Manga Review: Otomen, Vol. 18

I've finished "Otomen Vol. 18" by Aya Kanno.

Product Description

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. Can Asuka ever show his true self to anyone, much less to Ryo Miyakozuka, the girl that he’s falling for?

For the sake of his mom, Asuka turns away from his friends and Ryo.  But the unimaginable happens when Asuka’s friends stage an intervention at his graduation! With everything on the line, how will things end for our beloved otomen?

About the Author

Aya Kanno was born in Tokyo, Japan. She is the creator of Soul Rescue and Blank Slate (originally published as Akusaga in Japan’s BetsuHana magazine).

Product Details
Series: Otomen (Book 18)
Paperback: 200 pages
Publisher: VIZ Media LLC (May 6, 2014)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1421563096
ISBN-13: 978-1421563091

My Review:

4/5

Manga Review: Otomen, Vol. 17 Paperback

I've finished "Otomen Vol. 17" by Aya Kanno.

This New York Times Manga Bestseller series features handsome, manly men who have cute, girly hobbies!

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. Can Asuka ever show his true self to anyone, much less to Ryo Miyakozuka, the girl that he's falling for?

In her quest to get Asuka to turn away from his otomen ways, Asuka’s mom, Kiyomi, cancels his favorite shojo manga, Love Chick! What’s worse, she plans to break up Asuka and Ryo! Will Asuka succumb to his mother’s anti-otomen schemes?

Reads R to L (Japanese Style) for teen audiences.

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 herlatest work, Otomen, is currently being serialized in Japan's BetsuHana magazine. Blank Slate was originally published as Akusaga in Japan, also in BetsuHana.

Product Details
Series: Otomen (Book 17)
Paperback: 192 pages
Publisher: VIZ Media LLC; Reprint edition (January 7, 2014)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1421559684
ISBN-13: 978-1421559681

My Review:

Lots of drama in this volume of Otomen!

Asuka’s mom, Kiyomi cancels Love Chick when she finds out who Juta Tachibana is really Jewel Sachihana. She agrees to let Juta continue to write Love Chick if he stays away from Asuka.

Asuka breaks up with Ryo when he finally realizes that his friends are suffering and he thinks that he is the cause of his mom's breakdown.  She pretends there is something wrong with her (what a horrible, selfish, scary and crazy woman)!

4/5

Manga Review: Otomen, Vol. 14 [Paperback]

I've finished "Otomen Vol. 14" by Aya Kanno.

Product Description

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. Can Asuka ever show his true self to anyone, much less to Ryo Miyakozuka, the girl that he's falling for?

Asuka and Ryo join their friend Kitora on an adventure abroad to find the legendary delamezla flower!

Meanwhile, things get complicated when Asuka encourages his cousin Kasuga to confess his feelings to his crush — especially when Asuka becomes involved in more ways than one!

Reads R to L (Japanese Style) for teen audiences.

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 herlatest work, Otomen, is currently being serialized in Japan's BetsuHana magazine. Blank Slate was originally published as Akusaga in Japan, also in BetsuHana.

Product Details
Paperback: 192 pages
Publisher: VIZ Media LLC; Original edition (January 1, 2013)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1421549255
ISBN-13: 978-1421549255

My Review:

Kitora with the rest of gang except for Juta go on an adventure to find the legendary delamezla flower.  They meet Juta's cousin and uncle in a little town which hasn't seen any visitors for a long time.  The cousin tries to make the trip fun but Kitora isn't haven't any of it.  He just wants to find the legendary flowers and expresses his opinion which makes Yamato upset.

Kitora takes off to find the legendary flower when he sees a flower spirit and he's surprised.  Suddenly the ground collapses and he believes the spirit attacked and rejected him.  He is sad and later on at night he thinks back about the spirit and what it could have mean.  He finally goes to sleep when he sees a bright light and realizes he has petal of the legendary flower.

He heads off again to the place where he saw the flower spirit and sees her again.  Suddenly the ground collapses again and he falls into a cave.  Yamato follows him and they both try to find a way out of the cave when Kitora sees the spirit again.  This time he believes the spirit is trying to help them escape and he believes the other time it was warning him about the collapse.  They finally make it to the entrance and before the roof caves in Kitora pushes Yamato out.  Meanwhile Ryo and Asuka are looking for Kitora and Yamato. Suddenly Kitora arm comes out of the snow and he explains to everyone he believes the spirit was trying to tell him to help preserve the flower and make it bloom once again.  Everyone leaves to go back home.

