Manga Review: Black Bird, Vol. 15 [Paperback]

I've finished "Black Bird Vol. 15" by Kanoko Sakurakouji.

Product Description

He loves her blood, but does her love her?!

Reads R to L (Japanese Style).
There is a world of myth and magic that intersects ours, and only a special few can see it. Misao Harada is one such person, and she wants nothing to do with magical realms. She just wants to have a normal high school life and maybe get a boyfriend. But she is the bride of demon prophecy, and her blood grants incredible powers, her flesh immortality. Now the demon realm is fighting over the right to her hand...or her life!

Sho’s death should have meant a return to peace for Misao and Kyo, once they came to terms with their guilt. But instead Misao finds herself displaying strange new powers she can’t quite control. Is this just the next stage for her as the Senka Maiden, or is something more sinister going on?

About the Author

Kanoko Sakurakouji was born in downtown Tokyo, and her hobbies include reading, watching plays, traveling and shopping. Her debut title, Raibu ga Hanetara, ran in Bessatsu Shojo Comic (currently called Betsucomi) in 2000, and her 2004 Betsucomi title Backstage Prince was serialized in VIZ Media's Shojo Beat magazine. She won the 54th Shogakukan Manga Award for Black Bird.

Product Details
Paperback: 200 pages
Publisher: VIZ Media LLC; Original edition (December 4, 2012)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1421549212
ISBN-13: 978-1421549217

My Review:

Misao finds out that she is pregnant and she has new powers from the baby to protect both of them.  She realizes she needs to control it before it gets out of control.

Kyo and Misao convince her parents that both of them want to have the baby and she will finish school.  She has agreed to become Kyo's wife after graduation.

The assassination of the clan that Sho comes back to haunt them and there is a cliff hanger about the real fate of the Senko Maiden.


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

4/5

Manga Review: Black Bird, Vol. 14 [Paperback]

  

 

Manga Review

 

 

 

 

 

I've finished "Black Bird Vol. 14" by Kanoke Sakurakouji.

Product Description

There is a world of myth and magic that intersects ours, and only a special few can see it. Misao Harada is one such person, and she wants nothing to do with magical realms. She just wants to have a normal high school life and maybe get a boyfriend. But she is the bride of demon prophecy, and her blood grants incredible powers, her flesh immortality. Now the demon realm is fighting over the right to her hand ... or her life!

About the Author

Kanoko Sakurakouji was born in downtown Tokyo, and her hobbies include reading, watching plays, traveling and shopping. Her debut title, Raibu ga Hanetara, ran in Bessatsu Shojo Comic (currently called Betsucomi) in 2000, and her 2004 Betsucomi title Backstage Prince was serialized in VIZ Media's Shojo Beat magazine. She won the 54th Shogakukan Manga Award for Black Bird.


Product Details
Paperback: 194 pages
Publisher: VIZ Media LLC; Original edition (June 5, 2012)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1421542757
ISBN-13: 978-1421542751

My Review:

In this volume we resume where we left off the fight between Kyo and Sho.  We find out who the arm that was chopped off is - it's their father's who managed to get between them.  Then their father hugs Sho and gives a speech but Sho pushes him away.

Then we see Kaede reciting a spell and Sho tells Kyo he will have to kill him this time.  We learn the spell is a restoration spell and Sho turns into a demon with white hair and Kyo finally slays him.  Sho bursts into ashes and Kaede dies too.

Everyone returns home and Kyo has made sure her parents only think she was gone on a date for the night.  It was really funny that Misao's dad became jealous when he saw her talking to Kyo.  Also guys are talking about Misao at school that she is getting to them because sometimes she would get an erotic look on her face.  This was a very funny scene when Kyo overheard them talking and he had that I'm going to kill you look on his face.

We also get some side stories consisting of the twin's parents coming to visit and their expecting another child and when Sagami first meets Ayame who's gaga over him.

There is also some sexy time between Kyo and Misao and they are sure become more steamy and sexier in each volume.


