The Minish Cap

Where is this guy?

Himekawa, Akira. The Minish Cap. San Francisco, CA : Viz Media, 2009.

Plot: After being snubbed for a yearly swordsmanship competition, Link meets a bizarre but strong man. The character, later known as Vaati, releases a casket full of monsters by destroying a sacred sword and turning Princess Zelda to stone. Link must seek out the legendary Minish, tiny, helpful folk capable of reforging the sword. Early in his journey, Link rescues Ezlo, a talking, bird-like cap capable of wielding magic. Link finds himself on a journey through the entire land, discovering more about Ezlo, Zelda, and Vaati in the process.

Genre: Manga, Graphic Novels, Video Games

Reading Level: Grades 4-9

Similar Titles: Majora's Mask, Kingdom Hearts, Pokemon Adventures

Personal Thoughts: The title offers rapid action, creative illustrations, and believable diction. However, it falls a bit flat. As previously mentioned, a lot of video-game based graphic novels expand on the story offered by the original media. However, instead of making the world more comprehensible and believable, the title chooses to fall on clichés such as the misunderstood teacher, transformed guardian, and sympathetic villain. While none of these are bad by themselves, they effectively smudge much of the game's original charm. Most of the changes seem to occur merely to add drama instead of expansion. For example, a helper character in the game becomes a hostile one in the manga to add more conflict. Unfortunately, he still looks and speaks like a helper, so the behavior does not match the portrayal. Yet, several "boss" characters are excluded, even though they could supply the necessary situations. As a result, while the title is beautiful to read, it lacks many of the actions and characterizations of the original title, leaving the reader bewildered by the missing characters and conflicting characters.

Warcraft Legends: Volume 2

Lewter, Troy. Warcraft Legends: Volume 3. Los Angeles, Calif. : Tokyopop, 2009.

Plot: A manga-style comic collection based on the popular online game, World of Warcraft. This volume begins with the continuing saga of a cursed Tauren seeking redemption and discovering courage from an unlikely source. Two sisters must also discover courage and purpose when they discover their secret past. The collection takes a comedic turn when a smart but stubborn Tauren begins a quest she can only complete with the assistance of a fiery (but still tiny) gnome. Finally, a disillusioned Orc must decide between assisting a weak orphan or following his powerful brother in an unending war.

Genre: Video Games, Manga

Reading Level: Rated T for violence and language

Similar Titles: Starcraft: Frontlines; Warcraft: Shaman

Personal Thoughts: Readers will most likely absolutely hate or absolutely love the series. Despite following the traditional manga style, this collection was designed, written, and illustrated in the United States. Some diehard observers of the genre have very strong feelings against such items. In addition, many of the stories end on a "downer," so do not recommend the title to someone seeking a collection of happy endings. Still, the characters follow their in-game counterparts accurately. Also, the illustrations are creative, action-oriented, and attractive. Fans of the game will likely approve of the manga, but it may not be suitable for everyone.

All New Tenchi Muyo!: Pet Peeves (vol 6)

 

Okuda, Hitoshi Okuda and Burke, Fred. All New Tenchi Muyo! Pet Peeves (vol 6). San Fransisco : Viz, LLC, 2005.

 

Plot: The classic story of rivalry and love between a boy...and three aliens. While the concept is interesting in itself, this volume introduces a new twist. After foiling the plans of a poacher, Tenchi and company find themselves caring for a cute, wide-eyed, dragon-like creature known as a miitsu. The little blue miitsu quickly gains the favor of the household. However, she also contains the capacity to become a threat, not only to the protagonists, but the entire alien civilization. Two brief additional stories parody the common manga themes of the daily life of a schoolgirl and the similar-different future.

 

Genre: Science Ficition, Romance, Humor, Manga, Graphic Novel

 

Reading Level: Rated Teen for violence and sexual innuendo

Similar Titles: Ah! My Goddess, Ranma 1/2, Case Closed

 

Personal Thoughts: A solid, goofy science fiction manga. The series is a bit like a Japanese version of Scooby Doo, lasting several generations in many different incarnations and spin-offs. Like Scooby, though, the basic premises remains the same despite the recreations: focusing on the bizarre love triangle Tenchi finds himself almost constantly in.

Pokemon: Rise of Darkrai

Takamisaki, Ryo. Pokemon: Raise of Darkrai. San Francisco : Viz Media, 2008.

Plot: Ash, Dawn, and Brock find there way to a new town. However, the town's Pokemon garden seems under assault. Most of the town's occupants believe Darkrai, a shadowy and powerful pokemon, is responsible for the damage. As the city's strongest trainers challenge the dark creature, the disturbances town expand, affecting people and pokemon alike. A pair of citizens, however, suspect Darkrai may be innocent of the accusations. Their suspicions are confirmed at the arrival of two dueling monsters. The fight between the two threaten to break the town into the realm beyond time and space. Ash and friends must find a way to stop the two creatures, but they have an unexpected ally.

