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Showing posts with label Humor. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Humor. Show all posts

Sunday, March 14, 2010

+ Anima - Overall Impressions


I'm not really sure where to start other than to say this is an excellent series.  The artwork has a light-hearted, playful quality to it that I really enjoy, and the detail is amazing.  Many of the characters have a specific animal quality to their physical form (i.e. crow wings, bear claws, fish tails, etc.) each of these are beautifully rendered, as well.  The humorous outtakes and super-deformed figures are also perfectly illustrated, which only enhances my enjoyment of the series and it's characters.

The story itself may seem a little shallow at first, but like so many other great manga series, it eventually evolves into a multi-layered plot which can be enjoyed on several different levels.  The characters are much the same way - seemingly stereotypical at first, but quickly developing into wonderfully dimensional roles; you can't help but feel and care about them as their journey progresses and you learn more about their pasts.

Overall, I think this would be a great series to have in any library collection.  Plus, it's only 10 volumes and they've all been previously published, so you don't have to keep up with new releases and you don't have to spend an arm and a leg.

Thursday, March 11, 2010

Dramacon - Overall Impressions



This super-cute ameri-manga is a must for any fan of cosplaying or conventions.  Although only three volumes long, the plot flows nicely and the characters actually get some development, each moving (at least a little bit) out of their stereotypes by the end.  There are some scenes that might seem over-the-top and maybe even a little cheesy to older readers, but the series doesn't have "drama" in the title for no reason.

One of the things I enjoyed most was how the passage of time was depicted.  Each book represents a new year (and a new con); this enabled the author to do things with the characters - their lives and personalities - that, with such a short series, might not have been possible otherwise.  I've read quite a few of Tokyopop's 3-volume ameri-manga releases, and this is one of the few that I've felt really managed to pull off a cohesive, completed plot.

As for the artwork, it's beautifully rendered with very few noticeable flaws and just the right amount of humorous imagery thrown in.  Even without the fun storyline, I probably would have bought these books just for eye candy alone. Ms. Chmakova has a wonderful eye for both beauty and detail.

Overall, I found this series to be a very enjoyable experience, with fun characters and a charmingly sweet storyline.  So, if you think Dramacon might fill an empty niche in your library, I highly recommend you give it a try.

Wednesday, September 30, 2009

+ Anima, Volume 10

Title: + Anima 
Volume: 10 of 10 
Author: Natsumi Mukai 
Type: Manga 
Publisher: Tokyopop 
Genres:  Fantasy, Action/Adventure, Humor 
Age Rating: Teen, Age 13+ 

Public Libraries - Location Suggestion 
Based off of this volume alone, this volume would be fine for either your Juvenile or YA section. 

School Libraries - Location Suggestion
Elementary - Although nudity exists; it's done in such a non-sexual way that I personally would be comfortable putting this in an elementary library.  However, I advise you to use your best judgment based on your knowledge of your school and your situation 
Jr. High/Middle School - Yes
High School - This title might seem a bit young for this age group, but I think there are plenty of students who would enjoy it. 

According to the Publisher - What the Age Rating Means
All of the following are possible within the book's pages:  Moderate Language, Aggression, Mild Violence, Mild Gore, Crude Humor, Sexual Innuendo, Mild Sexual language, Non-sexual Nondescript Nudity, Mild Sexuality/Sexual Themes, Mild Fanservice, Tobacco Use/Reference, Alcohol Reference, Illegal Drug Reference, Occultism 

Parental Eyebrow Raisers 
Non-sexual Nudity 
 - One of the young female characters takes a bath; obviously her nudity is suggested, but nothing is actually seen
- A young female character is shown nude in profile; however, it is very nondescript and not sexual in any way 

Violence/Gore 
- While nothing is really seen, it is implied that one of the characters, while still in the womb, survived the death of his mother only because crows were picking at the body and the character was able to "break free" thanks to their ministrations 

Reviews
(These are the same for all 10 volumes, because the reviews listed below cover the whole series, not just one volume.)

Thursday, September 10, 2009

+ Anima, Volume 9

Title: + Anima
Volume: 9 of 10
Author: Natsumi Mukai
Type: Manga
Publisher: Tokyopop
Genres:  Fantasy, Action/Adventure, Humor
Age Rating: Teen, Age 13+ 

Public Libraries - Location Suggestion
Based off of this volume alone, this volume would be fine for either your Juvenile or YA section. 

