List, list, lists!
You know I love lists. And Yaoi. So I’m all about a Yaoi Essentials List! Deb Aoki from About.com asked her Twitter pals what their favorite titles were and then, hooray, made a list! I haven’t read all the books on the list but I’m pleased to see one of my favorites, Future Lovers, was number 1. I also love Fake, Antique Bakery and Seduce me After the Show.
Of course, now my to-read list is even longer.
Did any of your favorite yaoi novels show up or not?
Top 5 “Melodrama” Picks
I don’t want to give the impression with my Saturday post that I dislike emotional porn. Good heavens, no! Quite the opposite in fact. I’ve left my freshman college English major self in the dust. While it’s true that I don’t think teenage girls emulating the likes of Bella Swan is a good thing, I do think it’s perfectly wonderful to imagine that somewhere, sparkling in a tree, Edward Cullen waits. Hmm, I know far to much about this Twilight business than I should considering I couldn’t make it through the first book.
Ok, on to my top 5!
1. Vampire Knight – I do despise Yuki with her cow-chewing-cud stare but this story has three things that I can’t resist: Boarding schools, hot (shirtless) vampires and hall monitors with guns. Throw in the occasional ball and I am all over it. I’ve kind of quit reading but the first few volumes are yummy.
2. Absolute Boyfriend - so good. So so good. And here’s why. The love triangle includes a horny robot. I’ll repeat horny! robot! The first volume even features said robot, neked with a bow. I know! Making a robot fall in love and deny his robot self is unadulterated emotional porn.
3. You’re so Cool – Here he is, the bad boy. Not “bad” in the sense that he wants to suck your blood but really really bad. He’s cruel, taunting and you are the only one who can melt his cold heart.
4. Chocolate – Hello, boy band.
5. Fake – remember in those tv dramas, Moonlighting, X-Files, Bones – all that will they/won’t they stuff? Well this is like that only the Hayes/Scully/Brennan character is much hotter and also male. Be warned though, it includes a sweet side story that annoyingly gets in the way of the fun.
What are your top 5? Recommend some to me!
Three Reviews
Reviewing is ultimately subjective. I can try and be objective but that would mean leaving out the emotional reaction I had to a work and well, isn’t that the whole point of reading? On the other hand, my tastes shouldn’t dictate trashing what is probably a quality story or artwork so I try my hardest to see what might be worthwhile there. Usually the two match up pretty nicely. Other times….
Eden: It’s an Endless World vol. 1
Objective review: In a creepy post-apocalyptic world, a dying scientist lives his final days helping two immune children grow up. The first half of the book is flashback, giving the reader a taste of the horror that came before the mysterious virus made everything go quiet. As with most manga, the first volume is mainly exposition and not a lot of action. The plot picks up once the story jumps 20 years into the future, as young Elijah and his robot struggle to survive and discover the secret of the controlling Propapeter.
Subjective review: In a story spanning several generations, a virus has taken out most of the population. Two immune children struggle to survive with their ailing mentor and robot. When a shadow government attempts to take them, the boy must fight and kill his previously-thought-dead-but-no-he’s-alive-and-the-enemy father. No, it’s not Star Wars. So much time is spent on flashbacks but little explanation is offered. The virus has creepy symptoms like the skin hardening and cracking which makes for some great visuals. The story could easily have skipped the backstory and just started with Elijah and his robot. I’ll stick with it to see if it improves but the cliches, predictable plot and silly looking mecha bore me.
Swallow me Whole
Objective review: In a beautifully illustrated, surrealistic style, Ruth struggles with schizophrenia at the height of adolescence. The pressure of her illness, school and family life collide with her joy at a budding romance and a great new job.
Subjective review: Yes, it’s got the prerequisite Alison Bechdel type artwork of slouching characters and smooth, wavy lines. Yes, it’s angsty. Yet, it’s missing a heart. I was excited to read this book because the previews made me think it was about a teen living with a mental illness but instead the focus seems to be on what weird thing can happen next. Which is a pet peeve of mine when it comes to mental illness books. The frog and the raining bugs certainly twist the page up but if they aren’t really giving me anything besides an “episode” then I lose interest. I wish more time had been spent showing Ruth’s interactions with those around her (her relationship with an understanding but frustrated teacher had the potential to be especially heartbreaking), and less time on trying to wow me with weirdness.
I Shall Never Return vol. 1
Objective: I can see why this is considered a modern classic. It has two flawed yet likable characters and leans hard on the drama. Though the artwork is not as polished as I like, it doesn’t stand in the way of the story. Risturo and Ken have always been best friends. Risturo helps Ken through his parents painful divorce and stands by him even after Ken takes up prostitution. There is an undeniable bond between the two and early in the first volume they give in. The drama doesn’t come from the will-they/won’t-they tension but rather can this relationship survive.