Everyone's back at school when Kasuga asks Juta if he could arrange for him to meet Jewel Sachihana one more time before he transfer to college.  Juta asks Asuka if he could arrange it and he says leave it to him.  Asuka asks Hajime if he would help him with his disguise by doing his makeup but Hajime says no he will defeat Asuka at the next tournament.

Hajime is thinking about his future that he would do what he really wants to do in life work with makeup instead of taking over his father's company.  He is on his way home when he notices some new makeup and when he leaves he notices Asuka's dad.  They start talking about Asuka's disguise and Hajime realizes he was wrong not to help Asuka.  He rushes to the meeting place and is surprised to see Asuka in disguise with a basket over his head (this was so funny) and he grabs him and puts wig and does his makeup for him.  Kasuga confesses his love to Jewel Sachihana.


4/5

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

Manga Review: Otomen, Vol. 13 [Paperback]

I've finished "Otomen Vol. 13" by Aya Kanno.

Product Description

Reads R to L (Japanese Style), for audiences rated teen.
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. Can Asuka ever show his true self to anyone, much less to Ryo Miyakozuka, the girl that he's falling for?

Ryo ends up coaching a high school judo team, but women aren’t allowed at that school! She finds a way around this obstacle, but the real challenge comes when she finds herself facing off against ... Asuka?

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, also in BetsuHana.


Product Details
Paperback: 192 pages
Publisher: VIZ Media LLC; Original edition (September 4, 2012)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 142154265X
ISBN-13: 978-1421542652

My Review:

One day Ryo accidentally hurts the coach/captain of a rival high school judo team and she is asked to help to coach them.    It happens to be an all-boy school so she has to pretend to be a boy because when she first arrived there they threw her out and yelled at her for being a girl.  Asuka is worried because Ryo has been busy everyday and hasn't told him the real reason.  Juta is worried about Asuka and Ryo's relationship because his manga is based on their life and he has no idea what should happen next.  He also sees Ryo going to home but mistakes her for a boy since she is wearing a wig and has a boy's outfit on.

We also see the rival coach/captain developing feelings for Ryo (it seems like he liked her even when she was dressed as a boy) and he's confused until he realizes it's the girl who hurt him.  We learn how he bullied his team but he really does care for them and how they want to win to show how much they admire him.

When Juta and Asuka follow Ryo disguised as a boy going to her home Asuka knows it's Ryo from the back.  He also realizes he will have to fight her in the big tournament coming up which causes him to worry.

Ryo starts worrying about her relationship with Asuka and we see her thoughts and feelings.  She is working Christmas Eve and she's late for her date with Asuka.  He falls asleep and she covers him with a blanket and admits she loves him.

We also see a chapter were the guys bake a cake and the chef suggests they give it a girl.  Kitora (flower guy) gives it to Kuriko and Tonomine (make up guy) gives his to a faceless girl while doing her make up.

Asuka's cake gets crushed accidentally and he decides to make her another one.  He makes her a edible ring made of a chocolate rose after seeing a wedding gown in a window.

5/5
Thanks Simon and Schuster Canada for sending me this manga to review, greatly appreciated!

Manga Review: Otomen, Vol. 12 [Paperback]

I've finished "Otomen Vol. 12" by Aya Kanno.

Product Description

Reads R to L (Japanese Style), for audiences T.

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. Can Asuka ever show his true self to anyone, much less to Ryo Miyakozuka, the girl that he's falling for?

Secretly taking a baking class for men, Asuka is relieved that there’s a safe haven where he doesn’t need to hide his girly side from his anti-otomen mother. But when she finds out that he’s been attending this class, things get set to explode!

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, also in BetsuHana.

Product Details
Paperback: 200 pages
Publisher: VIZ Media LLC; Original edition (February 7, 2012)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1421541092
ISBN-13: 978-1421541099

My Review:

As you know in previous volumes Asuka's mom has been cracking down on the gender roles.  Asuka and his friends have been taking baking classes to relax.  Then one day Asuka's mom follows him and discovers he is taking a baking class, goes ballistic and ruins the Chef's house.  She feels so guilty she asks him to stay at her house until his place is restored.

In the second story the Chef has a stalker who kidnap Asuka to force him to make a cake for his dad.  The stalker has seen his dad for a long time and when he finally comes back his dad doesn't recognize him.  He thought if he got the Chef to make him a cake from childhood he might remember him.  But it doesn't work that way so the Chef gets the stalker to make the cake and sure enough his dad remembers him. 

