initially not concerned, he quickly changes his tune when Hana gets moon-eyed over one of the Otas. Will the team be able to find another field hockey team to beat, or are they out of luck?

Reaction: This was another fun volume, but it seemed really derivative. There were certainly echoes of that "other" reverse-harem comedy, Ouran High School Host Club. From a fascination with "poor" people to "playing" at judo, the field hockey team certainly mirrors several of the hosts from OHSHC. Thankfully, there are some unique moments that change it up, mostly coming by way of Hana and her unique personality and talents.

Deep thoughts: There's some fat jokes in this volume that subtly communicate the emphasis on thinness in Japan. In fact, it's illegal to be fat in Japan. While outlawing obesity in America would be near impossible with our focus on independence and freedom, it works in a collectivist culture like Japan's. Since priority is placed on the group, rather than the self, working with the group to solve the problem of obesity works in Japan. Notably, Japan has the lowest rate of obesity of all industrialized nations.

Artwork: There are some particularly funny moments in this volume. From playing a super-broke team to the judo team's makeover, Ai Morinaga does a great job with goofy scenes and characters. I particularly liked the first chapter and the exaggerated shojo-ness of it -- there's lots of sparkles and blushing cheeks, but not for what one would expect!

The verdict: If only... This series only comes in a far second to Ouran High School Host Club, which is much more original and entertaining. However, this series is entertaining in its own way and is better than quite a few other shojo manga series out there. My Heavenly Hockey Club is available in the U.S. from Del Rey.

SD CityBeat Blog Post: Does San Diego Need Another Comic-Con?

While it isn't strictly manga-related, I think some might be interested in a blog post I wrote for the Last Blog on Earth by San Diego CityBeat, a local alt weekly in San Diego, Calif. The post, titled "Does San Diego need another Comic-Con?," reports on the new San Diego Quarterly Con, which had its first showing last Sunday, Nov. 15. Here's an excerpt from my post:

With four-day San Diego Comic-Con International passes unprecedentedly selling out in early November, does San Diego need another con? And four times a year at that?

If the hundreds of attendees at the first San Diego Quarterly Con last Sunday are any indication, then, yes, there is a need.

To read more about the event, click here.

Ooku: The Inner Chambers, vol. 1

The story: An epidemic has struck Edo-era Japan, killing three-quarters of the male population. With men in short supply, women step up to take over jobs traditionally held by their male counterparts, including that of shogun. In the shogun's inner chambers, or ooku, thousands of men toil behind the scenes, serving not only as administrators, but as a harem. When a new shogun takes over 80 years after the first infected boy dies, the monetary wastefulness of the ooku is shed in an effort to "rerelease" these highly desired men back into the general population. At volume's end, the shogun is determined to learn how the epidemic came to pass and the subsequent elevation of women in Japan.

Reaction: I'll admit that I'm a big fan of Fumi Yoshinaga's prior work Antique Bakery and had high hopes for this title. While the settings, characters and plot do not disappoint, I do have to agree with other reviewers initially put off by the flowery language used. However, perhaps due to my familiarity with Shakespeare, it passed quickly.

Otherwise, this is a slice of life-style manga with an alternate history bent. While this volume gives the series a slow start, it does have a lot of "world building" to do, which is to be expected. My largest criticism is regarding the "tell versus show"-style of storytelling Yoshinaga uses. Characters are prone to long bouts of dialogue and there's a narrative voice present throughout, not to mention the occasional soliloquy.

Deep thoughts: Yoshinaga is well known for her yaoi work and makes a point of including homosexual characters and/or situations in her non-yaoi works. Ooku is no different; with so many men quarantined from contact with the outside world, they resort to finding carnal pleasure in the only way available to them (not everyone is in service as a concubine for the shogun). While I am not familiar with Yoshinaga's yaoi work, she avoids the all-too-easy trap of making homosexual characters into glib stereotypes in her non-yaoi works. Since American mainstream media often succumbs to just such portrayals, it's refreshing to read Yoshinaga's works.

Artwork: This being a period piece, there's a great sense of place established from architecture to costumes. Backgrounds are relatively sparse, either reflecting a simple aesthetic or Yoshinaga's ability (or lack thereof). However, the art isn't so much the focus here as the storytelling. There's moments of action, but mostly these are well-drawn characters dealing with their own inner turmoil and their reactions to the sacrifices that must be made when men are in short supply.

