New manga this month (so far):

Beast master (1): By Kyousuke Motomi. The cover art and splash pages all portray the protagonist as this feral beast, but in reality, the story portrays him as a cheerful, likeable and innocent boy (with, I'll grant you, some emotional problems). The final chapter alludes to some interesting back-story -- I look forward to the next volume.

Butterflies, flowers (1): by Yuki Yoshihara. I hate to say it, but I don't know this author very well. I wouldn't be surprised if she wasn't also a yaoi artist. That said, this series is difficult to catagorize: a josei manga with the idealized character design of a shoujo series. A fun series about Choko Kuze, the sensible daughter of a bankrupt aristocratic family who finds an office job working for her tyrannical ex-servant. Things get really exasperating for Kuze when she realizes she's in love him and doesn't know how to get around his tyrant/servant exterior.

Gestalt (4): By Yun Kouga famed author of Loveless (which I haven't read) and Earthian (which I have). It's basic insanity, and I really am not sure what's going on. But there is still an underlying story and a build-up of mystery that keeps me buying the latest volumes.

Love.com (15): Nothing much to say. Felt a bit like a filler episode. Nothing declared. Nothing gained. Nothing lost. Really...kinda nothing. I'm hopeful for volume 16. It's gotta be coming to an end soon right?

Mr. Flower groom: by Lily Hoshino. My sister bought this double by accident, so I ended up getting it. I never read "Mr. Flower bride" but I'm assuming that the tradition is for the Souda family to marry off their younger sons to male clan members. In this story Ritsu marries his childhood friend Kouichirou; and having to get over misunderstandings, and jealousy...they end up finding love... It's a fairly standard Yaoi title. The art is pretty, but the story is generally lacking... Just reinforces the reasons that Yaoi is not my genre.

Only one wish: by Mia Ikumi. I didn't get very far with this volume. I didn't realize before I bought it that it's the same artist as Tokyo Mew Mew (which I don't like). I'll read it later this week maybe. It's short episodic stories about a witch who will grant your wish if you call her on the special cell phone. A bit reminiscent of Hell girl... although, it's less...

Shugo Chara (6-7): I didn't read this yet. It's been too long since volume 5. I'm going to re-start from the beginning.

What a wonderful world (1-2): Beautiful indie comic by Inio Asano. At this stage in my life, the story couldn't have been more apropos. Each episode slightly intersects to illustrate the duality of modern life. "Exploring the ways in which modern life can be ridiculous and sublime, terrible and precious, wasted and celebrated". I've seriously never cried so much reading a comic before in my life!

Yotsuba&! (7): I appreciate YEN press so much right now! I don't know what happened to ADV, but they never seemed to be a solid publisher. And who would have guessed that YEN press would become such a driving force in such a very short time... Also, this volume is perfect!

It's been 2 months since I last bought new manga; and compared to my sister's offerings, my list seems to have grown exponentially over this past year. I haven't read them all yet, but here's what's new:

