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Paradise Kiss [パラダイス・キス] #5
Paradise Kiss, Tom 5
Though Yukari never expected it, she is now the new model for the student-clothing label, Paradise Kiss, and part of the fashion world. Her parents didn't expect it either — in fact, they forbid it. But Yukari continues to see her fashion friends and gets kicked out of her house! Now she needs a place to live, but is not about shack up with George, the designer she just started seeing. Yukari will have to grow up fast if she's going to live alone.
200 pages, Paperback
First published August 30, 2003
22 people are currently reading
1151 people want to read
About the author
Ai Yazawa
286 books3,048 followersAi Yazawa (Japanese: 矢沢あい, Yazawa Ai) is a Japanese manga author and illustrator. Her pen name comes from singer Eikichi Yazawa, of whom she is a fan.
Yazawa started her comics career in 1985. She specialises in shojo manga (girls' comics). Most of her works have been serialised in the magazines 'Ribon', 'Cookie' and 'Zipper'.
Yazawa's stories focus on young, often rebellious women and their relationships. The characters are always very stylish, and Yazawa herself is known for her sense of fashion. (She even attended a fashion school for some time after high school.)
Among her most famous manga are Tenshi Nanka Ja Nai (I'm No Angel, 1992–1995), Neighborhood Story (1995-1998), Paradise Kiss (1999-2004), and Nana (2000-2009), the latter awarded a Shogakukan Manga Award in 2003. Some of these works have been adapted into anime and live action movies.
Yazawa started her comics career in 1985. She specialises in shojo manga (girls' comics). Most of her works have been serialised in the magazines 'Ribon', 'Cookie' and 'Zipper'.
Yazawa's stories focus on young, often rebellious women and their relationships. The characters are always very stylish, and Yazawa herself is known for her sense of fashion. (She even attended a fashion school for some time after high school.)
Among her most famous manga are Tenshi Nanka Ja Nai (I'm No Angel, 1992–1995), Neighborhood Story (1995-1998), Paradise Kiss (1999-2004), and Nana (2000-2009), the latter awarded a Shogakukan Manga Award in 2003. Some of these works have been adapted into anime and live action movies.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 338 reviews
October 21, 2014
*REVIEW FOR ENTIRE SERIES* *QUITE SPOILER-Y*
I first read this series in my teens. Now I'm 22. I still often get a craving to read manga. Particularly romance manga. There's something about it that makes it a romance genre in itself. I wasn't expecting to love this series the same way I loved it when I was young. I did love it. But my responses were not really the same.
When I finished this book in my youth, I put it down with tears streaming down my face. I was so, so, incredibly upset that But now, I appreciate that element more than I can express. It's so refreshing to read something where the male love interest's behaviour isn't...romantic. And though it may romanticised, I think there is line drawn concerning what is acceptable and what isn't. I love George. Though he is flawed and then some. Yukari is too, though.
Which brings us to why I like this series so much: it is actually a realistic portrayal of a young woman's experiences with love. Yukari is overwhelmed by George. She thinks about him constantly. She thinks about how to meet his approval. This doesn't make her weak - it makes her human. George wants a strong-willed woman who is driven towards making her dreams and goals a reality. In pushing herself to be this way, for him, however, does she lose that strong will? Yukari eventually concludes that she did everything for herself Which is true - her journey eventually becomes one of self-discovery. But there is also nothing wrong with being influenced by the people she cares about, and trying to please those you love. The problem, however, came from the fact that Yukari felt she could not emotionally open up to George and share her fears, doubts and worries. Despite saying 'I'll listen' in the very first volume, before their complicated relationship developed, he never made her feel like he was there for her. Yukari was George's muse, which is probably why he didn't want to interfere so much. He kept a certain sense of artistic distance. Did they truly love each other? Of course, sure. But sometimes, a great, all-consuming love cannot work out. The love is there, electric and dangerous and mystifying. But something is wrong. This leaves the lovers torn between staying caught up in something that is beautiful, but bristling with thorns, or leaving each other for good and forever. This is an important version of love and of relationships to explore. Difficult personalities, complicated feelings. I think Ai Yazawa captures perfectly that feeling of waiting desperately for someone to call, or counting down the minutes until you can see them again, only for it to turn sour. The old whip and candy scenario, as they describe it.
