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Princess Ai [プリンセス·アイ物語] #3
Princess Ai: Evolution
The culmination of Ai's journey of self-discovery is at hand, and salvation is on the horizon. As hunters from her homeland close in on her, Ai's record company unleashes its plan to turn their hot new diva into a falling star. Even with Kent by her side, can Ai avoid her enemies and still find a way to bring peace to her troubled homeland?
The adventure and romance come to a shocking conclusion in Princess Ai: Evolution, the final volume in the bestselling manga series.
The adventure and romance come to a shocking conclusion in Princess Ai: Evolution, the final volume in the bestselling manga series.
215 pages, Paperback
First published July 1, 2005
3 people are currently reading
316 people want to read
About the author
D.J. Milky
83 books32 followersD.J. Milky is the author pen name of creator and entrepreneur Stu Levy.
Born in Los Angeles, Stu is the founder, CEO, and Chief Creative Officer of the manga media company TOKYOPOP. Stu also produces, directs, and writes for graphic novels, film, and television. His preeminent work "Princess Ai" debuted at #1 on the National Bookscan charts for Graphic Novels.
Stu’s creative works include writing the children’s novels “Sailor Moon – A Scout is Born”, “Sailor Moon – The Power of Love”, and “Karma Club”; children’s books “Stray Sheep” and “Kung Fu Klutz & Karate Cool”; and the graphic novels “Juror 13” and the “Princess Ai” series, created with Courtney Love. He has also translated manga volumes of “Parasyte”, “Sailor Moon”, “Ice Blade” and “Magic Knight Rayearth”. He also has written and produced a series of songs including anime theme songs and a soundtrack from “Princess Ai”.
Stu holds a Bachelor of Arts in Economics/Business from UCLA and a Juris Doctor from Georgetown University Law Center. He studied at Tokyo University and Keio University in Japan and is a California attorney. Currently, Stu chairs the Producer Guild of America's International Committee and was previously a Board Member of its New Media Council. He is fluent in Japanese.
Born in Los Angeles, Stu is the founder, CEO, and Chief Creative Officer of the manga media company TOKYOPOP. Stu also produces, directs, and writes for graphic novels, film, and television. His preeminent work "Princess Ai" debuted at #1 on the National Bookscan charts for Graphic Novels.
Stu’s creative works include writing the children’s novels “Sailor Moon – A Scout is Born”, “Sailor Moon – The Power of Love”, and “Karma Club”; children’s books “Stray Sheep” and “Kung Fu Klutz & Karate Cool”; and the graphic novels “Juror 13” and the “Princess Ai” series, created with Courtney Love. He has also translated manga volumes of “Parasyte”, “Sailor Moon”, “Ice Blade” and “Magic Knight Rayearth”. He also has written and produced a series of songs including anime theme songs and a soundtrack from “Princess Ai”.
Stu holds a Bachelor of Arts in Economics/Business from UCLA and a Juris Doctor from Georgetown University Law Center. He studied at Tokyo University and Keio University in Japan and is a California attorney. Currently, Stu chairs the Producer Guild of America's International Committee and was previously a Board Member of its New Media Council. He is fluent in Japanese.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
April 5, 2022
Princess Ai, Vol. 3 (My Kindle Review)
Our princess’ fate comes full circle before and during her world tour as Ai will uncover a shocking secret about her family and why she’s been under a tight rein. She will also face unexpected foes and tragedy and her true power with her voice. A touching and magical conclusion to this trilogy, but Ai’s story still continues. A (100%/Outstanding)
Our princess’ fate comes full circle before and during her world tour as Ai will uncover a shocking secret about her family and why she’s been under a tight rein. She will also face unexpected foes and tragedy and her true power with her voice. A touching and magical conclusion to this trilogy, but Ai’s story still continues. A (100%/Outstanding)
April 9, 2020
This was by far the most entertaining part although the story got as random as it could, the undercover cop appeared out of nowhere. -. And then Ai turning out to be Nora's cousin... It felt like we finally kind of started to get some plot and then they just wrapped everything up as fast as they could, the ending was just a few mouthfuls of chat boxes between two characters talking about how the story may end.... yay? (i mean, good for me, I guess, less pages to go through).
The art is still by far the most amazing thing about it.
The art is still by far the most amazing thing about it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 19, 2019
So the trilogy is finally completed, and we have the answers to the questions that plagued the amnesiac Ai since she appeared in Tokyo. Was it worth 3 volumes to find those answers? Questionable.
