S.Q. Eries's Blog, page 44

Manga Review: My Love Story Vol. 3

Takeo Goda, the male lead for Viz Media’s  My Love Story!!  is quite unusual. Bishonen tend to dominate the cast of shojo manga, but Takeo’s looks are about as far from a stereotypical pretty boy as you can get. Still, he possesses tremendous appeal in this hilarious romantic comedy. I had the opportunity to take a look at Volume 3 of the series, and you can read on for the review.

Back cover blurb

Takeo Goda is a giant guy with a giant heart. Too bad the girls don’t want him! (They want his good-looking best friend, Sunakawa.) Used to being on the sidelines, Takeo simply stands tall and accepts his fate. But one day when he saves a girl named Yamato from a harasser on the train, his (love!) life suddenly takes an incredible turn!

The Review

Takeo’s got to be one of the purest manga characters I’ve come across. He’s obviously head over heels for Yamato, but as the first two chapters of Volume 3 demonstrate, he’s a gentleman no matter what the circumstance. In Chapter 8, a romantic picnic turns into an unexpected overnight adventure when he and Yamato tumble off a cliff. (In any other series, this would be ridiculous, but given their history of falling beams and burning buildings, it’s par for the course.) As usual, Takeo doesn’t pick up on the real cause of Yamato’s nervousness as they wander alone, but he’s sweet and funny as he takes down everything from mosquitoes to wild boars for her sake.

In Chapter 9, Yamato ups her game by proposing a group trip to the beach. The beach means swimsuits, and Yamato’s friends go all out to help her find the right swimsuit  to knock Takeo for a loop. At the same time, Takeo’s chewing his friends out for even thinking about ogling at girls so it’s pretty funny when they get to the beach and both get overwhelmed by the physicality of the other.

One nice thing about this volume is that Takeo gets a chance to be popular. While people often perceive him as the scary guy, he’s capable of drawing a crowd (in a positive way) and does so in Chapters 9 and 11. (The drawings showing his prowess on the beach, skating rink, and soccer field are pretty funny, too). Given that Yamato is the “cute” one in the relationship, it came as a surprise to see her concerned about other girls stealing Takeo (I’d just written off big sis Ai as a fluke). Having that element of jealousy play out in their growing relationship is interesting, but what’s really gratifying is watching a girl who dissed Takeo in middle school realize that he’s actually kind of cool.

Extras include story thus far, notes from the creators, and a three-page bonus mini-manga.

In Summary

Volume 3 consists of four standalone chapters. Although the story arcs are brief, their entertainment value remains high. They follow the same basic premise of Takeo’s devotion to Yamato and her gushing admiration for him, but there’s enough variation in the details (such as Takeo’s parents taking interest in Yamato) that keeps the story fresh and funny. Plus, it’s hard not to laugh at Aruko-sensei’s hilarious visuals.

First published at The Fandom Post.

Manhwa Review: Goong Vol. #18

What if modern Korea was a constitutional monarchy similar to England’s? That’s the backdrop for Goong: the Palace, a manhwa that got turned into a wildly popular drama and musical.

Set in an alternate world where the Korean monarchy still exists, the story follows Chae-Kyung Shin, a strong-willed commoner who attends the same high school as Shin Lee, the crown prince. After accidentally witnessing Shin proposing to his girlfriend Hyo-rin and being rejected, Chae-Kyung unexpectedly learns that she will marry Shin and become crown princess due to a promise between the former king and her grandfather.

Yen Press has released the final volume, and you can read on for the review. (For my review of previous volumes go here.)

Back Cover Blurb

During the royal family’s first public interview with Prince Sun, the nation is shocked when the youngest prince accidentally reveals Shin’s intention to get married and leave the palace! Recognizing Sun’s voice from her mysterious phone call a few nights before, Chae-Kyung drags her new boyfriend to the royal family’s parade. Shin spots her from the car, and Chae-Kyung follows him to the palace, where they are reunited…

The Review

The tale of the commoner girl in the Korean palace finally comes to a close. With the series wrapping up, Creator Park needs to tie up loose ends, and there are a lot  to be addressed. The first three chapters bring resolution to the Hyo-Rin/Chae-Jun, Eunuch Kong/Lady Han, and King/Queen pairings. Even Yul’s mother gets a kind of resolution although it makes the fuss over her medicine to the king look like the molehill that got turned into a mountain.