5/5

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

Manga Review: Black Bird, Vol. 13 [Paperback]

 Manga Review

 I've finished "Black Bird Vol. 13" by Kanoko Sakurakoji.

Product Description

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

There is a world of myth and magic that intersects ours, and only a special few can see it. Misao Harada is one such person, and she wants nothing to do with magical realms. She just wants to have a normal high school life and maybe get a boyfriend. But she is the bride of demon prophecy, and her blood grants incredible powers, her flesh immortality. Now the demon realm is fighting over the right to her hand ... or her life!

Sho’s plans to plunge the world into chaos continue as he targets the Eight Daitengu, hoping to strip his brother Kyo of all his protectors. And now Sho has Hoki, whose secret past makes him easy prey.

Can Hoki stand up to Sho, or will his efforts to aid Kyo backfire?

About the Author

Kanoko Sakurakoji was born in downtown Tokyo, and her hobbies include reading, watching plays, traveling and shopping. Her debut title, Raibu ga Hanetara, ran in Bessatsu Shojo Comic (currently called Betsucomi) in 2000, and her 2004 Betsucomi title Backstage Prince was serialized in VIZ Media's Shojo Beat magazine. She won the 54th Shogakukan Manga Award for Black Bird.


Product Details
Paperback: 200 pages
Publisher: VIZ Media LLC; Original edition (March 6, 2012)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1421541777
ISBN-13: 978-1421541778

My Review:

In this volume Sho has Hoki as a prisoner and Kyo and the Eight Daitengu must rescue him.  Hoki is in bad shape when they finally find him and needs to be looked after.  I'm surprised that Sho didn't kill Hoki.  Hoki wants to be by Kyo's side and decides he failed Kyo and shouldn't be at his side.  Kyo lets Hoki know he can be by side.

Kyo and Misao are at the compound and are getting frisky when Misao tells Kyo that should take up in their room.  She runs to the room and goes in but when Kyo gets there Misao isn't anywhere in the room and he realizes she is inside Sho's forcefield.

Meanwhile Misao is looking inside the room and realizes she is somewhere other than her room.  She looks around and sees Sho injured and he sees her too.  Her rushes over to her and starts talking to her and asking her to stay with him.  Misao starts thinking and realizes she can't leave Sho and wished it was like when they were kids.  She finally tells him no and Sho says fine and is starting to walk away when he collapses.  Misao rushes over and says to herself , "I'm sorry Kyo" for betraying you! and lets Sho drink from her.  He drinks more than he should and when he finally stops Misao is starts to faint.  He picks her up and sprouts his wings and flies off.

Kyo and the Eight Daitengu are on the search for Misao when the villagers take Kaede prisoner and ask her where Sho is.  She doesn't know while a couple of the Eight Daitengu go scouting and spot their enemies leaving or else slaughtered.

Then Sho arrives where Kyo and the Eight Daitengu are with Misao.  He admits he feels stronger and he slaughtered his former allies.  Misao awakens and apologies to Kyo for betraying him by letting Sho drink her blood.

Sho and Kyo then start fighting with Kyo winning even though he's still hurt from the previous issue.  Then it looks like Sho cuts his own arm off at the end.

The cover is gorgeous as usual and the artwork is beautifully done.

We see a different softer side to Sho trying to convince Misao to stay with him even though she won't love him.  He almost had me convinced that he can be a good guy.

I was waiting for a fight between the two brothers and it didn't really disappoint though it was short and brief.

4/5

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

Other manga in series:

1.  Black Bird Vol. 1
2.  Black Bird Vol. 2
3.  Black Bird Vol. 3
4.  Black Bird Vol. 4
5.  Black Bird Vol. 5
6.  Black Bird Vol. 6
7.  Black Bird Vol. 7
8.  Black Bird Vol. 8
9.  Black Bird Vol. 9
10. Black Bird Vol. 10
11. Black Bird Vol. 11
12. Black Bird Vol. 12
13. Black Bird Vol. 14 - Jun 5, 2012

Manga Review: Black Bird, Vol. 11 [Paperback]

I've finished "Black Bird Vol. 11" by Kanoko Sakurakoji.