Genre: Movies, Graphic Novels, Manga, Video Games

Reading Level: Ages 9-12

Personal Thoughts: The novel is a manga version of a film released in English in 2008. As a rule, novelizations are tricky to review, since they rely on a completely different medium than the original source. Also, the original plot determines the value of the story determines much of the novelization's capacity, limits, and direction. That said, this manga presents the plot rather well. The style, while more simplistic than the anime, fits the medium well while following the story accurately. Fans of the Pokemon anime will probably enjoy it, although it will not convert any anti-Pokemon players/watchers/readers.

Side Note: Tee hee. I took a picture of a Pokemon reading Pokemon.

Peach Fuzz (Vol 1)

Cibos, Lindsay and Hodges, Jared. Peach Fuzz (Vol 1). Los Angeles : Tokyopop, 2005.

Plot: Nine-year-old Amanda gets the opportunity to have her own pet. Determined to find the most exotic pet available. She finds a ferret, which seems to meet her standards, despite its tendency to nip. However, her pet, Peach, quickly reveals she has an agenda of her own. The ferret, convinced she is royalty, immediately escapes and claims the household as her own. Eventually, the ferret's demands overwhelm her owner. Amanda must face her own fears and responsibilities if she wants to become friends with Peach.

Genre: Animals, Manga, Coming of Age

Reading Level: Ages 9-12

Similar Titles: Van Von Helsing, Hamtaro, Tama and Friends

Personal Thoughts: The novel is an example of an English-Language manga. English-Language mangas tend to be absolutely loved or absolutely hated by manga fans. Simply described, this variation of manga is written in English, but presented in the Japanese manga style. Personally, I think the saga of Peach and Amanda would not work in another medium. Text-based formats would shatter the story completely. Even traditional comic books would not convey the over-the-top emotions and situations quite as well as asymmetrical format and emoticon-based art in manga. So, while the genre will always have its critics, it also seems to have its place in storytelling.

The manga began as a 17-page winner of Tokyopop's Rising Stars of Manga competition. The comic also appeared briefly in North American newspapers in 2005.

Dragon Ball Z

Toriyama, Akira. Dragon Ball Z (Vol 1).San Francisco : Viz Comics, 2002.

Plot: Following the events of Dragon Ball, Goku reunites with his friends and teacher. Much to their surprise, the young man arrives with his son, the four-year-old Gohan. The meeting is cut short by the arrival of an aggressive, flying foe. The man claims to be Goku's older brother, and alerts his younger brother of his mission to destroy all life on Earth. To force Goku to participate, the stranger kidnaps his son and hold him for a ransom of one hundred dead humans. Furious at the alien's demands and determined to rescue his son, Goku finds an unlikely ally. The two manage to defeat the foe, but two more, stronger, opponents promise to come in a year's time...

Genre: Manga, Graphic Novels, Adventure, Science Fiction

Reading Level: Rated Teen for violence and sexual innuendo

Similar Titles: Lum, Naruto, One Piece 

Personal Titles: The novel is one of the most famous manga worldwide. It, as well as its sequels and prequel, instigated a number of movies, video games, and television shows and led to the recognition of manga as a genre. That said, it does not age particularly well, in my opinion. The plot seems much slower than it needs to be due to the frequent action sequences, which seem to distract from the story rather than add to it. The characters are broad stereotypes, such as the determined fighter, arrogant prince, smart but flakey girl, and goofball friend. Some critics also argue it becomes too formulaic, particularly in its later volumes.

It should be noted the original translation was aimed at adults, not tweens. As such, some of the imagery and humor is not intended for younger audiences, so use caution before recommending the novels.

Side Note: Dreamworks dragon disapproves of lack of dragons in Dragon Ball.

School Rumble

Kobayashi, Jin. School Rumble. New York : Ballantine Books.

Plot: The plot focuses on a classic, boy loves girl, girl loves other boy story. However, when the loving boy is a biker, the clueless girl is a klutz, and the loved boy is...hungry, things take a turn for the humorous. As the teens attempt to gain the attention of their attraction, the disaster stakes steadily rise to the braking point.

Genre: Manga

Reading Level: The books are rated T

Similar Titles: Azumanga Daioh, Spice and Wolf

Personal Thoughts: The first five books are so offer an extremely good reading experience. Around book six, though, subplots and side characters start to take over. An occasional additional story aspect adds to a graphic novel, but too many distracts from the characters. Yet, the first book in the series is one of my favorite mangas.

Manga Shakespeare: Much Ado About Nothing

Appignanesi, Richard. Manga Shakespear: Much Ado About Nothing. New York: Amulet Books, 2009.

