Manga Books

This was a great comic book, It shows you Yoh when he was 4, he was so cute! I say, if you like shaman king, buy it!

I love Shaman King and everything but this book was just one long fight, even though the fight was really kool and everything it got boring after a while so if you like loooooonnnnngggg battles then this is a good book

Ok, here in the latino paradise I live in, there are no comics or books or nothing of Shaman King, only T.V series. Are there T.V series os SK in the states? Anyways, the names are somewhat different too, what you all call Asakura Yoh is "Io Asakura", his spirit that's with him, which in spanish is called "espiritu acompa?ante", is named "amidamaru". Then what's his face, no idea what his english name is, the dude with the the one-spike on his head, his name is "Len Tao", spirit? "Baz-n". Blue haired guy, "Horo Horo" (dont know what name his spirit holds but she keeps saying: cucurucu!), the gay guy, "Ryu". 'Lizer", the green haired guy, fairy's name is "Morfin". "Ana", "Io"'s girlfriend. "Manta", "Io"'s best friend, the little guy. And the cheetah kid, the one that tells jokes, "Chocolo" is his name, and he wants to bring: "la brisa de la risa". 'Jun Tao", "Len"'s siter. "Horo Horo"'s sister? no idea. And anyways, there weren't anymore series after Io finished with Hao (twin brother). So! not really sure what the other characters are! except for "Los soldados X", the group Lizer joined ages ago, with the leader princess character, "La Doncella"!

I am the frickn biggest fan of shaman king i have read every single shonen jump until i forgot about the 2nd volume when i read this i thought that it was awsome pretty long fight but interesting this volume has yoh,len.bai long,and a couple of more people but it is awsome it also tells you about bai longs kung fu master shalin (joto one).

If you haven't experienced the power of Shaman King yet, this second volume may or may not be a good place to start, but for all you action-buffs out there, Volume Two is right up your ally.

Starting after Yoh's fight with Ren, the reader is treated to a flashback to when Yoh was a young child and how he becomes obbsessed with his goal to becoming the Shaman King. We also get two new characters added to the already likeable cast: Anna, Yoh's strict and bossy fiancee and Jun, Ren's older sister who controls the corpse of famed action star Lee Bailong. Again, we are treated to another impressive battle with lots of hard punches, kicks and ghostly matches.

While this volume is basicly one big action-packed fight, a lesson is taught and learned (a common theme, no?). Still, one cannot admire and praise the art, story and characters that has put Shaman King on the map. More of the main character's personalities are revealed and Manta truly outshines Yoh in this department. While in the first volume he is shown as a wet blanket, he proves that this wet blanket has a strong backbone and will do anything for his friends! He proves this by risking his own safety while requiring a replacement sord for Yoh by getting into a fight with Ryu. Hey, what are friends for?

For anyone who became a fan through the anime, give the manga a go and see what you have been missing. For those who are already a fan of the manga, sit back and relax and take in all the action of this volume!

This is one (if not the only) very well-done shoujo vampire story. It's got love triangles and many plot twists. And it is true that the story is not done yet. Matsuri Hino is still writing/drawing it. Chapter 40 was the latest chapter in LALA magazine in Japan. And as one person before me said, everyone is ALIVE. Anyway, this manga is awesome. Especially for vampire fanatics (like me) who love bite scenes. XD

this anime manga is so awesome,i can read it again and again.there is nothing out there quite like it.

Another great volume from Matsuri Hino!

If you're like me and have problems reading some series because of the artwork, you won't be disappointed with this. Hino's art is beautiful and delicately drawn and she has a style that will appeal to many shoujo fans. The only problem I had was I sometimes couldn't tell Zero from Ichijo (think that's who it was...).

As usual, each volume builds on the last one with more secrets revealed and a lot of strong character development, especially for the men in the series.

My favorite thing about this series is that it's not totally obvious who Yuki will choose in the end. There's Zero, the one who always rejects her but seems to need her most, or Kaname, the mysterious person who's always looking out for her. Personally, I'm rooting for Kaname, but I think it's starting to tilt toward Zero/Yuki. To each his own, though :)

I hope you'll read this! Especially if you've read Stephenie Meyer's Twilight series and are hungry for more vampire drama...

