#IReadsYou Review: YONA OF THE DAWN Volume 22

YONA OF THE DAWN, VOL. 22
VIZ MEDIA – @VIZMedia

MANGAKA: Mizuho Kusanagi
TRANSLATION: JN Productions
ENGLISH ADAPTATION: Ysabet Reinhardt MacFarlane
LETTERS: Lys Blakeslee
EDITOR: Amy Yu
ISBN: 978-1-9747-1108-6; paperback (February 2020); Rated “T” for “Teen”
192pp, B&W, $9.99 U.S., $12.99 CAN, £6.99 UK

Yona of the Dawn is a Japanese shojo manga series written and illustrated by Mizuho Kusanagi.  It has been serialized in Hakusensha's shojo manga magazine, Hana to Yume, since August 2009.  VIZ Media has been publishing an English-language edition of the manga as a paperback graphic novel series since August 2016 under its “Shojo Beat” imprint.

Yona of the Dawn focuses on the only princess in the Kingdom of Kohka, Yona.  She lives an ideal life, and her father, King Il, dotes on her.  Her faithful guard, Son Hak of the Wind Tribe, protects her.  Yona even cherishes the time spent with the man she loves, her cousin, Lord Su-won of the Sky Tribe.  However, everything changes for Princess Yona on her 16th birthday when the king is killed, and Hak is blamed.  Soon, Yona is on the run with Hak, but she is determined to reclaim her throne.  To do so, she begins a journey to find the Four Dragon Warriors.

As Yona of the Dawn, Vol. 22 (Chapter 124 to 129) opens, the battle against the Nation of Sei and its treacherous nobles, Lord Hotsuma and Lord Kishibi, has ended in defeat for Sei.  Yona and Princess Riri of the Water Tribe have been rescued, and now, is the time for reunions and revelations.  For instance, Riri has a crush on a military leader … who is also a married man!  Meanwhile, is Yona ready to admit her feelings for Hak?

Later, Yona, Hak, the Four Dragon Warriors (Gija, Jaeha, Sinha, and Zeno), and Jun travel to the Nation of Xing, where trouble brews.  It seems that Princess Kouren, leader of Xing, is preparing to start a war against Kohka.  Her younger sister, the exiled Princess Tao, would prefer that Xing become a vassal state of Kohka.  Tao hopes that Yona and the Dragon Warriors, whom she believes to be beautiful and fierce monsters, can make that happen.  So what will Yona do, and can a decision come in time with all their lives in danger?

THE LOWDOWN:  It has been exactly a half-year since I last read the Yona of the Dawn manga.  I find historical shojo romance manga to be a highly enjoyable read,  The series belongs to one of my favorite shojo sub-genres, the manga that use elements of Chinese history and myth.

Yona of the Dawn Graphic Novel Volume 22 says goodbye, for the time being, to Princess Riri and the Water Tribe.  Creator Mizuho Kusanagi briefly delves into the relationship between Yona and Hak, while delivering readers a surprising development in the life of Yona.  Then, Kusanagi does what she does best – insert Yona into another conflict in which she must help a troubled young noble woman.  Of course, Yona is this series' most troubled young novel woman.  This manga may seem repetitive, at times, but it tells an absorbing story with lovable characters.

Yet, JN Productions (translation) and Ysabet Reinhardt MacFarlane (English adaptation) never make it boring.  Their work makes us want to follow Yona once more into the breach and the lovely lettering by Lys Blakeslee creates the sense of a magical romantic adventure.  Once again, dear readers, I highly recommend that you also follow Yona.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS:  Fans of historical romantic adventure will want to try the “Shojo Beat” title, Yona of the Dawn.

A
8 out of 10

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"


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The text is copyright © 2021 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog or site for reprint and syndication rights and fees.

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#IReadsYou Review: YONA OF THE DAWN Volume 5

YONA OF THE DAWN, VOL. 5
VIZ MEDIA – @VIZMedia

MANGAKA: Mizuho Kusanagi
TRANSLATION: JN Productions
ENGLISH ADAPTATION: Ysabet Reinhardt MacFarlane
LETTERS: Lys Blakeslee
ISBN: 978-1-4215-8786-1; paperback (April 2017); Rated “T” for “Teen”
192pp, B&W, $9.99 U.S., $12.99 CAN, £6.99 UK

Yona of the Dawn is a Japanese manga series written and illustrated by Mizuho Kusanagi.  It has been serialized in Hakusensha's shojo manga magazine, Hana to Yume, since August 2009.  VIZ Media has been publishing an English-language edition of the manga as a paperback graphic novel series since August 2016 under its “Shojo Beat” imprint.

Princess Yona is living an ideal life as the only princess in the Kingdom of Kohka.  Her father, King Il, dotes on her, and her faithful guard, Son Hak of the Wind Tribe, protects her.  Yon even cherishes the time spent with the man she loves, her cousin Lord Su-won of the Sky Tribe.  However, everything changes on her 16th birthday when the king is killed and Hak is blamed.  Soon, Yona is on the run with Hak, but she is determined to reclaim her throne by finding the Four Dragon Warriors.