The verdict: If only... While I find this story intriguing and the characters enjoyable, there's something to be desired here — mostly less text and more setting/plot movement. However, compared to all the other manga out there, this is still one of the best and well deserves the Viz Signature treatment. I know I'll be first in line to pick up volume two when it hit shelves later this year. Ooku: The Inner Chambers is available in the U.S. from Viz.

Oh! My Brother, vol. 1

The story: Unremarkably normal Masago is the younger sister of fun and charismatic class president Shiro. One day, tragedy strikes and Shiro dies while rescuing Masago from an oncoming truck. While everyone mourns the loss of Shiro, his spirit pays an unexpected visit to Masago and she ends up "possessed" by him. While they try figuring out why Shiro's spirit is still on Earth, the two siblings find themselves closer than they've ever been!

Reaction: Honestly, I shouldn't have tried reading this while waiting for the train the other morning -- my eyes welled up pretty terribly as I read the first few pages. This isn't a happy story, but it does have its comedic moments and a certain wistfulness to it. Masago is so plain that it's a little sad to see her enveloped in her brother's shadow; she's known more as Shiro's sister than anything else. But, I'll admit it's particularly interesting to see her character grow under the influence of her brother's spirit.

Deep thoughts: High school cultural festivals seem like such a big part of Japanese culture, especially since its practically obligatory for every high school manga or anime to dedicate a chapter, episode or volume to the annual event. Besides showcasing students' hard work, these festivals allow prospective students and their parents to check out the school. For some interesting insight into this traditional event, be sure to check out the blog of Japanese "wacky product" importer Peter Payne.

Artwork: The art here is much like Ken Saito's other series, The Name of the Flower. But, I was most struck by the difference in his visual pacing and nontraditional panel structure between this and his other series. Shojo manga often doesn't have actual motion to pull a story along, so pacing is more important. Saito's panels are unexpectedly jagged and of different sizes, emphasizing frequent dialog bubbles that lead the reader along.

The verdict: If only... Saito does another surprisingly well job with this unexpected shojo manga, but I wonder how long Shiro can possess his sister and still keep this story interesting. While he is helping his sister's character growth, is there a point where Shiro's presence will only hinder Masago? While I had mixed feelings about this story, I'm willing to give it another chance since it's a shorter series (it's a total of four volumes). Oh! My Brother is available in the U.S. from CMX.

Review copy provided by CMX.

Apothecarius Argentum, vol. 5

The story: Since he received preferential treatment, Argent's being given a hard time by the local apothecary guild and is challenged to a pharmaceutical duel of sorts by Soda's former master. Later, Garna, who once poisoned Princess Primula, has been forgiven because of his help in curing Navara of its endemic disease. He has returned to his role as head chef and his presence allows Argent to leave the princess's side in order to find a cure for his own basilisk nature. While Argent and Soda explore the lands beyond Beazol's borders, just how will Princess Primula fare without them?

Reaction: This is mostly a transitional volume and shows everyone moving on to the next steps of their lives -- Argent hopes to cure himself while Primula must learn how to rule. There are entertaining moments sprinkled throughout and a strong moral at one point, courtesy of Garna's past. Overall, this is a nice enough volume, but it only hints at the conspiracy that's slowly playing itself out in Beazol and other nearby nations.

Deep thoughts: Like characters of their own, many drugs and poisons exist in the world of Apothecarius Argentum. This volume features opiates made from poppy seeds. Opiates are highly addictive and include opium, morphine and codeine. The cautionary tale of addiction and the subsequent death it causes is used as an example of how quickly a country can be turned upside down when its people are no longer positively contributing to society.

Artwork: The art remains relatively unchanged from prior volumes. As expected, characters are well designed and the flashbacks are done nicely. The highlight of this volume, though, is the details. From an embellished tiara to panels filled with food, Tomomi Yamashita puts just a "little more" into the artwork here, and it's appreciated.

The verdict: If only... After all the progress in Argent's and Primula's relationship, this volume was inconclusive in regards to romance. There's also just a hint at the bigger political plot, without further clues. While I may not have been fully satisfied, it certainly makes me want to read the next volume immediately. Apothecarius Argentum is available in the U.S. from CMX.

Review copy provided by CMX.

