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.

The Palette of 12 Secret Colors, vol. 5

The story: After her last encounter with Dr. Guell, Cello is doing her best to avoid him at all costs. While the professors are all impressed with Cello's renewed commitment to school, Guell's feeling the effects of her absence in his life. Eventually, Cello realizes she might be attracted to Dr. Guell and decides to accompany him to a wedding to see if she truly cares for him. When she nearly injures herself while helping out at the wedding, she knows exactly how she feels about him. While Yoyo and Olga, Dr. Guell's and Cello's birds, freak out over their partners increasing intimacy, Dr. Guell soon experiences a total personality makeover that's quickly resolved. There are also amusing side stories about Kechonpa and Yoyo, and Theo, Cello's father, as he tries to befriend Guell.

Reaction: This was a rather balanced volume, between the somewhat seriousness of the burgeoning romantic relationship between Guell and Cello, and quite a few humorous moments, including reactions to that relationship. I found myself more accepting of the relationship between Guell and Cello because it was finally addressed. But, the humor involving the birds is what really drew me in. There are some great moments where these colorful animals show some real emotional depth. It would be easy to leave them on the sidelines, as a decoration of sorts, but they are just as much a part of this story as the human characters involved.

Deep thoughts: While it's an all-too-convenient plot device, I did like the way Nari Kusakawa handled the improper relationship between Guell, a school employee, and Cello, a student. When it's finally addressed, Guell undergoes a transformation of sorts in response to a flower given to him by his research scientist friends, Gosti and Mage. When he changes, he becomes much more serious and avoids Cello at all costs. This rational side of Dr. Guell realizes that his relationship with Cello is inappropriate and he doesn't want to ruin her chances of academic success. I felt much more comfortable with the story after this, as it resolved what was my biggest issue—that a high school girl and a so-called responsible adult were getting into a relationship.

Artwork: The artwork is the same as it's ever been—inoffensive, often cute and in a tropical setting. I especially liked the storyline of Kechonpa, Mosselyn's bird, as he took care of his younger siblings, who are smaller versions of the puffy-looking bird. There were other humorous moments well illustrated by Kusakawa, including the group of birds caught in the rain, Yoyo's escape from the island and Theo, Cello's father, hounding Guell. But, again, this manga suffers from living in a colorful world that cannot be shown to its full effect because of the black-and-white medium it's drawn in.

The verdict: If only... I really enjoyed this volume more than the others, but there was something still amiss. Unfortunately, I found myself enjoying the other scenes that didn't involve Guell and Cello moreso than the more romance-centric ones. And that's a shame since they're pretty much the focus of the manga. But, this is a short series and I am still interested in seeing how Kusakawa resolves everything in the sixth and final volume. The Palette of 12 Secret Colors is available in the U.S. from CMX.

Review copy provided by CMX.

The Palette of 12 Secret Colors, vol. 4

The story: We finally learn a little more about Dr. Guell and his past when his two best friends visit Opal. The two research scientists/siblings/palettes, Gosti and Mage, help focus this volume on Dr. Guell. Their visit also inspires Cello to think about her future and what she'd like to do once she graduates. The story closes with a tense moment between Cello and Dr. Guell. And, again, there's another cute one-shot, titled "Full-Fledged Housekeeper," about a fox spirit serving as a housekeeper.

Reaction: I liked Mage and Gosti, especially since Gosti's conversation with Cello made her think more deeply upon her future. It was also pretty funny when Cello was sick from "brain fever," which happens to people "when a normally dormant brain is suddenly used." And while I know it's bad form to enjoy the fox spirit side-story more than the actual volume, I was left wishing there was more to "Full-Fledged Housekeeper."

Deep thoughts: I think it's great to have another strong female character in Gosti. While Cello's mother and grandmother are strong women, they're seen infrequently and are carpenters, not palettes. Especially after the initial chapter, where the female teacher cum burglar felt inferior, it's nice to see a successful woman who was able to achieve her dreams of being a palette and leaving Opal.

Artwork: I loved the character designs for Gosti and Mage and their bird partners, especially considering the huge differences in size (Mage's partner is an ostrich, while Gosti's bird fits in her cleavage). I also thought the fox spirit in "Full-Fledged Housekeeper" was super cute and reminiscent of Shippo from Inuyasha.

The verdict: If only... I liked the focus on the new characters, but, again, it was the relationship between Dr. Guell and Cello that got to me. Sure, she's a little older, but now she's curious as to the tense moment with Guell and why it made her feel the way she did. Guell also alludes to what she's doing to him (presumably teasing him), which I can't really say I support. If it weren't for Gosti and the one-shot at the end, I don't know that I would have liked this volume very much. The Palette of 12 Secret Colors is available in the U.S. from CMX.

The Palette of 12 Secret Colors, vol. 3

The story: The beginning of this volume shows how much everyone has missed their birds during the break. Unfortunately, during the break, the bird of a first-year student, Fenne, died. Cello and Fenne become fast friends, which makes Dr. Guell jealous "for some reason." Later, Cello celebrates her 17th birthday with Dr. Guell, Moss and Fenne. Then, there's Olga, Dr. Guell's bird, helping Cello study and an adventure involving Cello, Dr. Guell and Cello's father, Theo. Lastly, there's another one-shot, "The Apple Family," this time involving an enchanted apple, a nun who exorcises evil spirits and a witch.

