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Review Archive

To see a list of reviews in alphabetical order, please see our review index.

Review: Daemonium (Vol. 01)

Posted by Lissa Pattillo on Thursday, July 31, 2008

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Artist/Writer: KOSEN
Publisher: Tokyopop
Rating: Older Teen (16+)
Released: July 2008

Synopsis: “The gateway to hell is opened in this tale of demon bloodlust and angelic redemption. Alone and disfigured from a tragic car accident in childhood, Seisu is plagued by haunting visions and hellish nightmares. But when a stay at a remote monastery brings the mysterious young man Yabrail into his life, Seisu discovers not only what’s behind his fragile state of mind, but also that heaven and hell aren’t as distant as he once believed…”

Daemonium follows Seisu, a boy who bears physical and emotional scars from the death of his parents. Suffering from horrible nightmares with only his sister to console him, Seisu meets a strange, attractive young man named Yabrail at a monastery that has seen numerous mysterious disappearances. His life begins to unravel as he discovers that people close to him aren’t who they seem, including himself.

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Categories: Reviews
Tags: Global Manga, Tokyopop

Review: Satisfaction Guaranteed (Vol. 07)

Posted by Lissa Pattillo on Wednesday, July 30, 2008

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Manga-ka: Ryo Saenagi
Publisher: Tokyopop
Rating: Teen (13+)
Released: May 2008

Synopsis: “On cases together, Shima and his supermodel pal Kaori have come to unconditionally trust one another. But suddenly, rival detective and sometimes friend Mai recalls a key piece of information about when she first met Kaori – and it was at the scene of Shima’s parents’ murder. Will searching for more information complete the puzzle, and if so, is the truth a picture they want to see?”

How did I not see this coming? Entire series based around building this unbreakable trust between two characters in light of their own trauma, turns out one is directly connected with the trauma of the other. At one point I remember telling myself that was too obvious. Turns out that’s not the case, it’s just about right!

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Categories: Reviews
Tags: Tokyopop

Review: Yotsuba&! (Vol. 05)

Posted by Lissa Pattillo on Monday, July 28, 2008

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Manga-ka: Kiyohiko Azuma
Publisher: ADV Manga
Rating: All Ages
Released: October 2007

Synopsis: “It’s the end of an endless summer, and Yotsuba is out to make the most of it. First, she’ll go toe-to-toe with a cardboard robot, then help out the neighbours by eating their grapes and spearheading an impromptu trip to the beach. But when her ice cream is stolen by Yanda, Koiwai’s understudy, Yotsuba may have to admit she’s finally met her match!”

The little clover-leaf head Yotsuba returns for another fun filled volume! In this book it’s time for the beach and walks on rainy days. There are lots of new adventures to be had but first Yotsuba needs to befriend a robot and survive an encounter with one who could be her greatest foe yet!

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Categories: Reviews
Tags: Kiyohiko Azuma

Review: You’re So Cool (Vol. 01)

Posted by Lissa Pattillo on Sunday, July 27, 2008

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Manhwa-ga: YoungHee Lee
Publisher: Yen Press
Rating: Teen (13+)
Released: May 2008

Synopsis: “Everyone dreams about Seung-Ha, the perfect prince, the shining star of the school. Chasing after the perfect prince is definitely not easy. For Nan-Wo, Seung-Ha was just a dream – far, far, away. However, sometimes dreams exist to come true! But when Nan-wo’s dream comes true, it comes at an expensive price. Who knew the perfect prince was actually a big jerk?!”

Nan-Wo is a spunky, spirited, and ultimately extremely clumsy girl, who like everyone else at her school (girls, boys and teachers alike) has a huge crush on Seung-Ha. Attractive, athletic, smart and kind, Seung-Ha is seen as the perfect guy and no one could possibly for be good enough for him. Then one day he asks out Nan-Wo and everything gets turned upside down.

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Categories: Reviews
Tags: Manhwa, Yen Press

Review: Invisible Boy (Vol. 02)

Posted by Lissa Pattillo on Saturday, July 26, 2008

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Manga-ka: Hotaru Odagiri
Publisher: DMP
Rating: Older Teen (16+)
Released: January 2008

Synopsis: “Many allies and even more enemies… A scandal breaks out surrounding the tremendously popular, charismatic, and beautiful student council president! Under the scrutinizing and hostile eye of the journalism club’s Katakura, Yuushi’s plans have been recalled. On top of that, Yuushi’s become the target of the ever-capable and ever-cool vice president Takamura’s rabid fans’ jealousy!! How will he respond to their constant criticism?!”

Invisible Boy, volume two, continues to follow the trials and everyday going-ons of Ouka Academy’s Student Council. While the first volume took focus on the shy Nagi Tokieda, volume two shifts its attention more to vice-President Takamura. With a touch of drama, Invisible Boy is made up of interaction and near endless dialogue, a character drama dedicated to this pretty boy cast.

