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Jan 4, 2008
RED Dizziness
by radiantfire
Context:
For this review, I'll be analysing Jisatsu Circle by Usamaru Furuya. The concept of the series comes from a movie bearing the same title. While not a direct adaptation, it nonetheless comprises of the same elements: troubled children and suicide.
Story:
The suicidal dive of 54 schoolgirls at Shinjuku station is one of the most memorable opening sequences in any manga I have read. Gruesome and deeply biting, the opening jump alone sets what is profoundly a scary commentary on the state of Japanese contemporary society. It is on this note that Jisatsu Circle introduces one of the most disturbing stories I have ever experienced.
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Art:
The horror theme of the manga is heavily accentuated by the art. Characters are drawn pragmatically, bodies are realistically ripped apart, and moods and emotions are easily conveyed through facial expressions. The odd styling of Furuya gives the series a strong grotesque frame of reference.
Character:
Saya is demented. All the girls in the club are demented. They mentally and physically break themselves down in order to gain a sense of happiness which is found, scarily enough, in their deaths. They are, in all sagacity, the fundamental source of horror in the series. Through them, Furuya highlights the importance and the profound fragility of life.
Enjoyment:
The series brought me a strange kind of experience. Although I was intensely engrossed by the story, I strongly felt a sensation of fragility. In all honesty, I have not read anything like it before. It brought me, what can be best described as, a bitter-sweet enjoyment.
Conclusion
Jisatsu Circle provides a terrifying and disturbing volume on Japanese contemporary society. It leaves us to question the very state of their world but also, our own mental states. A sickening and deeply depressing piece of horror, Jisatsu Circle is not one for the faint of heart.
Reviewer’s Rating: 8
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Jan 1, 2008
Hilarious Parts
by radiantfire
Context:
For this review, I'll be analysing Ai Kora. It is by Inoue Kazurou who is probably most known as the author of Midori no Hibi. At the time of this writing, I have read 58 chapters of this manga.
Story:
Ai Kora revolves around Hachibe Maeda and his endless attempts to glorify his favourite parts. It is a creative attempt on the world of fetishes and takes the notion of "objectifying women" to another level. Each chapter is episodic, in that, they often highlight a particular fetish being promoted. In this sense, those who enjoy short quick shots of romance and comedy will definitely enjoy
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this series.
Art:
The art is good and matches the general feel of the manga. I particularly enjoy the wacky facial impressions and surprisingly detailed backgrounds.
Character:
The characters are fun and unique. Hachibei's character design is very creative and the girls each has their own special charm. However, due to the episodic nature of the series, there is little character development. Nonetheless, the characters are enjoyable to follow.
Enjoyment:
Hilarious stories, comical art, and enjoyable characters makes Ai Kora a joy to read. However, the stories are quite predictable. Once you get the feel of the manga, you'll probably end up knowing how the chapter will turn out after reading a few pages. That's not to say that you won't continue enjoying it. Rather, the surprise aspect has been tarnished.
Conclusion
While a lack of plot and a repetitive aesthetic may turn people off, anyone who's up for some light romantic comedy should definitely check out Ai Kora. It's fun, comical, and at times, adorable.
Reviewer’s Rating: 8
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Dec 23, 2007
Never judge a book by its cover
by radiantfire
Context:
This review will be analysing Watashi no Messiah-sama by Minazuki Suu. At the time of writing, I have read up to chapter 9 of the second story - 36th in all.
Story:
The story is outstanding. Watashi no Messiah-sama has so much depth that it never seems to get old. Initially, you feel that this series is going to be a typical harem which has its basis on comedy and fantasy. What you get is so much more.
We are introduced to Shinya, a normal high schooler who is told that he is the messiah. The plot revolves around his
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journey, and profoundly his suffering, in becoming this individual who is meant to lead the world into salvation.
Art:
To me, the baddest thing about this manga is the art. This is because:
Some characters have bodies with unrealistic proportions;
There are instances where comical and serious situations are juxtaposed so closely that it lessens the effect of both;
There is a huge difference in art after the time skip; and
At times, you feel that there is a strong contrast between various shades. For example, a scene would have simple outlines whereas another is shaded heavily. However, in general, the art is fair and somewhat fits the theme of the series.
Character:
The characters in this manga aren't two dimensional. In many senses, most of them are experiencing individual binary oppositions - in that they are battling their own inner desires as opposed to their "foretold" outer roles. This makes the series quite appealing as we get unexpected revelations and plot twists as a result of their development.
On a side note, the title of this review was an attempt to create a general description of the characters. It also makes reference to a significant aspect of the series: the books of salvation and devastation.
Enjoyment:
This is by far one of the most intense series I've ever read. On one hand, the plot is so interesting that it just grabs you and leaves you wanting for more. On the other, the characters are so multifaceted provoking you to question what will happen next. Such elements make the series enjoyable to read.
Conclusion:
I went into this manga thinking that it was going to be light-hearted. However, this expectation was challenged and what I discovered was something deep and thought-provoking. Watashi no Messiah-sama has great potential and I highly encourage everyone to read it.