As Yona of the Dawn, Vol. 5 (Chapter 24 to 29) opens, Yona, Hak, Yun, and Gija the White Dragon leave the Village of the Blue Dragon, after they escape from an earthquake.  Yona gives the Blue Dragon a name, but will he leave with Yona and company?  Next, Gija senses the presence of the Green Dragon, which takes the small band to Awa Port in the land of the Earth Tribe.  Although his presence is strong, the Green Dragon proves hard to find.

THE LOWDOWN:  The Yona of the Dawn manga is part Chinese historical romance (or at least a Japanese version of it) and part quest-adventure.  Over the last ten years of reading manga, I have come to enjoy the particular shojo spin on historical fiction/romance/adventure.

Yona of the Dawn Graphic Novel Volume 5 offers more of the elements of this series that have become familiar to readers.  This is, however, not more of the same.  In the six chapters contained in Vol. 5, creator Mizuho Kusanagi shifts the focus away from her star Yona, and delves into the personalities, goals, and trials and tribulations of the rest of her cast, especially focusing on Hak.  This volume might make the reader believe that he is the star, and Hak does have a star quality.  He could be the lead of his own manga, which is one more reason to read Yona of the Dawn.  Yona and Hak give this series two excellent leads.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS:  Fans of historical romantic adventure will want to try the Shojo Beat title, Yona of the Dawn.

A

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"


The text is copyright © 2021 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog or site for reprint and syndication rights and fees.

----------------------

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#IReadsYou Review: YONA OF THE DAWN Volume 4

YONA OF THE DAWN, VOL. 4
VIZ MEDIA – @VIZMedia

MANGAKA: Mizuho Kusanagi
TRANSLATION: JN Productions
ENGLISH ADAPTATION: Ysabet Reinhardt MacFarlane
LETTERS: Lys Blakeslee
ISBN: 978-1-4215-8785-1; paperback (February 2017); Rated “T” for “Teen”
192pp, B&W, $9.99 U.S., $12.99 CAN, £6.99 UK

Yona of the Dawn is a Japanese manga series written and illustrated by Mizuho Kusanagi.  It has been serialized in Hakusensha's shojo manga magazine, Hana to Yume, since August 2009.  VIZ Media has been publishing an English-language edition of the manga as a paperback graphic novel series since August 2016 under its “Shojo Beat” imprint.

Princess Yona lives an ideal life as the only princess in the Kingdom of Kohka.  Her father, King Il, dotes on her, and her faithful guard, Son Hak of the Wind Tribe, protects her.  Yon even cherishes the time spent with the man she loves, her cousin Lord Su-won of the Sky Tribe.  However, everything changes on her 16th birthday when the king is killed and Hak is blamed.  Soon, Yona is on the run with Hak, but she is determined to reclaim her throne by finding the Four Dragon Warriors.

As Yona of the Dawn, Vol. 4 (Chapter 18 to 23) opens, Yona and Hak continue their journey to find the rest of the Four Dragon Warriors, after locating Gija, the White Dragon.  Gija can sense the other warriors, but only slightly when they are at a great distance away.  Luckily, the trio is also accompanied by Jun, pretty-boy genius.  Next up, is the location of the Blue Dragon, but this warrior's village is not a welcoming place.

THE LOWDOWN:  The Yona of the Dawn manga is in my manga fanboy wheelhouse.  Part Chinese historical romance and part quest-adventure, so I cannot help but like it.

In Yona of the Dawn Graphic Novel Volume 4, creator Mizuho Kusanagi further delves into her star quartet's personalities.  She throws a surprise at her readers, by making the place of the Blue Dragon not as friendly or as easy to navigate as the home of the White Dragon.  Her origin story of the Blue Dragon is a poignant and heartbreaking tale, but our heroine Yona is the spoonful of sugar to make it all better.  It should not be so easy to like this series, but the main characters are classic lovable shojo teens.  Yeah, they are quite sugary even in this epic adventure.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS:  Fans of historical romantic adventure will want to try the Shojo Beat title, Yona of the Dawn.

A-

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"


The text is copyright © 2021 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog or site for reprint and syndication rights and fees.

-------------------------

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#IReadsYou Review: YONA OF THE DAWN Volume 21

YONA OF THE DAWN, VOL. 21
VIZ MEDIA – @VIZMedia

MANGAKA: Mizuho Kusanagi
TRANSLATION: JN Productions
ENGLISH ADAPTATION: Ysabet Reinhardt MacFarlane
LETTERS: Lys Blakeslee
EDITOR: Amy Yu
ISBN: 978-1-4215-9381-4; paperback (December 2019); Rated “T” for “Teen”
192pp, B&W, $9.99 U.S., $12.99 CAN, £6.99 UK

Yona of the Dawn is a Japanese manga series written and illustrated by Mizuho Kusanagi.  It has been serialized in Hakusensha's shojo manga magazine, Hana to Yume, since August 2009.  VIZ Media has been publishing an English-language edition of the manga as a paperback graphic novel series since August 2016 under its “Shojo Beat” imprint.