The main mystery of where Ai is from was already answered in volume 2, leaving the question of what Ai is. The reveal isn't so much foreshadowed as it is spelled out in black and white, exactly how no characters guessed before another convenient dream flashback is impossible to guess.
The full extent of Ai's powers are also revealed but again, despite their depiction as being a massive reveal they mostly feel like things we already know. Ai using anger in songs to negatively affect peoples emotions is an interesting angle but sadly is introduced far too late to look at it in much detail.
Now that she has her answers Ai is finally ready to go back to Ai-land, having learnt what should have been obvious to her before she left. However, she still has time for yet another concert as it seems that all the volumes need to end with one. Ai mentions how bad she feels about performing when she knows the Dougen are suffering in Ai-land but despite other characters' insistence that she is super nice, Ai clearly has little interest in the big picture. At least she has managed to get over her constant circular arguments with HTA about how she doesn't want to do her job, so thank god for small mercies.
To cap things off it seems that the furies could have transported her back to Ai-land at any time, making anything that happened on Earth since Tess joined the team a complete waste of time.
Tess continues to be one of the more interesting characters, now she has settled into the role of surly bodyguard. Her two fury sisters also enter the fray, though sadly they don't have as much page time to build up much depth, being relegated to being the snake one and the sexy one.
Takeshi too is far more interesting than most of the other characters, as he continues to work through his conflicting loyalties between HTA and Ai, giving him the greatest amount of character development seen in the series.
It feels like a cop out to say that Kujiradou's art has saved the book but she has nothing new to show us as the story cycles again through arguments, concerts and Ai/fury fights as in the previous volumes.
The first book described Ai as 'searching for identity and salvation'. After three volumes it becomes clear that she could have done all of that in Ai-land and not have wasted everyone's time instead of taking a gap year to earth to find herself.
The main mystery of where Ai is from was already answered in volume 2, leaving the question of what Ai is. The reveal isn't so much foreshadowed as it is spelled out in black and white, exactly how no characters guessed before another convenient dream flashback is impossible to guess.
The full extent of Ai's powers are also revealed but again, despite their depiction as being a massive reveal they mostly feel like things we already know. Ai using anger in songs to negatively affect peoples emotions is an interesting angle but sadly is introduced far too late to look at it in much detail.
Now that she has her answers Ai is finally ready to go back to Ai-land, having learnt what should have been obvious to her before she left. However, she still has time for yet another concert as it seems that all the volumes need to end with one. Ai mentions how bad she feels about performing when she knows the Dougen are suffering in Ai-land but despite other characters' insistence that she is super nice, Ai clearly has little interest in the big picture. At least she has managed to get over her constant circular arguments with HTA about how she doesn't want to do her job, so thank god for small mercies.
To cap things off it seems that the furies could have transported her back to Ai-land at any time, making anything that happened on Earth since Tess joined the team a complete waste of time.
Tess continues to be one of the more interesting characters, now she has settled into the role of surly bodyguard. Her two fury sisters also enter the fray, though sadly they don't have as much page time to build up much depth, being relegated to being the snake one and the sexy one.
Takeshi too is far more interesting than most of the other characters, as he continues to work through his conflicting loyalties between HTA and Ai, giving him the greatest amount of character development seen in the series.
It feels like a cop out to say that Kujiradou's art has saved the book but she has nothing new to show us as the story cycles again through arguments, concerts and Ai/fury fights as in the previous volumes.
The first book described Ai as 'searching for identity and salvation'. After three volumes it becomes clear that she could have done all of that in Ai-land and not have wasted everyone's time instead of taking a gap year to earth to find herself.
May 7, 2021
2,5 csillag
Bár ez egészen lényegtelen, de ez a nagyon kevés mangatrilógiák egyike a világban, úgyhogy ez az eredeti vége. A franchise-t mások folytatták viszont.
Hát szóval, na, ez elég gyengécske lett így a végére. Eleve inkább egy bevezetőnek tűnk az egész, ahol a nagy tanulság kezdettől az olvasó arcába van tolva. Nem igazán jól adagolja az infókat. De az nagyobb baj, hogy ez a kötet már tele volt nagy jelenetekkel. Vagy nevezzük inkább drámainak. De az nem működik, ha csak azok vannak. Egyszerűen nincs előkészítve semelyik sem, és ettől ha valamilyenné, akkor nevetségessé válik.
