Reviews (1)

Love Hina 13
This is a very good volume of the wonderful Love Hina series. Many action packed events, lots of high suspence, a new hair do, and the resolution for the feelings of Motoko and Su, on how they feel about Keitaro. A great cliffhanger leaves you wanting the next volume, but keep in mind that the next one is the grand finale of the series. Too all you loyal fans, you will not be dissapointed (except for the new hair style). ... Read more

Book Description

There's no doubt about it: Japanese animation is hot. Television shows, films, and videos featuring the anime style of animation are wildly popular.Japanese animation is like a comic book come to life, retaining all its power but in moving form. It has a very different style from traditional western animation, incorporating heavy shading, dramatic camera angles, and beautifully rendered special effects-especially the fantastic anime depictions of ocean waves, storms, smoke, and explosions. Easier to draw than its western counterpart, anime is more limited and simpler in its execution. In Japanese anime the characters move, but their movements are generally staccato, sharp, and dramatic-not free-flowing with lots of overlapping action, anticipation, and follow-through. In Anime Mania, famous cartoonist, teacher, and best-selling author Christopher Hart demonstrates how any comic book artist can become expert in this wonderful style of animation. Step by step, he details how to draw the coolest anime characters from the widest selection of popular styles: high-tech cyberpunks who live in the world of the future; teen characters-with troubled relationships at school, home, and on the street; and mighty monsters, fantasy warriors, and giant robots. Aspiring animators will also find chapters on anime's spectacular special effects, the role of storyboarding in anime, sketching and the art of character design, and a mini-crash course in perspective. The book concludes with interviews with Scott Frazier, an American anime director working in Japan, and Mahiro Meada, a renowned Japanese animation director. Brimming with hundreds of spectacular examples, illustrations, and step-by-step exercises, Anime Mania details how anyone can become a real anime artist without having to reinvent the art of drawing. ... Read more

Reviews (21)

Americanized anime
This book does a nice job attempting to teach the anime style, but falls short of teaching beyond what is already basic and typical of anime. It also fails to achieve a very objective approach.

As a fan of the art style, I collect art books on anime both in Japanese and in English, and it's very obvious just from taking a quick glance through the book that it's a highly westernized interpretation of the art style (just look at the costumes, for instance). Additionally, it doesn't go into the storytelling methods and cliches of anime-style art, which, being an art book, might seem okay, but I think it's important information to understand in order to learn how to draw anime convincingly (proper camera angles, settings, keyframes, etc).

The majority of the book goes over figure drawing in very typical anime proportions and drawing by example.

If I had the chance to look through the book before purchasing it, I would not have bought it, but unfortunately I ordered it online and could not do so.

Kids Will Like This Book. Serious Anime Fans Will Not.
I would rename this book, THE ART OF WESTERNIZED ANIME. The colorful illustrations are great, but there isn't much instruction on "How To" achieve the drawings. It's a much better idea-generator book. There has also been some criticism about the "Americanized" anime used in this book. I agree that hard-core Anime fans will notice right away that there is something "wrong" with the drawings, the characteristic anime nose, for example.

Despite the above mentioned, the Pokemon crowd will really enjoy this book. The most obvious reason is that it is in COLOR and is filled with ILLUSTRATIONS. It also has pages of those draw "cute" anime critters. So, while it may not be traditional Anime, the younger crowd is not likely to notice, and may actually prefer the "westernized" look. And the lack of instructions probably works to their advantange as well (don't most kids like to skip to the end of instructions, anyway?)

For serious Anime fans, who are truly interested in learning how to draw Japanese Anime, I recommend taking a look at HOW TO DRAW ANIME & GAME CHARACTERS, VOL.1, by TADASHI OZAWA. This book/series is popular in Japan, and has now been translated into English (by an American publishing Co, so have no fear of "all-your-base-belong-to-us" English!) It has step-by-step instructions and the characters really look authentic. Why? Well, because, it's written/illustrated by an animation director at STUDIO GHIBLI (Oscar-winning SPIRITED AWAY) The book, however, is completely in black & white, and while it is completely suitable for kids, will probably not be as attention-keeping as CHRIS HART'S ANIME MANIA.

Overall, I give this book 4 STARS. The breakdown:
5-STAR rating for kids and people who's range of Anime consists of Afternoon cartoons. Highly Recommended.
3-STAR rating for serious Anime fans. Neutral Recommendation. (It still makes a good "Art of" book, though)

It gives Anime a bad name!
Well I havn't bought the book, but from first glance, it looks pathetic. The art style is horrible for Anime. I have been drawing Anime for about 2 years or so, and observed tons of anime, and this is nothing like it. I know it is Americanized, but some children have WAY better skills then the artists in this book. (I havn't bought it, but the cover says a mouthfull) Some people say it is good for kids, well they don't know the beginning of how much I see wrong with it. Not recommended for anybody acept maybe someone who knows squat about anime.

