Manga Mondays: Afterschool Charisma Vol. 6

  Manga Mondays is a meme hosted by Alison at Alison Can Read where bloggers can share their passion for reading mangas. It's a great place to get new manga titles to try and to meet new bloggers. Afterschool Charisma manga series a great science fiction read that has an interesting story line and probes the reader to question everything that he or she has learned.

Description: Kai, the terrorist and leader of the clone rebellion, continues his story of the past and paints a bleak potential future for the clones if they don't spring into action. Meanwhile Shiro is in an odd position. He had always thought of himself as an original, but now he learns startling facts about himself: he is just like any othe clone. Now he wonders what his role in the St. Kelio's Academy really is.

Review:  Afterschool Charisma continues to be a manga series that focuses on the deeper philosophical questions rather than an action packed plot. In the sixth volume, the characters puzzle over the age old question, "Who are we?" and "What are we suppose to do with our lives?" Though we are given more details about the history of the elite academy, I'm still unsure of what percent is truth and propaganda. The militant Kia does paint a convincing picture of clones simply decaying and "reprogrammed" if they don't follow the same footsteps of the past. Like the last volume in which we are given two versions of clone Hitler as an example to illustrate his point, this volume gives us Elizabeth (Elizabeth the Virgin Queen). The first Elizabeth clone is obsessed with learning from books. She is secluded in a room and driven to insanity, claiming she still not educated enough. The second Elizabeth clone is depressed from not being chosen by a buyer. Unwanted and driven by curiosity of what lies beyond the gates of the Academy, she plans an escape and fails.
  I am enjoying the way this manga is told. We have been setup to believe one thing and find out that it is a lie. Shiro is in the works to be another Kai, a clone guardian. He has been led to believe that he is an original human and his only friends are the clones so he naturally bonds with them. Will he also take part in the clone rebellion? Will his opinion of the clones and himself now change? I guess I'll have to wait for volume 7 to see what happens next.

Rating: 4 stars

Words of Caution: There are mature themes and brief moments of strong violence, and some language. Recommended for older teens and adults only.

If you like this book try: Afterschool Charisma Vol. 7 by Kumiko Suekane, Unwind by Neal Shusterman, Hetalia: Axis Powers by Hidekaz Himaruya, Code Geass by Majiko

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Manga Monday: Afterschool Charisma Vol. 5

  Manga Mondays is a meme hosted by Alison at Alison Can Read where bloggers can share their passion for reading mangas. It's a great place to get new manga titles to try and to meet new bloggers. The last volume of Afterschool Charisma left me with a cliffhanger of sorts. A huge event happened and ended in the fourth volume with a promise of an explanation in volume five. My problem? Volume five was constantly checked out since last May and by that time volume six was also published. So, I guess it's a mixed bag that since I got a  hold of both volumes and read them. Unlike the Nana manga series that is filled with drama with a capital "D", the Afterschool Charisma manga series gives me a brain cramp filled constant flurries of "What if?"s floating in  my head as I turn the pages.

Description: In the aftermath of the disastrous school expo at St. Kleio Academy, an exclusive school of famous historical clones, where some of the clones were killed (most noteably Joan of Arc who was burned the stake), a returning clone known only as “Kai” who bears a disturbing resemblance to Shirou tells a story about the previous generation of clones and what could have turned him and others into “terrorists” working against the school.

Review: I really wished the publishers and the authors would work harder in recapping the story thus far before continuing the story arc. It's a good thing that I reviewed my older review posts as well as checked out some other reviewers before diving into this latest volume. Volume 5 promised some answers, but like the nature of this entire manga series it provides more questions than answers.
  Volume 5 centers around the main questions of why clones, regardless if they are famous historical figures, are made? What is the purpose of St. Kleio Academy? Are the lives of clones entitled to make their own mark or are they predestined to follow their footsteps of their predecessor?
  The mysterious "Kai", who is an ordinary person that was cloned, is our peek inside St. Kleio Academy. Though set up like a school, the academy is a breeding farm that herds clones like cattle and sell them off to auctions. The clones are forced to follow their predecessor's footsteps (i.e. have the same accomplishments, skills, and even behavior/personality). If the clone is seen to be out of place, they are aborted and created anew. Kai is an interesting character, who makes you feel torn between feeling sorry for him and making you wonder what plans he has up his sleeves. As the main figure who catalyzed the clone rebellion (or is the rebellion just for the amusement of the Academy director?), he provides information to the current class of clones. Now whether this information is true or just another form of propaganda, that yet to be determined.
  In addition to Kai, we are given different scenarios of what clones can accomplish in this volume. The most striking clone for me in this series has been the young Hitler. Like his care-free personality, his youthful and innocent physical appears is very striking. There are two clone Hitlers explored. The first Hitler is a very talented young artist who has no political ambitions whatsoever. Once discovered this clone suddenly disappears and a new Hitler clone appears. The second Hitler clone is aware and appalled by his original's actions. He gives his whole life up to a religious institution and atones for his original's sins and dies a noble death. With these two versions of what could have been, we can't help but wonder if the old saying "history will repeat itself?" rings true.
  I really enjoy how the moral ambiguities of cloning as it lends itself to discussion and it's really what draws me to this series. I really want to know about what society needs these clones of historical figures for that they are producing them and auctioning them off like a meat market. What societal pressure is causing this? What exactly are they expected to do out there?

Rating: 4 stars

Words of Caution: There is some crude sexual humor, a brief scene of nudity, and violence. Recommended for older teens and adults only.

If you like this book then try: Afterschool Charisma Vol. 6 by Kumiko Suekane, Unwind by Neal Shusterman, Hetalia: Axis Powers by Hidekaz Himaruya, Code Geass by Majiko

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Manga Monday: Vampire Knight Vol. 15

  Manga Mondays is a meme hosted by Alison at Alison Can Read where bloggers can share their passion for reading mangas. It's a great place to get new manga titles to try and to meet new bloggers. Vampire Knight is one of my favorite manga series. Getting each new volume of the manga is like watching a new episode of your favorite TV show. Unfortunately, the plot of the manga can be confusing at times, especially when the volumes have a long break between them and the publishers don't write a really good summary of the series as a recap for its readers.

Description: With Kaname missing, Yuki must now step in as acting head of her clan to maintain the fragile peace between the human and vampire societies. Will she be able to regain the trust of the vampire aristocrats, much less Aido?