Plot: A manga adaptation of William Shakespeare's Much Ado About Nothing. The play/story follows two distinct plots. For the first, the shrewd Beatrice and witty Benedick continue their battle of words, even in the presence of Don Pedro, Prince of Aragon. Determined the two should stop their fight, the prince and friends of the pair trick them into believing they love each other - as they really do. While the merry deception takes place, Don John, Don Pedro's evil brother, plans to ruin the happiness of his royal relative. He convinces the prince and Claudio, the prince's major domo, that Hero, Claudio's betrothed, is having an affair. The rumors and lies come together to form one of Shakespeare's most famous comedies.

Reading Level: Ages 10-15

Genre: Manga, Shakespeare

Similar Titles: Manga Shakespeare: A Midsummer Night's Dream, Manga Shakespeare: The Temptest

Personal Thoughts: Shakespeare fans, you knew this was coming. The Bard has found his way into musicals, comic books, movies, and puppet shows. It was only a matter of time before it reached the medium known as manga. Actually, the illustrations serve the story well. The illustrator captures the emotions of the characters in a tangible and visually pleasing manner. I doubt the manga will convince non-Shakespeare readers to like the play, but it will please those who enjoy it.

Baron: The Cat Returns

Hiiragai, Aoi. Baron: The Cat Returns. San Francisco: VIZ, LLC, 2005.

Plot: Nothing is going right for Haru. She arrives to class late, ruins her shoe, forgets her wallet, and gets embarrassed by the teacher. Even worse, Machida, her crush, has a girlfriend already. After her terrible day, she saves a cat from getting run over by a truck. That night, a parade of cats visits her. Apparently, the cat she saved is the Cat King's son. The cats pledge to return her good deed. Unfortunately, Haru does not appreciate the gifts of catnip, cattails, and mice offered by the grateful felines. They still attempt to thank her, and offer her the greatest gift in the kingdom. They will make her marry the cat prince! Warned by a strange voice, Haru finds the Cat Office, run by a noble toy cat, fat stray, and stone magpie. Can the Cat Office save Haru from an early marriage?

Genre: Manga, Animals

Reading Level: Rated A for all All Ages

Similar Titles: I cannot think of any...maybe Beauty by Robin McKenley

Personal Thoughts: A well-written, well-illustrated manga. Many readers assume the book is a sequel, but it is not. The name is a mistranslation. A more accurate title would be "The Cat Returns a Favor." Apparently, it is based on a Japanese folktale where a young girl saves a cat and receives gifts from the cat as thanks. The manga provided a basis for a movie by Studio Ghibdi  in 2005. While the manga and movie are not, perhaps, as elaborate as the more popular Spirited Away, they do provide an interesting story with a believable teenage girl.

Azumanga Daioh Omnibus

Azuma, Kiyohiko. Azumanga Daioh Omnibus. Yen Press; 1 Edition, 2009.

Plot: Chiyo-Chan is a 10 year old prodigy. Tomo tends to be loud an clumsy. Sakaki-San manages to amaze the entire student body, but she really wants cats to like her. Yomi tends to be the "straight-man" of the group, but she worries constantly about her weight. Kasuga is an all-sport who has trouble in school. Osaka remains...one of a kind. The four books follow the five students in their high school years.

Genre: Manga

Reading Level: 12 an older

Similar Titles: Yotsuba&!, School Rumble

Personal Thoughts: Much like its successor, Yotsuba&!, Azumanga Daioh does not focus on extraordinary circumstances with superheroes. Instead, it displays the everyday with a minor twist. Important issues, such as concerns with school, relationships with friends, and worries about personal appearance also manage to slip into the story arcs. The title is included in the top 25 manga at the 2006 Japan Media Arts Festival. An anime version of the books is available. I may review it later.

Yotsuba&!

Azuma, Kiyohiko. Yotsuba&!. New York : Yen Press, 2009.

Plot: When 5-year old Yotsuba moves in, the neighborhood will never be the same! Living with her adopted father, Koiwai, Yotsuba experiences and shares the process of growing up with her neighbors and her friends.

Genre: Manga

Reading Level: 8 and older

Similar Titles: Azumanga Diaoh

Personal Thoughts: Like Azuma's previous project, Azumanga Diaoh, Yotsuba&! celebrates the glory of the everyday. The plot seems perfectly realistic with just a twinge of the unexpected. Still, it reminds readers of the discoveries and the fun that exist in living and growing. It also mentions issues such as concerns with appearance (especially from Fuuka, Yotsuba's teenage neighbor) and worries about the environment. Most of the art, especially the backgrounds, are more detailed than Azumanga Diaoh. As a side note, the "door" in the picture is the cover of my favorite book, 3. In this book, Yotsuba goes to the zoo, acts as the "flower cupid," and sees a fireworks show for the first time. Also, the book used to be published by ADV Manga.