Uta No Prince-sama: Maji Love 1000%, Season 1 Complete Collection – DVD Review

Review by: Kylee Strutt

Publisher: Sentai Filmworks
MSRP: $49.98 US (DVD); $59.98 US (Blu-ray)
Running Time: 325 minutes
Genre: Romance/Comedy
Rating: TV 14
Release Date: January 7, 2014

Welcome to Saotome Academy of Performing Arts, a school where musical prodigies come to prove themselves and pop idols are born from the music they help create. It’s no wonder that a girl named Haruka Nanami wants to enroll so badly and who can blame her since the place is home to some gorgeous guys who were born to be idols.

If all of this sounds familiar, it’s because Uta no Prince-sama: Majii Love 1000% is your typical romance-comedy anime series with all the familiar requisites of the genre including the cute noble girl and a collection of hot guys who have taken an interest in her. Sentai Filmworks brings us the first season that introduces us to the cast of characters and a school where the love of music reigns supreme.

When we first meet Haruka Nanami, she is desperately trying to get through the guards outside Saotome Academy in order to take the entrance exam. Since she was delayed after helping a lost child, said guards wouldn’t let her in even when two hunky guys (the hot redhead Ittoki Otoya and the longhaired hottie Jinguji Ren) come to her rescue. As luck would have it, however, a mystery man is watching and tells the guards to let her in and she passes the exam with flying colors.

As Haruka quickly finds out, the school is a most unusual one with the Principal, a former pop idol called Shining Saotome, makes a flashy pop-star-like entrance. On top of that, the faculty is made up of either actors like the studly Hyuga Ryuya or pop idols like Tsukimiya Ringo (a young male who dresses like a girl). It’s a most unusual school indeed and, thankfully enough, Haruka finds herself surrounded by people who genuinely like her such as her roommate, Shibuya Tomochika, as well as her two hot saviors.

In fact, Otoya and Ren aren’t the only ones who have taken a liking to Haruka as she meets the other attractive guys working to become idols themselves. There’s the sullen Hijirikawa Masato who shares a similarity to Ren as head of his family’s business and then there’s Shinomiya Natsuki who, interestingly enough, suffers from a split-personality disorder he calls “Gemini Syndrome” that involves his glasses. Then there’s Kurusu Syo, a stylish blonde cutie who always ends up the target of Natsuki’s love for all things cute.

There’s yet another attractive fellow student named Ichinose Tokiya that attends the school and when Haruka meets him, she immediately thinks he’s her favorite pop idol named HAYATO. As it turns out, Tokiya turns out to be somebody else but it is through this meeting that we come to learn why Haruka wanted to enroll in Saotome Academy in the first place. You see, Haruka grew up with her grandmother and learned to play the piano but it isn’t until the frail girl encountered the music of HAYATO that she finds strength and the inspiration to create music for her favorite idol.

Of course, the music business is tough business and not everyone has the chops or natural talent to make it. We come to discover that Haruka can’t even read a music sheet and there are times when she chokes in front of her class when she’s asked to play a piece of music.

Still, Haruka finds that she has help from her friends and it is through them that Haruka gains the confidence to help create music. While those around her are not helping her, Haruka’s presence in the lives of the school’s “princes” begins to change the boys as well. For instance, the faculty threatens to kick Ren out of school if he doesn’t write a song as part of his class assignment and, while he didn’t plan on doing it, he does it because Haruka is determined to help him stay. She even gives Syo a hand when he tries his best to audition for a role in Ryuya-sensei’s new action film.

Meanwhile, the class assignments intensify as the students are asked to partner up according to their composer or idol track. In order for the composer and the idol to concentrate on their assignment, the school implements a “no dating” rule. Of course, this doesn’t stop the young men in Haruka’s life to show their affection towards her. In fact, a rivalry between two of Haruka’s circle of admirers becomes apparent early in the series.

Incidentally, the romance in this comedic romance anime is extremely light on the romance and heavy on the drama and goofiness. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing but those expecting a sweeping romance between Haruka and one of the hot students will be greatly disappointed. Instead, the drama keeps the story interesting, especially when things start becoming clear about the identity of one of the students as well as coming to learn the little quirks and strengths of the male cast of characters.

Also, half the fun of the series is the comedy that, as I mentioned, is on the goofy side. It’s a blast watching Haruka try to make sense of the behavior between her circle of male friends and the effect she has on them to the point that – because of her – the boys form an sort of boy band group called ST*RISH that Haruka composes music for to complete the main assignment.

The animation in the series works perfectly and looks damn good when it comes to the dancing and the goofy humor. Of course, the men in the series are the main eye candy and Uta no Prince-sama does not disappoint in the very least. My biggest complaint is Haruka herself who looks cute enough but the yellow hue in her eyes makes her appear blind. It’s no big deal, really, but it makes it seems as if she were always in a state of shock. That said, though, the music is the real highlight here with a great selection of J-pop songs that range from cheesy to very catchy.

As I said in the beginning of this review, the story feels familiar and that’s because Uta no Prince-sama doesn’t stray from the usual formula that makes up the genre. That’s not necessarily a bad thing since the first season of this series hits all the right notes when it comes to writing. For every cheesy scene there are memorable moment involving Haruka or the school’s princes that make the series sincerely entertaining.

Then there’s the music in the series that punctuates nearly every episode. Most of the songs come from the male characters (including one sung by Haruna herself) and the majority of the songs are actually catchy albeit some come off as too sugary sweet. Still, it’s hard to complain when the voices are superb thanks to the talented voice-acting cast and an excellent score by Elements Garden.

Season 1 of Uta no Prince-sama doesn’t strive to be anything different and that’s perfectly fine since it does manage to deliver a J-pop-flavored comedy-romance series that is loads of fun to watch and even more so for fans of this genre. While Haruka isn’t exactly the most memorable heroines in anime, the rest of the cast is actually charming enough to make the lively first season a genuine joy to watch. Here’s hoping the second half is just as entertaining.

DVD REVIEW BREAKDOWN

MOVIE/EPISODES: B
A kind-hearted girl named Haruka Nanami enrolls in Saotome Academy in hopes of making it as a music composer that will compose music for her favorite idol that changed her life. The music business is not easy but, as it turns out, Haruna gets some help from a collection of handsome “princes” who want to see her succeed.

VIDEO QUALITY: B+
Saotome Academy is a colorful and imaginative-looking place that is far from realistic but, then again, this is a school run by an eccentric principal that makes flashy entrances. However, the nitpicky viewer in me wishes Haruka’s eyes didn’t have that yellow hue. Other than that, this series looks good on DVD.

AUDIO QUALITY: A+
The voice acting in this series is pitch perfect with the likes of Takuma Terashima and Junichi Suwabe but the highlight here is not only the score but also the oftentimes-catchy J-pop tunes that come from each prince. The boy band-like closing theme song is fun but it’s the opening theme song, “Orpheus” that is a highlight.

EXTRAS: C+
The set includes all 13-episodes in three DVDs and the only extras you’ll find are the clean opening and closing theme songs as well as a few Sentai Filmworks trailers. I wish the third disc at least included all the songs heard throughout this first season episodes.

OVERALL: B
The first season of Uta no Prince-sama follows a familiar pattern in the reverse harem genre but that doesn’t make this genuinely charming series any less fun to watch. In fact, there are enough memorable moments that keep the comedic and romantic elements fresh enough that you will find yourself enjoying the first half of this series and gladly await the second season.