Review: Volume 15 of Vampire Knight immediately picks up where volume 14 ended. Kaname has murdered two pureblood vampire aristocrats for mysterious reasons and now he is nowhere to be found. The Vampire Hunter society has arrested Yuki in hopes of finding out information about Kaname. Yuki, like the rest of us, has no idea what Kaname intends to do nor does she have any clue about his whereabouts.
I found this volume to be a bit confusing, but I did enjoy watching Yuki stand up on her own two feet. With Kaname absent, she now has to take the responsibility in leading the vampires, tame their frantic aristocrats, and reinstate the peace alliance between vampires, vampire hunters, and humans. Yuki struggles on how to lead her people. She is not a natural leader nor charismatic, but her compassion and her human experiences give her an edge. Unlike Kaname who has ruled with an iron fist, Yuki gives her followers an option and they almost always obey because they know she is right. As her first move as leader, Yuki wants to rebuild a school where Day and Night Classes once again take place. Though the idea of recreating a school may seem an odd move at first, it does reassure the vampires that an organized, structured framework can once again be placed.
  Hino once again teases the readers about the ambiguous relationship between Yuki and Zero, who were once best friends and had the potential to become much more. Though Zero claims to not want anything to do with Yuki, he is always found in her periphery. His hatred of vampires is tangible and understandable given his dark past. He is deteriorating quickly, which he can't hide from Yuki. Similarly, Yuki tries to hold on to her humanity and suppresses her urge to drink from humans in order to be a role model of how she would like her vampires to behave, but Zero knows how difficult it is for her.
  With the exception of the last few panels featuring Yuki and Zero, I was a bit disappointed with Hino's artwork. There was quite a lot of shading and quite a few panels broken within one another. It was a bit hard  trying to figure out what was happening. Also there were quite a few new characters mentioned in this volume that I'm pretty sure weren't there before and I'm really hoping their introduction would be made clearer in the next volume.

Rating: 3.5 stars

Words of Caution: There is some violence and mild language. Recommended for teens and up.

If you like this book try: Vampire Knight Volume 16 by Matsuri Hino, Black Bird series by Kanoko Sakurakouji, Millennium Snow series by Bisco Hatori

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Manga Mondays: Black Butler Vol. 8

  Manga Mondays is a meme hosted by Alison at Alison Can Read where bloggers can share their passion for reading mangas. It's a great place to get new manga titles to try and to meet new bloggers. Now that I'm at a stand-still for the Nana manga series, I'm trying to catch up on some of my other ongoing manga series. Thankfully the manga series that I've been reading are from different genres which prevent me from confusing one from the other. Today I'll be reviewing the eighth volume of Black Butler.

Description (from Goodreads): When one curtain falls upon the big top stage, another rises behind the scenes, as young Earl Ciel Phantomhive and his virtuoso butler, Sebastian, face off against the villain behind the missing children. But as Sebastian, under orders from his master, single-handedly draws the gruesome tale to its sad conclusion on one front, battle lines are drawn on another! With the masterless Phantomhive Manor under attack from the Noah's Ark Circus and Sebastian nowhere nearby to protect its inhabitants, is Ciel's home once again headed for the same tragedy that took the lives of the young earl's parents?

Review: Black Butler is a genre bending manga that combines historical fiction  humor, supernatural, and horror. The plot arcs can begin on a bleak note but at its halfway mark turn to a slapstick comedy or in the case of the eighth episode an out and out battle.
   As you may recall, the seventh volume of Black Butler gives us important background information regarding the circus that Ciel and Sebastian have been ordered to investigate by Queen Victoria after many children have been kidnapped. The circus master is completely deranged and has used the children, almost always orphaned and deformed, for various body parts for his own 'plastic surgery' in order to achieve bodily perfection. Volume eight rounds out the circus arc in nonstop action until the very dark and disturbing ending. The Joker and his crew have arrived to Phantomhive to avenge the death of their master. You can't help pity them when it is revealed what they were fighting for and the lies they were told.
  I was surprised quite a few times while reading this volume. Unlike the previous volumes where Sebastian routinely steals the show, it is the servants of the Phantomhive that surprises and delights the readers in unveiling hidden talents. I knew they had to be worthy of something besides being there in the manga for slapstick humor. Another thing that really shocked me is how Ciel handled the problem of the missing children locked in cages. It is very easy to forget that Ciel is merely a boy but Toboso reminds us vividly when Ciel acts upon his emotions, particularly fear and rage, instead of a cool mind when he does the impossible.

Rating: 4 stars

Words of Caution: There is strong violence throughout this volume. There is also some language. Recommended for mature teens and adults only.

If you like this book try: Blue Exorcist series by Kazue Kato, Soul Eater series by Atsushi Ohkubo

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Manga Mondays: Library Wars Vol. 7

   Manga Mondays is a meme hosted by Alison at Alison Can Read where bloggers can share their passion for reading mangas. It's a great place to get new manga titles to try and to meet new bloggers. Now that I'm at a stand-still for the Nana manga series, I'm trying to catch up on some of my other ongoing manga series. Today I'll be reviewing the seventh volume of the Library Wars.

Description (from Goodreads):  Hikaru's big brother is working for the enemy, and he wants to reunite with Hikaru. Meanwhile, someone is posting negative reviews on the library's website, and Kasahara intends to find out who. Later, personal issues are set aside when the Library Forces find out about a book burning on their home turf!

Review: The Library Wars is a hit or miss manga series for me. I honestly don't care much for the comedy, romance or fighting, but I am interested on the different political scenarios that are involved with libraries, particularly that of censorship and library patron's rights. Volume 7 has a much serious and direct, giving us an ample amount of suspense and intrigue to hold our attention more so than the previous lighthearted volumes.
  The plot this time around focuses on the ethics of censorship and partisan politics within the library system. Freedom of speech, whether or not libraries should become a government agency rather than a public good, and book burning are all dealt with and for the most part quite well in the book. Each issue is tackled separately though they all come together in the end.
  Though there isn't much growth in the romantic, relationship department, we do get to know more about the  sibling bond between Hikaru and his old older brother. Hikaru has always been seen as a serious, distant competitor, but we get to see a more human and three dimensional aspect to him when he expresses his concerns about the library rights which are completely against his brother's pro-censorship faction. The tension and suspense picks up nicely in a cliffhanger where poor Iku is unknowingly found in the middle of a book burning scandal which may or may not have been organized by Hikaru's brother. Iku must use her wits and her instructor Dojo's advice to prove her innocence.

Rating: 4 stars

Words of Caution: There is some language and adult themes. Recommended for teens and adults only.

If you like this book try: Library Wars Vol. 8 by Kiiro Yumi,

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Manga Mondays: Nana Vol 21

 Manga Mondays is a meme hosted by Alison at Alison Can Read where bloggers can share their passion for reading mangas. It's a great place to get new manga titles to try and to meet new bloggers. At the moment, I've got sucked into the world of Nana where music is the back drop and fuels the characters' passions and where love and heartbreak go hand in hand.

Description (abridged to avoid major spoilers): Tragedy strikes the world of Nana. One horrible accident will change the course of everyone's future...

Review: While Volume 20 left me heart broken with lots of foreshadowing, Volume 21 tore my heart asunder. The story is cloaked in sadness and grief as we lose one vital character from the manga series. The main arc of this story is watching how each character reacts and deals with the loss. Once again the art of Yazawa is impeccable. She deftly uses wordless panels to show her characters' emotions without relying on wordy dialogue. It is also obvious that the author isn't shy away from causing her characters pain, but that's what gives this otherwise melodramatic soap opera manga some realism.
 Other readers have Nana complained that the series focused too much on the various character relationships, watching who breaks up and who gets together. I would argue, however, that each relationship regardless how I feel about them adds an additional layer to the character's personality. There is no doubt that Volume 20 and 21 are the climax of the series providing us with a new story arc, however, the series is currently on hiatus since 2010 due to the author's illness. I really hope that author picks up the series again as many fans, including myself, need some closure. Perhaps I can relive the series by watching the anime and/or live action movies based on the series.