Olyan animét/mangát még nem nagyon láttam, ahol ne ötvöznék az egyén problémáit a társadaloméval. Na most 3 kötet erre nagyon kevés. Főleg, hogy amúgy is túl sokat akar mondani. És elég rosszul egyensúlyoz ezen belül is. Gondolok itt például arra,
Félreértés ne essék, ennek a triumvirátusnak a kezében valószínűleg ennél semmiképpen sem tudott volna jobb lenni ez a sztori. a lolita hercegnő végül is cuki volt a maga a módján, a zene hatalmát én leszek az utolsó, aki vitatja (bár az itt konkrétan megjelenő formája sem annyira jó). Egynek elment. De örülök, hogy nem volt hosszabb… ^^”
February 4, 2018
Sometimes, it's difficult to pull off an ending to a series that is fulfilling and brilliantly done, and still leave just enough loose ends to let the fans know these things will be tied up in a secondary series.
This third and final volume in the original Princess Ai trilogy does just that. We finally get a few more answers about Ai's past and what has been going on in Ai-land, we have all three Furie sisters present (with a reformed Tess at that, who'd have thought?!) and the story closes on a beautiful and powerful note. The story clearly isn't over with that ending; there's still a lot to be done but the way in which this entire volume was executed and the manner in which "emotions are powerful things" was handled was intense and just...so brilliant, as I said before.
This entire trilogy has a somewhat whimsical feeling to it, in my opinion. There's enough fantasy and intrigue to satisfy lovers of "other world" fantasy manga series, but there's also the aspect of contemporary focusing on the life of a diva. And towards the end, it's become much easier to relate to the characters and to love them. Heck, it's just easy to fall in love with the series as it is. I don't think I could be happier that I finally gave Princess Ai a chance and started collecting and reading it. Believe me, it's worth a try, even just once.
This third and final volume in the original Princess Ai trilogy does just that. We finally get a few more answers about Ai's past and what has been going on in Ai-land, we have all three Furie sisters present (with a reformed Tess at that, who'd have thought?!) and the story closes on a beautiful and powerful note. The story clearly isn't over with that ending; there's still a lot to be done but the way in which this entire volume was executed and the manner in which "emotions are powerful things" was handled was intense and just...so brilliant, as I said before.
This entire trilogy has a somewhat whimsical feeling to it, in my opinion. There's enough fantasy and intrigue to satisfy lovers of "other world" fantasy manga series, but there's also the aspect of contemporary focusing on the life of a diva. And towards the end, it's become much easier to relate to the characters and to love them. Heck, it's just easy to fall in love with the series as it is. I don't think I could be happier that I finally gave Princess Ai a chance and started collecting and reading it. Believe me, it's worth a try, even just once.
September 9, 2024
"ℍ𝕠 𝕤𝕖𝕞𝕡𝕣𝕖 𝕒𝕞𝕒𝕥𝕠 𝕝𝕒 𝕔𝕦𝕝𝕥𝕦𝕣𝕒 𝕖 𝕚𝕝 𝕡𝕠𝕡𝕠𝕝𝕠 𝕘𝕚𝕒𝕡𝕡𝕠𝕟𝕖𝕤𝕚. 𝕃𝕒 𝕡𝕣𝕚𝕟𝕔𝕚𝕡𝕖𝕤𝕤𝕒 𝔸𝕚 è 𝕦𝕟 𝕘𝕣𝕒𝕟 𝕡𝕖𝕣𝕤𝕠𝕟𝕒𝕘𝕘𝕚𝕠 𝕡𝕖𝕣𝕔𝕙é 𝕤𝕖𝕞𝕓𝕣𝕒 𝕖𝕤𝕤𝕖𝕣𝕖 𝕚𝕝 𝕞𝕚𝕠 𝕒𝕝𝕥𝕖𝕣 𝕖𝕘𝕠, 𝕞𝕒 𝕚𝕟 𝕦𝕟𝕠 𝕤𝕔𝕖𝕟𝕒𝕣𝕚𝕠 𝕗𝕒𝕟𝕥𝕒𝕤𝕪".
- ℂ𝕠𝕦𝕣𝕥𝕟𝕖𝕪 𝕃𝕠𝕧𝕖
Titolo: Princess Ai
Titolo originale: Purinsesu Ai monogatari プリンセス・アイ物語
Scritto: 2006
Tankōbon: 3 (concluso)
Edito: @jpopmanga
𝕋𝕣𝕒𝕞𝕒
Ai si ritrova sola e disorientata a Shinjuku. L’unico contatto che le ricorda la sua terra d’origine è una scatola a forma di cuore, ma, proprio poco dopo essere arrivata nel sovraffollato quartiere di Tokyo, un ladro prova a rubarle l’oggetto. Un ragazzo di nome Kent la aiuta a recuperare il prezioso cimelio e la invita nella biblioteca universitaria dove lavora; successivamente, avendo intuito la condizione delicata della ragazza, le chiede di seguirlo presso la sua stessa dimora, affinché Ai possa dormire in un’abitazione e non all’addiaccio. Da qui parte il lento percorso della principessa verso la riscoperta del suo passato e la motivazione del suo viaggio su un pianeta straniero; un viaggio costellato di disavventure e tanta musica 🎵 .
