Both Amor’s and Tierra’s Pages for Suggestions for Reading/Watching have been updated.
If you’re looking for something to read or watch you may want to check out what they’ve been reading and watching and think is good enough to suggest.
Archives for posts with tag: josei
I found another manga gem from GEN Manga: Stones of Power by Azumi Isora. This manga won’t be for everyone; as if this was the past it would be either probably shojo or possibly josei; however, it’s not romantic so has nowhere to go today in mainstream Japanese manga publishing as it’s not true battle manga either, and don’t think would get published as seinen either. Again, I think this manga is written by a woman, but can’t find anything about the mangaka.
Stones of Power is about a too modern to believe in the supernatural young man named Fujita who is a tropical fish otaku. And a bunch of coincidences that lead him to Cafe Renard (for those of you that don’t know French renard is the word for a male fox) and to work for the mysterious couple. Are they brother and sister as claimed by the woman, Youko, or husband and wife as claimed bythe man, Ozaki, both or something else entirely? The couple turn out to be foxes and the Arowana fish that Fujita is hired to care for are the dragon king and queen and their children. Later in the story Costa Rican Oopart (Out-of-place artifact) are involved, yes these stone spheres really do exist in Costa Rica.
Stones of Power left me wanting more of the story. However, this is not for everyone, especially if they want more of what is generally published out there. Also, the drawings are fine but not great and the story while very good, the mangaka didn’t do the research needed as it has a lot of mistakes in it (Central America is actually part of North America and the Aztecs and Mayans didn’t live anywhere near that far south either). There are some proofreading problems also. But the story is solid, just feels like it should be a series. If you like supernatural stories and old-fashioned shojo/josei which isn’t romantic or battle, you may enjoy this.
Once again a list of manga I would love to read in the US in English – this time some will be repeats and at least one is on hiatus
BL:
Kisses That Taste of Lies くちづけは嘘の味 (Kuchizuke wa Uso no Aji) by SAGAMI Waka サガミワカ
Heart’s Refuge ハートの隠れ家 Heart no Kakurega by NATSUME Isaku 夏目イサク
How to Discipline Feline Boys Nekoka Danshi no Shitsukekata 猫科男子のしつけ方 by UKYOU Ayane 右京あやね
Hideaway for the Heart Heart no Kakurega ハートの隠れ家 by NATSUME Isaku 夏目イサク
Amber Paradox Ameiro Paradox 飴色パラドックス by NATSUME Isaku 夏目イサク
You Are Confused by Love Kimi ga Koi ni Midareru きみが恋に乱れる by TAKANAGA Hinako 高永ひなこ
Pure Romance Junjou Romantica 純情ロマンチカ by NAKAMURA Shungiku 中村春菊
Back Stage!! by EIKI Eiki 影木栄貴 and ZAOU Taishi 藏王大志
Mr. Kayashima’s Graceful Life Kayashimashi no Yuuga na Seikatsu 茅島氏の優雅な生活~プロポーズ編~ by TONO Haruhi 遠野春日and MAMAHARA Ellie 麻々原絵里依
Like the Beast Honto Yajuu ほんと野獣 by YAMAMOTO Kotetsuko 山本小鉄子
Another Sleepless Night Konya mo Nemurenai 今夜も眠れない by YAMAMOTO Kotetsuko 山本小鉄子
A Blessing on Your House! Omairi desu yo お参りですよ by YAMAMOTO Kotetsuko 山本小鉄子
No Money Okane ga Nai お金がないっ by SHINOZAKI Hitoyo 篠崎一夜 and KOUSAKA Tohru 香坂透
Cool as you Toshishita no Ryuugi 年下の流儀 by MARUYA Kae 円屋榎英
Josei:
My Elder Sister’s Marriage ANE NO KEKKON 姉の結婚 by NISHI Keiko 西炯子
Deka Wanko デカワンコ by MORIMOTO Kozueko 森本梢子
Princess Jellyfish Kuragehime 海月姫 by HIGASHIMURA Akiko 東村アキコ
Natsuyuki Rendezvous 夏雪ランデブー by KAWACHI Haruka 河内遙
Sekine’s Love SEKINE-KUN NO KOI 関根くんの恋 by KAWACHI Haruka 河内遙
Kids on the Slope Sakamichi no Apollon 坂道のアポロン by KODAMA Yuki 小玉ユキ
Yoru Café. – My Sweet Knights ヨルカフェ。by ENJOUJI Maki 円城寺マキ
5-ji Kara 9-ji Made From Five to Nine 5時から9時まで by AIHARA Miki 相原実貴
Diamond Life ダイヤモンド・ライフ by FUJIWARA Akira 藤原晶
Light of the Firefly Hotaru no Hikari ホタルノヒカリ by HIURA Satoru ひうらさとる
Any tittle by AKINO Matsuri 秋乃茉莉
Shojo:
Ayakari-Zoushi あやかり草紙 by NATSUME Isaku 夏目イサク (hiatus from Wings 月刊ウィングス (Shinshokan 新書館))
Of the Crimson, the Light, and the Ayakashi あかやあかしやあやかしの (Akaya Akashiya Ayakashi no) by HaccaWorks* members: Kanan Misaki 華南みさき, Mizuki Satoru 水城サトル, Yumi Riku ユウミリク, Yumekagami Misaki 夢各神ミサキ, and Warabe Yuta わらべゆた & art by Nanao 七生
Akatsuki no Yona 暁のヨナ by KUSANAGI Mizuho 草凪みずほ
Laughing in a Cloudy Sky 曇天に笑う (Donten ni Warau) by KARAKARA Kemuri 唐々煙