The last story is about the poet teacher again writing poems for students.

In this issue Asuka finds out who his dad is and he has been looking out for him.  We also learn a bit more of his dad's history.

Can you guess who Asuka's dad is?

5/5

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

Other manga in series:

1.  Otomen Vol. 1
2.  Otomen Vol. 2
3.  Otomen Vol. 3
4.  Otomen Vol. 4
5.  Otomen Vol. 5
6.  Otomen Vol. 6
7.  Otomen Vol. 7
8.  Otomen Vol. 8
9.  Otomen Vol. 9
10.  Otomen Vol. 10 
11.  Otomen Vol. 11
12.  Otomen Vol. 13 - Sept 4, 2012

Manga Review: Otomen, Vol. 11 [Paperback]

I've finished "Otomen Vol. 11" by Aya Kanno.

Product Description

Reads R to L (Japanese Style), for audiences T 

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. Can Asuka ever show his true self to anyone, much less to Ryo Miyakozuka, the girl that he's falling for?

Asuka engages in a battle with Suzaki Oji to see who will get the most Valentine's Day chocolates! As Oji seduces girls left and right into giving him chocolates, Asuka wonders one thing -- who will Ryo give her chocolates to?

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 herlatest work, Otomen, is currently being serialized in Japan's BetsuHana magazine. Blank Slate was originally published as Akusaga in Japan, also in BetsuHana.

Product Details
Paperback: 200 pages
Publisher: VIZ Media LLC; Original edition (August 2, 2011)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1421539780
ISBN-13: 978-1421539782

My Review:

In the first story everyone is still at the mountain retreat when the only way out gets flooded and blocked with mud.  The phone is out and they can't reach anyone from the outside world.  So they decide they need food and Ryo happened to pick some mushrooms but they are the deadly kind.  So it's decided that Ryo, Tonomine and Yamato will go pick some food.  Tonomine volunteered to go and watch over Ryo in Asuka's place.  Asuka feels bad so he decides to cheer everyone up by making paper lanterns which everyone loves.

Ryo has caught a big fish and all of them are on their way back when an avalanche starts and Ryo is right in it's path.  Tonomine saves her by throwing his body over hers and when it's over they discover he has a sprained ankle.  Ryo piggy back Tonomine but he feels embarrassed because it's not manly.

At the end they have a big festival and Ryo asks Asuka would he like to dance.  They are on their way where everyone is dancing when they see Tonomine leaning against a tree.  He says "wait" and he wants to repay a favor so he gives Ryo a make up makeover.  Wow she did look different!

In the second story we are introduced to Suzaki Oji the school nurse who is such a womanizer and flirt .  We see girls swooning and fainting at his feet.  One day Asuka is in the library and he finds a poem in a book which he really likes.  He writes a letter back to the poet and everyday he goes back to find another poem.  One day Suzaki finds a poem and he announces to everyone he will find out the poet is and he said he is silly.  Asuka replies back, "the poet isn't silly".  Suzaki challenges Asuka to see who will get the most Valentine's chocolates and if he wins he would continue to find to find who the poet is and if Asuka wins he would stop trying to find out who the poet is.

Then we see Asuka getting some candy from classmates, friends and even the bakery owner gives him chocolates from a friend he said.  We also see Suzaki flirting with the girls and even managing to take some candies meant for Asuka.  Then the final day comes and the total for Asuka is 249 and the Suzaki's is 250 when all of sudden Ryo appears and says sorry she was late making chocolates and wants to give them to Asuka.  Suzaki rushes behind her and starts whispering into her ear trying to sway her decision.  She quickly sidesteps away from him and gives them to Asuka.  Asuka says, "he can't take them but only from the one he loves" and proceeds to give them back to all the girls, etc.  He accepts Ryo's and Suzaki looks like he is in shock.  He is talking to Mr. Amasaki and says when he looks at Asuka and Ryo he wants to find true love like that.  It looks like he has been converted too!

In the last story Asuka's mom returns to live with Asuka and work at the school every day. Asuka stresses out because he can't relax and be himself until the bakery owner starts sponsoring a men only baking instruction days at his home. Asuka, Tonomine, the FreakDust bandmates and Ryo's grandfather all show up to learn how to bake. They all have so much fun that the baker decides to continue offering the classes. Asuka's mom knows about the bakery  but not about Asuka's involvement in the classes.