Having addressed the secondary characters, the focus turns to Shin and Chae-Kyung. The previous volume made it look like Chae-Kyung’s new boyfriend really had a shot at capturing her heart. At the very least, he seemed genuinely attracted to her, but then we learn they haven’t even kissed. In addition, he so understanding when Chae-Kyung starts obsessing over Shin again, he’s more like a super supportive guy friend than a serious contender for her heart. Meanwhile, Shin hasn’t picked up anyone new despite the Eagles’ attempts to get him with another girl so the last hurdle in the relationship is simply Shin’s position as Crown Prince. That doesn’t quite create the same drama as torn heartstrings or diabolical plots. As such, it’s a bit anti-climactic when they reunite, especially when the solution to their problem has been in the background the entire time. Even so, our lead couple has been through so much it is satisfying to see them finally achieve a happy ending.

Yen Press’s Volume 18 consists of Volumes 27 and 28 of the Korean release. The main story concludes in the Korean Volume 27, and Volume 28 is comprised entirely of side stories. These include “A Concubine’s Confession,” a time travel tale; “A Crown Princess’s Secret Diary,” in which Chae-Kyung pokes fun at her stuffy husband; “Debating with the Enemy,” a Yul-centric piece that goes off the deep end; “The Story of Spending a Night Together,” an extended account of the royal adults’ failed attempt to get Chae-Kyung and Shin to sleep with each other; and a couple of mini-manhwa about Park’s various experiences. Except for “A Concubine’s Confession,” these extras are heavy on Park’s particular brand of raunchy comedy, and if that’s been your favorite aspect of Goong, it’s not a bad way to close out the volume.

In Summary

The long-running palace dramedy comes to an end. There are more happy endings than not, and of course, our main couple finds a way to be together, although their reunion is less dramatic than I expected for a series finale. The Goong characters did a great job of keeping the audience hooked, but it does feel like it’s time for them to retire. For those who aren’t quite ready to let them go, Goong’s conclusion is followed by a number of short stories, which revisit the past and provide a possible (?) glimpse of the characters’ future.

First published at the Fandom Post.

Manga Review: Sword Art Online: Progressive Vol. 002

Sword Art Online was undoubtedly one of the most popular anime of 2012. Based upon a series of light novels by Reki Kawahara, SAO’s near-future characters, gorgeous fantasy setting, and life-or-death stakes drew an enthusiastic fan following. Yen Press has recently released Volume 2 of the Sword Art Online: Progressive manga adaption, and you can read on for the review. (For my review of  other Sword Art Online manga, click here.)

Back Cover Blurb

The party is shaken when their leader, Diavel, is struck down by the boss of the very first floor. Asuna and her teammates are confronted for the first time with the cruel reality of their situation: Sword Art Online is no mere game–death here is final. Their commander lost, the remaining fighters begin to lose heart and plan their retreat. But the fight must go on if they are to escape this game world, and in his dying moments, Diavel managed to convey his appointment for the next commander–Kirito!

The Review

As in the anime, the battle with the first floor boss ends with Diavel dead and Kirito dubbed a beater. However, Progressive puts its own spin on the fight. For one, Asuna takes more of a commanding role, showing hints of the guild leader she’s going to become. For another, the emotional aftermath is more complicated. Interestingly, sourpuss Kibaou, who started the beta/cheater/beater uproar against Kirito in the anime, winds up sympathizing with him in this scene. Kirito and Asuna still have a private conversation before Kirito goes off on his own, but Progressive’s version is more prolonged and has a distinct romantic tension to it.

Going into Chapter 008, it’s all completely new material. Both the Aincrad manga and the anime gloss over Floor 2, but we get to watch events progress gradually even as Asuna gradually improves. She’s not the only one having to sort herself out in the early days of SAO, though. Chapter 009 provides a glimpse of the beginnings of the guilds, and at this point, they’re a lot of fancy names and swagger and not much else.