Last Notes ラストノーツ by SAKURAKOJI Kanoko 桜小路かのこ
Even So, the World is Beautiful Soredemo Sekai wa Utsukushii それでも世界は美しい by SHINA Dai 椎名橙
Adekan 艶漢 アデカン by NAO Tsukiji 尚月地
Hanaibara はないばら by KAWAHARA Mio 川原美央 ISHIDA Sui
Ghost Hunt – Doll’s House Compilation Ghost Hunt: Ningyou no Iehen ゴーストハント 人形の家編 by ONO Fuyumi 小野不由美 and INADA Shiho いなだ詩穂
Any tittle by AKINO Matsuri 秋乃茉莉
The House of Nightmares – Ghost Hunt Akumu no Sumu Ie – Ghost Hunt 恶灵猎人 by ONO Fuyumi 小野不由美 and INADA Shiho いなだ詩穂
Bookmark of Demise Shuuen no Shiori 終焉ノ栞 by Suzumu スズム and YUKI Amino 結城あみの
Kamitoki no Resist 神解きのレジスト by YAMADA Shiro 山田シロ
Hakkenden – Touhou Hakken Ibun 八犬伝 東方八犬異聞 by ABE Miyuki あべ美幸 and TAKIZAWA Bakin タキザワバキン
Honey Bitter ハニービター by OBANA Miho 小花美穂
Spirit Detective Yakumo Shinrei Tantei Yakumo 心霊探偵八雲 by KAMINAGA Manabu 神永学 and illustrated by ODA Suzuka 小田すずか
Akaya Akashiya Ayakashi no あかやあかしやあやかしの by HaccaWorks* and Nanao 七生
The Sleepy Residents of Birdcage Manor Torikagosou no Kyou mo Nemutai Juunintachi 鳥籠荘の今日も眠たい住人たち by KABEI Yukako 壁井ユカコand TAKARAI Rihito 宝井理人
Shonen:
Nobunaga Concerto 信長協奏曲 (NOBUNAGA KYOUSOUKYOKU) by ISHII Ayumi 石井あゆみ
Heaven’s Memo Pad It’s the Only Neet Thing to Do Kami-sama no Memochou 神様のメモ帳 by SUGII Hikaru 杉井光 and art by Tiv
Silver Spoon Gin no Saji 銀の匙 by ARAKAWA Hiromu 荒川弘
Seinen:
Mononoke モノノ怪 by NINAGAWA Yaeko 蜷川ヤエコ
Une histoire d’un amateur de friandises SONO OTOKO, AMATOU NI TSUKI その男、甘党につき by Est Em えすとえむ
Nekomichi ねこみち by IWAOKA Hisae 岩岡ヒサエ
Silver Fox Gingitsune ぎんぎつね by OCHIAI Sayori 落合さより
Inari, Konkon, Koi Iroha いなり、こんこん、恋いろは。by YOSHIDA Morohe 吉田もろへ
Ito Junji’s Cat Diary 伊藤潤二の猫日記よん&むー by ITOU Junji 伊藤潤二
My Girl マイガール (佐原 ミズ) by SAHARA Mizu 夢花李
Piano Forrest Piano no Mori: The Perfect World of Kai ピアノの森 – The perfect world of KAI by ISSHIKI Makoto 一色まこと
Well, actually, lately when we talk, it’s rarely or mostly not manga/anime. However, we did touch on the fact that women’s manga (shojo, josei, even BL) is mostly romantic and rarely anything but romance (Natsume’s Book of Friends 夏にはため息をつく (Natsume Yuujinchou) being the only one not romantic that I could think of off the top of my head). This was not always the case with shojo/josei manga; however, it’s the state that it’s in now days. We discussed how there are rumors in the community about it being the publishing company’s male leader’s rules about romance for women and anything else being in seinen.
This is serious discrimination against the female population. However, as many groups continue to get better treatment (not exactly totally equal) with civil rights movements of all kinds and in many places. Women around the world are still treated like slaves or, at best, second class citizens. Please protest to your favorite and other manga companies if you’d like more than romance in shojo, josei, and BL manga.
VIZ has once again published a josei supernatural romance by OHMI Tomu 大海とむ , Spell of Desire 魔女の媚薬 (Majo no Biyaku (Aphrodisiac Witch)). If you love supernatural with loads of cute creatures including a cat, a cat that is really a unicorn, and a puppy that is really a dragon, + want some romance you may enjoy her works. She also wrote Midnight Secretary ミッドナイト・セクレタリ, also published by VIZ for those into supernatural romance.
Spell of Desire 魔女の媚薬 (Majo no Biyaku (Aphrodisiac Witch)), is being published every three months, but they have not publication date for the final volume, # 5.
The story is about black and white witches and a complicated family life (including missing, presumed dead mother – but not, who is Queen of the Black Witches). I’ve only read the first volume, so can’t tell you how accurate it is + I’m not Wiccan (although I know several), I’ve had training in several healing, esoteric, and magickal traditions – but not Wicca. So, I’m not sure until I read more what to think about her research (if she did any at all into Wicca), but doubt she did any research into Wicaa. Maybe she’s looked at some herbal and New Age stuff – that seems likely from volume 1. But I’m sure most of you don’t know anything about this stuff and couldn’t care less about how accurate it is. I like a strong story but like accuracy also.
OHMI Tomu 大海とむ does come up with some strong stories and loves to write about the supernatural, often with animals and secret relationships.