Rated: 5 stars

Words of Caution: Mature themes and language. Recommended for mature teens and adults only.

If you like this book try: We Were There by Yuuki Obata, Honey and Clover by Chica Umino, Tramps Like Us by Yayoi Ogawa

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Manga Monday: Nana Vol. 20

  Manga Mondays is a meme hosted by Alison at Alison Can Read where bloggers can share their passion for reading mangas. It's a great place to get new manga titles to try and to meet new bloggers. At the moment, I've got sucked into the world of Nana where music is the back drop and fuels the characters' passions and where love and heartbreak go hand in hand.

Description (from Goodreads): Ren's drug use is spiraling out of control and he doesn't want to drag Trapnest down with him. Neither Takumi nor Reira are willing to let Ren quit the band, and both do their best to give him the time he needs to get it together. But Ren isn't sure this is something he can handle on his own. Will he turn to Nana for help, or will their strained relationship make him try to face his demons alone?

Review: Though volume 20 might be one of the shortest volumes of Nana, but it packed a powerful punch that left me reeling and in tears. It's hard to believe that the story of two girls with the same name has taken place for a year. Do you know the saying, "When it rains, it pours?" Yeah, well it's pouring buckets and buckets in the world of Nana. Blast has had to break up and Nana O. begins to pick up the pieces and start her solo career. This time Trapnest is imploding from within: Takumi crosses the his boundaries with his relationship with Reira in the hopes of containing the damage, while Ren attempts to leave band as he knows his drug use has gotten out of control.
    Yazawa has some of the most beautiful artwork in this volume. The tone of the volume is colored in quiet, dark strokes. There are several panels that are wordless yet the character's body language speaks loudly. There are a few comic intervals than usual and the "look" from the characters clothes, dialogue is suitably oppressive and tense. She really does do an amazing job of keeping it all visually consistent.
   One of the reasons why I love this manga despite its melodrama, soap opera plot line is the way in which its multi-stranded plot jumps back and forth in time. The stories and the character's internal conflicts in their essence is very realistic. Besides the main story line and the inevitable character "back-stories," there are also sections of the story that are set an unspecified number of years in the future, and indeed, much of the continuing dramatic tensions revolves around what happened to Nana Osaki and the rest in-between. We are told that the Nanas have separated and the fiery, strong-willed Nana O. that we have come to love has irrevocably changed. In this volume we now understand what tragedy occurred and how its magnitude is felt with all the characters.
  Another reason why I love this manga is the growing character development for all of the characters. The chapters from the future suggest that characters, particularly Takumi who I find is most striking, have changed. It is as if to suggest that the most single event in this book was a wake-up call for all of the characters. Needless to say, this volume ends with the single event which is likely to begin the ripples which will bring this series racing toward its climax. I don't know how the characters will deal with the present situation and move forward.

Rating: 5 stars

Words of Caution: There are mature themes and depiction of drug use. Recommended for mature teens and adults only.

If you like this book try: We Were There by Yuuki Obata, Nana Vol 21 by Ai Yazawa, Honey and Clover by Chica Umino, Tramps Like Us by Yayoi Ogawa

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Manga Monday: Nana Vol. 19

  Manga Mondays is a meme hosted by Alison at Alison Can Read where bloggers can share their passion for reading mangas. It's a great place to get new manga titles to try and to meet new bloggers. At the moment, I've got sucked into the world of Nana where music is the back drop and fuels the characters' passions and where love and heartbreak go hand in hand.

Description (from Goodreads): The tabloid feeding frenzy has finally brought Blast down, but Nana is determined to keep hope alive. She's going to take a gig as a solo artist, and even accept acting jobs she has no interest in. As long as she keeps herself in the spotlight, she knows there's a chance Blast can make a comeback. But while all eyes are on Nana, what's happening to her friends in the background?!

Review: Valentines Day is the setting in this volume of Nana and things should be great but since happiness is short term in this manga series you can expect a lot of melodramatic moments. As you may recall, Blast's first major tour has been cancelled due to Shin's sudden arrest. In a last ditch effort, Nana O. tried to save the tour by swallowing her pride and asked Ren to fill in Shin's shoes. Ren flat out refused saying it would be an insult to both of their bands and told Nana O. to stop being selfish. I can see his point. When it comes to music and her career, Nana can have tunnel vision. She didn't stop to consider that Ren is not part of her band and that he won't drop everything for her just because he is her husband. Both Nana O. and Ren want to retain their own individuality. Now Nana O. and Ren are in a fight and not speaking to one another. Nana O. is staying at her old apartment while Ren is trying to overcome his drug addition to either cocaine or heroin (I'm not really sure since it just looks like powder in a pouch). Though we do see Ren dumping the drug in a hotel toilet and trying to recommit himself to his band, the next few panels shows him going through really bad withdrawals and ultimately succumbing to the drug. We also find out that a higher person in Trapnest's agency is Ren's supplier and will continue to supply so long as Ren writes hit songs for Trapnest.
  Meanwhile a weird love triangle has surfaced between Reira, Takumi, and Shin. Reira is refusing to back down from her strong feelings towards Takumi. She gives him a box of chocolate and confesses that she has always been in love with him. Taken aback, Takumi shuts off all of his emotions. He talks cruelly to her in hopes that she would leave him alone. He insists that she has no feelings for him and that she is projecting what she feels for Shin on to him. Reira gets angry and says that no matter who she loves, he will always be the first one on that list. In response, Takumi says that the only way for Reira to be with him is to regulate herself as one of his many mistresses. Reira immediately accepts, which shocks both Takumi and myself. I've never been fond of Takumi and Reira as a potential couple, but Yazawa manages to make us care for them by showing how their relationship has evolved since being introduced to one another as kids. Though it is clear that Reira's feeling for Takumi have never wavered from love. She sees the best in him. Contrastly, Takumi fluctuates between caring and even possibly loving Reira but has always used her as an instrument to get ahead. Perhaps now he's willing to open himself up to Reira.
  What makes the Reira, Takumi, and Shin love triangle interesting is that Takumi is the one who separated Reira and Shin not because he had feelings for Reira but he was afraid that this relationship would bring scandal to the band since Shin is technically a minor. Now that Reira is willing to be his mistress, Takumi is afraid of himself and what he might do. He is clearly attracted to Reira since they kissed passionately a few times and I have no doubt they would have gone further if they weren't interrupted by their assistant manager. Unsure of himself, Takumi actually advises Shin to get back with Reira and hopes that Shin would return to Reira so he doesn't have to think about Reira anymore. I was thrilled to see Shin refusing to rush back to Reira and saying that he has to get his priorities straight. With Shin out of the picture, Takumi and Reira have full reign and I just know things are going to be messy.

Rating: 4 stars

Words of Caution: While there isn't strong language or sexual situations in this novel, there are mature themes discussed. I would still recommend this series to mature teens and adults only.

If you like this book try: We Were There by Yuuki Obata, Nana Vol 20 by Ai Yazawa, Honey and Clover by Chica Umino, Tramps Like Us by Yayoi Ogawa

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Manga Monday: Nana Vol. 18

Manga Mondays is a meme hosted by Alison at Alison Can Read where bloggers can share their passion for reading mangas. It's a great place to get new manga titles to try and to meet new bloggers. At the moment, I've got sucked into the world of Nana where music is the back drop and fuels the characters' passions and where love and heartbreak go hand in hand.