We also learn who Asuka's dad is at the end and we also find out the bakery owner has a younger brother who is news reporter.

Tonomine has a bigger part in this volume and he is a excellent make up artist.  It really looks like he is thawing out some more.  It looks like he is starting to respect Ryo.

5/5

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

Manga Review: Otomen, Vol. 5 [Paperback]

I've finished "Otomen Vol. 5" by Aya Kanno.

Product Description

R to L (Japanese Style). Having Girly Hobbies Doesn't Make You Less Manly!

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?

Ryo is chosen to participate in a contest where flower arrangement and tea ceremony skills are tested -- but she sucks at those things! To top things off, the previous champion wants Asuka for herself! Does Ryo have a fighting chance?

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 in BetsuHana magazine.

Product Details
Reading level: Young Adult
Paperback: 192 pages
Publisher: VIZ Media LLC; Original edition (February 2, 2010)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1421527375
ISBN-13: 978-1421527376

My Review:

In the first story is all about Ryo who has grown in characterisation.  She is picked to represent the 2nd year class in Ideal-Con during the school festivities.  Unfortunately, she doesn't know anything about cooking, tea ceremony or flower arranging, LOL!  Luckily she has Asuka who volunteers to be her "assistant".

The next story is all about Juta and his pen name "Jewel Sachinana".  It seems like Jewel has won an award for her manga except she has to give a speech.  Juta has keep his secret for the following reasons:

1.  His stories are based around Asuka

2.  He's afraid his fans wouldn't be horrified that Jewel is "a frivolous womanizing ladies' man" in his own words.

Juta refuses to out himself and convinces one of his sisters to take his place.  But of course, it doesn't go according to plan!

This is a very funny and hilarious series with lots of interesting hijinks!

5/5

Manga Review: Otomen, Vol. 4 [Paperback]

I've finished "Otomen Vol. 4" by Aya Kanno.

Product Description

Having Girly Hobbies Doesn't Make You Less Manly! R to L (Japanese Style).

With Ryo's birthday around the corner, Asuka's all aflutter making preparations for the festivities. Best-laid plans tend to go awry, however...especially when Ryo already has plans with another man! 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?

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 in BetsuHana magazine.

Product Details
Reading level: Young Adult
Paperback: 200 pages
Publisher: VIZ Media LLC; Original edition (November 3, 2009)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1421525372
ISBN-13: 978-1421525372

My Review:

In the first story Asuka is flustered because Ryo's birthday is coming up and then is flustered because Ryo is going to be spending it with another man.  We meet Ryo's very manly father who asks Asuka to understand women and what kind of gifts they would like.  Their interactions were very funny and hilarious!

The second story we meet a new character by the name of Kurokawa.  He's tall, with a mysterious aura surrounding him, his hair falling into his eyes and he loves flowers.  Asuka happens to find his secret flower garden which is hidden on the school grounds.

The third and fourth story centre on Asuka and the gang on vacation at the beach.  Asuka is dreaming of a romantic outing with Ryo but that doesn't happen, far from it!  Before he could ask her Yamato invites him and asks him to help him with his uncle's failing Beach Bar.  When they arrive they find out why it's on it's last leg.  It's a shabby shack with only yakisoba on the menu.  Just as they arrive Yamato's uncle injurys himself and leaves Yamato and his friends to manage the bar by themselves.  Asuka's rival Hajimi Tonomine arrives and challenges Asuka as usual.  

5/5

Manga Review: Otomen, Vol. 3 [Paperback]

I've finished "Otomen Vol. 3" by Aya Kanno.

Product Description

R to L (Japanese Style)

Asuka takes Ryo to an amusement park where he plans to confess his feelings to her. Too bad all the rides Ryo wants to go on frighten Asuka! Can he overcome his fear for the sake of love?

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 herlatest work, Otomen, is currently being serialized in Japan's BetsuHana magazine. Blank Slate was originally published in BetsuHana magazine.

Product Details
Reading level: Young Adult
Paperback: 200 pages
Publisher: VIZ Media LLC; Original edition (August 4, 2009)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1421524724
ISBN-13: 978-1421524726


My Review:

In this issue we are interested to Asuka's main kendo rival Hajime Tonomine.

In the first chapter Ryo is volunteering at day care and has asked Asuka to help out.  This section was very hilarious with Asuka's fatherly activities with the kids.  Laugh out loud hilarious!

