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Dramacon #3
Dramacon, Volume 3
College students Christie and Bethany are back to pimp their comic, this timeto a delightfully large crowd of loyal fans who reads it online--and who havemade them the stars of the year--in this latest volume of the acclaimed mangaseries.
Unknown Binding
First published December 4, 2007
27 people are currently reading
827 people want to read
About the author
Svetlana Chmakova
36 books1,600 followersSvetlana Chmakova (Russian: Светлана Шмакова) (born 1979 in Russia) is a comic creator. She is best known for Dramacon, an original English-language (OEL) manga spanning three volumes and published in North America by Tokyopop. Her other work includes the 2-page The Adventures of CG for CosmoGIRL! magazine and the webcomic Chasing Rainbows for Girlamatic. Though born in Russia, she immigrated to Canada, where she graduated from the Sheridan College Classical Animation program, in 2002. She then began to publish her manga on the Internet, where her works were found by CosmoGirl! magazine.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 115 reviews
June 30, 2011
Awwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww!!!! It's over!!! This is me thinking about it being over
LOL! Darn, I wish this series was a little bit longer. But HUZZAH FOR SO MUCH MATT!!!!!!!!!!!! What a stud!
The third volume was MUCH better than the second one. Much more stuff happening...and of course, WAY more Matt...so me likey ;-) Haha!
Now, to the PICTURES!!!!!!!!
(omg I wish I was Christie)
These next two happen to be two of my favorite non-Matt moments :p Haha!! I hope you can read the text, especially for the first one because that's what I found most amusing!
LOL! Darn, I wish this series was a little bit longer. But HUZZAH FOR SO MUCH MATT!!!!!!!!!!!! What a stud!
The third volume was MUCH better than the second one. Much more stuff happening...and of course, WAY more Matt...so me likey ;-) Haha!
Now, to the PICTURES!!!!!!!!
(omg I wish I was Christie)
These next two happen to be two of my favorite non-Matt moments :p Haha!! I hope you can read the text, especially for the first one because that's what I found most amusing!
December 7, 2012
This series has not aged well.
I read the first two volumes right in the thick of my weaboo stage, but never got around to reading the last book. A recently made acquaintance forced it on me the other day, and here I am.
The biggest flaw in the book, is how it expounds the virtue of Original English Manga. There's this one particular author who's used as a success story; best selling, mobs of fanS, they're turning her mangas into a movie!!
This angle is understandable, considering A) DramaCon is a OEL, and B) It was published by TokyoPop, the only manga company to bother with OELs.
Oh, and TokyoPop has since gone bankrupt and shut down operations in North America. Other OEL artists who got contracts with other companies, suffered similar fates.
So that only shows how dated the series is; it comes from a time when people genuinely believed they could get into the business. Now, as far as I know, it's more if you want your stuff published, build up a fan following online, and then go from there (See: Teahouse).
But I digress.
Other low points of the manga includes pairing up the only dark skinned characters (which is just... wat), overwrought storyline where a mom almost disowns her daughter for wanting to accept a publishing contract that she was offered, and the general "pocky is the best, lol yaoi" etc etc silliness of weaboo culture.
Also, the romance where she keeps getting mad at the guy for no reason and running away? And the awful art where a side profile of her face is just an eye + blank space + a point that's supposed to be her nose.
DramaCon is a series with very limited appeal, and I apparently fall out of it's target audience.
I read the first two volumes right in the thick of my weaboo stage, but never got around to reading the last book. A recently made acquaintance forced it on me the other day, and here I am.
The biggest flaw in the book, is how it expounds the virtue of Original English Manga. There's this one particular author who's used as a success story; best selling, mobs of fanS, they're turning her mangas into a movie!!
This angle is understandable, considering A) DramaCon is a OEL, and B) It was published by TokyoPop, the only manga company to bother with OELs.
Oh, and TokyoPop has since gone bankrupt and shut down operations in North America. Other OEL artists who got contracts with other companies, suffered similar fates.
So that only shows how dated the series is; it comes from a time when people genuinely believed they could get into the business. Now, as far as I know, it's more if you want your stuff published, build up a fan following online, and then go from there (See: Teahouse).
But I digress.
Other low points of the manga includes pairing up the only dark skinned characters (which is just... wat), overwrought storyline where a mom almost disowns her daughter for wanting to accept a publishing contract that she was offered, and the general "pocky is the best, lol yaoi" etc etc silliness of weaboo culture.
Also, the romance where she keeps getting mad at the guy for no reason and running away? And the awful art where a side profile of her face is just an eye + blank space + a point that's supposed to be her nose.
DramaCon is a series with very limited appeal, and I apparently fall out of it's target audience.
October 16, 2018
This is so cute and funny! And also made my sorry ass to wish for Cons.
September 11, 2008
Overall Rating: C
Synopsis from Tokyopop: Dramacon is a romantic dramedy about a romance that blooms over the course of several years at an anime convention.
Christie is a budding writer who is attending an anime convention for the first time in her life. She and her artist boyfriend, Derek, get a table in the artist alley to promote a self-published ashcan comic that she wrote and he drew.
Derek is a little too taken with the attention all the female cosplayers are paying him, which upsets Christie and forces her to deal with the player side of Derek that she had ignored up until now. Things quickly become more complicated, especially after she bumps into Matt, a handsome -- but shy -- cosplayer.