Review copy provided by Sentai Filmworks

Say, “I Love You”, Complete Collection – DVD Review

Review by: Brenda Gregson

Publisher: Sentai Filmworks
MSRP: $59.98 US (DVD); $69.98 US (Blu-ray)
Running Time: 325 minutes
Genre: Romance/Drama
Rating: TV 14
Release Date: Available Now

You’ve heard the story a thousand times, shoujo fans. A girl with a troubled past meets the kind-hearted boy. The girl, not wanting to risk being hurt, isn’t open to the idea of dating said boy even though he is clearly interested in her and slowly but surely she starts opening her heart enough to let in the boy and together they find happiness.

This is certainly not a new plot element for the genre but the Complete Collection of Say, “I Love You” manages to bring us a romance story that is as warm and as inviting as it is a cute slice of shoujo bliss. If that sounds like high praise for a series that doesn’t bring anything new to the table and will probably end predictably then I should add that sometimes it’s not the destination that matters but rather how you get there that does.

The 13-episode series introduces us to Mei Tachibana, a 16-year old student at Toumei Public High School who keeps to herself because of an unfortunate event in middle school that makes Mei realize that friendship will eventually lead to betray. Since then Mei has not made a single friend in her high school and that’s perfectly fine with her. Of course, this way of thinking has transformed an otherwise sweet girl into a gloomy loner who spends her lunch break seeing to a cute cat.

In the same school is a charming, chivalrous and kind-hearted boy named Yamato Kurosawa who is – of course – extremely popular with all the girls because he’s an absolute hottie. This boy who seems to have nothing in common with Mei Tachibana finds himself interested in her after a misunderstanding has the girl kicking Yamato. While every girl in the school hates Mei for kicking their school idol, Yamato sees the girl in a romantic light to the point that he gives Mei his phone number.

Yet Mei is the stubborn kind who is not willing to give friendship a chance let alone romance. In fact, the thought of having a boyfriend wasn’t an option and she had no intention of even calling Yamato until a creepy stalker forces Mei to call the only male she knows … Yamato. When he scares off the stalker by kissing Mei right in front of him, an awkward relationship is born as the girl who doesn’t want friends suddenly finds that she now has somebody in her life.

Awkward is definitely the right word to describe the relationship between Mei and Yamato. While she tries to come to terms with her growing feelings for a boy who has only the noblest of intentions, romance is still a relatively new deal for her. However, Yamato is never pushy and is actually patient enough to give her a chance to realize that he has fallen for her. Believe me when I say that half the fun of watching this series is that awkwardness as the pair try to transition from strangers to boyfriend and girlfriend roles.

While Mei can’t quite summon the courage to tell Yamato how she feels about him, it becomes clear that Mei is changing to the point that she allows herself to become a part of Yamato’s small circle of friends that includes his pervy buddy Kenji Nakanishi and his crush, the busty Asami Oikawa. Suddenly, the girl who intentionally turned to solitude as a defense mechanism is now becoming sociable and it feels good albeit strange.

However, not everything about her new social life and romance is all roses because there are obstacles that fall in front of the girl and it threatens her relationship with Yamato. There’s Aiko Muto, a girl who has a past with Yamato and despite the fact that she’s dating somebody it becomes apparent that she still has strong feeling for Yamato and will not give up on having him as her boyfriend. Aiko attempts to separate Mei from Yamato, not realizing that it is Yamato who loves being by Mei’s side … a fact that not only angers the girl but also pushes her to the edge in a very dramatic manner.

Then there’s Kai Takemura, a boy who had befriended Yamato during middle school only to feel abandoned by Yamato when Kai was mercilessly bullied in a violent confrontation. As a result, Kai has not only missed a year of high school but has exercised to the point that he no longer resembles the wimpy boy Yamato knew. However, Kai has turned his attention on Mei and attempts to woo her out of both revenge against Yamato but also because he identifies with Mei. Kai’s insistence on winning over Mei causes Yamato to see him as a rival.

While both Kai and Aiko cause problems in the relationship, it is a popular and very attractive model named Megumi Kitagawa who poses the biggest threat for Mei. She immediately sets her sights on Yamato and, despite her sweet exterior; she’s malicious and determined to drive a wedge between the couple in order to have Yamato for herself. Megumi even gets Yamato a gig as a male model, a job that he accept reluctantly and not knowing that it makes Mei insecure about their relationship. I mean, how can an awkward girl like her be dating a male model?

However, even with the obstacles that test a relationship between two young people who are new to this courtship, both Mei and Yamato show us that love can bloom for even the most unlikely couples. The series just doesn’t concentrate on Mei and Yamato’s romance but also that of characters like Asami, Kenji and even Aiko who change because of Mei.

The trouble with Say, “I Love You” is that it follows the usual shoujo trapping that we have seen countless times before and even the ending offers no surprise. The show’s real strength comes in the fact that the writing is still fresh enough to make Mei’s plight seem realistic enough that you will not only be drawn in by awkwardness towards love and friendship but you’ll be rooting for her. Sure, there are some overly dramatic moments scattered throughout but they are often overshadowed by the cute moments that make the characters actually quite endearing.

On top of the great storytelling, the series features some gorgeous animation that makes each character stand out in the best way possible. There’s also a solid voice-acting cast with the original Japanese seiyuu being the best way to enjoy the series thanks to the strong performances by the two main leads. However, the English dub isn’t bad either with the likes of Monica Rial, Greg Ayres and David Matranga joining a good cast of voice actors.

While never really offering anything new to the romance genre, Say, “I Love You” is tremendously charming and endearing enough to make this Complete Collection set a genuinely satisfying treat well worth savoring. Filled with an assortment of likeable and interesting characters, the series’ major highlight is the blooming romance between Mei and Yamato that is so touching and cute that you will not be able to take your eyes off the screen. Now that’s how you do good shoujo.

DVD REVIEW BREAKDOWN

MOVIE/EPISODES: A
Mei Tachibana had decided to abandon all hope in terms of making friends to the point that it has made her a sullen loner. Then, the handsome and very popular Yamato takes an interest in her after Mei kicks him on accident. It isn’t until an incident pushes the girl who is closely guarding her heart to find friendship once again as well as romance. Sure, there are rivals that pop up but the biggest obstacle for Mei is learning to trust again and make sense of her growing feeling for a boy who clearly likes her.

VIDEO QUALITY: A
The animation in this series is top-notch and gorgeous even on DVD as the backgrounds and character models are delightfully colorful. Sure, Yamato’s hair is atrocious but he certainly makes for some pleasant eye candy.

AUDIO QUALITY: A-
The original Japanese voice acting is definitely the way to enjoy this series especially with outstanding performances by Ai Kayano and Takahiro Sakurai. Still, the English dub cast isn’t bad at all thanks to the talents of Monica Rial, Greg Ayres and Brittney Karbowski just to name a few. Another plus is the score that is as delightful as the animation and the opening and closing theme songs are new favorites of mine.

EXTRAS: A
The Complete Collection set comes in a three-disc set with the first disc including the clean opening and closing animation plus the original Japanese promo videos as well as a few Sentai Filmworks previews. On the third disc, there are the Mei & Marshmallow 6-episode 3D animated shorts that you find at the very end of the closing credits. These are short yet cute and worth watching since both Mei and her chubby cat, Marshmallow, are funny.

OVERALL: A
Like most shoujo anime series you have seen before, Say, “I Love You” is a romance story that ends the way you expect it to end but the real magic here is in how this romance unfolds. Genuinely earnest, engaging and downright cute, this series will not fail in drawing you into its warm and inviting light from beginning to end.