Description (from the back of the volume): Things aren't looking good for Blast. Shin, under extreme stress from the band's rising success and his relationship with Reira, seeks out reconciliation wherever he can. Reestablishing ties with his own family turns out to be a horrible failure, and before he can connect Nana with her unknown little sister, Shin gets arrested! Is this the end of Blast?!

Review: I can clearly see why many readers would be incredibly frustrated with Nana. Nothing is simple and all the relationships that I would like to be over and done with continue, which infuriates me to no end. The two story lines, one from the future and one from the present, still remain and are cleverly placed with enough teasers to capture our attention.
In the future, Nana O. remains in hiding and singing in some remote pub in England according to the latest Japanese paparazzi photos. From what I gather in the bleak monologues, Nana O. has lost all hope. She is extremely depressed and quite possibly suicidal. Blast is no longer though the band mates still remain incredibly close. Nobu has partnered with his family business and running a club for aspiring musicians while Shin is a famous actor. It's unclear what Yasu seems to be doing, but it's possible that he picked his law degree back up. Nana K. seems have gone into a fashion business and she seems to have another kid.
  Meanwhile in the present, Blast is all set for their first tour and they are ready to prove everyone that they are not just a manufactured one hit wonder. Things seem to be falling into place until Shin routinely shows up late for rehearsals and then suddenly is missing causing ripples of panic and frustration for his band. After a frantic search, Shin found in jail and is arrested. When we hear of Shin's arrest, we also find out through his texts that he has reached out to Nana's half sister's best friend and has requested her to meet and tell Nana O. everything about her family.
  Like many of the side characters, I adore Shin. He and Nana O. share many similarities. They are both ostracized by their family, believed to be unloved and strongly attach themselves to others in order to feel whole. Now that Shin has lost his anchor with Reira, he is struggling to not only make a connection somewhere, but trying to find his purpose in life. The one good thing about this arrest is that it will hopefully give him some time to re-evaluate things and grow-up.  Due to Shin's fiascos, Blast's tour is in jeopardy. The agency cancels the tour all together and I have to say that's a bit extreme. Now I'm left with several unanswered questions: Will Nana O's dream of becoming Japan's most famous rock star dream end or is she willing to leave her band and start a solo career? Will Nana O's half sister's best friend make it to Nana O and tell all about the family that she has never known? What drove Nana O. away from her friends and is it at all possible for a happy reunion? I guess the only way to find out is to read the next volume! 

Rating: 4 stars

Words of Caution:  Language, sexual situations, and crude humor. Recommended for mature teens and adults only.

If you like this book try: We Were There by Yuuki Obata, Nana Vol 19 by Ai Yazawa, Honey and Clover by Chica Umino, Tramps Like Us by Yayoi Ogawa

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Manga Monday: Nana Vol. 17

  Manga Mondays is a meme hosted by Alison at Alison Can Read where bloggers can share their passion for reading mangas. It's a great place to get new manga titles to try and to meet new bloggers. At the moment, I've got sucked into the world of Nana where music is the back drop and fuels the characters' passions and love and heartbreak go hand in hand. It seems that the closer that I get to volume 21 where the series is at a stand still, the more ominous the tone gets. I hope my characters will be alright.

Description (from back of the volume): Ever since she got engaged to Takumi and moved out of apartment 707, Nana K. has felt like she's slipping out of Nana O's life. When the tabloids start digging up Nana O's troubled family history, Nana K tries to step in and take care of things. But will her good intentions stir up more trouble? Blast is rocketing to stardom, and the price for bringing them down keeps going up.

Review: In the last few volumes of Nana that I've read, we are steered to the more personal aspects of Nana O.'s life. Volume 17 gives us a little more insight into Nana O's family and her past. There are two story lines going on, one of the future and one of the present. In the future, Nana O. has gone missing. People in the music industry believe she is dead, much like many young rock stars who diffuse easily once they reach the flames of popularity. Her bandmates, however,  strongly believe that is she is alive but just doesn't want to be found.  One day when Nana K. comes to apartment 707, the apartment she shared with Nana O. when they first moved to Tokyo, and checks the mail, she finds an envelope addressed to her with pictures of a girl with long hair and the same tattoo as Nana on her arm, singing at a bar. With clues such as this photo, the band is beginning to investigate Nana O. possible whereabouts. Blast's band status is still unknown, but I'm guessing that they either completely broken up or just put on pause until they reunite with their lead singer.
  After a stressful and anxiety ridden first chapter in the future, we are now taken to the present as Nana K. has been approached by a tabloid reporter saying he knows about Nana O's past and hints at Nana O's family's current location will publish it as the next big story. Nana K., who is always noted for her brilliance (yes, that's sarcasm) decides to go to Nana O's hometown and warn Nana's mother about the paparazzi blitz that will surely take place, but the woman denies having a daughter named Nana though they share many familiar physical features. As readers, we know that the woman is lying and is indeed Nana O's mother. We are also given more information about Nana O's family background, particularly of the strained relationship between Nana O's mother and grandmother, which might explain the nonexistent mother and daughter relationship between Nana O. and her mother. To cheer Nana O. up when she realizes that the story will break, Nana K. comes to live with her until Takumi returns from his trip. After this sudden turn of events, we are left with several questions. Will Nana O. be fine? Now that Misato, Nana O's half-sister who is a fan of hers, knows about their relationship, how will she react? And will she leave Nana O. alone? Will Nana O's mother's life be the same and will she ever reunite with her daughter?
 In other plot developments, Reira have broken up with Shin because she said she wanted to focus on her career. Hurt and heart broken Shin cuts all ties with Reira, but Reira seems to be the one who can't let go by sending him text messages and proposals for nightly visits. What is interesting is that the more time Ren spends with Reira and the two openly talk, we suspect that Reira's real plans are of wanting to be near Takumi. And in a scene from Reira's childhood, we see her telling Takumi that she loves him. What are Reira's true intentions? And does she really have feelings besides lust for Shin?

Rating: 4 stars

Words of Caution: Language, sexual situations, and crude humor. Recommended for mature teens and adults only.

If you like this book try: We Were There by Yuuki Obata, Nana Vol 18 by Ai Yazawa, Honey and Clover by Chica Umino, Tramps Like Us by Yayoi Ogawa

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Manga Monday: Nana Vol. 16

Manga Mondays is a meme hosted by Alison at Alison Can Read where bloggers can share their passion for reading mangas. It's a great place to get new manga titles to try and to meet new bloggers. At the moment, I've got sucked into the world of Nana where music is the back drop and fuels the characters' passions and love and heart break go hand in hand. I'm coming close to where the series is at a stand still and I'm nervous that the series will end in a cliffhanger of sorts.

Description: Blast is at the top of the charts, and the band is making all kinds of P.R. appearances. Nana just wants to sing though, and all the marketing is starting to wear on her. A party planned for the loyal fans might be just what she needs to cheer her up. But there are secrets about her past lurking in Osaka, and the magazine Search Weekly is determined to bring them to light!