Once more my requests for titles to be published in the US in English:
BL:
How to Discipline Feline Boys Nekoka Danshi no Shitsukekata 猫科男子のしつけ方 by UKYOU Ayane 右京あやね
Songbirds Never Fly Saezuru Tori wa Habatakanai 囀る鳥は羽ばたかない by YONEDA Kou ヨネダコウ just heard June has picked up as Twittering Birds Never Fly
Josie:
My Elder Sister’s Marriage ANE NO KEKKON 姉の結婚 by NISHI Keiko 西炯子
Shojo:
Last Notes ラストノーツ by SAKURAKOJI Kanoko 桜小路かのこ
Even So, the World is Beautiful Soredemo Sekai wa Utsukushii それでも世界は美しい by SHINA Dai 椎名橙
Adekan 艶漢 アデカン by NAO Tsukiji 尚月地
Boys, Please Kiss Him Instead of Me 私がモテてどうすんだ WATASHI GA MOTETE DOUSUNDA by Junko ぢゅん子
Hanaibara はないばらby KAWAHARA Mio 川原美央 ISHIDA Sui
Youth Ride Ao Haru Ride アオハライド by SAKISAKA Io 咲坂伊緒
Seinen:
Une histoire d’un amateur de friandises SONO OTOKO, AMATOU NI TSUKI その男、甘党につき by Est Em えすとえむ
Tokyo Ghoul Toukyou Kushu 東京喰種 by ISHIDA Sui 石田スイ
Shonen:
Heaven’s Memo Pad It’s the Only Neet Thing to Do Kami-sama no Memochou 神様のメモ帳 by SUGII Hikaru 杉井光 and art by Tiv
Nobunaga Concerto Nobunaga Kyousoukyoku 信長協奏曲 by ISHII Ayumi 石井あゆみ
I recently re-watched Saiyuki, the anime. I’ve not read any of the manga of the original series (shonen) or any of the spin-offs, prequels, sequels (all shojo). I’ve not read Journey to the West (although I have read (in English and unabridged) The Tale of Genji Genji monogatari 源氏物語 (Japanese), and the only one of the Four Great Classical Novels of Chinese literature, Romance of the Three Kingdoms), but do know a lot of liberties was taken with these series. Even if I wanted to read the series in English it’s out of print as was published by TokyoPop (as was one of the spin-offs Saiyuki Reload 最遊記RELOAD).
I do know that Cho Hakkai was a pig monster in the original (and even the imitator looks like a pig) and here he’s a human turned into a demon from killing 1000 demons. Also, they have Sha Gojyo as half human but still part water demon (kappa) in the series. Son Goku is not necessarily the famous Monkey King, but is still called a monkey and I”m not sure he plays as important a role as he does in the original Journey to the West and Genjyo Sanzo is the priest. I’m sure all of their personalities are substantially altered, and except for Cho Hakkai can be irritating at times.
Since the anime is from 2000-2001 the drawing styles and animation are vastly different from the anime coming out of Japan now. I don’t have a problem with the drawings but the animation is choppy and old-style so not as sophisticated as most current anime. I think this is considered an anime classic.
I made it down to Sakura Con after all. Thank you to everyone who allowed us to photograph their cosplay!
If you still wish to send in photos or an article please contact us at the email address. There will be several postings of cosplayers for the next few weeks (besides regular articles). And we’ll gladly post any of your photos or articles if you wish (I wasn’t there long – and no way I could photograph all the great cosplayers + I have nothing to write).
There were characters from all the favorites like: Naruto, Bleach, Soul Eater, Fairy Tail, One Piece, Vampire Knight, Full Metal Alchemist, etc.
Enjoy!
Bunny Drop Usagi Drop うさぎドロップ by UNITA Yumi 宇仁田ゆみ. This is a heart warming josei, slice of life, school life (barely), romantic comedy/drama. In case you’re not familiar with this story it’s about a 30 year old single guy, Daikichi, whose grandfather dies leaving behind a “love child”, Rin, that no one wants and he decides to take her in as his daughter but she won’t let him adopt him. The stories often invovle her friend, Kouki, and his single mother, Yukari, and about their lives as the children grow up. Daikichi’s adjusting to having a child and raising her by himself, etc. Also, other family members, including Diankichi’s cousin, and his niece, who is a friend of Rin’s. Much later in the series Rin’s mother starts to play a more important part.
There is a 10 year time jump starting in volume 5 with 9 volumes originally and a 10th volume as an extra. The series is published by Yen Press.
So you’re looking to read some josei romantic comedy. You may want to try ENJOUJI Maki 円城寺マキ , who’s works include Happy Marriage Hapi Mari はぴまり ～Happy Marriage!?～ (licensed by VIZ) and Yoru Café – My Sweet Knights ヨルカフェ。(not licensed yet in English – someone please license and publish this short sweet series as a bunkobon or get the three tankobons out in 1-3 months).
VIZ has just started publishing Happy Marriage Hapi Mari はぴまり ～Happy Marriage!?～and I’m so glad to be reading it in English and it’s scheduled releases are every other month. So far I’ve gotten the first four volumes and enjoying rereading this fun romantic comedy, which is different from you usual romantic comedies – probably why I don’t have a problem with reading her works.
We’re skyping due to the fact that Amor moved to Austin, Texas. That is also one of the reasons that there are no ongoing meetings in Seattle at this point.
Amor brought up the interesting point that a recent post of mine, “Dengeki Daisy 電撃デイジ” from 8 February 2014 was paralleling a recent US controversy about popular animation being pulled due to the fact that the majority of the audience was female and Kevin Smith was involved.
Amor was saying there is more marketing toward the female audience in Japan than the US and the US seems to have the toys in sex separated areas, making it difficult for younger girls that don’t feel comfortable in a male area not being able to buy the merchandise they want in the US.
Amor also says this is due to the sponsors wanting boy’s shows and girl’s shows along more traditional sexual role models and separate products so they can have different products for boys and girls, also separate styles with frilly animation for the girls, even if it’s not good and not appropriate.
Tierra has noted that in Japan the new anime seasons usually have only one shojo anime, rarely josei or BL. However, there is usually a lot of shonen and seinen shows. Those shows are watched by the female audience and they buy some of the products. The unfortunate problem is lack of shojo, josei and BL anime seasonally and what is out there is so generic that it’s horrible, unless it’s from a manga.
Amor talks about lack of main strong female characters in the American products, using Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles as an example and the female character’s lack of action figures. Manufactures (and even a few parents) seem to be a bit homophobic and want distinct “male” and “female” toys and not toys for anyone.
Amor talks about US animation lacking strong female characters that are important to the plot. Tierra thinks that this happens in Japanese anime too. Amor says that when there are strong female characters the animation or characters get canceled no matter how popular.
Amor talks about the distinction of talking toys for boys and girls. How what the girls toys say is very inappropriate and about switching the dialog between the male and female toys to show the point. The sexist role reflections from decades ago is still ongoing today in toys and animation in the US .
We don’t understand why they can’t direct toys, clothes, costumes, etc. for both male and female audiences, especially since a lot of times they want the same thing. It shouldn’t be that hard to market products from quality shows instead of taking away quality shows.