School Libraries - Location Suggestion
Elementary - Based on this volume alone, should be fine
Jr. High/Middle School - Yes
High School - This title might seem a bit young for this age group, but I think there are plenty of students who would enjoy it. 

According to the Publisher - What the Age Rating Means
All of the following are possible within the book's pages:  Moderate Language, Aggression, Mild Violence, Mild Gore, Crude Humor, Sexual Innuendo, Mild Sexual language, Non-sexual Nondescript Nudity, Mild Sexuality/Sexual Themes, Mild Fanservice, Tobacco Use/Reference, Alcohol Reference, Illegal Drug Reference, Occultism 

Parental Eyebrow Raisers 
Violence/Gore
 - Two of the characters have stones thrown at them; mild blood is involved
 - Several characters are attacked by another character; more mild blood involved 

Reviews
(These are the same for all 10 volumes, because the reviews listed below cover the whole series, not just one volume.) 

+ Anima, Volume 8

Title: + Anima
Volume: 8 of 10
Author: Natsumi Mukai
Type: Manga
Publisher: Tokyopop
Genres:  Fantasy, Action/Adventure, Humor
Age Rating: Teen, Age 13+ 

Public Libraries - Location Suggestion
Based off of this volume alone, this volume would be fine for either your Juvenile or YA section. 

School Libraries - Location Suggestion
Elementary - Based on this volume alone, should be fine
Jr. High/Middle School - Yes
High School - This title might seem a bit young for this age group, but I think there are plenty of students who would enjoy it. 

According to the Publisher - What the Age Rating Means
All of the following are possible within the book's pages:  Moderate Language, Aggression, Mild Violence, Mild Gore, Crude Humor, Sexual Innuendo, Mild Sexual language, Non-sexual Nondescript Nudity, Mild Sexuality/Sexual Themes, Mild Fanservice, Tobacco Use/Reference, Alcohol Reference, Illegal Drug Reference, Occultism 

Parental Eyebrow Raisers
Sexuality/Sexual Themes
 - Concubines and harems are mentioned, but not really explained

Violence/Gore
 - Flashbacks of two main characters nearly being killed; very little blood involved
 - Character is kidnapped and a fight ensues; some blood involved, but less than previous volumes 

Reviews
(These are the same for all 10 volumes, because the reviews listed below cover the whole series, not just one volume.) 

+ Anima, Volume 7

Title: + Anima
Volume: 7 of 10
Author: Natsumi Mukai
Type: Manga
Publisher: Tokyopop
Genres:  Fantasy, Action/Adventure, Humor
Age Rating: Teen, Age 13+ 

Public Libraries - Location Suggestion
Based off of this volume alone, this volume would be fine for either your Juvenile or YA section. 

School Libraries - Location Suggestion
Elementary - Based on this volume alone, should be fine
Jr. High/Middle School - Yes
High School - This title might seem a bit young for this age group, but I think there are plenty of students who would enjoy it.

According to the Publisher - What the Age Rating Means
All of the following are possible within the book's pages:  Moderate Language, Aggression, Mild Violence, Mild Gore, Crude Humor, Sexual Innuendo, Mild Sexual language, Non-sexual Nondescript Nudity, Mild Sexuality/Sexual Themes, Mild Fanservice, Tobacco Use/Reference, Alcohol Reference, Illegal Drug Reference, Occultism 

Parental Eyebrow Raisers 
Violence/Gore
 - The main characters are attacked several times throughout this volume; minor blood spattering is involved.

Reviews
(These are the same for all 10 volumes, because the reviews listed below cover the whole series, not just one volume.)

Wednesday, September 09, 2009

+ Anima, Volume 6

Title: + Anima
Volume: 6 of 10
Author: Natsumi Mukai
Type: Manga
Publisher: Tokyopop
Genres:  Fantasy, Action/Adventure, Humor
Age Rating: Teen, Age 13+ 

Public Libraries - Location Suggestion
Based off of this volume alone, this volume would be fine for either your Juvenile or YA section. 