In the second chapter Ryo and Asuka go to an amusement park together.  This should be a romantic outing right?  How wrong you are!  Asuka has to deal with a love-sick suicide bomber!

In the third chapter Asuka turns into a detective.  Juta has three girlfriends who ask Asuka to find out if Juta has an extra-special girlfriend.  They become suspicious when he's too busy for them.

In the fourth chapter we are introduced to Hajime who has a rivalry with Asuka.  Asuka has always beaten him in kendo so that aggravates him to no end.  When they bump into each other in the street they find out they have more in common then they think. 

5/5

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!

Manga Review: Otomen, Vol. 10 [Paperback]

I've finished "Otomen Vol. 10" by Aya Kanno.


Product Description

Reads R to L (Japanese Style) T audience.

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. Can Asuka ever show his true self to anyone, much less to Ryo Miyakozuka, the girl that he's falling for?

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 herlatest work, Otomen, is currently being serialized in Japan's BetsuHana magazine. Blank Slate was originally published as Akusaga in Japan, also in BetsuHana.

Product Details
Paperback: 208 pages
Publisher: VIZ Media LLC; Original edition (May 3, 2011)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 142153830X
ISBN-13: 978-1421538303

My Review:

The four teachers plus Kasuga that were introduced by Asuka's mom in an earlier issue are really trying to impose the new ideas of how the guys should be manly men and the girls should be girly girls.

In the first story the female teacher is trying to get Asuka to notice her but isn't doing a very good job.  At the end of the story he actually beats her in being more of a girly girl then she is.

In the second story the students are hypnotized to believe that man are manly men and girls are girly girls.  Juta sports a new hairdo briefly, Asuka forgets he likes girly stuff and Ryo actually loves to cook and is working in a cafe.

Tonomine makes a few cameos and seems to be slowly thawing towards Asuka, except where kendo is involved ... he's still as brutally anti-Asuka as ever.   We also get to see Asuka's ex-fiancee Iruka (the one who drugged him back in one of the early volumes) and the teacher's ex-boyfriend.  Yamato still worships Asuka like crazy!

5/5

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

Manga Review: Otomen Vol. 9 [Paperback]

I've finished "Otomen Vol. 9" by Aya Kanno.

Product Description

Reads R to L (Japanese Style) T audience

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. Can Asuka ever show his true self to anyone, much less to Ryo Miyakozuka, the girl that he's falling for?

An anti-otomen campaign takes over the school! Asuka's cousin and campaign enforcer Kasuga Masamune starts hunting down boys who have even an ounce of girly traits in them--and his first target is...?!

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 herlatest work, Otomen, is currently being serialized in Japan's BetsuHana magazine. Blank Slate was originally published as Akusaga in Japan, also in BetsuHana.
 
Product Details
Reading level: Young Adult
Paperback: 200 pages
Publisher: VIZ Media LLC; Original edition (February 1, 2011)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1421536900
ISBN-13: 978-1421536903

My Review:
 
We learn why Kasuga is so anti-Asuka. There is a showdown of sorts between Kasuga and Juta - Kasuga believes that Juta is Jewel Sachihana and is determined to not only expose him to the world, but to expel him from Ginyuri High (because drawing manga is a sign of otomen-ness). One of the goofy new teachers they had introduced finally gets some spotlight. She's a bit of an typical ditz, but of course Yamato falls for her.
 
This is a very charming, light and fluffy read and I highly recommend reading!  I find it a very funny read! 
 
5/5

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

Manga Review: Otomen, Vol. 8 [Paperback]

Product Description

Reads R to L (Japanese Style), for T audiences. Ryo's grandfather becomes ill, so she decides to move to Fukuoka to take care of him. With Ryo transferring schools, does this mean that Asuka will have to bid farewell to his love…forever?

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 in BetsuHana magazine.
 
Product Details
Reading level: Young Adult
Paperback: 200 pages
Publisher: VIZ Media LLC; Original edition (November 2, 2010)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1421535912
ISBN-13: 978-1421535913

My Review:
 
Tonomine had a part and I really hope he gets together with that girl from the shop. Ryo's really tough, old, arrogant grandfather is allegedly ill, and she goes away to take care of him.  Then Asuka comes to visit and finds out the grandfather has a secret. 

Then Asuka's mom shows up and starts terrorizing the high school. So many people are involved in the school's restructuring.  Asuka's mom is very scary and terrifying!
 