Amor brought up that Disney is doing non-sex specific marketing and others should do so.
Products and shows shouldn’t be dumbed down for female audiences. Women are just as smart as men, and are found in engineering, math, and science. Corporations should quit trying to brainwash people into gender specific roles, and let people be who they are and think for themselves.
Why is VIZ taking almost a year to publish the next volume of Millennium Snow Sennen no Yuki 千年の雪 by Bisco Hatori 葉鳥ビスコ (the series originally published in LaLa and LaLa DX in Japan) from when the tankobon was published in Japan?
Bisco Hatori 葉鳥ビスコ restarted writing Millennium Snow Sennen no Yuki 千年の雪 after she finished the big hit, Ouran High School Host Club Ouran Koukou Host Bu 桜蘭高校ホスト部. Millennium Snow Sennen no Yuki 千年の雪 is a cute supernatural shojo dramatic comedy that was not finished before she wrote Ouran High School Host Club Ouran Koukou Host Bu 桜蘭高校ホスト部. This is a tale of an ill human girl, a vampire with his sidekick bat and a werewolf, among others.
VIZ usually does a decent job in recent years about keeping up in a reasonable manner with shonen and BL titles. However, many times with shojo, like Millennium Snow Sennen no Yuki 千年の雪, they really fall down on keeping up with the Japanese publications.
I wonder if they’re not taking their female readers seriously? They stopped publishing Shojo Beat long before they stopped Shonen Jump and didn’t give the readers the choice to read online as with Jump (which should be coming out now simultaneously in English with Japan starting this week).
VIZ please start to keep all of your titles, whether shojo, BL, josei, shonen, or seinen up to date and out as quickly as possible. It would be nice also, if they added on-line updates in English to all of their titles, not just the Jump titles, as they come out in Japan. I really prefer reading in paper; however, would consider getting an on-line subscription if it was more than Jump (I used to get both Shojo Beat and Jump until they stopped printing them – although the pink and blue ink in Shojo Beat was dreadful).
VIZ has finally published a classic josei series: Midnight Secretary ミッドナイト・セクレタリ by OHMI Tomu 大海とむ. It’s about time that there is some josei out there that is non-BL; unfortunately, it’s a romance.
Since this is a classic those of you out there probably know something about it even if you’ve not read it. It’s about vampires, secretaries, and corporate elite. Basic romance for adults this is not a manga for kids.
If you’re old enough, check it out, if that’s your thing. If you’re not sure about it you can check it out from your local library (or request they purchase it) and see if you want to continue. For those of you into collecting classic manga this is one for your collections (if you collect josei).
This is a short 7 volume finished series and VIZ could be releasing these volumes quicker.
Here are more suggestions for manga that in my opinion should be published in the US:
Kimi Ga Koi Ni Midareru by Me-O-Tojite
http://www.deviantart.com/art/Kimi-Ga-Koi-Ni-Midareru-379100402
BL:
Hideaway for the Heart Heart no Kakurega ハートの隠れ家 by NATSUME Isaku 夏目イサク
Amber Paradox Ameiro Paradox 飴色パラドックス by NATSUME Isaku 夏目イサク
You Are Confused by Love Kimi ga Koi ni Midareru きみが恋に乱れる by TAKANAGA Hinako 高永ひなこ
Deka Wanko by Kaito-neechan
http://www.deviantart.com/art/Deka-Wanko-189930530
Josei:
Deka Wanko デカワンコ by MORIMOTO Kozueko 森本梢子
Shuuen No Shiori – A-ya and C-ta ! by AkiTanuki
http://akitanuki.deviantart.com/art/Shuuen-No-Shiori-A-ya-and-C-ta-358559956
Shojo:
Ghost Hunt – Doll’s House Compilation Ghost Hunt: Ningyou no Iehen ゴーストハント 人形の家編 by ONO Fuyumi 小野不由美 and INADA Shiho いなだ詩穂
The House of Nightmares – Ghost Hunt Akumu no Sumu Ie – Ghost Hunt 恶灵猎人 by ONO Fuyumi 小野不由美 and INADA Shiho いなだ詩穂
Bookmark of Demise Shuuen no Shiori 終焉ノ栞by Suzumu スズム and YUKI Amino 結城あみの
Kamitoki no Resist 神解きのレジスト by YAMADA Shiro 山田シロ
– Gingitsune – by Choroshi
http://www.deviantart.com/art/Gingitsune-418075388
Seinen:
Nekomichi ねこみち by IWAOKA Hisae 岩岡ヒサエ
Une Histoire d’un Amateur de Friandises Sono Otoko, Amatou ni Tsuki その男、甘党につき by Est Em えすとえむ
Silver Fox Gingitsune ぎんぎつね by OCHIAI Sayori 落合さより
Inari, Konkon, Koi Iroha いなり、こんこん、恋いろは。by YOSHIDA Morohe 吉田もろへ
To the beach by OvertureSpirit
http://www.deviantart.com/art/To-the-beach-391185698
Shonen:
Silver Spoon Gin no Saji 銀の匙 by ARAKAWA Hiromu 荒川弘
Thank you for the fan art:
Kimi Ga Koi Ni Midareru by Me-O-Tojite
http://www.deviantart.com/art/Kimi-Ga-Koi-Ni-Midareru-379100402
Deka Wanko by Kaito-neechan
http://www.deviantart.com/art/Deka-Wanko-189930530
Shuuen No Shiori – A-ya and C-ta ! by AkiTanuki
http://akitanuki.deviantart.com/art/Shuuen-No-Shiori-A-ya-and-C-ta-358559956
– Gingitsune – by Choroshi
http://www.deviantart.com/art/Gingitsune-418075388
To the beach by OvertureSpirit
http://www.deviantart.com/art/To-the-beach-391185698
I recently came across an article “Manga Healing Your Soul” and although I’ve read a few of these titles (and most seem to be school life); I must agree with the author, in general, and now look forward to reading many of the other titles on the list that I’ve not read when I get the time and can find them. I also believe the list is far from complete as I can think of other titles that belong on the list. However, maybe the author hasn’t read – as we all read different titles and sometimes overlap in some titles and no one can read everything that is out there.
http://www.mangahere.com/topic/manga_healing_your_soul/
I’m only going to list those works (manga/anime) that have been published/released in the US in English (or at least the anime is available with English subtitles), many of the other works noted are good but not available unless you read Japanese/French/Spanish or some other language and can get from specialty bookstore.