Overall, the tone on Floor 2 is much lighter than I anticipated. Perhaps that’s because the only fight thus far is against a field boss that looks like a big bull. When the players take it on, they seem more concerned with who gets the glory of being on the front rather than the risk of a fatal hit. As such, it really does feel more like a “game” rather than the constant life/death struggle of Aincrad, especially when Asuna and Kirito compete to see who can take out the most windwasps for shortcake.

Asuna’s continued interactions with Kirito are also a surprise. The anime and Aincrad made it seem like the two didn’t cross paths again until Asuna had joined the Knights of the Blood, but in Progressive, they meet again days after clearing Level I. The two have a great rapport, and while Asuna is intrigued by Kirito, he’s obviously besotted by her. For those who were not so thrilled with the harem aspect of the SAO anime, this version of Asuna and Kirito’s early relationship might prove an enjoyable alternative.

Extras include the title page and table of contents in color, bonus illustration from artist Tomoya Haruno, and closing remarks from the creators.

In Summary

Progressive continues to deliver a strong storyline with artwork to match. In addition to showing Asuna’s development as a fighter, we also see players organizing the beginnings of the guilds as they proceed through Aincrad’s Floor 2. Interestingly, the plot includes more early interaction between Asuna and Kirito. Although that deviates somewhat from the beater/solo fighter persona Kirito had in the anime, Asuna/Kirito fans will probably enjoy seeing Kirito’s early attraction to Asuna.

First published at the Fandom Post.

Manga Review: Barakamon Vol. 4

The contrast between city and rural life has been a source of entertainment since the time of Aesop’s fables. It remains a popular subject in manga and anime today, and joining the ranks of Silver Nina, Non Non Biyori, and Silver Spoon is Yen Press’ series Barakamon. Read on for my review of Volume 4! (For my reviews of previous volumes, click here.)

Back cover blurb

Aiming for an autumn calligraphy exhibition, handsome young calligrapher Seishuu Handa sets out to get in touch with his creative side. Meanwhile, a man whose appearance screams “yakuza,” landing him well out of place on the peaceful island, puts in a “request” to have Handa write the name on his boat…?! Kick back like a local and enjoy the fourth volume of this heartwarming island comedy!

The Review

Volume 3 left Handa with no means of communication following a powerful typhoon. I thought it would be a lead-in for another extended arc like the Tokyo visitors one, but it merely flows into a single chapter about Handa’s laughable attempts to use a rotary phone before switching back to Barakamon’s usual pattern of standalone chapters. The content is pretty entertaining though as Yoshino-sensei expands beyond the kids-getting-in-Handa’s-way storylines and into territory where Handa and Naru are collaborating on something. I found the fish preparation chapter especially funny, having dealt with overly lively fish myself.

However, Volume 4 does have a new feature: chapters rendered in four-panel style. Chapter 29, in which Handa and Naru catch dragonflies, and Chapter 32, which features a calligraphy tutoring session with the local kids, use this format along with a simplified character design. Because of this style, these pages have more of a gag manga feel. The humor in Chapter 29 is mostly visual so it translates pretty well, but the kanji-based jokes in Chapter 32 may require a visit to the cultural notes. In general, though, they’re pretty amusing, and except for some yaoi allusions, everything stays in “All Ages” territory.

The volume closes with a chapter on the Obon Festival. In addition to showing Gotou’s particular take on the Japanese holiday, it also touches on a subject I’ve wondered about, namely Naru’s parents. We’ve seen plenty of her grandpa, but her parents have yet to make an appearance. For a community that’s so unnecessarily well-informed about their neighbors, it’s a little strange Handa’s yet to learn anything about them, and I’m guessing that will provide fodder for future chapters.

Extras include a bonus three-page manga, translation notes, and information about the story’s island setting.

In Summary

After the extended arc in Volume 3, Barakamon returns to its pattern of standalone chapters. Themes range from Handa painting the name onto a local’s boat to managing the food gifts lavished by his rustic neighbors. The volume ends by touching on Naru’s family situation. Until now she’s been a pretty simple character, but the story hints that the boisterous, free-spirited kid might turn into something more complicated for Handa.

First published at The Fandom Post.