Review: In Volume 16 of Nana, we take a nice break from the melodrama surrounding the various romantic relationships in the book. Normally, I don't mind the drama as it makes the reading quicker, but I get so frustrated because I want to see all the characters (well, except for evil Takumi) to be happy! Happiness in the world of Nana is fleeting, which gives the series a melancholy touch.

  As this volume unfolds, the plot focuses on the tabloids crazy obsession to find more dirt on Nana O. especially as her band Blast's popularity surges and sits comfortably at the top of the charts. Since they were unable to publish the rumored "Ren's having an affair!" headline thanks to Taukmi's smart diversion, the tabloids are now hunting any snippet of information regarding Nana's past, particularly about her family history.  

 Even though we are into 16 volumes of this series, we are left much in the dark about Nana's past. We do know that she was abandoned by her mother at a very young age and was raised by her grandmother. In this volume, we discover that Nana's mother is still alive, has been remarried, and now has two children. There has been no communication between Nana and her mother, who she presumed was dead. Nana has not even visited her hometown nor shows any desire to do so. So when Misato, Blast's biggest fan now turned Assistant Manager, and Nana K. catch wind about Nana's mother they try to keep the news away from Nana O. in fear of making her sad and angry. What Misato and Nana K. don't know is that Nana's half sister is actually at the party that Blast held for its biggest fans. Nana's half sister, also named Misato, is adorable. She really looks uncannily like Nana O. with the same hair style and physical features. The two girls meet but only as singer and fan.

  While I understand Nana K. and Assistant Manager Misato's attention of wanting to keep this information from Nana, I do think they are being a bit too presumptuous and cuddling Nana. Unlike Nana K. who falls apart with any hint of sadness that touches her life, Nana O. has endured pain and made stronger of it. Of course, Nana O. will be devastated to find out the news about her mother and siblings, but I think that continuous hole she feels inside of her might just close. 

  Hanging over this possibility is the cloud of doom that scares me most, as we are given a cruel sneak peek at the future where Nana O. has disappeared and feared dead. How's that for an attention grabber? 

Rating: 4 stars

Words of Caution: Language, sexual situations, and crude humor. Recommended for mature teens and adults only.

If you like this book try: Nana Vol 17 by Ai Yazawa, Honey and Clover by Chica Umino, Tramps Like Us by Yayoi Ogawa

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Manga Monday: Nana Vol. 14

 Manga Mondays is a meme hosted by Alison at Alison Can Read where bloggers can share their passion for reading mangas. It's a great place to get new manga titles to try and to meet new bloggers. At the moment, I've got sucked into the world of Nana where love is constantly entangled with music, heartache, and happiness.

Description: As Blast gears up for their major label debut, their fan club starts mobilizing. Led by the chic Shion, these ladies are serious fans who won't let anyone mess with their band. But the fan club has it out for Misato, a maverick fan who has gotten too close to Nana. What will they say when they find out Misato is applying for a job with Blast?!

Review: Volume 14 was a disappointing read. There was a lack of organization and jarring transitions between the different story lines. We get a glimpse at the rabid Blast fan base as hoards of groupies wait and crowd a hotel waiting for their favorite band to show up. This story line really did nothing for me and I didn't think it added much to the overall story arc of Nana too. I was a bit confused as to why Yazama added it.
   As you probably notice if you're following my reviews of Nana thus far, happiness is very temporary in this series. It seems as if the characters are desperately scrambling to stay a float and trying not to get disappointed when they don't meet their sky high expectations. We do get this familiar melancholy current when we learn something crucial about Ren, particularly his current relationship with Nana and his past with Reira.
  Ren and Nana O. have many similarities, which be why they are so drawn to one another. Nana O. was abandoned at a young age and Ren grew up in an orphanage. Both use music as their lifeline and identity. Now Ren seems like he is losing everything. He opens up to Reira how insecure he feels around Yasu, his best friend and from my perspective how Ren wanted his life to be. What is admirable about Yasu is that he is isn't a very emotional person-that is he thinks things through logically and calmly. He does things on his own terms, not because he is pressured to do so unlike Ren. For Ren, his band Trapnest is slowly suffocating him and making him numb. So numb that he has taken to cocaine to make him feel something.
   Ren and Reira take a ride to get away from the band for an afternoon. They both recall memories of when they first met, which I believe this takes place before Ren and Nana O. meet. I wasn't surprised to find out that Ren had a crush on Reira. Reira is an attractive girl with a great voice and a nice personality. What surprised me is how Ren described Yasu pursuing Reira and how he wished he could do the same for Nana O. It's clear that both Ren and Yasu wanted Reira, but Yasu went after Reira and made it happen. Presently, Ren has Nana O., his proposal of marriage is what binds her to him, but Ren is still afraid of Yasu who he has always known carried a torch for Nana O. for as long as they could both remember.
  What frustrates me about Ren is that he has made himself to be the unwanted loser and be more codependent then he has ever been before. He definitely is a drifter and can leave the band. He does mention that he would want Nana O. to leave Blast and be with him. don't understand what stops him from leaving Trapnest. It's hard to know what he wants because he emotionally shuts down and refuses to talk.
  Meanwhile the paparazzi spy Ren and Reira together in hugs and other poses that look like they are having an affair if you didn't know what was happening. Those photos are then given to Nana O. as a "present" by the tabloid company and I'm sure all hell is going to break loose in the next volume.

Rating: 3.5 stars

Words of Caution: Drug use, sexual situations, and crude humor. Recommended for mature teens and adults only.

If you like this book try: Nana Vol 15 by Ai Yazawa, Honey and Clover by Chica Umino, Tramps Like Us by Yayoi Ogawa

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Manga Mondays: Nana Vol. 13

  It's time for Manga Mondays! Manga Mondays is a meme hosted by Alison at Alison Can Read where bloggers can share their passion for reading mangas. It's a great place to get new manga titles to try and to meet new bloggers. At the moment, I've got sucked into the world of Nana where love is constantly entangled with music, heartache, and happiness. After looking for information about the author, I realized that I was misinformed about the Nana series. The series is not complete, but put on hold as the author recuperates from an illness. Presently, there are no volumes published after volume 21 which is where I got confused. I apologize for the misinformation.

Description: Nana K. hasn't had a real reunion with Nana or the rest of Blast since she moved in with Takumi, and Shin and Reira's joint birthday party seems like the perfect chance for a get together. Takumi, however, is furious at his fiance for crashing the event. Once again Nana K. , and she is forced to choose Takumi over Nana one more time. But was this Hachi's last chance to get back in Nana's life?