Not a very good Book to learn to draw in Anime format
First off, I have taken a look at the book in a store. My first impression is that it was bad. One, the artwork looks very amateur like, more like a bad attempt. Many of the book he has produced are ones on how to draw american cartoons. Not to insult the guy, but it doesn't look anime like. I would not dare recommend this book to any one who want to learn how to draw in the manga style. I would sugguest buying the How to Draw Manga: Compiling Characters or the other How to Draw Manga. I suggest those because those are PROFESSION MANGA ARTIST. Please don't waste your time and money on Hart's books.

okayyyyyyy
I got this book when I was just finding out about the anime/manga world. I now realize that this book is more for begginers. not a very good beginer either. it has a lot of useful info, though.( weight bearing leg, basic body construction, character design, and other suff) however, this book is sort of confusing becouse there are lots of different art styles in here.(Mr. Hart hires other artists) different artists draw differently.

there ARE colored illos all over the book. Mr. Hart breezes through lots of different types of characters without getting into them that much. he just shows you how to draw them at one angle and moves on. he could write a detailed series based on this book( how to draw creatures, how to draw high-tech punks,dramatic seens, how to draw special effects, etc.).

but if your a begginer and want an overview of anime this is the book for U. ... Read more

Book Description

In the distant future, man has found a new way to settle disputes between nations- one-on-one Gundam battles with the Earth as the arena!But this 13’th annual Gundam battle is different from the rest because a new nanotechnological weapon has entered the fray.Gundam pilot Domon Kashu has joined the tournament, not only to win the gold, but also to find and eliminate this new "Devil Gundam."G-Gundam Technical Manual is the ultimate guide to the newest Gundam series in America. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Good Book!!!
I JUST LOVE THIS BOOK!!! It MUST be my favorite!!!! I just got it so i don't know everything thats in it. Mostly the drawings of the Gundams and a little about it. Pretty good book! ... Read more

Book Description

Vash the Stampede is back for more intense action, and it looks like it's only going to get harder as the saga continues! As before, we'll see some vicious battles with new foes from the Gung Ho Guns, tough and strange fighters with one mission, to kill the nice guy with the God gun integrated into his body. Vash and Wolfwood go up against Hoppered the Gauntlet, with his strange hockey mask and shield body and Midvalley the Hornfreak whose saxophone will blow your mind! And what's worse is these two killers won't take no for an answer. On top of that they've got Zazie the Beast with his weird animal ways waiting in the wings, and Legato looking on as always. It's a freakfest battle in the city, and it's going to be tough on our hero and his conflicted protector. ... Read more

Book Description

It's once again time for the X-Men to mutate. First, will Juggernaut -- one of the X-Men's toughest foes -- actually join their ranks? Then, as the high-flying Archangel goes through a major physical transformation that affects his powers, he encounters a threat to his family corporation. Finally, the entire roster gets a facelift as international artist Kia Asamiya redesigns their costumes. ... Read more

Reviews (7)

Worse than Draco
Popular opinion says that Draco is Chuck Austens worst Uncanny XMen arc, which is saying alot since his whole run has been terrible. But the truth of the matter, according to me at least, is Dominant Species is his worst. Vaguely defined villains (are they werewolves, are they mutants, both?) take over some office building that Warren Worthington owns. Its really as exciting as the premise makes it out to be. Its terrible. Bad characterization, nonexistant motivation, and poor artwork to further obscure any sense of whats going on (for some reason fog takes the place of backgrounds through most of the arc, which makes even less sense because as i said it takes place in an office building).

If you want to read good X-Men stories go read some of Grant Morrison's New X-men books, or go read Essential X-Men 1 and 2. This crap by Chuck Austen gives the X-Men brand a bad name.

Not Worth Reading
These issues contain some very poor characterization, plotting, dialogue and art. The story involves extremely uninteresting mutant werewolves, who, defying logic, are involved in Warren Worthington's corporation. The characters do not act like themselves. They are completely changed to fit the plot and to add unneeded melodrama to the story. The dialogue is embarassing to read and the art does not flow with the story.

uncanny x-men #416-420
First of all, the artwork is pretty weak. That being said, I liked the story. We've got werewolves here that give the X-Men a good run. There are some great little twists and turns in here. And it is interesting to watch the Juggernaught fight on the side of the X-Men. Other than the art, it's pretty great.

Great X-men Book
Chuck austin continues his great storytelling during the dominant species stroy arc. Also Kia Asamiya provides amazing artwork. The x-men have hever looked so good. Great characterization only adds to this book. A must have for x-men fans.

Great X-men Book
Chuck Ausitn continues his great storytelling in the dominant species story arc. Also Kia Asamiya matches the great story with amazing artwork. The X-men Have never before loked so good. This book is a must have for x-men fans. ... Read more

Reviews (10)

Finally, a good cartooning book!
Most cartooning books are, quite frankly, crap. There are a very few exceptions, This book is one of them! Hart covers many aspects of cartooning, from coming up with jokes, to character design, to design tips. If you are learning to cartoon, or just want a few pointers from an expert, this is the book to read! Another excellent one is How To Draw Comics the Marvel Way. These two books should be on every cartoonist's shelf

A great nuts-and-bolts book about cartooning
If you're confident in your drawing abilities, but have little knowledge about the specifics of putting together a comic strip, this is the best book I've seen. When I decided to dabble in comic strips, I didn't care about how to draw them; I was more curious about character views, composition, what makes a scene funny, ballon placement, and timing. This book covers all that and more.

If your interested in the mechanics of what makes a comic funny, this book is a must-get. Those who know how to draw will get great advice on what makes a character look funny. If you don't know how to draw comics then get a different book that covers that topic...then buy this book.