Review copy provided by Sentai Filmworks

The Garden of Words – Blu-ray Review

Review by: Felicia Day

Publisher: FUNimation Entertainment
MSRP: $34.98 US (Blu-ray)/$24.98 US (DVD)
Running Time: 46 minutes
Genre: Drama
Rating: TV 14
Release Date: August 6, 2013

As the first cold drops of rain drizzle over the lush green gardens two very different people take notice of each another under the cover of the same roof. Both take an interest in each another and despite their difference in age, a relationship will be born mainly out of the fact that both seem to be stuck by the obstacles that life places in one’s path. Welcome to The Garden of Words, where these two souls might just help each another get back on the right path.

Those familiar with director Makoto Shinkai knows that he excels in telling a story about characters living in two different worlds – the real one and the one of their own making and The Garden of Words is no different. In this feature film, we are introduced to a high school student named Takao Akizuki who lives in the Kanto region. Getting off at the Shinjuku Station, however, the boy notices the first drops of rain announces the rainy season in the area so instead of going to school he heads to the gorgeous and seemingly lonely gardens that make up the region’s biggest park.

Takao isn’t just ditching class but rather using the time away from school to sketch shoe designs in his notebook. You see, Takao aspires to design ladies shoes – a dream he wishes to make a reality one day despite the fact that he doesn’t have the support of his older brother or his always-absent mother. So on that particularly rainy day, he finds a covered bench area where he sees a beautiful older woman sitting on the opposite bench drinking beer and eating chocolate.

Her name is Yukari Yukino and her very presence seems to haunt Takao who believes this lovely woman in her late-twenties seems to be running away from something. She also seems familiar to him, although he doesn’t know where exactly but this begins a conversation between the two. While Takao doesn’t find out much about her, Yukino discovers that he only skips class on rainy days, which will are plentiful during this season.

So the two start meeting in the same spot as the rain pelts the garden. Takao shares with Yukari his dream of designing shoes and the young woman even poses for him as the young man finally feels that somebody has taken an interest in his life’s goal. However, despite the fact that Takao has shared an intimate part of his life, Yukino has yet to reveal why she is avoiding going to work and why she is drowning her worries with beer and chocolate.

Suddenly, the rainy season comes to an end and Takao gets wrapped up in the summer’s offering of work and his studies. Since it stopped raining he doesn’t show up at the garden where Yukino continues to hang out. Despite the fact that he is living an active life, Takao feels the sting of loneliness that Yukari is feeling. Even when they’re not together the pair thinks about the other … even more so with Takao who makes use of an expensive book that Yukino has given him as a gift.

It isn’t until he goes back to school that Takao makes a shocking discovery about the identity of Yukari Yukino as well as finds out why she had been avoiding work since he had met her. This discovery leads to a dramatic turn of events that will either destroy them both or make them realize that there is hope for them both.

The Garden of Words goes for a big emotional finale that speaks volumes about the human condition. Sometimes it’s the most unlikely of people that could help you move on and sometimes it’s that quirky individual who drinks beer and chocolate in a park that could help inspire you to pursue your life’s ambition.

Then there’s the relationship between Takao and Yukari itself that will raise some eyebrows. Although she doesn’t cross the line between acquaintance and lover (or perhaps she does after one key scene but that’s for the viewer to decide), you can’t help but feel that the spark between the pair is romantic enough to seem inappropriate if but for the age difference. Sure, Takao is the most mature 15-year old you’ll meet but Yukari is in her mid-twenties.

Secondly, there’s the garden itself, which a feature in the extras points out was inspired by the Shijuko Gyoen National Park, that is like another character. The garden itself represents another world that Takao and Yukari share in order to escape the real world. It is in that garden that Takao can concentrate on his dream. It is in the lush green haven that Yukari doesn’t have to deal with an ex-boyfriend or the stressful situation that arose in her job.

Makoto Shinkai is a master at telling a story using a character’s expressions rather than filling his work with an abundance of dialogue. There are scenes that say a lot about the characters and their world with the subtle use of background noise (in this case the rain) and the beautiful piano score. Then there’s the animation that, thanks to some very talented animators and Hiroshi Tukituki (who serves as Art Director), is actually quite stunning. I’ve seen the DVD version and loved it but you really do have to see this on Blu-ray to truly appreciate the animation.

On top of that masterful score, there’s the voice acting that is quite stellar if you prefer the original Japanese language track. I think Miyu Irino (as Takao) and Kana Honiara (as Yukari) are absolutely brilliant in their portrayal of these two character but I cannot possibly dismiss the fact that Maggie Flecknoe managed to pull off an unforgettable performance in the English dub in a cast that includes Patrick Poole, Hilary Haag, Brittany Karbowski and Blake Shepard just to name a few.

The Garden of Words is a beautifully told and richly emotional story that finds two very different people finding each another and, in turn, learns to confront the things that are holding them back from happiness. That said, however, the story also has a familiar seen-this-before-way-too-many-times vibe to it as well as awkward romantic tension between the characters that will seem completely inappropriate considering the age differences between the two characters. In the end, however, you cannot ignore the fact that The Garden of Words will not fail to draw you into its world from the very start down to its emotional finale.

BLU-RAY REVIEW BREAKDOWN

MOVIE/EPISODES: B+
A rainy day in the Kanto region’s most beautiful garden brings together two very different souls. One is a high school student who aspires to be a shoe designer and the other is an older woman who is escaping from her job. Together they build a relationship that might just set them on the right path to happiness or to something else altogether.

VIDEO QUALITY: A+
Without a doubt, the Blu-ray version is quite simply the best way to enjoy this visually stunning feature film. Like most Makoto Shinkai films, the setting itself is like a living, breathing character and sometimes more is said with a single glance than with a short line of dialogue.

AUDIO QUALITY: A-
Personally speaking, the original Japanese voice cast makes for a perfect viewing experience but it is impossible to ignore Maggie Flecknoe’s breath-taking performance as Yukari that matches that of Kana Hanazawa’s stellar voice acting. On top of that, the score by KASHIWA Daisuke is beautiful and so is the ending theme song, “Rain.”

EXTRAS: B+
You’ll find the original Japanese trailer for the film in the extras feature as well as a number of Sentai Filmworks’ trailers for their Blu-ray releases. You’ll even find a feature called The Works of Makoto Shinkai that includes a list of his animated features such as “The Place Promised in our Early Days” just to name a few.

Also includes is an extended version of the Interviews feature that includes interviews with the crew as well as members of the Japanese cast like Hanazawa and Miyu Irino who voices Takao. Then there’s the English Production Stills with pictures of the English dub voice cast at work in a booth decorated to simulate the garden and rain. Finally, there’s Story Boards that allows you to see the film through its storyboard artwork.

OVERALL: B+
While you can’t help but feel like you’ve seen this kind of story before, The Garden of Words sets itself apart with its stunning animation and character-driven drama that makes this a moving tale about salvation. Sure, there are romantic elements that feel inappropriate at times but it is overshadowed by its scenes of two people who inspires each another to move forward.

Review copy provided by Sentai Filmworks

Puella Magi Madoka Magica The Movie –Rebellion- Coming to Theaters this Winter!

SANTA MONICA, CA (July 20, 2013) – Aniplex of America and ELEVEN ARTS are proud to announce they are bringing the highly anticipated feature length film, Puella Magi Madoka Magica the Movie -Rebellion-, to the big screen across the US this Winter. Aniplex of America and ELEVEN ARTS have brought several popular movie titles to theaters across the U.S. and Canada including the Puella Magi Madoka Magica Movies Part 1 -Beginnings- and Part 2 -Eternal-. Most Recently Aniplex of America and ELEVEN ARTS also announced they are bringing Blue Exorcist The Movie to U.S. theaters.