5/5
 
Thanks Maylene from Simon and Schuster Canada for sending me this book to review, greatly appreciated!

Manga Review: Otomen, Vol. 7 [Paperback]

I've finished "Otomen Vol. 7" by Aya Kanno.

Product Description

Reads R to L (Japanese Style)

Having Girly Hobbies Doesn't Make You Less Manly!

Asuka's friend Juta needs to keep his identity as renowned shojo author Jewel Sachihana a secret, so why is he agreeing to do an autograph session?! The answer may lie with a letter from a certain fan...

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 in BetsuHana magazine.

Product Details
Reading level: Young Adult
Paperback: 200 pages
Publisher: VIZ Media LLC; Original edition (August 3, 2010)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1421532360
ISBN-13: 978-1421532363

My Review:
 
In the first story Asuka pretends he's Hanamasa the lead singer of the rock band House Dust again because the real Hanamasa says he can't sing their songs or deceive their fans anymore.
 
We find out his older brother Hanamaru aka Joji is the lead singer of Freak Bones and he challenges Hanamasa to a faceoff in a month on a Saturday night.
 
We also find out that Hanamasa was the lead singer of FRA FRA and Joji was the songwriter.  Hanamasa disappeared because he thought his voice wasn't right for FRA FRA anymore which made his brother Joji mad because he didn't think he wanted to sing his songs anymore.  His voiced changed and became deeper and lower and he thought he couldn't sure purely anymore.
 
Both brothers work it out and now they have joined both their bands!
 
In the second story Asuka and the whole gang go to a training camp that is haunted by the man hating female ghost.
 
Ryo is asked by Juta to be the Kendo Team Manager while they are training.  That night she makes a hot pot with eel and garlic (no one is impressed - eel cooked in water).  It looked yucky!
 
Asuka is in the bathtub when the female hating ghost claws come rushing out of the water but Ryo saves him by arriving just at the time.  Then he goes to teach a kendo class and when everyone else is gone the ghost is behind him and says, "die" and pushes him down the stairs!  He runs down the stairs while she tries to grab him.  She also broke the shinai.
 
Ryo suggests an exorcism and they go outside when Juta appears and scares Asuka.  Then the ghost appears and Asuka has had enough.  He said let's talk and the ghost stops and says, "no one has asked me this before".  Then she talks about her tale about her boyfriend was suppose to meet her, etc. and then she leaves for good (rest in heaven).
 
In the third story Juta has a book signing as Jewel Sachihana which he wants to keep a secret (so he dresses like a woman). He receives a letter signed Shizuka which reminds him of his first love.  When she finally arrives he asks her who he should sign to.  She says Shizuka and so he signs it and when she leaves he follows her.  He asks her if she remembers the name of  the guy in her letter and she says Juta.  He's such a flirt and you can't hate him for it!
 
5/5

Manga Review: Otomen, Vol. 6

I've finished reading Otomen Vol. 6 by Aya Kanno.

Product Description

R to L (Japanese Style)

Having Girly Hobbies Doesn't Make You Less Manly! Asuka's protégé Yamato has fallen in love with a girl and needs help winning her over. He pleads with Asuka to go on a practice date with him -- and play the role of the girl! Practice makes perfect, but will that be the case for Yamato?

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 herlatest work, Otomen, is currently being serialized in Japan's BetsuHana magazine. Blank Slate was originally published in BetsuHana magazine.
 
My Review:
 
I really enjoy this series because it's funny and who can't resist checking out what Asuka will be cooking or sewing next!

Asuka likes girly things like reading shojo manga, making stuff animals, cooking, sewing, etc. but his mom told him a real man doesn't like stuff like that.  So in public he takes a masculine role like joining the judo, karate and kendo teams.

Asuka's protege Yamato asks Asuka to pretend to be the girl on a practice date but it doesn't go as well as he hopes.

The last section Asuka meets the lead singer of a rock band which he happens to look like.  They both like the same things and band (Fra Fra) and they become friends.  He gives Asuka backstage passes to their next concert and then passes out because he is only pretending to sing and say stuff that he doesn't mean.  Asuka dresses up as the singer and pretends to be him on stage but fans are getting suspicious because he wasn't singing a song they usually sing.  Then a guy from a rival bands says he's not who he says he is and two fans start towards the stage and this mysterious guy hits them on the head.  End of manga!

I can't wait to read the next issue!

We see alot of Kitori (Flower Guy) and  this other guy (Makeup Guy).

5/5

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