Manga Reviews, Post Yours Here.

[Brianhjh]

I was debating whether to put this in the general section or the "serious anime talk" section, but I decided to put in here because I don't expect "professional" reviews and I also don't think anyone will read what I have to say when I post it in that subsection, anyway. Post your own manga reviews here.

You will be paddled if you do one of the following

> Don't flame other people's reviews just because they didn't appreciate it as you did.

> Never, I mean never go off to on a tangent and start worshipping one specific character of the book, I don't care if he's some kind of a half-demon who can summon oompa loompas, you'll be sent to hell along with the character. :angry:

> Writing reviews when you didn't read the book at all, or you just read the first few of an epic series.

> Actually Write more than two sentences, and no internet talks.

> And lastly, the grading can be done in anyway you want it to, I personally prefer the school method (B-,A) but if you do something like this, (A++++++++) the number of pluses you add will equal the number of fingers you lose.


Simple rules ey? ooh, violent me.










I'll Start the first review.




Lament of the Lamb , Toume Kei, Tokyopop, rating: older teens, $9.99

I was initially interested in the book when I discovered that the author of it was a close friend to Hiroaki Samura (Blade of the Immortal). Toume Kei uses pencils for the entire menuscript, making the manga look very different from other mangas.

The story is about a family cursed with a dracula-like disease where the people, especially the women of the household must drink blood of other people to survive. The story focuses on Chizuna and Kazuna, two siblings last of the line who relie on each other to live through each day. They are both afraid that they will hurt someone outside their family as their cravings becomes stronger...

Anywho, This is a 7-volume series that took 6 1/2 years to finish. Evangelion anyone??? thus, the artstyle shifts almost drastically each volume. while it gets better, it's not a very pretty sight to see. Also, I read the entire series and I couldn't really find a stable storyline in it. As if it was a section of their life instead of a normal introduction-climax-conclusion story.

so, I give it a decent B-. but boost that up to B+ if you like good arts and enjoy dark depressing story. anyhow...
_________________
[img]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v233/Brianhjh/emesprani151.gif[/img] "Sarah's future makes me sad." - Benk

[Sephir0th666777]

[b]QUOTE[/b] (brianhjh)

> Never, I mean never go off to on a tangent and start worshipping one specific character of the book, I don't care if he's some kind of a half-demon who can summon oompa loompas, you'll be sent to hell along with the character. [/quote] OMFGLMFAO! That is [i]so[/i] going in my sig moving on [b]Immortal Rain[/b] Kaori Ozaki (sp?) Older Teens (16+) 9.99 from Tokyopop I'll be honest with you, the reason I bought the first volume of this was the name. Yes, I bought it because it had a cool name. But that's beside the point. Immortal Rain is about a 14 year old assasin named Machika. After her grandfather, Zol the Grim Reaper, known as the greatest of assasins, passes away, Machika goes after the only man he could never kill. Enter Rain, a 624 year old man. Th only on Zol could never kill. Rain is the remenant of the "Angel" project that occured years ago. After Machika attacks him, another group of bounty hunters steals her kill. Trying to cash in on Rain's bounty. Machika breaks Rain out of prison, saying she is the one that will kill him, inadvertantly becoming an outlaw herself My rating, solid A. Give it more Fluff and it would have been an A+ whew....that was a lot of typing _________________ [img]http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y148/Sephir0th666777/mercy.jpg[/img] Red_Quatre:Who's the guy that says "Get over here!" and then grabs you. Blad: A rapist

[Brianhjh]

LOL, yeah, About a paragraph or two reviews are excellent, and also, It would be better for EVERYBODY if you would review something that's not "mainstream", like inuyasha or naruto...
_________________
[img]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v233/Brianhjh/emesprani151.gif[/img] "Sarah's future makes me sad." - Benk

[Brianhjh]

I will halve your ass kicking if you upload a picture for it
_________________
[img]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v233/Brianhjh/emesprani151.gif[/img] "Sarah's future makes me sad." - Benk

[Fayore]

Stigma
Minekura Kazuya, not licensed (but has been scanlated by Ob-session). Rating: probably "older teen". 1200 yen. ISBN 4-403-67007-5

Note: one-shot/angst/shounen ai/shota (not graphic) ...and there's lots of Biblical symbolism (how could it not, with a title like that?)
[img]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v430/fayore/Stigma-Front.jpg[/img]

And here we go with one of my most favourite Minekura creations, Stigma. It's one of her earliest works, too.