Bleach (28)
Bride of the water god (4)
Fist of the blue sky (3) -- I frequent the comic book store I found this at; and yet this is the first time I noticed it... Volume 3 from Raijin.
Gestalt (2-3) -- looks like the story continues (past the OVA) in volume 2. Looking forward to seeing how it progresses.
Honey and clover (7)
Kaze Hikaru (14)
Kimi ni todoke (2) -- This story is so incredibly sweet! Highly recommended.
Lapis lazuli crown (2/end) -- There was enough of a story in 2 volumes to be perfectly satisfying.
Love.com (14)
Me & my brothers (9) -- The romance between siblings still throws be off a bit (even if they aren't blood related). Maybe it wouldn't be so off-putting if the sister didn't look like an elementary school kid; and the brother wasn't a cross-dressing weirdo. Oh well, at least it's cute!
Naruto (46)
The palette of 12 secret colors (6)
Papillon (3) -- I accidentally bought this double by mistake. I guess I hadn't updated my list like I had thought... Stupid!
Pluto (5)
Real (6)
Skip beat! (19) -- This is a great series. At 19 volumes it's getting a bit long; but the story continues to be interesting. There's so much plot and back story to be developed. So much fun!
Slam dunk (5-6)
A tale of an unknown country (1) -- I decided to start this series by the author of Lapis Lazuli crown. I read the volume. I think it will be a short series like the Lapis Lazuli. It's really quite refreshing having the main characters fall in love in the first couple of chapters; really eliminates all of that teen-aged angst.
Vagabond (29) -- I just finished rereading the last 28 volumes of this. I haven't read it yet; but I suspect Musashi will have to regain his mobility in this volume, if he ever wants to face-off with Kojiro.
Venus in love (7)
VB Rose (6) -- Volume 5 left at such a cliff-hanger, that I was expecting a bit more resolution in this volume; which of course didn't come. Instead, Hidaka thought it'd be fun to increase the romantic angst by adding a 'nasty' rival. Well, at least she seems to be nasty; I suspect she isn't going to be so bad... It is a Banri Hidaka story after all.
Wild ones (8)
Yotsuba&! (6) -- I had no idea that Yen Press had taken license of Yotsuba! I just saw a full release up to volume 6 at the store... Yatta! I'm so pleased to see new volumes.

It'll take me a few days to make it through them all.... Especially with all of these house meetings. Not that I mind. Tomorrow, we're picking exterior colours. Tanoshimi ni suru!

So I decided it was probably about time to post my special list of specialness from my latest con...

So apart from all of the 'non-participating' we did at the con... we did see 2 shows. 

Higurashi (When they cry) which is a live action adaptation of the show we watched last year.  It's a horror/thriller about Maebara Keiichi (a transfer student) who comes to a peaceful rural village.  He becomes friends with his classmates, and is accepted into their group.  But as he begins to get comfortable in his new life, he stumbles upon the dark history of the village; and how his new friends seem to be connected to it.  It's a bit 'disturbing' but I think it's hokey enough in Live Action to be acceptable.  Although, I don't care how hokey it is, I don't want to see people tearing off their own flesh.  Ewwww....

Toshokan Sensou (Library War) which felt like one big 'inside joke' about library work.  The government begins suppressing any information they find undesirable or inappropriate and the only people who can stand up to them and the abuses of power are the library and special library task force.   So all librarians are trained in the standard 'cataloguing', 'dewey', 'circulation', and of course 'combat'!  Haha^^
 
We didn't do too much else while we were there.  Mainly shopped... 

New Comics:

Club 9 3 (Super exciting!  So hard to find... I've been looking for years for this.  There's also an illusive volume 4 somewhere out there, but I'm not holding my breath)
Happy Mania 4-11 (A series I've been meaning to buy...)
MPD-Psycho 1 (A local comic-ya recommended this to me; but he didn't actually have it, so I had to buy it here)
My Code Name is Charmer 2 (Who could imagine I'd find this gem from studio ironcat!  Has anyone even heard of them?)
Red Prowling Devil 1-8 (complete.  I've actually never seen this series before, but the vendor was giving me a deal if I could fill a box... so essentially this series only cost me $5)

I also bought The DVD soundtracks to Initial D and Be Boys and the first two DVD volumes of "Story of Saiunkoku" (I already had the third).  I was fooled...it looks like the first three volumes are the complete set, but the series continues past...which means I'm now looking for the next few volumes (wherever they may be).  Anyways, it's a really fun sweet anime series about a girl Shuurei from the important yet impoverished Kou family who is sent to be the new Emperor Shi Ryuuki's consort, and essentially make him serious about ruling.  This allows her to pay off some of their debts as well as get her as close as possible to her dream of becoming a court official, even though as a woman it's unthinkable. 

Also, my new job allows for me to take home any 'extra' materials that we don't take into the library collection.  So.... today I went home with 30 new volumes of manga... actually, only 15,  I left the rest on my desk at work... (which I'll add to my list later).  