Manga Review: Manga Dogs Vol. 3

From Bakuman to School Rumble, the manga/anime industry has been a popular subject of manga and anime in recent years. Now joining their ranks is Kodansha’s manga series Manga Dogs, and you can read on for my review of Volume 3. (For my review of earlier volumes, click here.)

Back cover blurb

Teenage manga artist Kanna Tezuka’s series about a high school for Buddhist statues is facing cancelation! Meanwhile, the manga course that’s given her so much free time to draw at school is under threat from a principal taken with the next big thing: light novels! Their teacher’s solution to this existential crisis is an inspiring field trip, but will it be enough to get these dogs to start drawing at last?!

The Review

The appearance of the new editor-in-chief at the end of Volume 2 made it seem like the story was heading in a new, strong direction. Sadly, it winds up much like the kidnapping arc. The threats breathed by the editor turn out to be nothing at all, and the arc wraps up within the first chapter of Volume 3 without any real consequences for Kanna.

The manga then returns to its usual course of standalone chapters with Kanna’s three dogs blowing all sorts of hot air while avoiding anything remotely connected to drawing. Chapter 30 is unusual in that we see a happy, dressed up Kanna, but for the most part, she’s the same snark and sarcasm she’s always been. As in Volume 2, she doesn’t seem to enjoy being a mangaka, and even turns an invitation to a magazine publisher’s party into something to be depressed about. Toyama-sensei tries to liven things up by making Shota’s sister, Kanna’s editor, and the school principal wackier, but for the most part, it’s the same tired themes we’ve seen over and over.

The final arc feels a bit random. It begins with a kind of manga history lesson and ends with Kanna’s class actually creating manga together. While a Japanese audience might appreciate reading about past mangaka, most references will probably go over the heads of Western readers. The story then awkwardly segues to the impending cancellation of the manga class and the students’ last-ditch effort to prove themselves. Kanna’s heroic leadership over their joint collaboration seems really forced considering the boys are shiftless as they ever were. Perhaps it’s meant to be inspiring, but when the boys start doing their usual whining about work, I’m ready to pull the plug on the class.

Extras include the opening illustration and table of contents printed in color; translation notes; short bonus manga; and author afterword.

In Summary

Manga Dogs reaches its final volume, and to be honest, it’s a relief. Its characters weren’t likable, and the humor never was that clever. I’m actually surprised it lasted three volumes. Considering how pointless the storylines were, Manga Dogs really had to be put out of its misery.

First published at The Fandom Post.

Manga Review: Barakamon Vol. 3

The contrast between city and rural life has been a source of entertainment since the time of Aesop’s fables. It remains a popular subject in manga and anime today, and joining the ranks of Silver Nina, Non Non Biyori, and Silver Spoon is Yen Press’ series Barakamon. Read on for my review of Volume 3! (For my reviews of previous volumes, click here.)

Back cover blurb

Kawafuji, the only friend of handsome young calligrapher Seishuu Handa, has come to visit the island…!! However, the lack of cell phone signal and any useful landmarks is preventing the two of them from meeting up!! And who is this Kyousuke Kamisaki who’s come along for the ride…? There’s a storm brewing in the third volume of this sophisticated (?), heartwarming island comedy!!

The Review

The “Handa’s visitors from the city” arc is the best this series has delivered so far. Two Tokyoites come to the island to find Handa, and all sorts of misunderstanding and mayhem erupt. Part of the reason these chapters are so fun is because Handa’s not the sole butt of the ignorant-city-slicker type jokes. Also, the kids, who usually are the ones doing the mocking, wind up looking pretty foolish for Handa’s sake.

The other reason these chapters are so entertaining is because Handa’s visitors are unlike anything I expected. I assumed they had to be good friends given the three hour trip to Gotou, but eighteen-year-old Kousuke Kanzaki is anything but. He’s a rival and an obsessed one. Despite never having met Handa before, Kousuke comes to Gotou to embarrass, provoke, and belittle Handa. On the other hand, visitor Kawafuji actually is a good friend of Handa’s. He spends most of the arc drunk/hung over, but when he does sober up, he provides insight into the type of person Handa was and how he’s changed since his move.

