Graphic Novel (Manga) Review

Loveless Volume 6

Seen in Volume 5, Volume 6, Volume 7

Beloved (really? I don’t love him)

What can you say about a guy who fakes his own murder, puts his brother through hell (emotionally), emotionally and physically abuses his Fighter Unit, and is an all around mean/bad guy? Well, that’s Seimei Aoyagi for ya.

Is he powerful? Yes

Is he mean? Yes

Is he manipulative? Yes

Is he a good brother? Ritsuka seems to think he is or thought he was. I think not!

Is he a good sacrifice? No, he treated my Soubi just horribly. He doesn’t deserve Soubi or Ritsuka

Nisei- Fighter Unit. He became Seimei’s new Fighter Unit. He too is a bad, bad person. He is manipulative, mean, strong, and just like Seimei an all around bad guy

Seimei and Nisei

Loveless Volume 5

Fearless: ones who are NOT afraid of anything

Seen: Volume 5

Mei: Fighter Unit, maybe the same age as Ritsuka. She is actually a girl despite her boyish appearance. She is very new to being a fighter unit so her word spells are weak. When she “tries” to fight Soubi it’s really too cute. She tries to attack with her word spell (word spells require the fighter to picture an image in their mind and make it a reality) When she calls forth “Mister Duck” a chain of rubber duckies appear to attack Soubi and Ritsuka. Unfortunately for her and Mimuro, the only thing threatening about the ducks are that they are too adorable.

Mei also has sort of a problem with Mimuro. She really likes Mimuro but he seems to be interested in boys (like Nisei and possible Ritsuka) but after she confronts him about it she learns the truth.

Mimuro: Sacrifice. He doesn’t want to use any defensive tactics while fighting (they are Fearless after all) He tries to guide Mei into the next attack but she doesn’t listen to him. She prefers to defend (but she’s still a work in progress)

Mei and Mimuro

Geesh, it seems like a decade since the last volume of Vassalord was released (which was  in November 2008) that’s like a decade in manga years.

I’ve been checking and rechecking Amazon for updates – NOTHING! Then I check and recheck TokyoPop for any indication on what’s going on. Once again, NOTHING! I have a sickening suspicion that they have dropped my beloved duo (weep!) It’s just taking for ever and with several anime magazines stopping publication does that mean the arena of manga is next? I shudder at the thought.

Life seems so meaningless and boring without Vassalord in it (j/k) but it is kind of slow. I do have other manga I am reading but I really love Vassalord (a lot).

Maybe I’m hitting the panic button too soon (that is a possibility but I’m not buying)

What do you think?

Should I just chill or is it time to start shouting from the roof tops like Chicken-little that the “Vassalord” sky is falling?

Loveless, Volume 3

Seen: Volume 3 and Volume 4

Koya Sakagami – Fighter Unit has dark hair, wears glasses, and fake ears. She’s the serious one between the two. The only sacrifice she wants and loves is Yamato

Nakano Yamato – Sacrifice. Doesn’t want to be a burden to Koya. When she isn’t “being” a sacrifice she is quite friendly and bubbly

When I first met these girls they were a pair of bad ass Zeros. They had one objective and that was to destroy Soubi (they did a pretty good job at it) but like most of the pairs I’ve encountered by the end of the volume I couldn’t resist liking them. Their story is so sweet: Koya and Yamato really love one another even to the point of performing a “Romeo and Juliet” moment but at the last minute decide to live their lives together (away from the sacrifice, the fighter unit, and Nagisa) Way to go girls! I hope you 2 live happily ever after together.

Pro: They are Zeros and therefore cannot feel pain. They know and implore a powerful Exchange of the Sacrifice spell. When the spell is cast the bond between the initiating Zeros (Sakagami/Yamato) is broken. The initiating Fighter Unit then bonds with the opposing sacrifice. So when the opposing Fighter Unit (Natsuo) cast his spell it bounces and ends up confining his own sacrifice (Yoji). This spell only works with Zeros but it’s very effective.

Con: Nagisa is their teacher. She makes many threats that she will dispose of Nakano Yamato if Yamato becomes a burden. Nagisa’s pressure, stresses and worries Koya greatly (she becomes sick to her stomach and vomits). Another problem surrounding the pair deals with Yamato. She is hiding something from Koya that she fears will cause Koya added stress and worry.