Moving away from the relationship at the heart of Paradise Kiss, the wider story concerns fashion and, in particular, a fashion show. Paradise Kiss looks amazing. The art is crisp and detailed and unique. The clothes are beautiful and varied - high couture, punk and Victoriana are all presented. It is truly wonderful to look at.bThe story concerns making a dress for the school fashion show and potentially winning the grand prize. It is a task that both Yukari and we, the reader, get completely swept up in. The dress created for the fashion show, in the end, is breathtaking. You feel amazed the Paradise Kiss kids managed to pull it all together. There is a deep sense of connection between the characters and the clothes. They feel important and full of feeling.
I first read this series in my teens. Now I'm 22. I still often get a craving to read manga. Particularly romance manga. There's something about it that makes it a romance genre in itself. I wasn't expecting to love this series the same way I loved it when I was young. I did love it. But my responses were not really the same.
When I finished this book in my youth, I put it down with tears streaming down my face. I was so, so, incredibly upset that But now, I appreciate that element more than I can express. It's so refreshing to read something where the male love interest's behaviour isn't...romantic. And though it may romanticised, I think there is line drawn concerning what is acceptable and what isn't. I love George. Though he is flawed and then some. Yukari is too, though.
Which brings us to why I like this series so much: it is actually a realistic portrayal of a young woman's experiences with love. Yukari is overwhelmed by George. She thinks about him constantly. She thinks about how to meet his approval. This doesn't make her weak - it makes her human. George wants a strong-willed woman who is driven towards making her dreams and goals a reality. In pushing herself to be this way, for him, however, does she lose that strong will? Yukari eventually concludes that she did everything for herself Which is true - her journey eventually becomes one of self-discovery. But there is also nothing wrong with being influenced by the people she cares about, and trying to please those you love. The problem, however, came from the fact that Yukari felt she could not emotionally open up to George and share her fears, doubts and worries. Despite saying 'I'll listen' in the very first volume, before their complicated relationship developed, he never made her feel like he was there for her. Yukari was George's muse, which is probably why he didn't want to interfere so much. He kept a certain sense of artistic distance. Did they truly love each other? Of course, sure. But sometimes, a great, all-consuming love cannot work out. The love is there, electric and dangerous and mystifying. But something is wrong. This leaves the lovers torn between staying caught up in something that is beautiful, but bristling with thorns, or leaving each other for good and forever. This is an important version of love and of relationships to explore. Difficult personalities, complicated feelings. I think Ai Yazawa captures perfectly that feeling of waiting desperately for someone to call, or counting down the minutes until you can see them again, only for it to turn sour. The old whip and candy scenario, as they describe it.
Moving away from the relationship at the heart of Paradise Kiss, the wider story concerns fashion and, in particular, a fashion show. Paradise Kiss looks amazing. The art is crisp and detailed and unique. The clothes are beautiful and varied - high couture, punk and Victoriana are all presented. It is truly wonderful to look at.bThe story concerns making a dress for the school fashion show and potentially winning the grand prize. It is a task that both Yukari and we, the reader, get completely swept up in. The dress created for the fashion show, in the end, is breathtaking. You feel amazed the Paradise Kiss kids managed to pull it all together. There is a deep sense of connection between the characters and the clothes. They feel important and full of feeling.
June 25, 2019
Actual Rating: 3.5 Stars
So I actually read this entire series in the last two months, and while I added all 5 volumes to my read shelf I didn’t want it to count as 5 books toward any of my reading goal for this year seeing as they are all rather short graphic novels. So, I’ve added my thoughts and a date to only this final installment in the series.
This is a cute romance with a fun main cast of characters & a really beautiful art style. I think, however, it would’ve appealed to me a bit more back when I was in middle school. It falls into the same category as Furuba & Nana so if you’re a fan of those manga this one will probably be a great pick for you!
So I actually read this entire series in the last two months, and while I added all 5 volumes to my read shelf I didn’t want it to count as 5 books toward any of my reading goal for this year seeing as they are all rather short graphic novels. So, I’ve added my thoughts and a date to only this final installment in the series.
This is a cute romance with a fun main cast of characters & a really beautiful art style. I think, however, it would’ve appealed to me a bit more back when I was in middle school. It falls into the same category as Furuba & Nana so if you’re a fan of those manga this one will probably be a great pick for you!
September 9, 2021
"Toda persona exitosa estuvo solamente soñando alguna vez. No vas a lograr nada a menos que creas en tu talento."
SÍ al final de esta historia. Me tuvo en ascuas hasta las últimas páginas y para mi gusto no pudo tener un mejor desenlace. Qué buen desarrollo de historias y personajes.