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Categories: Reviews
Tags: Boys' Love/Yaoi, June

Review: Saiyuki Reload (Vol. 08)

Posted by Lissa Pattillo on Thursday, July 24, 2008

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Manga-ka: Kazuya Minekura
Publisher: Tokyopop
Rating: Older Teen (16+)
Released: June 2008

Synopsis: “Sanzo has gone one way, and the rest of the party another, until they end up on opposite sides of a small mountain. The tension between the peaceful town of Youkai and the humans guarding the oasis as come to a head, and when things boil over, it’s anyone’s guess whose side the gang will join!”

As a slightly refreshing change of pace, Sanzo and the rest of his party have gone in two different directions. Together with the bishop Hazel and his large bodyguard, Sanzo finds himself in a well-fortified town that guards a large oasis, the only source of water in the desert area. On the other side of the mountain surrounding the town, are the other four three: Goku, Gojyo and Hakkai, who ended up in a calm village of Youkai who are soon doomed to perish from thirst. Needless to say, this is going to cause some problems.

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Categories: Reviews
Tags: Tokyopop

Review: Aoi House in Love! (Vol. 02)

Posted by Lissa Pattillo on Tuesday, July 22, 2008

1 Comment »

Author: Adam Arnold
Artist: Shiei
Publisher: Seven Seas
Rating: Teen (13+)
Released: June 2008

Synopsis: “When the rest of her club-maters end up missing in Silent Hill, it’s up Elle Mathers and the members of rival anime club Uri House to come to the rescue… and that’s only the beginning! Secrets will be revealed, first kisses will be had, and sharks will be jumped in this final side-splitting, fan service romp!”

Aoi House in Love!, volume two, is the second and final book in this sequel series to Aoi House. Picking up where volume one left readers, the members of the Aoi clubhouse find themselves lost on their way home from a recent convention. After a flat-tire and meteor rock hit their car, they’re now stuck in… Silent Hill? And the rival members of Uri House are sent to find and rescue them.

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Categories: Reviews
Tags: Seven Seas

Review: Voice or Noise (Vol. 02)

Posted by Lissa Pattillo on Monday, July 21, 2008

5 Comments »

Manga-ka: Yamimaru Enjin
Publisher: BLU
Rating: Older Teen (16+)
Released: March 2008

Synopsis: “Shinichiro and Narusawa are getting closer, but it’s been months since Narusawa’s cat Acht said a word to either of them. Determined to get him talking again, Shinichiro rushes off to Tokyo were Naruawa is teaching a special seminar. But after a crazy night of drinking and sexual advances from Naruawa’s students, is Shinichiro really ready for relationship? This next volume of Voice or Noise proves the sometimes actions do speak louder than words…”

In volume two of Voice or Noise, Shinichiro continues to lament the loss of communication with Acht, the spirited black cat who stopped speaking after an accident. Wishing to find a way to talk to his feline friend, and better understand his natural abilities, Shinichiro begs Narusawa to begin training him again to understand animals. However his growing feelings for the older man are becoming a bit problematic.

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Categories: Reviews
Tags: BLU, Boys' Love/Yaoi, Voice or Noise

Review: Fairy Cube (Vol. 01)

Posted by Lissa Pattillo on Sunday, July 20, 2008

2 Comments »

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

Synopsis: “Ian and Rin used to just see spirits. Now Ian is one. Using the Fairy Cube, Ian must figure out how to stop the lizard-spirit Tokage from taking over his life and destroying any chance he has resurrection. Ian is transported to another world by the fairy Ainsel, who promises to help him stop Tokage upon their return to the human plane.”

Ian was a young boy who could see fairies. Everyone called him crazy, Ian-the-liar, until one day a girl named Rin gave him the benefit of the doubt. For the first time he had someone to share the world he saw with, that was until they were ripped apart. He wouldn’t see Rin for years, thanks to the manipulative hand of Tokage, a lizard-spirit who seeks to isolate Ian for his own purposes.

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Categories: Reviews
Tags: Viz Media

Review: Fallen Moon

Posted by Lissa Pattillo on Thursday, July 17, 2008

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Manga-ka: Toui Hasumi
Publisher: BLU
Rating: Older Teen (16+)
Released: June 2008

Synopsis: “An angel loses his place in Eden only find a mysterious and dangerous new patron… A poor painter finishes a woman’s portrait without his subject… Two bounty hunters face mysterious demons in the night… This unearthly collection of boys’ love stories will delight fans of beautiful angels and demon boys everywhere!”

Fallen Moon is a collection of short stories that barely teeter on the edge of boys’ love. With religious and mythical references, the attractively drawn stories range from demon hunting to beautiful imprisoned sorcerers atop a tower.

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Categories: Reviews
Tags: BLU, Boys' Love/Yaoi