Yona of the Dawn focuses on the only princess in the Kingdom of Kohka, Yona.  She lives an ideal life, and her father, King Il, dotes on her.  Her faithful guard, Son Hak of the Wind Tribe, protects her.  Yona even cherishes the time spent with the man she loves, her cousin, Lord Su-won of the Sky Tribe.  However, everything changes for Princess Yona on her 16th birthday when the king is killed, and Hak is blamed.  Soon, Yona is on the run with Hak, but she is determined to reclaim her throne.  To do so, she begins a journey to find the Four Dragon Warriors.

As Yona of the Dawn, Vol. 21 (Chapter 118 to 123) opens, King Su-Won continues his advance into the rival nation of Sei.  Yona and Princess Riri of the Water Tribe were betrayed and became prisoners of Sei, working as slave labor on one of two forts being built along Sei's border with Kohka.  After their devastating siege of Lord Hotsuma's fort, Su-Won and company move on to Lord Kishibi's fort after not finding either princess at Hotsuma.

But Yona and Princess Riri have been separated, and Yona is alone and injured in a nearby forest.  Meanwhile, Lord Kishibi prepares to execute Riri!

[This volume includes a bonus chapter, “From Good Morning to Good Night.”]

THE LOWDOWN:  I find the Yona of the Dawn manga to be a hugely-enjoyable historical shojo romance manga, which is one of my favorite genres of manga.  I also like that it uses elements of Chinese history and mythology.

Yona of the Dawn Graphic Novel Volume 21 is a typically fantastic entry in this series.  In the case of this series, I think being “typically fantastic” is just “Jim Dandy!”  Seriously, despite the action of violent battle, creator Mizuho Kusanagi takes time to delve into the relationships between her core players.  Kusanagi also takes some time to further develop the steadily growing relationship between Hak and Yona.  It's intense and hot!  Let's keep reading, dear readers.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS:  Fans of historical romantic adventure will want to try the “Shojo Beat” title, Yona of the Dawn.

A
9 out of 10

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"


https://www.viz.com/
https://twitter.com/VIZMedia
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The text is copyright © 2020 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog or site for reprint and syndication rights and fees.

-----------------------------------

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#IReadsYou Review: YONA OF THE DAWN Volume 20

YONA OF THE DAWN, VOL. 20
VIZ MEDIA – @VIZMedia

MANGAKA: Mizuho Kusanagi
TRANSLATION: JN Productions
ENGLISH ADAPTATION: Ysabet Reinhardt MacFarlane
LETTERS: Lys Blakeslee
EDITOR: Amy Yu
ISBN: 978-1-4215-9220-6; paperback (October 2019); Rated “T” for “Teen”
192pp, B&W, $9.99 U.S., $12.99 CAN, £6.99 UK

Yona of the Dawn is a Japanese manga series written and illustrated by Mizuho Kusanagi.  It has been serialized in Hakusensha's shojo manga magazine, Hana to Yume, since August 2009.  VIZ Media has been publishing an English-language edition of the manga as a paperback graphic novel series since August 2016 under its “Shojo Beat” imprint.

Yona of the Dawn focuses on the only princess in the Kingdom of Kohka, Yona.  She lives an ideal life, and her father, King Il, dotes on her.  Her faithful guard, Son Hak of the Wind Tribe, protects her.  Yona even cherishes the time spent with the man she loves, her cousin, Lord Su-won of the Sky Tribe.  However, everything changes for Princess Yona on her 16th birthday when the king is killed, and Hak is blamed.  Soon, Yona is on the run with Hak, but she is determined to reclaim her throne.  To do so, she begins a journey to find the Four Dragon Warriors.

As Yona of the Dawn, Vol. 20 (Chapter 112 to 117) opens, Yona and Princess Riri of the Water Tribe have been betrayed!  Now, they are prisoners of the nation of Sei, working as slave labor on one of two forts being built along Sei's border with Kohka.  Yona and Riri's respective companions split into two groups, with each group heading to one of the forts.  Which team will find the two:  Team Jaeha with Zeno and Ayura or Team Hak with Yun, Gija, and Sinha find Yona and Riri?

Meanwhile, Riri's father, General Jung-Gi, receives some surprising offers of help to find his daughter.  And one of them has ties to Yona!

[This volume includes miscellaneous comics material.]

THE LOWDOWN:  The Yona of the Dawn manga is a highly-enjoyable historical shojo romance manga, which is one of my favorite genres of manga.  I also like that it uses elements of Chinese history and mythology.

Yona of the Dawn Graphic Novel Volume 20 is a fantastic entry in this series.  I can say, without spoilers, that it begins with trouble and ends with trouble.  Creator Mizuho Kusanagi always finds a way to keep readers coming back for more.  Kusanagi also delves deeper into the complicated relationships that surround Yona and Son Hak.  Even with all the action and intrigue, Yona of the Dawn always manages to get to the heart of the matter – the character melodrama.