Me quedé pensando en que y eso de algún modo hizo que me guste aún más, por ser diferente.
Pero quiero sacarme del sistema el mayor WTF de esta historia, que pasó bastante desapercibido me parece, y que me resultó como un golpe a los dientes: . Todavía no se por qué la autora hizo tal cosa, quizás para mostrar que
Por otro lado, y volviendo a lo central, me encantó que
Se que Yazawa ya no escribe... pero me gustaría algún día saber qué pasó con la vida de los personajes de Paradise Kiss unos años después. Aunque sea como cameo en otro manga.
Me encantó realmente, pasé por todas las emociones posibles leyendolo, y lo disfruté (y entendí) mucho más ahora que en la primer lectura.
SÍ al final de esta historia. Me tuvo en ascuas hasta las últimas páginas y para mi gusto no pudo tener un mejor desenlace. Qué buen desarrollo de historias y personajes.
Me quedé pensando en que y eso de algún modo hizo que me guste aún más, por ser diferente.
Pero quiero sacarme del sistema el mayor WTF de esta historia, que pasó bastante desapercibido me parece, y que me resultó como un golpe a los dientes: . Todavía no se por qué la autora hizo tal cosa, quizás para mostrar que
Por otro lado, y volviendo a lo central, me encantó que
Se que Yazawa ya no escribe... pero me gustaría algún día saber qué pasó con la vida de los personajes de Paradise Kiss unos años después. Aunque sea como cameo en otro manga.
Me encantó realmente, pasé por todas las emociones posibles leyendolo, y lo disfruté (y entendí) mucho más ahora que en la primer lectura.
August 11, 2023
“I’m not going to lose. No matter how hard it is, I’m not going to run away. Watch me use this hand and capture the future!”
What I really love about Ai Yazawa is how her characters go through really challenging times, and often make mistakes (as all humans do), but in the end always make hard, right choices for themselves and take responsibility for their actions. No matter how young and inexperienced they are at the beginning, their character development is always on point and even after jaw-dropping events and revelations, they always manage to pick themselves up and continue walking. I admire their strength, even in the most child-like, soft ones.
Paradise Kiss has been a solid 4 star read for me, end even if I felt like the story was a bit rushed (I think it's understandable, since it's only 5 volumes) and there was a bit of insta-romance, I'm absolutely in love with the author's art and couldn't keep my eyes off the page. The fouth-wall breaks were a bit too much for me, but luckily they started getting less and less as the volumes went on. I especially loved the more spacious pages, some of them were a bit crowded with writing and because of the author's detailed art-style, could feel a bit overwhelming. Overall, another immersive read by the author of one of my favourite mangas of all time, which I recently re-read and got me started on an Ai Yazawa frenzy <3
February 4, 2020
That was literally the last thing I would expect of the ending of this series, but it definitely was the right choice, even if it hurts.
January 29, 2018
Böyle manga sonu mu olur ya kalbim çok kırıldı :’(
November 27, 2021
I was really satisfied with how things ended between the main characters. Since the beginning I was not a fan of George. He was manipulative and cold to the heroine and made her insecure and doubt her self worth. Hiro was secure, reliable and very level headed and for the heroine to end up with him made sense in a realistic way. A whirlwind, all consuming romance feels ecstatic for a short period of time but rarely ever ends well. Those type of romances make up for a very good story but are never realistic.
Ai Yazawa's reastic take on romance and emotional storytelling makes her one of my top mangaka. Her art style is beautiful, her characters are always stylish and multi dimensional. With that being said, while I know that this manga was released 20 years ago, I did not like the romanticization of abuse and sexual assault in one of the side relationships. It was glossed over so callously (even though the character is shown as feeling guilty I didn't think it was enough) and left a bad taste in my mouth.
Ai Yazawa's reastic take on romance and emotional storytelling makes her one of my top mangaka. Her art style is beautiful, her characters are always stylish and multi dimensional. With that being said, while I know that this manga was released 20 years ago, I did not like the romanticization of abuse and sexual assault in one of the side relationships. It was glossed over so callously (even though the character is shown as feeling guilty I didn't think it was enough) and left a bad taste in my mouth.