Svetlana Chmakova's Dramacon plumbs the depths of the emotional attachments that spring up in the superheated world of fan conventions - topics near and dear to the hearts of all true otaku ...
Normally, I try to write my own synopsis, but for Svetlana Chmakova's "Dramacon", I used Tokyopop's. The reason being that this is what made me pick up the first volume at Barnes & Noble, and check it out. Unfortunately, this one doesn't live up to it's description. The characters aren't very well fleshed out, and they seem to jump around a lot. For example, Derek goes from being kind of a jerk as far as boyfriends go, but an ok guy, to trying to rape Christie. Pretty big change if you ask me, and the reasoning behind it doesn't quite add up for me.
That said, I have to admit it's a bit of a guilty pleasure for me. The first two volumes are out, and I read them both in B&N's cafe one night. I think it has to do with my love for conventions and other people's drama (which go hand-in-hand). I think the series has a lot of promise, but is missing the mark. Hopefully, the third book will improve the series, and I can indulge more in some vicarious drama.
For more manga and anime reviews, please check out Hobotaku.
Synopsis from Tokyopop: Dramacon is a romantic dramedy about a romance that blooms over the course of several years at an anime convention.
Christie is a budding writer who is attending an anime convention for the first time in her life. She and her artist boyfriend, Derek, get a table in the artist alley to promote a self-published ashcan comic that she wrote and he drew.
Derek is a little too taken with the attention all the female cosplayers are paying him, which upsets Christie and forces her to deal with the player side of Derek that she had ignored up until now. Things quickly become more complicated, especially after she bumps into Matt, a handsome -- but shy -- cosplayer.
Svetlana Chmakova's Dramacon plumbs the depths of the emotional attachments that spring up in the superheated world of fan conventions - topics near and dear to the hearts of all true otaku ...
Normally, I try to write my own synopsis, but for Svetlana Chmakova's "Dramacon", I used Tokyopop's. The reason being that this is what made me pick up the first volume at Barnes & Noble, and check it out. Unfortunately, this one doesn't live up to it's description. The characters aren't very well fleshed out, and they seem to jump around a lot. For example, Derek goes from being kind of a jerk as far as boyfriends go, but an ok guy, to trying to rape Christie. Pretty big change if you ask me, and the reasoning behind it doesn't quite add up for me.
That said, I have to admit it's a bit of a guilty pleasure for me. The first two volumes are out, and I read them both in B&N's cafe one night. I think it has to do with my love for conventions and other people's drama (which go hand-in-hand). I think the series has a lot of promise, but is missing the mark. Hopefully, the third book will improve the series, and I can indulge more in some vicarious drama.
For more manga and anime reviews, please check out Hobotaku.
February 24, 2009
I decided to finally pick this series up after I met Svetlana at a convention as one of my Featured Artists. I really enjoyed this view of the life of a convention artist. I feel sad its only a 3 volume set, but on the other hand, short means i can actually pick it up and finish it! :)
great art, great humor (one thread holding almost all my books together is often the humor if you haven't noticed)
great art, great humor (one thread holding almost all my books together is often the humor if you haven't noticed)
August 31, 2020
Funny and amazing last manga of the series
This was a very nice last manga. I am glad we got to see Matt a lot more than in the last volume. The romance was just so cute, I finished this one really quickly, maybe to quickly. I also enjoyed Bethany’s story a lot, when she is finally ready to reveal her love for art to her mother. I am thankful for the ending, but still wish there was a fourth volume after. The short story at the end, from the point of view of Matt was so cute, a bit cheesy maybe but it made me smile so much.
5/5
This was a very nice last manga. I am glad we got to see Matt a lot more than in the last volume. The romance was just so cute, I finished this one really quickly, maybe to quickly. I also enjoyed Bethany’s story a lot, when she is finally ready to reveal her love for art to her mother. I am thankful for the ending, but still wish there was a fourth volume after. The short story at the end, from the point of view of Matt was so cute, a bit cheesy maybe but it made me smile so much.
5/5
August 27, 2018
HOW DID THIS DO EVERYTHING I WANTED?
I love manga SO MUCH.
I love manga SO MUCH.
August 10, 2009
With two anime conventions under her belt, Christie knows exactly what to expect at the Yatta Anime Convention. Even her artist/partner Bethany feels like a pro at the con--especially with her drawing on the official convention t-shirts. Still both girls are in for a few surprises in Dramacon Volume 3 (2007), the final installment in Svetlana Chmakova's super awesome series.
Christie and Matt might finally be ready to connect as more than friends. Matt's girlfriend is out of the picture and Christie is out of excuses to not try and make their relationship work. But after two years of avoiding each other and denying their feelings, will these two be able to figure everything out before the convention is over?
While Christie knows exactly what she's getting into at the convention, Bethany is completely surprised when she finds out her mother plans on dropping by the convention center. How will her mother react when she finds out that Bethany is at a comic convention working as, of all things, a comic artist?
This year's convention might be a chance for the girls to realize a lot of their dreams--if they can make it through all the con drama first!
