Manga Books

Shiraishi is a young diplomat for a Japan's embassy in Thailand. Here he has the change to work with Yoshinaga, a very young diplomat whose genius and political ability helped him to make a fast career. Yoshinaga is also Shiraishi's sister fiancee, even if the engagement is more a interest bargain than a matter of love.

When Shiraishi sees Yoshinaga in a night club kissing another man, he has puzzled feelings: he is angry for a man of Yoshinaga's level to be so open in public, but he is also worried for his family and sister. So he corners Yoshinaga and pretends some explanations to a scandalous behavior. Instead Yoshinaga justifies all his unethical moves due to the context and moreover, he kisses also Shiraishi and soon after they start an affair, putting also Shiraishi in an embarrassing position and bonding him to not reveal anything otherwise he will put at risk also his career.

Between Shiraishi and Yoshinaga there is a strange relationship: obviously they are very attracted from each other, but both Yoshinaga than Shiraishi seem not willing to give up their career for love; on the contrary Yoshinaga has no intention to break his engagement with Shiraishi's sister, and Shiraishi seems right with having an extra marital relationship with him, betraying not a mere other woman, but his own sister.

The story is pretty complex, the graphic detailed and rich; this is, according to the author, only a first volume of several others, even if the American publisher released it as a one stand volume.

it was entertaining to say the least.

not a 'WOW' but not a 'suck' either. it probably deserves a 3 star, but when i think of all the utter crap that is out there... this one ranks pretty high in comparison. (there are not many books that warrant the whole 5 star rating)

I love Youka Nitta's "Embracing Love" series. It is one of the top 3 hard yaoi series available, and is more or less a straight up romance. This, however, is not so simple. At first, I was a little off-put. The minister isn't very likeable, and the diplomatic storyline really requires attention. A person actually has to read this manga carefully to follow along. Not because of poor translation or misplaced bubbles, but because the language is that intricate. I quickly realized this could be Nitta's best work. The artwork is her typical high standard, with clean lines and well defined backgrounds. The men are attractive (and look suspiciously like Iwaki and Katou;), and undeniably male.

Nitta obviously did some research for this title. The conversations between the ambassadors are clever and have a lot of innuendo and hidden meaning. The story revolves around a young up and coming diplomat. There is a vicious rumor that he uses his body for negotations instead of words. However, readers learn that he truly is a brilliant diplomat. Those rumors aren't completely off-target though. He is hiding a scandalous secret - just not that! When another young diplomat, who happens to be the brother of his fiance, learns his secret he seduces him. And then proceeds to play mind games with him throughout the novel! This is what makes him not so likeable. However, the minister has demons of his own that make him crave destruction as much as success and he needs someone to love him. And I loved how Nitta shook up the traditional yaoi roles. The young diplomat is the seme but it's the minister who's obviously in control. Delicious.

The interplay here is fabulous. The sex isn't as frequent as in "Embracing Love" but it's actually a little more graphic and surprisingly crude at one point. These two men are having an affair that could destroy them. And they know it. They are complicated characters in a complicated plot. Nitta includes a note at the end that this was intended as a stand alone, but she loved the characters so much it will continue. Phew..boy are we lucky! I would have given this more than 5 stars if I could. I hope volume 2 comes quickly. Highly recommended!

great art and, above all, a great story! definitely a must have for all yaoi lovers!

I have read a couple of Youka Nitta titles but I can say that this one is my most favorite. Both main characters are hot and sexy that I couldn't get enough of their love time together. The sex scenes are hot and juicy, though they are not as frequent as her other books.

The ending was left open and I am so, so happy that the mangaka decided to continue this title and hopefully the second volume will be out soon. I can't wait!

I love this series. Although corny at times, it is one of my favorites.

Ranma's mother hasn't seen her son in over a decade, or, at least, she thinks she hasn't. Ranma's been visiting her as the female version of himself. He doesn't want her to know that, depending on the temperature of water splashed onto him, he can become either a boy or a girl. One day, a stranger visits Ranma's mother and she becomes convinced that this stranger is Ranma. Ranma knows that can't be true and tries to find out who this stranger really is and what he wants.

As usual, Rumiko Takahashi's writing is hilarious. The fighting techniques in this book were really funny, especially once their intended use was revealed. I don't keep up with the Ranma series as much as I could, but I seem to love every book I pick up. If you like quirky manga and for some reason have not stumbled across Rumiko Takahashi's works yet, I would suggest picking up a volume of this series. This story is fairly stand-alone, although some of the details may be hard to understand if you don't have any previous experience with the series. As usual, there is a "story thus far" section, as well as a character section.