Handa’s two visitors cause him to reflect on these changes himself. However, it’s not until Naru gets her hands on Kousuke’s calligraphy magazines that readers realize how badly Handa wants to transform himself. For once, Naru’s actually spreading factual information on the island gossip network, and though I don’t quite understand Handa’s embarrassment, it’s still pretty funny watching the locals ask him for autographs.

Then Kousuke and Kawafuji leave, and it’s back to Handa being the sole stupid city boy in time for a typhoon to hit the island. While his ignorance is an element of the story, the island’s strong neighborly culture and spooky stories (like the type kids tell at camp) factors in as well. It’s an odd combination but works in getting laughs and setting Handa up with his next dilemma: destroyed home electronics.

Extras include a character lineup, bonus five-page manga, translation notes, and information about the story’s island setting.

In Summary

Lively comedy abounds when Handa gets guests from Tokyo. Not only do they provide two more variations on the city-boy-in-the-country theme, but the local kids revert to some crazy distraction tactics when they realize one of the visitors is Handa’s rival. In the midst of bug attacks and severe hangovers, we get a clearer picture of pre-Gotou Handa, which Yoshida-sensei manages to turn into a new flavor of embarrassment for our resident calligrapher. All in all, Volume 3 is a fun read with a nice mix of humor.

First published at The Fandom Post.

Manga Review: Yukarism Vol. 2

Geishas are an icon of Japanese culture that, although their heyday is long post, continues to fascinate Westerners to this day. If you’ve wondered about the lives of these flowers of Japan’s bygone pleasure districts, you may want to consider Chika Shiomi’s historical/time slip manga, Yukarism. Read on for my review of Volume 2. (For my review of Volume 1, click here.)

The Review

Things get more interesting for Yukari with the arrival of his temporary housekeeper Katsuhiko Satomi, but they get really interesting for Satomi and Mahoro. Before, Yukari merely saw hints of previous lives manifesting in their reincarnated souls. Now, old grudges actually impact the present when Satomi and Mahoro meet.

Possessed is probably the most accurate way to describe what happens to the two. Not only does their old hatred consume them, the skills of their previous lives manifest despite neither having trained in swordsmanship or magic. However, Mahoro and Satomi are only vaguely aware of what’s happening. One moment they’re literally trying to kill one another, and the next they snap back to their senses, embarrassed and apologizing profusely. These moments of possession occasionally have a comic effect, but for the most part, it’s creepy, especially with Shiomi-sensei’s illustrations of black magic in the background.

Yukari’s forays to the past also take on a different tone. Before, his episodes in Yumurasaki’s body were merely amusing, but that changes when he returns to the Edo period and finds himself in bed with witch doctor Takamura. (Ummm… yeah. Yumurasaki’s a courtesan, and even though all the vital parts are covered, it’s pretty obvious what Takamura’s trying to do in that scene). Yukari confesses to Takamura that he is Yumurasaki’s reincarnated soul, and being a magician, Takamura understands that it’s true. The interaction that follows not only causes Yukari to question his original preconceptions about Takamura, it helps him understand himself better as a reincarnated being.

Another character whose image gets shattered in this volume is Mahoro. The narrative reveals chilling details about her background. She’s definitely not the person Volume 1 led readers to believe she was. Yukari remains ignorant of what Mahoro’s truly capable of but given the irrepressible hate between her and Satomi, I doubt that will remain the case for long.

Extras include a bonus one-page manga, translation notes, and author bio.

In Summary

For Yukari to investigate Yumurasaki’s death isn’t particularly gripping when s/he’s already been reincarnated, but when the hostilities of the past invade Yukari’s present life, the story gets a lot more compelling. In addition, Shiomi-sensei throws readers for a loop by blowing apart some of the assumptions of Volume 1. The story occasionally takes on the flavor of a horror flick when the Kazuma/Takamura feud reasserts itself in the present, but Yukari’s interactions with the past now actually take on meaning and purpose.

First published at The Fandom Post.

Manhwa Review: Milkyway Hitchhiking Vol. #2

Most manga and manhwa have lengthy plots with human main characters. However, if you prefer a feline narrator and more of an anthology feel, you may want to check out Yen Press’ Milkyway Hitchhiking. Read on for the review of Volume 2. (If interested in my review of Volume 1, click here.)