In the third volume Matsuri takes a moment to show readers to softer side of Kaname Kuran, the pure blood Vampire who saved Yuki from a Vampire who had gone mad, lusting for blood. We get to see their friendship grow and how Yuki too has changed.

Matsuri also introduces into the story a mysterious girl, who decides to go to the school after finally finding Zero. Her soft exterior gets Yuki to trust her, and even through herself in the line of fire.

I really LOVED this volume and cannot wait to read the next one. I highly recommend this series to anyone who loves a good Vampire series with delicious art, and story line.

This series is one of the best written and best drawn mangas ever in my opinion. The plot is complex and engaging, full of twists and turns and mystery. The way Ms. Hino draws the characters and shows us their feelings, their lives and their relationships is simply incredible!

Contrary to what has been said in another review, this series is *not* complete yet in any country. It is significantly farther along in publication in Japan, China and Korea I think, but the series is still being published, a chapter a month, in LaLa magazine in Japan. Chapter 35 was the latest chapter and came out about two weeks ago. Kaname and the other major characters are still all very much alive, no one has died at this point. (I sincerely hope none of them will, but that's beside the point right now).

This is a truly wonderful series, and whether or not you like vampires, or even whether or not you like manga, I promise you'll love these books, they do not disappoint!

The opening of the series, sets out the plot the characters, and covers more teenage just getting into college angst. Wonderfully executed, and in many ways true to life, outsiders often have the hardest time having much to do with society. Overall an very cool book to own and read, with characters that feel real at times (the rumor issue was brilliant, something that happens everywhere and at all places like work, and school), as well as what happens when it is finally your own life to live.

The plot is well executed, honestly for an opening of a series (there are now three in the series, all are worth picking up) this one was just jaw droopingly real. Although one has to wonder if that many piercings hurt in real life. Overall good book to pick up and read, this one will not disappoint if you love gothic troubled folks, who are just getting started on life, and just learning what it is they like, and don't like about it.

I picked these books up purely because I was familiar with Ross Campbell's work in the Hopeless Savages series & liked what I'd seen. While the direction of Wet Moon has yet to truly assert itself, everything that's gone on so far has been interesting.

The series surrounds Cleo, a young girl who lives with her room mates & goes to a local college. Her friends are strange, alternative, and not just a little bit catty at times. (Sometimes you wonder which ones in the group really are friends & which ones are merely playing along with everyone else.) You (the reader) watch Cleo go through the process of her life which includes running from an ex-boyfriend, trying to track down someone who is posting horrible things about her, & going to goth bars for fun. There's also a few interesting side characters whose stories have yet to even be truly brushed upon.

I have to say I liked this book. It was cute, interesting, and contained lots of things I like in my comics. If all goes well in future volumes, I think this will be one I'll keep for a very long time.

One of the best books I've read this year.
The other being the volume 2 to this.
Very insightful and very realistic.
I like both books A lot!

I have to say that this isn't my usual genre, but what a great story and artwork from Ross Campbell! He is so talented and I hope many other people will discover his works and become fans.

ross,

wet moon is every bit as good as i knew it would be. the storytelling, the illustrations, the character designs, the whole moodily feminine vibe...they're all just perfect. i've always been a big fan of your work and i look forward to the future installments. i'm a little worried that some of the girls may be in for some rough times, but i guess that just goes with the territory. i'm especially glad that you chose to eschew a more traditionally over-the-top first episode and focused instead on just casually introducing all the major players. it all felt just right.

don't make me wait too long until the next one, okay?

bob:)

I didn't expect to like this since it's marketed for children, but I freaking *loved* it! It's humorous, it's imaginative, it's really fun! I would recommend this for anyone who likes sci-fi or humor. Can't wait for volume 2! :)

Zapt is a cross between The Last Starfighter and the Green Lantern Corp but with fun Manga sensibilities. Its like the Saturday morning cartoon I always longed for but never got. A cool concept full of sci-fi tech, pirates, and a relateable main character. The art is very clean and in the stylized vein of Teen Titans Go! and X-Men Evolution. The dialogue is fluid and the story is just cool. I picked this book up on a whim and now have been recommending it around my circle of friends. Excellently written, fun book!

Shannon Denton and Keith Giffen have crafted a fun sci-fi/super-hero title that readers of all ages can read and enjoy. If you are an older comics fan would like a fun, quick read, then this is a great choice. Or, if you're a comics fan looking to turn some young readers on to comics, this is an excellent choice. I've bought several copies to give out to friends with kids.