Theater locations and scheduled show times for Puella Magi Madoka Magica the Movie –Rebellion will be announced at a later date. For Further information about the Puella Magi Madoka Magica movie, please visit MadokaMagicaUSA.com.

About Puella Magi Madoka Magica
Originally airing in Japan in the beginning of 2011, Puella Magi Madoka Magica is an original story developed into TV series by Gen Urobuchi (Fate/Zero and Psycho Pass) of Nitroplus, directed by Akiyuki Shimbou (Goodbye Zetsubo Sensei, Bakemonogatari, Arakawa under the Bridge) and produced by Aniplex’s Atsuhiro Iwakami (the Garden of sinners, Bakemonogatari, Oreimo, and recent project Fate/Zero). Puella Magi Madoka Magica follows the story of a 14-year-old girl named Madoka Kaname. Madoka is offered the opportunity of gaining magical powers if she agrees to make a contract with a
strange little being named Kyubey. Kyubey will also grant Madoka one wish, but in exchange she shall risk her life by accepting the responsibilities of fighting witches. Little does Madoka know what the real risks of making a contract has in-store for her.

www.MadokaMagicaUSA.com

About Aniplex of America Inc.
Aniplex of America Inc. (Santa Monica, California) is a subsidiary of Aniplex Inc. (headquartered in Tokyo, Japan), a group of Sony Music Entertainment (Japan) Inc. and a leading provider of anime content and music production and distribution in Japan. Aniplex of America has launched fan-favorite DVD and Blu-Ray releases such as Bakemonogatari, Durarara!!, Puella Magi Madoka Magica, the Garden of Sinners, Sword Art Online, Blue Exorcist, and Blast of Tempest. The company’s ever-growing line-up of shows includes our most recent titles Magi: The Labyrinth of Magic, Oreshura, Oreimo 2, Fate/Zero, VALVRAVE the Liberator, and Vividred Operation.
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www.AniplexUSA.com
www.Youtube.com/AniplexUS

About ELEVEN ARTS
ELEVEN ARTS is the Los Angeles based film distribution company that has brought many acclaimed Japanese films, live-action and animation, to North American audiences. ELEVEN ARTS’s major live-action titles include Japan Academy Awards winner Memories of Tomorrow (starring Ken Watanabe) and Oscar nominated director (with The Twilight Samurai in 2004) Yoji Yamada’s samurai film Love and Honor. ELEVEN ARTS is also a respected distributor of popular animation titles such as the Evangelion franchise, Fullmetal Alchemist: The Sacred Star of Milos, and Puella Magi Madoka Magica The Movie Part 1: Beginnings/ Part 2: Eternal.

Official Website:
www.elevenarts.net

Durarara!!, Volume 4 – Manga Review

Review by: Kylee Strutt

Publisher: Yen Press
Author: Ryohgo Narita
Artist: Akiyo Satorigi
Character Design: Suzuhito Yasuda, Masayuki Sato (Cover)
Genre: Graphic Novel
MSRP: $11.99 US
Rating: OT (Older Teen)
Release Date: Available Now

I said it once and I’ll say it one more time: admittedly I am not an easy girl to please or surprise.

A magician would have to do more than pull a rabbit out of a hat to get a reaction from me and yes, Chris Angel, I have seen people levitate before. I can say the same thing about manga but, so far, I have found myself surprised by many works and even pleased by others that did not disappoint in spinning a yarn that had me hooked from the very start. Durarara!! is that kind of story … the kind that surprises and pleases as the fourth volume closes the chapter on a most unusual tale.

In Volume 3 of the series, we learn that the old saying about not judging a book by its cover is true as we discover that that is more to Mikado Ryuugamine than one would expect from a skittish and shy young boy. In fact, he turns out to have a secret that makes him seem like a young Japanese version of Tyler Durden from “Fight Club.”

As a matter fact, Volume 4 touches on a little social experiment that Mikado participated in with a group of school friends via their computers. Suddenly this little project came to life on its own as more people began to spread the word that a fake organization known as the Dollars is growing exponentially in Ikebukuro. When Mikado’s classmates leave the project that began as something of a joke, the young man realizes that somebody must take control of this group because a lack of leadership could be dangerous.

I will say no more but you can imagine the surprise when Mikado shows us he is more than capable of carrying out a plan to bring Namie Yagiri – head of Yagiri Pharmaceuticals – down on her knees. Along with the help of Celty Sturluson and Izaya Orihara, Mikado manages to learn a lot from Namie including revealing her sick love for her brother who Mikado connects to the disappearance of one Mika Harima.

With Namie Yagiri defeated and Celty taking down the rest of her thugs, we learn the fate of the mystery girl who is unhurt and brought to the scene in time for Celty to finally get a chance to talk to her. However, Seiji Yagiri also shows up and offers the girl his hand and together they walk off like soul mates that have finally found each another.

However, Mikado wants to know the truth about what had happened to Mika Harima … causing Seiji to reveal his dark and dangerous side as he attacks Mikado. The truth about the mystery girl is finally revealed and let’s just say that it’s an unexpected twist you will not see coming. I will say no more but the outcome of that event forces Celty to confront Shinra Kishitani about his role in all of this. The result is a memorable confrontation between these two characters.

Speaking of memorable confrontations, there’s one between Orihara and Namie Yagiri who comes to discover that Izaya Orihara, who playfully walks the line between good guy and villain, really leans towards the latter in a most disturbing manner. Meanwhile, Mikado returns to school as he witnesses the even more twisted sight of Seiji and his girl together … and happy?

Certainly, the final chapters of this volume end on a sort of happy note with characters like Celty and Mikado accepting who and what they are in this world. Ikebukuro is certainly an odd place but it fits both these characters perfectly. This is actually quite unexpected but, then again, this is a series that excelled in successfully springing surprises on their readers.

While the series ends here, those of us who know the story via the light novels know that this is but the first half of the series. Of course, whether or not Narita-sensei will bring the rest of the story in manga form remains to be seen but, as a fan, I would definitely love to see their interpretation. I, for one, would love to see Narita and Satorigi collaborate again by telling the rest of this story.

Volume 4 of Durarara!! reaches a most unusual yet satisfying finale as secrets are revealed and characters come to terms with their true nature. In short, it’s exactly the bizarre outcome you would expect from a story that includes a Dullahan, a cute stalker, twisted siblings and a character who turns out to be the leader of a gang that includes half the city. There was never a shortage of surprises in this series and that alone makes Durarara!! an interesting read you will want to check out.

MANGA REVIEW BREAKDOWN

STORY: A+
Having confronted the head of Yagiri Pharmaceuticals, Mikado’s big secret is out as he closes the book the mystery behind the girl with the scar on her neck and Namie Yagiri’s role in protecting her twisted brother, Seiji. Meanwhile, Celty comes to terms with her own existence as well as discovering the identity of the person involved with the mystery girl.

ART: A-
Visually, the series has been handled more than decently enough with recognizable characters and, of course, the city of Ikebukuro itself that manages to stand out as well. Akiyo Satorigi is good at what he does and it shows in every panel of this series.

OVERALL: A+
A worthy final chapter to this series, Volume 4 closes on a strangely positive note with a beginning that only gets more interesting as the story progresses. Narita and Satorigi-sensei has managed to surprise us every step of the way and this last volume is no different as secrets are revealed and the fate of each character becomes known.