Product Description

Reads R to L (Japanese Style).

Sho has miraculously returned to the tengu village, and while he seems content to live quietly on the outskirts,

Kyo has learned the hard way not to trust his brother. To make matters worse, the villagers are resentful that Kyo won't share the restorative power of the Senka Maiden with them. But most demons don't possess Kyo's willpower, and one taste of Misao's blood would send them into a frenzy. Is it possible for Kyo be a good leader and a good husband?

About the Author

Kanoko Sakurakoji was born in downtown Tokyo, and her hobbies include reading, watching plays, traveling and shopping. Her debut title, Raibu ga Hanetara, ran in Bessatsu Shojo Comic (currently called Betsucomi) in 2000, and her 2004 Betsucomi title Backstage Prince was serialized in VIZ Media's Shojo Beat magazine. She won the 54th Shogakukan Manga Award for Black Bird.

Product Details
Paperback: 200 pages
Publisher: VIZ Media LLC; Original edition (November 1, 2011)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1421539373
ISBN-13: 978-1421539379

My Review:

Another beautiful colorful front cover!  Love that Sho is finally on a cover!

This volume has more violence against Misao!

In this volume, Misao is visiting Ayame when Kaede comes calling and asking Misao to meet a sick boy.  They go visit the little boy who is in great pain and Misao touches him.  He feels a lot better and thanks Misao for helping him.

When she arrives back to Ayame's some villagers come calling asking her for some of her blood.  Kyo arrives in time and makes the villagers turn away.  Kyo is talking to one of his closest friends and ally and they are being followed by Kaede.  Kyo knows so he starts talking about stuff to throw them off track.

Meanwhile Misao is walking with some of the children of the village when she is attacked by some of the villagers wanting her blood.  They start licking her blood off her wounds while she is crying and saying, "no!"  She sees Kaede when one of Kyo's friends saves her and chops them up.  Later Kyo arrives to see how Misao is doing and then they start making out.  Misao wakes up the next morning thinking she is weak and how much she loves Kyo.  Kyo wakes up and they smile at each other and start talking.

Later Misao wants Sho to remove the curse he has put on her which made her forget who Kyo was.  They go visit Sho and he does remove the curse and Misao starts remembering her childhood with Sho and Kyo.  Actually it was Sho who was very kind to her and Kyo was the one rude to her.

We learn that Sho actually died that day in the warehouse and his servant gave up his own life to resurrect him.

5/5

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

Manga Review: Black Bird, Vol. 9 [Paperback]

I've finished "Black Bird Vol. 9" by Kanoko Sakurakoji.

Product Description

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

Misao and Kyo finally go all the way, and Misao can’t regret the new levels of intimacy, even though all the other demons seem to be able to tell that they are now lovers. But does Kyo feel the same way? Instead of bringing them closer, their new status seems to make him turn away from Misao. Is that just the nature of guys, be they human or demon? Or is there something darker behind Kyo’s sudden lack of warmth?

About the Author

Kanoko Sakurakoji was born in downtown Tokyo, and her hobbies include reading, watching plays, traveling and shopping. Her debut title, Raibu ga Hanetara, ran in Bessatsu Shojo Comic (currently called Betsucomi) in 2000, and her 2004 Betsucomi title Backstage Prince was serialized in VIZ Media's Shojo Beat magazine. She won the 54th Shogakukan Manga Award for Black Bird.

Product Details
Paperback: 200 pages
Publisher: VIZ Media LLC; Original edition (July 5, 2011)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1421537745
ISBN-13: 978-1421537740

My Review:

In the last volume Misao and Kyo have gone all the way and this volume opens up with the morning after.  Misao doesn't regret it at all and she can't wait for it to happen again.  All the other demons know they are lovers and they know that Kyo mustn't let anyone know that he has fallen in love with the Senka Maiden.  He acts like nothing happened in public and he pushes her away which makes her feel like Kyo doesn't want her anymore.