I also really like Armand Villavert's art -- fun, clean and expressive. He's new to the comics scene, but looks like he'll have a nice long career if this book is any indication!

One of the best, most imaginative books I've read in a long time. Aliens, space pirates, this one's got it all!

In this hilarious first volume of the ZAPT! adventures, normal kid Armand finds himself having a typical day of school: he's tripped on the school bus, finds himself stuffed in a trash can, has his essay homework go missing, and realizes, at the last minute -- and to his horror -- that it's picture day.

And then things aren't quite as typical anymore. From one second of being in the school hallway to the next, when he finds himself in P.O.O.P. headquarters, Armand isn't sure exactly what's happened. Turns out he's the newest rookie recruit to the P.O.O.P. Squad, otherwise known as the Pangalactic Order of Police.

Now Armand has been teamed up with Payleen, a talkative, hyperactive Pandekian, on a "test mission." Except, as seems to be happening a lot during this really weird day, nothing goes according to plan. During the course of days, or maybe it's only minutes, the two meet a space pirate, fix a broken Capernium generator, and watch a princess-in-hiding being kidnapped. Seems it's all in a day's work for the members of P.O.O.P.

ZAPT! is a great graphic novel, full of action-adventure and laugh-out-loud humor perfect for all ages. I plan to pass this book along to my ten-year-old son next, who I'm sure will enjoy it. A great first volume in this new series, you don't want to miss ZAPT!

Reviewed by: Jennifer Wardrip, aka "The Genius"

My wife and I bought a copy of the first Alex Unlimited novel about a month back for our niece. She's not a big reader and we were trying to get her interested in the activity. The cover caught our eye it sounded like the kind of thing she would enjoy, but we weren't sure. We checked some of Dan Jolley's other work and saw he had also worked on the manga for "The Warriors", a series we heard was popular with children our nieces age. We ordered it and sent it off, hoping for the best, and that's exactly what happened. She loved it! We've gotten several emails from her exclaiming how much she loves the book and can't wait to read the rest. We'll be getting those for her very soon!

Like Alex herself, this series has a lot of potential.

Don't be fooled by all this talk of adventure. When we start the novel, Alex is a frustrated young woman whose gift means that she cannot experience the missions she sets in motion. She goes to amazing places, but only because the Other Alex will vanish if the two get too far apart from each other. She spends most of her time during missions locked in a nondescript black vehicle. Fortunately for us and for her, Alex demands and gets more independence -- along with the difficult choices that come with being independent.

This is a spy story, a science-fiction story, a coming-of-age story. There are delightful villains, strange tech, allies-of-questionable-allegiance, and plenty of fight scenes. The Vosarak Code is the start of something great fun.

This book is wonderful. From a 17 year old's point of view. I'm close in age with Alex and I feel what she feels. Whenever I read this book I just feel like I'm there. I would say this is one of the most excellent book's I have ever read. It show's alot of what girls really feel. I love the action in it. The secrecy and the little hint of romance. It's not too much , but it's just enough. I really enjoy this book and I would sugest it to anybody who needed a good read. =)
~Brenttnie

When I was young, I wanted to be a writer, an astronaut, a teacher, a doctor, a catburgler, and a dancer on "Solid Gold." I remember being very disappointed when my father explained that one person couldn't do it all - at least, one person can't be the best in every profession. As we make choices in our lives, some of those possibilities become reality (I've been both a teacher and a writer), and some merely continue to exist in our imagination (I still think I would have rocked it on "Solid Gold.") Alex Benno doesn't have those limitations, though. Alex has access to every possibility, every alternate reality, which means, Alex can find a "best" version of herself for any situation.

For Alex, this gift is a mixed blessing. Yes, she can always find the alternate Alex who has the right skills for the job at hand, but she never gets credit for the amazing things these other Alexes can do. As the cover of "Alex Unlimited" explains, Alex is her own sidekick.

Dan Jolley skillfully writes Alex as a young everywoman. We feel her insecurities as she notes her frizzy hair or her frumpy clothes, especially in comparison to her alter egos. But unlike most of the usual stories in the young adult genre, "Alex Unlimited" has an interesting twist: that amazing girl the heroine wishes she could be is actually herself.