COMPLETE SERIES GRADE: A+
An acquired taste to be sure, Durarara!! is not only an offbeat series but also a brilliant one that does not disappoint when it comes to the twists and turns the story offers. Filled with complex and mysterious characters, Ikebukuro is an interesting place because of it and the result is a tale well worth reading even if you already know the story. Here’s hoping we get to see the other half of this story straight out of the other chapters from the light novels.

Review copy provided by Yen Press

Durarara!!, Volume 3 – Manga Review

Review by: Kylee Strutt

Publisher: Yen Press
Author: Ryohgo Narita
Artist: Akiyo Satorigi
Character Design: Suzuhito Yasuda, Masayuki Sato (Cover)
Genre: Graphic Novel
MSRP: $11.99 US
Rating: OT (Older Teen)
Release Date: Available Now

Durarara!! is the type of series that doesn’t disappoint when it comes to surprises as the story slowly, yet deliciously, unravels right before you until you find yourself impressed with Narita-sensei’s brilliance. So far in this manga version of his work, he introduced us to a real city that is home to a cast of twisted and interesting resident but now, with Volume 3, Ikebukuro gets even more fascinating … and dangerous.

In the second volume, the seemingly meek Mikado Ryuugamine encounters a strange girl with a hideous scar on her neck who pleads for his help. You see, she is being chased by the Black Rider but the reason was unknown … until now. You see, in the opening chapter of Volume 3 we find the this mythical headless being who calls herself Celty Sturluson tracking the location of her missing head that she feels is somewhere in Ikebukuro.

On one of her rides around town she runs into Shizuo Heiwajima who wonders why his nemesis, Izaya Orihara, is hanging around his city. It’s clear that both men hate each another but that’s not important to Celty who suddenly encounters the girl with the scar on her neck. You see, the girl’s face is very familiar to Celty who identifies it as hers. Thus, the chase for the girl begins but then the mystery girl runs into Mikado who grabs the girl by the hand and flees from Celty.

Meanwhile, Seiji Yagiri is a witness to the events. He recognizes the girl’s face again as the very thing he has fallen in love with as he tries to stop Celty. Of course, Shizuo grabs a hold of the young man and discovers that Seiji is a little more twisted than we had all expected as he attacks Shizuo for getting in the way of the one he loves.

So now Mikado ends up with a pretty girl in his room and, while his good friend Masaomi Kida makes wild speculation of who she might be, this girl is still the biggest mystery that has made Mikado’s life a lot more interesting. Meanwhile, Celty consults with Shinra Kishitani who is still very much in love with the Irish Dullahan. Not too far away, Shinji is still hurting from his encounter with Shizuo and the fact that his “soul mate” escaped with fellow classmate Mikado. Once again, his sister – Namie Yagiri is willing to do anything for her beloved. She promises to get the girl back … but she has her own twisted agenda.

With no choice but the leave the mystery girl in his apartment, Mikado goes to school only to encounter both Izaya Orihara and the Black Rider waiting for him near the school gates. Orihara has taken a keen interest in the younger boy but it is Celty who wants a word with him. In a comical scene, a very nervous Mikado tries to sneak away from this little encounter only to find them following close behind so he has no choice but to confront them.

It is then that everything will change for Mikado as we discover something about the boy that we could not see coming. At last, Mikado has a “conversation” with Celty who reveals the truth about herself to him and the reason she was chasing the girl. While he still doesn’t trust Orihara, he turns to him for help when they discover that the girl in his apartment is missing and men who rush out and getaway in a Yagiri Pharmaceuticals van.

Suddenly, it is Mikado who continues to prove himself as a character who is stronger than he seems as he shows us his true colors. It is Mikado who organizes and executes a plan to meet with the head of Yagiri Pharmaceuticals who just so happens to be Namie who accepts Mikado’s invitation. Hatching a plan to take the boy down, Mikado quickly turns the tables in the most surprising way.

No, I’m not going to reveal what he does because you really should read it for yourself. Just trust me when I say that you will not see it coming. Again, Narita-sensei proves that he is capable pushing his talents to the limit and producing results that will not fail to impress as he does with this volume. That said, Ikebukuro continues to be a very interesting place with characters who can be twisted yet fascinating while other characters show us there’s more to them than what’s on the surface. This is what makes Durarara!! such an enjoyable read.

Volume 3 of Durarara not only pushes the story forward in the most fascinating of ways but it just keeps getting better with each chapter as we learn more about the residents of this unusual city. The Yagiri sibling’s twisted love lives aside, it is Mikado who proves to be one of the most interesting characters as he shows us who he really is in these chapters. You will not be disappointed by this volume, manga fans.

MANGA REVIEW BREAKDOWN

STORY: A+
While he manages to escape with the mysterious girl with the face that interests the Black Rider, Mikado’s life changes in a flash to the point that he shows us his true colors … and something else as well. Meanwhile, Celty decides to come clean to Mikado in hopes that he will understand his plight as they – along with the help of Orihara – decides to take on Namie Yagiri who is desperate to get the girl back.

ART: A-
Visually speaking, the final pages of the last chapter of this volume are nothing short of impressive and even more so since Mikado is involved. Other than that, the artwork continues to be a delight.

OVERALL: A+
One of the more powerful and impressively astonishing volumes of this series, Volume 3 will leave you on the edge of your seat and realizing how brilliant this story is as a main character shows us he is more than just a scared kid. As things get even more twisted and dangerous, it is clear that the story can only get even better making Durarara!! a manga worth reading.

Review copy provided by Yen Press

Kingyo Used Books, Volume 2 – Manga Review

Review by: Eden Zacarias

Publisher: VIZ Media
Author: Seimu Yoshizaki
Genre: Graphic Novel (VIZ Signature/Ikki Comix)
MSRP: $12.99 US
Rating: T+ (Older Teen)
Release Date: Available Now

A brilliant (and very famous) manga-ka once told me that art contains a power that is far more intense than any weapon of mass destruction and that power is the ability to invoke emotions. She pointed to a favorite classic manga series of hers that she still turns to every now and then because the series brings forth precious memories and even finds inspiration in the actions of key characters. I don’t have to tell you, our readers, that manga contains this power as well because we all have favorites that have touched us in some way and – maybe – even inspired you.

This fact is what made me pick up the first volume of Kingyo Used Books, a manga series about the emotions manga can evoke. Through its characters that are introduced in each short story, we witness how manga (Kingyo uses real manga series as examples) has the ability to inspire through its pages and stories.

Once again, the Kingyo Used Books store is the focal point of eight short stories as Volume 2 introduces more characters whose lives are about to be touched by the power of manga. In the first story, we meet Sekiguchi, a high school student who is not only the Student Council’s Vice President but also a meek young man who cannot stand up against the President who is a jerk who takes what he wants from others. It isn’t until Sekiguchi discovers a manga series by manga legend, Osamu Tezuka, called “Adolph ni Tsugu.” As it turns out, the characters in that particular manga series (each called Adolph, including Hitler himself) inspire Sekiguchi to finally take a stand against the abusive President once and for all.

In another story, a familiar character from Volume 1 named Okadome shows up again as he – as a Sedori – is contracted by a mega book store called Manga Empire to find a genius bookseller named Naoaki Shiba and bring him to their main office. To sweeten the deal, Okadome is offered the rare classic, “Bara to Yubiwa” in exchange. Well, as it turns out, Okadome finds Shiba who is the same offbeat young manga fanatic who is sleeping in the cellar of Kingyo Used Books. We discover that both these characters have a lot more in common than they both think.