[b]Storyline[/b]
The story tells of a wandering "murderer" who searches for himself after losing his memories in a scuffle with someone who alternates between being his lover, as well as being the guy who tells him who to murder, and when. After that, he was abandoned, badly injured, in a garbage dump, and his only posession then was a suitcase full of money. It is assumed that, prior to the manga's storyline, there was either a war, or mankind just managed to pollute the environment [i]that[/i] much. Either way, the skies are now permanently grey, and all birds are now extinct.

One day, this nameless man meets, purely by accident, a young boy who is searching for a bird. He is also in posession of a large feather, which is exceedingly rare. Helping the boy escape from his pursuers, they find each other in a strange friendship, and decide to search for a blue sky together. However, it appears that someone has come back to kill the young boy in a crime that he shouldn't have been persecuted for...

Since this is a one-shot, some people might find the pacing a little iffy, but I think it's at a nice speed. The delivery is excellent, and the characterization is quite good. There was really only one page of angst, but the build up for it was so great and unnoticeable, it ends up being really heavy when it hits. This also focuses closely on the two main characters' budding relationship, and what they represent to each other.

[b]Characterization[/b]
This manga is told entirely through the perspective of the ex-murderer, so there's a lot of focus on this thoughts and beliefs. It also illustrates his feelings quite well, as well as a variety of rather "arrogant" ideals, which are nevertheless very valid ones.

Since it's a one shot, there isn't enough time to develop all the characters thoroughly, especially since it's told through the main character's eyes alone.

[b]Other Notes[/b]
Stigma took over a year in its serialization, and there's only 11 chapters (spanned over about 145 pages). Small? Still good though. There's a reason as to why it's so short - every single page is in full colour! So it's like having an art book in the form of a manga. :D

[b]Examples of Pages[/b]
[*] [*]

[b]Overall Grade[/b]
A

The Ob-session scanlation is availiable for downloading here.
_________________
[url=http://vdexproject.net/user.php?user=15636][img]http://vdexproject.net/p/15636/trainer.png[/img]
[img]http://vdexproject.net/p/15636/partymini.png[/img][/url]

[Brianhjh]

Bravo Fayore, I think it would be awesome if we can put link to torrents or direct download if the manga isn't licensed yet
_________________
[img]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v233/Brianhjh/emesprani151.gif[/img] "Sarah's future makes me sad." - Benk

[Fayore]

XD I would have, but when I went to get the link, I found that Ob-session's site was hacked again. ^^;
_________________
[url=http://vdexproject.net/user.php?user=15636][img]http://vdexproject.net/p/15636/trainer.png[/img]
[img]http://vdexproject.net/p/15636/partymini.png[/img][/url]

[Brianhjh]

FLCL $9.99, Tokyopop. 2 volumes.


Storyline : normal boy, alien woman, robot sprouts from the boy's head, the robot fights evil aliens attacking earth from outer space. The boy's father is a pervert, the Alien girl becomes a maid, and another chick sprouts from the boys head.

The end.





Recommended only for people who thought the storyline made sense.

Overall: c+

Art: A
_________________
[img]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v233/Brianhjh/emesprani151.gif[/img] "Sarah's future makes me sad." - Benk

[Fayore]

From what I've heard, most people prefer the anime over the manga. Especially since a lot of the gags were funny because they were animated.
_________________
[url=http://vdexproject.net/user.php?user=15636][img]http://vdexproject.net/p/15636/trainer.png[/img]
[img]http://vdexproject.net/p/15636/partymini.png[/img][/url]

[Brianhjh]

My First Topic to be Pinned





PS. Fayore, about the Stigma thing... I can't believe it's all-color, more manga artists should do things like that... I mean, for some of them, it would be so much better for them to make a short, artsy, colored manga than a long-winded shojo/shounen manga in black and white...





anyway, The Pinnage is the Pwn3ge, let's celebrate!
_________________
[img]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v233/Brianhjh/emesprani151.gif[/img] "Sarah's future makes me sad." - Benk

[Sephir0th666777]

[b]Hellsing[/b]
By Kohta Hirano

Hellsing, while the anime was going on a crazed acid trip of a story lacking plot explanations of any kind, Kohta Hirano continued his ingenious work in Hellsing's manga.