"Alex Unlimited" is fast-paced and cleanly written. Jolley, a former comic book author, is an excellent writer and has shown his skills in a number of genres. But beyond good writing, Jolley has hit on something real - the notion that we must learn how to become ourselves. Like Sethe in Toni Morrison's Beloved, we must find how to become "our own best thing."

Because of that message, Alex (for all that she is a frizzy-haired, frumpy mess) is an inspiration. So what if "Solid Gold" was canceled in 1988? Get Marilyn McCoo on the phone! I'm going to practice my signature dance moves right now.

This is the first volume in Dan Jolley's original series, 'Alex Unlimited.' It's a charmingly written story with a realistic and emotionally relatable main character. It's not full of age or genre jargon and is suitable for a wide audience. It's _most_ likely be appropriate for a 14-17 year old girl, considering that the book's strength is in representation of the heroine. It would also be enjoyed by a younger boy who enjoys youth-as-spy stories. The story reaches its stride in the middle of the volume, as both Alex's inner voice and physical actions become the focus of the reader's attention. Readers are left with a suitable cliffhanger and an ending with a lot of personality.

This is also the first prose novel published by Tokyo Pop. It's a fast read with short chapters, paced very similarly to an illustrated volume. In fact, it feels very similar to a 'youth-as-spy' genre cartoon with a slightly more mature bent. I would recommend the book to anyone above 14 who liked secret identity stories.

This I by far my favorite out of the four books in this series. Not only is it the funniest one, it has a perfect ending. I can't tell you much more, but I can tell you that they all live happily ever after. That is, if it were a fairy tale. I suggest you read them in order though. You want to save the best for last!

Me being the impatient person I am, I bought this volume first and ruined most of the story for myself ;_;
...but you probably really don't care.
By this time, through 3 books, you'll have picked out your favorite character, related to them in some way, figured out who in your life relates to Mr. Kimura (keep him away from me), and what the heck Azumanga Daioh's come to mean to you. This is the last volume of this story. That's right, go get a hankerchief, I don't want you smearing up the pages. The ending is really meaningful, because the author doesn't go into the whole epilouge thing that leaves you wondering even more. Also, the first few color pages contain some of the funniest moments in the whole book. *sigh* I can't say much else, but that if you like the whole random, really about nothing, overly charming and funny pages Azumanga's been, you know to get this book as darned fast as you can type in the search word and buy it.

This was such a wonderful purchase. I would recomend this book to any Anime or Manga fan.

I have had the awesome pleasure of reading the last volume of Azumanga Daioh (the manga version). By now, everyone who follows this series (that should be a reasonable majority of those with a good taste for manga) will have been familiar with all of the characters in the story. However, the third year, and in effect, the series, begins to come to an end.

Some highlights that I want to point out to all include:

* The story of Maya, in which Sakaki finds the young Iriomote cat, and relishes in having someone to play with.
* Nyamo at the study session in Chiyo's home, where she begins to literally unravel.
* Chopsticks: Osaka seems to have been a bit clairvoyant in corrolating chopsticks with Center exam success.
* Graduation. A wonderful ending to this volume.

With all the manga volumes out for sale, I encourage everybody (you know who you are) to purchase these four treasures, or at least browse through them at your local store if you can. Azumanga is a classic, and if you though the manga was good, wait till you see the anime!

ADV's manga translation team is to be commended. Their cultural notes section is without flaw - except in two cases. I'll get to that.

By now, Osaka has dropped most of her Osak... Italian accent. (why did they make her a mobster in the manga and a hick in the anime?) Chiyo's changed her hair. Sakaki is able to touch a cat without being mamed. A wind of change comes through the world of Azumanga Daioh.

This final volume crams in more funny than the previous three. Along with a good dose of comedy, you learn more about the characters and their lives.

The highlights of this book lie in the shiisaa, the sata andagi, Yamapikaryaa, Osaka's good luck charm, and the final summer vacation... Where, unfortunately, Yukari is awake already.

However there are two problems with the translation. When Tomo buys souveniers, she picks up two notable things: "Chinsuko" and "ukoncha." The cultural notes didn't tell us this, but Tomo was being dirty - thus Yomi's flustered reaction. "Chinsuko," when pronounced a certain way, kinda sounds like one of the terms for the male.. Y'know. "Ukoncha" kind of sounds like "poop tea." I am not making this up. I suppose I can understand why ADV Manga didn't translate this (or maybe they didn't get it), but with the 13+ rating you'd think they would.