Review: Volume 13 is filled with drama. Lots of things happening all at once. I actually had to read slowly so I wouldn't miss anything. Shin and Reira are having a joint birthday party as their birthdays are a few days apart.  On the surface, this setting is suppose to be a happy occasion with great food and friends, but like the whole series, there are complex, dark undersides that lurk beneath the party decorations.
  Takumi is furious with Nana K. for "crashing" the birthday party or in his view a perfect opportunity to schmooze and network. As you may recall, Nana K. was personally invited by Reira and only came because of her loyalty to Shin, the youngest member of Blast, which was all unknown to Takumi. Takumi and Nana K. have a fight. There was a moment where I thought Nana K. grew a spine and told her caddish fiance to back off and that thing were over. Unfortunately, that passed as quickly as a blink of an eye. After several frustrating volumes, Nana K. finally admits that Takumi is not right for her, but she is afraid of being alone and due to her fear of him abandoning her at any moment, she submits to him and becomes his puppet.
  Meanwhile Nana O. and Ren can't tolerate a big crowd. They both sneak off into their own room. Nana O. is annoyed that many now think of her as only "Ren's fiance". Though she loves Ren, she hates to have her own individual identity removed. Nana O. is unaware of Ren's drug use. In the previous volumes, we get a hint that Ren has been dabbling into drugs with his occassional use of pot, but now he's getting into serious drugs (cocaine? heroine?). It is unclear, however, if the drugs are requested by him or provided to him by his music label.
  Another person spiraling down is Nobu. Poor Nobu can't get over Nana K. Their awkward meeting, which is beautifully drawn with close-ups and my favorite part of this volume, got me all choked up. Though he is heartbroken and can't rid of the "what ifs" that haunt him at night, he really wants Nana K. to be happy even if her happiness doesn't include him. After seeing Nana K. for the first time since they split up, Nobu literally launches into a relationship with Asami, the porn star, who isn't all that different from Nana K. Asami is clearly the rebound girl and I don't have any hope that their "relationship" will last.
  Like Nobu, Shin and Reira are seductively playing with the danger zone. With Shin barely being a legal adult, his relationship with Reira is really, really bad idea especially if the press got hold of his past being a male escort and age. Takumi has advised Shin to stay away from Reira, but of course emotions over ride logic. I hate to admit that I can see Takumi's logic, but he is right. So now, Takumi has enlisted Nana K.'s help to try to separate Shin and Reira. Whenever Nana K. is involved in an important task, things don't go well at all. I have no idea what her plans are, but I know it won't be good.
  Despite all of these ongoings, we get a tiny glimpse into a possibly budding romance between Miu, an actress who suffers from severe depression, and Yasu. I'm thrilled for a Yasu romance storyline as I think he's a fabulous character who is always reliable, smart, and solid. I have no idea what will happen next in Nana, but it is always an emotional rollercoaster and I wouldn't like it any other way.

Rating: 4 stars

Words of Caution: There is strong sexual content, crude humor, some drug references, and some language. Recommended for mature teens and adults only.

If you like this book try: Nana Vol 14 by Ai Yazawa, Honey and Clover by Chica Umino, Tramps Like Us by Yayoi Ogawa

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Manga Mondays: Nana Vol. 12

It's time for Manga Mondays! Manga Mondays is a meme hosted by Alison at Alison Can Read where bloggers can share their passion for reading mangas. It's a great place to get new manga titles to try and to meet new bloggers. At the moment, I've got sucked into the world of Nana where love is constantly entangled with music, heartache, and happiness.

Description (from Goodreads): Nana K. tells herself that she's got her eye on the future and her life with Takumi, Trapnest's bassist, but she just can't let go of the past and her friendship with Nana and the rest of Blast--especially Nobu. And the tangle gets thicker when Nana K.'s wedding has to be postponed in favor of Nana and Ren's nuptials. Can Nana K. handle another delay in her happily-ever-after?

Review: Vol 12 has an unique chapter opening in any of first eleven volumes of this series. We are given a brief glimpse into the future where some of the main characters are present while some are notably absent. I'm now extremely curious to see how this future comes to be and what happened between our present time to the first chapter of this volume. In hat seems to be typical  Yazawa fashion, the tone is bittersweet and it carries throughout the entire volume.
  The last volume ends with the possiblity of a reunion between Nana K. and Blast. I was really excited to see how the whole Nobu and Nana K. meeting the first time after a very messy break-up turns out as well as have this great group of friends revert back to the good old days. Yazawa slows the pace for the actual meet-up and cleverly builds suspense as the time to meet comes closer. The band dons on clothes and wigs to conceal their identity while Nana K. is starting to have second thoughts about really attending. She in fact tells Nana O. while sobbing that she'd only come if Nobu isn't present. Watching Nobu's reaction to the news broke my heart. He's clearly not over Nana K., but is willing to do anything to make her happy. I think the main reason why Nana K. doesn't want to see Nobu is because of her illogical decision to stay with Takumi (who I hate with a passion). She's clearly not convinced she made the right choice nor am I. I keep hoping that something or someone will knock some sense into her and she realizes that she is going to ruin her life
  After the fireworks, the next big event in the volume is Nana O. accepting Ren's proposal for marriage. Unlike many engagement announcements which is filled with excitement, Nana O.'s engagement seems completely orchestrated by the music labels of both bands. Ren and Nana O. have to do a media conference, and fill out official marriage licenses in front of their respective managers. I thought it was interesting that Nana O. has the exact same engagment ring as Nana K. and I'm sure we're set up to see how both of these marriages match-up as the story progresses. Blast and Nana K. are happy for Nana O, but now Takumi always thinking as a businessman wants to delay his marriage so that Ren could marry first since their news will most likely increase the sales for both band's albums. 
  Volume 12 ends in a some what of a cliffhanger as a joint birthday party for Shin and Reira is underway. Nana K. has been interestingly invited by Reira not Takumi. I guess the fireworks was a precursor to the actual reunion between all memebers of Blast and Nana K.

Rating: 4 stars

Words of Caution: There is strong sexual content, crude humor, some drug references, and some language. Recommended for mature teens and adults only.

If you like this book try:  Nana Vol 13 by Ai Yazawa, Honey and Clover by Chica Umino, Tramps Like Us by Yayoi Ogawa

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Manga Mondays: Nana Vol. 11

It's Monday and time for Manga Mondays! Manga Mondays is a meme hosted by Alison at Alison Can Read where bloggers can share their passion for reading mangas. It's a great place to get new manga titles to try and to meet new bloggers. I'm about half way through Nana, the widely popular manga series, and am a bit sad to see it end.

Description (from back of the volume): With the tabloids still out for blood, Nana O. and her Blast bandmates move into a weird dorm building run by their agency. But they've barely got enough time to settle into their new digs because their crammed schedule has them running from music studio to TV interview. The stress of band life and dealing with a disintegrating Ren have started to take their toll on Nana O. If she collapses now, will she ever get back up?

Review: Volume 11 starts a second story arc and kicks off with the characters plagued by self doubt including and not limited to relationship doubts. Nana K. is kept to the background while Nana O. is uncomfortably on stage. As Blast begins to kick off their promotion of their first single, Nana O.'s panic attacks start to become more alarming. She is beginning to feel insecure of her singing as her music producer tells her that he can fix her flaws using computers and mixers. Added to that pressure is the distance of both Ren and Nana K., both of whom Nana O. has developed strong attachments to.
  Similarly, Ren seems to be tearing at the seams. He has lost his passion for Trapnest. I don't think he is starting to hate music, but rather he's getting burnt out from all the financial aspects of being in a band. He feels trapped by the band's responsiblity and yearns for the freedom to do what he really wants, which is to make music freely. He distance himself from Nana O. because he can't comfort her while he is also unsuccessfully dealing with his own band issues. He seems how musters up the courage to ask Nana O. to marry him, believing she is the only anchor that can hold him up. Like in typical manga fashion, we are still waiting for an answer from Nana O.
  Meanwhile Blast seems to be rolling with the punches with their music label. They are now living in a dorm run provided by Gaia Records. Their dorm is in a shady area next to a place called a "lover's quarter" building. Is it a residental building for porn stars? Prostitutes? I'm not really sure, but we are introduced to two characters, a porn star and the other a supposed small actress (or is she? what is she up to?), both seem to be interested in Nobu. Nobu, however, is still heart broken over Nana K. 
  After a few "downers" of an ending, Volume 11 ends with a hopefully note as Blast plans on reuniting with Nana K. at a fireworks festival.