In this story, Vampires are multiplying rapidly due to a chip that humans can have implanted in their skull, turning them into a vampire. Opposing them, is the Hellsing orginization. The time comes when The Hellsing orginization unleashes its ultimate weapon. The vampire Alucard, the true Nosferatu.

Hellsing has everything, guns, gore, swords, and nazis.

Rating A
_________________
[img]http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y148/Sephir0th666777/mercy.jpg[/img]
Red_Quatre:Who's the guy that says "Get over here!" and then grabs you.
Blad: A rapist

[Zeldafreak]

[b]Ceres: Celestial Legend[/b]
[b]By[/b]: Yuu Watase [b]Rating[/b]: 16+ [b]Cost[/b]: $9.99 12 Volumes out in US (as of now, 14 total)

[b]Storyline[/b]:
On Aya Mikage's 16th birthday, she is summoned, along with her twin brother Aki, to their grandpa's house. When there, the twins learn a family secret: both are descendants of supernatual bengs out of a fairytale! Her own family tries to kill her and imprisons Aki. Aya learns she possesses the blood of the "tennyo" (celestial maiden), and has the power to transform into the mysterious Ceres. Even more shocking, Aya's family views her as a liability and now they want her dead! Aya leaves her home to live with a boy the same age as herself, named Yuhi, and his sister-in-law, Suzumi.

[b]Notes[/b]: Shojo manga, mixture of romance, horror, humor, and science fiction. It is also a anime (on dvd)

[b]My thoughts[/b]: Yuu Watase's drawing is continually improving and changing. Her stories have plenty of twist and turns as you read her work. I think Ceres is one of her greatest works (along with Fushi Yugi: A Mysterious Play)

[b]Overall Grade[/b]: A

[img]http://store.viz.com/images/p/VKG/pdGNVKG0001.jpg[/img]

[SilentSoul92]

Tsubasa: Reservoir Chronicle
By: Clamp; Rating 13+

Tsubasa is about Sakura and Syaoran. Remember Cardcaptor Sakura? Yeah it's them, but they're different. This story also crosses with that of Xx Holic. This is a bit confusing, and may contain spoilers, but here goes. Sakura is the princess of the Clow Kingdom. Her best friend, Syaoran, is working in an excavation of an ancient ruin. One day, a power inside the ruin is awakened, known as the Tsubasa, a power to transend space and dimensions.

Unfortunately, Tsubasa shatters, taking Sakura's memory and heart along with it. Now Syaoran and some friends he meet along the way, are working to get them all back.

This manga contains characters from Cardcaptor Sakura, X/1999, Xx Holic, and Chobits. That's because, in this book, it is said that there are different versions of the same people. So someone you know could show up in another world or dimension. And thus, there are multiple versions of the same character, which is why there are characters from X/1999 and Cardcaptor Sakura.

Confused? Don't worry, it makes more sense if you read the manga.

Also, the storyline crosses Xx Holic because, in Xx Holic, there's a witch who grants wishes. In Tsubasa, this very same witch helps send Syaoran to different dimensions to find Sakura's memories. That's why the two storylines cross. However, that doesn't mean they're the same. Xx Holic is a totally independent manga, seperate from Tsubasa.

If that doesn't make sense, just read both Tsubasa and Xx Holic and you'll get it.

Rating: A- or B+
The storyline is slightly over used, (like Inuyasha where they collect the jewel shards) It could drag on for a while. However, unlike Inuyasha, each adventure is interesting and doesn't stretch out the storyline like a thin peice of bubble gum.

[img]http://www.tokyojupiter.com/tsubasa/delrey_01t.jpg[/img]

[DragonicFlames]

[b]Shutterbox[/b]

StoryLine: About this girl who falls asleep to find herself in another world where she finds out that she is to become a student. She also finds herself in the center of a Curse of two twin brothers. (One is the angel of untimely death of mortals and the other is the angel of the end of childhood)

This girl is the ancher that keeps the one world tied to the human world. And this school that she is to go to is for muses. And she is called the Shutterbox. She also carries around this little camera thing that turns out to be some goddess involved with the curse of the twins.


My Review: The actually story line is very confusing until the second and third book (might i add that is the only 1-3 vol books are out now) and it has rather ugly looking art in it. It's not very beautiful but it is detailed. Also it tends to be monotonous and have large amounts of info in a small bubble thing of talking which makes it very boring to read. Not a series of manga that i would recommend on to buy, but definately pick it up and read it in the story if you have the time.