Despite the two errors (yay only two!) this fourth volume is a great end to a great story. It makes me cry every time I read the end, and I've read/seen Azumanga a bajillion times.

Yusaku's grandma is finally going home after what seems like months and Yusaku couldn't be happier. She fit in too well with the other neighbors of Maison Ikkoku that made it their business to torture poor Godai. But she's not going without one last parting shot at getting involved in Yusaku's lovelife. She's asked Kyoko to go out on a date with her grandson! Of course, we all know the date won't turn out like Yusaku fantasizes it will, especially with all his housemates showing up everywhere the couple goes! Godai is also still suffering from an inability to break it off with his on-again off-again girlfriend Kozue. When she knits a sweater for him, Kyoko finds herself unwillingly jealous. In a fight over it, Kyoko causes Yusaku to get injured and he has to spend time in the hospital. Could this be the opportunity he's always wanted? What better way to get attention than from a woman who feels guilty for causing him to get hurt?

Maison Ikkoku is a classic manga which always has a excellent balance and pacing to its storylines. The cool thing about Volume 6 is that we finally get to see some tender moments between Kyoko and Godai which I don't remember seeing before. Yes, they fight with each other, but in little glimpses we see that the two might love each other for real, and not in a puppy dog fashion, but as a man and woman. Their little tiffs are usually based on jealousy or hurt feelings which really disguise their mutual affection. But most of the book is peppersprayed with funny comedy. The art is excellent with the backgrounds especially standing out for the great attention to detail. Awesome manga!

The funniest scene in this book is the "hickey" drama, and how much trouble it brought Godai... Not to mention the horrible way he got it! (yeee-uck!) But still, this one has great laughs. Kyoko's actions seem pretty internally inconsistent IMO, because she does not seem to be okay with either Mitaka nor Godai having possible romantic interests besides herself, but at the same time she seems to have no problem with the fact that she's keeping two swains on the line herself... OTOH, in real life, people aren't as consistent as computers, and so it makes the manga seem both more real, and also gives plenty of laughs, I'm all for it.

This is a GREAT graphic novel! It managed to almost make mecry the first time through, but there was also a good lot of humor init. Even if you haven't read the others before it, the book would still make sense, but familiarity with the series helps, because this book is all about its characters. And what characters! This book really cliches their personalities well! Rumiko Takahashi is great as always, and I would recommend it to anyone who likes humor, drama, graphic novels, or just good books in general!

Takahashi-sensei I love you!! Takahashi-sensei in my humble opinion is one of the greatest manga writers/artists of all time. I know this isn't revolutionary information for the millions who have read her books, but wow! what stories she creates from such simple Ideas. In this volume we finally meet the ever elusive Mr. Ichinose, and let me say he might match his wife physically, but he is much more like our favorite wishy washy student than Godai would like him to be. The main attraction of this particular graphic novel is Kyoko's jealousy. Oh it has made itself evident in several earlier novels, but in this one it really boils over. It begins when Godai's platonic girlfriend Kozue knits Godai a sweater. Godai brings it home and Kyoko almost explodes with jealousy. Godai finally confronts Kyoko and demands that she tell him how she really feels about him, but before any answer can be had. Kyoko almost falls off of the roof of Maison Ikkoku, Godai saves her, but winds up breaking his own leg. This leads to Kyoko and Godai getting closer to each other in the hospital, but the goon squad keep anything from formulating. Also, we get to meet Godai's couin Akira!! Good stuff.

New and stranger troubles visit Yusaku Godai in the sixth volume of the newly rereleased "Maison Ikkoku Volume 6." Rumiko Takahashi's hapless hero continues his efforts to win the woman of his dreams, despite the gaggle of weirdos that surrounds him. And you get the "Lost Episode" too.

It opens with a baseball game, in which Akemi's boss manages to recruit to the residents of Maison Ikkoku (plus hunky Coach Mitaka) to play. Then Godai and Kyoko's relationship hits a huge speed bump when she sees him helping a drunken young woman go into a motel -- and comes to the wrong conclusion. The conclusions get even worse when she sees a hickey on his neck, not knowing that a grieving, half-asleep male friend gave it to him.