School Libraries - Location Suggestion
Elementary - Based on this volume alone, should be fine
Jr. High/Middle School - Yes
High School - This title might seem a bit young for this age group, but I think there are plenty of students who would enjoy it. 

According to the Publisher - What the Age Rating Means
All of the following are possible within the book's pages:  Moderate Language, Aggression, Mild Violence, Mild Gore, Crude Humor, Sexual Innuendo, Mild Sexual language, Non-sexual Nondescript Nudity, Mild Sexuality/Sexual Themes, Mild Fanservice, Tobacco Use/Reference, Alcohol Reference, Illegal Drug Reference, Occultism 

Parental Eyebrow Raisers
Violence/Gore
 - The characters are attacked my a massive bear; there's lots of fighting and some blood splattered about here and there, but nothing more graphic than that.

Reviews
(These are the same for all 10 volumes, because the reviews listed below cover the whole series, not just one volume.)

+ Anima, Volume 5

Title: + Anima
Volume: 5 of 10
Author: Natsumi Mukai
Type: Manga
Publisher: Tokyopop
Genres:  Fantasy, Action/Adventure, Humor
Age Rating: Teen, Age 13+ 

Public Libraries - Location Suggestion
Based off of this volume alone, this volume would be fine for either your Juvenile or YA section. 

School Libraries - Location Suggestion
Elementary - Although nudity exists; it's done in such a non-sexual way that I personally would be comfortable putting this in an elementary library.  However, I advise you to use your best judgment based on your knowledge of your school and your situation.
Jr. High/Middle School - Yes
High School - This title might seem a bit young for this age group, but I think there are plenty of students who would enjoy it. 

According to the Publisher - What the Age Rating Means
All of the following are possible within the book's pages:  Moderate Language, Aggression, Mild Violence, Mild Gore, Crude Humor, Sexual Innuendo, Mild Sexual language, Non-sexual Nondescript Nudity, Mild Sexuality/Sexual Themes, Mild Fanservice, Tobacco Use/Reference, Alcohol Reference, Illegal Drug Reference, Occultism 

Parental Eyebrow Raisers 
Non-sexual Nudity
 - Several different images of a mermaid; she's obviously not wearing anything on her torso, but everything is always discreetly covered.

Reviews
(These are the same for all 10 volumes, because the reviews listed below cover the whole series, not just one volume.)

+ Anima, Volume 4

Title: + Anima
Volume: 4 of 10
Author: Natsumi Mukai
Type: Manga
Publisher: Tokyopop
Genres:  Fantasy, Action/Adventure, Humor
Age Rating: Teen, Age 13+ 

Public Libraries - Location Suggestion
Based off of this volume alone, this volume would be fine for either your Juvenile or YA section. 

School Libraries - Location Suggestion
Elementary - Based on this volume alone, should be fine
Jr. High/Middle School - Yes
High School - This title might seem a bit young for this age group, but I think there are plenty of students who would enjoy it. 

According to the Publisher - What the Age Rating Means
All of the following are possible within the book's pages:  Moderate Language, Aggression, Mild Violence, Mild Gore, Crude Humor, Sexual Innuendo, Mild Sexual language, Non-sexual Nondescript Nudity, Mild Sexuality/Sexual Themes, Mild Fanservice, Tobacco Use/Reference, Alcohol Reference, Illegal Drug Reference, Occultism 

Parental Eyebrow Raisers 
Violence/Gore
 - A child gets attacked by large cats, but survives

Reviews
(These are the same for all 10 volumes, because the reviews listed below cover the whole series, not just one volume.) 

+ Anima, Volume 3

Title: + Anima
Volume: 3 of 10
Author: Natsumi Mukai
Type: Manga
Publisher: Tokyopop
Genres:  Fantasy, Action/Adventure, Humor
Age Rating: Teen, Age 13+ 

Public Libraries - Location Suggestion
Based off of this volume alone, this volume would be fine for either your Juvenile or YA section. 

School Libraries - Location Suggestion
Elementary - Although nudity exists; it's done in such a non-sexual way that I personally would be comfortable putting this in an elementary library.  However, I advise you to use your best judgment based on your knowledge of your school and your situation.
Jr. High/Middle School - Yes
High School - This title might seem a bit young for this age group, but I think there are plenty of students who would enjoy it. 