I absoltely LOVE Ranma 1/2, but I have this book with a different cover. I also have Ranma 1/2 book 25...At the back of book 25, it says that the story will be continued, but never continues on to this book. Also, in this book, it says in the back "end book 28". What is this supposed to mean? Anyway, this book is another hit from Rumiko Takahashi! She outdoes herself in every single volume that she writes!

Buy every one in the series. IT IS THE BEST! Ranma has always pleased me and this book will be the greatest, and the future books by Rumiko Takahashi. Also, her Inu-Yasha (demon dog in japanese) is a great series. They play Inu-Yasha on ADULT SWIM on cartoon network each week day. So buy the two series. Rumiko Takahasi is an excellent manga writer. Enjoy!

Rumiko Takahashi's "Ranma 1/2" series has always focused on action and romantic comedy, but in the twenty-sixth volume, she ditched the comedy in favor of a dramatic, more violent, intense story about Ranma's mother and a mysterious impersonator. Consider it a prelude to her darker "Inuyasha" series.

Ranma Saotome is on a shopping trip with his mother -- who believes him to be Akane's female cousin -- when a bear gets loose and tries to attack Nodoka. But a strange boy leaps out and levels the bear, then tells Nodoka that he is her son. Nodoka is overjoyed, and Ranma is enraged that the mysterious Ryu Kumon is impersonating him.

When the two young men finally fight, Ranma is defeated -- and almost killed -- with a strange technique called the "Thousand Mountain." There's only way to defeat Ryu, and that is an even more powerful technique that Ranma's father created -- the "Thousand Seas" technique. Now Ranma has to use this incredibly subtle, sinister technique to win back his name -- and his mother.

Somewhere around the midpoint of the Ranma series, Takahashi began experimenting with more dramatic stories. This story is one of them -- it's bloodier, almost never funny, and deeply poignant, with Ryu reflecting on the loss of his father, and Ranma desperately trying to get closer to the mother who doesn't know him.

Okay, there's a funny story right at the very end, where Happosai is trying to make Ranma cry, so he can create a youth potion. And in the Ryu Kumon story, Ranma's experiments with the "Seas" technique lead him to drive Akane crazy by putting vegetables in her underwear drawer. However, these scenes are overshadowed by the dramatic duel between two superpowered boys.

Takahashi's artwork had also grown more refined and often lifelike by this point, along with some increasingly good battle scenes -- the final duel between Ranma and Ryu is literally explosive, especially when the participants start to strangle one another. On the other hand, we get to see Ranma and Akane genuinely supporting one another.

"Ranma 1/2" is all about the comedy... except with it's dramatic. And though there's humor in the twenty-sixth volume, much of it is a deeper, darker, and poignant story.

It's my favorite all time. Simple advice for you guys, buy it ! Uhh..I have one question, when volume 14 will come out?

I have Ranma1/2 books 3,5 and 6. It's a great book. I want to get more of it. I have videos, pictures and other stuff of anime but when I saw the video I was hooked so go rent videos and books to find out how good it is.

Of all the mangas I've read and all the animes I've seen, Ranma 1/2 is absolutely one of the greatest! It's funny, action packed and there's even romance on the side. It is also very addicting. Once you start reading it, you gotta have it all. A must have for any manga/anime fan!

This book is GREAT!!!I love this book!Ranma1/2 is so funny included with martial arts and comedy.If you read it,you might get addicted to it!

If you have been following the Ranma 1/2 series (and if you are looking at the twelfth volume you are probably already hopelessly addicted to this outstanding comic) you won't be dissappointed. Ms. Takahashi creates her usual charming stories with the humour we have come to expect.

I'll have to admit that this one didn't grab me right out of the gate; but once it got its hooks into me it didn't let go. The story is told simply; what i mean by this is some things happen that are not really elaborated on. You have to accept some parts of the story at face value, but that wasn't really a problem for me. It's a really cute story and i have to fess up that when Taketora told Shiba about the novel he was writing for him I lost it! (Really because I feared that I might not get the happy ending that I'm such a sucker for!) I also got a kick out of the one page story "A Simple Question". For me it was the idea that Akatsuki would submit to anyone, given his snarky demeanor! The surprise that Akatsuki recieves at the end was the cherry on top for me. If you like it sweet (I do!) it's worth the read.

I absolutly LOVE the characters and how they are represented in this yaoi comic. Shiba is the cutest lil darling I have ever read. His personality and attitude is consistant throughout the whole story and it is hilarious to read how he interacts with Taketora and Akatsuki. The is no denying who Shiba is in love with, but he is so sweet and vulnerable that he falls for Akatsuki's lies.