Le vibes di questo manga mi hanno colpita immediatamente, ma devo dire che la storia risulta essere un po’ trita e non porta il fattore novità. Ciononostante, rimane una lettura piacevole e scorrevole, disimpegnata, che potrà esservi di compagnia per qualche ora senza troppe pretese.
Il motivo per il quale mi sono avvicinata a questa storia è che la trama di Princess Ai risulta essere un libero adattamento della vita di Courtney Love. Il nome Ai è un chiaro riferimento alla stessa Love: la parola ai, in giapponese, significa, infatti, "amore".
È, inoltre, teoria diffusa che il personaggio di Kent, il chitarrista biondo che interviene spesso in aiuto della protagonista, sia basato su Kurt Cobain, marito scomparso della musicista e leader dei Nirvana.
La scatola a forma di cuore di Ai, il suo unico contatto con il mondo al quale appartiene al momento del suo arrivo sulla Terra, è un chiaro richiamo alla canzone dei Nirvana “Heart Shaped Box”, ispirata appunto da una "scatola a forma di cuore" che Courtney Love aveva regalato a Cobain.
All’interno del volume 1: Destitution, è contenuto il testo della canzone “Hold on to me” di Courtney Love.
Un’altra curiosità che riguarda questa mini serie è il fatto che il character design (la caratterizzazione fisica e, alle volte, psicologica dei personaggi) è stato realizzato da Ai Yazawa, non a caso, l’abbigliamento Gothic Lolita sembra essere uscito direttamente dalle pagine di Paradise Kiss!
- ℂ𝕠𝕦𝕣𝕥𝕟𝕖𝕪 𝕃𝕠𝕧𝕖
Titolo: Princess Ai
Titolo originale: Purinsesu Ai monogatari プリンセス・アイ物語
Scritto: 2006
Tankōbon: 3 (concluso)
Edito: @jpopmanga
𝕋𝕣𝕒𝕞𝕒
Ai si ritrova sola e disorientata a Shinjuku. L’unico contatto che le ricorda la sua terra d’origine è una scatola a forma di cuore, ma, proprio poco dopo essere arrivata nel sovraffollato quartiere di Tokyo, un ladro prova a rubarle l’oggetto. Un ragazzo di nome Kent la aiuta a recuperare il prezioso cimelio e la invita nella biblioteca universitaria dove lavora; successivamente, avendo intuito la condizione delicata della ragazza, le chiede di seguirlo presso la sua stessa dimora, affinché Ai possa dormire in un’abitazione e non all’addiaccio. Da qui parte il lento percorso della principessa verso la riscoperta del suo passato e la motivazione del suo viaggio su un pianeta straniero; un viaggio costellato di disavventure e tanta musica 🎵 .
Le vibes di questo manga mi hanno colpita immediatamente, ma devo dire che la storia risulta essere un po’ trita e non porta il fattore novità. Ciononostante, rimane una lettura piacevole e scorrevole, disimpegnata, che potrà esservi di compagnia per qualche ora senza troppe pretese.
Il motivo per il quale mi sono avvicinata a questa storia è che la trama di Princess Ai risulta essere un libero adattamento della vita di Courtney Love. Il nome Ai è un chiaro riferimento alla stessa Love: la parola ai, in giapponese, significa, infatti, "amore".
È, inoltre, teoria diffusa che il personaggio di Kent, il chitarrista biondo che interviene spesso in aiuto della protagonista, sia basato su Kurt Cobain, marito scomparso della musicista e leader dei Nirvana.
La scatola a forma di cuore di Ai, il suo unico contatto con il mondo al quale appartiene al momento del suo arrivo sulla Terra, è un chiaro richiamo alla canzone dei Nirvana “Heart Shaped Box”, ispirata appunto da una "scatola a forma di cuore" che Courtney Love aveva regalato a Cobain.
All’interno del volume 1: Destitution, è contenuto il testo della canzone “Hold on to me” di Courtney Love.
