Manga Review: Otomen, Vol. 2 [Paperback]

I've finished "Otomen Vol. 2" by Aya Kanno.

Product Description

R to L (Japanese Style)

Asuka Masamune is a guy who loves girly things -- sewing, knitting, making cute stuffed animals and reading shojo comics. But in a world where boys are expected to act manly, Asuka must hide his beloved hobbies and play the part of a masculine jock instead. Ryo Miyakozuka, on the other hand, is a girl who can't sew or bake a cake to save her life. Asuka finds himself drawn to Ryo, but she likes only the manliest of men! Can Asuka ever show his true self to anyone, much less to the girl that he's falling for?

Asuka's mother shows up with a surprise announcement -- it's time for Asuka to meet his fiancée! What kind of girl does she have in mind for him? And how will Ryo respond to the match?

About the Author

Aya Kanno was born in Tokyo, Japan. She is the creator of Soul Rescue, which has been published in the United States, and her latest work, Otomen, is currently being serialized in Japan's BetsuHana magazine. Blank Slate was originally published as Akusaga in Japan in Hana to Yume magazine.

Product Details
Reading level: Young Adult
Paperback: 192 pages
Publisher: VIZ Media LLC; Original edition (May 5, 2009)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1421521873
ISBN-13: 978-1421521879


My Review:

In this issue Asuka acquires a disciple Yamato Ariake, a very young boy who is mistaken for a girl and teased since he was a young kid.  He sees Asuka as a masculine idea and sets out just to be like him.  He also wants to be a man so he can confess to the girl who has stolen his heart.

During the Christmas season the relationship between Asuka and Ryo seems to be turning to a more romantic one when his mom returns and announces he is to meet his fiancee, Iruka Sakiyama!  She's a really wacky  person who is the Queen of Cuteness and lives in a life size magic castle dollhouse in humongous bedroom inside her family's mansion.  She sees Asuka as her Prince Charming.

Asuka has to be rescued and can you guess who comes to the rescue?

Full of humorous scenes especially centering around Iruka, great storyline and beautiful illustrations.

5/5

Thanks Maylene from Simon and Schuster Canada for sending me this manga to review, greatly appreciated!