Excellent book!
Very helpful book on the basics of creating comics. I needed a book that would take me from square one and show me the ropes. This did all that and more. I would definitely recommend this book!

Bleh
I wanted this book to be good. I really did. It had what I was looking for, info on the most important aspect of cartooning: the writing.But, unless you intend to create cliche, unoriginal cartoons, this book is not for you. Because that's all it does. It explains in detail the most common cartoon character stereotypes and how you should use them. it tells you what is normally done and tells you to do the same. cartooning is not about following paths that have already been followed. i enjoyed The Naked Cartoonist by Robert Mankoff, cartoon editor for the New Yorker. It explains the creative process in general.
Here's my advice: don't listen to advice from cartoonists who aren't even successful themselves. they clearly don't know what they're talking about.

Great book but not what I was looking for.
Well this book has it all. How to draw and come up with characters, how to layout out for comic panals. What and What not to do writing strips and doing the comic layout, etc. I'de say you have it all here. I was just hoping it would give more on writing scripts, but I guess there realy is no help guid it's just skill. ... Read more

Reviews (109)

Amazing!
Back in 95 I watched the poorly translated American version of Nausicaa, entitled "Warriors of the Wind" At the time I believed this to be the only version in existence and was quite happy with it. Time went by and I had entered into college, where a fellow student brought up Nausicaa. "Nausicaa?" I asked, "what's that?" And he showed me, and to my disbelief it was a 4 book series based on the anime I watched so long ago.

He let me borrow his four graphic novels, and on that day I had read them from page 1 to 1050. These books are something special. A world as multi layered, beautifully realized, and wonderfully imagined as Tolkien's Lord of the rings. I've read these books countless times, and each time the drawn images on the page breathe with life like no other comic I've ever read. There are messages here that enlighten us on Ecology, Genetic engineering, Philosophy, Religion, war, life and death. And that's only the tip of the ice berg. Miyazaki has crafted a world that seems alarming real, yet delightfully surreal, and it is here that all of his current films have drawn inspiration, a wonderful inspiration that has inspired thousands and will do so for many years to come. (Now if only they'd make this into a four part movie like LOTR, then I'd be truly happy.)

An Astonishing Work of Literature
I was no fan of manga or animation (in fact I shared the prevailing prejudice here in North America that they are for kids or pre-literate people), but when I happened to see Princess Mononoke by Miyazaki, I immediately realized that I was dealing with a work of a visionary with an extraordinary story-telling skills. I got hold of Nausicaa manga mainly to understand what his visions were, and I was not disappointed. I would not hesitate to call it a brilliant and profound work of LITERATURE (don't let your preconceived notion about the medium mislead you). Epic in scope and astonishingly rich in its depiction of the world it creates (the earth polluted and turned mostly into a sterile wasteland after the collapse of the industrial civilization, the mutant fungi forest emitting toxic fumes, the great insects that inhabit this alien, exotic, and strangely beautiful world, the declining humanity struggling to survive on the fringes of the forest, the warring kingdoms that perpetuate human foolishness, and the small and peaceful people of the valley of wind and their leader, Nausicaa), Nausicaa of the Valley of Wind unfolds a remarkable story of the heroine's quest to discover the hidden secret of her dying world, with a complex plot that will draw you in, at times exhilirating, at other times deeply moving, and in some occasions even shocking and disturbing. It has a rich cast of well-developed characters who come alive as real flesh-and-blood human beings, who are never one-dimensional (no simple distinction between friends and foes, the pure-hearted and villains), and whose at times excruciatingly difficult and morally uncertain decision-making present us with a portrayal of life as real as any life actually lived. It raises profound questions about the usual and often uncritical distinctions we tend to draw between human civilization and nature, good and evil, purity/innocence and corrpution, and will leave us deeply sympathizing with the fate and struggle of Nausicaa and her people, and asking the same questions that they ask themselves regarding the inviolabe value and sanctity of life in all its forms. If you believe Tolkien's Lord of the Rings is a classic, read Nausicaa -- you will understand what I mean.

not comic, this is art.
I am surprised that USA people watch this comic series in addition to the same title movie.

As you know, Naushika's story don't finish to the movie. The truth story start from reading this comic. Even if Japanase read them, the story is a little difficult, but there are more wondeful things than the minus point.
For instance, the drawing ways. Generally comic(Japanese MANGA) is simple drawing. But the comic is very detailed drawing. They is like art rather than comic.

And in addition to the wonderful drawing,the expression of the character's face is very excellent, for instance joy, sarrow, longing, anger... Mr. Miyazaki can write their expressions very well. There are writers that can write comics very well in the world, but there will not are writers that can write their expressions of face very well.

If there are people that was moved when watched the movie, absolutely we recommend this comis..art series.

You will not waste your money by buying this arts series.

I am sorry for my poor English.

The fantastic Princess Nausicaa
I love Nausicaa, from the moment I turned around at a Japanese shopping center and saw dozens of monitors flashing the image of the great Ohmu, I knew I had seen something that would touch me. I've always been something of a tomboy. So as a girl I found great comfort in Nausicaa; she followed her heart and therefore I could follow mine. Maybe we were both weird, but we were noble, kind and graceful.