Koya Sakagami and Nakano Yamato - Zero

I just added a page about the manga genre Seinen find out about this genre and who its main audience is.

Don’t worry ladies, I didn’t forget about you. The genre Josei is targeted to you and that page will be up shortly as well.

Loveless, Volume 2

Seen: Volume 2, Volume 3 (will be updated)

Natsuo – fighter unit. Dark hair and has an eye patch over the right eye

Yoji – sacrifice. Long hair

These are 2 powerful fighter unit and sacrifice pair. The strongest and most dangerous pair we have encountered so far (it’s only been 2 volumes but still). I immediately didn’t like these two for several reasons:

1. They’re after Ritsuka (I instantly don’t pairs when they’re after my Ritsuka)

2. The first thing they do is kill an innocent dog (such mean, cruel people)

3. They possess Hitomi with the intentions of using her so they could rid themselves of their ears (tsk, tsk little boys)

But I will also quickly add that my feelings for these particular Zeros definitely changed as I progressed throughout the volumes. They soon became one of my favorite pairs (besides Soubi and Ritsuka, of course)

Weakness: They are Zeros and as such they do not feel pain therefore they are unable to feel when their bodies have reached their limits (who knew feeling pain can be a good thing?)

Yoji and Natsuo

I finished Volume 1 of The Wallflower by Tomoko Hayakawa and I really liked it. It has all the elements of a good story: beautiful boys, an ugly duckling (who’s actually not so ugly), comedy, horror, action, drama and more!  It’s all in The Wallflower manga.

After I had finished Volume 1 I started imagining what it would be like to come home everyday to 4 gorgeous guys. Awe, that would be so sweet! I’m trying to decide which one out of the four guys I would mostly likely date. I know I wouldn’t date Yukinojo Toyama because he’s way too cute and I see him more as a little brother. So that leaves Kyohei Takano, Takenaga Oda, and Ranmaru Morii. It’s only the first volume and I can see myself dating all three but since I am a one man woman I’ll have to narrow it down some more as I progress through the volumes.

I really like Sunako Nakhara, I can totally identify with her (to some extent) I’ve gotten really sad and depressed because I liked guy that ultimately didn’t like me (I’m not the type of girl to sleep around or be some guys bootie call – so it really didn’t have a chance). I didn’t go as far as she did and hide myself from light but I can sympathize with her situation. But, unlike Sunako, I didn’t have 4 handsome guys helping me to adjust to light and ultimately transform me into a lady. I know Sunako hates living with them (at the moment) but she’s really lucky. How many girls (by girls I mean those girls who don’t dress like sluts and put out 24/7 but girls who maybe are on the quiet side or who are attractive but don’t’ get as much attention because they aren’t movie-star drop dead gorgeous) get the opportunity to be in the presents of such attractive guys like Yuki, Kyohei, Takenaga, and Ranmaru? Not any girls that I know- So Sunako you better enjoy living with these guys (let me live vicariously through you, please).

Another thing that I like about Sunako is despite her outer appearance she’s actually an attractive girl on the inside (and out) and very strong/powerful – at first you think she just lacks confidence but she has confidence that comes out when it really counts. Like when Sunako takes on those meanie girls from the modified uniform army who tried to cut her hair but ended up cutting Kyohei’s beautiful face instead. I’m the same way. Sometimes when I go out I’m a nervous wreck and self conscience and then there are other times when I feel so powerful and confident that nothing can get in my way or destroy the amazing feeling. Or how about the time when Sunako comes to Kyohei’s rescue when he gets kidnapped by the horrible club owner. Man, she was undoubtedly a bad ass! I’m not so physically fit to punch, kick, and fight like she does but maybe with a little training in the art of kicking ass I could be just like Sunako.

Hmm, I just thought of something. I think Sunako is becoming one of my favorite female manga characters. She might actually become my role model (depending on how everything plays out – cool!)

So, what’s your take on The Wallflower Volume 1? What did you learn, enjoy, and are looking forward to read more of, and who would you date of the 4 creatures of light?