The work of JN Productions (translation) and of Ysabet Reinhardt MacFarlane (English adaptation) helps to deliver some strong scenes of personal moments – within characters and between characters.  Plus, Lys Blakeslee's lettering sets the mood, as usual, for Vol. 20, which like Vol. 19, is a bit more intimate than other volumes.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS:  Fans of historical romantic adventure will want to try the “Shojo Beat” title, Yona of the Dawn.

A
9 out of 10

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"


https://www.viz.com/
https://twitter.com/VIZMedia
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The text is copyright © 2020 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog or site for reprint and syndication rights and fees.

------------------------------

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#IReadsYou Review: YONA OF THE DAWN Volume 19

YONA OF THE DAWN, VOL. 19
VIZ MEDIA – @VIZMedia

MANGAKA: Mizuho Kusanagi
TRANSLATION: JN Productions
ENGLISH ADAPTATION: Ysabet Reinhardt MacFarlane
LETTERS: Lys Blakeslee
EDITOR: Amy Yu
ISBN: 978-1-4215-8801-8; paperback (August 2019); Rated “T” for “Teen”
192pp, B&W, $9.99 U.S., $12.99 CAN, £6.99 UK

Yona of the Dawn is a Japanese manga series written and illustrated by Mizuho Kusanagi.  It has been serialized in Hakusensha's shojo manga magazine, Hana to Yume, since August 2009.  VIZ Media has been publishing an English-language edition of the manga as a paperback graphic novel series since August 2016 under its “Shojo Beat” imprint.

Yona of the Dawn focuses on the only princess in the Kingdom of Kohka, Yona.  She lives an ideal life, and her father, King Il, dotes on her.  Her faithful guard, Son Hak of the Wind Tribe, protects her.  Yona even cherishes the time spent with the man she loves, her cousin, Lord Su-won of the Sky Tribe.  However, everything changes for Princess Yona on her 16th birthday when the king is killed, and Hak is blamed.  Soon, Yona is on the run with Hak, but she is determined to reclaim her throne.  To do so, she begins a journey to find the Four Dragon Warriors.

As Yona of the Dawn, Vol. 19 (Chapter 106 to 111) opens, Yona, Hak, Jun, the Four Dragon Warriors: Gija, Jaeha, Sinha, and Zeno, arrive in the “Blue Forest.”  While gathering firewood, Sinha the Blue Dragon finds a stone dragon idol.  When the idol's mouth begins to close down on his animal companion, “Ao,” Sinha slices the idol's head off.  Sinha does not realize that his actions have also released an ominous spirit – one with a connection to his past!

Then, it is on to a reunion with Princess Riri of the Water Tribe and her two guardians, Ayura and Tetra.  Once again, Riri must call upon Yona and company for help.

[This volume includes the bonus chapter, “Sleep Well Tonight,” and also miscellaneous comics.]

THE LOWDOWN:  The Yona of the Dawn manga is a historical shojo romance manga, one of my favorite genres of manga.  I also like that it is somewhat based in Chinese history and mythology.

Yona of the Dawn Graphic Novel Volume 19 offers a glimpse into the past of one of its Dragons.  Creator Mizyho Kusanagi uses this opening story not only to reveal some things about Sinha, but also about the other characters.  “The Blue Forest” mini-story arc is also a brief interlude that allows readers to enjoy the series' seven main heroes.  Kusanagi also gives us some intense moments between Yona and Hak that bring the two closer together than ever.

The work of JN Productions (translation) and of Ysabet Reinhardt MacFarlane (English adaptation) helps to deliver some strong scenes of personal moments – within characters and between characters.  Plus, Lys Blakeslee's lettering sets the mood, as usual, for this more intimate Vol. 19.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS:  Fans of historical romantic adventure will want to try the “Shojo Beat” title, Yona of the Dawn.

A
9 out of 10

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"


The text is copyright © 2020 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog or site for reprint and syndication rights and fees.



------------------------------

#IReadsYou Review: YONA OF THE DAWN Volume 16

YONA OF THE DAWN, VOL. 16
VIZ MEDIA – @VIZMedia

MANGAKA: Mizuho Kusanagi
TRANSLATION: JN Productions
ENGLISH ADAPTATION: Ysabet Reinhardt MacFarlane
LETTERS: Lys Blakeslee
EDITOR: Amy Yu
ISBN: 978-1-4215-8798-1; paperback (February 2019); Rated “T” for “Teen”
192pp, B&W, $9.99 U.S., $12.99 CAN, £6.99 UK

Yona of the Dawn is a Japanese manga series written and illustrated by Mizuho Kusanagi.  It has been serialized in Hakusensha's shojo manga magazine, Hana to Yume, since August 2009.  VIZ Media has been publishing an English-language edition of the manga as a paperback graphic novel series since August 2016 under its “Shojo Beat” imprint.

Yona of the Dawn focuses on the only princess in the Kingdom of Kohka, Yona.  She lives an ideal life, and her father, King Il, dotes on her.  Her faithful guard, Son Hak of the Wind Tribe, protects her.  Yona even cherishes the time spent with the man she loves, her cousin Lord Su-won of the Sky Tribe.  However, everything changes for Princess Yona on her 16th birthday when the king is killed and Hak is blamed.  Soon, Yona is on the run with Hak, but she is determined to reclaim her throne.  To do so, she begins a journey to find the Four Dragon Warriors.