Ouran High School Host Club, vol. 1

The story: Haruhi is a scholarship student at the ubër-prestigious, private Ouran Institute. One day, while looking for a quiet place to study, she stumbles into a very special club of the school's best, and handsomest, male students. Amazingly, it's modeled after a host club, where young, handsome men entertain women! When Haruhi breaks an expensive vase, she finds herself indebted to the club. To pay back them back, the club members -- who are yet to recognize the androgynous Haruhi as a girl -- force her to become a host. What hijinks will ensue and can Haruhi endear herself to the club enough to get rid of her debt?

Reaction: What's not to love about this slapstick comedy that has the chutzpah to send up some of the best shojo manga tropes? There's a host club member for every fetish -- whether it's shotacon, twincest or the exotically handsome type -- and Haruhi is the perfect straight man for all the other characters, especially since she's just a "lowly commoner." I also liked the other students involved in the story. From an arranged marriage to a fangirl, the side characters bring some much-needed variety to what could easily devolve into a simple gag comedy.

Deep thoughts: In this volume, there's an arranged marriage between two Ouran students. While this is a traditional practice in other countries, it is unheard of in mainstream American culture. While the divorce rate in the U.S. is 50 percent (the highest in the world, I believe), arranged marriages have a lower divorce rate. Whether this is due to commitment to an arranged marriage as opposed to "love matches," or if divorce is simply not considered an option, is still uncertain and merits further research.

Artwork: Since this manga is a satire of all things shojo, the art definitely reflects that. From abundant screentone use to panels with flowers bursting at the seams, there's a lot of the visual trademarks of the girly genre. There's also plenty of blushing cheeks, chibis, doe-eyed looks and extreme close-ups. Thankfully, it's not all pretty boys and girls; Bisco Hatori also does a great job with the many costume designs and the elaborate setting of the private high school.

The verdict: Required reading. This is one of the best shojo series out there, with its entertaining plot and character dynamics. Bisco Hatori really outdoes herself here with a tongue-in-cheek satire of the genre, while still entertaining its committed fans. If you only ever read one high school shojo manga, you'd be hard-pressed to find a more entertaining read than this one. Ouran High School Host Club is available in the U.S. from Viz.

Apothecarius Argentum, vol. 4

The story: Princess Primula and Prince Lorca set off to Navara to help heal its people of their endemic disease and to bring peace to their neighboring nations. When they arrive, the two young royals find the king ill and a mysterious woman at his side. To top it all off, they're imprisoned under suspicion of kidnapping the crown prince's missing son, which occurred at the same time Lorca disappeared. While political strife is afoot in Navara, Primula and Argent struggle with their growing feelings for one another. Just what will become of these two kingdoms?

Reaction: The plot thickens in this volume, with spies discovered and traitors exposed. There's also the emotional growth in the relationship between Primula and Argent, as well as the skyrocket-like character growth for Lorca. While I wasn't a fan of Lorca when he was first introduced, I like him much more by volume's end. Of course, I was a little miffed that there was so little Soda in this one!

Deep thoughts: Lorca, bug lover that he is, mentions that cochineal beetles, when crushed, provide the basis for an amazing red dye for textiles and cloth. Carmine, another name for the bug-derived dye, is used in a wide variety of products, from yogurt to lipstick. So, next time you pick up red, processed foods or other products, you might want to check for carmine or cochineal, or you'll get more than you bargained for!

Artwork: The art in this volume is a little more developed from the first three with new characters and a new location. Out of all the scenes, I liked the one between the mysterious woman serving the king of Navara and Prince Daniel. There's just a perfect moment of recognition that captures the emotions involved. While it seems like an effortless capture of the nuances of facial expressions, it shows just how difficult it is to recreate moments like that. This scene is also set in a tropical greenhouse of sorts, giving it an even more mysterious feel.

The verdict: Highly recommended. This story just gets better and better with each volume. While there's romance, there's also the political strife between Beazol and its neighbors. It's a nice balance, along with the science and adept artwork. And while I'm a sucker for romance, I find myself just as invested in the story of Beazol as I am in the romance between Primula and Argent. Apothecarius Argentum is available in the U.S. from CMX.

Review copy provided by CMX.

