Manga Love ❤ pt. 2

And here is the final part of the list of mangas I love to re-read. Again, let me start off by listing down the basic genres in manga:

Shounen - Oftentimes about sports. Target audience would be teenage boys.
Shoujo - Love/romance stories. Target audience would be teenage girls.
Josei - Could be love/romance or drama. Target audience would be young female professionals.
Seinen - Usually slice of life stories, psychological drama, etc. Target audience would be young male professionals.

If you still haven't seen the first part and would like to, go here -> Manga Love ❤ pt. 1. Otherwise, here we go!

(Not in any particular order)

Mekakushi no Kuni

(Completed Series) / Shoujo

by: Tsukuba Sakura

Mekakushi no Kuni is the story of high school student Outsuka Kanade who can sometimes see a person's future with a touch, and transfer student Naitou Arou, whose ESP is limited to past events. When Kanade glimpses an unfortunate incident coming, can she change it? She soon befriends Arou, who's no novice. While Kanade's power is limited to the near future and is somewhat uncontrollable, Arou's is permanent and he can even use it to see an object's 'memories.' Are these teenage seers of the past and future made for each other? And who's right: Arou with his 'hands off' policy about meddling in people's lives, or Kanade whose more proactive stance has already had unhappy consequences. - (Summary from Baka-Updates)

I like this manga because the main character isn't a pushover. Pushover heroines are such a drag. There are a lot of mangas that have strong female characters, don't get me wrong. But there are a lot with poor ones too. Anyway, another reason why I like this manga is because the plot's pretty simple but interesting all the same. I've seen a lot of stories with the protagonist having a super power that enables them to see the future but it's rare to come across one who can see the past. Or maybe I've just been looking in the wrong places. 

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Shuukatsu!! - Kimi ni Naitei

(Completed Series) / Josei

by: Yoshino Aki

As we all know, life isn't always sweet. For Asaoka Yuuri, that is definitely the case. Having failed forty-nine job interviews, she is determined to at least pass the next one. But alas, on the next job hunting escapade, she encounters Manabe Ryouji, a famous guy from her university. As far as first impressions go, this is horrible. Determined to not like Ryouji since then, Yuuri finds herself in trouble when she starts to get attracted to the man who can seem to do everything so well to the point that it gets annoying. Let's not forget he looks incredibly cool too. What's Yuuri going to do now?

A story about job hunting with some romance on the side. The reason I find this interesting is because it's easy to relate to the characters. The conversations they have seem natural and real. In fact, I've had or heard conversations between my friends that go along the lines of what they talk about in this manga. Kinda like it anyway. Occasionally, I like reading stories that are toned down from all the action and unrealistic situations that these kinds of stories become a much needed break. 

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Mars

(Completed Series) / Shoujo

by: Souryo Fuyumi

Aso Kira is an introverted artist who thinks that all men are dirty. Kashino Rei is a devil-may-care playboy who rides motorcycles on the professional circuit and dreams of becoming a professional racer one day. A chance encounter between the two lead to a set of events that bring them closer together. However, with their dark pasts threatening to resurface, will they be able to overcome them or will they end up more broken and scarred than when they first met?

This manga often gets mixed reviews. Critics love it but some readers hate it. Maybe because of the underlying tension in the story. Mars is a manga heavy on drama what with it having topics such as child abuse, bullying, sociopath tendencies, and even murder. It's a heavy story to read and can even get gloomy now and then. Why do I like it then? Because it's so gritty. Sometimes, it even makes me nervous to read it. I find some of the characters bizarre and downright freaky but that's what attracts me to the story anyway. Mars is definitely not for everyone but if you think you can stomach something a bit dark and heavy, go and read it. 

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Kekkaishi

(Completed Series) / Shounen

by: Tanabe Yellow

Sumimura Yoshimori has often been called lazy what with him sleeping in class the whole day. Add to that his odd attachment to milk coffee and his obsession with baking, then you got yourself an odd junior high student. Of course, that's not all there is to it. Yoshimori is actually a demon-hunter called a 'kekkaishi' by night. Chosen to protect a dangerous land called Karasumori, Yoshimori fights these ayakashi with the use of the special technique that his family inherited. However, he is not alone in this task. Yukimura Tokine, his childhood friend, also comes from a family appointed to protect Karasumori. The catch? The two families are in the middle of a feud with each other. 

