Goodbye, CMX

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 measure of satisfaction knowing that other personal favorites came to a close in time, including Emma and The Name of the Flower.

I had the opportunity to meet editor-in-chief Asako Suzuki at San Diego Comic-Con International last year. I felt beyond lucky when she extended an invitation to visit the CMX offices in La Jolla, just minutes from my home in San Diego. I took her up on the offer a month later, during my first unpaid furlough day from my full-time job. It was a much-needed pick-me-up during an uncertain time.

There, I met editor John Chadwick and creative director Larry Berry, in addition to others on the CMX staff. They were all gracious, wonderful people willing to indulge my keen interest; they also introduced me to some awesome series, many of which I've continued reading. So, it was doubly troubling to hear the news earlier today; these people are fellow San Diegans and, working in media myself, fellow colleagues. I just hope that all of CMX's staff members land on their feet, as nothing regarding employees has been released thus far.

While I don't have much to say about CMX's relationship with parent company DC, I do know that it was always disappointing to find zero CMX presence at SDCCI, despite the Time Warner subsidiary's large footprint. As a public relations professional, I was also surprised by the lack of marketing support lent, especially considering the critical acclaim many titles earned.

With other recent and unwelcome manga industry news, it seems the niche is in a sorry state of affairs tied to the still-flagging economy and the larger publishing industry's difficulties in navigating an increasingly digital market. What this means for the future is anyone's guess.

All I know is that I'm disappointed that the market is contracting and consolidating. It means less choice, variety and competition overall, and there's nothing good about that.

My Darling! Miss Bancho, vol. 1

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 the truth to her hard-working mom, Souka stays on at the troubled school and, in a hilarious turn of events, ends up a gang leader. Just what will Souka do now that she’s surrounded by tough guys committed to honoring and protecting their new bancho?

Reaction: This story is certainly a different take on reverse-harem comedy—instead of being surrounded by beautiful and silly rich boys, Souka must deal with a bunch of knuckle-headed gang members. While the antics here are as silly as any high school shojo, the technical high school setting and ensemble cast proves a difference maker.

I really liked Souka, especially because she disproves the stereotype that girls don’t like science. If she sets her mind to it, Souka realizes that she “gets” science. Other characters proved equally likeable, especially Katou who belies his greaser exterior with a laughable mother hen personality. It’s a great balance and entertains with its unexpectedness.

Deep thoughts: I feel like I’ve been reading a lot of science-related manga lately. While this book isn’t very scientific, it does drop a few mathematical formulas and chemical names here and there, providing a backdrop of sorts. Overall, I think technical high schools are an interesting facet of Japanese secondary education options and I wonder why more manga don’t feature them. While they don’t have an exact American equivalent, California's high school ROP, or regional occupational programs, are fairly similar, preparing young adults and others for "further educational, employment and occupational changes."

Artwork: There’s a definite evolution of characters in this first volume—in the opening chapter, faces are awkwardly shaped at times. The art is reminiscent of some of the early work by Nari Kusakawa, mangaka of The Palette of 12 Secret Colors and Two Flowers for the Dragon. By volume’s end, there’s more consistency and uniformity in design; I especially liked one character's design in particular, an anonymous gang member who looks like Aang from Nickelodeon’s Avatar: The Last Airbender, his bald head tattooed with an arrow. Otherwise, the art here is nice enough, but it doesn’t make a big impression in comparison to other shojo manga.

The verdict: If only… While the humorous story definitely carries this book, there’s a sense of repetitiveness in each story. It wasn’t until volume’s end that things got interesting by introducing a love rival and other complications between Souka and Katou. Luckily, that’s enough to keep me reading until volume two! My Darling! Miss Bancho is available in the U.S. from CMX.

Review copy provided by the publisher.

Land of the Blindfolded, vol. 8

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 her to sometimes see the past of people and objects. When two mysterious boys with similar abilities transfer to her school, they become her closest confidants. In this volume, the whole gang is back from their hot springs vacation and life gets back to (somewhat) normal. Namiki follows an extremely unlucky day with an incredibly lucky birthday surprise. Then, poor Kanade gets sick and puts Arou in a tough position. At one point, Eri, Kanade's best friend, learns about Arou's similar gift when a school thief strikes. By volume's end, Arou's uncle Suo can't contain his curiosity about his nephew's strong ability to see the past. Will his jealousy push him to the brink?