As Yona of the Dawn, Vol. 16 (Chapter 89 to 94) opens, Yona and her companions continue their fight against the drug known as “nadai,” which has spread swiftly through the coastal towns of the “Water Tribe” territories.  Their fight has earned them the ire of the nadai's kingpin, the drug dealer, Hyo, who has called on his allies in South Kai to help him defeat all those who have massed against him.

Now, a fleet of South Kai ships sails into the waters of the port town of Sensui.  Can Yona and her friends stop Hyo and his allies?  Can Yona's new friend, Lady Riri, the pampered princess of the Water Tribe's chief, General Jung-Gi, convince enough of her people to follow her?  Plus, Yona comes face to face with a dear friend turned adversary.

THE LOWDOWN:  The Yona of the Dawn manga concludes its adventure into the land of the Water Tribe, one of five tribes that comprise the Kingdom of Kohka (Sky, Wind, Fire, Earth, and Water).  This is my favorite story arc of the series, thus far.

Yona of the Dawn Graphic Novel Volume 16 is a tale of two princesses, as was Vol. 15.  Creator Mizuho Kusanagi seems to have initially used this story arc to contrast Yona and Riri.  While Yona seems so brave and self-assured to Riri, readers know that Yona is still discovering herself and what she can do.  Riri, however, is struggling to come into her own, but Kusanagi depicts her as being stronger and more capable than she thinks herself to be.

The fun in reading this arc is not only in seeing the “Nadai conspiracy”play out, but also in watching Riri come into her own, which plays a part in the formation of Yona of the Dawn's next arc.  JN Productions (translation) and Ysabet Reinhardt MacFarlane (English adaptation) always reveals the romantic side of this shojo historical fiction and romance, but in Vol. 16, they capture the evolution of a princess and the ongoing journey of discovery of another.

Also, in hopes of avoiding spoilers, I can say that in a way, Vol. 16 throws a spotlight on Hak.  His actions here are bound to come back to haunt future story lines...

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS:  Fans of historical romantic adventure will want to try the “Shojo Beat” title, Yona of the Dawn.

A+
10 out of 10

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"


The text is copyright © 2020 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog or site for reprint and syndication rights and fees.



------------------------------------

Review: TAKANE & HANA Volume 1

TAKANE & HANA, VOL. 1
VIZ MEDIA – @VIZMedia

MANGAKA: Yuki Shiwasu
TRANSLATION: JN Productions
ENGLISH ADAPTATION: Ysabet Reinhardt MacFarlane
LETTERS: Freeman Wong
EDITOR: Amy Yu
ISBN: 978-1-4215-9900-7; paperback (February 2018); Rated “T” for “Teen”
200pp, B&W, $9.99 U.S., $12.99 CAN, £6.99 UK

Takane & Hana is a shojo manga from creator Yuki Shiwasu.  A romantic comedy, the series uses the familiar “opposites attract” scenario to focus on a female high school student and a young businessman and heir, who both have strong personalities.  The series originally began publication in the Japanese shojo manga magazine, Hana to Yume.

Hana Nonomura is 16-years-old, and she is about to meet a man who could be her husband.  Why?  Her 23-year-old sister, Yukari, has refused to go to an arranged marriage meeting with 26-year-old Takane Saibara, the heir to a vast business fortune.  Hana and Yukari's father works for the company owned by Takane's family.  Fearing that he might lose his job because of Yukari's refusal, their father convinces Hana to be Yukari's stand-in and save face for their family.

As Takane & Hana, Vol. 1 (Chapters 1 to 4) opens, Hana is sitting with her father in the room where the arranged marriage meeting is to be held, but the perspective groom, Takane, heir to the Takaba Group, is a no-show.  When he does finally arrive, Takane proves to be snobby and condescending, but he is about to discover that Hana may still be in high school, but she is no push-over

[This volume includes a bonus story, “Takane & Hana & Jr.,” an afterword, unpublished scene, and character introductions.]

The Takane & Hana manga is a high school shojo romance in which one of the star-crossed lovers is ten years older than the other.  Still, readers will recognize the familiar tropes of young shojo manga in love

Takane & Hana Graphic Novel Volume 1 is a manga narrative feeling its way in its early chapters.  These first four chapters don't equal exceptional material, but Takane & Hana has potential.  All it needs is a third character (or more) to come between the lead characters.  What creator Yuki Shiwasu offers here promises that more fun is coming.

B+
7.5 out of 10

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"


The text is copyright © 2018 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog or site for reprint and syndication rights and fees.

---------------------------------

Review: QUEEN'S QUALITY Volume 1

QUEEN'S QUALITY, VOL. 1
VIZ MEDIA – @VIZMedia

MANGAKA: Kyousuke Motomi
TRANSLATION: JN Productions
ENGLISH ADAPTATION: Ysabet Reinhardt MacFarlane
LETTERS: Mark McMurray
EDITOR: Amy Yu
ISBN: 978-1-4215-9244-2; paperback (September 2017); Rated “T” for “Teen”
200pp, B&W, $9.99 US, $12.99 CAN, £6.99 U.K.