In another story, a young hostess named Anzu who works at a local hostess club discovers a little girl in the backroom where she often goes to take a nap. A bratty girl who comically insults Anzu, the child demands her to read an Osamu Tezuka children’s tale to her. As Anzu tries to unravel the mystery that is the little girl, she comes to discover the joys of the child’s favorite stories from the classic. Perhaps a trip to Kingyo will have a manga that will appeal to the little girl.

Natsuki takes center stage in this volume as we find that the beautiful young employee of Kingyo Used Books decides to participate in a shopping center’s big event by setting up a booth that will represent Kingyo. The task is not as easy as she thought but she gets help from a few returning characters, one of which is Shiba who is still head over heels for the attractive shopkeeper. Meanwhile, Natsuki’s father makes another appearance as he is hiding out from a gorgeous woman who happens to be connected to Natsuki.

We learn a lot more about Natsuki from these two short stories, mainly her relationship with her father and the fact that she’s not as crazy about manga as her grandfather or her cousin Billy.

In another story we meet Captain Ikaruga of Nishi High who is, by appearances, a huge manly student who is respected by all the members of his yelling squad but also the entire school. Despite his tough guy exterior, however, the young man is a closet fan of the shoujo manga classic, “Chiisana Koi no Monogatari.” Unfortunately for him, Ikaruga can’t even bring himself to even ask a bookstore vendor if the latest volume came out.

However, when he hears an older salary man ask for the same manga, a friendship blossoms between the big guy and the older man who inspires Ikaruga to not be embarrassed about his love for a manga about romance. After all, since when does manga have to be solely for one specific gender when it is meant to be enjoyed by everyone?

In the final story, Kawai, the son of the crowned “Manga King” is asked to bring manga from his father’s collection. When asked what kind of manga to bring, a fellow classmate named Tokizane asks for a manga series that will take him far away. So Kawai’s father recommends the classic, “Galaxy Express 999” (great choice, by the way). It inspires the kid to take a train ride someplace far and Kawai, sensing something wrong with his friend, decides to go with him.

As it turns out, the journey on the train turns out to be a personal quest for Tokizane as Kawai comes to realize things about this classmate’s life that he never realized. An unexpected turn of events makes Tokizane come to realize a painful truth that leads to an emotional moment between the boy and a man in his life that he sees as something of a villain.

Finally, we get a short chapter involving Billy and Grandpa who discover the truth behind the spade mark on the spine of a particular manga publishing house. As Grandpa imagines a far more romantic reason for the placement of the symbol, Billy does some research that uncovers the real reason.

With the exception of the story involving a tough guy with a soft spot for a shoujo manga as well as the first introductory tale, Volume 2 just doesn’t make the same impact as the first volume. The first volume contained stories that served as true reminders of why we love manga so much. The majority of the stories here aren’t even inspirational and although we learn more about Natsuki she still isn’t an interesting character.

Failing to capture the emotional resonance that the first volume managed to display so easily in its storytelling and characters, Volume 2 of Kingyo Used Books feels more like an afterthought that misses the mark completely. This is too bad, really, since this manga is about real manga titles that serve to inspire the characters. Still, there are some interesting moments that make this volume worth a glance but if this is the direction the series is going you will find yourself wanting to skip this particular book store.

MANGA REVIEW BREAKDOWN

STORY: C-
The collection of stories includes a young host club waitress who turns to the manga version of a well-known children’s story to connect with a little girl that shows up in the club and, in another story, a manga series involving three characters named Adolph inspires a high school student to stand up against the class jerk. There are even stories involving returning cast of characters like Natsuki, Naoaki Shiba and the sedori characters.

ART: A
Yoshizaki-sensei’s artwork is topnotch and one of the highlights of this series to be sure. Personally, I’m not all that crazy about the covers for this series but this is just a minor gripe considering the fact that the characters look good and the backgrounds are striking.

OVERALL: C-
Volume 2 of Kingyo Used Books is a disappointing read that just falls flat in its storytelling or its main theme that manga has the power to inspire. Two of the stories do just that but the rest is just not endearing enough to make this a volume I would gladly recommend. Here’s hoping the next volume will remedy the flaws this volume introduces.

Review copy provided by VIZ Media

Occult Academy, Complete Series Premium Edition – Blu-ray Review

Review by: Felicia Day

Publisher: NIS America
MSRP: $64.99 US
Running Time: 334 minutes
Genre: Supernatural/Sci-fi
Rating: T (Teen)
Release Date: Available Now
You know you’re in for a unique supernatural sci-fi anime series when a young time-traveler falls from the sky stark naked and the cute new school headmaster is being chased by a pack of Chupacabras. It is these things that drew me to the Complete Series Premium Edition of Occult Academy, an anime series that doesn’t fail to entertain and – at times – make you laugh. Yes, it’s that kind of series where the world of the supernatural clashes with that of the science-fiction genre yet making room for some comedic moments.

Occult Academy revolves around a school called the Waldstein Academy that specializes in training its student body in all things involving the occult. We also meet a young girl named Maya Kumashiro who arrives in time for a ceremony honoring the newly deceased school’s principal who also happens to be Maya’s father. It’s clear from her attitude that she and her father have grown distant and she makes it even clearer that she hates the occult even though she had been obsessed with it growing up.

Suddenly, the series shows us what it’s all about when a poltergeist takes control of the principal’s body as well as that of a cute nerdy student named Kozue. Maya helps draw out the evil spirit but the big shocker is that, her father’s will has placed Maya as sole inheritor of Waldstein Academy … a responsibility that Maya takes seriously to the point that she takes up the role as the school’s new principal. Sure, the sexy Assistant Principal is against the idea but Maya is the type of girl who sticks to her guns.

Then, things gets even more interesting when Maya witnesses a naked young man slowly float down from the sky and land right in front of her. He is Fumiaki Uchida, a time-traveler who has traveled back to 1999 in order to locate what his handlers call the Nostradamus Key in order to stop an alien invasion in 2012. Armed with a cell phone that is able to snap pictures that will reveal the subject’s future, Fumiaki thinks Waldstein Academy is the best place to begin his search.

Of course, Fumiaki is something of a coward who frightened by the supernatural elements that occur around the school. Despite his yellow streak, however, Fumiaki comically catches the attention of the Assistant Principal who starts writing romantic entries in her diary involving him. He also becomes involved with an attractive waitress named Mikaze who spends her time having him try out her new curry dishes as well as drive him around (quickly) in her sports car.

On top of Fumiaki’s relationship with Mikaze, the Assistant Principal and Maya, we come to discover an even more intriguing element. In 1999, a child star is born as Bunmei-kun takes the talk show circuit by storm with his ability to bend spoons with his mind. It becomes obvious who Bunmei-kun will grow up to be and that alone makes the character truly fleshed out to the point that we come to understand Fumiaki and Bunmei-kun.

It is because of Bunmei-kun that Maya comes to realize things about her past, particularly why she has stopped loving the occult as well as her father. We learn of Maya’s past by way of Ami Kuroki, a student at the academy who was something of a childhood friend to Maya. Ami tries to understand what led her once childhood friend to stop obsessing over the occult and even Ami’s father – a big man-child of a man – tries to rekindle the girl’s love for the occult with rumors of a UFO sighting.

