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Wednesday, June 24, 2009

Manga Review: Parasyte

Seinen: Parasyte
Mangaka: Iwaaki Hitoshi
Genres: Action, Drama, Horror, Mature, Psychological, Romance, Sci-fi, Seinen
Rating: 10/10



Summary [from mangaupdates.com]: They arrive in silence and darkness. They descend from the skies. They have a hunger for human flesh. They are everywhere. They are parasites, alien creatures who must invade - and take control of - a human host to survive. And once they have infected their victims, they can assume any deadly form they choose: monsters with giant teeth, winged demons, creatures with blades for hands. But most have chosen to conceal their lethal purpose behind ordinary human faces. So no one knows their secret - except an ordinary high school student. Shin is battling for control of his own body against an alien parasite, but can he find a way to warn humanity of the horrors to come?
--

There are perhaps only 2 or 3 horror mangas I've read since I started my obsession with manga, and I never finished them because I'm not a big fan of horror mangas. However, this one is something everybody should read. The art wasn't thrilling at first, but I got used to it as I read into the deep plot and interesting turn of events. The art is suitable for the story itself - it's not all that perfect nor realistic in some scenes, but it gets better during the really horrific scenes where the action and killings happen.

The character development is pretty amazing, and the relationship between the two main characters progresses as the story goes on. The pace is quick, it gets right to the point. The parasite idea is something I've encountered in books and such, so it's not surprisingly creative. But the author does take the suspense and character expression to the next level. Even thought it's really all about the horror and tragedy, it gets really comedic at parts and opens your mind to how you view things.

The way the parasites transform is kind of disgusting, then again, you'll encounter a lot of disgusting and pretty awful things as you read on, but you won't be able to put it down for some reason. I really like this manga.

By: Eli
Edited By: Annie

Thursday, April 30, 2009

Manhwa Review: Totally Captivated

Yaoi: Totally Captivated
Author: Yoo Ha Jin
Genres: Action, Drama, Comedy, Romance, Yaoi, Psychological

Rating: 10/10





Summary [from baka-updates] :
The mafia threatens Ewon into working for a loan shark, where he's forced to run dangerous errands for no pay. The culprit who doomed Ewon to this life is none other than Jiho, Ewon's jealous ex who still burns at Ewon's infidelity. Their gang leader, Mookyul, who has movie-star good looks and the bizarre, drunken habit of biting people on the neck takes a keen interest in his attractive new errand boy. Will Ewon be able to survive the violent underworld (not to mention the constant sexual harassment he must endure) as an underling of Mookyul?
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You will sink yourself into the story and forget everything else around you.

There is a lot to say about this manga, but I'll keep it short.

Even though this is yaoi, it's a light read [doesn't contain strong situations], which mainly centers around romance and drama. The art is captivating. The author drew each expression and feeling in such a strong way with mesmerizing detail; it was amazing. The humor was present as well as drama. In unfortunate situations, the author still manages to add some comedy and somehow make it all work out. The story wasn't rushed - it had it's own pace. The storyline is superb and dramatic.

Everything becomes much more interesting during the middle of the story when their hidden pasts are revealed and the characters start to realize how strong their love is. The balance is right, a little of everything, plus fascinating artwork. I was entertained until the very end. It's one of those stories you fall in love with and never want to finish reading. It's one of those stories that make you want to read it over and over again. I will love this manhwa and the author (whose work I am looking forward to in the near future) forever.

There is an extra to this manhwa: Totally Captivated [contains strong situations]. The manga is impossible to find online since it's licensed, unfortunately. So Google it or buy it.

Eli
Edited by: Joey

Sunday, March 1, 2009

Manga Review: Until death do us Apart [Need Editing]

Seinen: Until death do us Apart
Mangaka: Takashige Hiroshi

Artist: Double-S
Genre: Action, Adventure, Seinen

Rating: 9.8/10

These series is about a blind guy who can pretty much kick butt and a girl who can predict the future.

This ability has gotten her into the sight of various organizations that want her for their benefit.
Despite all of this, she meets Hijikata Mamoru, a blind swords man who is greatly feared by everyone for his amazing skills, along with his companion, Igawa they sweep the streets of Japan for known criminals and so on.
Thought this manga is still ongoing and irregular [meaning you don't know when the next chapter is going to come out], it's one of my favorites among a few, since the art is pretty awesome and kicking, the action is totally amazing, I am a big fan of swordsman plus Mamoru is seriously hot and awesome, his blindness makes him even more intriguing. I fell in love the minute I saw him. Thought his ways of showing affection is kind of harsh, he's a pretty cool character.
The action is always there since there are a lot of people who want Haruka's power, but Mamoru is always there to protect her.
There are a lot of surprising twists, among others that are very cunning, the plot is well written and I hope they keep translating it because I look forward to the characters' futures and their so called-Romance...

Clickie: Until death do us apart

Eli.