Some of the villagers from Kyo's hometown come and ask him if they could have some of Misao's blood which will cure them.  They found out she gave some to Ayame Ryo's wife.  Kyo refuses to give Misao's blood to them and says only he is allowed to have it.  They eventually make love again and though he acts rough he's very gentle with her.

He encourages her to pick the humans and then we see a return of an enemy.  The enemy when talking to Misao it seems like he has brainwashed her and tells her to take his hand.  She is reaching for his hand when Kyo flies by and takes her away.

5/5

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

Manga Review: Black Bird, Vol. 8 [Paperback]

I've finished "Black Bird Vol. 8" by Kanoko Sakurakoji.

Product Description

Reads R to L (Japanese Style) T+ audience. 

There is a world of myth and magic that intersects ours, and only a special few can see it. Misao Harada is one such person, and she wants nothing to do with magical realms. She just wants to have a normal high school life and maybe get a boyfriend. But she is the bride of demon prophecy, and her blood grants incredible powers, her flesh immortality. Now the demon realm is fighting over the right to her hand ... or her life!

Raiko, the demon hunter who has been staying at Misao's house, is determined to save her -- even if that's the last thing she wants! Kyo won't allow a threat to Misao to go unchecked and plans to take care of the problem in his own special way. Misao, however, hopes that she can broker a peace between Raiko and Kyo before things get out of hand. But when Raiko's attempts to "free" Misao fail, he hatches a devious new plan that will use Misao's bond with Kyo to destroy him!

About the Author

Kanoko Sakurakoji was born in downtown Tokyo, and her hobbies include reading, watching plays, traveling and shopping. Her debut title, Raibu ga Hanetara, ran in Bessatsu Shojo Comic (currently called Betsucomi) in 2000, and her 2004 Betsucomi title Backstage Prince was serialized in VIZ Media's Shojo Beat magazine. She won the 54th Shogakukan Manga Award for Black Bird.

Product Details
Paperback: 200 pages
Publisher: VIZ Media LLC; Original edition (May 3, 2011)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1421535807
ISBN-13: 978-1421535807

My Review:

I highly recommend reading this series if you love dark story lines with interesting secondary characters and great hero and heroine.

This manga is definitely not for the little kiddies but 16+ especially this volume!

This manga has a beautiful color scheme which fits the theme of the story and you can see that Misao and Kyo are even closer than ever.

In this volume the action is very fast paced and even deadly.  Misao and Kyo have both finally admitted they love and want each other.

Raiko has finally gone to far in his war against Kyo by using Misao against him.  He has poisoned and weakened him by purifying Misao's blood with the flower water of his clan.  He made sure that Misao was cut by a knife so Kyo would heal her by licking his blood.  The only antidote is to make love to Misao or else he will die!  The countdown begins!  Will he or won't him love Misao like she wants him to? 

You finally get to see Kyo's clan fight off their enemies and Kyo is quite strong because even in his weakened state he manages to fight off his enemies.

5/5

Manga in Series:

Black Bird Vol. 1
Black Bird Vol. 2
 Black Bird Vol. 3
Black Bird Vol. 4
Black Bird Vol. 5
Black Bird Vol. 6
Black Bird Vol.7
Black Bird Vol. 9 - July 5th
Black Bird Vol. 10 - Sept 6th

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

Manga Review: Black Bird, Vol. 4

I've finished reading "Black Bird Vol. 4 by Kanoko Sakurakoji.

Product Description

R to L (Japanese Style)

He loves her blood, but does her love her?!

There is a world of myth and magic that intersects ours, and only a special few can see it. Misao Harada is one such person, and she wants nothing to do with magical realms. She just wants to have a normal high school life and maybe get a boyfriend. All that changes one day when Misao is attacked by a demon. Her childhood friend Kyo suddenly returns to save her and tend to her cuts--with his tongue! It turns out Misao is the bride of prophecy, whose blood gives power to the demon clan who claims her. But most demons want to keep her power for themselves--by eating her! Now Misao is just trying to stay alive...and decide if she likes it when Kyo licks her wounds.