Un’altra curiosità che riguarda questa mini serie è il fatto che il character design (la caratterizzazione fisica e, alle volte, psicologica dei personaggi) è stato realizzato da Ai Yazawa, non a caso, l’abbigliamento Gothic Lolita sembra essere uscito direttamente dalle pagine di Paradise Kiss!
July 20, 2025
ok. hum, where to start?
when i read the synopsis of this manga series, i was not thrilled. not gonna lie. i read this because of the people who produced it and thought i would hate it. and, surprisingly, i don't think this is a bad manga series honestly. i was invested. the visuals are so good! i enjoyed the love story, the musical career, the fashion designs... however, i feel like the ending did not really solve the whole thing. so many elements are missing i feel like... the ending is just weird and i cringed... now, i appreciate that courtney love put a lot about herself on this story and ai, but i don't know if it always served the plot.
overall, a good story but not the best i read.
when i read the synopsis of this manga series, i was not thrilled. not gonna lie. i read this because of the people who produced it and thought i would hate it. and, surprisingly, i don't think this is a bad manga series honestly. i was invested. the visuals are so good! i enjoyed the love story, the musical career, the fashion designs... however, i feel like the ending did not really solve the whole thing. so many elements are missing i feel like... the ending is just weird and i cringed... now, i appreciate that courtney love put a lot about herself on this story and ai, but i don't know if it always served the plot.
overall, a good story but not the best i read.
November 1, 2022
En este tomo terminamos de comprender todo el drama de la historia y la verdad que esta muy bien resuelto.
También vamos a encontrar peleas de seres fantásticos, más que en los tomos anteriores y la verdad que es divertido de leer porque se apoya también en el humor.
Las emociones y sentimientos de Ai afectan en su música y aquí podemos ver el gran poder que tiene y como termina de despertar.
Tiene un final relativamente abierto, pero es de esos finales que te dejan con esa sensación de que esta bien que terminen así.
También vamos a encontrar peleas de seres fantásticos, más que en los tomos anteriores y la verdad que es divertido de leer porque se apoya también en el humor.
Las emociones y sentimientos de Ai afectan en su música y aquí podemos ver el gran poder que tiene y como termina de despertar.
Tiene un final relativamente abierto, pero es de esos finales que te dejan con esa sensación de que esta bien que terminen así.
October 2, 2021
This book is probably the worst. I’m serious considering not finishing it. The relationships between characters - especially between Ai and other main/side characters- makes zero sense. There’s no reasonable motive as to why they do the things they do and they just change their minds… for no fucking reason at all. I said this twice already but the art styles is the only thing that makes this book worth reading… and the only thing that’s stopping me from marking this book as DNF.
December 13, 2024
The art is absolutely gorgeous, but the story falls flat. Every character's entire life revolves around Ai, and Ai herself is barely given any character development, so none of the characters feel very three-dimensional. Again, however, the art is phenomenal, which accounts for most of the rating. The story itself is a 2.5.
June 1, 2020
Repeat review, since it applies to all 3 volumes:
This was complete garbage, obvious wish fulfillment by Courtney Love about an edgy, amazing, hot, talented otherworldly princess with a ridiculous plot and not one believable or relatable thing happening.
This was complete garbage, obvious wish fulfillment by Courtney Love about an edgy, amazing, hot, talented otherworldly princess with a ridiculous plot and not one believable or relatable thing happening.
April 7, 2019
An interesting and unique story. Illustrated well and has a suspenseful air. I hope I can read more about this story and characters!
June 22, 2019
I would like to point out the fact that pretty much all of the plot for this series lives in this last book, definitely engrossing.
November 1, 2021
Cortney Love wants Wings and Love, so far I'm pretty sure 0 for 2
November 22, 2021
Girl in fishnets cries, falls in love and saves the world in this one.
August 28, 2025
I think the story is still so good but the way it's done I really don't like. So many things seemed too much, rushed and people just talk so much and so weird.
January 1, 2026
As a whole, this series is kind of... okay? It has some interesting concepts, but goes a bit too fast to really make them hit.
February 5, 2014
This review is a review for all three books, so I have put it on the last one.
This delightful manga trilogy is about the story of a half-human princess called Ai and how her songs influence those around her. It is also about sticking with those that you care about and trusting others. The artwork and flow of this manga is also very good and the plot is easy to follow.
In the trilogy, Ai is a girl who is half-human, half-furie. Because of this, her songs have a strong and immediate effect on those hearing them. The songs can bring to the surface feelings of goodness and love or feelings of hate and anger. This aspect of the book illustrates how popular idols (such as rock stars) can influence a crowd through their actions and words. The exaggerated reactions of the characters in the book help the authors to get this message across to the reader.
