Manga Review: H2O

Shoujo: H2O
Author: Hwang Sook Ji
Genres: Friendship, Comedy, Romance, Shoujo
Rating: 8.5/10

I was perhaps three volumes in when this manga found a place within my top ten favourites list. Even after reading countless novels and mangas, I still haven't been able to determine the recipe for the perfect literary escape, but whatever it may be, H2O has hit pretty close to home. Its originality is absolutely refreshing, and the humour is both witty and at times satirical. The story is told through the interactions of numerous charactes, and provides a fascinating perspective on the tiresome hustle and bustle of student life.

Occasionally, one wonders if the subtle humour found in the dialogue can be considered as well-disguised social commentary - especially regarding some of the issues that are brought to light in the plot.

Short Summary from Baka-Updates:

Menga is simply known as the vice rep and is bullied. Hanako has moved to Korea but was robbed the first day and has nothing. Na Hong Soo is known as a troublemaker and is in constant trouble. And Eechan is the student body president, very popular and known as Bacchus. It seems they have nothing in common but all of this will change soon.

On another note, the story is both engaging and relatable. Nothing seems overly dramatic, though upon further consideration, this might be because of the realistic portrayal of human reactions to rather dramatic situations that allow for this feeling of easy relatability than a drab plotline.

To be honest, this was perhaps the first manga that had me questioning who was in fact the main character. I then realized that there were two, and that every character (both main and supporting) were so well developed that it was like a third person narrative. This is a rare phenomemon due to the fact that manga artist/authors tend portray their stories in first person, allowing for an easy relationship to form between the reader and main character. In this case, though this attempt was tremendously creative and original, I always felt that there was a sense of distance between the characters and the reader. For once, I was a bystander, and I have to admit that it's only fun for the first time.

The art, on the other hand, is close to flawless. I dislike mangas by artists who take the shortcut and draw small, shapeless features for their characters when given the chance. Example:

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- exaggerated features

- shapeless characters

- crowded spaces

- pointless frames

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 Instead, I prefer work by artists who adhere to attention and detail. Example from H2O:

- attention to detail
- accurate drawings
- realistic
- beatiful expressions
- large, simple frames







There are instances where bad artwork can be ignored - when the plotline is overwhelmingly good. (Itazura na Kiss). Other times, great artwork can substitute for a mundane or slow plotline (Bride of the Watergod). Most of the time, however, artwork and content go hand in hand. H2O is such an example.

It is definitely a manhwa to check out.

- Annie

Manga Review: Cat Street

Shoujo: Cat Street
Author: Yoko Kamio
Genres: Drama, Friendship, Romance
Rating: 8.5/10

This is the second work I've read by Yoko Kamio, and I only need to mention that the first was Hana Yori Dango before I can see you nodding with appreciation and acknowledgement. Like all other works by Kamio, this story is raw inspiration. I have never read a manga that portrayed the relatable themes of friendship and life in such a pure and unaffected manner. The lack of excessive frills allows Kamio to put more emphasize on the genuinity of her characters and the relationships they develop. This sincere dipiction of the strength that lies within the fraility of human nature is what makes this manga stand out and above others in the same genre.

From Condensation:

The story centers around Keito Aoyama, a former famous child actor. Due to a childhood incident, she retired from her career early and withdrew from normal society. Now 16, she passes her days in boredom and without purpose. One day she runs into a stranger who takes her to El Liston - a free school for high school students like herself, who don't have a place where they belong. Though hesitant at first, Keito decides to enter El Liston and subsequently, she begins a new stage in her life. With the help of her only remaining childhood friend, Taiyou, and her new classmates Rei, Momiji, and Kouichi, Keito slowly finds the courage to open up to others and to accept their support. Will Keito return to acting? Will she find true friends? Love?

It is difficult to find faults with Kamio's artwork. Her ability to capture the emotions of her characters is exceptional. These characters come alive for you. At the same time, it is all too easy for place yourself in to any one of their shoes and find yourself swept along in a life-changing experience. By the end of the manga, it felt as if I'd lived a lifetime in the space of a winter afternoon.
 
Simply said, Cat Street is a must-read.

Book Review: Notes of a War Story

I love visiting the library because I always come home with a few good books that I can add permanently to my own small library of books. My library sells books that have been withdrawn from the system for only 25 cents, and really, where else can you find a deal like that?


One of the books I recently took home was Notes for a War Story, by Gipi. It was translated from Italian (I believe) into English by Alexis Siegel. Before I go on any further, I must point out that this book is a comic book, done in green and black overtones.

Comic: Notes for a War Story
Author: Gipi
Genres: War, Friendship
Rating: 7/10

As the title suggests, Notes for a War Story deals with a trio of friends during an unnamed war in what is perceived to be modern times. To survive, the three resort to petty crimes and eventually find themselves under the tutelage of a thug named Felix. From there, their actions escalate in immorality, which is undeniably linked to higher risks and consequences. It is from these wartime adventures that we begin to understand each character's background and the road they've chosen for themselves.

The narrator is Giuliano, who gave up a life of certain privilege to be with his friends - Christian and Stephano, dubbed the "Little Killer". The camaraderie that builds between these three friends is their way of dealing with circumstances of the war. However, there is an inevitable bridge that the narrator cannot cross, as he has a past with a family that he does not want to forget, while Christian and Stephano can only look forward to tomorrow to escape theirs.

It is Gipi's exploration of the relationship between these lost boys and their perceptions of the world around them that speaks volumes. The cry for humanity in a world that has lost touch with morality and order is visible in each character's urge to connect with something that holds sentimental value - from Christian's admiration of a perfect home to Stephano's willingness to connect with Felix, the father he never had.

Though it's fictional, the book is filled with very fine observations that go far in the development of characters. Throughout the book, these boys transform from subjects of examination into animated livelihoods, holding the readers captive in the way they speak, look and act. The art seems entirely too appropriate for the content of the book, with dark shades of green and gray daunting every page.

Nothing is truly resolved in this book, but this is simply a reflection of the lives that go on after the ravage of the war. Gipi has outdone himself with the curiosity he provokes in the readers and the pure, emotional impact of an imaginary world that is only one step away from reality.

One cannot read this book and not be affected in some way.


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I'm happy today because I just received a new copy of Persepolis today for free. It's interesting - Remembrance Day is coming up and I'm reading numerous war books.

I've been out these past few days due to my busy schedule and lack of inspiration. I needed some time to relax and read - the weekend provided ample opportunity. I should be preparing for a very important interview, but I'm currently hooked on a nonfiction I picked up out of curiosity - True Stories from the Nation's ER. It has proved to be worth much more than it cost ($0.25), and has literally made me laugh and cry.