Volume 4: Despite the constant danger Misao finds herself in, she's determined to stay by Kyo's side no matter what happens. But a chance meeting with one of Kyo's best friends shows her just how hard a human-demon relationship can be. Tadanobu, heir to the Kitsune clan, gave up everything to be with his human girlfriend. But now he is being forced to take on the clan leadership and abandon his love--and it's all Kyo's fault!

About the Author

Kanoko Sakurakoji was born in downtown Tokyo, and her hobbies include reading, watching plays, traveling, and shopping. Her debut title, Raibu ga Hanetara, ran in Deluxe Betsucomi in 2000, and her 2004 Bestucomi title Backstage Prince was serialized in VIZ Media's Shojo Beat magazine. She won the 54th Shogakukan Manga Award for Black Bird.
 
My Review:
 
This manga has one of the best covers I've seen and you can see Misao and Kyo are even closer than ever!
 
In this volume Misao and Kyo are even getting closer to consummating their relationship!  She even admits she loves him and doesn't know what she would do if she lost him.

We also meet Tadanobu the heir to the Kitsune clan who gave it up to be with his human girlfriend (Kyo killed his brother in Vol. 3) who he has to challenge for Misao which is a tradition.  Tadanobu's girlfriend becomes Misao's friend and she vows to kill Kyo to save Tadanobu.

Highly recommend this series if you like romance and fighting with a little darkness.

5/5
 
Thanks Maylene from Simon and Schuster Canada for sending me this manga for review, greatly appreciate it!

Manga Review: Black Bird, Vol. 3 (Paperback)

I've finished reading "Black Bird Vol. 3 by Kanoko Sakurakoji.

Product Description

R to L (Japanese Style). He loves her blood, but does her love her?!

There is a world of myth and magic that intersects ours, and only a special few can see it. Misao Harada is one such person, and she wants nothing to do with magical realms. She just wants to have a normal high school life and maybe get a boyfriend. All that changes one day when Misao is attacked by a demon. Her childhood friend Kyo suddenly returns to save her and tend to her cuts--with his tongue! It turns out Misao is the bride of prophecy, whose blood gives power to the demon clan who claims her. But most demons want to keep her power for themselves--by eating her! Now Misao is just trying to stay alive...and decide if she likes it when Kyo licks her wounds.

Volume 3: Misao is starting to trust her heart where Kyo is involved, especially after he gives her one of his primary feathers. It isn't just her first present from him, it's a magic talisman that will keep her safe when he's not nearby! Misao is elated to be able to go to school without the fear of being eaten, just like a normal teenage girl. But as her feelings for Kyo deepen, she starts to realize that as his bride she will have to leave her human life behind--including her family!

About the Author

Kanoko Sakurakoji was born in downtown Tokyo, and her hobbies include reading, watching plays, traveling, and shopping. Her debut title, Raibu ga Hanetara, ran in Deluxe Betsucomi in 2000, and her 2004 Bestucomi title Backstage Prince was serialized in VIZ Media's Shojo Beat magazine. She won the 54th Shogakukan Manga Award for Black Bird.
 
My Review:
 
I highly recommend reading this series and it only gets better with every volume.
 
I love the cover and I'm wondering why she is crying (maybe something bad happen)?
 
Misao and Kyo are great together and I can't wait until they actually consummate their relationship!  I loved it when she got jealous when Kyo was walking around the school hallway with his shirt half off and showing off his six pack body!
 
I thought that was sweet of Kyo to give Misao a piece of his primary feather to keep her safe from the demons who haunt her and he considers her an important person.
 
I thought Misao was an idiot when she went to visit Kuzunoha a rival of Kyo's to check out a scroll or book by herself.  I won't say anything more you will have to read yourself if you want to find out what happens!  Boy was that intense!
 
We see Kyo's true form and Misao worries she never see her family and friends once she becomes Kyo's wife.
 
Now who wouldn't want their wounds to be licked by a demon who loves you?
 
5/5

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