At this point, I think we've already established that I love Dramacon and think it's brilliant. That said, I still wish this final installment had gone a bit differently. Compared to the first two volumes, Christie and Matt got very little "screen time." Instead much of the comic focused on Bethany's relationship with her mother and her own fledgling romance. While this story thread is very dramatic and compelling, I did start the series with Christie and I would have liked to spend more time on her character at the end of it.
Dramacon Volume 3 changes focus rather dramatically in comparison to the first two books in the series (as with the focus on Bethany and with much of the focus moving away from the actual convention). That said, this is still a great culmination to a much-loved series. Christie and Matt resolve (most of) their relationship problems once and for all. Bethany finally reveals her love of art to her mother.
By the end of the book there is a sense that whatever these characters encounter in the future they'll be okay. Because they have each other. That's a nice lesson to learn and one that this manga conveys very well. Dramacon was almost always cheerful and exuberant so it was nice to see the series end on an optimistic high note because the characters deserved nothing less as a sendoff.
Christie and Matt might finally be ready to connect as more than friends. Matt's girlfriend is out of the picture and Christie is out of excuses to not try and make their relationship work. But after two years of avoiding each other and denying their feelings, will these two be able to figure everything out before the convention is over?
While Christie knows exactly what she's getting into at the convention, Bethany is completely surprised when she finds out her mother plans on dropping by the convention center. How will her mother react when she finds out that Bethany is at a comic convention working as, of all things, a comic artist?
This year's convention might be a chance for the girls to realize a lot of their dreams--if they can make it through all the con drama first!
At this point, I think we've already established that I love Dramacon and think it's brilliant. That said, I still wish this final installment had gone a bit differently. Compared to the first two volumes, Christie and Matt got very little "screen time." Instead much of the comic focused on Bethany's relationship with her mother and her own fledgling romance. While this story thread is very dramatic and compelling, I did start the series with Christie and I would have liked to spend more time on her character at the end of it.
Dramacon Volume 3 changes focus rather dramatically in comparison to the first two books in the series (as with the focus on Bethany and with much of the focus moving away from the actual convention). That said, this is still a great culmination to a much-loved series. Christie and Matt resolve (most of) their relationship problems once and for all. Bethany finally reveals her love of art to her mother.
By the end of the book there is a sense that whatever these characters encounter in the future they'll be okay. Because they have each other. That's a nice lesson to learn and one that this manga conveys very well. Dramacon was almost always cheerful and exuberant so it was nice to see the series end on an optimistic high note because the characters deserved nothing less as a sendoff.
October 15, 2013
A good ending to a great series, this volume centers around getting important issues resolved.
-------------------
Bethany's mother comes to visit. That would be nice, if she didn't totally hate that Beth wants to be a manga artist. But, her mother is unrelenting in the matter, and disowns Beth, when Beth tells her that she is going to pursue this as a career.
Sadly, her mother gets into a wreck and breaks a rib. Bethany rushes to her side, and luckily, mother finally sees things her daughter's way.
--------------------
Meanwhile, Christie is making up with Matt, and trying to keep his annoying ex out of the picture. Luckily, Devil-Ex, Emily is not so bad in this volume, and admits defeat, offering Matt and Christie her blessing.
--------------------
Christie and Bethany do land a manga deal with MangaPop, and both are over the moon about it. MangaPop is obviously TokyoPop, as the picture of *Steady Beat* on their booth clearly says TokyoPop.
--------------------
Derek returns in this volume...with his pregnant fiancee, Maria. Maria mentions that her pregnancy was unplanned. It makes me wonder if Derek raped Maria, like he tried to rape Christie in Vol.1.
-------------------
One last note, I must say that I loved that Christie was cosplaying as Sailor Moon. While they called her Asahi from *Sailing Moon*, the reference was blantly obvious.
-------------------------
Best manga series I have read this year.
-------------------
Bethany's mother comes to visit. That would be nice, if she didn't totally hate that Beth wants to be a manga artist. But, her mother is unrelenting in the matter, and disowns Beth, when Beth tells her that she is going to pursue this as a career.
Sadly, her mother gets into a wreck and breaks a rib. Bethany rushes to her side, and luckily, mother finally sees things her daughter's way.
--------------------
Meanwhile, Christie is making up with Matt, and trying to keep his annoying ex out of the picture. Luckily, Devil-Ex, Emily is not so bad in this volume, and admits defeat, offering Matt and Christie her blessing.
--------------------
Christie and Bethany do land a manga deal with MangaPop, and both are over the moon about it. MangaPop is obviously TokyoPop, as the picture of *Steady Beat* on their booth clearly says TokyoPop.
--------------------
Derek returns in this volume...with his pregnant fiancee, Maria. Maria mentions that her pregnancy was unplanned. It makes me wonder if Derek raped Maria, like he tried to rape Christie in Vol.1.
-------------------
One last note, I must say that I loved that Christie was cosplaying as Sailor Moon. While they called her Asahi from *Sailing Moon*, the reference was blantly obvious.
-------------------------
Best manga series I have read this year.
February 11, 2016
WOW!
The first ★★★★★ of 2016!! Let's celebrate!
Why five stars? Well, it's not an original story but it's told in a perfect way. OK I admit that I've never read about a character with only one eye attending a comic convetion but... yeah, it all worked perfectly for me.
I love the art by Svetlana Čmakova: her drawings are really good and their chibi versions are very, very funny!