As I was researching this manga for this post, I found out that Tanabe Yellow is actually a woman! It was a wonderful surprise. All this time I've been reading this manga over and over and I didn't even know that a woman wrote/drew it. It's inspiring. Even the next manga I'm going to be posting is done by a woman. But, before that, let me just point out what I like about Kekkaishi. To put it simply...everything. The art, the characters, the unique way they use their powers - I love them all! I'm a sucker for a decent supernatural story and this, I think, is one of the best.

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Full Metal Alchemist

(Completed Series) / Shounen

by: Arakawa Hiromi

In an alchemical ritual gone wrong, Edward Elric lost his arm and his leg, and his brother Alphonse became nothing but a soul in a suit of armor. Equipped with mechanical 'auto-mail' limbs, Edward becomes a state alchemist, seeking one thing that can restore his brother and himself...the legendary Philosopher's Stone. - (Summary from Baka-Updates)

This manga will forever be one of my favorites. Even the anime version of it - Full Metal Alchemist: Brotherhood - was amazing. It really is the first story I've ever read where I liked the lead protagonist, Edward Elric, from start to finish. Of course, let's not forget his brother Alphonse too. The political intrigue too was amazing. I love a good political conspiracy. Add to that the amazing use of characters and alchemy in the story and I really got hooked into it. A definite re-read material.

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Beck

(Completed Series) / Shounen

by: Harold Sakuishi

All Tanaka Yukio's ever been in his fourteen years of life is boring. He doesn't have a hobby, doesn't really have any friends, has lackluster taste in music, and his neurotic personality leaves even himself irritated. As much as he wants to have an exciting life, his overall shy demeanor always gets in the way. With a bleak outlook in life, how could he have known that a chance encounter with an unpredictable sixteen-year-old fresh from America named Minami Ryusuke, who is part of a rock-and-roll band, would change the rest of his life? 

I remember when this reached the peak of its popularity a lot of my friends started to dream of making their own band. Some of them even bought new electric guitars and started practicing like crazy. You know a manga/anime is good when it's audience start to imitate the characters in it. Even as I read through this manga and can't hear the songs they're playing, just imagining just how great they sound keeps me coming back to this manga. The fact that it took so long for Beck to become famous in the story can get frustrating but the end result more than makes up for.

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Vahlia no Hanamuko

(Complete One-Shot) Shoujo

by: Akizuki Sorata

An agreement between two clans lead to the engagement of their eldest children, Jiru, seventeen-years-old, and Vahlia, ten-years-old, that will be fulfilled in seven years when their wedding will take place. However, two years into the agreement, Jiru suddenly disappears. Since then, five years have gone by but the agreement must be carried out. Instead of Jiru, his younger brother must take his place. Unsatisfied with how things are playing out, Vahlia decides to take matters into her own hands. She is going to look for Jiru and finally set matters straight!

I've read a lot of one-shots but this one is just extremely'kilig.' There are no other words I could think of to describe it. What I like about a successful one-shot is that you don't need too much information to get the story across and yet still end up feeling satisfied once the story actually ends. This one did just that. The only complaint I have with this is that I wish the story was a tad longer because the characters are just lovable. You never know. The mangaka might just be so kind. 

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There it is! Finally, the second part is done. I still have so much more mangas I'd like to share but I'll leave that on another post. Not anytime soon mind you. This two part entry has gotten my head a bit fried. Oh my poor dwarfs...you all have worked so hard (Confused about the dwarfs comment? Read this.). Someday, I'll make a post about the mangas I'm currently reading and also the animes I love watching. Until then, I'll be here fixing some of my stuff and being completely OC about my new planner. 

Anyway...

後でお会いしましょう!

Manga Love ❤ pt. 1

I love Japanese manga. There's just something about the art that gets to me. Plus, its many genres and story lines make up for a great read. That being said, there's a good amount of manga I can't help but read and re-read, over and over because they just seem so epic. I'd like to share with you fifteen of the mangas I can't get tired of. I want to write more but that would make this too lengthy so fifteen seems good enough. But first, let me start off by introducing the four basic genres in mangas.