February 23, 2025
5 stars ⭐
⤷ mini spoilery review!! ⋆౨ৎ˚⟡˖ ࣪
ˏˋ°•*⁀➷ my thoughts
oh, this manga series was so good. i eat up anything ai yazawa writes 🤌🏻🤌🏻🤌🏻
ˏˋ°•*⁀➷ characters
yukari was so relatable, and she was literally born to be a model 🤩 george, on the other hand, was INFURIATING. his hot and cold behaviour and manipulation was maddening. he knew exactly how to string people along, and it made perfect sense why yukari got swept up in it. the way he kept sending her mixed signals—telling her to do whatever she wanted while subtly pushing her toward his own desires and questioning her choices—was so aggravating. my heart broke a little when he gave her the keys to the storage room filled with his treasured designs, but their breakup was for the best, and she made the right call by not following him to paris. she deserved so much better, and i’m glad she ended up with tokumori (ILY TOKUMORI)!!!!! that said, the ending felt super rushed :( i really wish we got to see more of her and tokumori’s relationship instead of just a time skip T~T
also, yukari’s mom was A BITCH, and no one can convince me otherwise.
miwako was an absolute sweetheart, and i adored her friendship with yukari 🥹 i wish the manga had delved deeper into her relationship with tokumori and arashi, and given us more of isabella’s backstory too :(
ˏˋ°•*⁀➷ overall
i loved this series and can’t wait to watch the anime adaptation <3
⤷ mini spoilery review!! ⋆౨ৎ˚⟡˖ ࣪
ˏˋ°•*⁀➷ my thoughts
oh, this manga series was so good. i eat up anything ai yazawa writes 🤌🏻🤌🏻🤌🏻
ˏˋ°•*⁀➷ characters
yukari was so relatable, and she was literally born to be a model 🤩 george, on the other hand, was INFURIATING. his hot and cold behaviour and manipulation was maddening. he knew exactly how to string people along, and it made perfect sense why yukari got swept up in it. the way he kept sending her mixed signals—telling her to do whatever she wanted while subtly pushing her toward his own desires and questioning her choices—was so aggravating. my heart broke a little when he gave her the keys to the storage room filled with his treasured designs, but their breakup was for the best, and she made the right call by not following him to paris. she deserved so much better, and i’m glad she ended up with tokumori (ILY TOKUMORI)!!!!! that said, the ending felt super rushed :( i really wish we got to see more of her and tokumori’s relationship instead of just a time skip T~T
also, yukari’s mom was A BITCH, and no one can convince me otherwise.
miwako was an absolute sweetheart, and i adored her friendship with yukari 🥹 i wish the manga had delved deeper into her relationship with tokumori and arashi, and given us more of isabella’s backstory too :(
ˏˋ°•*⁀➷ overall
i loved this series and can’t wait to watch the anime adaptation <3
March 13, 2024
PARADISE KISS n. 5
Ecco lo sapevo. Ma perché??? Perchè???perchè??? Bello struggente ma no,non doveva finir così. No no no e no.uff Yazawa sei stata cattiva. Ho adorato ogni pagina, ogni riga, ogni immagine di questo manga e tu mi ripaghi così??? Si ti ho capita, ho capito cosa hai voluto trasmettermi, che Joji è Yukari e il loro amore ha cambiato la vita di entrambi pur non essendo destinati a stare insieme si sono amati fino alla fine. ma, ma ci sono rimasta male lo stesso. No. No. No. No. Non è giusto...uff!!!
Soprattutto non con Hiro. NO!
In ogni caso manga stupendo. Grazie Yazawa per avermi come al solito regalato momenti indimenticabili.
la Yazawa si riconferma una delle mie mangake preferite. Solo lei riesce a farmi sognare in questo modo. A farmi tornare adolescente e a struggermi così. Riesce a trasmettermi emozioni che a volte nemmeno un libro di 600 pagine ci riesce.
Ecco lo sapevo. Ma perché??? Perchè???perchè??? Bello struggente ma no,non doveva finir così. No no no e no.uff Yazawa sei stata cattiva. Ho adorato ogni pagina, ogni riga, ogni immagine di questo manga e tu mi ripaghi così??? Si ti ho capita, ho capito cosa hai voluto trasmettermi, che Joji è Yukari e il loro amore ha cambiato la vita di entrambi pur non essendo destinati a stare insieme si sono amati fino alla fine. ma, ma ci sono rimasta male lo stesso. No. No. No. No. Non è giusto...uff!!!
Soprattutto non con Hiro. NO!