Thank you junshibuya for the use of your fan art: Usagi Drop
http://junshibuya.deviantart.com/art/Usagi-Drop-259645718
http://junshibuya.deviantart.com/
Of the titles that were recommended my favorite is Natsume’s Book of Friends Natsume Yuujinchou 夏目友人帳; however, I am reading or have read some of the others that are on the list and available in the US in English. Those I’ve read (or watched the anime) and agree are: Bunny Drop Usagi Drop うさぎドロップ; Chii’s Sweet Home チーズスイートホーム; Kids on the Slope Sakamichi no Apollon 坂道のアポロン; Kamisama Kiss Kamisama Hajimemashita 神様はじめました; Kimi ni Todoke 君に届け.
I don’t agree (although enjoy) with: DRRR!! Durarara!! デュラララ!!; Fruits Basket フルーツバスケット; Arisa アリサ; and xxxHOLiC XXX ホリック – however, that’s my opinion and you may disagree with me.
Thank you Accursed-Sayan for the use of your fan art: Amira
http://accursed-sayan.deviantart.com/art/Amira-172531718
http://accursed-sayan.deviantart.com/
I couldn’t help noticing that Yotsuba&! Yotsubato! よつばと!; Ai-Ore! Ai Wo Utau Yori Ore Ni Oborero! 愛を歌うより俺に溺れろ！ & Ai-Ore! Danshikō no Hime to Joshikō no Ōji 愛俺! ~男子校の姫と女子校の王子~; Ghost Hunt ゴーストハント; Princess Jellyfish KURAGEHIME 海月姫; Kyou Kara Maoh! 今日から㋮王!; Natsuyuki Rendezvous 夏雪ランデブー; Dengeki Daisy 電撃デイジー; A Bride’s Story Otoyomegatari 乙嫁語り; Demon Love Spell Ayakashi Koi Emaki あやかし恋絵巻;The Betrayal knows my Name URAGIRI WA BOKU NO NAMAE WO SHITTEIRU 裏切りは僕の名前を知っている; V.B.RoseV・B・ローズ; Otomen オトメン(乙男); several BL (probably this was a list for younger readers) and others were missing (I can’t remember everything I read).
Tired of the same ol’ same ol’ or weary of manga that has you on edge or need something to calm you after a stressful time – you may want to try some of these calming manga/anime that will bring a smile to your face or a good laugh.
Thank you Accursed-Sayan for the use of your fan art: Amira
http://accursed-sayan.deviantart.com/art/Amira-172531718
http://accursed-sayan.deviantart.com/
Thank you junshibuya for the use of your fan art: Usagi Drop
http://junshibuya.deviantart.com/art/Usagi-Drop-259645718
http://junshibuya.deviantart.com/
I must say that I’m getting very unhappy with much of the manga that is being published in the US in English. It seems to be, except for a few seinen titles (usually at Ikki (VIZ) or one of the smaller publishers), either battle or romance (and bad romance at that), in mostly school life stories, is all that’s being published (with a small exception, recently, of beginner’s science manga for children).
You can’t find any josei out there, except for BL, most of which is so boring and forgetful, However, at least SubLime (VIZ) is picking up some of the classics and better titles with real story to them. None the less, it’s still romance and no other genres of josei than BL. Women aren’t second class citizens who only think about romance!
Almost all the shojo, with few exceptions (there may be some romance but there is great story and contains other genres), is (bad and formulaic) romance, with occasional battle mixed in, just as most of the shonen is battle (even something like the refreshing Bakuman バクマン。 by OHBA Tsugumi 大場つぐみ and OBATA Takeshi 小畑健 is still a friendly non-fighting battle manga in the competitions (battle) between the managaka’s in the story).
In shojo in the past, mostly shonen-ai, there were adventure (non-battle or very limited battle) series, etc.; however, not seen any of those in several years. There were also mystery in both shonen and shojo in the past and some other genres – historic, science fiction, comedies, thrillers, slice of life, supernatural, etc. You may on occasion find a smattering of these in a battle or romance manga, but not done well and not the main genre.
This is a sad state of affairs when you can only find mostly stories in two genres in the US in English if you’re reading manga. This is NOT the case in Japan. And with such limited genres it’s no wonder that the stuff out there is getting to be non-remarkable and forgetful and just not worth reading (it’s almost not worth picking up any Shojo Beat (VIZ) anymore from the unexceptional stories (except for 2-3) they’re picking up, poorer translations than VIZ‘s other series, and longer release times – too long – they’re treating female readers as second class citizens).
I can’t think anyone would be happy with such a limited reading diet; just as in life, you wouldn’t want a limited diet when it comes to food.
Thank you animama for the use of your fan art: Petshop Date
http://www.deviantart.com/art/Petshop-Date-207167500
http://animama.deviantart.com/
Thank you RekhytAnkh for the use of your fan art: “Sadness of Count D”
http://www.deviantart.com/art/quot-Sadness-of-Count-D-quot-156613687
http://rekhytankh.deviantart.com/
Thank you Of-Blood-and-Glitter for the use of your fan art: Capturing An Elusive Beast
http://www.deviantart.com/art/Capturing-An-Elusive-Beast-200811240
http://of-blood-and-glitter.deviantart.com/
Whenever I talk with people who have been reading manga for a while, when we get to discussing favorite authors AKINO Matsuri 秋乃茉莉 always comes up in the list. It doesn’t matter who it is, people with extremely different taste from me love her works as much as I do and she seems to be a unifying force when people have extremely different tastes in manga.
Her works are no longer available in the US in English (some of her shojo was published by Tokyo Pop). And because she’s switched from mostly shojo to mostly josei, I doubt anyone would publish in the US, as no one wants to publish josei except for BL.