I don't think that the author rushed things towards the ending, as other rewievs noted. For me it ran smoothly to the end. I love the part about Bethany and her mom. But, yeah, all considering she was a fantastic side-kick to Chrissie.
I'll definitely read more works by the author. I've already ordered Awkward...
The first ★★★★★ of 2016!! Let's celebrate!
Why five stars? Well, it's not an original story but it's told in a perfect way. OK I admit that I've never read about a character with only one eye attending a comic convetion but... yeah, it all worked perfectly for me.
I love the art by Svetlana Čmakova: her drawings are really good and their chibi versions are very, very funny!
I don't think that the author rushed things towards the ending, as other rewievs noted. For me it ran smoothly to the end. I love the part about Bethany and her mom. But, yeah, all considering she was a fantastic side-kick to Chrissie.
I'll definitely read more works by the author. I've already ordered Awkward...
May 18, 2009
Felt a bit of a letdown as the protagonist role of this book shifted to a side character, and not even one who was present in the first volume. We still get love and life woes, but even the con itself seems to have taken a bit of a backdrop. And I'm fine with that, the new lead character is interesting and very human as in the last volumes, it just feels like a new series is all. This isn't to say we don't get plenty of Chrissy and Matt hijinks, either. Still recommended.
December 9, 2010
need i say more, I read the first two laughing until i cried, I am in love with these books
July 7, 2020
Having adored the Berrybrook series by Chmakova, a friend recommended I read her earlier work Dramacon. So I did. And here goes.
Dramacon centers around Christie, an aspiring manga author, and her experiences at a major comic convention over three years. We have now come to the end - Volume 3. A lot more focus on Beth and her relationship with her disapproving mother. Matt and Christie finally try to sort things out between them, and we get both closure and some new beginnings with familiar characters.
While it is still very enjoyable, it's definitely her earlier piece. The art, especially in vol. 1, is much busier, like a lot of manga artists in their early works. Much more background, more panels on a page, more chibi reactions... just more. There are some cliches stuck in, and the pacing can be a little rushed. It calms down as the series progresses, as Chmakova gains experience, and makes for a bit easier read. That isn't to say the art or the story is bad - not at any rate! There are some great funny moments, some good visual gags, and Christie's interactions with Matt carry a lot of emotion. Christie grows up a lot at her cons, becoming a lot more assured in what she's aiming for. It's just not quite as polished a read as the Berrybrook series. Still definitely worth the read though!
That being aid, you start to see Chmakova develop her skills a lot here. The art mellows, as I said, but you also start seeing shades of Berrybrook. While the first volume was a little more superficial, volumes 2-3 mature a lot. Here we start getting into ideas of growing up - what we want versus what's expected, and of relationships - not everything goes smoothly or according to our hopes and sometimes we have to make choices about what we really want.
You really need to read all 3 to get the whole story. Volume 1 can kinda stand on its own, but it's not the most satisfying of endings - more 'coming of age and first potential step for the future' than an actual closure. Over the next two years (volumes 2-3), you see Christie grow, figure out what she wants with both her professional and personal lives (i.e. her comics and her relationship with cosplayer Matt). By the time volume 3 closes, while it's still not a concrete ending, its a much more satisfying one.
I've called this shoujo manga, because overall it's a lighter tone. But the characters are all older HS to college age. They talk about sex (some implied offscreen), there's an attempted assault (volume 1 - referenced here), and some steamy-sweet kisses with Christie and Matt (especially volume 3). So, yes, a clean read, but still some topics in there.
4 stars. A good growing up story with some more realistic romantic story threads. I think I'm not as gushing about it because I just loved Berrybrook so much and had my bar set so high. Still definitely worth the read.
Dramacon centers around Christie, an aspiring manga author, and her experiences at a major comic convention over three years. We have now come to the end - Volume 3. A lot more focus on Beth and her relationship with her disapproving mother. Matt and Christie finally try to sort things out between them, and we get both closure and some new beginnings with familiar characters.
While it is still very enjoyable, it's definitely her earlier piece. The art, especially in vol. 1, is much busier, like a lot of manga artists in their early works. Much more background, more panels on a page, more chibi reactions... just more. There are some cliches stuck in, and the pacing can be a little rushed. It calms down as the series progresses, as Chmakova gains experience, and makes for a bit easier read. That isn't to say the art or the story is bad - not at any rate! There are some great funny moments, some good visual gags, and Christie's interactions with Matt carry a lot of emotion. Christie grows up a lot at her cons, becoming a lot more assured in what she's aiming for. It's just not quite as polished a read as the Berrybrook series. Still definitely worth the read though!
That being aid, you start to see Chmakova develop her skills a lot here. The art mellows, as I said, but you also start seeing shades of Berrybrook. While the first volume was a little more superficial, volumes 2-3 mature a lot. Here we start getting into ideas of growing up - what we want versus what's expected, and of relationships - not everything goes smoothly or according to our hopes and sometimes we have to make choices about what we really want.
You really need to read all 3 to get the whole story. Volume 1 can kinda stand on its own, but it's not the most satisfying of endings - more 'coming of age and first potential step for the future' than an actual closure. Over the next two years (volumes 2-3), you see Christie grow, figure out what she wants with both her professional and personal lives (i.e. her comics and her relationship with cosplayer Matt). By the time volume 3 closes, while it's still not a concrete ending, its a much more satisfying one.