The drawings and depictions are beautiful and it is very easy to be drawn into the work. This story is one I have read again and again... I just love it so much.

This story was so cute. Little puppy love going on throughout the whole book. It was one story for the whole book which was really nice. I would recommend this book to any yaoi fan.

I am a follower of Kirishima's works, and so I jumped at the opportunity to get this title! I was not disappointed at all! It is funny and sweet ( a la "President's Time" manga). The only reason this is not getting a five stars from me, is because it is too short >.< Some of the issues are left unresolved ( like the "dogs" mortality ) and Akatsuki's story was under developed!!
I've only read it once, but could not find any glaring grammatical mistakes and the production quality is nice (soft, malleable with clear printing quality inside). A side not would be that the front cover shows Taketora and Akatsuki, not Shiba (who looks like a pre-pubescent boy, a word of warning for those who have some qualms about this issue). Other than that, don't expect too much on the way of plot or great story line, just pure fluff and lovable characters.
The only other thing that I have to add, is that this story (and especially akatsuki, Kuro anyone?!) reminded me of Man's Best Friend... even the art... what do you think?
If you enjoyed this tile, then these will also be up you alley:
The President's Time (Yaoi)
Man's Best Friend: Inu Mo Aruke Ba Fall in Love (Yaoi)

I have a fun time reading this one. Shiba, the dog who comes back alive as a human, with cute dog ears, pointed canines and swishing tail, is simply adorable. Taketora, stone-faced but such a nice guy in need of someone in his lonely life, who gives his once grandfather's faithful dog a home, is equally likable. Shiba in human form is a clumsy but endearing klutz getting into all sorts of troubles as he tries to please Taketora. The developing romance between "dog" and "human" is delightful. Maybe this is not for anyone, especially when they get into the hard core sex. Afterall you do have the swishing tail around (chuckle..). For me it is just plain cute. Add a once black viscious dog reincarnated as a brooding man looking for his priest into the mix, these 3 characters and the plot are just pure fun. Delightful, amusing and light hearted this Yaoi is very enjoyable.
I enjoy this mangaka's whacky and refreshing style and the unique artwork. I hope more of her works get translated.

The battle with Enishi ends. Everyone returns home, beaten and battered yet somehow stronger than before they fought. Now come more tears as goodbyes are said. One leaves to help the people in her home province, another to see the world, and another forgoes the battle he's waited years to fight in.

Kenshin and Kaoru are now at a crossroads. Will they move forward as a couple? Can Kenshin let go of his past once and for all?

The only thing I dislike is that they put a short story called Meteor Strike and a preview for Buso Renkin in after RK when many fans thought they would include Yahiko's Sakabatou as an after story in this volume as the Spanish release had done.

Everything comes together in this beautiful, but sadly short volume that closes the great saga of Rurouni Kenshin.

Wow this was a great ending. Some authors fall apart at the end of a book or series but he didnt. Wanted to know more of what happened to some of the characters but guess ill have to wait. I dont want to spoil the ending so i wont say anymore. If youve read the otheres and are thinkin if you really should by this book dont think just do it its worth it. If you havent read the other books read them first because this is truly a great series and a classic. At the end of the book it has somje previews of his other work.

3 years, 28 volumes, and over 200 dollars later, it has all come down to this. This one, and RuroKen fans alike, must say goodbye to the hitokiri that cheered me. A sorrow for its end, but a joy in the acknowledgment that there wouldn't be another volume that needs to be spent. That's a sad thing to say but we must move on, but we shouldn't forget the memories we have for this Meiji Swordsman Romantic Story. It's not a perfect series, but in the long haul, "Rurouni Kenshin" still has heart, action, laughter, not much on the perversion and stupidity in retrospect, but plenty on the et cetera. It's interesting how the manga changed in quality since the first volume.

For the first printing, this volume includes a double-sided color poster that I'll never use. Extras aside, what disappoints me about this volume is that Viz Media didn't include the side story of grown-up Yahiko Myojin. Granted it wasn't included in the Japanese version, but that would've been a much better addition than a preview of an upcoming manga series.

Anyway, we now come into the climax that is volume 28. Kenshin and the vengeful Enishi continues their pinnacle duel for the past: one fights for redemption, the other fights for the smile of his departed sister Tomoe, because everything else about her isn't important. We all knew of the inevitable outcome this final battle would occur, it's all about how it's done. Watsuki does a great job of concluding this battle without losing Kenshin's purpose in the process or making the villain see his wrongful doing so sudden. Kenshin wants to atone for his hitokiri past, and in the manner that proceeds outside the circumstances, he manage to achieve it without making it seem farce.