I love the manga, but my love remains with the moving picture version of Nausicaa - I think that so much is said in the animated version that is more subtle than pen and ink. I also disagree that the manga is equivalent to a novel - there really is not that much exposition overall. The drawing is wonderful, the format of the best quality. It is a graphic novel and as such belongs in that category to be compared with other graphic novels.

My minor criticism of the graphic novel is that I had hoped to find out more about Nausicaa's companions. However, the plot remains pretty stubbornly focused in either the apocalyptic past or in the present with the princess. I would have loved to have known how Yupa came by his exceptional swordsmanship or what Rastel's life was like.

What the graphic novels do well is expand wonderfully upon the soul of Nausicaa - her determination, her compassion and her willingness to contradict herself. She is not a super hero - she cannot see what effect her actions will have. She can only act as one who feels for those around her, even those who have lost their essential humanity. She never gives up on anyone, and that is a quality that all of us should strive for.

not quite Tolkien but better than LOTR the movie
This masterpiece by Miyazaki is not quite at the level of Tolkien's mythology but then JRR never had to sit and draw what he so wonderfully visualized. That being said, Nausicaa is definitely better than the movie version of the Lord of the Rings. Another note though: the ending, astounding in itself, seemed a little tacked on. ("How can I surprise my readers who have been reading my work for the last 10-12 years?" Yes he did surprise me but...) He has ended up providing another idea for the Matrix-Wachowskis to copy. ... Read more

Book Description

Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura have passed the final test to become junior ninja, and now they want a tougher assignment than daycare. But their new role as bodyguards for the cranky bridge-builder Tazuna, who has super-powerful enemies that include the most lethal of the Mist Ninjas, may be more than they bargained for. ... Read more

Reviews (7)

NaruTo Rawks ur socks!
NARUTO IS MY FIRST AND FAVORITE MANGA! Someday, i bet the show will be a big hit on American TV. The show is quite awesome, and the manga is pretty good. Its not only for boys, but is also entertaining for girls. In my opinion, i think the show naruto is better than the book. More action! And also rite now, episodes 1-81 of naruto is available to watch or buy!

Vey Interesting for Naruto fans...............
Hey, if you're a naruto fan this book is very entertaining and fun to read.Also this book will keep you itching to learn what kind of mission naruto and his friends have to do next!!!And last if you're not the kind of person who doesn't like action books then don't get this, but on the other hand if you do like it then it's perfect for you. cYa!!!!

My favorite anime/manga
Naruto is my favorite anime/manga I've seen so far, and it's gonna keep us going for another 2/3 years (at the rate SJ is going). It's a very entertaining manga, with humor, action, and great animation. I would highly reccomend this to anyone who likes manga. Oh, and 'A Reader', none of that happens.

Naruto still rocks!
I am a huge Naruto fan! What I wanted to know before I bought this book was if it would live up to the first novel, if it would be of the same overall quality. This book is a little different than the first one in several ways:

1) The translators switch about 3/4 of the way through the book. Even knowing this, I did not notice the switch at all when I read the book, so I don't think it is much of a big deal.
2) There aren't as many cool things between chapters, like about the author or the characters. There are a couple of those things, but most chapters don't have them.
3) There is a lot more explanation of things, such as Chakra, the Shinobi nations, what a Hokage is, etc. They take time out of the story to explain these things to the reader, but they fit the lessons in nicely because Naruto doesn't know anything!
4) The covers aren't quite as good as the first volume, mainly because Naruto and Sakura are making various stupid faces, but that doesn't really matter.

Before I read this book, I was afraid that it wouldn't live up in quality to the first volume. After reading it, I am convinced that it is similar in quality. If you liked Naruto: Tests of the Ninja, you should definitely buy this book!

Shipping? Hmm....
Naruto rocks....so I gave this an automatic 5. However, I haven't been able to read it yet. That is because I ordered this item is September,and Amazon STILL Hasen't shipped it to me. I have wanted to read this book SO badly, but Amazon will not send it to me, even though it is ordered...I find that very unreliable. My mom got this for me as a birthday present....I hope that I will read it evemtually, but it is doubtful that I will read it as an order from Amazon. ... Read more

Book Description

When Keitaro Urashima fails his entrance exams to get into Tokyo University for the second time, he’s officially an unemployed and uneducated slacker. To make things worse, his parents have kicked him out of his house.Fortunately, his grandmother owns the fabulous Hinata Lodge and has agreed to take Keitaro in as caretaker.What he doesn’t know is that the lodge is actually a girl’s dorm and he’s the only guy around!Most guys would kill to live with five sexy ladies, but if Keitaro’s not careful, this job will kill him. ... Read more

Reviews (5)

Love Hina Volume 6
If you love manga, be ready to love it even more! Love Hina Volume 6 is packed with prrrrfect graphics, unique and funny characters and a storyline that ever keeps developing.
It has been one year since Keitaro Urashima (our bumbling but lovable hero) arrived in Hinata House, and what a year it's been! Keitaro still has his sights set on Tokyo University, and much to his liking aquires the beautiful Naru as his tutor- again. Still unable to pluck up the courage to tell her how he feels, he takes her out to the cinema. Things are really looking up for the Tokyo U couple until a certain someone shows up on the scene and gets Naru guessing about Keitaro's mystery promise girl... The volume ends in the very sandbox that the promise was made, and the ending certainly made me run and buy the next volume asap!!!

