Reviews (1)

Epicurus is an absolute pleasure
Epicurus the Sage is a biting satire about the philosophical and historical climate of classical Athens. Although not at all historically accurate, it takes each character, including good old Socrates himself, to the extreme. No knowledge of philosophy or the mythology is required to get the most out of this book, although it certainly helps. It seems to take a while for the plot to kick and it winds up very quickly, which is a little disappointing. Still, it had my whole household rolling on the floor with laughter. In the tradition of Asterix, this is a great comic. ... Read more

Book Description

To the trained eye, a single cut flower can be more revealing than witnessing a sword duel to the death. When Musashi is given a flower cut by master swordsman Yagyu Sekishusai, he realizes he must seek this man out. Musashi has the feeling that Sekishusai may turn out to be the greatest swordsman of them all. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

A manga reader

Vagabond is one of the few stories I have read that make me sweat with anticipation before flipping to the next page. The action becomes so intense you will feel bad you're flipping through the pages and missing the superb artwork in you're haste to discover the outcome of the last few pages. Overall the action is some of the best I have seen in the manga format.

A powerful story of one man's quest to become "invincible under the sun", Miyamoto Musashi drifts through the world questioning his one principle: his strength. A raging beast in battle, Musashi, only knows what it is to fight but gradually learns of the world beyond strength, blood and death throughout the course of his duels. Some fights take up entire volumes but they are well worth it.

The one negative aspect of Vagabond would have to be that not all the volumes are translated yet, and the reader might have to wait for the next volume to come out. Maybe the age-old story of "the quest" might seem cliché to some readers but if you can stomach it, Vagabond does its take on Musashi's journey in swordsmanship incredibly well.

I am not a Samurai buff, or even a big action fan but Vagabond's has me sold. I have read most (no lie) of the English translated manga you can find in America and easily place Vagabond right up there with Nausicaa, Maison Ikkou, GTO, Akira and Ghost in the Shell.I believe that all types of comic readers can appreciate Vagabond although shojo manga (girls comics) readers might be a little put off by all the blood and death.

A must have.

Follows the book! OUTSTANDING!!!
I just found out about these titles, bought and read them before I could throw out the box they came in. Being a martial artist and student of Iaido (Japanese sword drawing), I am very Familiar with the Musashi story. Yet these books (vol I & II ) are told from a fresh perspective that keeps you tuned in. I can't wait for the rest of the series to follow.
The artwork alone makes these books worth buying.

Also worth a look are the Lone Wolf and Cub Series... ... Read more

Book Description

Tokyo Babylon is a modern-day fantasy that follows Subaru Sumeragi, a young onmyouji (spiritual medium) on his quest to protect Tokyo from the evil spirits that have secretly taken residence in the city. Subaru is the 13th head of the Sumeragi clan, and together with his twin sister Hokuto and the mysterious veterinarian Seishirou, they risk life and limb as they hunt down the ghosts that threaten to destroy the city. Combining CLAMP's legendary storytelling and artwork, this introspective, character-driven series is a perfect dose of imaginative intrigue and mind-blowing adventure. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

A Pleasant and Interesting Book
I've read and enjoyed Clamps works before, but this is one of
their best works. It follows the story of Shubaru and his twin
sister in their adventures in excerising ghosts from Tokyo. I was surprised to find out that this book was a kind of prequel
to the manga series X-1999. After I learned this it made me yearn to read the rest of the Tokyo Babylon series. In this book you there are three parts. The first follows the story of Subaru helping a ghost who has a deep grudge against Toyko find peace with herself and Tokyo. The second on is very amusing and you will have to read the book to find out why! The third part tells about subaru's past and a mysterious man he met there. This is an excellent series. The only Clamp series that rivals it would be their first RG Veda. I highly recommend this series!

Tokyopop doesn't dissapoint
I was thrilled to purchase this book. I have been a big fan of X(/1999) for about a year now, and I've heard from many people that Tokyo Babylon is a very good series. I researched a little on the series, and was intrigued by the plot and relationship between Subaru and Seishirou. I was really looking forward to reading this book, and I even counted down the days to it's release.
I had my worries, however. As with Gravitation and especially Fake, Tokyopop nearly destroyed the manga with it's inserts of slang words, such as "dude". Also, what if the translation was off or the word placing was simply horrible?
I am very pleased to say that neither of those problems are present in this book. A few color pages/poster are included in the book, as well as an introduction to the series (as there was in Saiyuki's manga). Honorifics are kept (which makes a big fan like me really happy), and sound effect translations are listed in the back of the book. I strongly believe this to be a smart move for Tokyopop and definitely a pleasing one for fans.
As far as the work done by Clamp, it's another great manga from this manga-ka quartet. The artwork, though it was from their early days (1991), is still very impressive. For those who have read X, I need to tell you that the art in this book is better than the first few volumes of it, which is saying something since X was started in 1993. Also, Seishirou and Subaru's interactions are downright hillarious and are made even more so by Hokuto's comments and urgings of Seishirou to try harder to seduce Subaru.
All around, this book is a classic for any Clamp fan or newbie to Clamp's work. I highly recommend it!

For those of you who've read it before....
Be prepared to be stunned.

Tokyopop actually did a wonderful job with the translation of this thing. I am one exceptionally happy camper! They've FAR outdone Viz; the horrible butchering of CLAMP manga that's occuring with poor, abused X is not repeating itself here.

That's right! All the perversion that makes Seishiro Seishiro is here. All the blushing, stammering, sweatdropping of Subaru in his 16-year-old wussiness and the horribly loud laughter, mile-long speeches and 'Sei-chan's of Hokuto are properly done, in their full and untarnished glory.

Those've you who've read the scantalations will be tremendously pleased.