Not to say that his past has been cleansed, but with the influences of his allies and his un-killing bravado, he became more accepting to his past. His ambitions have finally been reached and now he must put down his reverse-blade sword. All these times of fighting using the style of Hiten Mitsurugi have been taking a toll for his little body, so in order to live strong, he must stop fighting.

Nobuhiro Watsuki promised us "Rurouni Kenshin" will have a happy ending, and he proceed on doing so. Though it build on the consistency of characters departing, the epilogue showed a new beginning four years afterwards and has shown a sense of development for certain grown characters regarding the past, present, and future. While the times have changed, the ways that Kenshin followed will never wither.

What a great way to conclude this long-running series. There wasn't much of a reunion to speak of, but the finale showed of the main characters moving on with their lives and do the best they can for themselves; it was especially touching on Yahiko's part. Until the very end, "Rurouni Kenshin" is still one of the few shonen manga that has a deep story while maintaining this light-hearted content that'll appeal to everyone. I've grown to love the action, the unorthodox characters (except for Misao), Kenshin's mannerisms, and the concept of honor and life, along with the readings of Watsuki's obsession over Samurai Showdown and action figures. I'll miss the series, but as long as Watsuki can draw, we can expect more of him in the future: "Buso Renkin" anyone?


- EXIT REVIEW

[Reviewer's View: The Jinchu Arc]

I do have some views about the Jinchu arc; I could talk about the arcs before, but most of you have seen the anime version, either on DVD or on Cartoon Network, so there's no need. Personally, I find the whole arc to be a hit-and-miss. The arc reveals Kenshin's morbid yet surprisingly-humorous past (compared to the OAVs) as a hitokiri, explaining how he got his cross-shaped scar (which leads to an ironic reputation, no less), and how one expression-less woman changed his violent ethics into the pacifist he is now. There was a huge character point in the arc when Enishi "killed" Kaoru (which is actually a fake corpse, which most of us saw this coming), which led to Kenshin go into this motionless emo phase, reminiscing and regretting about his failures until he's back on his feet when he realizes that the past shouldn't change the good of what he's doing now, and that was before he knew Kaoru's really alive. Those were the good parts.

My biggest irk about the Jinchu arc is the main villain: Enishi Yukishiro. I just couldn't see him as a bad-to-the-bone villian; he's not as dangerous as Shishio or Saito, and I'm sure even Jin-E could've whupped him. I can understand his reasons are more personal, and while his attempts are threatening, his persona couldn't match. Then again, he's not so much a villain as he is a viral fragment of Kenshin's bloody memories. It's more bothersome when the sub-villains, some are wicked like the long-armed "Carnage"-like freak, are taken out early in the arc. When I found out about Enishi's weakness and the capture of Kaoru, the story and the pacing starts to become lukewarm as if Watsuki's doing the manga on auto-pilot. Overall, the arc may be a heck of a lot [better] than the final arc created for the anime, but it just isn't as grand as I expected. At least it brought out a great closure.

Finally after 27 volumes da Rurouni Kenshin Series is finally over. i am gonna spoil da ending.......da fight between Kenshin and Enishi comes to a powerful climax wen both use there final and most powerful styles. It ends wit obviuosly Kenshin winning and Enishi goin 2 jail(but he escapes). Everyone is leaving Tokyo including Megumi, Sanosuke and Aoshi and Misao leaving just Kenshin, kaoru and Yahiko. After da sad departure from friends 5 years past entering the 15th year of the Meiji.

During this time Yahiko becomes leading instructor of da Kamiya Kasshin Dojo( unbeleivably he is known as da 5th best swordsman in all East Japan and has at least 18 pupils). Kenshin and Kaoru have a 4 year old son named Kenji (yea there married n had SEX). Kenshin faced Yahiko one more time because on the 15th birthday of a swordsman there is a tradition dat a master or guardian faces there pupil to see how much they matured over the years. It ends up in a draw and Kenshin gives Yahiko his Sakabato (reversed-blade sword). and den it ends happily with Kenshins family walkin and all dat.

One more thing about da book.......wen I saw how long it was I was expecting a long satisfying ending to da series but it ended up bein jus half of the book. the second half of the book is a short story from Nabhiro Watski called "Meteor Strike" and den after dat is a preview to another series Nabuhiro is workin on. so don't expect da whole 200 sumthin pages to be all bout Kenshin..............