Love to hear from you,

The final section of Seven – what can I say but Boo, Yea, Boo! It’s a good chapter but it leaves you wanting so much more. It goes back to Nana and Mitsuha. They are traveling together and Mitsuha has to leave Nana on this island (he has to renew is driver’s license).

Nana adjusts to the island life quite well. He ends up staying with a lovely family (Yuki, Yoh) who have a cute little girl (Yuri) and all three of them happily accept Nana as member of their family.

Mitsuha eventually returns and visits family of  Yuki and Yoh. He stops by to say hi before he goes looking for Nana (he doesn’t know Nana is staying with them) Mitsuha tells Yuki and Yoh that he is looking for his partner. They tell Mitsuha that he is still the same – leaving the one he loves alone on an island because he is too afraid to give himself to someone. Their statement strikes a nerve with Mitsuha.

Mitsuha then hears a voice and quickly realizes that it’s Nana (Nana and the little girl are playing outside together) Mitsuha goes outside and sees Nana smiling. He starts to realize how much he missed Nana. The two of them embrace and they both make promises to themselves to never be separated from one another again (they missed each other so much) and that’s it. That is all we get of Nana, Mitsuha, Nanao, and Hiromu and that really sucks but it still was a good story.

I have to say that Seven, being a book that doesn’t continue with several volumes, was very engaging but because of that I wanted more (ugh!) Why is it that stories that shouldn’t have multiple volumes do and those stories that should continue into several volumes don’t?

I really liked Seven and I’m glad it’s in my manga collection. If you haven’t read it yet go check it out but please remember that it’s going to end with you wanting more and that the two different storylines do not tie back together into a pretty little package but at least each story ended kind of nicely (Nana and Mitsuha – Nanao and Hiromu) I’m a bit unhappy with the Mitsuha and Nanao story. Oh, well! And if you’re looking for sex, you won’t find it here.

Until the next manga,

Loveless, Volume 2

Seen Volume 2

Kinka – fighter unit (male)

Gin – sacrifice

Together they are Sleepless – ones who do not sleep. Can’t really say much about them. They quickly entered volume 2, were defeated by Soubi and therefore had to surrender the envelope containing important information to Ritsuka, and BAM that’s all the time they get.

They were an alright pair but obviously they did not have the skills to defeat the all powerful Soubi, maybe some time in the distant future they may become a tenth as powerful as Soubi is alone – maybe.

Kinka and Gin

Oh, boy, oh boy. I didn’t expect the next chapter to be different yet still captivating. Within Plain View is about Nanao, the brother Mitsuha is looking for. This section looks at Nanao’s life as the older brother to Hiromu and their “brotherly” relationship (I’ll have to admit that it took me several pages to realize that these are two totally different characters from the first section. Yeah, the hair of Nanao looks different from the Nana of the first section but I really didn’t pay to much attention. I just thought he dyed his hair or something. The characters look similar – my mistake). I like this chapter for 2 reasons.

1. I was really drawn in to Hiromu’s situation and the feeling he has for Nanao. He’s been trying so hard to push them back and  hide them Nanao but much to his surprise and relief Nanao has feelings for him as well and finally they are both able to be honest with one another and express how they truly feel. The story between the two of them really resolves itself very nicely.

2. Now here’s the second awesome part about this section. It is revealed that Mitsuha is actually a writer and has published quite a few books about his many travels. Now, how does this tie into the story. While . . . Hiromu is a fan of Mitsuha’s work and while visiting the Mikasa Hill Foster Home to find out information about Nanao, Hiromu learns that Nanao’s older brother is Mitsuha Kawase (who has been looking for him for years). The lady at the foster home also tells Hiromu that due to a fire 5 years ago the foster home has no idea where Nanao resides (someone knows and that Hiromu. I wonder if he told the lady at the foster home?)

Maybe section three will tie all the loose ends together . . . .

The first section of Seven is very intriguing. I am very interested in what’s going on with Nana and why he can’t remember anything before the day the store owner took him in. I like the fact that he acts all tough like he doesn’t need any one or that his feelings don’t get hurt but when he lets his guard down you start to see a very innocent, vulnerable side of him. It seems as if Nana has been through a lot, unfortunately or fortunately, for him he doesn’t remember much about his past. How strange it would be if I lost several years worth of my memories? How would that effect me and what type of person would I be today (hmm, food for thought)?