Those've you reading this for the first time, I pray you enjoy it - this series is CLAMP at it's best. Angst, cuteness, 8 million different hats, a terribly deep trio of original characters and terrific plotline underlaying the insanity! Tokyo Babylon's a fabulous series. I'm trying my damnedest right now not to spoil it...

*jumping around* I want volume 5!!!! My favorite! And volume 7! *bawls like the angst-freak she is*

Anyway, this volume's a great intro to the fun to come.

'Bout time this work got it's due and got translated! And THANK GOD it's Tokyopop pulling all the stops and doing it justice instead of Viz.

Won't ruin the storyline. Will just say that while this one's good, it gets MUCH better. Stick with Tokyo Babylon, and you won't be disappointed. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Another amazing manga!
I picked this up just two days ago, thinking it might be good. I have read the series Yu Yu Hakusho (at least what's published of it so far), and loved it. This series is by the same man. If you liked Yu Yu Hakusho, you're bound to like this too.

There are a few main things that differ between the two. First of all, Hunter X Hunter seems to be more of an adventure manga, rather than the fighting manga that Yu Yu Hakusho turned out to be. The drawings in Hunter X Hunter are great, but are, for the most part, not as detailed as in Yu Yu Hakusho. Finally, Hunter X Hunter plays more around a few characters rather than just focusing on one, as in Yu Yu Hakusho.

So if you like adventure, danger, excitement, then Hunter X Hunter is definitely for you! I highly recommend it! ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Wicked Awesome
This has got to be the best book in the series, period. I can't say anything, cause that would be telling, but a surprising coupe is hinted at and I love the pairing and have stood by it since first reading it. Humpr, drama, and intrigue are all masterfully woven in this volume of Ragnarok. Buy it today. ... Read more

Book Description

The Angel Troupe has one mission: They must protect Prince Shiva, the sole survivor of the royal family decimated by a coup d'etat. Milfeulle, Mint, Ranpha, Forte, and Vanilla are beautiful and talented pilots of their Emblem Frame. Each of these warriors possesses special gifts, making them ideal for the job at hand. Takuto Meyers finds himself leading the mission, getting caught between the five unique Angels and...Space Whales!? ... Read more

Reviews (1)

MANGA
This is a MANGA, aka Graphic Novel. Not a DVD. How the heck did Amazon get DVD? Nevertheless, this is an excellent MANGA, funny story, great art and good for fans of comedy, sci-fi and pretty girls. :) ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Well, Samurai Deeper Kyo
If Samurai Deeper Kyo is going to be any sort of rip off, its a mix between Trigun(Kyoshiro's attitude) and Kenshin(samurai qualities). I highly recomend this series to anyone who enjoys Kenshin or a lot of strange happenings. I'm still left puzzling over the ending of this manga. Well, thats my reveiw. If you like Kenshin, well, this is for you. Unless you're some sort of anti-similarity goon(in which case you should stay away from the Shark Attack movie series). -DeNae

SDK
Mibu Kyoshiro, a peaceful,cowardly medicine peddler, and Demon Eyes Kyo, the killer of one thousand men, are two spirits that share the same body. The personality of Kyo comes forth everytime Kyoshiro's life is in danger, leaving nothing but a pile of bodies behind him. But how did this happen?

In this 2nd volume Kyoshiro is still doing his best to hold Kyo back while heading to Edo with Yuya, a bounty hunter looking to claim the 1 million ryo on Kyo's head + the 100 mon on Kyoshiro's . While on their way, Kyoshiro runs into Jimon,a defeated opponent of Kyo's who's mastered the Hien Ken technique & is looking for a rematch. If that wasn't bad enough Kyoshiro must also protect an elderly woman from the Three-Color Gang all while trying to keep Kyo at bay.

Samurai Deeper Kyo is a great action-packed manga that continues to get more interesting with each read. I have heard its been compared to a Kenshin ripoff, but other than them being samurai's the difference is obivious. It has a great story, action,comedy, fun characters, & fanservice. If you're in to any of that stuff, then you should pick this up & at least check it out. ... Read more

Book Description

High school is hell for Yota Moteuchi. He's so unpopular his fellow students have a nickname for him: "Dateless." That doesn't stop him from falling in love with one of them. His gentle classmate Moemi is everything he wants - but is she in love with someone else? ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Sorashi reigns supreme here.
Those've you who adore Sorata and Arashi moments, Yuuto and hordes of uberlicious Kamui/Subaru scenes *gee, can we tell where my bias is?* should pick this sucker up.

Yet another volume towards completion.Yet another step towards volume 18.Yet another milestone passed in our quest to get to the indominable volume 16 *kicks Viz just for good measure*.

Makes me wonder what'll happen when both the overseas and US audiences are seeking CLAMP's heads for leaving this thing rotting for so long with it at its climax and so close to its end...

Gah.

Anyway, this volume.Expect happy Yuuto moments in his delectible little side story that shows the depths of his care *puddles are deeper, my friends*.Expect Kamui star-eyed all over the damned place with much hand holding, face carressung and tie-tying with our favorite pretty pretty onmyouji.And expect to laugh yourself silly at Aoki here, too.

May pretty explosions.Busy CLAMP artwork makes some of the smaller details almost get lost in the fray and make reading a bit tough, but it's expected.Fuuma and his frog with his cans if iced tea are instant classics, too.Heh heh.Frog.

Also experience the marvelous... inuendo.The Seishiro/Fuuma moments are funny as all heck, quite the stark contrast to what's happening in the background.

Not an overly outstanding volume.No angst, a few explosions, rushed toppling of kekkais, pretty sparkle yaoi moments.Overall, rather average.

But cough it up anyway.Better stuff is yet to come, and this is still a nice step along the path to X's (STILL!) hovering end. ... Read more