Reaction: There are some good self-contained stories in this volume that I really enjoyed and the last chapter raises some concerns that I hadn't really thought about before. Regardless, it was nice to see Namiki's birthday celebration, as it was to see Arou's classmates' support. While Kanade has been close to her classmates for some time, it seems that only now are Arou and Namiki beginning to experience the same. It's very heartwarming and is great evidence of the character growth the three leads have experienced, especially considering their personalities at series' start.

Deep thoughts: Maybe it's just me, but the author's notes in this series seem a bit more extensive than many others. The only other mangaka that comes to mind that pens extensive author's notes throughout volumes is Aya Nakahara of Love*Com fame. Here, I feel like I know Sakura Tsukuba better and have a real feel for what she's doing with this series. Then again, maybe it's just that I'm actually reading the periodic asides, as opposed to glancing over them as I might in other series, especially those that are more "slice of life" moments or personal asides.

Artwork: There are some really great panels in this volume, possibly the best of the entire series. I especially liked the opening page of the last chapter -- Arou, wrapped in bandages, walks towards a burst of light set against a black background. It's stark and depressing, but is set against the joy these characters are experiencing. I also liked the chapter cut pages, particularly the first one where Namiki looks like a beaten soldier. There's something world-weary about his look that juxtaposes nicely with the chapter that focuses on him.

The verdict: Highly recommended. This is an amazing series that I'm sorry I didn't get to sooner. There are some typical high school moments, but they are done so much better than most other shojo stories. This story has a lot of heart, due in large part to its heroine and the group of people she has surrounded herself with. I'll honestly be sad to see this series end in the next volume. Land of the Blindfolded is available in the U.S. from CMX (online preview available).

MangaCast Review: Stolen Hearts, vol. 1

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 at school is afraid of him because he’s big and looks intimidating. When petite Shinobu spills a drink on his bag one day, he tells her she’s ruined an expensive kimono and she must repay him for the damage. ... Just like tiny Shinobu, Stolen Hearts has quite a bit of cute appeal. But, it’s also without romantic tension; it’s obvious the author originally meant this to be a one-shot as the first chapter gets our couple together quickly.

Wondering what I thought in the end? Then be sure to click here and read on!

Review copy provided by the publisher.

Swan, vol. 5

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 characters in Swan Lake. Both girls must interpret Odette, the cursed swan princess, and Odile, the "black swan" and daughter of the villain, von Rothbart. Who will prevail in this contest between our heroine and the Russian prodigy?

Reaction: Watching a ballet in print form, explanatory narration and all, may not sound like an ideal plot. But, this volume had me completely enthralled and I read through it quickly, pausing only to admire the artwork. Again, Masumi is challenged and rises to the occasion (and the competition). It was fascinating to see how these same roles are interpreted by two very different dancers -- and it's lovely to see that Masumi's lack of technical knowledge doesn't necessarily hold her back. While the reaction of the audience seems a bit exaggerated, thanks to Ariyoshi Kyoko, it's easy to see why they would be impressed.

Deep thoughts: Tchaikovsky was commissioned to write the music for Swan Lake in 1875. Interestingly, the Swan Lake that we know today -- and is performed in this volume -- is actually quite different from the original concept and was created after Tchaikovsky's death in 1893. While there is little record of the original ballet, after Tchaikovsky's death, interest in Swan Lake was renewed. The version most popular today was choreographed by Marius Petipa and Lev Ivanov of the Russian Imperial Ballet in 1895.

Artwork: There's some very dynamic and amazingly paced panels here that really showcase ballet. From showing the different positions and movements to the miming and facial expressions, Kyoko really shows why this series is such a classic. Both the imagined backgrounds for the Swan Lake pieces and the studio practices are fairly detailed in comparison to modern-day shojo, dating the series ever-so-slightly. There's some brief comedic moments here, too, and although they are short-lived, they provide a much welcome respite from all of the focus, determination and, at times, despair.