Queen's Quality is a paranormal romantic adventure shojo manga from manga creator Kyousuke Motomi, the creator of such series as Dengeki Daisy and Beast Master.  Queen's Quality is also a sequel to Motomi's QQ Sweeper, a series about Soul Cleaners.

One day, Kyutaro Horikita, the cleaning expert of Kurokado Private High School, finds a maiden sleeping in an old room on campus.  She is transfer student Fumi Nishioka, and like Kyutaro, she has a talent for cleaning.  However, the tall, dark, and handsome Kyutaro is also a “Sweeper,” someone who cleans away negative energy from people's heart, and Fumi becomes his apprentice.  Now, comes the second part of their story.

As Queen's Quality, Vol. 1 (Chapters 1 to 5) begins, Fumi is now part of the Horikita family, living with them in the Horikita mansion.  The family is also part of the Genbu-Kita Clan of “Sweepers,” and she works with them.  Now, a peculiar and odd new man enters her life.  He is Takaya Kitahara, a psychiatrist and an expert in suggestive therapy.

Kitahara is there to guide Fumi who turns out to be a “Queen.”  Queens are women born with an extremely rare power and can control people's minds.  A Queen can force anyone and everyone to do what she wants.  Fumi may become a “Black Queen,” and there are a group of people seeking to turn her into just such a malevolent creature.

QQ Sweeper was offbeat, but did not show the darker side of its narrative until the second half of what was a three-volume series.  Queen's Quality Volume 1 is less offbeat and plays more like a high school shojo romance.  It does not fully show the dark side of its narrative until the fourth and fifth chapters of this five-chapter opening graphic novel.  The dark elements are a thrill to read, and I was disappointed that I had reached the end of the first volume, especially if it was going to give me more darkness.

The parts of the story that deal with romance and with cleaning/sweeping are a mixed bag – sometimes interesting, sometimes not.  Creator Kyousuke Motomi is at her best when she shows her characters facing and fighting darkness, but she seems (at least to me) determined to offer shojo romance.  Well, the fighting-evil parts of the story make it worth putting up with the lovey-dovey parts.

A-
7.5 out of 10

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"


The text is copyright © 2017 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog for reprint and syndication rights and fees.

------------------------------------

Review: MAID-SAMA! 2-IN-1 Edition Volume 2

MAID-SAMA! 2-IN-1 EDITION, VOL. 2
VIZ MEDIA – @VIZMedia

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

MANGAKA: Hiro Fujiwara
TRANSLATION: JN Productions
ENGLISH ADAPTATION: Ysabet Reinhardt MacFarlane
LETTERS: Annaliese Christman
ISBN: 978-1-4215-8131-6; paperback (November 2015); Rated “T” for “Teen”
384pp, B&W, $14.99 U.S., $16.99 CAN, £9.99 U.K.

Maid-Sama! is a shojo manga from Hiro Fujiwara.  The series focuses on Misaki Ayuzawa, the female president of a predominantly male high school, Seika High School.  Takumi Usui is the handsome male classmate who discovers that his school's president works at the maid café, Café Maid Latte, something she wants to keep secret.

In Japan, Maid-Sama! was collected in 18 graphic novels.  In 2015, VIZ Media began publishing Maid-Sama! in its 2-in-1 omnibus edition, which collects two graphic novels in one paperback.  Each volume of VIZ Media's edition of Maid-Sama carries a print MSRP of $14.99 U.S. / $16.99 CAN.  Maid-Sama! 2-in-1 editions are also available digitally via VIZManga.com and the VIZ Manga App, as well as from the Nook, Kobo, Kindle, iBooks, comiXology, and GooglePlay stores.

Maid-Sama! 2-in-1 Edition, Vol. 2 collects Maid-Sama! Vols. 3 and 4.  As Maid-Sama!, Vol. 3 (Chapters 10 to 15) begins, Misaki is not sure how she should participate in Seika High's school sports festival.  Everyone else knows what they want from her, though; they need her to dominate!  Also, Café Maid Latte has a series of themed events like “Maid Rangers Day” and “Little Sister Day.”  Misaki struggles to play the little sister type, and things are further complicated when Usui starts working at the café.

Maid-Sama!, Vol. 4 (Chapters 16 to 19) opens with Misaki and Usui dealing out some justice to first-year student, Soutaro Kanou, who launched a plot to keep more girls from enrolling at Seika High.  Plus, the whole gang heads to the beach for some summer fun, but Usui decides that this is the best time for him to make his strongest romantic move on Misaki, much to her chagrin.

[This volume includes two bonus stories, “Peach Boy is a Maid Too!” and “And While We're at It, the Idiot as Maids!”]

