Manga Review : Full Moon o Sagashite

Full Moon is a manga (and also anime) with themes like singing, love and shinigami. The main character, Mitsuki Koyama has a throat tumor, yet she has a dream about being a famous singer. Back when Mitsuki was in the orphanage, she promised Eichi Sakurai that she would someday become a singer. She eventually lost contact with him and thought singing was the only way for her to become closer to finding him. Doctors predict that she will die in a year unless if she does a surgery which will affect her vocal cords. Mitsuki refuses to do the surgery and runs away. The story then goes on to how the two shinigami, Meroko and Takuto helped her to acheive her dream.
This was definitely one of my favourite mangas. The art is AMAZING and cute! The storyline was, in my opinion, fun to read. The story was bittersweet with some sadness. I have also watched the anime and found that the anime was way more lighthearted and funny. I would recommend it for people who like reading romance as it is a typical shoujo manga.

Review by Irene C.

Manga Review: Tail of the Moon

Tail of the Moon is a “romantic ninja comedy” that contains some history by Rinko Ueda. It is a about a kunoichi named Usagi who seems very hopeless at being one so her grandfather sends her out to marry a ninja named Hanzo and bear his children. At first he rejects her and doesn’t want to get married, but as Usagi stays by his side, time and events bring them closer together as the story progresses.

I thought I would pick this up because I thought 15 volumes would keep me entertained over the summer but when I started reading I thought it was a pretty good story. There are funny, dramatic and action scenes that mix things up a bit and keep the story interesting. The style of art isn’t my most favourite, but it is pretty. For those who aren’t a fan of shojo-iness, then maybe this isn’t the best choice because at times it does become redundant. Overall, this story is a good read, it’s a relaxed story you can pick up and read when you’re in any type of mood. All 15 volumes are in the Central library if anyone wants to take a look.

Review by Carla V.

Manga Review: Suzuka

Suzuka is manga written by Kouji Seo. Moving to a new city, a boy named Yamato seeks a new change in his life. As he crosses by his new high school, he is caught off guard by a girl performing a successful high jump over the height of 1.6 meters. Moving into his new apartment, Yamato finds out that the girl that he saw earlier lives right beside him, and that her name is Suzuka. As he becomes closer and closer to Suzuka, he wishes to become more than a friend. He eventually takes a chance and asks her out to the amusement park... only to get asked out by her instead! Near the end of the date, he puts forth his courage and asks her to be his girlfriend. Being rejected for an unknown reason, Yamato loses all hope. Being lectured by one of his friends, he realizes that he should not give up, and should keep trying. His whole new life starts from here.
After reading all 18 volumes of Suzuka thrice, the series remains in my must-read box. The story starts off immature... but grows much deeper as the plot develops. Throughout the plot, a series of themes can be pointed out, such as never giving up, and to taking that one step forward in the desire for change. The life of Yamato is depicted from the beginning of his high school years, all the way to university within this manga. In such a short time period, he learns much about himself and about the people around him.
Being able to relate to Yamato was what made Suzuka so much fun to read. With his life filled with relationship, romance, and problems, there was never a dull moment throughout the story. The issues that he faces are very common with many teenagers today. I recommend this to anyone who is looking something to change in their lives.

Review by Donald L.

Manga Review: Nana

Nana "Hachi" Komatsu moves to Tokyo in search for for a new life and a clean start. Nana Osaki arrives in Tokyo at the same time, looking to further her career in rock and roll! Nana with her guitar and pack of cigarettes and Hachi with her luggage full of clothes are thrown together by fate while sitting together on the train to Tokyo. One trying to be a singer without the help of her boyfriend while the other is just following her boyfriend out of her spoiled personality, the two Nanas meet each other in the train, make friends, and through a series of fortunate events, end up sharing a flat together. This manga by Ai Yazawa would then develop into a friendship story between the two Nanas, each with a different background, past, lifestyle and attitude, and how they walk the path in pursuing their dreams of love, career, and happiness.
For a shoujo manga, Ai Yazawa uses a very unique style of art (Not like typical shoujo which is full of sparkles, flowers, and bubbles~), incorporating heavily screentoned photographs to serve as backgrounds. Her style is gothic and edgy, and each of her characters have their own unique style and personaility. It has a fun plot that is relevant to our everyday life, and it is easy to relate to the characters.
Definitely not a manga to miss to all those shoujo manga fans :)
(Suitable for people 15+ due to sexual references)

Review by Cianna W.