I've called this shoujo manga, because overall it's a lighter tone. But the characters are all older HS to college age. They talk about sex (some implied offscreen), there's an attempted assault (volume 1 - referenced here), and some steamy-sweet kisses with Christie and Matt (especially volume 3). So, yes, a clean read, but still some topics in there.
4 stars. A good growing up story with some more realistic romantic story threads. I think I'm not as gushing about it because I just loved Berrybrook so much and had my bar set so high. Still definitely worth the read.
September 4, 2017
I can't believe it's over. I just want more! All of this was so good, even better than the first volume, all the way through!! If that's even possible... I guess it was just as good, because how can you beat near perfection, right? Oh, and I may as well mention now that I think it's so cute how the pictures on the back of volumes 2 and 3 were always references to the previous volumes. So adorable, I love it. And I LOVE where Matt and Christie's relationship was going this volume, even the trouble with Matt's ex (and Christie's to, just for a bit of drama and introspection). I really hope that Matt and Christie have something that will last. And IT CAN and it can be so beautiful if only they treat it right. And someday, when they get their lives put together, they can move in with each other somewhere. Maybe in the city where Yattacon is? Who knows! Oh, the romance scenes in this volume just made me tingle and captivated. It was pleasurable just to read, and very satisfying yet a bit tantalizing too. I also really like the bit with Raj and Beth basically starting their romance just like Christie and Matt started theirs. It's almost exactly the same in the course of events ( drama > guy who came in at the perfect time > perfect goodbye but will meet again > love blossoming > putting their lives together apart from each other, etc. and more.)
I really feel for Matt's ex though. I'm glad she was able to give her blessing, and only tease them as a tinge of revenge. She's a pretty okay person, I suppose. But I guess their breakup really hurt her, but she was pretty mature about it I guess. But look at me, ONLY talking about the romance. There was yet a lot more in this volume, family drama, career stuff, all sorts of fun things and SO MANY REFERENCES TO SO MANY THINGS, but I guess you'll just have to read it to find out what I'm talking about!
I LOVEd Dramacon and I wish there was more, I'll always wish for more. And I'll always imagine what Matt and Christie will be doing from this point on. I hope their fighting turns to teasing, that's their only eventual detrimental issue. Anyway, I guess I'll read Svetlana's Nightschool manga now, because oh my gosh I need more of her art! Ciao!
P.S. I also want to say that I ONLY ever read Dramacon when I was upset at my ex/best friend and EVERY TIME it helped me through it. It helped me be a good girl, get over everything irrational, and just feel so much better and be so much kinder and happier. Dramacon really means a lot to me because of this and it was very important to my functioning in society.
I really feel for Matt's ex though. I'm glad she was able to give her blessing, and only tease them as a tinge of revenge. She's a pretty okay person, I suppose. But I guess their breakup really hurt her, but she was pretty mature about it I guess. But look at me, ONLY talking about the romance. There was yet a lot more in this volume, family drama, career stuff, all sorts of fun things and SO MANY REFERENCES TO SO MANY THINGS, but I guess you'll just have to read it to find out what I'm talking about!
I LOVEd Dramacon and I wish there was more, I'll always wish for more. And I'll always imagine what Matt and Christie will be doing from this point on. I hope their fighting turns to teasing, that's their only eventual detrimental issue. Anyway, I guess I'll read Svetlana's Nightschool manga now, because oh my gosh I need more of her art! Ciao!
P.S. I also want to say that I ONLY ever read Dramacon when I was upset at my ex/best friend and EVERY TIME it helped me through it. It helped me be a good girl, get over everything irrational, and just feel so much better and be so much kinder and happier. Dramacon really means a lot to me because of this and it was very important to my functioning in society.
July 12, 2023
Love love love this volume too! So sad the story is over. I absolutely love the Dramacon crew.
This volume focuses on both Christie’s romantic relationship with Matt and on Beth’s stressful relationship with her mom. We get a little bit of romance for Beth too. Great story overall!
This volume focuses on both Christie’s romantic relationship with Matt and on Beth’s stressful relationship with her mom. We get a little bit of romance for Beth too. Great story overall!
June 12, 2014
In the third and (sadly) final Volume of Dramacon we return yet again to our crazy crew as they return to Yattacon. Christie and Matt can FINALLY be together but numerous obstacles just keep piling up and the poor lovebirds just can't have 5 minutes alone together to enjoy it. Meanwhile Beth's family pays an visit to the convention and Beth stresses about her Mom as well as taking Mangapop's offer.
First, let me just say that this is one of the greatest series I've ever had the pleasure of reading. I..I just cannot stress that enough. This series put me on an roller coaster of feelings and even though It's over, I'm actually happy with how things turned ended.
Svetlana's writing is absolutely amazing, I love how she doesn't fall into the typical shoujo problems such as misunderstanding after misunderstanding followed by apology only to start the endless cycle again. Her characters are actually mature, use common sense and get to the point of things, I cannot tell you how much I appreciate that.
On to the review!
Matt and Christie.