In ogni caso manga stupendo. Grazie Yazawa per avermi come al solito regalato momenti indimenticabili.
la Yazawa si riconferma una delle mie mangake preferite. Solo lei riesce a farmi sognare in questo modo. A farmi tornare adolescente e a struggermi così. Riesce a trasmettermi emozioni che a volte nemmeno un libro di 600 pagine ci riesce.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 29, 2023
A ver besties, tenemos que hablar porque tengo que sacarme esto de adentro HAHAH.
El desarrollo de personaje que muestra Yukari me pareció hermoso, el cómo decide empezar a tomar desiciones por ella y para su propio futuro, es BUUUM.
La relación que mantuvo con George fue totalmente idealizada por ambos personajes, por lo que en consecuencia, crearon algo sumamente tóxico e insano. Que me disgustaba a lo largo de todos los tomos jaja.
Ame el final, Yukari queda como la diosa que es en la industria y decide casarse con el único hombre que vale la pena en todo Paradise Kiss, EL ÚNICO.
Además, tanto Arashi como George son unos cerdos asquerosos (soy tan hater de estos dos jajaja).
El desarrollo de personaje que muestra Yukari me pareció hermoso, el cómo decide empezar a tomar desiciones por ella y para su propio futuro, es BUUUM.
La relación que mantuvo con George fue totalmente idealizada por ambos personajes, por lo que en consecuencia, crearon algo sumamente tóxico e insano. Que me disgustaba a lo largo de todos los tomos jaja.
Ame el final, Yukari queda como la diosa que es en la industria y decide casarse con el único hombre que vale la pena en todo Paradise Kiss, EL ÚNICO.
Además, tanto Arashi como George son unos cerdos asquerosos (soy tan hater de estos dos jajaja).
August 11, 2022
Empezado y terminado en una sentada, acepto que fue muy adictivo, y el tomo anterior terminó muy cortado, no pude dejarlo pendiente.
Pues en este último tomo vaya que sí se cierran las cosas, estoy satisfecha con el final que nos presentó la autora, si bien no lo convierte en uno de mis favoritos (el manga en general), sí se me hizo una experiencia bonita e inspiradora.
Estoy contenta con leer este manga.
Pues en este último tomo vaya que sí se cierran las cosas, estoy satisfecha con el final que nos presentó la autora, si bien no lo convierte en uno de mis favoritos (el manga en general), sí se me hizo una experiencia bonita e inspiradora.
Estoy contenta con leer este manga.
September 21, 2010
I agree completely with other reviews I have read. This manga series was amazing and I have fallen head over hills in love the Ai Yazawa's amazing mangas! The ending was bittersweet. I'm stealing that word from another review, but it fits perfectly. We did get a Happily Ever After of sorts, but it's not typical and not what you would expect. The story is a coming of age and it's very rare that our first love is the one that stays. I'm happy that Caroline (for some reason I can only remember her Parakiss nickname right now) had George to introduce her to a new world which ultimately helped her find herself and what she was truly passionate about. Although he could be very harsh because of his bluntness, I believe that he truly did love her and even if they were not meant to be, the relationship was critical to shape both of their lives. I think the man that Caroline ends up with (her first crush) will give her what she needs as a person who now knows what she wants...He was supportive and always looking after her best interests in the series without petty jealousy when she was with George, even though he had feelings for her. So, even if we wanted George and Caroline to work, it probably would have ended so much worse if they tried to force it. The other characters were so endearing, you just want to be friends with them too.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 22, 2025
Podoba mi się ogólna konkluzja - pewne rzeczy są po to, aby ruszyć dalszą serię wydarzeń; pewne osoby są po to, aby w danym momencie dodać nam sił, a potem drogi naturalnie się rozchodzą. To dobra manga, ale nie wybitna. To nie Yazawa w swoim peaku.
August 8, 2022
PAIN... I really love this manga a lot
January 6, 2025
bon bon bon
July 25, 2025
Que buen final por dios, un poco agridulce, pero así es la vida. Lo que más me ha gustado de todo es que Yukari acabe casándose con el chico que le gustaba al principio, que le quiere bien. Esta guay que en el final te digan que pasa con Arashi y Miwako también, pero Ai Yazawa decide dejar en el misterio lo que pasa con George y Isabella. Menos mal que no es un final trágico, me habría dado mucha pena porque después de tanto esfuerzo por seguir adelante y cumplir sus sueños, Yukari merecía algo feliz.