Excellent Manga
This is one of my favorite manga series. I need to get more cause i only have sailor stars and this one. This is rated 16+ cuz its got some nude and some things that only older teens get. My top mangas are sailor moon, cardcaptor sakura, and Saint tail.

Love Hina book 6: my favorite in the series!
All I have to say is, if you haven't read any part of this series and are over 13, run, walk or drive to the bookstore to buy this masterpiece fo Manga. yes, I know that most of this manga is kinda Perverted...Fan service up the ying-yang here. Don't get me wrong, I adore this manga. It's just that this is one of those books you don't bring to school for silent reading, don't flaunt around to your mom and siblings, especially if your mom is a "soccer mom" (extremely strict about anything violent or even minorly sexually oriented) or your siblings are tattletales. It's not porn, as far as I know. They haven't done it...But i Digress, this this series is ... hilarious. The only movie I've ever seen that even matches this is the all time funniest movie, Airplane. 5 out of 5, definetly. READ IT!

great manga series
So far I have read books 1-6. I have to say that they are all good! Book 2 let me down a little, but it was still good. All of the books are funny, sexy, and entertaining.

Excellent!
In this volume of Love Hina, Keitaro's two friends give him 2 tickets to the amusement park they work at. Keitrao wants to take Naru with him but before he can ask her all the Hinata Residents are volunteering themselves to go with him! Which girl will he take??? Then Naru and Keitaro find themselves stuck away from home with Mutsumi? What will happen to them? Find out in this excellent installment of the Love hina Series! ... Read more

Book Description

Poor Sayoko! The former queen of Nekomi Tech has never been the same since the goddess Belldandy arrived and stole away the hearts of the student body. Now it's time for the annual Campus Queen contest again, and Sayoko wants to win so bad she'd sell her soul -- literally -- to the demon Mara! With a Demon First Class on her side, Sayoko's dreams just might come true. Can mortal-first-class (well, maybe not first class) Keiichi, Belldandy, and her sister goddesses rescue Sayoko from her own dream before she pays the demonic price and drags the entire campus down with her? Collecting the the five issue miniseries. ... Read more

Reviews (6)

fun stuff
In this volume, Skuld gets her own angel, there's a completely smitten broom, and Sayoko becomes an "all powerful" queen. Although I haven't read all the Oh My Goddess books, I still had fun with this. I would like to find some of the other books, so I can find out how Skuld became a part of the group (that's a volume I missed). Belldandy is still the nicest character in the series, and I loved Skuld. Sayoko definitely shines in this book, as well. Very recommended. The art is gorgeous and the story should improve any bad mood.

Good as usual
I must say, the artwork in OMG is to most manga what Crossgen is to American comics. Everything else is a good deal worse (well, DC has Jim Lee now, but other than that...). As far as stories go, OMG is decent enough. It's not completely engrossing, but it keeps you amused. The character development is good, too. In Queen Sayoko, there is a bit of transformation in Skuld's and Urd's appearance (particularly the hair). Still a long way away from what it is "at this point," (the graphic novels are a good deal behind the monthlies) past the Rind arc.

Sayoko is back and more jealous than ever!
Everyone knows Sayoko thinks she is a queen...well, through a deal with the demon Mara, she now is one for real! The campus of Nekomi Tech goes under a major transformation, and everyone is brainwashed into worshipping Sayoko like the royalty that she thinks she is. The goddesses and Keiichi must stop her, but the brainwashing can affect them too. And the loyal subjects of Sayoko are not going to let her go down without a fight..

I am a oh my goddess fan
I have been a Oh my goddess fan ever sence I started getting the ova, I thought they were great then I got the mangas. I was shocked by one thing the ova absoluty pales in comparison to the manga. I have nearly all the mangas that I can find for sale in the USA and have loved each and every one of them. This is one of my all time favorites comic series if not the best. I highly recommend it to anyone who likes female characters who can take care of themselves as well as getting to see some storyline.

Each book has a good deal of character development, and this one is no exception.

So much Sayoko!
By the way Sayoko is my favorite character in this series! ^_^ The first two chapters in this book build up to the main storyline about the former queen of nekomi tech Sayoko Mishima. The first chapter is pretty cute about Skuld acquiring an angel. We see again the boy she met in Childhood's end. The next chapter is about Urd's sentient broom who is in love with Belldandy. Isn't everyone? The main story deals with Sayoko who asks the stars to help her defeat Belldandy in the the next nekomi tech campus queen contest. Mara hears her plea and ofers help in her own special way. It is a really good storyline that anyone who has been following the series for a long time will enjoy. Especially Sayoko fans, hehe. Oh this book also has one the funniest Tamiya/Ootaki moments I have seen! ... Read more

Book Description

This is one of the great achievements of the comics medium, a masterpiece by the great ones. Artbomb.net ... Read more

Book Description

This third volume in the More How to Draw Manga series takes a focused look at means of enhancing a character's sense of presence as well as explains in detail techniques for imbuing a character with presence by suggesting movement. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

The emotional and romantic peak of the series thus far
I am a devoted Battle Royale fan and sought out the manga after both reading the novel (which is now my favorite book of all time) and seeing the movie (which was plain awesome). I have all books so far as of July 20, 2004 and of all the books that have been released, Book 4 remains my favorite, barely above my second favorite, Book 6. After being thoroughly disgusted and turned off by the excessive and unnecessary pornography of Book 3, I began to lose faith in the manga series and ranked the manga as the worst of the three renditions of the BR story. However, with the sensitivity, beauty, and romance of Book 4 combined with the graceful (and graphic, obviously) violence, Battle Royale Volume 4 remains my favorite in the series and lifted the manga to the top of my BR list.