Enishi, a crazed young man whose sister was killed by Kenshin years ago, has come back to haunt Kenshin. After casting Jinchu (judgement) on Kenshin and 'killing' Kaoru, Kenshins love interest, he runs away with Kaoru captive to his remote island.

Kenshin, depressed he could not save Tomoe (Enishis sister and kenshins previous wife) and now could not save Kaoru, goes off and sulks. While he is finding the 'truth' of whether he, having killed so many, should die or live, his friends battle on and he is finally convinced to go off and find Kaoru.

This book depicts Kenshin and his final battle with Enishi. Although almost superhuman, Enishi ends up with real human feelings. The battle between crazed brother and depressed hitokiri is short, and ends with the secret move amakakeru ryu no hirameki. After Enishi is taken away by the police, kenshin and kaoru are reunited. I won't say anymore for those who haven't read it yet, but the ending is really sweet.

I didn't know that this series would be so cool, magical, and hysterical. To think I was kind of scared to try this series out, to think I'd waste my money on it. But, boy, was I wrong. People who like chuch magic/magic shows, and just plain comedy might like this series.This author ranks up with naoko takechi and clamp.
In the first chapter S.T returns a doll to it's owner.
In the second chapter a new student joins Asuka Jr.'s attempt to catch S.T. And S.T steals a painting.
In the third chapter S.T steals a dagger.
In the fourth chapter S.T. steals back a baseball player's glove in time for his game.
In the sixth chapter S.T steals back a design and wedding dress. And a young girl wins a wedding dress contest with the help of Meimi.

I thought that this was a very addicting and entertaining volume of Saint Tail (Saint Tail was originally Kaitou Saint Tail before it was translated, I think). To be honest, I used to avoid reading it because I thought it would be something like Sailor Moon, which I never bothered to read a single page of...(honestly!) because that sort of shojo style of drawing just didn't seem to pop out at me. (Explanation: I usually read manga from CLAMP)

So, I started reading Saint Tail because an article in a manga magazine recommended this as a delightful series. Now, Saint Tail is one of my favorite manga series, although I've only read volumes 1 and 2.

Please note that it might be annoying for people who absolutely can't tolerate repitition to read the "One...Two...THREE!"'s in every chapter, since that is how Meimi turns into Saint Tail and also how she performs many of her magic tricks. Also, Meimi's friend and nun-in-training, Seira, always says "The good lord will help you" after listening to people's problems.

However, the stories are very interesting to read over, and the artwork isn't very bad, either. The love/hate relationship between Meimi and Asuka Jr. is very tangled, which allows numerous bits of comedy to appear all over the place- usually in school. Also, the characters are sooo cute! (Um...except for Lina...) This is probably best for pre-teens, although young teens might like it as well.

That said, I'll sum everything up with a quick and poorly internally cited quote:

If you're looking for something sweet, Kaitou Saint Tail is sure to please (Animerica Extra Vol. 2.11, page 3?).

By day, Meimi Haneaka is an ordinary Catholic schoolgirl, struggling with boys and homework. But by night, she pulls off fantastic heists as the mysterious thief Saint Tail! With the guidance of her best friend, Seira, a nun-in-training, Saint Tail steals back Treasures that are unjustly taken from the innocent. Asuka Jr., the son of a famous detective, who is determined to be the one to catch the thief, pursues her.
As much as I would love to give all manga books five stars and a perfect rating I cannot. This book is very entertaining but it lacks some of the qualities that catch the older readers eye.
The art is very cute and it is a great story, but I would not recommend, "guess purchasing" this book, as I would call it unless you like a large variety of manga. But please don't get the wrong idea. It's a great book for people 15 and under. 15 might be the limit though. (I being 16 cannot give you the younger reader's review)

Meimi Haneoka a.k.a. Saint Tail steals back items and returns them back to it's original owner.St.Tail finds out about these mishaps,from her best friend,a nun in training,Seira Mimori.St.tail must avoid her classmate Daiki Asuka a.k.a.Asuka jr,a rookie detective,who's desperate to catch her.She must also avoid a new detective Lina Takamiya,who happens to be the mayor's niece.Lina has a crush on Asuka,making Meimi as hot as a tea kettle.Meimi doesn't want to admit she likes him,but Seira could tell.So her rivalry with Lina begins.This book has about five chapters.By Megumi Tachikawa.Age young adult...