October 5, 2024
nie wiem czy się cieszyć czy płakać…
January 9, 2022
Ahhh I love this ending
December 25, 2022
the ending for this story is DRY. all of that to happen just for it to end like THAT.
its like this story is a bunch of bad shit happening (which is good for the storytelling) but in the end it all felt incomplete. i love this story overall, i love it will all my heart, but this was exactly how i felt when i finished reading the scott pilgrim comics. the ending was very much simple. and simple is not what this series gave at all. you have all this chaos for it to end on a quiet and kinda flat note.
some people may think the ending was great, but i just couldn't with it because of how over the top the story is. the simple ending just wasn't satisfying for me.
don't let my review of the last book discourage you from the series as a whole, cause it truly is amazing. you may even like the ending more than i did. aside from the way it goes out, the art is just so beautiful.
its like this story is a bunch of bad shit happening (which is good for the storytelling) but in the end it all felt incomplete. i love this story overall, i love it will all my heart, but this was exactly how i felt when i finished reading the scott pilgrim comics. the ending was very much simple. and simple is not what this series gave at all. you have all this chaos for it to end on a quiet and kinda flat note.
some people may think the ending was great, but i just couldn't with it because of how over the top the story is. the simple ending just wasn't satisfying for me.
don't let my review of the last book discourage you from the series as a whole, cause it truly is amazing. you may even like the ending more than i did. aside from the way it goes out, the art is just so beautiful.
August 28, 2019
Underwhelming conclusion and rather underwhelming manga series overall, unfortunately.
In the middle of this volume we learn that Arashi had raped Miwako but it was all swept under the rag... I am upset.
The romantic plotline between Caroline and George was realistic, but I haven’t enjoyed their particular brand of messy.
Also Isabella, why we haven’t learnt anything of significance about her?! I am upset
In the middle of this volume we learn that Arashi had raped Miwako but it was all swept under the rag... I am upset.
The romantic plotline between Caroline and George was realistic, but I haven’t enjoyed their particular brand of messy.
Also Isabella, why we haven’t learnt anything of significance about her?! I am upset
not-my-cup-of-tea
November 12, 2020I would have read it but glad I didn't. Thanks for the spoiler that I always check before reading anything most of the time.
The guy heroine ends up with is the most unfortunate guy. He DESERVES better.
Also one of the side character was raped by her boyfriend prior to their relationship, i mean they were friends and he raped her thats how they started the relationship and that guy just got away with it?
The guy heroine ends up with is the most unfortunate guy. He DESERVES better.
Also one of the side character was raped by her boyfriend prior to their relationship, i mean they were friends and he raped her thats how they started the relationship and that guy just got away with it?
January 29, 2019
This ended perfectly. The series started strong, took a dip in the middle but then rebounded and finished strong. Overall I'd give the series a solid 4. Artwork is a 5+++++. The art is so beautiful that even if you weren't reading it, just flipping through and looking at the pictures would be fun.
February 19, 2023
AHHH HEART BROKEN AGAIN. I watched the anime of this and cried and I’ve put myself through that pain X3 reading it. But wow I loved it. This review will cover all 5 volumes of the manga rather than reviewing each volume individually.
I’ve never read anything that is so appreciative of the hard work that goes into the arts, this manga focuses on fashion designing and modelling, fashion is something that’s really key to Ai Yazawas work and her knowledge on the subject shines through exponentially in this story.
I think it’s really interesting how Yazawa interweaves such strong messages behind her mangas, and the endings especially really snap the reader back to reality. The main message behind this story being that you need to find something you are passionate about and enjoy and chase that dream because wondering through life aimlessly, only maintaining success to please others will make you unhappy and miserable. And not letting your attachments prevent you from following those dreams is really important, you have to be independent to an extent and not let your life be swayed by fear of failure.
This story also has lots of lgbtq themes that I think the author handles really well especially for a manga that came out from 1999-2003, where a lot of manga and anime even nowadays fails in this area horrendously, Yazawas representation felt realistic yet respectful.
The authors art style is so beautiful and conveys the complexity of the fashion designs the characters are creating and wearing so well. Yazawas art style is what initially drew me to her work, she creates stunning character design, and even side characters don’t lack detail. Her punk influence shines through in all of her work and the obvious preference for alternative stylisation is something I adore and even gives me style inspiration for my own outfits.
Overall I think this is definitely one of my favourite mangas ever, the balance between the fashion and romance was amazing and kept me engaged in the story constantly. And I would definitely recommend to people even who haven’t read manga before, as I think the art style makes it very visually appealing even those unfamiliar with the medium and the story line is a great dramatic romance with a lot of fashion and school life.