Rating: 4 stars

Words of Caution: There is strong sexual content, crude humor, some drug references, and some language. Recommended for mature teens and adults only.

If you like this book try: Nana Vol 12 by Ai Yazawa, Honey and Clover by Chica Umino, Tramps Like Us by Yayoi Ogawa
 

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Manga Mondays: Nana Vol. 10

 It's Monday and time for Manga Mondays! Manga Mondays is a meme hosted by Alison at Alison Can Read where bloggers can share their passion for reading mangas. It's a great place to get new manga titles to try and to meet new bloggers. I'm about half way through Nana, the widely popular manga series, and am a bit sad to see it end.

Description (from back of the book): Being an engaged woman isn't as wonderful as Nana K. had thought it would be. When scandal hits Blast hard, Trapnest flees to Europe and Nana K. is left to watch Blast suffer in the scandal rags and tabloid shows.

Review: Yazawa puts the relationship melodrama on the temporary back burner and plays us the music business in Volume 10 of the Nana series. Thus far the manga has revolved around relationships while the theme of music has been regulated to the background. The stalking paparazzi have shifted their attention from Trapnest's bassist sudden marriage news to Ren and Nana O's relationship. The news, already known to the readers of the manga, has set the media circus on fire. The news breaks on morning television and is all over the scandal rags. The little unknown band, Blast, has now garnered the attention of a wide audience. Was the news of Nana O's relationship sold by the music company to develop interest amongst the masses? It's hard to tell, but it does seem too much of a coincidence. 
  Rival band, Trapnest, is trying to keep the scandal down low, but the band's company is also riding on the coat tails of new news in order to sell Trapnest records. Blast never had a solid contract with their music label but now the company sees how much interest has generated due to the media frenzy and feel compelled to sign the band up. Time can only tell whether or not Blast will sink or swim.  This volume actually shows the reader how much the music industry is really driven by companies and the product rather than music per se. Both Nanas have to fend themselves as their love interests are flown out to London in order to stay from the media's radar. I'm excited to see Nana O's dream of being the number one music band in Japan come true. I'm also curious to see if she will once again reunite with Nana K.

Rating:

Words of Caution: There is strong sexual content, crude humor, and some language. Recommended for mature teens and adults only.

If you like this book try:  Nana Vol 11 by Ai Yazawa, Honey and Clover by Chica Umino, Tramps Like Us by Yayoi Ogawa

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Manga Mondays: Nana Vol. 9

Manga Mondays is a meme hosted by Alison at Alison Can Read where bloggers can share their passion for reading mangas. It's a great place to get new manga titles to try and to meet new bloggers. I've really been enjoying Nana, the widely popular manga series.

Description (from Goodreads): Trapnest's bassist and Nana K. are getting married, but it's far from a joyous announcement. Nobu and Nana are devastated, and even the bassist's bandmates take the news hard. Will Nana K. ever get her happily ever after?

Review: Volume 9 is not as emotionally explosive as the previous volume and works as a place holder as the characters try to sort out the shocking news about Nana K. Things are slowly spiraling out of control. The d-bag bassist has taken over Nana K.'s decisions and decides that Nana K. will move out of the apartment she shares with Nana O. Thus the once quirky relationship that helped support both Nanas is now broken. Nana O. takes the "break up" close to heart and even suffers from a panic attack.
  Things get worse for Nana O. as Blast finds out that their dream of signing up with a label is actually far from their reality. The music company isn't sure how sell-able the band will be and thus defers from making their decision. The band must reconsider what they are able to give up in order to obtain the label.  
  Meanwhile, Trapnest is blind-sided by the bassist's sudden marriage. To help avoid scandal and a paparazzi blitz, the wedding will be announced to the public, however, Ren is cautioned to be careful when meeting Nana O. in fear of bad publicity. Hypocritical, no? We also find out that Reira, for some reason that I can't understand, has strong feelings for the bassist. How many people can love this jerk? What do they see in him? I just don't understand.


Rating: 3.5 stars

Words of Caution: There is strong sexual content, crude humor, and some language. Recommended for mature teens and adults only.

If you like this book try: Nana Vol 10 by Ai Yazawa, Honey and Clover by Chica Umino, Tramps Like Us by Yayoi Ogawa

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Manga Mondays: Nana Vol. 8

  Manga Mondays is a meme hosted by Alison at Alison Can Read where bloggers can share their passion for reading mangas. It's a great place to get new manga titles to try and to meet new bloggers. I've really been enjoying Nana, the widely popular manga series. Out of the volumes I've read thus far, Volume 8 is by far my favorite.


Description (from Goodreads): Nana K.'s happiness with Nobu is slipping through her fingers as an unexpected complication with Trapnest's bassist threatens to upend her entire life. And unlike her past romantic woes, the choice she makes now will change the lives of everyone around her.

Review: Volume 8 is a mature exploration of the different types of love we come across in our lives, ranging from friendship, familial, and romantic. Many readers who have commented thus far on my Nana posts have stated that this series gets darker and now I know why. Things aren't great for the Nanas, both individually and together.
  Nana K's naivete and boy craziness have thus far been served as a comic relief to the serious, career focus of her roommate. Now I can't help but wonder if her ditzy, charming personality is all a front. Normally, I either felt bad for her when her heart broke from being dumped and/or used or even rolled my eyes because of her stupid mistakes. In Volume 8, however, Nana K's carelessness comes to haunt her and as a result threatens to ruin everything that has worked so well for her. At the end of Volume 8, I was so very angry at her for breaking Nobu's heart, becoming co-dependent with the dirt-bag bassist, and making everyone, including me, so disappointed in her.
  Nana O. has a strong connection with Nana K. Some reviewers have often labeled their relationship as homoerotic, but I honestly don't see it that way. I actually see Nana O. and Nana K. being more like a family unit, where Nana O. is the caretaker who shines reality upon Nana K.'s daydreams. As I mentioned in Volume 7, Nana O. has started to feel possessive about Nana K. and I now I get a clearer picture of how she reacts toward Nana K. Nana O. holds on to people in fear of losing them due to her own abandonment as a child. With her own emotional scars so fresh, she slowly learns to trust people and make friends who mean more to her than they realize. So when Nana K.'s life takes a sharp detour from Nana O., their friendship is tested in more ways than one. Nana K's betrayal of Nobu is also seen as a betrayal of Nana O. and Blast.
 Learning more about Shin and the possible reasons why he has abandoned his family also continues the theme of familial love. Perhaps he finds some fulfillment with his physical relationship with Reira, but I'm not convinced that Reira actually likes him. I see Shin as being more of a convenience though they do spend time together and look cute as a couple. It's clear that Reira's heart is set upon someone else.
  I have to mention the illustrations in this volume. They are absolutely stunning. There is a series of panels where characters are either looking back at one another or receiving the same news at the exact same time. I've never seen panels that cinematic before. The emotional expressions they emoted on the page where exactly the ones that I had on my face when I read this volume. Nana O's internal dialogue where expertly placed to mirror both her and Nana K.'s inner turmoil.
 Volume 8 was a really emotional read. It took me a while to pick up the next volume. Normally, I pick the next volume up right away to see what happens next. This time my heart broke for Nobu. He really deserves someone who will treat him right and I really hope he finds this person as the series continues because it is evident that Nana K. wasn't good enough for him.  

