I had another night of staying up late and reading manga. This time my late night reading pleasure was Vassalord.
It’s about a cyborg vampire, who works for the Catholic Church and his relationship with his master vampire Johnny Rayflo. I had originally read a snippet of the manga in an issue on Anime Insider and I was intrigued with what I read. However, I find now that the snippet I previewed and the summary on the back of the cover does not do the manga justice. I had originally thought it was this dark, bloody story about a vampire cyborg who is trying to destroy this other vampire who he is actually in love with.
It’s actually quite funny to begin with, they are vampires but the cyborg Charley isn’t trying to kill Johnny. They have a relationship and it’s the relationship between the two of them that I find really interesting and want to learn more about. Together the two of them, so far, solve these vampire related incidents. Their personal relationship is much more intriguing then the cases they solve together. It’s the kind of relationship where they suck blood and possible a few other things (I’m just assuming).
The issue I have with the manga is the drawing, particularly when it comes to the fighting/action scenes. They tend to be just a series of strokes and lines making it very difficult to see what is occurring in the panel (kind of messy and blurry). When there are no action scenes then I am able to get into the story but the minute a fight scene occurs I am completely confused as to who did what or how they did it. I have to read the next panel to piece it all together.
Overall, I really like Vassalord. I have to say I tend to have a bias opinion for manga with pretty, handsome guys but not always (for example Cain. I wasn’t feeling that one). I am looking forward to reading the next volume scheduled for release on November 11, 2008.
I am fascinated by vampires and relationships so the two come together nicely. Check out my Vassalord Volume 1 book summary coming up soon.
Book details:
Tokyopop
Age: 16+
Creator: Nanae Chrono
So my friend Samantha said I must check out the manga Loveless. She went on and on about how great it is and how emotional and deep the characters are. On and on she went until I told her I would read the book. Who am I to turn down a friend’s request?
She did warn however that I should keep an open mind and to not get caught up in the age differences and how people/relationships appear on the outside. I was a little scared to pick up the manga (Samantha, is brave and can read anything with no problem. Me on the other hand . . . I get shocked pretty easily but I’m usually fine after the first initial shock).
I did purchase a copy of Loveless Volume 1 for myself. And to my surprise I LOVED IT! It’s just something enduring about these characters. I couldn’t put the book down (I didn’t). I instantly fell in love with the characters. How can I not?! Ritsuka is so adorable and Soubi is so cool and there is so much there within both of them. And then the whole thing about the cat ears and tails (funny stuff). I am looking forward to getting the next volume and seeing how the two and the storyline progress and get more involved.
Check out the review of Loveless 1. It may contain spoilers so beware!
Let’s take a look at the genre of graphic novels called Shonen-ai. I have seen several Shonen-ai anime series and have read a couple of manga in this category. And what can I say – I love this genre. Now, I am more of a shonen manga kind of girl but this genre is not far behind for me. The ones I have read so far have been so cute and adorable. I instantaneously fall in love with the characters. I know when I read these book I am always blushing because the characters do the cutest, most romantic things (they are subtle at times yet not subtle. Okay that probably made no sense at all but . . . oh well). It’s just a genre of love and I love it!
Learn more about this romantic genre. If you allow yourself to go with the storyline you will get wrapped up inside and won’t want to leave.
Yes, I have been away for some time now but all is not lost. During that time I was able to put together the next 2. That’s right 2 pages about manga genres. They will be up and ready for viewing in the coming days. I will also have some pages of one of the manga I have been reading posted as well.
My thing now is trying to read the manga and then write about them. I’m so use to reading a manga and then jumping to the next manga. I can’t really do that anymore because I have committed myself to writing summaries/reviews about the graphic novels I read so . . . .yeah.
Anyway, stay tune for the next post.
I’ve covered the genre aimed at boys, Shonen. Next up is the manga aimed at the girls, Shojo. Of course, these stories tend to be more emotional and less action-packed but that doesn’t mean they aren’t intense and won’t keep your attention.
Shojo manga grab the readers’ attention in a slightly different way and it is kind of nice to come down off the adrenaline rush of Shonen (in your face) stories to a compiling story that takes you on an emotional, yet exciting journey.
Grab a copy of a Shojo graphic novel and you’ll “read” what I mean. You won’t be disappointed.
Sorry, I haven’t been writing as much as I originally had hoped. My job has kept me very busy and exhausted, unfortunately. I have a stack of manga I had purchase earlier this month that I have not had a chance to read. I am very upset but I can’t quit my job. If I did quit, I won’t have any money at all for my books. Seems like I am stuck between a rock and a hard place.
I was told that things would slow do, a bit. We’ll just have to wait and see. I’m ready to start reading again. The latest manga that I just received is Loveless Volume 1. A friend of mine recommended it to me so, I bought it. I’m curious to see what it’s about.
Until then,
P.S. I’ll try to get over here to post more. I’ll find a rhythm to balancing work and reading my fav manga. (to bad I can’t read while at work but I can’t. Trust me, I tried and was severely warned. What meanies!)
I created this site as a tribute to Japanese manga. I am a huge fan who loves to read graphic novels. There are so many to choose from that it has become a challenge to decide which one to buy and read. It maybe sad to say but a large portion of my pay check goes to buying manga every week. I just can’t control myself. It’s like my little secret obsession. Okay, it’s not really a secret. I always have a book on me. (I guess you’ll say, I’m always packing . . ., graphic novel that is) Some people like shopping for games, shoes, clothes, etc I love shopping for that great manga. I’ve got quite a collection going and I don’t see myself stopping anytime soon.
So, I hope you will join me on my exciting journey of Japanese manga review.