Shounen - Oftentimes about sports. Target audience would be teenage boys.
Shoujo - Love/romance stories. Target audience would be teenage girls.
Josei - Could be love/romance or drama. Target audience would be young female professionals.
Seinen - Usually slice of life stories, psychological drama, etc. Target audience would be young male professionals.

(Not in any particular order)

Katsu! 

(Completed Series) / Shounen
by: Adachi Mitsuru

The story centers around Satoyama Katsuki and his somewhat lazy day-to-day life as a high school student. Enter Mizutani Katsuki, an incredibly pretty girl he has a crush on. Upon finding out that her father used to be a pro-boxer and that he actually owns a gym, Satoyama goes on a half-hearted mission to become a member of said gym in hopes of impressing Mizutani. Surprisingly enough, as he tries more of the sport, he finds out that he's actually quite good at it. 

I'm a big fan of Adachi's works. This one is one of his that I just love to read. Satoyama starts off as someone who's a bit lackluster. Then, we find more about him as the story progresses and the underlying story of where his talents root from is something I find to be a great twist to the story. Of course, this Shounen manga wouldn't be complete without a love triangle, a rival, and the occasional bloody match between two athletes out to prove his worth.

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Cross Game

(Completed Series) / Shounen

by: Adachi Mitsuru

Kitamura Koh has always known which way his life was going thanks to his best friend Tsukishima Wakaba. Whatever she wanted, he always worked hard to achieve. The two were inseparable. A fact Wakaba's younger sister, Aoba, could not understand. Aoba had always found Koh less than impressive and downright pathetic but the rest of the Tsukishimas didn't seem to mind. In fact, Wakaba's declaration of Koh being her future husband seemed to be something already agreed on by both families. So then, what will become of Koh when Wakaba is no longer around?

I could not resist adding this manga to the list. This, I think, is one of Adachi's best works. The character development of Wakaba's three sisters and the all-out relationship between the Tsukishima and Kitamura families were nicely done. The story leads to baseball as the sport for this Shounen manga but the pacing of the story was so well-done that the sport didn't overpower the characters which was nice. A baseball story where you actually get to appreciate the people involved. I love all the character interaction and how Koh finds himself living the life his best friend would have been proud of.

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Kimi ni Todoke

(Ongoing Series) / Shoujo

by: Shiina Karuho

Kuronuma Sawako could have been thought of as a yamato nadeshiko (the personification of the idealized Japanese woman) with her long black hair, pale skin, and quiet personality. Except, the gloomy aura she gives off during first impressions lead people to call her Sadako instead. It seems to fit especially since Sawako is known to have a sinister smile and an all out scary facade. However, all this is a misunderstanding. All Sawako really wants is to befriend people but she's just too shy to fit in. Then, Kazehaya Shouta, the most popular guy in class suddenly befriends her. Will it be smooth sailing for Sawako after this incident? Not quite.

When I read this, it just gives me a heartwarming feeling every time Sawako succeeds in overcoming an ordeal she's going through. It's hard to hate a girl who only wants to have friends. With her having a fresh openness towards the people around her, it's not hard to see how many of them end up cherishing her. Though this manga isn't done yet, I still occasionally read this one from beginning to the most recent chapter just to experience the story again. This manga doesn't only have romance in it. The friendships they share make the story even better.

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Skip Beat!

(Ongoing Series) / Shoujo

by:  Nakamura Yoshiki

Mogami Kyoko is so in love with her childhood friend Fuwa Sho that she actually leaves a well and comfortable life to move to the city to support Sho's dream of becoming a famous superstar. Her mindless devotion to him leads her to work multiple jobs just to help him pay his rent - among other things. That all changes when Kyoko later finds out that Sho was just actually using her as his personal maid. Not the type of person to let it slide, Kyoko uses her anger to fuel her plans of revenge and plans to beat Sho at his own game as she decides to enter the world of showbiz. 

This incredibly upbeat and funny manga just never gets tiring. The numerous laugh out loud moments due to Kyoko's utter randomness is so priceless that I can't help reading it again just to see it one more time. Some would say that the art is a bit odd but it actually works well with the story. I know a lot of people who get turned off from reading this just for that and that just makes me genuinely sad. Please try three chapters at least! It's really good. If it really isn't your cup o' tea...oh well.