Mitsuha is another intriguing character. He just enters the story as a wandering man looking for his brother and ends up meeting Nana and sharing a bed with him (for now just sleeping together nothing physical). What are the chances of you arriving some place and being attracted to someone and later that night sharing a bed with him (that’s assuming you’re not a whore to begin with? Not to shabby if it’s really love and not simply lust) Mitsuha seems like a pretty cool, laid back guy. I’m not sure if he was upset to see Nana in bed with another guy (talk about awkward moment). He does drop off the spare keys to El the next day and is said to be leaving town. Was he really leaving town because it was time for him to move on or was it because he saw Nana in bed with that guy?

I really thought Mitsuha was gone forever (then again there’s still several pages left of the book) but thanks to El (who I thought was being mean by teasing Nana the day after he had sex with that guy but I guess there was a reason for his teasing). Nana gets a chance to see Mitsuha again and he reveals his feelings to him and after they both agree that neither one of them are replacements/flings the two of them decide to be together (so sweet).

Now, that leaves me wondering about the next section Within Plain View. Will the two of them make it as a couple, will Mitsuha find his brother and will Nana’s past be revealed to him and me? I don’t know. I’m off to read the next chapter to find out.

I’ve put together a quick list of terms that you will mostly likely come across while reading manga or watching anime. Check out Your List of Manga Terms to see what terms like Bishonen and Shinigami mean.

Seen: Volume 1 – Current Volume

Loveless, Volume 1

Soubi Agatsuma – fighter unit to both Beloved and Loveless. He is by far the most powerful fighter unit I have encountered so far in the manga series

Ritsuka Ayogai – Loveless sacrifice. He doesn’t have as much knowledge or skills as the other sacrifices but for all that he lacks he makes up for by using his intellect, intuition, and empathy for others to survive and get to the truth about his brother and Septimal Moon (I Love You Ristuka!)

Ritsuka and Soubi

I’ve only read 2 Yaoi manga, Cain Volume 1 and I Shall Never Return Volume 1 and so far I cannot connect with Yaoi. Why not?! Why doesn’t Yaoi resonant with me? The premise behind Yaoi is men having sex. I get that – no problem there (bring it on! I’m looking forward to it) but after reading these 2 manga I’m left wondering – is that it?

Maybe it’s the manga I’m reading. Cain and I Shall Never Return probably weren’t the best manga to start with (hindsight). I started each manga with such high hopes of it being entertaining with a lot of sexual tension/chemistry and scenes. Something that will make me blush and have me thinking “Wow! That was pretty intense and I love it!” but so far in these two first volumes – I’m bored.

I’m not giving up on Yaoi. I will continue my search for the best Yaoi manga. I know there’s gotta be Yaoi characters and storylines out there that intrigue me from the get go and have me begging for more.

Maybe you can help. Do you know of any excellent manga that will really turn me on to Yaoi?

(I will finish Cain and I Shall Never Return volumes. Who knows they may get better as I read each volume).

Love 2 hear from you

Seen: Volume 1

Breathless: An Intensity that Will Take Your Breath Away

Ai – fighter unit. She seems to be the quiet one of the pair. She’s not as fast or as strong as she needs to be to defeat Soubi but with her sacrifice by her side she’s able to summon powerful spells to restrict Ritsuka, for a while at least

Midori – sacrifice. He’s the stronger one of the two and since he is Ai’s sacrifice he gives her strength with his encouraging words and with his strategies on how to best defeat Soubi

Ai and Midori Breathless

I was doing some research on Yaoi manga and came across a Squidoo** page (squidoo is such a funny word to say out loud) of a girl who talked about how Yaoi manga has had a huge impact on her life (I tried to go to her blog but it was by invitation only but after reading more of her Squidoo pages she mentioned that she was going to stop blogging so I don’t even know if she still owns the site – but anyway). After reading how manga has impacted her life I started to think how manga has impacted my life.