Godai's life doesn't get much better when Grandma Godai comes for an indefinite period of time, and starts meddling in his love life, getting the dog drunk, and going to a disco. Overwhelmed and depressed, he goes on a trip elsewhere and encounters a chatterbox hiker, then falls into a well with Kyoko during a festival. And in the "Lost Episode: Yusaku's Island," everyone is stranded on a deserted island, where Kyoko and Yusaku try to keep the others from partying.

The biggest problem with the sixth Maison Ikkoku volume is that it feels a little like it's in a holding pattern -- there really isn't any advancement, unless you count Kyoko biting Yusaku's shoulder. That, and the baseball and marooned-on-a-deserted-island plots are a bit overdone. However, Takahashi's deft sense of humor and strange characters keep the plot floating.

Certainly the storyline about the acid-tongued Grandma Godai is funny -- she doesn't think her wishy-washy grandson has a chance with Kyoko, but she's trying to help him anyway. A development fans will like: Yusaku and Kyoko actually go on a date, only to run into the crazies from Maison Ikkoku. And Takahashi's delicious humor (like the drunken Mrs. Ichinose jumping into the already-fully well) is what keeps the plot moving.

Yusaku hasn't changed too much, but in this storyline his ego takes some blows when he sees Mitaka's luxurious condo, and hears constant derision of his hopes to win Kyoko. And Kyoko's muddled feelings get even more complex. And Grandma Godai is a fun character of Yoda-like stature, still possessing plenty of vitality (even if she keeps talking about dying).

The sixth volume of Maison Ikkoku doesn't really move the plot forward, but it's still a fun, romantic, cute story-line. A recommended read.

This book starts out with Guts kidnapping Farnese, and showing her a world the likes of which she couldn't have dreamed, one that is sure to give her nightmares (and perhaps a fantasy). After fending off his night-time attackers, Guts rests while Farnese becomes striken by his strength and courage, which only adds to her personal conflictions. As a whole, there is interesting dialogue and chemistry between Guts and Farnese, but Guts is devoted to vengeance. He does, however, seem to derive joy from taunting Farnese about her religion, and how naive she's been up 'till now.

The main purpose of this book as a whole seems to be to set the stage for upcomming events. That's not to say plenty doesn't go on in the meanwhile, as it paints a desperate picture of the world at it's breaking point, one with Plague in Midland, famon in the Holy Lands, sinister evil masquerading as the word of God, dreams of a white hawk amongst the people, and prophecies of it's return.

Couple all that with an appearence from Zodd and the Skeleton Knight, the course is set for something big looming on the horizon. Guts has a terrifying dream about Casca being burned for heresy, and awakes to see Casca's Demon child in the shadows, who warns him of the dream's truth. He now has a new mission, and visits Godo's house in the mountains to find Casca's been missing for a month. He takes a break to get his equipment repaired at the hands of an older Rickert who is taking up the blacksmithing trade as Godo is in bad sorts at his age, but is still cognizent enough to give Guts advice to move on with his life after he finds Casca and give up his quest for revenge. While resting in the cave away from the spirits that torment him, he begins to reflect on the past, and recieves a visit from the Beast within him again, but shrugs the encounter off to my joy as he appears to resist being swayed by it -for now. With his equipment repaired, he sets off to find Casca.

Casca is being cared for by a group of prostitutes in the Holy See, who are wise enough to protect the fragile and aloof Casca by wrapping her face in bandages and keeping the men at bay with misgivings of Syphilis. But it's in the Holy See that we are introduced to Mozgus, the inquisitor. We find out that Mozgus is a madman who kills a ton of people in grusome ways under the misguiding that he's doing it for god, and the people are very upset at him for it. He also travels with a group of servants to help torture and kill, who, as a group, would make for a tough fight even for the Black Swordsman.

All the players are in place, the stage is set for Griffith's return, and Guts is still looking for Casca who might be in danger. As you can see, there's a ton going on in this book, alot of plot development, alot of character development, it's a little light on swordplay though. On the upside to action junkies, there's decent gore, but this book is crucial to the forthcomming plot and acts accordingly. But it's an intersting read anyway, I highly recommend it as you will miss out in later books not knowing the set-up this book provided.

This series is the still the greatest. There is not as much action in this volume as others but it moves the plot forward.

There are still some kickass fights though.