I’ve never read anything that is so appreciative of the hard work that goes into the arts, this manga focuses on fashion designing and modelling, fashion is something that’s really key to Ai Yazawas work and her knowledge on the subject shines through exponentially in this story.
I think it’s really interesting how Yazawa interweaves such strong messages behind her mangas, and the endings especially really snap the reader back to reality. The main message behind this story being that you need to find something you are passionate about and enjoy and chase that dream because wondering through life aimlessly, only maintaining success to please others will make you unhappy and miserable. And not letting your attachments prevent you from following those dreams is really important, you have to be independent to an extent and not let your life be swayed by fear of failure.
This story also has lots of lgbtq themes that I think the author handles really well especially for a manga that came out from 1999-2003, where a lot of manga and anime even nowadays fails in this area horrendously, Yazawas representation felt realistic yet respectful.
The authors art style is so beautiful and conveys the complexity of the fashion designs the characters are creating and wearing so well. Yazawas art style is what initially drew me to her work, she creates stunning character design, and even side characters don’t lack detail. Her punk influence shines through in all of her work and the obvious preference for alternative stylisation is something I adore and even gives me style inspiration for my own outfits.
Overall I think this is definitely one of my favourite mangas ever, the balance between the fashion and romance was amazing and kept me engaged in the story constantly. And I would definitely recommend to people even who haven’t read manga before, as I think the art style makes it very visually appealing even those unfamiliar with the medium and the story line is a great dramatic romance with a lot of fashion and school life.
September 4, 2021
Manga recomendado: ‘’Paradise Kiss’’, de Ai Yazawa. Editorial Ivrea, 5 tomos. LGBT, moda, relaciones varias, juvenil…
Este manga me lo hizo descubrir mi hermano: una deuda pagada, porque yo le hice descubrir la saga de películas de Bourne…
Al principio no creí que me gustara, y todavía no entiendo el porqué… Su dibujo es precioso, adulto y estilizado. También es monísimo… Detallado y emocionante…
Y su historia, adornada entre telas de fantasía, brillante maquillaje, plumas y pasarelas, va de las presiones que tienen los estudiantes; las ilusiones varias como el amor, que puede presionar también, así como la presión que te puede provocar un vestido increíble, pero apretado ;) Va sobre crecer en muchos aspectos, darse cuenta de que tenemos derecho a equivocarnos y a aprender y corregir: como coser y poner botones… Va sobre oportunidades y sentimientos en verdad multicolor, como sus personajes.
Un taller de aprendizaje precioso ^^
Este manga me lo hizo descubrir mi hermano: una deuda pagada, porque yo le hice descubrir la saga de películas de Bourne…
Al principio no creí que me gustara, y todavía no entiendo el porqué… Su dibujo es precioso, adulto y estilizado. También es monísimo… Detallado y emocionante…
Y su historia, adornada entre telas de fantasía, brillante maquillaje, plumas y pasarelas, va de las presiones que tienen los estudiantes; las ilusiones varias como el amor, que puede presionar también, así como la presión que te puede provocar un vestido increíble, pero apretado ;) Va sobre crecer en muchos aspectos, darse cuenta de que tenemos derecho a equivocarnos y a aprender y corregir: como coser y poner botones… Va sobre oportunidades y sentimientos en verdad multicolor, como sus personajes.
Un taller de aprendizaje precioso ^^
May 24, 2023
Leí los primeros cuatro tomos en un mes y cosas de la vida leo el quinto y final dos meses después.
Algo alejado ya de la obra y sus personajes, no me llegó el plus sentimental.
Sí puedo decir que es un final inesperado y que es feliz para sus protagonistas.
El dibujo es maravilloso pero algunas secuencias no me parecieron fluidas.
Algo alejado ya de la obra y sus personajes, no me llegó el plus sentimental.
Sí puedo decir que es un final inesperado y que es feliz para sus protagonistas.
El dibujo es maravilloso pero algunas secuencias no me parecieron fluidas.
March 21, 2024
if i were a little more messed up the rating would be better
October 24, 2024
“apparently, it’s a comedy but i’ll probably cry“ 3
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 17, 2024
to był największy rollercoaster na świecie. mega mi się nie podoba że tyle przemocowych psychicznie, fizycznie i seksualnie zachowań pozostało unaddressed. kolejny ai yazawa masterpiece tho🤞
March 19, 2010
How intense was this series! I'm definitely a fan of Yazawa, all she does are masterpieces.