The volume chronicles the climax of the battle between the lovely Takako Chigusa and the dastardly and perverted Kasushi Niida, the tearing apart and the reunion of Shuuya, Noriko, and Kawada, as well as some backstory with both Mimura and Kawada. Book 4, for me, defines and brings out the best in the relationships between the central characters, especially that belong to the kind and devoted Noriko, the bleeding heart Shuuya, and the "badass with the heart of gold" Kawada. If you're the romantic otaku who loves a little violence and drama along with a love story, Volume 4 will surely please you. If not, move on to Book 6 where the action is much more pulse-pounding and emotional. But then again, love can blossom even on a battle field, even if your love affair is with a graphic novel.

Volume 4 is a little weaker than the previous books
I've enjoyed the first three graphic novels of the series immensely, but I found Volume 4 to be a little less enjoyable than the previous volumes.

I guess my main objection is that it didn't seem like that much happened in this book. Sure, a few more students died (I won't reveal any spoilers here about specifically who did what), but after I was done reading the book, I was left with the feeling that not much had happened. That's probably not uncommon for middle volumes in long series like this one; I'd expect that the pace will pick up in the next volume.

The art is as good as ever, and there are some truly creepy close-ups of at least one character who's gone mad. There is a decent amount of violence, including a very nice surprise in one of the scenes, and the graphic sex that was present previously in the series is absent from this volume (so if that turned you off the series before, you won't have to worry about that with this one).

Don't get me wrong, I still enjoyed Volume 4, and will definitely pick up Volume 5, but I do hope that the rest of the books are stronger than this one. Obviously, if you're new to Battle Royale, I'd advise you to start with Volume 1, you won't regret it!

The Pulse is Still There
After volume 3, which was still a good read, and yet, far from as good as the rest of the series, Ihave to say, volume 4 really brought the life back. First off, the extreme sex of the Fallen Angel chapter in book 3 is gone, replaced by what makes the series work, pulse pounding excitment, and amazing characters. Also, I have to say, the art and style are amazing,detailed, and beautiful and gruesome at the same time. It's still at four stars, mainly because of my attitude towards the main character, Shuya (I think thats his name). He still feels to much like a bleeding Romeo hero, although he does get better in this volume, by realizing his flaws. And his "heroic" (stupid) actions are not treated as something great. But still, he bugs me, so that brings my rating down one star... more like half a star.

Terrific Chapter In A Brilliant Saga! Do Not Miss!
As good as volume 3 of "Battle Royale" was, readers like me were turned off by the excessive sexual content in the end of the book. Thankfully, I can say after reading Volume 4, not only has the series made up for the fact, it's the best book so far into "Battle." It's a helluva book, for lack of a better praise. It begins with Takako and Kazushi batteling to the death with an ending that will leave you breathless! Then the series takes its most disturbing turn when it sheds the spotlight on Kaori, a nerdish student who cracks under the Game's pressure. Her chapters are so creepy, it's highly recommended not to read this book at night, as the artwork in these panels are the stuff of nightmares! Yet as frightening as the story builds, the writing gets more and more ingenious, showing us how much more "Battle Royale" resembles a war story than a satirical take on reality-television: like "Saving Private Ryan," students act as though they were soldiers in battle, doing everything they can to stay alive, help their comrades...or kill anything threatening. Best of all, the characters are well-defined; you really care for them. As you keep turning the pages, you're left asking yourself not "Who's going to die next?" but instead, "Geez, how much more can these guys take?" I have never invested that much interest into a cast in any other graphic novel, or even a written novel. Well, there is only one person I feel irratated at: Shuuya, with his goody-two shoe act and his naive attitude about life. I swear, everytime he blabbers about how life is precious, I begin to secrtetly hope someone would pump lead into his body! Could happen, which leaves me to eagerly anticipate the next chapter! (Anyone here knows how many volumes there are?). I haven't read the original novel or saw the motion picture yet, but after reading the magna, I don't whanna! BTW, try reading the books while listening to the "Kill Bill" soundtrack. It's great music to listen to for "Battle Royale"! (Here's hoping Hirono wins!) ... Read more

Book Description

Cobra has re-established its island base, but the organization is crumbling; Destro and Zartan have both resigned, and the Baroness is caught between love and duty. While the Joes infiltrate Cobra Island, Cobra Commander makes a violent attempt on General Hawk's life and the South American nation of Sierra Gordo is invaded by a mysterious new high-tech commando unit. As the players enact their strategies, the pawns move into place. "Players and Pawns" also introduces the most anticipated new addition to the G.I. Joe mythos - Wraith - whose debut comes in a 12-page story penciled by Talent Caldwell of Aspen Studios. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Peach Girl Forever!
The amazing series continues in the original Japanese format! I don't want to spoil what's goin on but this is my favorite manga series of them all as a great cheesy teen romance that keeps you hooked right in the story! I highly, highly, highly, recommend this manga and I'm pretty convinced if you buy it you'll enjoy it.