The rest of the series revolves around the search for the Nostradamus Key that is often interrupted by some unsavory supernatural appearances from creatures we have all heard of at some point such as the Mothman and a pack of Chupacabras that have been connected to a string of cattle mutilations. At one point, they even try to reclaim the lost soul of the nerdy Kozue who took part in an experiment. There’s even the ghost of a little girl who the group takes it upon themselves to help.

Thankfully, Fumiaki and Maya have help from Ami and Kozue but also the school’s mechanic named Smile (who carries a giant wrench he uses as a weapon) and a pudgy goth kid named JK who uses rods that is able to pick up supernatural vibrations. They all take part in helping Maya and Fumiaki on their search. Meanwhile, the series hints at the Assistant Principal wanting to put a stop to their search.

Unfortunately, despite the interesting character developments and solid writing, you can’t help but feel like there should have been more in terms of the villains … if you can call them that. Some minor characters don’t really add much either. Unfortunately, Ami – who is suppose to fill the “childhood friend” role in this series – ends up being rather on the lackluster side and adds very little to her role. In fact, that only real drama she brings to the table comes when she slaps Maya’s face after the girl chews out Ami’s father.

Still, these are small gripes in an overall entertaining package. Watching Fumiaki’s past unravel to reveal the typical child star problems is fascinating and his growing relationship with Maya is fun to watch. Even the humor in the series is charming and laugh-out-loud funny, especially the Assistant Principal who goes from serious to doe-eyed very quickly when Fumiaki crosses her path. Then there’s the ending that, to me, is surprising and very fitting.

As far as the animation is concerned, it is the right balance between decent-looking character models and some stunning painted backgrounds with a side of eye-catching visual effects. Add a stellar voice cast and you have a series that will have you thanking NIS America for releasing it on Blu-ray.

Occult Academy is not a serious supernatural anime series and, as a result, ends up being wildly entertaining enough that you will find yourself enjoying every minute of it. It’s hard to not to like a series that features time travelers, Mothmen and Chupacabras all in one fun package and, somehow, this series pulls it all off with a tongue-in-cheek approach that works. Sure, the series is lacking in a few things that would have made it amazing but the Premium Edition package of the Complete Series of Occult Academy is a guaranteed good time.
BLU-RAY REVIEW BREAKDOWN

MOVIE/EPISODES: B+
It’s 1999 and a young girl named Maya inherits the Waldstein Academy – a school dedicated to the occult – from her deceased father. While she tries to make it clear that she hates the world of the supernatural, the arrival of a young time-traveler named Fumiyaki who has come in search of the Nostradamus Key that can save the world from an alien invasion. Together with the school’s students and faculty, Maya and Fumiyaki deal with a number of supernatural creatures and sci-fi elements that keep getting in the way.

VIDEO QUALITY: A
NIS America has decided not to include a DVD version, which is understandable seeing as Occult Academy is an anime series with gorgeous animation that includes impressive backgrounds, stellar visual effects and decent character design (with JK looking more original than the rest of the cast). The ending theme animation actually includes real actors.

AUDIO QUALITY: A
The series isn’t just about gorgeous visuals as it also contains an excellent voice acting cast that includes Yoko Hikasa as Maya and Takahiro Mizushima as Fumiaki. On top of that there’s also an appealing original score and an even better opening theme song (“Flying Humanoid” by Shoko Nakagawa) and closing theme (“Kimi Ga Iru Basho” by Ayahi Takagaki).

EXTRAS: A+
Once again, NIS America knows how to do a Premium Edition right and this one has enough extras and collectibles to satisfy fans of the series. For starters, there’s the 36-page hardcover book complete with character artwork, episode synopsis and an occult encyclopedia that makes for a fun read.

The Blu-ray discs contain extras as well such as the clean opening and closing animation with the closing being on the top of my list of favorite closers. Then there’s an exclusive “Love Machine” clip that you have to see for yourself as well as four bonus mini-episodes featuring Maya and Ami as children since the series touches on the fact that they hung out as kids.

OVERALL: B+
While it is not quite as stellar as it should have been considering solid storytelling and a likeable cast of characters, Occult Academy is still a blast to watch either way. It’s hard not to like a series that blends the supernatural with sci-fi elements topped off with a great sense of humor. Still, you can’t help but feel that the series could have been better but, for my money, the Complete Series Premium Edition of Occult Academy is well worth your money.

Review copy provided by NIS America

Durarara!!, Volume 2 – Manga Review

Review by: Kylee Strutt

Publisher: Yen Press
Author: Ryohgo Narita
Artist: Akiyo Satorigi
Character Design: Suzuhito Yasuda, Masayuki Sato (Cover)
Genre: Graphic Novel
MSRP: $11.99 US
Rating: OT (Older Teen)
Release Date: Available Now

It takes a lot to impress this girl who likes to think that she has seen it all and read it all but along comes that rare gem that has fellow otaku like me sitting up in their seats totally immersed in the story. That’s the effect that the anime version of Durarara!! had on me and – wouldn’t you know it? – now the manga version has me under its spell despite the fact that I already know the story.

In fact, Volume 1 of the manga made an impression on me because Narita-sensei and Satorigi-san’s collaboration compliments the storytelling in the best way possible. They even tip their hat to familiar properties like Darker Than Black and Black Butler just to name a few of the works that inspire them. In the end, the volume was good enough that I certainly did look forward to a second helping. After an enticing beginning, Volume 2 begins with even more surprises.

As I mentioned in my review of the first book, the mysterious Black Rider is actually Celty Sturluson who is one of the most compelling and original characters to come along in a long time. We have come to discover in the last volume that Celty is what legends call a Dullahan (an Irish folkloric entity that inspired the creation of the Headless Horseman that chased Ichabod Crane in The Legend of Sleepy Hollow). As it turned out, Celty has no head but also of the female persuasion. We also find out she is in Japan in search of her severed head.

In fact, it is because she is female that she puts up with the young Doctor named Shinra Kishitani who found her so long ago and whose father ran tests on her. I mean, how often does a man of science has the chance to study a legendary being whose past certainly does coincide with the Celtic legends. Yet, somehow – despite his seemingly dubious nature – Celty makes a discovery about herself that surprises her and it is connected to the young man.

Somewhere else in Ikebukuro, we meet four members of The Dollars including Yumasaki and Karisawa (who Mikado’s friend, Kida, introduced in the Animate store) who concoct comical torture methods (involving manga, no less) to one of the kidnappers from Volume 1. We also meet their young leader, Dota, who helps break the captured kidnapper and gets him to reveal the group responsible for the kidnappings. They come up with one name: Yagiri Pharmaceuticals.

Meanwhile, Anri Sonohara (the cute girl with glasses), becomes class representative and is joined by Mokado Ryuugamine who suddenly volunteers to be the male class rep. While it was evident from the start that he finds the girl attractive, he also discovers the truth about her. Yes, she’s a bright girl but not everyone finds that a very likeable quality. In fact, when he spots her outside of class, Sonohara is being bullied by a group of girls because she became a class rep.

Oh but things get crazy when Izya Orihara steps in to push the timid Mikado into taking action and defend Sonohara. When the young boy doesn’t take action, Orihara terrorizes the bullies in an almost psychotic manner. As I said in my first review, he’s both sinner and saint but there’s more to Orihara than meets the eye when a man in a bartender outfit named Shizuo Heiwajima who has a serious bone to pick with Orihara. In fact, he throws heavy garbage cans at him as if they weighed nothing at all. There’s definitely bad blood between these two.