Another theme in the book is trusting others and staying by their sides when things get touch. In the book, Ai deal with the fame of becoming a rock star and her friends try not to let this affect their relationships. Ai is also under attack from other furie, who are trying to capture her, which forces Ai and her friends/associates to trust one another. Ai must also learn to let her friends stay by her side, despite how dangerous this can become. Again, the authors have used these situations to help illustrate these points, which makes it that much easier for the reader to understand.
The artwork of this manga series is quite good. The book flows easily from one scene and chapter to another, making it easy for the reader to follow the plot. The pictures are also very clear; shading has being used discreetly, making the panels easy to read. The outlines of the objects and people are clearly defined and the pictures and pages are not overfilled. All of these aspects make it easier on the reader, as it allows them to better understand the plot.
The story of this manga is easy to follow. The text and thought bubbles are a good size and the script is easy to read. The plot is easy to understand because everything is clearly stated. The characters in this manga all look different, reducing the chance of one being confused with another. This helps the reader to achieve a greater understanding of the plot.
This is a delightful short manga series. One of its most appealing features is that it is only three books long and in it convers themes of influencing those around you, sticking with those that you care about and trusting others. The artwork in the series very good and helps the reader to enjoy the trilogy.
This delightful manga trilogy is about the story of a half-human princess called Ai and how her songs influence those around her. It is also about sticking with those that you care about and trusting others. The artwork and flow of this manga is also very good and the plot is easy to follow.
In the trilogy, Ai is a girl who is half-human, half-furie. Because of this, her songs have a strong and immediate effect on those hearing them. The songs can bring to the surface feelings of goodness and love or feelings of hate and anger. This aspect of the book illustrates how popular idols (such as rock stars) can influence a crowd through their actions and words. The exaggerated reactions of the characters in the book help the authors to get this message across to the reader.
Another theme in the book is trusting others and staying by their sides when things get touch. In the book, Ai deal with the fame of becoming a rock star and her friends try not to let this affect their relationships. Ai is also under attack from other furie, who are trying to capture her, which forces Ai and her friends/associates to trust one another. Ai must also learn to let her friends stay by her side, despite how dangerous this can become. Again, the authors have used these situations to help illustrate these points, which makes it that much easier for the reader to understand.
The artwork of this manga series is quite good. The book flows easily from one scene and chapter to another, making it easy for the reader to follow the plot. The pictures are also very clear; shading has being used discreetly, making the panels easy to read. The outlines of the objects and people are clearly defined and the pictures and pages are not overfilled. All of these aspects make it easier on the reader, as it allows them to better understand the plot.
The story of this manga is easy to follow. The text and thought bubbles are a good size and the script is easy to read. The plot is easy to understand because everything is clearly stated. The characters in this manga all look different, reducing the chance of one being confused with another. This helps the reader to achieve a greater understanding of the plot.
This is a delightful short manga series. One of its most appealing features is that it is only three books long and in it convers themes of influencing those around you, sticking with those that you care about and trusting others. The artwork in the series very good and helps the reader to enjoy the trilogy.
December 15, 2011
This volume wrapped up all of the issues with Ai's record company, H.T.A. in a rather... unsatisfying way. Basically, the assistant was an undercover cop and everybody gets arrested without even struggling... Somehow, I don't think that that guy really would have gone out without a fight.
Another thing that bugged me was the deaths in this volume. Jen is Ai's best friend, but they just really gloss over it. I know that Ai was having difficulties, but none of the other characters seemed to be too bummed about it. Hikaru couldn't believe she was gone, but that was pretty much it. Same with Kent's (rather short) death. Hikaru, who has been head over heels for him for a long time, just says "My dear Kent!" and then pretty much that's it. Again, the only one who really reacts is Ai. I don't think that the secondary characters are that unfeeling. I'm guessing it was due to time constraints, and trying to wrap up this part of the story without having to go into too much soul searching and stuff, but it made it seem so... disconnected and unfulfilling.
I forgot about the theme of love can solve all things, which is a bit corny, but I can't really say much, I'm still a huge fan of Sailor Moon and always will be. So I can let that slide.
As always, the art is beautiful. Absolutely loved it. The clothing that the characters wear, especially Ai's, is always beautiful with lots of details put into it. I adore it.
Overall, okay book. Great art, but wasn't thrilled with the sort of lack of character development.