Well if you liked the first and believed it to hold more room for the 2nd one in the series you are correct. Even though the plot lines were still a little cheesy. I thought it was much better and now there is more tension between Asuka Jr. and Saint Tail(A.K.A Meime) It was really sweet and it's a little funnier than the previous. If you thought the first one was so-so or pretty good than this one is a must!!! It's just starting to get good and leaves off kind of on a cliffhanger, and like I said earlier the Asuka Jr. is pretty close to catching her. I won't get into too many details but it's a must have!!!!!

Tenchi and gang accompany Princess Asahi with Minagi and Hinase also into outer space to rescue her father, a master sculptor, from the clutches of evil villians who would steal his prestige and creative powers. On the way there the gang finds out that Asahi is allergic to men because of a lie that her father told her and crash-lands on a planet,because of Mihoshi,where washu is fixing Mimasaka,Asahi's ship,with Asahi along with her, Ryoko and Tenchi have to work at a mine where they meet a monk named Gohgei, and Ayeka, Sasami, Mihoshi who keep Lord Osha, a villian, company. This is a great book and a must buy!!!

Cool book! This has alot of action and comedy! Two thumbs up! :-

i love it, i love it, i love it. It's such a good boo

This graphic novel is one word... superb. The animation is great and comical, especially the kawaii faces that always pop up on the interesting characters. The theme plays nicely and it does always pick up the pace that makes Tenchi Muyo! so popular. Personally, I chose the book because of its cover that includes Washu chan. A note, on the first pages, for parents, there's a somewhat slight nude shot of Ryoko, in case you're worried.
The storyline is basic and adventurous. The gang is trying to help an old friend of Aeka and Sasami's. Her name is Asahi and her father is captured by a rival sculptor named Lord Tatetsuki. Asahi is part of the Takebe family and her father is a sculptor of Jurai's royal ships. When Takebe is able to succeed a great master, Lord Tatetsuki is jealous and throws him in a cell. Now it's up to them to travel to Ryuten, where he is held captive. On the way, they encounter Ryoko's twin, Minagi, a somewhat clueless space pirate and a monk with a might metamorphosis. The plot flows with their favorite television samurai opera series. Now you know where they got the title? (^.^)

Ryoko's twin Minagi (met in book #1) and her ship Hinase (another cabbot) run into Asahi, a childhood friend of Ayeka & Sasami. Turns out her father (The Royal woodworker for the House of Jurai) has been captured and her planet is in danger. Naturally its Ryoko, Ryo-oh-ki, Minagi, Hinase, Ayeka, Sasami, Washu, Mihoshi, and of course Tenchi off to the rescue. The storyline spans 3 books - ending in book 6-Dream a little Scheme. This book...Our friends, having chosen to play characters from Ryoko's favorite TV Show, accompany Asahi into space to rescue her father. En route Asahi's allergy to males flares up, thier space ship, having been drinking with Mihoshi, crash-lands on a planet where Tenchi& Ryoko get sent to the mines and the girls end up in a Harem.

This series is really really good. It might help to have played some Final Fantasy or similar video games to get everything, but it should be still awesome either way.

Part 4 in the Scott Pilgrim series lives up the the standards set by the previous three volumes. I won't go into detail describing the plot, as that as been documented pretty well. I will say this is a fun, entertaining read. Every time I pick up the newest volume, I re-read all the previous episodes and enjoy them as much as the first time I read them. A highly-recommended series. Can't wait for the next issue.

after waiting for over than a year, the new scott pilgrim book pays off already at the first few pages (which are actually in color- another manga detail). without spoiling the plot, it can only be said that it's somewhat darker than the previous books, but it's still flawless in its pacing and storytelling. the probable reason for such a long delay between books is most likely because of the art- much more thought out and refined now. sometimes it works against the book (seeming a bit too clean and missing the raw power of the first book), but most of the time it's just a beautiful book.

in any case, still one of the best books on the market, strongly recommended for you and everyone you know (i bought four).

The first three Scott Pilgrim books have shown that he is immature, thoughtless and sometimes mean. Sure, he's charming and funny, but is that enough to balance out his laziness, selfishness and ignorance? That depends on the reader.

Deep thought aside, this book is hilarious and as fun as it's predecessors. Mixing comic books, kung-fu movies, music videos, and especially video games, it truly makes them into a pure fun mixture.

In this one, Scott fights another of Ramona's evil exes. Not an evil ex-boyfriend, though. to find out what that means, you'll have to read it!

You can't Love a book as much as I love this one. If you did it would get gross.

Buy all the Scott Pilgrim books out one through this one: four, when they get to you house call in sick and read them cover to cover. When your done you'll want to move to Canada, or into a video game.

They will brighten up you whole year.