I’ve always been an avid reading but I think my life would be totally different if I had never heard or read a manga, ever. It would have been one boring and depressing life. Reading manga has been a great way for me to leave all my worries, stresses and fears behind. While I am reading I am no longer Micah. I become a character in the story (I tend to bounce back and forth between characters – one instant I’m Charley being teased by Rayflo or in the next chapter I’m Rayflo having “fun” with Charley) but it allows me to relax and to clear my head. And after each of my readings I start to realize that my troubles weren’t all that bad and usually come up with a solution to my problems and other times it’s just a nice break from the same old some old.

Manga and reading in general allows me to experience things I wouldn’t or couldn’t experience in “real” life. I can be a vampire, a person with cat ears (or no cat ears) I can be a wallflower living in a mansion with extremely attractive guys or whatever the manga calls for. I don’t view it as I am running away from my problems or not living in the real world I view it as a break (like people who take vacations or like a person who goes to the spa) that’s what manga is for me a quick break from reality where I can recharge and pull myself together in order to get back on the right track.

So, how has manga impacted your life?

** Below is the Squidoo page created by the girl I mentioned above or you can also read it here

My blog on yaoi

Why am I doing this?

When I type in the words “yaoi” and “blog” together into google, I get some things, but I don’t get any blogs that deal mainly with yaoi.

So…I made this blog. On yaoi. Well, mostly yaoi. I have other stuff on there too occasionally. But mostly yaoi. Reviews, discussions, ~stuff~, “yaoi finding tutorials,”

I did some soul-searching recently and it finally hit me how …nice yaoi has made it for me. I’m female, I’m kind of naive, and I don’t have any older siblings to guide me in the growing up process. I honestly feel that one of the reasons why I didn’t go down a really dark and scary path that other people sometimes unfortunately fall into, is because I had yaoi (and fandom) to catch me and keep me happy. Instead of giving away parts of myself or exploiting my body (which the media sadly encourages), through yaoi (and fandom), I found a really nice, sanctuary-like place. Yaoi distracted me from lots of pressures that a young woman faces, such as, for example…body image issues. I was too busy drawing and drooling over beautiful bishounen to criticize myself and say how I physically didn’t measure up to glamor magazines (note: this works for me, I don’t know if it does for other people).

And, especially now that I’m in college, I feel that yaoi kind of also helps prevent me from becoming kind of desperate and lowering my standards and respect for myself in order to feel valued and less lonely. Basically, yaoi made me too happy and busy to angst over men, loneliness, and insecurity. Sure, such issues do arise, but I feel that yaoi really mitigated it for me.

An equal action deserves and equal and opposite reaction, right? I honestly love yaoi. I know that some people oppose it and say that it’s unrealistic and enforces stereotypes. But think about it: doesn’t…EVERYTHING do that? Pretty much?

So, it’s kind of my way of giving back. Yaoi took good care of me, and I feel that I might as well take good care of it in return and do what I can to promote it and show at least one fan’s view and knowledge of yaoi.

What do I write about? Oh…stuff that has to do with me, what I notice, and yaoi. Pairings I like, stuff in anime I notice where I raise my eyebrow and go “hmmm…that is yaoi-worthy, those two totally want into each other’s pants,” and anything else that I think is interesting, or at the very least, amusing.

The relationship between a fighter unit and sacrifice is one of the important relationships occurring throughout Loveless. When I first encountered the fighter unit and sacrifice pair – Breathless – they were trying to get Ritsuka and so immediately I didn’t like them and don’t really understand wants going on. When more information is revealed to me about the Breathless pair my feelings for them start to change from: “ugh, I really don’t like Breathless” to “Ah, they’re really not that bad after all. They seem nice when they are not trying to attack Ritsuka”

As Loveless progresses, over the next several volumes, I begin to see a pattern. My initial reaction to the “enemy” is to dislike them because their being mean and attacking Ritsuka and Soubi but afterwards when more of their story is revealed I start to see a different non-threatening side of them – a sweet and too cute side of the pairs. It appears as if the fighter units and sacrifices are one of two things or sometimes both:

1. They want to be loved by their pair

2. They want to be loved and respected by their teacher

I think this is something or something similar to what Ritsuka picks up intuitively. Unlike me who views these fighter units and sacrifices as enemies he has the ability to see pass the threat and this is one reason why he can’t order Soubi to destroy them. Yes, they are the enemy (in a sense) but they are also living beings with feelings just like Ritsuka and just like Ritsuka they too are being manipulated by people they thought they could trust.