Reaction: Okay, so it's fairly obvious Dr. Guell likes Cello, but she's oblivious to it. With her turning 17, I find it less inappropriate than I did when she was 16, especially since she's mostly unaware of it. While one year doesn't make a huge difference, it's "enough" of a difference for me, I guess. Otherwise, this volume is filled with some funny moments, especially the chapter involving a jealous Olga as whip-cracking tutor to Cello. I also found myself wishing there was more than one chapter to "The Apple Family."

Deep thoughts: I thought it was interesting when Fenne found a new bird partner and removed his black coloring (it was a migratory bird, not native to Opal). It's mentioned that soon enough the bird, named Blackie, will eventually develop the coloring of the island's birds once he starts eating the native colorful flowers. This reminds me of flamingos, which are pink because of their steady diet of shrimp.

Artwork: For some reason, I noticed the screen tone a lot more in this volume. Otherwise, there were some cute costumes for both birds (both Olga and Yoyo dress up) and people (when Dr. Guell dresses up as a thug, it's fairly laughable).

The verdict: If only... Again, I think I'd like this a lot more if it weren't for the pseudo-romance between teenage Cello and Dr. Guell. While Cello is quite endearing, Guell's attraction to her makes me wonder just how small Opal is if he can't find someone his own age. The Palette of 12 Secret Colors is available in the U.S. from CMX.

The Palette of 12 Secret Colors, vol. 2

The story: For the first time, Christmas has come to the island of Opal, when a foreign prince visits. Dr. Guell, the only person who has celebrated a traditional Christmas (he's from a cold, northern land), becomes the expert advisor on the endeavor. As Cello grows closer to the prince, Guell's jealousy begins to show. That is, until he finds out the truth about the prince. We also learn about how Cello and Yoyo came to be paired up, as well as see the doctor pay a house call to Cello's family. There's also an extra one-shot at the end, titled "Contract Papillon."

Reaction: I really liked the tropical Christmas. I also found the history of how Cello and Yoyo became partners particularly endearing, especially since Yoyo's such a cute little chick! Also, meeting Cello's family, especially her dad, was pretty entertaining. Lastly, I love, love, loved the one-shot at the end. It had action, mystery and an interesting twist ending!

Deep thoughts: This time around, I wasn't as bothered by the ambiguous relationship between Guell and Cello. I think it was because it's less the focus of the volume and also because the reader is shown the practical limitations of such a relationship in a humorous way -- by attacks from their birds, Yoyo and Olga!

Artwork: I think Opal is more realized in this volume -- there's a better sense of place to me. Then again, that may be because of the flashback and the other two chapter settings. I also really loved the formal wear in the Christmas chapter -- it shows the tropical influence with a few other fun details. And the one-shot at the end was a nice of change of pace, as it's in an urban setting with cobblestone streets, iron streetlamps and brick townhouses.

The verdict: If only... Although, I liked this volume much better than the first, I can't bring myself to say it's highly recommended just yet. But, it's interesting enough for me to continue on with, especially since I have volumes three and four waiting to be read. The Palette of 12 Secret Colors is available in the U.S. from CMX.

The Palette of 12 Secret Colors, vol. 1

The story: On the island of Opal in the South Seas, color magicians cum artisans known as "palettes" manipulate colors and are paired with the island's treasures -- brightly colored, tropical birds. Our main character, Cello, is a student at the municipal school that trains palettes. But, with all the trouble Cello experiences, will she ever become a professional palette?

The volume opens with Cello's troubles in moving on to the next grade in school because of her incompetency and dealing with various birdnappers. Of course, Cello helps save the birds from their would-be kidnappers with her newfound skills of long-distance color manipulation. We also meet Dr. Guell, the school's doctor, who frequently helps Cello out, as she often gets stained with the colors she works with.

Reaction: I loved the tropical setting of Opal and the inspiration for its name, as an opal is seemingly white, but comprised of many colors. The mangaka Nari Kusakawa has created an interesting twist on the use of magic -- as palettes can only manipulate colors -- and, at first glance, a fun world.

Deep thoughts: This is an amusing shojo story. But, the thing that kind of irked me was the more-than-meets-the-eye relationship between 23-year-old Dr. Guell and the 16-year-old Cello. There's the implication that he thinks of her as more than "just" a student. Of course, this is all brushed off with sarcasm on Dr. Guell's part and nothing comes of it, but it still bugged me.

Artwork: Honestly, the first chapter was a little rough around the edges -- in the initial panels where Dr. Guell is introduced, his face is oddly shaped. Also, this being a story about color-manipulating magicians, it definitely suffers from not being in color. Only the cover gives us an idea of just how colorful Kusakawa's Opal is and that's to the story's detriment in some ways.

Also, when color is being manipulated out of a bird and onto an object, screen tones are used. It took me a little while to figure out what was happening because of its use. Then again, maybe I was just a little slow on the uptake?

The verdict: If only... While this book has many strong points going for it -- a well-meaning and determined heroine in a brilliantly realized tropical setting -- I couldn't get past the ambiguous relationship between Cello and Dr. Guell. I think if Kusakawa had focused more on Cello and her friendship with her best friend, Mousseline, and less on the undefined relationship with Dr. Guell, I may have liked this a bit more.

Overall, though, this is a good story and I'll continue to read it to see if it improves. The Palette of 12 Secret Colors is available in the U.S. from CMX.