Back Cover Blurb

There are as many people on Earth as there are stars in the sky. From the unique marriage traditions of a faraway tribe, to the unusual relationship between a fox and a chick, to the tale of a complicated royal succession, Milkyway continues to leave her mark across the bright stars of people’s lives, loves, tears, and laughter.

The Review

Milkyway’s tales continue in their non-linear fashion. As in the first volume, her roles vary from main character to mostly uninvolved bystander, but these stories run longer overall. Volume 2 contains only six “episodes,” and only two are single chapter stories. In one of these shorts, “Find a Bride,” Milkyway plays her biggest part when she disrupts a tribe’s time-honored marriage tradition. The tribe, a mishmash of Pacific Islander and Native American, is very obviously fictional but offers fun comedy as well as a chance for Milkyway to show some sass. In contrast, Milkyway’s more of a prop in “Flower Painting,” which explores the relationship between two brothers in long-ago Korea.

Her role is also minimal in “Tiger’s Present”/”Fox’s Dream.” Unlike most of the Milkyway stories, animals take the main stage in this one. The brightly colored artwork and whimsical style give it the feel of an Asian folktale and would definitely appeal to a younger reader. On the other hand, “Three Stories” is solidly set in the contemporary human world. Three elderly women trade memories that involve a cat (Milkyway), but though their anecdotes happen in different times and places, they all have a positive feel.

That is definitely not the case for the two longest works in the collection, “Crimson” and “The Watcher in the Shadows.” Those who enjoyed Volume 1′s “Knight of the Fallen Leaves” will probably enjoy “Crimson.” Like “Knight,” “Crimson” features a viciously dysfunctional royal family and has a color scheme that involves a lot of red and black. “The Watcher in the Shadows” has more of a Victorian Goth than a Grimm feel, but it also delves into disturbing territory with its predatory siblings. In both these stories, the humans dominate, and Milkyway’s little more than a narrator.

“Milkyway Convenience Store” makes another appearance, and Sirial also introduces “Milkyway Café.” This time around,  characters from the featured stories get thrown into the bonus mini-manhwa for comic effect. Other extras include a bonus illustration at the end of the book and footnotes explaining cultural terms.

In Summary

Milkyway Hitchhiking returns with six more “episodes.” Most these stories are longer than the Volume 1 works, and though there are lighthearted stories in the mix, they tend to have a darker feel. Milkyway continues to be the common thread binding the stories, but as in Volume 1, the stories are more about the lives she encounters so the particulars about her remain largely unknown.

First published at the Fandom Post.

Manga Review: Dengeki Daisy Vol. 16 (Series finale!)

Bad boy/good girl love stories are popular in shojo manga, and for those who enjoy a dash of cyber intrigue in their romances, Kyousuke Motomi’s Dengeki Daisy is worth checking out. The series finale has recently been released, and you can read on for the review. (For those who are interested, click here for reviews of earlier volumes).

The story centers on orphan Teru Kurebayashi, who, after the death of her beloved older brother, finds solace in the messages she exchanges with Daisy, an enigmatic figure who can only be reached through the cell phone her brother left her. One day, she accidentally breaks a window at school, and as  a result winds up becoming a servant for Kurosaki, the delinquent school custodian. Although brusque and rude, he somehow always shows up in her time of need, and Teru finds herself increasingly drawn to him.

The Review

This high school romance/cyber thriller has had crazy things happen over the course of its run (furniture falling from great heights, kidnappings, exploding boats) so it’s only fitting for the series to end with a really big bang. The remainder of the main story only takes up one chapter in the final volume, but it is a long one. It’s fraught with tension as Kurosaki strives to redeem Akira, but Motomi-sensei still manages to insert her particular style of goofy humor in the midst of the turmoil before getting everyone to a happy ending.