And although she can write romance; most of her work isn’t – a good example of what shojo and josei could be – fresh stories in other genres.
Her drawing styles maybe a bit old-fashioned for some; however, I have no problem with them (or anyone else I know), and I’m someone who usually can’t stand the older drawing styles.
I do wish that some US English language publisher would pick up her work.
Thank you animama for the use of your fan art: Petshop Date
http://www.deviantart.com/art/Petshop-Date-207167500
http://animama.deviantart.com/
Thank you RekhytAnkh for the use of your fan art: “Sadness of Count D”
http://www.deviantart.com/art/quot-Sadness-of-Count-D-quot-156613687
http://rekhytankh.deviantart.com/
Thank you Of-Blood-and-Glitter for the use of your fan art: Capturing An Elusive Beast
http://www.deviantart.com/art/Capturing-An-Elusive-Beast-200811240
http://of-blood-and-glitter.deviantart.com/
Thank you Moondrophime for the use of your fan art: Kids on the Slope
http://browse.deviantart.com/art/Kids-on-the-Slope-311901317
http://moondrophime.deviantart.com/
I absolutely love this anime and have turned friends onto it that don’t watch anime and they’re excited by it. Even Amor liked it when she was over (we have very different tastes) and watched part of it.
The anime was recently released in the US. Now I wish that they would release the manga of Kids on the Slope Sakamichi no Apollon 坂道のアポロン by KODAMA Yuki 小玉ユキ.
Although I usually don’t like school life series, this is an exception and if you love jazz, this is a great jazz story. This historic slice of life josei romance takes place in the 1960’s and is about a group of high school (and a college) kids and their families and ends with them as adults.
Thank you Moondrophime for the use of your fan art: Kids on the Slope
http://browse.deviantart.com/art/Kids-on-the-Slope-311901317
http://moondrophime.deviantart.com/
This is just a personal opinion.
I’d like to see the following series published in the US in English (some can be found in Japanese kanji, French, and Spanish (some are in other languages like German, Chinese, etc.)). This list is not complete:
Josei:
Thank you Jeneko for the use of your fan art:Natsuyuki Rendezvous!
http://jeneko.deviantart.com/art/Natsuyuki-Rendezvous-323904031
http://jeneko.deviantart.com/
Thank you 0214 for the use of your fan art: Sakamichi
http://0214.deviantart.com/art/Sakamichi-320892215
http://0214.deviantart.com/
Thank you fuwishi for the use of your fan/cosplay art:Rendezvous
http://fuwishi.deviantart.com/art/Rendezvous-335881630
http://fuwishi.deviantart.com/
Princess Jellyfish Kuragehime 海月姫 by HIGASHIMURA Akiko 東村アキコ
Happy Marriage Hapi Mari はぴまりby ENJOUJI Maki 円城寺マキ
Natsuyuki Rendezvous 夏雪ランデブー by KAWACHI Haruka 河内遙
Sekine’s Love SEKINE-KUN NO KOI 関根くんの恋 by KAWACHI Haruka 河内遙
Kids on the Slope Sakamichi no Apollon 坂道のアポロン by KODAMA Yuki 小玉ユキ
Yoru Café. – My Sweet Knights ヨルカフェ。by ENJOUJI Maki 円城寺マキ
5-ji Kara 9-ji Made From Five to Nine 5時から9時まで by AIHARA Miki 相原実貴
Diamond Life ダイヤモンド・ライフ by FUJIWARA Akira 藤原晶
Light of the Firefly Hotaru no Hikari ホタルノヒカリ by HIURA Satoru ひうらさとる
BL:
Thank you Ultimate-Low for the use of your fan art: Sekaiichi Hatsukoi manga coloring
http://ultimate-low.deviantart.com/art/Sekaiichi-Hatsukoi-manga-coloring-284608528
http://ultimate-low.deviantart.com/
Thank you Seunghana for the use of your fan art: Sekaiichi hatsukoi Yukina kou Kisa Shouta ~VI
http://seunghana.deviantart.com/art/Sekaiichi-hatsukoi-Yukina-kou-Kisa-Shouta-VI-322154978
http://seunghana.deviantart.com/
World’s Greatest First Love: The Case of Onodera Ritsu Sekaiichi Hatsukoi 世界一初恋 ~小野寺律の場合~ by NAKAMURA Shungiku 中村春菊
Pure Romance Junjou Romantica 純情ロマンチカ by NAKAMURA Shungiku 中村春菊(was once partially published in the US)
Love Stage!! ラブ・ステージ!! by EIKI Eiki 影木栄貴and ZAOU Taishi 藏王大志
Back Stage!! by EIKI Eiki 影木栄貴and ZAOU Taishi 藏王大志
Mr. Kayashima’s Graceful Life Kayashimashi no Yuuga na Seikatsu 茅島氏の優雅な生活~プロポーズ編~ by TONO Haruhi 遠野春日and MAMAHARA Ellie 麻々原絵里依
Like the Beast Honto Yajuu ほんと野獣 by YAMAMOTO Kotetsuko 山本小鉄子
Another Sleepless Night Konya mo Nemurenai 今夜も眠れない by YAMAMOTO Kotetsuko 山本小鉄子
A Blessing on Your House! Omairi desu yo お参りですよ by YAMAMOTO Kotetsuko 山本小鉄子
No Money Okane ga Nai お金がないっ by SHINOZAKI Hitoyo 篠崎一夜and KOUSAKA Tohru 香坂透
Cool as you Toshishita no Ryuugi 年下の流儀 by MARUYA Kae 円屋榎英
(most titles in Asuka Ciel)
Shojo:
Thank you Rini-chi for the use of your fan art: Demo: Hakkenden
http://browse.deviantart.com/#/art/Demo-Hakkenden-351050332?hf=1
http://rini-chi.deviantart.com/
Anything by AKINO Matsuri 秋乃茉莉
Hakkenden – Touhou Hakken Ibun 八犬伝 東方八犬異聞 by ABE Miyuki あべ美幸and TAKIZAWA Bakin タキザワバキン
Honey Bitter ハニービター by OBANA Miho 小花美穂
Spirit Detective Yakumo Shinrei Tantei Yakumo 心霊探偵八雲 by KAMINAGA Manabu 神永学 and illustrated by ODA Suzuka 小田すずか(manga)
Akaya Akashiya Ayakashi no あかやあかしやあやかしの by HaccaWorks* and Nanao 七生
The Sleepy Residents of Birdcage Manor Torikagosou no Kyou mo Nemutai Juunintachi 鳥籠荘の今日も眠たい住人たち by KABEI Yukako 壁井ユカコand TAKARAI Rihito 宝井理人
Two Soaked in Sin Tsumi ni Nureta Futari 罪に濡れたふたり by KITAGAWA Miyuki 北川みゆき
Shonen:
Thank you Miyukiko for the use of your fan art: Inu x Boku SS
http://browse.deviantart.com/#/art/Inu-x-Boku-SS-311260514?hf=1
http://miyukiko.deviantart.com/
Youko x Boku SS Inu x Boku SS 妖狐×僕SS by FUJIWARA Cocoa 藤原ここあ
Seinen:
Thank you piratekit for the use of your fan art: Desktop
http://piratekit.deviantart.com/art/Desktop-139022950
http://piratekit.deviantart.com/
Ito Junji’s Cat Diary 伊藤潤二の猫日記よん&むー by ITOU Junji 伊藤潤二
My Girl マイガール (佐原 ミズ) by SAHARA Mizu 夢花李
Piano Forrest Piano no Mori: The Perfect World of Kai ピアノの森 – The perfect world of KAI by ISSHIKI Makoto 一色まこと
Thank you Rini-chi for the use of your fan art: Demo: Hakkenden
http://browse.deviantart.com/#/art/Demo-Hakkenden-351050332?hf=1
http://rini-chi.deviantart.com/
Thank you Miyukiko for the use of your fan art: Inu x Boku SS
http://browse.deviantart.com/#/art/Inu-x-Boku-SS-311260514?hf=1
http://miyukiko.deviantart.com/
Thank you piratekit for the use of your fan art: Desktop
http://piratekit.deviantart.com/art/Desktop-139022950
http://piratekit.deviantart.com/
Thank you Seunghana for the use of your fan art: Sekaiichi hatsukoi Yukina kou Kisa Shouta ~VI
http://seunghana.deviantart.com/art/Sekaiichi-hatsukoi-Yukina-kou-Kisa-Shouta-VI-322154978
http://seunghana.deviantart.com/
Thank you fuwishi for the use of your fan/cosplay art:Rendezvous
http://fuwishi.deviantart.com/art/Rendezvous-335881630
http://fuwishi.deviantart.com/
Thank you 0214 for the use of your fan art: Sakamichi
http://0214.deviantart.com/art/Sakamichi-320892215
http://0214.deviantart.com/
Thank you Jeneko for the use of your fan art:Natsuyuki Rendezvous!
http://jeneko.deviantart.com/art/Natsuyuki-Rendezvous-323904031
http://jeneko.deviantart.com/
Thank you Ultimate-Low for the use of your fan art: Sekaiichi Hatsukoi manga coloring
http://ultimate-low.deviantart.com/art/Sekaiichi-Hatsukoi-manga-coloring-284608528
http://ultimate-low.deviantart.com/
Some manga and/or anime that I’ve read/watch are based on light novels and novel series; however, they’re not available in the US, and I really want to read them (and know others that are waiting impatiently for them to be published in English in the US).
Some of the following I think should be published in the US in English:
shojo & BL:
Thank you ladybluematrix for the use of your fan art: KKM: SHOUNEN CAST
http://ladybluematrix.deviantart.com/art/KKM-SHOUNEN-CAST-258310836
http://ladybluematrix.deviantart.com/
Kyou kara Ma no Tsuku Jiyuugyou! 今日からマのつく自由業!(cult classic anime/manga Kyo Kara Maoh! is based on this) – actually want the whole series and extra stories by TAKABAYASHI Tomo 喬林知 and illustrated by MATSUMOTO Temari 松本テマリ
The Betrayal knows my Name Uragiri wa Boku no Namae o Shitteiru 裏切りは僕の名前を知っている by ODAGIRI Hotaru 小田切ほたる
No. 6 by ASANO Sukkot あさのあつこ illustrated by KINO Hinoki 木乃ひのき
BL:
Thank you PyromaniacInsomniac for the use of your fan art: Okane ga PIE
http://pyromaniacinsomniac.deviantart.com/art/Okane-ga-PIE-150555630
http://pyromaniacinsomniac.deviantart.com/
No Money Okane ga Nai お金がないっ by SHINOZAKI Hitoyo 篠崎一夜 illustrated by KOUSAKA Tohru 香坂透
Back Stage!! by EIKI Eiki 影木栄貴and ZAOU Taishi 藏王大志
shojo:
Thank you baon2k for the use of your fan art: Saiunkoku Monogatari
http://baon2k.deviantart.com/art/Saiunkoku-Monogatari-169099389
http://baon2k.deviantart.com/
Library Wars: Love & War Toshokan Sensou: Love & War 図書館戦争 LOVE&WAR by ARIKAWA Hiro 有川 浩 and illustrated by Adabana Sukumo シイナスクモ(novels) YUMI Kiiro 弓きいろ(manga)
Saiunkoku Monogatari 彩雲国物語 (ライトノベル) by YUKINO Sai 雪乃 紗衣 and illustrated by YURA Kairi 由羅 カイリ
Of the Crimson, the Light, and the Spirits Akaya Akashiya Ayakashi No あかやあかしやあやかしのby HaccaWorks* illustrated by Nanao 七生
Ghost Hunt 悪霊だってヘイキ！by ONO Fuyumi 小野不由美
Spirit Detective Yakumo Shinrei Tantei Yakumo 心霊探偵八雲 by KAMINAGA Manabu 神永学 and illustrated by KATOU Akatsuki 加藤アカツキ(novel) ODA Suzuka 小田すずか(manga)
When the Red Moon Turns Around Akaki Tsuki no Meguru Koro 赤き月の廻るころ by KIGAWA Arata 岐川新
shonen:
Thank you pokebeach for the use of your fan art: Purifying Dance
http://pokebeach.deviantart.com/art/Purifying-Dance-371148954
http://pokebeach.deviantart.com/
Thank you for your fan art *Tsundere-girl: Rdg-SasuHina
http://browse.deviantart.com/art/Rdg-SasuHina-366181953
http://tsundere-girl.deviantart.com/
RDG Red Data Girl RDG レッドデータガール by OGIWARA Noriko 荻原規子 illustrated by KOTONE Ranmaru 琴音らんまる
Guin Saga グイン・サーガ (ノベル) by KURIMOTO Kaoru 栗本薫 (several different illustrators)
Thank you ladybluematrix for the use of your fan art: KKM: SHOUNEN CAST
http://ladybluematrix.deviantart.com/art/KKM-SHOUNEN-CAST-258310836
http://ladybluematrix.deviantart.com/
Thank you PyromaniacInsomniac for the use of your fan art: Okane ga PIE
http://pyromaniacinsomniac.deviantart.com/art/Okane-ga-PIE-150555630
http://pyromaniacinsomniac.deviantart.com
Thank you baon2k for the use of your fan art: Saiunkoku Monogatari
http://baon2k.deviantart.com/art/Saiunkoku-Monogatari-169099389
Thank you pokebeach for the use of your fan art: Purifying Dance
http://pokebeach.deviantart.com/art/Purifying-Dance-371148954
http://pokebeach.deviantart.com/
Thank you for your fan art *Tsundere-girl: Rdg-SasuHina