It's finally happened!
Momo and Kiley are together! Kiley remains a true Wily-Kiley with his interest in Momo, but he definitely shows his sweet-side throughout the book. And, as always, he's the character which makes the comic funny and worth reading. Sae takes a back seat in this volume, appearing (I believe) only once, but we find our villain when Kiley's old girlfriend shows up...and appears ready to reclaim him. We learn some of Kiley's past in this volume, and also get a deeper side to him, as well. This Volume will leave you craving the next, seeking resolve to the many new mysteries which surface in this book. This volume (and in fact, the entire series) is probably one of the most re-readable. I frequently pick it up and read it all again, unlike some of my other manga, which is good one time through, then gets old.
This volume is written in the original right-to-left format. The benefit of this is that none of the artwork has been flipped, or altered. The downside is that, if this is your first encounter with this style, you will most likely get confused and dizzy trying to figure out the order by which to read the panels (but don't worry, you get used to it after a few pages or so, and there is instructions in the book). ... Read more

Reviews (2)

The End Of Mars
For those who picked the book up when it first came out, and where sucked into it's wonderful art and most creative story, then you must know that this series gets better book by book, and as sad as it may be, the ending is perfect for it. Several unanswered questions come into play... will Kira tell Rei about the letter form Sei? How will old characters come into play? Will they be happy or will it end in tears? Only one way to find out! I enjoyed this manga however, because it was a perfect ending!

beautiful!
I have loved this series so much that I was almost sad when I picked up this volume...I knew it would end! Normally, I'm not one for dramatic soap operas, but there's something extremely compelling about Rei and Kira's story. The characters of Mars are simply fantastic and a joy to follow along. In this volume, Masao (yes, I groaned, too) reared his ugly head once again and escapes from the hospital only to stab Rei on his wedding night. They really scared me for a few pages when it seemed Rei was going to die (relax, ladies, he's just fine and dandy), and then thankfully, Rei gets back to racing. I can't wait until the Gaiden: Horse with No Name comes out. June...*sigh* Anyway, a great end to a great manga series! ... Read more

Book Description

Youri, a pretty Japanese girl who just passed a college entrance exam, is ecstatic after her first kiss with her handsome childhood friend-turned-boyfriend, Himuro. Meanwhile, she starts to notice that water becomes agitated whenever she goes near it! One night, hands appear out of a puddle on the street and drag her into the water. She emerges from the water to find that she has been transported to an ancient village somewhere in the Middle East. She is then captured by armed troops and taken to the queen's palace, where she learns that the queen had her kidnapped so she can offer her blood as part of a ritual that will kill two princes in competition to inherit the kingdom. ... Read more

Reviews (6)

A nice change
When I first picked up Red River I expected it to be an average 'girl travels to a different dimesion and saves the world' book. I was soon pleasantly surprised. This book has something for everyone. get it now!!

A wonderful manga by Shinohara Chie!
I first heard of Red River from my friend. She told me that I should give this a try since I love to read manga. Anyway, I bought the whole 28 books in Chinese and stayed up all night reading them..They are so hard to put down!! My husband came home from work only to find me still up and reading (I was reading when he left for work)! Imaging his horror! :O haha...

Yuri is a normal Japanese girl who suddenly got sucked into a puddle on the street and is brought to Anatolia in ancient Middle East.

The artwork is beautiful and the storyline is wonderful. The whole manga is such a page turner!!! It make you want to know what's going to happen to Yuri and Prince Kail next. The English version is on #5 now, still a long way to go, but it is worth the wait!! :) I am collecting the English version as well (for myself and my husband who cannot read Chinese) I am hooked on Shinohara Chie's manga ever since I bought the Red River! It is a wonderful manga that will leave you wanting to read them again and again...

Review of Red River Vol.1
After her first kiss with her boy friend, Yuri found out something strange happened in the water around her. One day, on her way home, a hand from a puddle of the street pulled her in to the ancient time in the Middle East. She couldn't understand what the people were saying so she ran away. She met a stranger in an alleyway when she was running. He kissed her to rescue her from the guards( which I think there is more). After the kiss, she seems to understand their language. She then be brought back to the castle by the queen of Haiti. She is the one that capture Yuri and she wants to sacrifice Yuri to the gods( which is lies). The queen only sacrifice Yuri because she wants her son to become the next king. The stranger, which is Kail, the third prince rescued her again by saying that she had lost her virginity to him so that she can not be use to sacrifice anymore. Kail then lets Yuri stay in his castle because the quen will try to get her back. What will happen next? Read and you going to find out! Enjoy!

Red River - slow growing addiction
I first heard of Red River from a review I read saying If you like Fushigi Yugi, then we recommend this. While me beinghuge fan of Yu Watase and all her works, especially fushigi yugi I decided to try this out even though it was not done by Yu .
When I first picked up my volume one I was a little put off, The art didnt seem to be has nice, and the story seemed a tad off, but I kept reading and by the end I was hooked.
I am such a sucker for the love story, true at first you think Kail is a jerk , but there is that under lying feeling of how much he cares and the sexual tension building up between them.
But romance isnt the only thing, the fight and war front story sections are more than enough to hook the male readers.
this is a very well rounded story and the artwork ,especially those of kail and yuri embracing are beautiful.
I wa sglad to be proven wrong from my first impression.
I just recently finished vol 4 and I am soo anxious for the nextone to come out.