So, it’s very difficult for me to totally dislike the fighter unit and sacrifice pair who attack Ritsuka and Soubi. They are only given so much information about the situation and base they strategy on those facts (of not so facts). So, I don’t blame them I blame the one giving the orders.

Beloved/Loveless Fighter Unit & Sacrifice

Soubi Agatsuma – fighter unit to both Beloved and Loveless. He by far the most powerful fighter unit I have encountered so far in the manga series

Ritsuka Ayogai – Loveless sacrifice – one without Love. He doesn’t have the knowledge or skills as the other sacrifices but what he lacks he makes up for it by using his intellect and intuition

Ritsuka and Soubi

Over the next few weeks I will be making quick posts on the Fighter Units and Sacrifices of Loveless that we have encountered so far.  I want to personally thank the person who commented on Loveless Volume 8 for being the catalyst for this idea – Thank You.

I will be writing on each fighter unit’s and sacrifice’s skills and abilities and how effective their wordspells are.  My plan is to write on a Fighter Unit and Sacrifice each week for all 8 volumes. I’ll also be including images to help keep each pair organized and to help us know who’s who.

I hope you’ll join me on this exciting journey through the Fighter Units and Sacrifices of Loveless.  I also hope that you will provide your thoughts and opinions on the topic as well.

I plan to post next week with the first pair of Fighter Units and Sacrifices.

Until then, take care!

Okay, I don’t celebrate Valentine’s Day for personal reason (an unpleasant situation occurred on this day a few years back thus leaving a very bad taste in my mouth for this holiday) All the same I do have someone special in my life that I really love with all my heart.  And I would like to take this opportunity to say:

I Love You to all my favorite characters in Loveless, Vassalord and to any other manga that I’ve read and really, really enjoyed. You all are very special to me. My life would be rather boring, dull, and extremely stressful without you in it. So, thank you for being who you are – Fabulous.

-With Love,
Micah

#29 In the Bath Water
Yasuna and Hazumu just finished kissing (in the rain). Hazumu sneezes, Yasuna panics and ushers Hazumu into a hot bath to wash off and warm up. After both girls finished their bath they sit in Yasuna’s room drinking hot tea. Yasuna asks Hazumu if she regrets the kiss. Hazumu adamantly says no, she has no regrets. Yasuna is delighted to hear her answer. Hazumu soon leaves and starts to head home. Along the way she runs into Asuta, Ayuki and Tomari (they were out looking for her). She tells them about getting drenched in the rain and how she took a bath at Yasuna’s. They all totally misinterpret what Hazumu says and believes that she and Yasuna took a bath together.

Tomari in particular panics and quickly drags Hazumu back to her house and orders Hazumu into another hot bath. Hazumu gets into the bath (she doesn’t have much of a choice). As Hazumu starts to enjoy the warm water Tomari appears wearing only a towel. She tells Hazumu that she is going to take a bath with her just like Yasuna did. Hazumu quickly informs Tomari that yes the two of them took a bath but it was separately. Tomari gets totally embarrassed and runs out of the bathroom. Hazumu gets dressed and walks into Tomari’s room. The two of them sit on the floor with their backs against one another. They talk a bit. Tomari discusses how she still doesn’t trust Yasuna or Hazumu when they are alone together. Hazumu talks about how much the two of them know each other so well (because they grew up together)

Hazumu begins to think that it’s time for her to choose who she really loves. She can no longer continue running because time is running out. (more…)

The chapter begins with Craig the cop on the subway. He receives a call from Hal asking for help because someone is taking him away from his home and then the call drops. Craig immediately makes a call demanding all available persons must immediately head over to the Wayne residence – it’s an emergency!

Back at the Rayflo mansion, Johnny is looking at a piece of armor that has a pair of swords attached to it. Charley enters the room and states that Rayflo must be missing his home. Johnny replies that this place isn’t his home. His home is with him (oh, so sweet)

Johnny teases Charley a bit by saying that Cherry must really love him since he came out looking for him and all. As always Charley replies that his name is Charley and that he only came looking for him because he thought at his age he probably forgot how to get back home and was lost (those two always joking around). (more…)

If you’ve read my other post I’m sure you would have remembered me telling you about the girl I met who was thinking about opening a Yaoi only store. Well, it’s officially open! It’s at OneStopYaoiShop.com. The site is still very new . . .  so she needs your help, suggestions, and input to make it the best Yaoi Shop for Yaoi Fans.