I loved Parakiss, especially for being so clever and complex and subtle and fun at the same time, it was so so enjoyable to read!
Even though the first volume didn't hook me completely, after the second one I was totally craving for more, despite not liking some of the characters. There's something in George that I ddn't like till the end, perhaps that he's so abusive and rude with Yukari, who's only a child in her first love. But then watching his mother and his father, you totally understand. I'm glad he pursued his dream hard enough and didn't stay as a hairdresser if that wasn't his true dream.
And I was glad that Caroline ended up going out with Hiro, he's such a great and understanding guy, and they both have suffered so much, they deserve a loving person by their sides. Yuraki really does grow up during the series, from being a childish annoying girl going to and fro directionless, just doing everything George tells her to do and being frustrated because he doesn't do the same, to become a real woman, sure of what she wants and who she is,
Miwako is also a sweet, remarkable character. She's so sweet and innocent, but actually not quite. She might be sad, but she will smile so that the others are happy. She's such a good person, and puts up with too much crap from Arashi, in my opinion. I'm sad that she finally chose him despite his bad things (which for me, were too bad; I wouldn't stand a relationship like that, really). At least Arashi seemed a bit guilty for what he did to her (poor Miwako, really!) and finally let her talk again to Hiro (his abusive behaviour towards her made me sooo angry! i would've killed him!). But it seems like verything turned out okay, doesn't it? Anyway, she reminds me so much of a friend of mine, always worrying aboyt other people's welfare and trying that everyone is happy even though that stresses her out completely! Arashi should realize how good she is, too much for him, I believe! Though Arashi is the character I did like less, sometimes I liked the way he told things straightaway to George. So, you see, this characters, as life, are complex; there's no black and white, nobody is good or bad, there are different shades of grey, people make mistakes, people do great things. This is something I really love in Yazawa's works.
Oh, and about Isabella! Such a beautiful story, really, it actually made me change my vision of George a little bit (he's one of those characters, like Takumi in NANA, that you sometimes hate to death and other times they leave you defenseless). Her ending was cute and tender, too.
So I recommend this to everybody who enjoys a good, realistic story, very different from your typical shojo manga. Shaped characters and believable scenes and personalities in life.
I loved Parakiss, especially for being so clever and complex and subtle and fun at the same time, it was so so enjoyable to read!
Even though the first volume didn't hook me completely, after the second one I was totally craving for more, despite not liking some of the characters. There's something in George that I ddn't like till the end, perhaps that he's so abusive and rude with Yukari, who's only a child in her first love. But then watching his mother and his father, you totally understand. I'm glad he pursued his dream hard enough and didn't stay as a hairdresser if that wasn't his true dream.
And I was glad that Caroline ended up going out with Hiro, he's such a great and understanding guy, and they both have suffered so much, they deserve a loving person by their sides. Yuraki really does grow up during the series, from being a childish annoying girl going to and fro directionless, just doing everything George tells her to do and being frustrated because he doesn't do the same, to become a real woman, sure of what she wants and who she is,
Miwako is also a sweet, remarkable character. She's so sweet and innocent, but actually not quite. She might be sad, but she will smile so that the others are happy. She's such a good person, and puts up with too much crap from Arashi, in my opinion. I'm sad that she finally chose him despite his bad things (which for me, were too bad; I wouldn't stand a relationship like that, really). At least Arashi seemed a bit guilty for what he did to her (poor Miwako, really!) and finally let her talk again to Hiro (his abusive behaviour towards her made me sooo angry! i would've killed him!). But it seems like verything turned out okay, doesn't it? Anyway, she reminds me so much of a friend of mine, always worrying aboyt other people's welfare and trying that everyone is happy even though that stresses her out completely! Arashi should realize how good she is, too much for him, I believe! Though Arashi is the character I did like less, sometimes I liked the way he told things straightaway to George. So, you see, this characters, as life, are complex; there's no black and white, nobody is good or bad, there are different shades of grey, people make mistakes, people do great things. This is something I really love in Yazawa's works.
Oh, and about Isabella! Such a beautiful story, really, it actually made me change my vision of George a little bit (he's one of those characters, like Takumi in NANA, that you sometimes hate to death and other times they leave you defenseless). Her ending was cute and tender, too.
So I recommend this to everybody who enjoys a good, realistic story, very different from your typical shojo manga. Shaped characters and believable scenes and personalities in life.
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