Escaping with Sonohara, Mikado gets to spend some time with the girl and gets to know her a little better. He also finds out why she had a rather public almost pleading conversation with Seiji Yagiri who was the last to see Sonohara’s stalker friend, Mika Harima. According to Sonohara, Mika isn’t considered missing since she has been receiving letters from her. Little does she know what fate befell her friend who has a long history of falling in love with guys and stalking them. She once, comically enough, snuck into a boy’s apartment to invite herself to a family vacation she heard her crush mention to his friends.

Speaking of Seiji, we find out even more about this rather complex and seemingly disturbed young man and the role his sexy sister plays in his life. Disturbing is exactly the right word to describe Seiji’s sister, Chief Namie Yagiri, whose obsession with her brother is, well, let’s just say it’s abnormal. Things have gotten even more unsavory ever since Namie showed her then very young brother an item her uncle had shown her a most unusual item.

As a matter of fact, Seiji falls in love with said item and this does not sit well with a dementedly jealous sister who takes action that starts a chain reaction of events that lead to an unbelievable finale at the end of this volume. You see, it is Mikado who – having left Sonohara – is drawn in by the sound of the Black Rider’s motorcycle. Instead, he finds a young girl on the run from the Dullahan … a girl with very familiar physical features.

Ok, Narita-sensei, you have not only officially creeped me out but you also made me your biggest fan with just two volumes.

Injecting even more craziness that only this Ikebukuro can supply, Volume 2 of Durarara wastes no time exposing a story that has no shortage of twists and turns that doesn’t fail to provide readers with a puzzle they can’t wait to see revealed. You just have to love a series that features a Herculean bartender, a truly twisted love story and a “living” severed head. Even if you know the story, the manga version is still a delight. If you’re new to this series, however, you are in for a wild ride.

MANGA REVIEW BREAKDOWN

STORY: A
The plot thickens as we continue to discover Celty’s past including her connection to the young doctor named Shinra. Meanwhile, members of The Dollars look into the string of kidnappings and discover who is behind it while the streets of Ikebukuro hosts a crazy conflict between Orihara and a man named Shizuo. As Mikado gets to know his cute classmate named Sonohara better, we witness the twisted nature of the Yagiri siblings.

ART: A-
There are a number of stand-out scenes in this volume as Satorigi-san’s artwork manages to display some crazy moments that make this series so fascinating.

OVERALL: A
The story continues to evolve and take shape in the most intriguing way possible as Volume 2 of the series slowly yet spectacularly tears out the layers as it reveal a tale that can only get even more engrossing. Durarara!! is the kind of series that goes for the surprising twists that will leave the reader on the edge of their seats and this volume is undeniable proof of that.

Review copy provided by Yen Press

Durarara!!, Volume 1 – Manga Review

Review by: Kylee Strutt

Publisher: Yen Press
Author: Ryohgo Narita
Art: Akiyo Satorigi, Masayuki Sato (Cover)
Character Design: Suzuhito Yasuda
Genre: Graphic Novel
MSRP: $11.99 US
Rating: OT (Older Teen)
Release Date: Available Now

I knew going in that Durarara!! was not going to be your average kind of tale set in a real city. Having seen the anime series and – thanks to my fellow reviewer, Emma Everton – devoured the light novels, I already knew the big reveals and shockers the story had in store yet somehow I found myself still completely absorbed by Volume 1 of the manga version of Durarara!!

In fact, I’d even go as far as saying I had fallen in love with the story all over again thanks to Ryohgo Narita-sensei’s unusual storytelling style (fans of Baccano! know what I’m talking about) and Akiyo Satorigi-san’s enjoyable artwork.

The story introduces us to Mikado Ryuugamine, a young man who has come to Ikebukuro in Tokyo to attend a private high school by the invitation of his closest childhood friend, Masaomi Kida. Very quickly, Mikado finds the truth about the district, including the fact that Ikebukuro Station is considered the second busiest station in Tokyo (really, it barely beats out the Shinjuko Station in my book).

It also happens to be home to the most interesting collection of characters in town, including a number of them that Kida considers should “never be messed with.” On top of that, there are plenty of unsavory groups, one of which is The Dollars who have gained notoriety. And, of course, there’s the mysterious motorcycle rider who has become something of an urban legend around the district. Interestingly enough, Mikado gets a very close look at this figure on his first day in Ikebukuro.

While it’s fun to get to know the shy Mikado and his expressive and comical friend, Kida. Half the fun is getting to know the interesting characters that inhabit the district. Among them is Seiji Yagiri who finds himself trying to shake off a girl who is stalking him until she makes the mistake of following him to his apartment. There’s also Seiji’s sister, who is keeper of her brother’s secret as well as something else. Then there’s an Afro-Russian bruiser who offers a great deal on sushi made by Russians.

One of these other residents is Izaya Orihara who Kida and Mikado run into in the streets. It’s clear that Kida is nervous around this seemingly calm young man and with good reason. You see, when we see Orihara again, he is speaking to two young women who had answered the call of a website that interest those who are interested in taking their own lives. However, there is certainly more to Orihara than meets the eye as we could see from this volume. In his interaction with the two young women it’s hard to tell if he’s something of a saint or a sinister presence.

While Orihara is something of a delightful conundrum, it is the mystery rider who becomes the star of the show. Those who have seen the anime know the secret of Celty Sturluson but for those who don’t, Volume 1 reveals Celty in the most deliciously surprising manner as we discover the connection between the rider and the mythical entity of The Legend of Sleepy Hollow.

Oh yeah, Celty is definitely one of the most original and fascinating characters to be introduced in anime and manga in a long time. Add the fact that Celty is something of a crime-fighting courier who does jobs that include clients like Orihara and you will find yourself drawn to the character. Even more interesting is the young doctor who is not only interested in the supernatural mystery that is Celty but also might actually have a romantic interest as well. Trust me when I say that more of Celty and the young Doctor will keep playing a role in this story.

Narita-sensei knows how to spin a complex yet completely absorbing yarn and Durarara!! is no different. He, once again, fills his story with plenty of intriguing characters and bloody violence. Even the locale is a character as Ikebukuro’s many interesting spots like Sunshine City and the anime and manga fan’s dream mega store, Animate, make appearances. Add Satorigi-san’s art and you have a visually eye-pleasing manga that compliments the anime’s visuals.

A worthy adaptation of a brilliant anime series, the first volume of Durarara!! will not fail to grab you by the throat and not let go until the last page. I liken it the first bite of an exotic dish you always wanted to try only to find that you can’t stop eating it and want seconds. It’s been a long time since a manga version of a story I already know from beginning to end has surprised me. Color me impressed and looking forward to the next volume.
MANGA REVIEW BREAKDOWN

STORY: A
Young Mikado comes to Ikebukuro to join his elementary school chum only to discover that this part of Tokyo is home to some eclectic characters that include a young man who crosses the line between sinner and saint at a whim as well as a mystery courier whose identity might be tied to a recognizable mythological figure.

ART: A-
Akiyo Satorigi-san’s artwork is a delight and beautifully detailed when it comes to the backgrounds and how Ikebukuro is represented. The district is certainly another character in the book and Satorigi-san highlights this fact. The cover artwork is simple yet you can’t help but examine it each time you pick up this volume.

OVERALL: A
If you’re not familiar with the anime series or even the light novels, Volume 1 of Durarara!! should come as a pleasant surprise for those looking for something on the unusual side. Sure, this first volume can also come off as confusing at times but believe me when I say that part of the enjoyment is how this story slowly unravels before you until you find yourself glad you took this jaunt to this version of Ikebukuro.

Review copy provided by Yen Press