Manga Review: Rebirth

REBIRTH Summary: In the 17th century the vampire Deshwitat, betrayed by his friend Kalutika, is sealed away in imprisonment until 300 years later when Remi Do accidentally resurrects the revenge thirsty vampire. Deshwitat, accompanied by Remi, Millenear Shephield,and Rett Butler set off on the quest of defeating Kalutika and getting revenge for the death of Deshwitat's love, Lilith.

The manga... or rather manhwa, Rebirth can positively be the best specimen of manga. Although the story seems to be more male oriented, it's actually a romantic story. Within the dramatic moments, heated arguments and strides for truth, lies a more meaningful story.

Woo has a very excellent way of bringing his stories to light. Each character has very distinct qualities that make them each unique rather than the usual shoujo with really peppy characters of the usual shounen with power-trip characters.

All in all I give this manhwa a 7.5 out of ten. The story, beautiful. The artwork, fantastic. Woo is a wonderful mangaka.

Review by Kyosha S.

Manga Review: Apothecarius Argentum

Summary
"Argent was fed poison during his youth to turn him into the ultimate assassin with an immunity to poison. The King of Beazol bought the slave boy to be the food tester for his daughter Primula. However, the princess frees Argent and instructs him to flee from the palace. Years later, he reappears as a master chemist and skilled healer and saves Primula from an assassination attempt. As a result, he's promoted to the position of Royal Apothecary. But any potential relationship will have its limits as Argentum's very touch has become poisonous."

Review
If you asked me what kind of manga I read most often, I would reply: "Shoujo", but my manga pet-peeve is weak, useless heroines. That is exactly why I like Apothecarius Argentum. The leading girl is strong, and the other characters are just as entertaining. Another thing that sets this manga apart from other shoujos is that it has a storyline other than the main characters trying to get together. The storyline is very original and unpredictable, and every chapter seemed like something new rather than the same scenarios repeated.

While reading this manga I also learned a lot about different chemicals and poisons that actually exist -at the end of each volume is a guide to the different chemicals that show up in the story. Usually "learn" and "manga" don't belong in the same sentence (I know I'm not a fan of science), but it gives the manga a realistic feel.

The art doesn't seem spectacular at first glance, but as you keep reading it grows on you and you can feel the characters' emotions portrayed very clearly.

My only regret about reading this series: I did not want to know where the red colour in my Fruitopia came from (look up "cochineal" on Wikipedia).

You can find the first 8 volumes at the library, if you're interested in reading it.

Review by Liz Z.

Manga Review: Special A (S.A.)

S.A. This story is centered around two high school students, Hanazono Hikari and Takishima Kei. However hard she tries in school, Kei always beats her, therefore earning her the title "Ms. #2". Kei, undeniably, is in love with Hikari, and everybody realizes this except for herself! They were introduced to each other at a young age, as their fathers were friends. Assuming that she was the best in wrestling, young Hikari challenged Kei to a wrestling match only to be thoroughly defeated by him. Ever since that fateful incident, Hikari swore to beat Kei in school grades, a sporting event - anything. To do this she has enrolled in the same school as Kei since elementary. Now she attends Hakusenkan, an ultra elite school, that costs her carpenter father a lot of money. Hikari and Kei are the top two students in the school, with Kei holding firmly to that number one position.

This manga is one of your typical shojo manga; chock full of adorable art and beautiful characters! It is also quite humorous, but light enough not to distract from the romance aspect. Maki Minami creates charming characters, who in the end, all have their own happy endings! Perfect for the type of shoujo-lover who likes it when everybody has somebody to end up with. :)

Review by Cianna W.

MANGA REVIEW: Boys Be...

The Boys Be manga comprises of multiple short stories, each about how a guy tries to date a girl, or how a guy deals with relationship problems with a girl, and all kinds of situations you can think of, involving a guy and girl. The stories mainly revolve around the guy, and through reading the story, you find out how he thinks and acts. In the process, guys can learn many tips involving girls to be found in this very manga. Not only is it funny, it is a pleasure just pick up and read. You do not need to start at volume 1, as each manga has a unique short story to enjoy.