According to the Publisher - What the Age Rating Means
All of the following are possible within the book's pages:  Moderate Language, Aggression, Mild Violence, Mild Gore, Crude Humor, Sexual Innuendo, Mild Sexual language, Non-sexual Nondescript Nudity, Mild Sexuality/Sexual Themes, Mild Fanservice, Tobacco Use/Reference, Alcohol Reference, Illegal Drug Reference, Occultism

Parental Eyebrow Raisers
Non-sexual Nudity
 - Two characters disrobe to prove to another character that they're both boys; the reader doesn't see anything more than chibi backsides. 
 - The main characters all visit a hot spring; nudity is suggested but not shown 

Reviews
(These are the same for all 10 volumes, because the reviews listed below cover the whole series, not just one volume.)

Tuesday, September 08, 2009

+ Anima, Volume 2

Title: + Anima
Volume: 2 of 10
Author: Natsumi Mukai
Type: Manga
Publisher: Tokyopop
Genres:  Fantasy, Action/Adventure, Humor
Age Rating: Teen, Age 13+ 

Public Libraries - Location Suggestion
Based off of this volume alone, this volume would be fine for either your Juvenile or YA section. 

School Libraries - Location Suggestion
Elementary - Although nudity exists; it's done in such a non-sexual way that I personally would be comfortable putting this in an elementary library.  However, I advise you to use your best judgment based on your knowledge of your school and your situation
Jr. High/Middle School - Yes
High School - This title might seem a bit young for this age group, but I think there are plenty of students who would enjoy it. 

According to the Publisher - What the Age Rating Means
All of the following are possible within the book's pages:  Moderate Language, Aggression, Mild Violence, Mild Gore, Crude Humor, Sexual Innuendo, Mild Sexual language, Non-sexual Nondescript Nudity, Mild Sexuality/Sexual Themes, Mild Fanservice, Tobacco Use/Reference, Alcohol Reference, Illegal Drug Reference, Occultism 

Parental Eyebrow Raisers
Non-sexual Nudity
 - Unclothed profile of a young female character depicted in a non-sexual situation 

Violence/Gore
 - Various monster deaths with lots of monster blood
 - Character enjoys licking the bloody wounds of several other characters; it's NOT sexual, he just seems to enjoy the taste if blood.  ^_^;
 - One of the characters gets attacked, but only mild bits of blood are involved 

Reviews
(These are the same for all 10 volumes, because the reviews listed below cover the whole series, not just one volume.)
About.com: Anime
Otaben

+ Anima, Volume 1

Title: + Anima
Volume: 1 of 10
Author: Natsumi Mukai
Type: Manga
Publisher: Tokyopop
Genres:  Fantasy, Action/Adventure, Humor
Age Rating: Teen, Age 13+ 

Public Libraries - Location Suggestion
Based off of this volume alone, this series would be fine for either your Juvenile or YA section. 

School Libraries - Location Suggestion
Elementary - Although nudity exists; it's done in such a non-sexual way that I personally would be comfortable putting this in an elementary library.  However, I advise you to use your best judgment based on your knowledge of your school and your situation.
Jr. High/Middle School - Yes
High School - This title might seem a bit young for this age group, but I think there are plenty of students who would enjoy it. 

According to the Publisher - What the Age Rating Means
All of the following are possible within the book's pages:  Moderate Language, Aggression, Mild Violence, Mild Gore, Crude Humor, Sexual Innuendo, Mild Sexual language, Non-sexual Nondescript Nudity, Mild Sexuality/Sexual Themes, Mild Fanservice, Tobacco Use/Reference, Alcohol Reference, Illegal Drug Reference, Occultism 

Parental Eyebrow Raisers
Non-sexual Nudity
 - The very first page features a nondescript female nude
 - A nondescript profile of a mermaid on a poster 

Violence/Gore
 - One of the characters is held at sword-point
 - The slaying of many monster leeches
 - A character gets accidentally stabbed in the hand with scissors
 - Suggested child abuse

Reviews
(These are the same for all 10 volumes, because the reviews listed below cover the whole series, not just one volume.)