Another thing that bugged me was the deaths in this volume. Jen is Ai's best friend, but they just really gloss over it. I know that Ai was having difficulties, but none of the other characters seemed to be too bummed about it. Hikaru couldn't believe she was gone, but that was pretty much it. Same with Kent's (rather short) death. Hikaru, who has been head over heels for him for a long time, just says "My dear Kent!" and then pretty much that's it. Again, the only one who really reacts is Ai. I don't think that the secondary characters are that unfeeling. I'm guessing it was due to time constraints, and trying to wrap up this part of the story without having to go into too much soul searching and stuff, but it made it seem so... disconnected and unfulfilling.
I forgot about the theme of love can solve all things, which is a bit corny, but I can't really say much, I'm still a huge fan of Sailor Moon and always will be. So I can let that slide.
As always, the art is beautiful. Absolutely loved it. The clothing that the characters wear, especially Ai's, is always beautiful with lots of details put into it. I adore it.
Overall, okay book. Great art, but wasn't thrilled with the sort of lack of character development.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 3, 2018
I absolutely adore the art of this series, and the story had so much potential but it all seems more and more rushed, especially the last book.
First off: Jen Ai's best friend dies, and Ai and Hikaru are the only ones really showing any emotions over it, the rest of the characters just don't care, Kent dies, again those two are the only ones showign any emotions whatsoever except that he magically comes back to life and Jen doesn't.
Also the ending: The evil plot of the agency is revealed, turns out that there is an undercover agent among them so they all get arrested without any fight or anything and put away, Ai finds a way to go back home and even though she is super in love with Kent she leave him behind and he doesn't really show any emotions at that and neither does she so that whole love story is negated. And I was honestly hoping to see the final fight against the king and all that but nope, the story cuts off before any action happens.
So the ending and this last book in general really screws over this whole series that had a ton of potential but it never stood a chance due to time restraints.
First off: Jen Ai's best friend dies, and Ai and Hikaru are the only ones really showing any emotions over it, the rest of the characters just don't care, Kent dies, again those two are the only ones showign any emotions whatsoever except that he magically comes back to life and Jen doesn't.
Also the ending: The evil plot of the agency is revealed, turns out that there is an undercover agent among them so they all get arrested without any fight or anything and put away, Ai finds a way to go back home and even though she is super in love with Kent she leave him behind and he doesn't really show any emotions at that and neither does she so that whole love story is negated. And I was honestly hoping to see the final fight against the king and all that but nope, the story cuts off before any action happens.
So the ending and this last book in general really screws over this whole series that had a ton of potential but it never stood a chance due to time restraints.
July 29, 2019
Ai hat mit ihrer Welttournee begonnen und hat eine der Furien nun als Bodyguard. Sie wickelt mit ihrer Art alle um den Finger und schließlich stellt sich nach dem Tod ihrer Freundin Jen heraus, dass sie eine Dougen ist - ein Dämon/Engel ... sucht euch was aus. Natürlich wird sie auch weiterhin von anderen Furien angegriffen und auch ihr Manager versucht ihr weiter den Gar auszumachen. Bei einem Konzert kommt es zum großen Showdown und ihre große Liebe Kent wird tödlich verletzt.
Ich hatte mir gedacht, wenn ich nun mal schon alle Teile besitze, kann ich es auch lesen.... das hätte ich mir wirklich sparen können, so schlechte Handlungsstränge und nicht durchdachte Figuren habe ich schon lange nicht erlebt. Es ist einfach nur stumpf und dumm und macht so gar keinen Spaß beim lesen. Das ist wirklich schade. Die Klamotten sind zeichnerisch so überkanditelt, dass man gar nicht richtig hingucken mag und die Art, wie der Charakter der Ai dargestellt wird, ist einfach nur unsympathisch. Absolut daneben und nicht empfehlenswert. Ich ärger mich richtig, dass ich es wirklich bis zum Schluss gelesen habe. Schade um die Zeit.
Ich hatte mir gedacht, wenn ich nun mal schon alle Teile besitze, kann ich es auch lesen.... das hätte ich mir wirklich sparen können, so schlechte Handlungsstränge und nicht durchdachte Figuren habe ich schon lange nicht erlebt. Es ist einfach nur stumpf und dumm und macht so gar keinen Spaß beim lesen. Das ist wirklich schade. Die Klamotten sind zeichnerisch so überkanditelt, dass man gar nicht richtig hingucken mag und die Art, wie der Charakter der Ai dargestellt wird, ist einfach nur unsympathisch. Absolut daneben und nicht empfehlenswert. Ich ärger mich richtig, dass ich es wirklich bis zum Schluss gelesen habe. Schade um die Zeit.