Honestly, this manga is directed toward guys... lol. I showed a female friend of mine this and she just threw it back at me! But seriously, there is a lot of fun, realistic stories you can read in this manga. If you don't know much about girls, this is a good place to start if you are afraid to talk to them (shy guys). If anyone has read Train Man (Densha Otoko) or Salad Days you will most likely love this.

Review by Donald L.

Review on Fan Expo 2009

I only attended one of the days, August 29th (being the Saturday.) I attended with 2of my other friends. I cosplayed as Suiseiseki from Rozen Maiden, and one of my friends cosplayed Chii from Chobits.

This was a particularly new experience to me, as the only other convention that I had attended was Anime North. Fan Expo was pretty fun, but when compared to Anime North, I would probably rate it a 4/10.

UUUUUGHHHHHHHHHH. Is all I have to say.
My friend went there two years ago, and told me it wasn't very good. She came back this year hoping for some improvements.... not so much, though.
I guess it's because it's a con split up between 5 different genres. It's not exactly all dedicated to anime so I didn't really do a whole lot of shopping. I did get a a poster, some Vocaloid prints and some lolita accessories though.

As for cosplayers, there weren't as many as I hoped there would be. The majority of cosplayers (I'm guessing) were characters from comic books. However, some of the cosplayers were amazing! There were zombies, anime characters, Marvel characters and a whole load of Darth Vaders and Stormtroopers. Also, my friend (Chii) and I got a lot of attention because our costumes were frilly and lolita-ish.

I would attend this convention again, but probably just to cosplay and see the costumes. (Maybe just sneak downstairs and sit around and have a cosplay picnic.)
But I would recommend this convention to people who are more interested in comic books, gaming, and horror!

Review by Cianna W.

Manga Review: Dazzle

Dazzle is a story about two very different people on a hilarious action-packed adventure. The adventure begins after Rahzel is suddenly kicked out of her house after her dad tells her she should see the world. Along the way she meets Alzeid who is trying to get revenge for the death of his father. While travelling from town to town trying to solve questions about their pasts, they often end up helping others and acquiring new allies as well as enemies.
This manga is in no way a typical shoujo manga- the characters all have very unique personalities, and the story is not completely focused on romance. The story starts off on a light tone, but in some instances it becomes over-serious. At the beginning there seems to be little storyline, but as you keep reading it becomes more clear. The artwork in this book is very stunning. The characters facial expressions look very realistic yet simple. The characters’ clothing is always very detailed and eye-catching. How rare to find characters that regularly change their clothes/hairstyle!
You can find this manga at the library (first three volumes), and at Chapters (first ten volumes). It was also made into an anime (called “Hatenkou Yuugi”).

Review by Liz Z.

Manga Review: Soul Rescue

Soul Rescue is centered around the story of a rogue angel called Renji. Renji only knows how to fight, and as a punishment for being too violent, God sends him to Earth. In order to return back to Heaven, Renji must save 10 000 human souls. God also sends an elite angel called Kaito to watch over Renji and to help him with his mission. Before Renji is sent to heaven, God gives him a special power that will help him save the souls; a power called 'Soul Rescue', which will help to relieve humans of emotional and physical damage.

When I first started reading this manga, I was intrigued with the style of art (which was very detailed and original), and also how smooth the transitions from page to page were. At the beginning of the story, I was fairly confused because it jumped straight into the story without a brief introduction. However, after reading deeper into the manga, past events were explained to give the reader a more clear understanding of the storyline. I also liked how much the manga could appeal to both fans of shounen and shoujo manga. It contained both action and battle scenes (for shounen fans), plus some light romance for shoujo fans. Unfortunately, the library only owns the first two volumes, but I would recommend this for all manga fans! :D

Review by Cianna W.

RECAP: Anime North 2009!