Subjective: I did like this yaoi a lot. However, I was somewhat annoyed at the dominating Ken causing heartache for Ritshuro and Ritshuro being even more taken with him each time. I realize this is where conflict comes from and that it gives room for the characters to grow but like Hot Gimmick, I’m not sure if I really want to watch it.
Happy Valentine’s Day
Our week of love comes to an end. You still have today though – so grab a glass of champagne, hug your loved one and read these -
Top 5 Graphic Novels for Valentine’s Day (according to me)
1. Ouran High Host Club -having one boy fall all over himself to get to you is great. Having six (including some hot twins) is even better!!!
2. Fake – this yaoi features a touching relationship between two men who actually appear to like and respect each other. It’s also funny and smiles on Valentine’s are always good.
3. Sand Chronicles – sometimes being in love means breaking your heart and taking that chance is the bravest thing you do.
4. Empowered – ok, so suggesting a graphic novel where the main character sheds her clothes every time she uses her superpower might seem like a weird recommendation coming from me but I promise, you will melt at Empowered’s relationship with one of the villian’s henchman.
5. Canterella – I’m not exactly sure if this is romantic or not, on account of all the evil manipulation, but it is exciting! Anything with the Borgias in it is bound to be a good read.
Or if you hate this holiday, like I know many of you do here’s
The Top 5 Anti-Valentine’s Graphic Novels (once again, according to me)
1. Y the Last Man – you would think that a story about the last man on earth would include some romance or at least a date but nope.
2. Death Note – the only relationship in this manga is soooo cold! .
3. Watchmen – no love lost between these superheroes.
4. V for Vendetta – if Valentine’s Day makes you feel like getting revenge on the world, then this is your pick
5. Marvel Zombies – Spiderman ripping into Mary Jane, literally.
Reading over Shoulders – manga edition
What are you getting the kids for Christmas? Oh, Naruto? Duh.
Welcome to the manga edition. Here’s some links to reviews of I’ve read recently, or not so recently and never found time to review on my own. Plus, a lot of these reviewers are so much more eloquent than me!
If you are looking for a ton of manga news, reviews and industry insider stuff definitely visit MangaBlog. Go, right now!!
I can’t believe About.com has manga reviews but here’s one of Wendy Pini’s Masque of the Red Death. I pretty much agree with this reviewer’s assessment except for one thing: how can “steamy love scenes” possibly be a con?
Apparently, I’m twisted cause I love Fairy Cube.
The Anime News Network reviews Vol. 1-2 of You’re So Cool. While I really enjoyed the artwork, especially “punk” Seung-Ha, this manhwa was just ok.
High School Debut is definitely one of my favorite series this year and volume 6 is reviewed here!
It’s not a new release but Junko Mizuno’s Hansel and Gretal is definitely worth your time. Find out what it’s all about!
Venus in Love – review
Perhaps I shouldn’t have read this shojo manga so soon after finishing the latest volume of Nana. It’s not that Venus in Love isn’t good because it certainly has its charm. But it is, for the most part, pretty formulaic.
Don’t get me wrong, I have no problems with the shojo formula. In fact, I eat it up. Girls meets boy, girl thinks she loves boy, girl actually loves boy who is right for her then add a twist. In this case, the twist is that the boy Suzuna actually loves is also in love with the boy she thinks she loves. Are you following me? Suzuna is a freshman at Tokyo University and happy to be on her own. Her cute but teasing neighbor Eichi is best friends with super hot Fukami. Together the two battle for his attentions. The artwork is pretty standard and Suzuna looks much younger than her 18 years though she’s cute enough. Her signature ponytails are surely destined to come down when she becomes a little bit more mature.
By volume 2, it’s clear that Eichi and Suzuna have feelings for each other though they stubbornly refuse to see it. The Japanese don’t seem to have as much of a problem with fluid sexuality as Americans do so Eichi’s jump from male to female is sort of skimmed over. The story is funny. Eichi and Suzuna’s interactions are amusing and it’s no stretch to believe the two would fall in love. One of my biggest gripes about shojo manga is what I like to call “The Joey Potter variable” wherein every male character inexplicably falls for the heroine despite the fact that she has no sense of humor, intelligence or any other appealing qualities. Venus in Love avoids this by making Suzuna a likable character. She works hard but knows how to have fun.
At the end of volume 2, the story felt finished to me. Everyone was happy, the end. But it continues, introducing a ridiculous character to distract Eichi and drawing out the other relationships. If you are looking for some fun, lighthearted romance try volumes 1-2 then leave this manga for deeper waters.