Berserk, Volume 17 (thankfully) picks up where Volume 16 left off (thank God for no more background stories). Guts kidnaps the leader of the Holy Iron Chain Knights to escape from their camp, while fighting the darkness. There is more character development, as we see Guts' rage stemming from his past experiences with the God Hand, which allows the reader to understand Guts' hatred towards them. **SEMI-SPOILER ALERT** Also it seems that Griffith will be reincarnated into the human-realm, which is exciting! Near the end of the Volume 17, we are introduced to even crazier characters. This is definitely NOT kid's stuff! And I'm glad that there's a graphic novel that is both smart and entertaining, and happens to be for the "older" crowd. My only quip is that these Volumes tend to take a long time to come out!

Berserk's 17th volume is a fantastic addition to the epic storyline already in motion. The story picks up exactly where the 16th volume leaves off, with no introspection or backstory to get in the way. Guts must free himself from the Holy Iron Chain knights and attempt to reunite with old friends and allies. The plot quickly progresses, and by the end of this volume you are definitely wanting to see what happens next.

If you're this far into the series, you know what to expect in terms of content, and this volume definitely doesn't disappoint. Blood, guts, and nudity are standard issue, as is the series' dark humor and wicked violence levels.

If you are still reading this, just stop. Seriously. I'm done here. Buy this as fast as you possibly can. You'll definitely enjoy it.

...and Guts realizes that while he's been on his quest for vengence, he's left someone near and dear to him to suffer on alone.

This volume starts us off with Guts being held captive by Farnese, Serpico and the Knights of the Holy Chain... the so-called elite order of the Papacy which is filled with sons of nobility. Of course, they're nowhere near as resourceful as Guts, who has his own elf to help him whenever he's in a jam. One kidnapping later and Guts has Farnese hostage with Serpico in hot pursuit... but darkness falls and the demons come out to play. Later, Guts makes a return trip to Godo's smithy for rest and repair only to find Casca is missing.

The mundane world of men is certainly given a dark slant as the corrupt council of cardinals is only interested in politics and money when Farnese is forced to report her failure in capturing the Dark Hawk, the inquisition is in full force killing any of the accused as witches and heretics, and the world is certainly going to pot with Midland being overrun by the Kushan army and plague everywhere. On top of that, though no actual apostles of the Godhand are seen, the spirit world is also in motion as the deformed ghostchild that haunts Guts and Casca appears to warn our vengeful hero.

It is a time between battles as old characters are relagated to supporting roles and new characters are given depth... and new villains are introduced. It is good to see several familiar faces have brief scenes to give a wider view of the darkness that is infecting the land and show that while the world is turning around the axis of a few select characters we know and love/hate, the ripples of effect are wide and far reaching.

The art is standard Miura love with an equal amount of time and detail put into everyone from the high and mighty grand inquistor, to the lowly peasants who dare to challenge him. Be warned, though, in typical Miura style, nudity is NOT taboo... particularly in a scene between Guts and Farnese that would drive a Freudian to fits.

All in all, book 17 is a great volume of character development the fleshes out both the individual motives of many of our characters and gives a greater sense of the politics of the powers that be.

A solid buy recommend, with the caveat that this is NOT a kids book.

This is the culmination of a fantastic and underated title that has gone under the radar of much of today's western manga readers. Fools!

The city has gone to hell and the division of Black and White at the end of book two has acted as a herald of woe for not only the city but the rest of the cast as well. Without wanting to give too much away I will say that the fate of characters was met swiftly but intelligently and in a way that was in line with the whole concept of a world grounded in a corrupt and degenerating urban landscape.

Black and White remain the heart and soul of the story despite being apart for much of it, allowing the reader to feel the separation and distance experieced by the characters, albeit in their different ways.

The art is one that is a great and unusual blend of Eastern and continental underground styles that is able also to communicate a great sense of sound. This is hard to do in comics and gives credit to Matsumoto.

I cannot recommend this manga enough. It is outrageous that the first volume is out of print. It is really worth the effort to get hold of.

An "existential urban punk" that you won't forget.

This might be the best graphic novel ever made, and I don`t say that lightly. It`s a shame that it doesn`t have a wide circulation in Europe and US. It`s pretty much impossible to compare to anything else, Black and White it`s the most lyrical and at at the same time the most punk comic you`ll ever read. Think Miyazaki, Tank Girl and Takeshi Kitano all wrapped up in one story that is so good it hurts. Just get it, if you like indie comics chances are this is your new favorite one.