I'm gonna be blunt about this. Their problems in this volume were actually pretty pointless and contrived and seemed to just stretch the drama between them when things should be going an bit more smoother now. The only things keeping them from being together was the fact that A) Matt had severe trouble being nice, which seriously ticked off Christie and B) They couldn't be alone without constant interruptions.
Yeah, that's pretty much it.
It felt really odd to me because it seemed like Matt had an huge inability to actually be nice when in the first volume, He only crossed the line twice, here it was like he honestly couldn't say anything nice whatsoever.
Not to mention, sometimes I couldn't understand why Christie got so upset about some things. Even though I could sympathize, if that makes sense.
As frustrating as they were during those parts, We did get scenes where they were genuinely happy and tried to work it out. I loved how Matt still would acknowledge when he crossed an line and would make it up to Christie. Their scenes together there were so precious, so sweet and gave me butterflies. I honestly cannot stop rereading them, ESPECIALLY Chapter 4....
One of my favorite funny scenes of them is when after they made up about the first T-shirt incident, She has him try to catch her running around the convention.
Bethany.
Wow, her arc was definitely relatable, After her family visit and found out what the convention is really about, Her mom was less than enthusiastic but her Aunt and cousins on the other hand, were very supportive and encouraging. It really hit hard to home regarding Beth and her mom, you really feel for Beth and wanna give the poor girl an hug.
It was kinda funny seeing them see the culture shock though.
You also get some really nice Bethany/Raj teasing here and there...
Raj, Hyu-Jeong and Monica.
I'M SO HAPPY THESE GUYS ARE BACK! They're loads of fun! They cracked me up despite how Monica and Hyu-Jeong kept bothering Matt and Christie. I still can't stop laughing when Raj found out that Monica took an picture of him in his boxers.
While yet another bittersweet ending, things are much more happier and brighter this time.
Overall, An brilliant finale with all the feelings, the romance, funny moments and memorable scenes. Big thank you to Svetlana Chmakova for a amazing series.
First, let me just say that this is one of the greatest series I've ever had the pleasure of reading. I..I just cannot stress that enough. This series put me on an roller coaster of feelings and even though It's over, I'm actually happy with how things turned ended.
Svetlana's writing is absolutely amazing, I love how she doesn't fall into the typical shoujo problems such as misunderstanding after misunderstanding followed by apology only to start the endless cycle again. Her characters are actually mature, use common sense and get to the point of things, I cannot tell you how much I appreciate that.
On to the review!
Matt and Christie.
I'm gonna be blunt about this. Their problems in this volume were actually pretty pointless and contrived and seemed to just stretch the drama between them when things should be going an bit more smoother now. The only things keeping them from being together was the fact that A) Matt had severe trouble being nice, which seriously ticked off Christie and B) They couldn't be alone without constant interruptions.
Yeah, that's pretty much it.
It felt really odd to me because it seemed like Matt had an huge inability to actually be nice when in the first volume, He only crossed the line twice, here it was like he honestly couldn't say anything nice whatsoever.
Not to mention, sometimes I couldn't understand why Christie got so upset about some things. Even though I could sympathize, if that makes sense.
As frustrating as they were during those parts, We did get scenes where they were genuinely happy and tried to work it out. I loved how Matt still would acknowledge when he crossed an line and would make it up to Christie. Their scenes together there were so precious, so sweet and gave me butterflies. I honestly cannot stop rereading them, ESPECIALLY Chapter 4....
One of my favorite funny scenes of them is when after they made up about the first T-shirt incident, She has him try to catch her running around the convention.
Bethany.
Wow, her arc was definitely relatable, After her family visit and found out what the convention is really about, Her mom was less than enthusiastic but her Aunt and cousins on the other hand, were very supportive and encouraging. It really hit hard to home regarding Beth and her mom, you really feel for Beth and wanna give the poor girl an hug.
It was kinda funny seeing them see the culture shock though.
You also get some really nice Bethany/Raj teasing here and there...
Raj, Hyu-Jeong and Monica.
I'M SO HAPPY THESE GUYS ARE BACK! They're loads of fun! They cracked me up despite how Monica and Hyu-Jeong kept bothering Matt and Christie. I still can't stop laughing when Raj found out that Monica took an picture of him in his boxers.
While yet another bittersweet ending, things are much more happier and brighter this time.
Overall, An brilliant finale with all the feelings, the romance, funny moments and memorable scenes. Big thank you to Svetlana Chmakova for a amazing series.
August 8, 2020
Peguei neste livro mal terminei o antecedente e, confesso, tinha algumas expectativas para o desfecho.
De regresso a Yattacon, Christie e Bethany são agora estudantes universitárias, com decisões de gente grande para tomar e, aparentemente, um promissor futuro pela frente. No entanto, mais uma vez, terão de passar por algumas peripécias, mais ou menos sérias, até encontrarem o seu caminho.
Bethany acaba por ganhar muito protagonismo neste terceiro livro e eu admito que gostei mais dos seus momentos da história, dedicados a questões de pessoais e familiares, descentralizando o romance. Christie, por seu lado, tem um outro momento de maior tensão e fica com a maior parte das cenas de humor – um dos trunfos da trilogia –, acabando nos oferecer um final relativamente previsível.
Uma vez mais, há situações capazes de fazer inveja a qualquer rainha do drama e algumas cenas mais intensas. Ainda assim, a verdade é que nada foi acrescentado neste último livro para o desfecho dos intervenientes que já não estivesse previsto e este título resumiu-se, na sua maioria, a puro entretenimento.