Tuesday, September 01, 2009

Dramacon, Volume 3

 
Title:  Dramacon
Volume:  3 of 3
Author: Svetlana Chmakova
Type: OEL, Ameri-manga
Publisher: Tokyopop
Genres:  Romance, Drama, Humor, Shojo
Age Rating: Teen, Age 13+ 

Public Libraries - Location Suggestion
YA section 

School Libraries - Location Suggestion
Elementary - No
Jr. High/Middle School - At your own discression
High School - Best choice 

According to the Publisher - What the Age Rating Means
All of the following are possible within the book's pages:  Moderate Language, Aggression, Mild Violence, Mild Gore, Crude Humor, Sexual Innuendo, Mild Sexual language, Non-sexual Nondescript Nudity, Mild Sexuality/Sexual Themes, Mild Fanservice, Tobacco Use/Reference, Alcohol Reference, Illegal Drug Reference, Occultism 

Parental Eyebrow Raisers 
Language
 - Less than the first volume (Ex. ass, hell) 

Violence/Gore
 - One of the characters gets into a car accident; some mild blood spattering is involved 

Sexuality/Sexual Themes 
 - Sex is briefly mentioned or eluded to, but that's about it.
 - There's one scene between the main characters that gets kind of heavy, but all their clothes stay on.
 - Yaoi is briefly mentioned or eluded to several times, but that's about it.

Alcohol/Drug References
 - Drinking and getting drunk is briefly mentioned or eluded to, but that's about it.

Reviews
Homemade Mech

Dramacon, Volume 2

Title:  Dramacon
Volume:  2 of 3
Author: Svetlana Chmakova
Type: OEL, Ameri-manga
Publisher: Tokyopop
Genres:  Romance, Drama, Humor, Shojo
Age Rating: Teen, Age 13+ 

Public Libraries - Location Suggestion
YA section 

School Libraries - Location Suggestion
Elementary - No
Jr. High/Middle School - At your own discression
High School - Best choice 

According to the Publisher - What the Age Rating Means
All of the following are possible within the book's pages:  Moderate Language, Aggression, Mild Violence, Mild Gore, Crude Humor, Sexual Innuendo, Mild Sexual language, Non-sexual Nondescript Nudity, Mild Sexuality/Sexual Themes, Mild Fanservice, Tobacco Use/Reference, Alcohol Reference, Illegal Drug Reference, Occultism 

Parental Eyebrow Raisers 
Language
 - Less than the first volume, a lot of it has been replaced with symbols (Ex. ass, bitch) 

Sexuality/Sexual Themes 
 - Sex is briefly mentioned or eluded to several times, but that's about it
 - Yaoi is briefly mentioned or eluded to several times, but that's about it

Alcohol/Drug References
 - Drinking and getting drunk is briefly mentioned or eluded to several times, but that's about it 

Reviews
Books and Other Thoughts 

Dramacon, Volume 1

Title:  Dramacon 
Volume:  1 of 3
Author: Svetlana Chmakova
Type: OEL, Ameri-manga
Publisher: Tokyopop
Genres:  Romance, Drama, Humor, Shojo
Age Rating: Teen, Age 13+ 

Public Libraries - Location Suggestion
YA section 

School Libraries - Location Suggestion
Elementary - No
Jr. High/Middle School - At your own discretion
High School - Best choice 

According to the Publisher - What the Age Rating Means
All of the following are possible within the book's pages:  Moderate Language, Aggression, Mild Violence, Mild Gore, Crude Humor, Sexual Innuendo, Mild Sexual language, Non-sexual Nondescript Nudity, Mild Sexuality/Sexual Themes, Mild Fanservice, Tobacco Use/Reference, Alcohol Reference, Illegal Drug Reference, Occultism 

Parental Eyebrow Raisers 
Language
 - It's not on every page, but it does exist.  (Ex. Ass, Asshole, Bitch) 

Non-sexual Nudity
 - Female character in the shower, but nothing graphic is seen


Sexuality/Sexual Themes 
 - Female character gets asked if her current  boyfriend was "her first".
 - Characters discuss adding some sex into the story one of them is writing.
 - Characters discuss watching Hentai.
 - Characters caught in bed together by other characters; nothing seen, but it's obvious what was going on.
 - Attempted rape, but it doesn't get very far.

Reviews
Anime Jump!  
Homemade Mech 
IGN 
Manga Maniac Cafe 
New York Public Library