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My Girl

(Completed Series) / Seinen

by: Sahara Mizu

Kazama Masamune is a twenty-three year old office worker. Having just recently entered the work force, Masamune does his best to make a living for himself. A phone call one day jars him out of his quiet life. The mother of the woman he was involved with in the past but still loves tells him that his beloved has passed away. Distraught, he visits their home to see it for himself. True enough, Tsukamoto Youko is gone. Just as the truth settles in, Youko's mother approaches Masamune to tell him that Youko has a daughter. His daughter. Could this be true or is this the reason why Youko left him in the past?

A manga full of sweet moments that will surely make you smile. Of course, this manga will also make you cry. The father-daughter relationship is just so cute that it's not hard to fall in love with the pair. Their awkward start as they live together makes you wish them the best. It doesn't hurt that the art is just amazing to look at. This mangaka is one of my favorites and her stories are usually great reads. I've never tried her BL works and have no plans to. Her shoujo stories are amazing though. And even though I pointed out that this manga is completed, the English translated version, however, is not.

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Kanata Kara

(Completed Series) / Shoujo

by: Hikawa Kyouko

Walking home from school one day, Noriko is innocently caught up in a terrorist bombing. Rather than being blown to bits, she finds herself transported to another world; a world in which darkness seems on the rise, as its powers desperately search for a being known as the Awakening whom it is said will awaken the Sky Demon. She finds this new world to be dangerous and overwhelming, and Noriko has little choice but to throw her lot in with the mysteriously powerful man she encounters upon her arrival. The enigma of this world and her role in it will gradually unfold, but first things first: Noriko must learn their language. - (Summary from Baka-Updates)

I tried summarizing the plot in my own words but the one from Baka-Updates was perfect so I decided to get it from there instead. This is a fantasy manga, obviously. To be honest, I'm not actually sure why I like this so much. It must be due to the pacing of the story. Or it must be because I like Izark so much. The things he went through growing up may not have been shown much but I believe it was really hard and it made me sad for him. Which was why when he fell in love with Norika, it just made me wish their story would finally give him the big break he deserved. The plot's really simple but it has enough twists to keep the reader interested. 

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Kingyo Sou

(Completed Series) / Shoujo

by: Fujitsuka Yuki

During a festival, Asuka sees a stranger playing Taiko (Japanese drums) and his intensity and amazing sound makes her fall in love with him instantly. Later in school, Asuka finds out that her classmate is actually that person's younger brother! After begging her classmate, he finally agrees to introduce her to Masami. Their introduction approaches and just as Asuka is about to speak to him, she finds out Masami is in fact completely deaf. Asuka's determination never lessens upon finding that out and is eager to prove her feelings for him as she continues to pursue Masami.

The utter uniqueness of the plot made me gravitate towards reading the story. When I found out that this was only two volumes long (about eight chapters), I was incredibly disappointed. I've never read anything like this before. I love how their relationship progresses and how Asuka continues to stay by his side despite both their insecurities. Even Masami starts to work hard to make their relationship work even though it practically scares him. It's nice to read about how they overcome their differences. Definitely a unique plot.

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Otoyomegatari

(Ongoing Series) / Seinen

by: Mori Kaoru

Set along the Silk Road that connected Asia with the Mediterranean world, including North Africa and Europe in the 19th century. The story of Amira, a woman skilled in archery and horsemanship, sent to marry Karluk, a boy from another village who is 8 years younger than her. But all is not well, as her village decides to take her back. - (Summary from Baka-Updates)

From the mangaka of Emma, another historical manga that I completely love. Stories set during this time are a favorite of mine. It also helps that works by Mori Kaoru are a treat to look at. The detailing involved in each page and each character are astounding. The stories aren't bad either. Another plus to this manga, as well as others by Kaoru-sama, is the accuracy of the details and information provided in the story. The authenticity of how everything is delivered is something I highly enjoy because it makes me feel like I'm actually reading about real people. Try it out. You might end up liking it too. 

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I've noticed that this post is just getting too long now so I decided to make this into two parts. I'll be stopping here for now. 