I think the really cool thing about the site is that the type of products in the shop will depend largely on you and the Yaoi community. How many online stores allow you to have a say as to what merchandises are available for purchase? So if you have a passion for  Yaoi with mystery, drama, comedy, or whatever drop her a line to let her know what you want.

When you get a chance visit OneStopYaoiShop.com – the contact information is on the home page.

Later!

#22 Beautiful
Everyone arrives at Hazumu’s house a bit later than usual, to take her to school. At school they try their hardest to stay up beat and positive around her but as the day progresses it becomes difficult for them not to break down into tears in front of her. Even Hazumu is having a hard time fighting back the tears.

#23 Concert
Tomari seems to be having the hardest time accepting the tragic news about her best friend. She no longer walks home with Hazumu instead she races home and jumps into bed hiding under the sheets.

Meanwhile the alien starts apologizing to Hazumu for telling her about her impending death. Where he is from such news is normal to express to an individual with no negative consequences. He is sorry that he did not account for her “human” emotions. Hazumu (being ever so polite) says it’s no big deal. She has accepted the news and now everything around her seems that much more beautiful and precious.

At school, Yasuna is working hard knitting a scarf (it’s her first time knitting). Hazumu seems very impressed by Yasuna’s new skill. They then make plans to walk home after their school activities.

After school in the ensemble room, a couple of music students ask Yasuna if she will perform a solo during their upcoming Christmas concert. Yasuna happily agrees. The girls proceed to tell Yasuna that they have noticed a change in her (she in no longer standoffish). They ask her if there is someone special in her life. She informs them that yes there is someone special in her life. (more…)

Chapter 5 begins with images of Rayflo floating in a pool of water (naked) and someone is calling out Addie. We see a hand reaching into the water and wrapping around Rayflo/Addie’s neck and this person then asks Addie, “who is restoring your radiance and where are you hiding?” Rayflo wakes up to find Charley standing over him in the bath tub. Charley asks what his Master is doing underwater not breathing (creepy!) He says Rayflo must be experiencing a senior moment. He has been absent-minded a lot lately. Rayflo is like yeah, may be I am. Then the two of them partake in a little wet and wild action. (more…)

It feels like I’ve been out of the loop for a very long time now. I just got so extremely business with the holidays, having no Internet for a month, and then having to work extra hours to pay my extremely large credit card bill due to my holiday spending. I just can’t keep up this pace any more with all this working and worrying about how I’m going to pay my bills I haven’t had much time to read. Yeah that really bites!

So, I’ve decided to put my worrying behind me and get back to what I love the most – reading manga. It’s a wonderful escape from my world (I’m sure you understand). I was fortunate that I received 2 manga as gifts. Wallflowers Volume 1 and the Yaoi I Shall Never Return. I haven’t had a chance to read them yet but I will get both of them read before the weekend. I need to read them just to gain some sanity back into my life.

I know I still have Vassalord Volume 2 to get to you and I also have to finish up my look at Kashimashi. Kashimashi is a cute manga and all but it just doesn’t excite me like Loveless and Vassalord. So, I’ve been seriously procrastinating on reading that one (oops!)

I hope to be back in the swing of things starting later this week and hopefully by February I’ll have a nice rhythm going to read and post quickly. I’m seriously thinking about purchasing a speed reading course. I can imagine it now. Going through several manga in only minutes (dreamy)

Oh, I have to tell you about the girl I met. She’s considering opening up a Yaoi only website! What do you think about that? What types of Yaoi would you like to see her offer? I couldn’t offer any suggestions since I’m just starting to really get into the Yaoi genre. So I told her I’ll pass the info to you. So, if you have the time drop a comment on what you would like to see from a site that offers only Yaoi merchandise and what type of merchandise would it be. If we get enough people posting their comments I may be able to get you a discount or something when she finally gets it open.
Well I hope you are having better success at reading manga then I have lately.

Until next time,

I will try my best to get the next chapters of Vassalord up! So sorry for the delay