Rating: 4.5 stars

Words of Caution: There is strong sexual content, crude humor, and some language. Recommended for mature teens and adults only.

If you like this book try: Nana Vol 9 by Ai Yazawa, Honey and Clover by Chica Umino, Tramps Like Us by Yayoi Ogawa

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Manga Monday: Nana Vol. 7

 Manga Mondays is a meme hosted by Alison at Alison Can Read where bloggers can share their passion for reading mangas. It's a great place to get new manga titles to try and to meet new bloggers. I've really been enjoying Nana, the widely popular manga series. It's a great series to try if you enjoy music, friendship, and relationships. Today I'll be reviewing the seventh volume of Nana.

Description: Nana K. was happy to be Blast's biggest cheerleader, but now that the band is taking off, she's discovering that there are hordes of fans eager to take her place. At the same time, her involvement with Trapnest's hottie bassist is turning into a romantic entanglement she hadn't expected. When a chance for another kind of happiness presents itself, will Nana K. be strong enough to face the difficult choices that result?

Review: Drama continues at a brisk pace in this latest volume of Nana. Unlike the previous volumes where both Nanas take part of the story, Nana K. has much larger presence in this volume as the story centers around her.
  Nana K. has always been Blast's biggest supporter. Now that band has a very good possibility in signing with a huge music record company, she feels herself being alienated with the band. It's not that the band doesn't want her around, but she really has no sense of what they are going through at the moment. Still Nana K. shows her support making food for an after party for the band though aren't able to enjoy it together.
  The story gets interesting as we follow the tangled web of relationships that burst on to the page from volume 6. Nana K. is determined to break things off with the sleazy Trapnest bassist as she becomes closer to Nosbu. After mustering up courage, Nana K. calls up the bassist and tells him goodbye, which in everyone's book means that their 'relationship' is over. In a heartbeat later she tells Nosbu and the two are together. I was really surprised how quick Nana K. was to end one relationship and then jump into another. I have to say though that I really like Nana K. and Nosbu together. I think they fit together as they both are romantics at heart. Nosbu seems to put Nana K.'s needs first by offering support and making her happy. It's really the first time Nana K. has been in relationship where her needs are deemed important. The couple is adorably lovesick which makes we worried and wondering when the shoe is going to drop.
 Nosbu feels grateful for his relationship with Nana K. and goes to thank Nana O. for her help. Nana O. has a really strange response and says that she has to thank Nosbu for making Nana K. have free reign in her kingdom. I had to reread this a couple of times to understand Nana O.'s reaction, but I think she's a bit jealous to have Nana K.'s adoration taken away from her and maybe she doesn't feel Nana K. dating a band member to be a good thing.
 In addition to Nana K.'s relationships, Shin has an interesting problem. We are given hints in previous volumes as how he works as a male escort. Reira, the lead singer of Trapnest has request Shin of his services and actually pays him. He takes it as an insult but he also seems to be falling for her. We also get a glimpse of Shin's family background as his father appears briefly and apparently is financially well off as well as distant from his son. 
 The voiceover dialogues which I mentioned last time are really having  me curious and anxious as they become darker and lonelier. Could the happy days for the Nanas be over? If so, what exactly happened? Who is responsible for the rift and is there any chance of reconciliation? I guess I'll have to see where this all leads to in volume 8.

Rating: 4 stars

Words of Caution: Strong sexuality, some language, and crude humor. Recommended for mature teens and adults.

If you like this book try: Nana Vol 8 by Ai Yazawa, Honey and Clover by Chica Umino, Tramps Like Us by Yayoi Ogawa

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Manga Mondays: Nana Vol. 6

 Manga Mondays is a meme hosted by Alison at Alison Can Read where bloggers can share their passion for reading mangas. It's a great place to get new manga titles to try and to meet new bloggers. Today I'll be reviewing the sixth volume of Nana.

Description (from back of the book): Nana Osaki's band Blast is taking off in a big way--from sold-out club dates to a record label waving a contract at them. But the Trapnest menace still lurks, stealing away everything she cares for. Trapnest took her boyfriend, and even though Ren is back in her life, his band still comes first. And now her trusty sidekick Nana K. is being lured away by Trapnest's bassist. But this time, Nana O. won't give up without a fight!

Review: What happens when two bands who share a past collide? Drama! Volume 6 of Nana solely focuses on relationships, those that are developing at a very fast pace and others that starting to show a bit of fraying. Nana O. is thrilled to have Ren back in her life, but his band comes first. She refuses to attend to his sessions in fear of her fierce competitiveness taking over. She is reluctant to get closer to Ren because she knows how devastated she will be when he goes away. She does sense a distance in Nana K. though as she starting acting weird in asking her of Trapnest's whereabouts.
    Nana K. is worried that she may be labeled as someone who is 'easy' after her own night stand. As much as she would like to keep her one night stand a secret, everyone finds out as Trapnest's bassist reveals the information nonchalantly and claiming that Nana K. was virtually begging him to sleep with her. None of the characters like the Trapnest's bassist playboy ways. They all feel that he is not good for her and is taking advantage of her being a big fan of the band. I'm also getting a sense that Nana K., herself, isn't sure of what is going on with her and the bassist, as they virtually have no communication between one another besides nightly visits. Nana K. is hoping she's not just someone to make a bed warm, because that's not what she wants. She wants to be in a loving relationship. She finds herself in a weird love triangle as Nosbu stands up for her and finally declares that he has feelings for her. He is now on a mission to prove that he is better than the playboy bassist. I really hope that Nosbu is the better person for her.
  Meanwhile Shin and the leader singer of Trapnest seem to have gotten together. At the moment, the relationship seems to be purely physical. I'm wondering how long this 'relationship' will last. We also find out that the same lead singer use to be in a serious relationship with Yasu from Blast until they went their own separate ways to pursue their careers.
 The promise of a big music label for Blast means that both Nanas are not spending much time together. Dark tones and serious rhetorical questions are asked by both which makes me think that these best friends may break apart. Good thing I have the next volume on hand to see what happens next!

Rating: 4 stars

Word of Caution: Strong sexuality, some language, and crude humor. Recommended for mature teens and adults.

If you like this book try: Nana Vol 7 by Ai Yazawa, Honey and Clover by Chica Umino, Tramps Like Us by Yayoi Ogawa

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