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Manga news and reviews from a group of Canadian manga lovers - we hope you find something you like or are inspired to try something new. Enjoy fulfilling your Kuriousity!
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Archive for May, 2008

Review Themes: Mystery Week

By on Sunday, May 18, 2008

mys·ter·y

  1. any affair, thing, or person that presents features or qualities so obscure as to arouse curiosity or speculation:
  2. a novel, short story, play, or film whose plot involves a crime or other event that remains puzzlingly unsettled until the very end
  3. obscure, puzzling, or mysterious quality or character

It’s the beginning of Kuriousity’s summer of weekly manga themes! Starting it off is a week of mystery: detectives, thiefs and good ‘ol fashion sluething. There’ll be one review a day, making for a total of five reviews for some series I think are worth sharing! First one goes up tonight.

If there’s a mystery-themed manga that you’ve enjoyed, feel free to comment here and tell me a little about it. A fan of mystery vs. not so much? Think you’d like to see more mystery manga on the shelves? Don’t be afraid to share your thoughts!

Previous mystery-related reviews:

Kat & Mouse (Vol. 01)
Kat & Mouse (Vol. 02)
Satisfaction Guaranteed (Vol. 06)

Categories: Manga, Reviews |

No More Heroes: Play Without Regrets

By on Saturday, May 17, 2008

nomoreheroes_exam.jpg

 While I plan to write up a full review for this in due time, I’m taking a minute of this slow Saturday to plug one of the best games I’ve played in ages: No More Heroes for the Wii (nothing like you’ve ever played on the Wii, not for the kiddies!). You play as the main character Travis, a fan of anime and Mexican wrestling, on his way to becoming the top assassin. It’s a hilarious, beautiful stylized and over the top action game that makes great use of the Wiimote’s capabilities, taking the hack and slash action platform to a much more entertaining level. Extra recommendations if you like a challenge; this game has some of the toughest bosses I’ve ever faced in a video game. It’s also a bit of a parody, poking fun at the game genre stereotypes with both plot, dialouge delivery and in-game play actions. Much more shortly put: I loved it and cannot recommned it enough for a good time (and finally an anime fan representation whose really awesome, once you get past the 27 year old virgin part).

And completely unrelated but added for my purely anime/manga visiting fans: Amazon has a new listing for an exclusive complete Inu-Yasha series set, $419.99 f0r 3900 minutes of Shikon searching action. Glad I’m not really a fan. I have trouble enough getting past $70 boxsets! Ouch. Good for those who’ve been waiting to get it all in one go though I suppose.

Categories: Anime, Games |

Review: +Anima (Vol. 07)

By on Thursday, May 15, 2008

Manga-ka: Natsumi Mukai
Publisher: Tokyopop
Rating: Teen (13+)
Released: April 2008

Synopsis:
“As Cooro and company travel through a dark tunnel on the way to Sailand, Husky tells them the reason why he wants to go there – to see his mother. But it looks like the family reunion will be delayed when the children discover that in Sailand, +Anima are kept as slaves! And if that weren’t bad enough, Husky and Senri are captured by slave hunters! Can Cooro and Nana fly them to freedom?”

A lot happens in this joyfully extra fat volume of +Anima. Cooro, Nana, Husky and Senri continue their trek through the underground tunnels to the neighbouring country of Sailand, seeking people from Husky and Senri’s pasts. Upon getting there, they find out that Anima are looked at as lesser beings and kept as slaves by the humans. While Cooro and Nana are taken in by a kind Anima-keeper, Husky and Senri are captured by much less hospitable slave hunters.

Read more…

Categories: Manga, Reviews, Tokyopop |

Fellow Blogging Females Come Forward

By on Thursday, May 15, 2008

Gia posted a link today over to a fun sounding little get-together of female bloggers. Its aim is to get a collection of girls who run anime/manga related blogs to sign up, then respond to issues and topics voted for by the group. They word it much better than I possibly could (as I make this last minute post before running out the door) so go check it out for yourself. I and a bunch of others have already slapped our names up for participation so it should make for an interesting endeavour!

Categories: Misc |

Review: Welcome to the NHK (Vol. 06)

By on Wednesday, May 14, 2008


Author: Tatsuhiko Takimoto
Manga-ka: Kendi Oiwa
Publisher: Tokyopop
Rating: Mature (18+)
Released: March 2008

Synopsis: “Satou’s hallucinations of an Angel-Misaki are getting worse! Having run away from home, he now turns to arcades and pachinko bars for relief. But he soon learns that there are expensive habits, and this escapism comes at a cost he might not be willing to pay. Feeling alone, with no one to turn to, especially now that Yamazaki’s got his own girl problems, Satou is at an all-time low. Where will he turn?”

The hallucinations, social downfalls and episodic insanity continues in volume six of Welcome to the NHK. Satou, Misaki and Yamazaki all get their time on centre stage to let readers know that nothing’s really getting any better, despite what opportunities present themselves.

