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Paradise Kiss is an absolute gem. The characters are flawed but, for the most part, lovable. It's a story of growth and finding one's feet in life. I love how Yukari, the female lead, goes from being listless and unsure of herself to a passionate adult who has found and enjoys her place in life. We get to see the (often painful) beginnings of this change. The ending left me raw but satisfied. This truly is a masterpiece...I had no idea I'd love it so much.

Art 9/10 - At first I wasn't so sure about the art style. Upon reading I quickly changed my mind. ... The proportions can be downright scary at times...however, it actually adds to the charm of the manga. This is an intentional style. The comedic sketches are on point. If the art is holding you back from reading, like it did with me, don't fret...you'll end up enjoying it.

Everything else is a solid 10/10!

SPOILERS - PLEASE DO NOT CONTINUE READING IF YOU HAVEN'T READ THE MANGA YET!!!

SERIOUSLY!!

I MEAN IT! c:



I normally don't write spoilers...but, there are just some things I'm compelled to address. I've heard people complaining about how Yukari doesn't get with George in the end. But, I think that is the best outcome! He was downright horrible to her. You can tell he had true feelings for her but is too selfish to give her what she really needs. If she got with him she would have given up too much of herself...only following him around the world. She chose to live her life for her - which, is strong and beautiful. He was her stepping stone towards a better life. That is why I think she carried love for him even years later. Not because she wanted to be with him but because she was thankful for the good things he did do for her. And there are the naysayers who might cry, "Then why didn't she just get with Tokumori in the beginning?!" ...isn't it obvious? He was a great guy from the beginning. But, Yukari had a shallow love for him. She wasn't ready for a real relationship and he probably wasn't, either. (Especially considering Miwako) What happened with George, and the other hinted-at relationships over the 10 year gap near the end, gave her the depth and capability to have a meaningful relationship. She got with Tokumori at the perfect time in life. And at the end of the manga you can tell they are going to be truly happy together...with no regrets. It's realistic, meaningful, and a lovely way for the story to end.

I'm surprised there aren't more reviews on here! Man of Many Faces is a story that will end up putting a smile on your face. It's one of CLAMP's more obscure and quirky titles. The plot can be downright absurd at times. There are unanswered questions (nothing crucial to the plot) that are even acknowledged by CLAMP. But, in the end you'll get a "it's just this way and you won't know why." You'll be happy with the ending, though!

The plot revolves around two strangely mature children, a master thief and an aristocrat, that end up falling in love. What's unusual about this story ... is that near the end you actually get to see the characters as adults.

Wrap this all up in CLAMP's wonderful art style and you have an enjoyable quick read.

Art: 10/10
Story: 7/10
Character: 7/10
Overall enjoyment: 8/10

I am not a fan of this manga. I bought the complete set because it had been recommended so much to me...and ended up selling it right after finishing.

So, what's the big deal? The characters were just not likable to me. Spoiled boys who lack morals hanging around a mediocre and lackluster girl. It just seemed to lack the depth I like in a good story. The characters needed more to them...something that could make them seem more like decent people.

Story - I'm being generous if I give it a 4/10. It was slow at times and didn't seem very grounded. There wasn't enough comedy ... to make up for its shortcomings.

Art - 5/10. I thought the art would grow on me...but, it didn't.

Character - 3/10. I really couldn't find a single character I liked. Mori was probably my favorite character and only because he didn't really talk that much.

Enjoyment - 3/10. I kept waiting for the story to get better and was let down. I honestly only finished it because I had bought the complete set. If I had bought it one book at a time I would have dropped it.

Overall - 5/10. I know a lot of people love this series. It doesn't do it for me, though.

This is one of my favorite manga. It's a heartbreaking story about love, long distance relationships, not being able to quite let go, and moving on with life. It's a modern love story that can hit home for a lot of us! I'm not going to say too much about the story because most people are already familiar with the movie. But, I will say there is MORE to the story in the manga. It gives a deeper look into the characters. Not so much for Akari... who isn't really the focus in the story. (If you want more about her character read the light ... novel - which I will be reviewing once I finish it.) But, overall, I felt like the story was a lot more fulfilling in the manga. It also felt more hopeful.

Story - straight up 10/10!

Art - 9/10. Very well done!

Characters - 9/10! Sometimes the characters can be frustrating...but, that's life...isn't it? They're flawed and relatable. Even long after putting down the manga I find myself thinking about them. Their stories are bitter but there is a sweetness to all of them.

Enjoyment - 10/10! I never used to be a person who liked "sad" stories. This isn't the kind of story that makes me feel happy, per se. But, I enjoy it because I can identify with it. It's heartbreaking and heartwarming in an unusual way. Maybe like a friend who can truly empathize with your hardships.

Overall - 10/10. I can easily recommend this manga to anyone. It has a permanent place on my bookshelf!

Spoiler free review! I've read the complete series of Kobato and I think it's one of CLAMP's best works. Heartwarming, entertaining, and a solid story. It starts off enjoyable but leaving you in the dark - a typical style from CLAMP to keep you guessing. It'll wrap up nice and neatly in the end, though. I'd highly recommend it to anyone. If you're a fan of CLAMP and haven't picked this one up yet - treat yourself to it!

Art style: CLAMP really shines in this area! If you're looking for eye candy, this is a good series for you.

Characters: Silly and lovable, mysterious and entertaining, ... short fused but big at heart, bittersweet and strong...there isn't a character I don't love in here.

Overall enjoyment is a 10/10 - No complaints from me! This one has earned a permanent place on my shelf.