Whoa, so much to say about Anime North! Svetlana Chmakova jokingly refers to anime conventions as “An exhibition of Japanese culture, a festival that celebrates our national diversity through the merging of art, writing and electronic media.” – and it is that, and so much more! Even without buying a ticket one could enjoy some of the cream of AN’s crop – standing in line itself was an experience, as we watched streams of crazily dressed cosplayers pass us [Ayu and I] by. Too shocked to even take pictures, we watched the myth of guys-dressed-in-school-girl-outfits come true, as well as someone totting around a GIANT ninja star. Love it already! The inside of the Congress Centre turned out to be more or less a warehouse, but the stuff on the ground was enough to make up for the appearance of the actual building. We first visited the Creater’s Corner, and if not for some careful planning and money-paranoia, I could have easily spent ALL of my money there. Such amazing Fan-Art!!!! O.O And the pins…XD Not to mention all the authors were so nice and understandingly answered our questions, even if we didn’t buy anything. After this came, of course, the renown Dealer’s Room! Ayu and I had only ever been to Dot Con, a small, shrunken cousin of AN which didn’t have an Artist’s Alley, and who’s Dealers Room was…nothing, compared to this one. Planning to return, and now joined by Ara (Kasia) we headed out to the other hotels to go to –dadadum- Panels!! Seriously, I didn’t know that anime conventions were supposed to have panels!!!! Really! I had only ever been to Dot Con, which offered two animes playing in two showrooms, so I was totally taken by surprise that we had workshops to go to! I finally understood why Cons are/were so addictive – there’s just so much to do!!! The next few ours were a blur of different places, once the Doubltree Hotel for half a writer’s panel, then a manga panel with Svet (<3) at the Renaissance, then a yummy-smelling Iron Chef panel next door. Food, I have to admit, was scarce and expensive, but luckily home-made mustard sandwiches intervened and saved my day. Finally it was back to the dealer’s room for a Svet signing, then off to the Masquerade!! I must admit I would have rather gone to Skit Night, but this almost made up for it. The MC was cleverly-funny even though he was terrible at pronouncing names, and the costumes were, of course, amazing. Then, finally, heavy with purchases and new memories, Ayu and I dragged ourselves home, happy and exhausted.
-Olivia D.

Anime North was great in my opinion! It was my first ever anime convention and I enjoyed it so much. I bought an awesome dagger for ten bucks and 325 cards for a trading card game I didn’t know how to play (and apparently no one else does either). I am totally looking forward to next year, where I will cosplay as a character in a manga I’m trying to draw (the only problem is that I suck at drawing).
-David W.

MANGA REVIEW: Monster

For about a week now I have been reading a manga called Monster. It is an amazing manga and I encourage everyone who loves those twisted, serial killer-type mangas to read it. The plot doesn’t breach anything supernatural, and yet it gives you a chill down your spine. There are over 100 chapters of this creepy story, so there’s lots to read.

Review by David W.

MANGA REVIEW: Air Gear

Air Gear Summary : Minami "Ikki" Itsuki, is a student and a delinquent. Also known as the "Unbeatable Babyface", Ikki is the leader of the youth gang by the name of "East Side Gunz". Upon his return home after being humiliated by a street gang of Storm Riders called the Skull Saders Ikki discovers a secret hidden from him by his benefactors, the Noyamano sisters. The sisters belong to a group of Storm Riders who go by the team name of Sleeping Forest. Keen on helping Ikki to regain his confidence and pride, they supply him with a pair of Air Trecks (abbreviated as "AT"). Ikki eventually settles his grudge with the Skull Saders, but in the process he receives more than the simple satisfaction of revenge. Determined to experience the sensation of flight for as long as he can, our headstrong protagonist is quickly sucked into the mysterious, yet irresistible world of Air Treck.

Review : This is personally my favorite manga to read because it not only ties in major events from the real world, but also creates a distinct world that explores the idea of freedom and the personal battles each character brings to the plate, as expressed through their use of Air treck. It explores the struggle for freedom as people have lost their way on their path to their own salvation and have settled in a delusion or false sense of freedom with misplaced intentions. It is very comical when the gang spends their days off and very intense when the fights occur. It greatly advertises rollerblading and has an anime made off of it for your viewing pleasure. The story is very well-paced and a new chapter comes out eachweek.

Review by Reuben G.