Scott Pilgrim is getting better and better in my opinion. O'Malley seems to amp up his penciling in this volume --- better detail, great action. The story is just o-so-cool.

Can't wait for vol. 4 when Scott gets it together!

Basically, I picked this book up at half price during a closing sale at a store. I leafed through it when I bought it, and thought it looked pretty good. 3~4 reads later, I have to say that this is one of the best manga [though I really hesitate to call it that: it kind of resides in the space between manga, comic, and book] I've read. It's realistic, has really funny jokes, and isn't afraid to be wacky - the thing is that these otherwise completely outlandish moments fit perfectly within the book as it stands. A must-read [I currently have the first two books and Lost at Sea coming to my house from this series]!

I really enjoyed the development of Scott's relationships in this volume. A whole lot happened, and somethings are too random to recall, but overall, it was an enjoyable read. I like how O'Malley takes his time to reveal Scott's relationships with people through a series of flashbacks, where in each one, you get a small piece of the puzzle.

Yep. I get every comic out these days but this was the best comic I think I have ever read. I can't wait for more.

I can still barely believe that the Scott Pilgrim series is as good as it is. Author Bryan Lee O'Malley has taken a relationship drama and infused it with numerous references to video games, indie music, manga, and other niche areas of popular culture to create a world where characters are completely fine with breaking out into a massive, over-the-top fight that involves the battleground imploding at the end.
Scott Pilgrim, for those of you who aren't caught up, is a 23-year-old slacker who lives in a small Canadian town around Toronto. He is in a bad band named Sex Bob-Omb along with the completely cool (so cool he has no emotions) Stephen Stills and the angry Kim Pine (whom he dated in high school). After breaking up with a 17-year-old high school girl named Knives Chau, Scott began dating Ramona Flowers, an American now living in Canada and working as an Amazon.ca delivery girl. However, before Scott can officially date Ramona, he must defeat her seven evil ex-boyfriends. He has already taken out 2, but the next on the list, Todd Ingram, may prove to be more than Scott can handle.
Picking up pretty much exactly where the second volume, Scott Pilgrim vs. The World, left off, Scott and Ramona have just learned that Todd is dating Natalie V. "Envy" Adams, Scott's girlfriend before Knives who ripped his heart out. Through flashbacks, we learn how Envy met Scott as a shy anime fan and eventually turned into a rock goddess. If that weren't bad enough, Todd is a vegan, and in Scott's world, vegans attain vast psychic powers that make him a much more formidable opponent than Matthew Patel and Lucas Lee.
As usual, the battles don't take up the whole book; most of the pages are devoted to hilarious character studies. Scott's roommate, Wallace Wells, is just as funny as ever, with his snide comments about Envy and his platonic love of Ramona. Knives is great due to the sheer sadness of her situation (I kind of feel bad for her, but she is responsible for some very funny and heartfelt situations). New characters like Envy and Lynette, Envy's drummer who has a biomechanical arm, are fun as well. But the book is also full of great moments that don't deal with characters. The existence of a save point in the world was one of the funniest things I've seen in a long time. And of course, the fights just keep getting better. Ramona shows that she can hold her own and that her little handbag is just full of surprises.
The only thing I have to say that is negative is that I just can't get a good feel for the art. It is (as far as I know) intentionally cheap, but there are times when I can't tell who certain characters are or when the flashbacks end. Still, it isn't too much of a problem.
I don't care what excuses you may have for not reading Scott Pilgrim, get on it now! The story is great and the humor is fantastic.

I though this book was great. I really have been enjoying the Yaoi Novels and this is one of my favorites. The story was fun and lighthearted and had everything and plenty of it that you look for in this type of book.

I LOVED this book! The story was sexy and funny, and the sex was explicit and plentiful. The perfect recipe for yaoi. The book opens with Sagami "mounted atop" Tatsurou and about to collect on a debt. Only, the author flashes back to the preceding events just before the payoff. A truly delicious way to hook a reader.

Tatsurou is a yakuza. Only, the yakuza life isn't what it used to be. Sure, some people are afraid of him but his flashy car is borrowed and he barely makes enough money to live on. His role in the gang is to collect debts. When the gang president sends him to collect from an old man who owns a factory, Tatsurou runs into trouble. He knows the old man from when he took Tatsurou in as a kid. He can't bring himself to shake the man down. While drowning his woes in booze, he runs into an old school rival. Sagami isn't afraid of him and easily solves Tatsurou's problem by burning the debt note! Only, the gang is expecting that money and will come after him for it.