Thus concludes Dengeki Daisy, a series that remained consistently engaging through the years (and I didn’t realize exactly how many years until I saw Motomi-sensei’s “Daisy Chronology”). While the ending makes clear Kurosaki and Teru will be together, it might not be lovey-dovey enough for Teru/Kurosaki fans. That’s where the remainder of the volume comes in. Four bonus chapters present character postscripts and flashbacks. Anyone who’s wondered what the lead couple would look like with a baby will enjoy “Daisy Special Episode Part II.” The baby’s not actually theirs, but that warm, fuzzy family vibe definitely comes through, not that Kurosaki’s crossed the line with our underage heroine. He remains a gentleman throughout, despite the yearning Motomi-sensei so exquisitely portrays, and the Kurosaki sutras jokes continue to the very end.

These chapters also offer insight into Soichiro, who has been a vital part of the cast despite being dead, and his relationship with Riko. Riko’s mainly been portrayed as a support for Teru, first as school counselor, then as roommate. But the extras offer a glimpse of her in the context of her relationship with Soichiro, and the angst she suffered at losing her lover.

Extras also include Motomi-sensei’s debut manga, No-Good Cupid; the final installment of “Baldly Ask!!!”; and closing remarks from the mangaka.

In Summary

It’s the final explosive chapter of Dengeki Daisy! The ending is Akira and Kurosaki centric, but never fear, Kurosaki/Teru fans. This volume contains over 100 pages of extras that offer a glimpse into our main characters’ future together as well as some hitherto unseen moments from the past. Motomi-sensei’s created some unbelievable situations through the years, but her characters have such depth and appeal I can’t help but smile to see them all come to a happy ending.

First published at the Fandom Post.

Manga Review: Master Keaton Vol. #2

I became an instant fan of Naoki Urasawa in 2004 when I saw the Monster anime. Psychological thrillers are definitely NOT my cup of tea, but he had me hooked with his combination of realistic artwork and gripping plot. As such, I was thrilled when Viz Media decided to release a translation of an earlier Urasawa action/adventure: Master Keaton. Read on for the review of Volume 2! (For my review of Volume 1, click here.)

Back Cover Blurb

Taichi Hiraga Keaton has a degree from the University of Oxford’s master’s programme in archaeology, but he abandoned further studies due to tight finances. Because combat didn’t suit his nature, he left the SAS and is now an exceptional insurance investigator. Equipped with a strong body and a keen intellect, Keaton is about to solve the most difficult cases ever seen!

The Review

Master Keaton continues to deliver a series of mostly single chapter stories with settings ranging from Switzerland to Mexico City. Those who enjoy watching the unassuming yet amazingly capable combat soldier take his opponents by surprise should be entertained by a third of this volume’s contents. Keaton raids terrorists with a bunch of bounty hunters in “Little Big Man” and turns the tables on far-right extremists trying to hunt him down in “Black Forest.”

The writers seem to be having trouble continuing to deliver the archaeology aspect into Keaton’s insurance cases however. “Fire and Ice” opens with an ancient Greek drawing, but the case just involves regular sleuthing and some modern history. In “Red Moon” and it’s conclusion “Silver Moon,” mention is made of werewolves, but the story ultimately turns out more of a dark sci-fi. Ultimately, the chapters without a strong action component wind up showing Keaton more like a clever detective than an archaeologically minded investigator.

As if to make up for the lack of archaeology-related insurance cases, the writers create turmoil for Keaton in his academic life. He loses his university position, and struggles to find a way to continue pursuing his passion for things ancient. These segments are more character studies, and while not quite so exciting as his run-ins with underworld criminals, they’re an exploration into Keaton’s eccentric personality and personal life.

As in Volume 1, he talks about his ex-wife, but there’s no sign of her. Daughter Yuriko makes an appearance though, and Dad Taihei gets its own chapter in “Flowers for Everyone,” the only story that takes place in Japan.

Extras include the first pages of Chapter 1 and Chapter 5 in color and a sound effects glossary.

In Summary

While Keaton continues to take adversaries by surprise with his SAS fighting and survival skills, the archaeology components of his cases fades to passing mentions of legends that have little actual bearing on the mystery or dilemma at hand. The writers compensate by focusing on Keaton’s personal struggles in academia. While Keaton’s quirky personality does keep things interesting, he comes across more as a clever detective than an Indiana Jones in Volume 2.

First published at the Fandom Post.