Tezuka (finally) Comes to the United States
When talking about Osamu Tezuka, it’s pretty common to hear things like “Japan’s Walt Disney” or the “Father of Modern Manga”. So you would think that his masterpieces (oh yeah, he managed more than one) would be readily available but that’s not really the case. Until now.
Over the past year or so a slew of Tezuka manga has hit the shelves. But what should you get first?
Nadia Oxford counts down some Tezuka manga while sharing the news that a large amount of his anime will be available for free! To go along with this, here’s my unofficial guide to the some of the manga available from the master, the sensei Tezuka:
Apollo’s Song – I haven’t read Apollo’s Song but it looks gorgeous! It’s definitely one of those titles that I have at the second to the top of my list but keeps getting pushed down for some reason…hmm.
Astro Boy – This title has actually been available for a while but it’s such a classic that it’s worth mentioning. The story follows a little boy robot who was built to replace the Ministry of Science’s son. Trust me, this is a children’s story. Of course the doctor realizes that a robot is no replacement for a flesh and blood child so Astro Boy is sent away. Eventually a new Minister of Science discovers him and sets him to fighting crime. Hijinks ensue!
The series is both lighthearted and, at times, gut wrenching. Children will love it but it’s pretty accessible to adults too. My only gripe is that it tends to get repetitive. Buy/checkout if you have a kid asking/begging for manga or if you hold some deep nostalgia for the 1980’s cartoon.
Plus, you can catch up on the story in time for the new movie!!
Black Jack - The really amazing thing about Tezuka is that he could tell a children’s story about a boy robot then turn around and give us a super-surgeon. Black Jack is a scarred doctor who’s set out to do good, often with his scaple. The latest release of volume one came in September (previous publishings are out of print) and I cannot wait to get my hands on it.
Buddha - This manga has been available in the U.S. since 2003 which is weird to me. It’s not that it isn’t amazing, just a strange pick to sell to American crowds before, say, Princess Knight. The title is exactly as it suggests, the story of Buddha’s life as told by Tezuka. It’s a powerful, sometimes erotic and probably not entirely accurate but pretty dead on emotional telling. They should reprint it in its original state already!
Dororo - I have to admit I don’t know a lot about Dororo but I’m told it’s good. Followed by the prerequisite “well it’s Tezuka, so you know it’s good” which makes me sort of doubt that it’s really really that good. Plus, I’m not a big fan of a.) fighting manga, b.) weird limbless creature manga and c.) history – Dororo is all of that. I just sold some of you on it didn’t I?
MW – This is another unlikely choice for a Tezuka translation mainly because, critically, it wasn’t as well received as his other works. It just so happens to be my favorite. Two boys are caught on an island when a nuclear weapon explodes killing everyone but them. Their lives after the tragic event take different turns, one to the church and one to crime. They can’t manage to forgive the people who destroyed them as they seek out redemption through God and through murder. Their relationship is complicated, sexual and set against primitive yet expressive artwork. Plus, it’s a stand alone so you actually fit in on your bookshelf.
Ode to Kirihito – This doctor manga preceded Black Jack both in Japan and in the U.S. Tezuka was a doctor himself so his fascination with the craft makes sense. The doctor in Ode, Dr. Kirihito Osanai, is determined to cure a strange disease that makes people look like dogs. It sounds weird but it works. Osanai himself becomes infected and face the injustice and prejudice of a world that values one face over another. The uneven artwork and pages of wordless, fragmented layouts make this kind of a hard read though.
The Phoenix - If we’re sticking with the Walt Disney comparison, The Phoenix is Tezuka’s Fantasia. Each book in the The Phoenix (there are 12 and remains unfinished since his death), tells a different yet connected story. This is his spiritual quest, to be reborn, reincarnated. He worked on it throughout his life. The artwork is spectacular, often ‘rising’ above the actual storylines as if he’s embracing his own inevitable unraveling.
Princess Knight - The July issue of Shojo Beat had a sneak peak! It’s about a girl who has to pretend to be a boy in order to claim her throne. Which may not sound like all that a remarkable tale in 2008 but it was written in 1954 when gender was pretty much a set deal. The princess has both the heart of a boy and a girl, encompassing both genders as she sets about on her adventures. I’m hoping the whole volumes are released soon, not necessarily for the art (which leans a little too flat and round for my taste) but for the simple idea that gender is in the heart rather than the body and how this is a powerful enough to have sustained into the 21st century.
Did I miss your favorite? Have you heard of any Tezuka happenings (manga or otherwise)?