Last year, my VIZ Media rep sent me a copy of Maid-Sama! 2-in-1 Edition, Volume 2.  I had heard of the Maid-Sama! manga, and I have to admit that I was curious about it, if for no other reason than the name.  Over the last decade, I have read a few manga set in the world of the maid café, which seems to be a “thing” in Japan.

This series features a lot of slapstick and frantic comedy, and the art is deformed to one extent or another, depending on the needs of the narrative at a particular moment.  I like how creator Hiro Fujiwara tends to draw in a “straight” or non-deformed manner when he wants to emphasize the moments between Misaki and Usui that are meant to be taken seriously, usually romance.  I think that this is when the story has its best moments.

Other than that, Maid-Sama! is up-and-down and inconsistent.  Some subplots and story arcs are fun (the beach adventure; Kanou's plot against female students).  Others flit between wacky/funny and serious too much for my tastes.  Still, I'm curious to see where Maid-Sama! takes the obvious love story of its leads.

B

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"


The text is copyright © 2016 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this site for reprint and syndication rights and fees.

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Review: YONA OF THE DAWN Volume 2

YONA OF THE DAWN, VOL. 2
VIZ MEDIA – @VIZMedia

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

MANGAKA: Mizuho Kusanagi
TRANSLATION: JN Productions
ENGLISH ADAPTATION: Ysabet Reinhardt MacFarlane
LETTERS: Lys Blakeslee
ISBN: 978-1-4215-8783-7; paperback (October 2016); Rated “T” for “Teen”
192pp, B&W, $9.99 U.S., $12.99 CAN, £6.99 UK

Yona of the Dawn is a shojo manga from mangaka Mizuho Kusanagi.  It is the story of pampered princess who must fight for her kingdom after a family tragedy.  By her side is her handsome bodyguard who has been blamed for murder.

Princess Yona lives an ideal life as the only princess in the Kingdom of Kohka.  Her father, King Il, dotes on her, and her faithful guard, Son Hak of the Wind Tribe, protects her.  Yon even cherishes the time spent with the man she loves, her cousin Lord Su-won of the Sky Tribe.  However, everything changes on her 16th birthday when the king is killed and Hak is blamed.  Soon, she is on the run with Hak, but she is determined to reclaim her throne.

As Yona of the Dawn, Vol. 2 (Chapter 6 to 11) opens, Yona and Hak arrive in Fuuga, the capital of the Wind Tribe.  To keep her identity secret among his people, Hak gives Yona the name “Rina.”  Meanwhile, Lord Su-won begins to consolidate power in a bid to assume the throne as the eleventh king of Kohka.

Historical.  Romance.  Adventure.  Of course, I like the Yona of the Dawn manga.  I love historical romance and historical adventure, so combine three of them, and I am in like manga-reading Flynn.

Yona of the Dawn Volume 2 is the first volume of the series that I have read – via a copy for review from my VIZ Media rep.  I like creator Mizuho Kusanagi's art which reminds me of the art of Arina Tanemura, especially in the large expressive eyes Kusanagi gives her characters.  Although this is a shojo manga, Yona of the Dawn has an epic sweep and scope, although the graphical storytelling is soft and romantic.  This is like a high school romance with sword-play and courtly intrigue, but it is also like a battle manga with the threat of war and family intrigue.  I look forward to the next volume of Yona of the Dawn.

A-

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"


The text is copyright © 2016 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog for reprint and syndication rights and fees.

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Review: QQ SWEEPER Volume 3

QQ SWEEPER, VOL. 3
VIZ MEDIA – @VIZMedia

MANGAKA: Kyousuke Motomi
TRANSLATION: JN Productions
ENGLISH ADAPTATION: Ysabet Reinhardt MacFarlane
LETTERS: Eric Erbes
ISBN: 978-1-4215-8633-5; paperback (June 2016); Rated “T” for “Teen”
192pp, B&W, $9.99 US, $12.99 CAN, £6.99 U.K.

The paranormal, romantic shojo manga, QQ Sweeper, comes to an end.  Created by mangaka Kyousuke Motomi, who also created the manga, Dengeki Daisy and Beast Master, QQ Sweeper is an adventure about two “Soul Cleaners,” one an expert, the other a novice – who fall in love.

QQ Sweeper begins on the day, Kyutaro Horikita, the cleaning expert of Kurokado Private High School, finds a maiden sleeping in an old room on campus.  She is transfer student Fumi Nishioka, and like Kyutaro, she has a talent for cleaning.  However, the tall, dark, and handsome Kyutaro is also a “Sweeper,” someone who cleans away negative energy from people's heart, and Fumi is now his apprentice.

As QQ Sweeper, Vol. 3 (Chapters 11 to 15) begins, Fumi rethinks her plan to leave the home of Kyutaro and his family.  She feels a sense of calm living and working with them, and Fumi begins to except the amorous feelings she has for Kyutaro.

Meanwhile, classmate Kaori Tachibana begins acting strangely towards Fumi during what is supposed to be a karaoke outing with friends.  The trouble seems to be emanating from Ataru Shikata, a so-called fortune teller, who is really a “Bug Handler.”  And he has big plans for Fumi.