It all comes together. The line quality is in itself endlessly diverting. The vision of the city and its technology and architecture is totally unique. The story... the fabulous, ass-kicking flying boy-hoodlums with hearts of gold, perching atop telephone poles and living in an abandoned car... a techno-post-modern peter pan cast in a deliciously not-anime Tokyo ghetto. These 3 books are incredible. Don't miss them.

this book is one of the best graphic novels i've read. i liked the drawings a lot. simple but spicific. i liked the friendship between black and white. and the freindship between the two kids and chocolate the gangster. i recomend it very much

This book is simply wonderful. Though the story might be somewhat stereotypical, the art and characters redeem it. The art is a strange hybrid of Japanese and French styles. The characters are really touching, Black and the way he protects the retarted White, and White with his happy, almost microcephalic observations and attitude. I can't wait to read volume two, and I bet once you read volume one, you won't be able to wait either. Well worth the price of admission.

The Cardcaptor Sakura story continues. My students love this book and they are dying for each book I bring in. At least the girls are, the boys are into Naruto and Bleach. The girls oooh and ahhh! over every turn and just love this story. It gets them reading without my ever having to say anything!

My daughter absolutely loves Cardcaptor Sakura! Well written fantasy story with a lot of Asian mythology. Also, great resource for Japanese culture.
We watched all DVD after we finished reading books. There are American version with character's names are transformed into English names...but I strongly recommend to read Authentic versions. It's too odd to see all Japanese characters have English names...

In the second volume of the hugely popular Shoujo Manga; Cardcaptor Sakura, Sakura captures another 4 cards to add to her already 5 collected. So that makes her collection; Flower, Thunder, Sword and Shadow (new Cards collected) as well as Watery, Windy, Fly, Wood and Illusion.

I give this volume a 4 Stars rating because it's a tad confusing about the whole 'love' scenario and whose talking to who and why. Other then that it's a wonderful, light hearted Manga about a 10 years old quest to find mysterious cards that have magical powers.

We also are introduced at last, to Li who is Sakura's rival in capturing the Clow Cards. But don't think there's much rivalry yet as Li doesn't even bother to catch a card, instead just sits on the sidelines and complains about her technique. That was a let down.

Once again, I think it'd be for anyone who loves a girly-uber cute story with a magical twist!

This volume introduces Syaoran Li. He quickly establishes himself as Sakura's rival for both the Clow Cards and the attention of Yukito. Li is the modern day descendant of Clow Reed and feels he is the one who should be the chosen collector. But, Kero-chan points out that Sakura WAS able to open the magical book, so... no cards for Li! Not even after several confrontations with Sakura with him basically demanding that she hand them over. How will this rivalry play out in the end?

If you can get by the... bizarre relationships, this has a great story with beautiful illustrations. But, I do suggest picking up the first volume first.

Note that this is the edition of the manga which reads right to left, not the butchered and flipped one. Highly recommended.

For being a children's book, Cardcaptor Sakura has some messed up relationships that would make The Moral Majority cringe. As Sakura competes in the school field day she learns a little bit more about her mother when she meets Tomoyo's rich and powerful mother, who just happens to be the cousin of Sakura's mother, and what's more, was in love with her! That's nothing to say of Tomoyo's own more than friend love for Sakura herself! And what about how Sakura's father met and married Sakura's mother, his student at the time, with her being 16 and him 24! Talk about moral debauchery. Wow. This makes the sexual romps of 16th century ribaldry look tame by comparison. And then enter Syaoran Li-Kun, a new student at Sakura's school who is a descendant of Clow Reed, and is now Sakura's rival to collect the cards. He's also her rival in another way. He seems to have an odd attraction to Yukito, the high school student that Sakura has a crush on. And there's another classmate of Sakura's that apparently is having a love affair with her teacher. This is elementary school for Pete's sake! And what's the real deal between Yukito and Toya. Do they live on Brokeback Mountain?

If somehow you can navigate through all this emotional baggage Cardcaptor Sakura is pretty entertaining. I think because all of the relationships are right out of the Satyricon makes this work really stand out in the magical girl genre. The strangeness makes it memorable. Is this really a horror work disguising itself as a children's interest? Still too early to tell because none of these morally repugnant setups has led to anything. Or has it?