Sagami has been in love with Tatsurou since he cried after losing a kendo match when they were kids. He knows Tatsurou won't give up his tough guy image to be his lover without a fight. So, Sagami strikes a deal to loan the money in exchange for his body. Slowly, Sagami weans him away from the yakuza life (for which he really isn't suited anyway). Sagami is calm and collected through most of the story, while Tatsurou is the quintessential reluctant uke. Their battle of wills is delightful, and fun. Tatsurou is falling in love with Sagami, but doesn't understand the feeling since he's never been in love before.

The romance had a surprising depth, and the characters are very charming. I fell for the hot-tempered, tender-hearted Tatsurou immediately. And Sagami was dignified and loving, a nearly prefect seme. The translation was relatively smooth, and the story flowed well. Overall, I can't recommend this yaoi novel enough, and I will look for more by this author.

First of all, i wasnt really that keen on getting this book after reading the summary in here and after reading some disappointing yaoi novels recently. I just bought this thinking what the heck its only 8.99 or something, so if its bad its not so painful. But boy oh boy!!!!!!!!!! AM I REALLY GLAD THAT my impulsiveness sometimes pays off. Worth the money and you are in for a surprise in this one. Its got some really plot, a past track storyline which could get you hook up and cannot wait for the next page (dont care much for the grammar problem, like some people do), and here's another thing if you are a YAOI FAN, celebrate in this one. It zizzzling hot. (You know what i mean, WINK) wheewww. This book is highly entertaining and have some comic moments. This one stays in my collection!! Katagiri san you Rock!!

Is a story about a young Yakuza chief and a salary man, both of them met at a very young age when they were both participating in a kendo tournament, the salary man defeats the yakuza (sorry forgot their names) but the yakuza leaves a deep impression on the salary man, some years after they meet each other again in a bar, the yakuza tells him the story of his life how he have gotten on so many fights, how he had joined the yakuza group and how an old man had helped him when no one else would, and now he was been forced by his yakuza boss to collect a debt of 10 million yen which obviously the old man couldn't pay, and he didn't want to collect it either, so the salary man ends up burning the paper that included the debt, the next day the yakuza wakes up with a hang over realizing what they had done with the paper decides to go and look for the same man and collect the debt from him, the salary man simply refuses, desperate he ends up making a contract the money for exchange of having his body once a month,

****There starts the story with really sexy scenes, lots of troubles that they need to overcome and above all love, I definitely recommend it if you like yakuzas, salary mans and a little amount of sadism this is for you. And last but not least a seme totally in love with his uke.

This is maybe the first time I read a yaoi novel where the story is almost as interesting as the sex... (not that I read so many, so maybe this is not an exception!).

Tatsurou is a yakuza member without the attitude: from a poor family and with hopes to improve his perspective, soon out of high school he joined up a gang and now lives as debt collector. The work is pretty simple, since the reputation of the gang is enough for him to collect the debt without really making nothing of nasty. But then he is asked to collect a debt from the one man that in the past tried to help him and Tatsurou can't do that. In a drunken stupor he makes a bargain with Sagami, a former high school mate, now president of an important financial firm: Sagami will borrow Tatsurou the money he needs in exchange of his body: the day in which they sing the contract Tatsurou surrenders his body to Sagami and again every month as interest till the day he could repay the borrowing.

Both Tatsurou than Sagami are interesting characters. Tatsurou is a good guy without perspective that earns his day in the only way he knows; he knows that he is not a tough guy and he fears the day when someone will uncover his disguise. When he makes the bargain with Sagami he knows what he will face but he didn't expect to enjoy it so much. As he refuses to admit that he is not a bad guy, he refuses to admit that he is attracted by Sagami, and justifies his surrendering with the fact that Sagami compels him and during sex he is tied down; but he knows very well that the ties that held him are as weaken as his opposition, and that he could break them when he wants.

Sagami felt in love with Tatsurou in high school: he was entranced by the young boy with the angel face and the fiery behavior; actually he felt in love the first time he saw tears in Tatsurou's eyes, and at first he tries to do all he can to see again that tears. But he really doesn't want to hurt Sagami, he wants to see that tears from pleasure not from pain. It's obvious that Sagami is enjoying what they are doing together, but if let him know believe that he is forced will leave to the guy his honor, he will do that, since he most of all loves Sagami's spirit will.

As always in this yaoi novel there is sex, and a lot of it, but it's not too much unbelievable as in other stories, even if multiple orgasm one after the other without resting time and the use of some sexual terms that in the past I only heard for female anatomy make me turn up my nose here and there. But well, it's funny, and no one is expecting reality from this type of fiction!