May 16, 2015
I loved the art and character design of this manga, especially the alternative outfits of the main character, however that is really all I can say positively about this series. The plot of contrived and difficult to follow. The writing was mediocre. As some other reviewers have mentioned, the series seems like a fantasy for Courtney Love; clearly Princess Ai (Ai is love in Japanese) is supposed to be based on her. Ai is a character who's music has power. She is also the savior to her people, supposedly, though we never see a real conclusion at the end of the trilogy. It leaves the reader hanging. Overall, this series is a quick read, but may be more worth flipping through to see the outfits than actually read.
December 22, 2013
The final volume of princess Ai's journey of self discovery is packed with action, adventure, and love as Ai travels the world and then returns to Tokyo for a final concert. Many of her memories return, but Ai still doesn't know everything - specifically about her mother, who might be a Dougen. At the finale Ai must choose between her love for the human world and her duty to continue the revolution in Ai-land, and hard as it may be for her to leave Kent she makes the choice to complete her journey. What is next for princess Ai? We can be assure that whatever lies in her path she will meet with the same tenacity and understanding with which she met her challenges on earth.
October 7, 2013
2010 bookcrossing journal:
I don't think I really suffered from not having read the middle book in this trilogy. It wasn't overly complicated a plot, plus there was a couple of pages of written re cap at the start of this book to cover what I'd missed.
It's more of the same, with a kind of cutesy, goth-rock teenage look on the world with lots of bondage costumes. Princess Ai is now a mega rockstar, internationally renowed, and still trying to figure out who she is and what she's got to do. She eventually gets there.
I don't think I really suffered from not having read the middle book in this trilogy. It wasn't overly complicated a plot, plus there was a couple of pages of written re cap at the start of this book to cover what I'd missed.
It's more of the same, with a kind of cutesy, goth-rock teenage look on the world with lots of bondage costumes. Princess Ai is now a mega rockstar, internationally renowed, and still trying to figure out who she is and what she's got to do. She eventually gets there.
January 19, 2014
If you can get past the fact that this is pretty much Courtney Love's alter-ego and fantasy life, then it's a pretty good read. I really enjoyed the artwork and the story was fast paced enough to keep me interested. There were a few things which were glossed over, particularly the loss of her best friend. Even though the story ended when it should have done (I can't stand long, drawn out endings) I'd love to see more of this series.
September 16, 2017
This story is about losing loved ones, sadness, anger, light and happiness. Princess Ai was very sad when Kent died protecting her. She becomes sad, resented with anger. She then realizes that she doesn't want to be a destroyer. " I'm not...can't be...a destroyer!" "I want to be someone...who creates...and nurtures...LOVES!" Her wings grow bigger and the whole stadium lights up. Ai is very happy when Kent wakes up.
What a epic finish to the great trilogy of Princess Ai
What a epic finish to the great trilogy of Princess Ai
March 20, 2016
Costume design was actually pretty good in this volume, and I enjoyed the climax scene where her wings really unfurl.
Beyond that, the Ai-Land scenes were muddled, we still didn't have a clear idea of who/what Ai was like before crash landing to Tokyo, and Princess Ai is still perfect at everything she does, unless she gets angry, then her emotions infect everyone around her because she's special.
The art style is still gorgeous, so it has that going for it.
Beyond that, the Ai-Land scenes were muddled, we still didn't have a clear idea of who/what Ai was like before crash landing to Tokyo, and Princess Ai is still perfect at everything she does, unless she gets angry, then her emotions infect everyone around her because she's special.
The art style is still gorgeous, so it has that going for it.
December 8, 2018
Remember that OC you had when you were 12?
That beautiful girl who everyone loved, even though she acted like a huge jerk to everyone? That girl who "wasn't like the other girls"? The one who dressed "special" and may or may not be an angel, demon, and a vampire? That one OC you're probably laughing at nowadays because of how bad of a character she was?
Well, this manga series is about that one OC.
That beautiful girl who everyone loved, even though she acted like a huge jerk to everyone? That girl who "wasn't like the other girls"? The one who dressed "special" and may or may not be an angel, demon, and a vampire? That one OC you're probably laughing at nowadays because of how bad of a character she was?
Well, this manga series is about that one OC.
October 11, 2015
I wanted to hold off on reviewing this until I finished the series...I read this book for my Ladies Comic Book Club, and I have to say - I just really disliked it. The plot could have been interesting, with the different races and dimensions, but the writers sacrificed plot development in lieu of romance.
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