Bleach ch. 460

:^D Look at these guys! Didn't you just miss them!? I sure did.

what's taking soooo long?

Most of the mangas I'm reading right now are taking so long to be updated. How I wish it wasn't so but beggars can't be choosers.

Bleach
Naruto
Skip Beat
Kimi ni Todoke

And that's just mentioning a few. So, to alleviate my thirst for manga, I'm re-reading a lot of already finished works. Right now, got Mekakushi no Kuni opened to quench the thirst.

things that annoy me in...

Mangas


(Not in any particular order)
1. Unnecessary nudity.
    Must be for fan service. Solution, to stay clear away from the types of genre boasting it.

2. Unexplained attraction to an irritating character.
    You know those types? The very naive, spineless, and - let's not forget - clumsy heroines. Wham bam, for some reason, the lead guy is inexplicably enamored because she's so unique. Go figure.

3. Cliff-hangers
    T_T ..... nuff said

4. The Sudden Death
    It's not what you think. When I say 'Sudden Death,' it stands for the sudden, abrupt ending of a good story that leaves you hanging.

5. Poor grammar
    But beggars can't be choosers can they?

6. The unending cliche
    Actually, I don't mind the good ol' cliche but it really depends on the execution of the story. Some mangakas nowadays give a good dose of drama that more than make up for it.

7. Art
    I'm not very critical about this but some styles just don't work for me.

[More to be added when I recall them]

five, forty-eight

I was reading Naruto again just now and this just about broke my heart.

I love this guy. :'-s

Bleach ch. 459

I can't even! FINALLY, Rukia shows herself! Can't wait to see the others!!! Woohoooo! :D

❤❤❤

new anime

I make it a point to watch new anime whenever it comes out. This season's line-up is just starting to pop up and I don't really check out everything. Just those that seem promising to alleviate from the boredom. Yesterday, there were two titles that I checked out.

First it was this:

Yeah, the picture alone should have discouraged me but I gave it the benefit of the doubt since it was made by Sunrise (just so you know: they're mostly responsible for the Gundam franchise). So, okay, dled it and watched it.

Typical pretty boy. Reminds me of the Code Geass characters. This is Tandoji the protagonist of the story.

That dude there is the bad guy. What is he and what does he do? Well, he's a stone statue that goes after these gems of power and takes it for itself. He beams people with the powerful stare of the medusa head he's holding and turns people into stone. So, it's fine right? I don't mind. But then, things turn strange.

Friggin' maids start to block off the road! Obviously, only a high-powered, rich individual can afford such a luxury. So, enter rich girl with combat-esque butler!

Yeah, you get the picture. Ok, sorry. I might be getting off tangent here. To be honest, I don't really know what to say about this anime. It's painfully predictable, easily forgotten, and just silly. The animation was good, of course - what with Sunrise being the makers - but the story leaves a lot to be desired. Going to give this one three more episodes before I decide if I should just give up on this. First episode was a big disappointment.

(Redeeming quality perhaps? You should be the judge of that.)

The next anime I saw was more promising. 

The setting alone won me over. I love period pieces. The network that decided to take on this project did animes like Shugo Chara, Gene Shaft, and Fairy Tail. This anime is based on the manga of the same title and story. If you love France during the 1800s like I do, this will be something to enjoy just to see the sights alone.

The setting of the story revolves around a shopping district where the ironwork shop owned by one of the protagonists is located.

The backdrops in the anime are so picturesque that it helps that the characters are drawn simply. The blending of the two only helps along with the story. But, for me, the highlight of this episode was when Yune, one of the stars of the series, is introduced.

Kawaii!! She looks like a doll. Even the people in the anime think she looks like a doll. Meanwhile, the lead guy is a young man by the name of Claude.

I don't want to get too into it in fear of causing too much spoilers. Suffice it to say, the first episode was a lighthearted introduction into the characters' lives. It's really nice to watch their interactions with each other. The cultural differences of the two even play a major role in the story. Sad to say that I haven't read the manga counterpart of this so I can't give you a comparison between the two but that will soon be remedied.

This anime has a nice, downplayed feel to it compared to other real-life-genre animes probably because of the era of the story. Everything is slow-paced and somewhat genial and if you don't want much action but would settle more for the drama, I think this would be a good show to check out.