Read more…

Categories: Manga, Reviews, Tokyopop |

Review: Black Sun Silver Moon (Vol. 05)

By on Tuesday, May 13, 2008


Manga-ka: Tomo Maeda
Publisher: Go!Comi
Rating: Older Teen (16+)
Released: April 2008

Synopsis:
“As Taki finds out about Shikimi’a past, secrets of his own family come to light… leading him to actually strike a deal with Grey! How long can Taki keep his pact with Grey a secret from Shikimi, eve thought it’s for the priest’s own good?”

It’s back to the full cast in volume five of Black Sun Silver Moon. While previous volumes took readers into Shikimi’s past, this one returns us to present with Taki taking the spotlight with some revelations of his own.

Read more…

Categories: GoComi, Manga, Reviews |

Summer Review Time!

By on Monday, May 12, 2008

This is a little heads up post about some current and upcoming stuff happening with Kuriousity manga reviews! First of all, I went back today and added where I got all the books I’ve reviewed so far, including online sources, comic shops and directly from publishers. I’ll be including that information on all future reviews. Second thing, I’ll be moving to a more casual review writing style, such as use of the words, ‘I’ and ‘my’, for one. Some claim profressional suicide. I disagree. I want my reviews to be objective but still a bit personal. My opinions afterall. I’m curious about others’; thoughts anyone?

Now for some future stuff: there’s been some talk on various sites about more reviews for older series, perfect timing for my upcoming summer manga review project! I’m all up for reviewing older series, showcasing some classics, and perhaps hidden gems, of the hundreds of titles out there. Throughout the summer I’ll be having themed weeks: each week a new theme and five reviews related to it. I’ll be focusing on older manga releases that are still available for purchase. There will also be some guest reviews sprinkled in so expect some nice diversity in both genres and opinions!

On that note, if you’re a fellow Canadian and you’d like to see your manga reviews posted here on Kuriousity, send me an e-mail with an example! I’m looking for reviews on any genre of manga, positive or negative, it’s all what you think. Reviews should be written in similiar formats to those already posted here, with thought given to story, art and publisher, but past that, have fun with ‘em!

Categories: Manga, Misc, Reviews |

Review: Aventura (Vol. 02)

By on Sunday, May 11, 2008

Manga-ka: Shin Midorikawa
Publisher: DelRey
Rating: Teen (13+)
Released: May 2008

Synopsis:
“Always dream big. Becoming a great wizard takes courage, practice and dedication. Lewin Randit has all thse things, and possibly something more: He may have a special talent that wil make him the greatest wizard of all. But Lewin’s gift could also turn out to be a curse…”

Aventura, volume two, takes off where the first volume left readers: undead creatures have risen up and are attacking the main cast. With Chris already injured and Darwell useless against the skeletal creatures, Lewin steps in to save them. When all things seem lost, Lewin, a boy who had seemed to all as a magic-less individual, is able to summon a fire spirit of tremendous power. Now it’s up to the school faculty, and other higher-ups lurking in the background, to decide the fate of this surprising new pupil.

Read more…

Categories: Del Rey, Manga, Reviews |

Sunday Stuffers

By on Sunday, May 11, 2008

Sunday Stuffers - Viz Manga

Random things that may be of interest to some people on this slow Sunday:

Dragonballmovieblog.net has posted an image of the first official look at Justin Chatwin in his role as Goku in the upcoming live action adaptation of Akira Toriyama’s Dragonball. Supposedly a scan from the next issue of Shonen Jump in Japan, it’ll no doubt be a picture we’ll be seeing pop up around the internet soon enough.

Having announced their licensing of the Code Geass mangas back when they acquired the anime, Bandai Entertainment has got a bunch of listings for the books up on Amazon.com.  Five books in five months, looks like Code Geass fans will definately be getting their fix in fairly rapid succession. Bandai Entertainment is also going through a big site revamp at this time with a blog to update visitors of their progress, media and general company happenings.

And finally, also over at Amazon.com, Viz sent the site some updated images for future releases (see pictures above), for any who want to see some pics.

Categories: Bandai, Manga, Misc, Movies |

Review: The Sky Over My Spectacles

By on Friday, May 9, 2008


Manga-ka: Mio Tennohji
Publisher: 801Media
Rating: Mature (18+)
Released: March 2007

Synopsis: “Even though Azumas “spectacle fetish” is infamous, guys are out of the question, and Sorachi is definitely way out of the question – hes too serious for him to even carry on a decent conversation with. One day, however, Azuma finds Sorachi asleep without his glasses, and can’t help himself from kissing him! Glasses may be the thing that attracts Azuma to Sorachi… or is it?”

Azuma has a fetish for people wearing glasses. It’s considered common knowledge in his class how his loves and lays were all with cute girls with spectacles. However, Azuma suddenly finds himself attracted to his fellow male classmate, Sorachi, causing him to wonder if questioning his sexuality is worth his fetish (especially when the object of his attraction seems to hate him). It doesn’t take much imagination to realize where things are going and soon the two are hopelessly in love with each other, cueing all the usual dramatics. This is the title story of the small collection and takes up just over half of the book.