Reviewer’s Rating: 8
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Dec 16, 2007
A Lovely Complex
by radiantfire
Context:
For this review, I will be analysing Hatsukoi Limited, a romance manga series. It is by Mizuki Kawashita who is probably most known for being the author of Ichigo 100%. Although I have only read 11 chapters, I felt the need to help users gain a better understanding of what the series truly is. Basically, I want to give this series a nice introduction. Later on, once the series has progressed further, I will re-evaluate my thoughts and edit this review.
Story:
Hatsukoi Limited is an intricate attempt on high school romance. It is on this assertion that we get several love stories happening
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simultaneously. Thus, chapters often focus on specific relationships to limit the obscurity.
In its introductory stages, the series has already created an established foundation in a chain of one-sided love. Some of you may welcome it, some may not. However, I still would encourage those who enjoy romance to give it a go.
Art:
The art is very good. The characters are drawn exceptionally well and the scenery is detailed. The series also boasts a decent amount of fanservice.
Character:
In a general sense, the characters represent an important element of the complex concentration that Hatsukoi Limited brings. They each have their own notion of potential partners and therefore have distinct ways of showing admiration. They're all unique and entertaining in this sense.
Enjoyment:
It started slowly but you'll eventually get used to pace and feel of the series. Initially, you might feel like you're reading a collection of one shots, but as you continue reading, you begin to start enjoying it. Overall, it's a fun read.
Conclusion:
I entitled this review 'A Lovely Complex' because I enjoy the multifaceted connection each story brings. At times, readers may feel overwhelmed by the increasing amount of relationships. However, you have to understand that the series is still in its introductory stages. Although Hatsukoi Limited brought a slow start, it nonetheless sets a stimulating and promising premise.
Reviewer’s Rating: 8
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Dec 13, 2007
Another Shippuden Review
by radiantfire
Context:
This review analyses Naruto: Shippuuden (simply referred to as Shippuuden from herein), an anime adaptation of Masashi Kishimoto's shounen manga Naruto. At the time of writing, I have watched 39 episodes of the series.
Story:
Two and a half years after Naruto has ended, Shippuuden picks up with fresh new characters and story arcs. Although the anime generally remains true to the manga, small fillers give the story an unnecessary drag. It's somewhat amazing how, in some instances, 1 chapter can equal 2 or more episodes. However, I do find some fillers a pleasant addition to the general plot of the series.
Animation:
The animation, in
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general, is good. Most of the time, you get decent to good animation. Other times, however, offer repetitive frames as well as poor cases of movement and facial expressions. In fact, some positions just looks so awkward. Nonetheless, I find it decent to watch.
Sound:
The BGM is decent but it is incomparable to the amazing work of Toshio Masuda (main composer of Naruto). Emotions and moods aren't expressed as clearly by the BGM. Sound effects are generally alright, so too is the voice acting.
Character:
Shippuuden, at least, captures the essence of the characters. I like how they're generally portrayed. Evil characters are evil, good characters are good. What more can you ask for?
Enjoyment:
As a sequel, Shippuuden doesn't match up to Naruto (that is, if you don't consider all those fillers). As a separate entity, however, it's a pretty decent anime. I'm pretty sure there'll be mix comments on how people have enjoyed the series. I, for one, find it okay to watch.
Reviewer’s Rating: 7
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Dec 9, 2007
Reviewing the Cases
by radiantfire
Context:
For this review, I will be analysing Sket Dance by Shinohara Kenta. I have read 18 chapters at the time of this writing.
Story:
Sket Dance revolves around 'Sket Dan' - a campus support group established to help students and staff with their problems. The chapters are generally episodic, in which they are simply referred to as a "Case." One-off cases are simply that. Some cases, however, span 2 to 3 chapters. These are often my favourite to read.
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Art:
The art is decent. It's nothing special but it isn't bad either. I have no qualms about it. In fact, I'm quite impressed by the number of cells which only display the characters - that is, they're not displayed with scenery but with shades, lines or simply white as the background. What this creates is a strong focus on the expressive and emotional context of the characters. This, for me, makes it more enjoyable to read.
Character:
The best part of this series, in my opinion, are the characters. They're all fun and pleasant to follow, particularly the main characters. Through them, Sket Dance offers us moments of laughter and inspiration. Most importantly, they show us that helping others is quite a rewarding experience.
Enjoyment:
Initially I didn't like this series because of the introductory cases. However, I pursued reading it and was finally hooked after experiencing chapters 8 & 9 - which feature a more dramatic aspect of the series. From this point onwards, I started to look forward to reading the next chapter. It is definitely a fun read.
Conclusion:
In all, I recommend it for those who are looking for something light to read and has its basis on mystery, school-life, and comedy genres. The comedy is funny and the dramatic sequences are executed very well. Sket Dance promotes, as one reader has stated, "a breath of fresh air in a cliche magazine such as Shonen Jump."
Reviewer’s Rating: 7
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