Rating: C+

[img]http://www.tavicat.com/shutterbox1.jpg[/img]
_________________
[img]http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b362/Dragonicflamesfac/DFsig2.jpg[/img]
[u]Thank You, Layz :heart:[/u]

[Brianhjh]

Is it possible for people to attach image rather than link it? Because in a month or two, they'll all be broken. kthx
_________________
[img]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v233/Brianhjh/emesprani151.gif[/img] "Sarah's future makes me sad." - Benk

[DragonicFlames]

Actually, attaching a picture slows down the forum, and besides, if you have the title up there you don't really need an image now do you?

Kthxbai
_________________
[img]http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b362/Dragonicflamesfac/DFsig2.jpg[/img]
[u]Thank You, Layz :heart:[/u]

[LadyoftheDeadlyDance]

[b]The Demon Ororon [/b]

Hakase Mizuki, Tokyopop, 9.99, Rated Older Teen

4 Volumes, completed Series, all in stores now.

Storyline: The Demon Ororon follows two main characters, the half angel Chiaki whose heritage includes that of the Archangel Micheal and Ororon, the son of the devil with a bounty on his pretty head. When the two stumble upon each other by sheer coincidence and dumb luck, all hell and heaven breaks loose in searching out the two star-crossed lovers. Their first incounter with the demons that hunt them leave them with two compainions, the cat brothers Shiro and Kuro, soon joined by Chiaki's hot tempered friend Lika, hell's nurse Lucy, and the blue-eyed devil that is Ororon's half brother Othello.

This, however, is no Romeo and Juilet, as neither 'family' is benevolent to their children. As the series continues on it becomes clear that the lines of good and evil blurr, that devils and angels are not so alike, and that stupidity can easily defeat true love.

Review: I'd first like to say that this was the second Manga I'd ever picked up, so of course I'm a little bias towards it. For good reason.

It's amazing, to me, anyway. The story is moving, fast paced and world altering, as the characters seem real and filled with emotions rather than chess pieces moved around the black and white pages. There's actually a good lot of comic relieve to be found to offset the constant darkeness that grows throughout each volume. Sweetheart, this ain't no fairy tale.

The blurred vision of good and evil is a constant theme throughout the book, one that explores the morality of humanity and divinity. It has some tough philosophy to swallow, but its fansinating none the less, and played out by the characters' actions. Characters themselves are diverse and three dimenional, the type you love and the type you love to hate. Each are fleshed out wonderfully, even though I do wish that some of the side stories included in the book were further explained, especially when it came to Othello's past.

This is not a lighthearted book in the least bit, even though there were parts that got me laughing out loud. There are scenes that will pull at your heart strings, rip you apart inside, and burst with absolute volcanic rage. It's a very inspiring manga series. My only beef is the open-ended ness of the conclusion and the stripped down art, but I find that it suits the story perfectly. It's hard, it's cold, and it's reality baby.

These really are quick reads. The action keeps the story flowing smoothly and very fast, you'll be craving more. A great, though bitter, series.

[img]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v391/Winnafred/TheDemonOroroncover.jpg[/img]

[Fayore]

Kooseruteru no Ryuujutsushi
Note: "Kooseruteru" is commonly romanized as "Cohseltel". Roughly translates to "The Dragoner of Cohseltel".

Isurugi Ayumi, not licensed (and not scanlated). Rating: G, Size: B6, 4(+) Volume series.

[img]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v430/fayore/column-mangafair3-01.jpg[/img]

[b]Storyline[/b]
The story takes place in the land of Cohseltel, which is a sheltered place and does not see much communication with the outside world. Within, there lives a number of people in a village, but none of them are human - there are only 8 humans (or, should be...) living in Cohseltel, and each has the special duty as a dragoner, mages who have the ability to work with their dragon charges.

There are seven elements, and each dragoner presides over one of them - fire, wind, water, earth, light, darkness, and nature. But there's 8 dragoners, right? Well, the last one is a young dragoner, who is skilled for his age, who is in charge of 7 dragons himself - one for each element. Since all his dragons are still children, Masheru (commonly romanized as "Maciel") seems to be more of a babysitter than a dragoner...