Read more…

Categories: 801Media, Manga, Reviews, Yaoi/Boys' Love |

Review: The Good Witch of the West (Vol. 05)

By on Thursday, May 8, 2008

Author: Noriko Ogiwara
Manga-ka: Haruhiko Momokawa
Publisher: Tokyopop
Rating: Teen (13+)
Released: May 2008

Synopsis: “Firiel Dee’s necklace is proof of her royal blood – and that she might inherit the throne of Graal! While two intelligent and ambitious Queens-in-Waiting duel for succession to Graal’s throne, a greater challenge awaits our plucky heroine Firiel in the south – where dragons and unicorns roam, and even the best intentions of friend may twist into poisonous lies…”

Firiel Dee continues to struggle with Rune’s sudden disappearance amidst a torrid of controversy over her Uncle’s assassination. Her depression plagues her throughout the day in Rune’s absence as she remains trapped in a political world, so unlike the one she grew up in. However, it all allows her to realize some powerful truths about herself and her love for Rune. When a team of knights, lead by Firiel’s short-lived fiancée, Eusis leave to travel South to deal with an escalating Dragon problem, Firiel leaves at the same time, looking to find Rune in the only direction she knows he’d be.

Read more…

Categories: Manga, Reviews, Tokyopop |

Review: Absolute Boyfriend (Vol. 06)

By on Wednesday, May 7, 2008


Manga-ka: Yuu Watase
Publisher: Viz
Rating: Older Teen (16+)
Released: May 2008

Synopsis:
“Rejected way too many times by good-looking (and unattainable) guys, shy Riiko Izawa goes online and signs up for a free trial of a mysterious Night Lover “figure.” The very next day, a cute naked guy is delivered to her door, and he wants to be her boyfriend! Riiko has chosen her one true boyfriend, but she finds her life changing quickly after he decision is made. Will Riiko and her boyfriend have their happily-ever-after?”

Absolute Boyfriend, volume six, marks the end of this series. With Riiko having chosen Night as her true love, she discovers that Soshi is moving to Spain. Confused and torn, will Riiko and Night get their happily ever after? Remaining review contains minor spoilers.

Read more…

Categories: Manga, Reviews, Viz Media | Tags: ,

GoComi Blogs with Setona Mizushiro, upcoming contest

By on Wednesday, May 7, 2008

After School Nightmare Key Replica

Go!Comi’s daily blogs from Japan continue: this time they got to sit down with After School Nightmare creator, Setona Mizushiro. Not only do they get to hear about her upcoming series, Black Alice Rose (vampires = intriguing), but also recieved a gift from her that they’ll be using in an upcoming contest.

Go!Comi will be posting details of an After School Nightmare art contest. The prize will be a replica of the key (see picture above)  that students in the series must find in their ‘dreams’. Go!Comi staffers are telling visitors to check the site in the next couple of days for more information.

Categories: Contests |

Review: Black Cat (Vol. 14)

By on Tuesday, May 6, 2008


Manga-ka: Kentaro Yabuki
Publisher: Viz
Rating: Older Teen (16+)
Released: May 2008Synopsis: ”Glin, a mysterious information broker, is forming a Sweeper Alliance in order to destroy Creed and the Apostles of the Stars. He invites Train, Eve and Sven to join their group. But even if this motley crew can locate the Apostles’ hiding place, will they be able to survive the perilous journey to get there?”

Starting the book off with a bang, Train must finish his battle against fellow sweeper, River, in exchange for information about finding Creed. Both Train and River are given the information by Glin, an informant with a mysterious history, who plans to form a team of the best sweepers in order to defeat Creed. Eve and Train need to work together to decipher the information and join up with this new group. Meanwhile, Sven continues his training to master his eye’s abilities to glimpse the future so he’ll be of help when the great battle finally comes about.

Read more…

Categories: Manga, Reviews, Viz Media |

GoComi Continues 07-Ghost Promotion on DA

By on Monday, May 5, 2008

Go!Comi on DA

Since yesterday announcing the license of their manga series 07-Ghost, Go!Comi has continued using the art-community DeviantArt to further advertise the series. Up in their DA gallery account today they’ve uploaded the covers of volumes 1-5.

From the artwork alone, I know I’m sold. It’s really attractive and has a compelling sounding plot. I’m amazed it’s the manga-ka’s premiere publication and I can’t wait to get my hands on volume one in January!

Unrelated, but the crafty 801-chan has hinted at some new licenses on their forums over at 801Media. No word yet on what they are but something to look forward to!

Categories: Licensing, Manga |


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Kuriousity and the written content published here is © to Lissa Pattillo 2008-2012.
All manga series and images are copyright to their respective owners. No content here may be used without permission.