http://browse.deviantart.com/art/Rdg-SasuHina-366181953
http://tsundere-girl.deviantart.com/
I’ve just started Thermae Romae テルマエ・ロマエ by YAMAZAKI Mari ヤマザキマリand am surprised by this little gem of a story published by Yen Press. This is a story I’d expect to see from one of the smaller, lesser known manga publishers in the US.
This award winning seinen, science fiction/historical, slice of life, comedy takes place in Rome during the last decade or so of the rule of Hadrian (at the beginning, looks like it could run through the rules or partial rules of up to the next 3 emperors (Antoninus Pius, Lucius Verus, & Marcus Aurelius); however, not gotten that far) and modern day Japan, with an ancient Roman protagonist, Lucius, doing the time/place jumping back and forth. Lucius will have a problem and end up in modern day Japan (not understanding and misunderstanding what they’re saying (at least in the beginning)) and get ideas there how to fix his problems back in ancient Rome. It looks like there may be intrigue in the volume 2. The drawings are very well done.
I believe there are 6 volumes total in Japan and it was recently completed (if my sources are correct). It would be nice if Yen Press would publish this in a timely manner, maybe once/month (since the series is over), instead of the once every 6 months it’s been doing now. Also, Yen Press, does a bit better on the translation and proof reading; however, there are still at least one problem with awkward sentences in the first volume, etc.
I believe this maybe YAMAZAKI Mari ヤマザキマリ first seinen piece and she writes mostly josei. I’d love to see some of her josei, if it’s as good as this, published in the US.
Tired of those getting more and more generic manga and looking for something fresh and fun, you may want to give this a try.
If you’re like me you’re very excited that one of the American publishers of BL, VIZ’s SubLime, is finally publishing something worth reading – Blue Morning Yuuutsu na Asa 憂鬱な朝 by HIDAKA Shoko 日高ショーコ. Finally something that has some thought placed into the writing and not the useless Yama nashi, ochi nashi, imi nashi (山[場]なし、落ちなし、意味なし) that looks like written for grade school (except for the content) by children.
This is a historical romantic slice of life story about the nobility of Japan in the Taisho period and changes it brought to society and a convoluted relationship between a viscount and his servant and their family relationship, etc.
Only the first volume is available in the US (I think there are at least 4 and it’s on-going in Japan) with releases due every three months for a while.
Although I don’t think she’s been published for very long, and her Restart リスタート, which was published and available in the US didn’t seem to impress me much; however, now with Blue Morning Yuuutsu na Asa 憂鬱な朝 and (not available in English; however, it is in French – please pick this one up and publish it in English) Does The Flower Bloom? Hana wa Saku ka 花は咲くか – her writing is getting much more sophisticated and complex. I understand that she recently started a josei non-BL story in Japan, and wish someone in the US would publish this josei work (I’ve not even seen it; however, with her recent BL works, hope that it’s just as good).
If you were so tired of unsophisticated boring BL that you quit buying/reading BL in the US, you may want to give this a try.
Wondering why I’ve not been writing about BL lately?
YAOI – Yama nashi, ochi nashi, imi nashi (山[場]なし、落ちなし、意味なし) “No peak, no fall, no meaning”. (I hope I have this correct.)
You all probably know this – right?
I have to say that personally, I prefer a good, strong, interesting story; and don’t care about the rest – how explicit it is or isn’t, within reason.
So why is so much of BL really meaningless excuse for more explicit (or not so explicit) reason to draw sex scenes (or not) because it’s labeled BL? Do others really not care for solid stories?! Don’t they feel as if their life has had minutes or hours stolen (hopefully you drop before reading that long) on a poorly executed story, just because it’s yaoi?
I’ve noticed lately, some of the BL in Japan now has more interesting and stronger story lines and the sex is just there as part of the story or limited fan service, like a regular shojo, josie, shonen, seinen story (since I don’t read yuri or bara – can’t comment on those genres). However, especially Digital Manga, most of what’s coming out in the US is meaningless and boring one volume or two volumes series. They’re that short because they’re so boring. Seems like sometimes the better stories (all genres) are released in Spanish and French before, if ever, in English. Why is the US only getting some of the worst of the BL (and other genres) available and usually a lot older at that? I wish they’d bring out some of the new and interesting stories in the US.
If you have noscripts on your browser, in order to see and use the polls you will need to enable wordpress.com., gravatar.com and polldaddy.com.
If you have ghostery on your browser, you will need to enable WordPress stats and Polldaddy
seattlekifujin 