Two Flowers for the Dragon, vol. 1

The story: Shakuya is the heir to the Dragon Clan, which oversees an important desert oasis. As the heir, she will not only come to rule over the clan one day, but she also has the amazing ability to transform into a dragon. Too bad she has hardly any control over the change! But, Shakuya's got bigger problems than her emotional transformations -- her old fiance, Lucien, has returned after a five-year absence, interrupting Shakuya's engagement to her new fiance, Kuwan. Even worse, Lucien has no memories prior to his disappearance years ago. Just who will win Shakuya's heart and become her husband?

Reaction: This is a fun manga that exploits a love triangle and provides some political intrigue. After reading much of The Palette of 12 Secret Colors, I found myself enjoying this more than that series. Shakuya is a bit of a love-sick teenage girl, but she's also got a lot of responsibility in her role as heir and protector to the Dragon Clan. While there are some small similarities to Nari Kusakawa's Palette, especially when it comes to some characters' personalities, this story provides a fresh, if not an equally entertaining and fantastical, world with its own unique cultures and customs.

Deep thoughts: At one point, Kusakawa mentions polyandry during one of the chapter breaks. Polyandry is a form of polygamy, where one woman is married to two or more men. It occurs, or occurred, in cultures of the Indian subcontinent, including India and Sri Lanka, in some parts of Africa and in some regions of Mongolia. In Tibet, the practice, now outlawed, would occur to many brothers married to one woman and ensured the passing along of property in families.

Artwork: This manga suffers from some of the same artistic issues as The Palette of 12 Secret Colors, namely occasional awkward face composition. But, what I really loved were the Chinese-inspired costumes, including the long tunics with their Mandarin collars. I also loved the illustrations of Shakuya's transformation -- her dragon form is both fearsome and, when appropriate, comedic. It's a great balance that is easy to appreciate.

The verdict: Highly recommended. I really enjoyed this series, much more so than Kusakawa's The Palette of 12 Secret Colors. While both series feature fantastical worlds, there's more at play in this manga, especially with allusions to rising political divisions. Two Flowers for the Dragon is available in the U.S. from CMX.

March on Earth, vol. 2

The story: A big secret is revealed in this volume, with an even bigger decision following it. Whatever choice is made will certainly affect Yuzu's and Shou's future, as well as that of the mystery decision-maker. In the end, it comes down to Yuzu honoring the wishes of her sister, Tsubaki. Later, when Yuzu is faced with choosing her future, she finds herself wondering what would be best for her and Shou's future. What will become of Yuzu and Shou?

Reaction: This volume was a huge tearjerker for me. There's a lot of emotion poured into these pages, making it difficult to not shed a tear or two (or several, in my case). However, there were also some fairly predictable moments, especially when Yuzu and Shou joined the class camping trip with Shou promptly becoming lost in the woods. It made me wonder where the adults were; they're kept mostly on the periphery, which seems counter-intuitive considering Yuzu's situation.

Deep thoughts: When Yuzu and Shou visit Tsubaki's grave, I was reminded of los Días de los Muertos, a Mexican holiday celebrating the dead that takes place Nov. 1 and 2. During these same days, celebrants believe that the spirits of the deceased return. Much like Yuzu and Shou do, families throughout Mexico visit the gravesites of their loved ones, cleaning the grave and leaving flowers and favorite foods, drinks, and, in the case of children, toys.

Artwork: There were some inconsistencies in the artwork in this volume -- from awkwardly shaped faces to costume discrepancies between panels. While the story was highly engrossing, I found myself distracted by these minor details. Otherwise, the art is much the same as the first volume.

The verdict: If only... While I found myself more emotionally involved in this volume, there were too many small inconsistencies for me to ignore, especially because of my high expectations based on the first volume. On the whole, though, this is an uplifting story in the end and shows the family that Yuzu worked so hard to build. March on Earth is available in the U.S. from CMX.

Review copy provided by CMX.

March on Earth, vol. 1

The story: When she was younger, Yuzu's parents passed away and her older sister Tsubaki, then a high school student, raised her sister alone. When Tsubaki became pregant, things got tougher, but the small family of three got along as best they could with help from their neighbor and landlady, Ms. Kurano. One day, Tsubaki dies in a car accident, leaving 16-year-old Yuzu alone to raise her toddler-aged nephew, Shou. Will Yuzu be able to rise to the challenge of paying back her sister's kindness by raising Shou by herself?