Pessoalmente fiquei contente por ter pegado nestes livros, divertiram-me e deixaram-me com um sorriso, mas mentia-vos se não dissesse que esperava um final mais cuidado.
De regresso a Yattacon, Christie e Bethany são agora estudantes universitárias, com decisões de gente grande para tomar e, aparentemente, um promissor futuro pela frente. No entanto, mais uma vez, terão de passar por algumas peripécias, mais ou menos sérias, até encontrarem o seu caminho.
Bethany acaba por ganhar muito protagonismo neste terceiro livro e eu admito que gostei mais dos seus momentos da história, dedicados a questões de pessoais e familiares, descentralizando o romance. Christie, por seu lado, tem um outro momento de maior tensão e fica com a maior parte das cenas de humor – um dos trunfos da trilogia –, acabando nos oferecer um final relativamente previsível.
Uma vez mais, há situações capazes de fazer inveja a qualquer rainha do drama e algumas cenas mais intensas. Ainda assim, a verdade é que nada foi acrescentado neste último livro para o desfecho dos intervenientes que já não estivesse previsto e este título resumiu-se, na sua maioria, a puro entretenimento.
Pessoalmente fiquei contente por ter pegado nestes livros, divertiram-me e deixaram-me com um sorriso, mas mentia-vos se não dissesse que esperava um final mais cuidado.
September 16, 2020
arc provided by the publisher via edelweiss in exchange for an honest review
This last volume was so bittersweet mainly because we’ve come to the conclusion of a really fun and wonderful series!
I loved the progression of Matt and Christie’s relationship and it was so satisfying that they are finally together in this volume! I did like that his ex didn’t cause too much strife between them and that they managed to fix things without adding more unnecessary drama.
The second plot line with Christie’s best friend, Bethany was really interesting too! Her story had me tearing up, angry and happy among a myriad of other emotions. I like that we got her darker and more emotional story along with Christie’s more happy one. Their friendship was also super adorable just as much as it was in the second volume when she was introduced.
Overall, this final volume was a great conclusion and this series was so much fun to read. I highly recommend it!
4/5 🌟
TW: car accident
This last volume was so bittersweet mainly because we’ve come to the conclusion of a really fun and wonderful series!
I loved the progression of Matt and Christie’s relationship and it was so satisfying that they are finally together in this volume! I did like that his ex didn’t cause too much strife between them and that they managed to fix things without adding more unnecessary drama.
The second plot line with Christie’s best friend, Bethany was really interesting too! Her story had me tearing up, angry and happy among a myriad of other emotions. I like that we got her darker and more emotional story along with Christie’s more happy one. Their friendship was also super adorable just as much as it was in the second volume when she was introduced.
Overall, this final volume was a great conclusion and this series was so much fun to read. I highly recommend it!
4/5 🌟
TW: car accident
November 17, 2019
Everything I loved about the first book that wasn't in the second book is now back! Specifically, I really like the chemistry between Matt and Chriss (not sure why her name has two s's but ok) when they flirt.
I also had this sudden realisation that I apparently really like these romantic scenes where they're about to kiss and you can just FEEL it's going to happen but it's drawn out to the perfect length and with close-ups and stuff - you know, those classic rose petal/sakura blossom scenes? Hot damn, those five pages where Matt and Chriss are putting on costumes in the bedroom and the mood shifts; those were some of my favourite pages in the series. My maiden heart. Blessed be the shoujo gods.
Didn't much care for the hospital drama, though. That was some weak soap opera plotline.
I also had this sudden realisation that I apparently really like these romantic scenes where they're about to kiss and you can just FEEL it's going to happen but it's drawn out to the perfect length and with close-ups and stuff - you know, those classic rose petal/sakura blossom scenes? Hot damn, those five pages where Matt and Chriss are putting on costumes in the bedroom and the mood shifts; those were some of my favourite pages in the series. My maiden heart. Blessed be the shoujo gods.
Didn't much care for the hospital drama, though. That was some weak soap opera plotline.
December 28, 2019
Christie and Matt pick things up where they should have been in book 2. The relationship however has it's problems. I don't really care for the way that Christie wants Matt to change when she loved him how he was in the first book. I personally thought that she was being way too sensitive to things. The T-shirts he's wearing doesn't hurt anyone, and he wasn't flirting with anyone, they just happened to have something in common.
I feel like she still needs to grow up but Matt is perfect. Beth's character arc was really really good.
I will always love these mangas, so anything I have to say about it is really a moot point. I'll defend them as a perfect getting read for con manga as long as I'm going to cons.
I feel like she still needs to grow up but Matt is perfect. Beth's character arc was really really good.
I will always love these mangas, so anything I have to say about it is really a moot point. I'll defend them as a perfect getting read for con manga as long as I'm going to cons.
August 9, 2020
This series hit me hard back in the day. I still own my copies from like 10 years ago and they give me such warm nostalgia. Perhaps not the most definitive kind of series but it was so relatable to my experiences as a teen growing up in the anime convention world and dealing with those relationships. It’s part wish fulfillment. Love the author/artist. She used to get comics printed in girl fashion magazines I also used to subscribe to in high school (think Cosmogirl). Can’t say it’ll hit you the same but it’s super cute. Also it’s been a long time, the plot is probably very outdated at this point, with the main character wanting to get into manga publishing (as another reviewer mentioned- tokyopop doesn’t really publish new American authors anymore, that I’m aware of).