Awesome
Funny at times, romantic and serious, i really have enjoyed the first 4 installments of Red River. Yuuri has found herself transported back to a time where iron is the most precious substance and mage craft is used to eliminate the candidates for the throne, one of whom is Prince Kail, whom Yuuri falls in love with. Under the psuedonym of Princess Yuuri, AKA the goddess Ishtar, Yuuri is a symbol of hope. As she finds herself becoming more deeply entangled in the world she has fallen into, she has to remind herself that her place is in Japan, during her time. But she still cares about the inhabitants and land of the Past and hopes to protect it. This is really a nice story, not too angst-ridden not too cloyingly sweet, just perfect! ... Read more

Reviews (6)

Excelent story!!
Honestly for the first volumes I though the story wasn`t really that great and IMHO the humor was lacking...a bit too simple if you may but in volume 2 it got better so I kept buying but i dindn`t expect this kind of surprside!! the story really kicked off and the drawing is superb as always I just wish they would give up in those annoying little things like the giant tomamtoe and a stupid-looking talking book do they really think that`s funny??or cute?? overall the story is great BUY IT!!

Nice book '_' bad ending!
Okay i really love this book! The problem is a MAJIOR cliff hanger ending! It starts off with a really girly-looking Demon named Lord Krayon.(He's not as cute as Raenef *_*) And he wants Eclipes a very good friend and teacher to Lord Raenef to come and work for him! He gets pissed off when he sees that Eclipes Turn down his offer to work with him to work for the kind, loveable, and very cute Demon Lord Raenef so he traps them in a female Demon Seers dream. The demons name is Meruhesae and in her dream Lord Raenef can't use his powers to evil them out. And to escape from her dream they need Karyon's perrmisson to leave. They end up finding Karyon and he wants to see if Raenef is worthy of Eclipes's loyalty, Trust, And friendship so he attacks Raenef and raenef can't use his powers in krayon's relam so elipes who finally finds them in time to save them from krayon's attack. Krayon who is super pissed off now attacks eclipes wounding him and Then the dead past demon lord Raenef comes up freaking everyone out askes that krayon returns Raenef and company to there relam. Krayon whom is total clueless why the dead demon lord came up to help his predisessor, he gose to see Meruhesae the seer she has no clue neither so they decide to hold na meeting. Raenef who is still beating himself up about all the trouble that he's caused eclipes wants to become a proper Demon Lord fast so he gets help from a book who says If what you'er after is frightening and has a miserable personallity that he'll get it. Raenef who is thinking of eclipes best intersest in mind argrees from nice, kind loveable, little boy to a evil hardened and merciless Demon lord. Everybody is not to happy about the new and rude Raenef at the end of the book Eclipes wants to know what turned his good friend into this evil demon who would all but love to destroy a village or two. Thats where it cuts off. bummer so this book is great and all but need to show what happens next i'm die'n to Know!

Evil floating book with glasses!!!!
This manga picks up where we left off: with a mysterious demon lord hovering over our heros. He thinks that Eclipse would be better off working for him instead of Raenef. This Crayola inspired demon lord puts Raenef to the test; if he fails, then Eclipse goes to work for Lord Krayon. Being the demon lord in charge of the dream world, Krayon tosses Raenef and co. into some demon's dream (I'm not telling u which demon! ^-^). I'm not gonna give anymore away, but the last few pages involve a floating book that I personally think is not to be trusted, but I know others who disagree. Just to be cryptic, Raenef's gonna change for the worse...poor Eclipse.... Anyways, at the end of the manga, several types of magic are explained, which is kinda interesting, but I would rather they just kept going on with the story.

wow
when i purchased volume 2, i thought that the story had died down a bit. but god am i happy that i felt like giving it a chance and buying 3 and 4. the artwork is beautiful, as always (eclipse and raenef are the best, no? =P) and the story definitely picks up. and this book leaves you with an evil cliffhanger...evil i tell you >_< im grieving over the fact that i have to wait quite a while for the 5th volume to come out T_T i fully recommend this volume...or series overall...

Can't wait for number 5!!!!!
For all you manga fans out there, this book is for you!! I absolutly fell in love with this series the second I picked it up in the book store. If ur a fan of dragon knights you'll really enjoy this series. It is very simalar to dragon knights, just less mello drama, but hey you just gotta love dragon knights!!!
Anyway, this book is just as funni as ever. It also provides a much needed plot twist. A demon lord comes to fight Raenef over Eclips, saying that he is a much better demon lord that little Raenef. Sure he IS a better demon, but WHO is the main charater here?! Anyway the original Raenef makes an appearence, further twisting the plot of this loveable series. In the end of the book you see a starteling change in our lovable little Raenef when he finnaly starts to act like a true demon lord. It's what Eclips has always wanted, but can he handle the new Raenef?! I really hope not, because I want the cute lovable one to come back. I'll just have to wait and see what happens in the next volume. THere are also some really cute and funni parts in this book, of course. but I wont spoil them just read the book, it's not like your gonna regret doing so!!!!!

:)have fun!!!!!! ... Read more