However, even the peaceful Cohseltel has its own troubles. There's a group who call themselves the Winter Army (or something to that effect) who occasionally do what they do best - make trouble and bring winter to the land of Cohseltel. Luckily, dragoners have the ability to lend their bodies to their dragons (fusion... sorta) to increase their strength. It's really taxing on the dragoner, though... But even so, the Winter Army gets driven off more times than none.

So, this cute manga series is more or less about the daily going-ons in Maciel and his dragons' life. :D

[b]Examples of Pages[/b]
[*][*]

Note on pages: Yeah, those crappy scans are mine that I made over a year ago. ^^; And they're also from "Kooseruteru no Ryuujutshi Monogatari", which is the ongoing "sequel". But really it's because the mangaka switched publishers. XD Same series, really.

[b]Overall Grade[/b]
B

--------

Read it 'cause the art is cute. Also, since Brian requested it (albeit a long time ago) I downloaded a .rar of Stigma and uploaded it onto one of Megaupload.com's servers (although I hate their site layout... :/). You can find the link to it editted into the review for Stigma.
_________________
[url=http://vdexproject.net/user.php?user=15636][img]http://vdexproject.net/p/15636/trainer.png[/img]
[img]http://vdexproject.net/p/15636/partymini.png[/img][/url]

[Brianhjh]

[b]Blade of the Immortal[/b]

Hiroaki Samura, Art/Story

available through darkhorse, RSP: 15~17 dollars, volumes 1~14 available.


Storyline:

Manji, a feudal warrior (ronin) cursed with immortality, must slay a thousand evil men to lift his curse, the story begins when he meets a young girl whose family has been slain by Itto-Ryu, a vagrant sword school, and wants revenge, he is hired by the young girl as her bodyguard and her companion. With her, they go on a journey frequented interrupted by innocent civilians, bypassers and aristocratic conspiracies. leaving both of them to ponder if men they're killing for the sake of revenge are actually "evil".

Itto-ryu, group of swordsman who is trying to break the feudal tradition and abolish the samurai caste is run by a young charismatic leader, Anotsu Kagehisa, who originally killed Rin's parents for the sake of ending the feud that existed between his family and Rin's, in turn, he put an immortal samurai against his side. He also has his goals and is willing to do anything to achieve his goal.

Theme: Violence through "revenge" in a vicious, non-stopping cycle is definitly emphasized in this manga, there are many side stories about civilians whose lives are destroyed by their conflicts, which developes into a national hysteria by later volumes. Also, raw violence towards women is present in the manga, you have been warned.

[img]http://www.8weekly.nl/images/art/blade-of-the-immortal-2.jpg[/img]

Elements: Extremely detailed pencil work, this manga won the prestigious media arts award in 1998 and the Will Eisner award. There isn't as many violence and gore as say, Battle Royale, but there are still rapes, murders, maiming and bunch of other stuff which puts this graphic novel comfortably into 17+ rating. The actions are very well choreagraphed, and the fact that the sound effects were re-drawn in English by the original author adds a nice touch. The manga itself is well presented in a sleek color cover and is printed on a much better paper than mainstream mangas. Also, the book is read left-to-right but the images aren't flipped.

[img]http://images.darkhorse.com/covers/med/13/13319.jpg[/img]

Recommened for: People who haven't tried manga yet, (or dislike it because of the style most of it is in.) and is old enough, and those of us who like bloody action with good storyline.





Addendum: One of the most unique style in the manga industry today, it frequently borders simplified realism, one of the best art I've seen.
_________________
[img]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v233/Brianhjh/emesprani151.gif[/img] "Sarah's future makes me sad." - Benk

[SilentSoul92]

Name: Angel Sanctuary

Rating: A+

Storyline: The main character Setsuna is in love with his sister, Sarah. But of course, their love is considered unholy and everyone is out to get them. They eventually run away to escape, but Sarah is killed by an assasin hired to kill Setsuna because he is the reincarnation of the fallen angel Alexiel, one of the most ruthless killers to have rebelled against God.

Review: The artwork is fantastic. The storyline amazing. I really enjoyed reading it. The story is often filled with confliction, betrayal, and points for the reader to ponder if there really was a right or wrong, good or bad, or if everyone was just out for their own selfish needs. If heaven is really making the right choices, of if hell is really such a bad place. This story flips everything inside out and it has got to be one of the best mangas I've ever read.

[img]http://home1.vr-web.de/~jens.roessler/angel_sanctuary/cover/angel.jpg[/img]