April 28, 2023
Back at the anime convention again Christie and Beth are a year older and a year smarter. Will Matt and Christie get together finally this year? Will Beth tell her mother about wanting to be an artist? Well, Beth's mother is coming to the con to visit....she expects it to be a museum...she is not impressed. In fact she is livid! But Beth's aunt is also there and can help smooth things over, hopefully. Meanwhile Christie and Matt are testing the dating waters. They are complete opposites. Friends are supportive and emotions are crazy. It's a typical con. Great story and a look into a different world.
November 22, 2017
This is the volume fans wait for and at the same time the volume we don't want because it's the last one. Christie fully blooms and feels at home in the artist alley at the convention and her comic partner and her get alone beyond amazingly well. But what about Matt? He and Christie finally have a date, but under convention stress will their love survive?
These books are full of humor and just flat out one of my favorite manga series of all time. It ends well, despite the fact that I wish it never ended because I want to know so much more about the character lives after this book.
These books are full of humor and just flat out one of my favorite manga series of all time. It ends well, despite the fact that I wish it never ended because I want to know so much more about the character lives after this book.
March 20, 2021
I never read the third volume back in the day, but overall, in this reread and finally picking up this final volume, I don’t think this story has aged well. The relationship has its cute moments but it’s only there to cover up the red flags. There was some toxic and immature signs showing. Also, I didn’t appreciate the car accident. It’s not bad, but it wasn’t great. It tried in the fight for OEL manga which failed back in the day, but it’s trying again now with online and social platforms. Hopeful for the new batch. Lastly, 3.4/5.
July 31, 2023
Fun fact, I had the honour of meeting the author and bought all three volumes of Dramacon from her and she signed them all and even drew a picture on each book!
These may not be the best manga series I ever read but they had a cute charm and they hit me hard with nostalgia every time I re-read them.
I like how everything is wrapped up and left open to interpretation.
Side note, I like Bethany more as an MC than Christie. She had a better storyline and I felt the chemistry more with her love interest. I still like Christie, though.
These may not be the best manga series I ever read but they had a cute charm and they hit me hard with nostalgia every time I re-read them.
I like how everything is wrapped up and left open to interpretation.
Side note, I like Bethany more as an MC than Christie. She had a better storyline and I felt the chemistry more with her love interest. I still like Christie, though.
April 15, 2024
3.5 stars, the best book in the series
Christie, Bethany, and crew are back at the convention again, and this time Chriss is on a mission to get her man Matt. Bethany’s mom drops by the convention to see what it’s all about and Matt’s ex-girlfriend is on a mission to make this a Dramacon to remember.
The ex-girlfriend who lasted three months and was supposed broken up with last year gets a lot of page time for.. reasons? And the ending is an ending but not really one that answers a lot of questions. It was a fine ending though.
Christie, Bethany, and crew are back at the convention again, and this time Chriss is on a mission to get her man Matt. Bethany’s mom drops by the convention to see what it’s all about and Matt’s ex-girlfriend is on a mission to make this a Dramacon to remember.
The ex-girlfriend who lasted three months and was supposed broken up with last year gets a lot of page time for.. reasons? And the ending is an ending but not really one that answers a lot of questions. It was a fine ending though.
July 19, 2018
I enjoyed this light, fluffy series. Matt is a cute love interest and I like the banter between him and Chriss. In this volume, I didn't really like how Chriss kept getting so angry at Matt and running off, and I felt like the ending was quite rushed. Things that were never addressed within the manga were explained in the notes in the back which I didn't like. If something is not going to be explained within the manga itself then don't put it in.
December 14, 2018
This was fine, but not great. The beginning was super confusing because I couldn't remember all of the characters, and I didn't remember Raj being there at all before.
I also found myself rooting against Christie and Matt, largely because their relationship was just so...ugh. I couldn't even tell why they liked each other.
I enjoyed most of the stuff with Beth and her family, though. So there's that.
I also found myself rooting against Christie and Matt, largely because their relationship was just so...ugh. I couldn't even tell why they liked each other.
I enjoyed most of the stuff with Beth and her family, though. So there's that.
July 1, 2019
I really enjoyed this final volume of the Dramacon series! Things were resolved romantically with Christie and Matt, and Beth and her mom worked things out too. Although it was definitely a bit touch and go there for a while. This was a funny, heartfelt finale, and I'm very glad to have read it. The art is gorgeous. 4.5 stars.
July 21, 2020
Én ezt anno elolvastam, de rohadtul nem emlékeztem, hogy Chrissie és Matt kapcsolata ennyire… semmilyen lesz. Chrissie hisztijeit nem értettem, rosszabb volt és értelmetlenebb, mint én a nehezebb napokon. Beth és a családja viszont hihetetlenül cuki volt, mindenkinek kellene egy Jaz néni c:
De egyébként aranyos volt, tetszett a conpóló mintájával való játék. :)
De egyébként aranyos volt, tetszett a conpóló mintájával való játék. :)
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