Reaction: This is a cute, if not somewhat depressing, story. There are laughs here and there, oftentimes involving Yuzu's neighbor, Seita, who has a huge crush on the oblivious teenage girl. While Yuzu is fairly resilient considering her situation, she has weaknesses, too, like a fear of riding in cars following the automobile crash she was in that also killed her sister. Because of her honest emotions -- which range from guilt and self-doubt to optimism and hope -- and the situation she's in, Yuzu's an immediately likable character. While it would be easy to pity her, or find the storyline too dramatic and unrealistic, as a reader, I found myself wanting to help her.

Deep thoughts: If Yuzu and Shou lived in the United States, it's fairly likely that they would be in foster care. As of Sept. 6, 2006, there were 510,000 children in foster care in the U.S., with about half spending less than one year in the system. Unfortunately, many of those children who emerge from the system at 18 face many difficulties as newly minted adults.

Artwork: When I first opened this volume up, I had to check the cover for the mangaka's name -- it's very reminiscent of Natsuna Kawase's works, especially Tale of an Unknown Country. Of course, with toddler Shou in the mix, I was also reminded of the Shojo Beat series Baby and Me. Otherwise, this is a pretty straightforward shojo story with abundant screentone, non-traditional paneling and emotional facial expressions.

The verdict: Highly recommended. Yuzu is the kind of character you want to root for. And even though she's really mature for her age, she still has some growing up to do. Hopefully, there's still a happy ending for Yuzu and Shou in the second and final volume. March on Earth is available in the U.S. from CMX.

Review copy provided by CMX.

Fire Investigator Nanase, vol. 2

The story: Whoever killed Nanase's co-worker Tsuraga is now after Nanase, going so far as to sneak into her home to try and silence her permanently. While Nanase uses her wits to defeat her would-be murderer, she still gets saved by mystery arsonist, the Firebug, in the end. While she wonders what the Firebug has in store for her, she gets involved in another investigation. This time, it's a warehouse fire and Chief Tachibana's son is involved and Nanase is determined to prove his innocence. In the second half, more is revealed about the history and relationship between Nanase and her adopted son, Shingo. Also, Nanase gets her very own stalker, but the Firebug stops him from attacking his favorite firefighter. At volume's end, readers are left on a cliffhanger when Nanase, Shingo and dozens of other victims get caught up in a fire taking place in a newly opened high-rise building.

Reaction: While I initially liked the surprisingly independent Nanase and her success in a male-dominated field, the first chapter in the second volume featured a practically nude Nanase. Of course, she used it to her advantage, although she ended up being saved by a co-worker following an anonymous tip phoned in by the Firebug. There's also "suggestive situations" when a sexual offender stalks Nanase. While the overall storyline is interesting — Firebug's plans for Nanase and his subsequent involvement in her investigations — it still carries an air of sexual exploitation. Instead of focusing on Nanase the firefighter and rescuer, we're seeing Nanase the victim.

Deep thoughts: After seeing the Sept. 11 attacks on the World Trade Center, it was difficult to not draw parallels between that tragedy and the last chapter in this volume, titled "Towering Inferno." On the evening of the grand opening of the Astro Tower, several fires break out and it's presumed to be arson committed by a group of individuals. Of course, I saw several things that are strongly discouraged when evacuating a building — namely Nanase using an elevator to get to the fire instead of the stairs — that really tested my suspension of disbelief.

Artwork: As mentioned earlier, there's some brief nudity in this volume. Otherwise, we're treated to more fires and fire-related science. Firebug doesn't pull the Mission Impossible-esque mask-removing technique, but he does appear in a couple of different guises. The panels are action-packed throughout and their design and pacing reflect that. But, I did experience some confusion when the stalker character was introduced. Initially, I thought it was the Firebug — the guy does have a huge portrait of Nanase in his abandoned church-cum-lair — but it ended up being some new, nefarious guy instead. With all of the costumes that Firebug wears, I found myself wondering if each new character introduced just happened to be him in disguise.

The verdict: Meh. Again, I wasn't particularly drawn into this manga. While the fire science bits are interesting and the story itself is action-packed, I couldn't ignore the sexual exploitation of Nanase. Honestly, I think this would be a really great manga if it focused more on the protagonist's professional role and less on her being a woman. Fire Investigator Nanase is available in the U.S. from CMX.

Review copy provided by CMX.