The verdict: Required reading. This volume is a great culmination of everything Masumi's worked up to so far -- despite her limitations as a dancer, she doesn't let that stop her from trying her best. And this volume really shows how far she's come, and hints at how much farther she has to go. Not only that, but there's the thrill of competition, too! Swan is available in the U.S. from CMX.

Two Flowers for the Dragon, vol. 4

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 with Kuwan injured after protecting Lady Shakuya in battle. While Shakuya nurses Kuwan back to health, Lucien regains his lost memories and the conspiracy against the Dragon Clan begins to unravel.

Reaction: This volume starts off sweetly enough, but gains some real depth from the political intrigue at volume's end. Lucien also experiences some much-needed growth, both as a character and in his love for Shakuya. I particularly liked the scene where the two acknowledge that they lack control over their lives. It's a bittersweet realization, especially since they are both so young. However, they're not so much resigned to their fates as they simply accept them, which is refreshing to see in a story revolving around young love.

Deep thoughts: Lucien's amnesia resolves itself in this volume, but his experience reminded me of a news article I read a couple of months ago. In it, an amnesia patient known simply as H.M. donated his brain to a new research library created at University of California San Diego. Since having an experimental brain surgery years ago, H.M. was never able to form new memories, making every experience new. His donation will allow researchers to better understand amnesia and memory loss.

Artwork: While Nari Kusakawa's artwork has improved over the course of this series (and the concurrent The Palette of 12 Secret Colors), some distorted faces still snuck in this volume. In one panel, the eyes of Shakuya's handmaid look crossed because of the severe slant. In another, Shakuya's face is squashed, making her look younger and slightly unattractive. However, these are minor distractions from Kusakawa's other handiwork. From the use of visual humor and other effects, like Shakuya's nearly blank, surprised eyes, to the Oriental architectural and ornate clothing, Kusakawa creates a unique world filled with interesting characters.

The verdict: Highly recommended. While the love triangle is the entertaining part of this story, the mystery behind Lucien's disappearance is the thinking part. Here, Kusakawa draws in readers with a one-of-a-kind story with great artwork, surprising twists and compelling characters. Two Flowers for the Dragon is available in the U.S. from CMX.

Review copy provided by the publisher.

The Palette of 12 Secret Colors, vol. 6

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 some big news it disrupts her focus on school. Will Cello be able to pass her tests, or is her dream of becoming a palette doomed?

Reaction: Even though everything's out in the open, I'm rather uncomfortable about Cello's and Guell's relationship. And while I've considered that's probably due to my cultural bias, it still bugs me. However, there are more important issues at hand here -- like Cello's academic future. Cello's entirely too distracted to take her exams properly because of her feelings for the academy's doctor, illustrating the inappropriateness and inherent challenges in pursuing such a relationship at her age.

Deep thoughts: Throughout this series, Cello has shown an aptitude for using the secret colors to save the day. In the last chapter, she uses the secret colors -- this time a bright orange -- to save someone in danger. In many ways, colors can communicate as much as words. For example, red is a well-known symbol for emergency vehicles like ambulances and fire trucks; it can mean "stop," or serve as an alert message within a spectrum of colors, like the American terror alert.

Artwork: Unfortunately, outside of its vibrant cover, there's no color used in this series. From day one, it's been one of the things that has held this series back artistically. For having created such an energetic setting in Opal, Nari Kusakawa lets it suffer with colorless monotony. A revisiting character returns in this volume, and he has an interesting "look" to say the least. In the end, a change in setting works remarkably better considering it's two-tone depiction.

The verdict: If only... The premise here has always promised so much -- innocent romance, color-manipulating magic, a tropical setting -- but it seemingly falls just a little short each time. In comparison to Kusakawa's other work, this story falls somewhere in the middle in terms of artistic skill, plot and theme. But, that doesn't necessarily make it an unlikable story, either. There's still great characters, beautiful backgrounds and comedy aplenty; it's just the "little things" that hold it back. The Palette of 12 Secret Colors is available in the U.S. from CMX.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.