The QQ Sweeper manga seemed unusual from its first volume.  Well, the series cements its unusual nature because it has come to a quick or, as I think, an abrupt end.

QQ Sweeper Volume 3 is the final volume of this particular iteration of the story of Fumi Kyutaro.  Fumi and Kyutaro will return in a new series apparently called Queen's Quality.  As for the end of QQ Sweeper, Kyousuke Motomi will leave you wanting more.  In fact, by the end of Vol. 3, you will think that there is no way the series could end with so much left unanswered and because the story has the potential to offer even more to the readers.

Well, however that works out, QQ Sweeper is short-but-good.  So, yes, good things do come in small packages.  This romance, dark fantasy, and mystery drama is worth a shojo reader's time.

A-

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"


The text is copyright © 2016 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this site for reprint and syndication rights and fees.

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QQ Sweeper: Memories of Fuyu

I read QQ Sweeper, Vol. 2

I posted a review at the ComicBookBin.  Follow me on Twitter and Tumblr or Grumble.  Support me on Patreon.

My Love Story: The Unspoken Love of Yukika Amami

I read My Love Story!!, Vol. 7

I posted a review at the ComicBookBin.  Follow me on Twitter and Tumblr or at Grumble.  Support me on Patreon.

My Love Story: Gonna Be a Big Brother

I read My Love Story!!, Vol. 6

I posted a review at the ComicBookBin.  Follow me on Twitter and Tumblr or at Grumble.  Support me on Patreon.

Spell of Desire: Witches With Problems

I read Spell of Desire, Vol. 4

I posted a review at the ComicBookBin.  Follow me on Twitter or at Grumble.  Support me on Patreon.

My Love Story: Ai Wants You

I read My Love Story!!, Vol. 4

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Spell of Desire: Incubus Block

I read Spell of Desire, Vol. 3

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Review: HONEY BLOOD: Tale 0

HONEY BLOOD TALE 0
VIZ MEDIA – @VIZMedia

CARTOONIST: Miko Mitsuki
TRANSLATION: pinkie-chan
ENGLISH ADAPTATION: Ysabet Reinhardt MacFarlane
LETTERS: Joanna Estep
ISBN: 978-1-4215-7339-7; paperback (February 2015); Rated “T” for “Teen”
192pp, B&W, $9.99 U.S., $12.99 CAN, £6.99 UK

Honey Blood is a vampire shojo manga created by Miko Mitsuki.  The series debuted in Japan's Sho-Comi magazine in 2009.  However, there was an earlier version of the Honey Blood that began in 2008 as a series of manga short stories.

Honey Blood focuses on Hinata Sorazono, a high school girl.  All her classmates at Sunshine Flower Girls' Academy are in love with the vampire romance novel, Until the Ends of the Earth, and the series of novels it spawned.  Hinata is surprised to discover that her new neighbor is Junya Tokinaga, the author of Until the End of the Earth.  Then, she also learns that Junya is actually a vampire and that with one simple kiss, he puts his fate and his life in Hinata's hands.

Honey Blood: Tale 0 is a stand-alone manga that collects the three Honey Blood one-shot manga stories that predate the Honey Blood ongoing manga.  The stories:  “My Boyfriend is a...?!,” “Until Dawn Comes,” and “Until the End of Time,” which were first published in 2008 and 2009, comprise the original version of the story that is Honey Blood.

“My Boyfriend is a...?!” finds 15-year-old Hinata Sorazono becoming curious about her new neighbor, Junya Tokinaga.  Hinata is shocked when she walks in on Junya biting the neck of Hanazuka, his book editor.  In “Until Dawn Comes,” Hinata wants to have a normal relationship with her vampire boyfriend, Junya, but can vampires be normal?  In “Until the End of Time,” a movie is being made from Junya's novel, “Night Love,” and Hinata finds herself caught in a rivalry between Junya and the movie's star, Mariya Satomi, a spoiled male model.

[This volume contains two bonus stories, “A Bouquet of Love for the Princess” and “First Love, Melting in the Night.”]

I read the first volume the Honey Blood manga.  I was intrigued by its central conceit:  when a vampire kisses his true love on the mouth, he can drink only her blood from that point forward.  I prefer edgy shojo vampire romance manga like Vampire Knight and Black Rose Alice.  Thus, I found Honey Blood a bit cutesy, although enjoyable to read.

For some reason, I enjoyed Honey Blood Tale 0 a little more than I did Honey Blood Volume 1.  These semi-primordial Honey Blood stories, however, are extra cutesy.  In fact, Miko Mitsuki's work here is immature compared to the later Honey Blood manga.  So I can't explain why I find this early manga endearing.  Perhaps, I wanted Vol. 1 to be more cutesy and frilly?  Fans of Honey Blood will also want Honey Blood Tale 0.

B+

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux


The text is copyright © 2015 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog for syndication rights and fees.

Spell of Desire: Enter the Black Witch Coven

I read Spell of Desire, Vol. 2

I posted a review at the ComicBookBin, which is seeking donations.  Follow me on Twitter or at Grumble.