Free comics:

Kamichama Karin 5-7 (A series I'm always tentative about buying... but now that I own the ending, I might as well splurge for the beginning!)
Magical x Miracle 1-6 (complete)
Nightmare Inspector 1-3 (This one looks a bit like xxxHolic -- but less 'cute')
Prince of Tennis 1 (I don't think I'll buy this one... I think it's already publishing at volume 26)
St. Lunatic High School 1-2 (complete)

My co-worker took home about 20 or so titles too (all of which I already own); and the library took about 150 new volumes.  Also I recommended a few that they'll be ordering soon (I'll place holds for you Kohaku, If you want me to!).  So yay, new job... so much fun!

The rest of the free comics:

Angel Sanctuary 1 (I guess it's about time I read this one...but, whatever...)
Monochrome Factor 1-2 (I think I saw some of the anime at a con a few years ago... but seeing as I don't quite remember, it mustn't have been that good. -- I expect just as much from the manga).
Neon Genesis Evangelion 1-8 (Really, what can i say -- I'm just glad I didn't have to spend money on it!)
Ral-O-Grad 1-2 (I think the O is acutally an 'omega' but I'm too lazy to figure out how to type that in here...)

So, it was new comic-book day at my house yesturday.  I needed to fill in some new releases to get ready for Animethon next weekend.  I also started a few new series; all of which have some promise...

• ( 23 new comics )

I'm going to summer camp!  A whole week of crazy counselling 10-12 year olds... I'm beginning to doubt my sanity, but I think it's too late to back out...  I'm teaching the kids archery.  I haven't held a bow in 10 years... I really hope I get to practice beforehand.  Although, I do have some great pirate gear to wear... ArrrrrRrrrr....

So, the comic book store guys have been bugging us to come in and pick up our books...It has been a couple months...  Of course, I'm too poor right now to buy everything on my list (and there were a few new series I really wanted to start too...).  oh well, there's always next month...

( What's new... )

Hontoni Ja nai! I would write in japanese, but among the problems from my computer 'explosion' a few weeks ago, I lost my character set. Super lame...something else to fix.

( Warning...serious NERDING IT UP...(Re. Otafest/Anime convention) )

I came across this perfect bit of stop-animation while doing my usual job hunt; a fox following a pig around, using photographs. For your viewing pleasure:


I did find a few jobs to apply for (nothing in Hokkaido tho). It's been a month and I really haven't applied to anything. I guess it doesn't help that my computer crashed and I've been using most of my computer time re-installing all of my hardware & software. It also took me several hours to recover all of my files. Unfortunately my emails seem to be lost forever. If anyone has suggestions on how to at least reinstate my email contacts...I would really appreciate it!^^ Anyways, my first application is officially being sent off tomorrow!

Also, I'm starting my third Japanese class this week! Tanoshimi ni shiteimasu ne! I'm really looking forward to it. Somehow I'm able to keep up in the high-intermediate class; but taking this low-intermediate class is really going to help with the basics. LUCKY! Right now I'm learning to express myself as a girl...which seems really lame when I'm in a group of only guys. I think my sensei enjoys making the boys talk like girls...^^

Yup, so It's been about a month (or so) since I last bought comic books.  I got a call from the store saying we hadn't been in in a while...and strangely, that means I have lots of new comics to read for this month...  I bought 25 in total, which was a bit beyond my budget, but I didn't buy any new series, so...I really couldn't help it!  It wasn't my fault!!!!!

Bleach 26 (I haven't read the last volume either, I guess a new book is the sign to get cracking!)
Comic 4 (Actually a manwha, and the story's not very strong, but it is still enjoyable).
Crimson Hero 10
High School Debut 8 (Yay, I love this series... But this volume is a bit of a let-down; not much happens and the author doesn't seem to inject as much sight/layout gags as she has in previous volumes).
Honey and Clover 5
Kaze Hikaru 12
Kiichi and the magic books 4
Love.Com 11
Me & my brothers 7 (It's hard to picture the main characters together (except that it is actually drawings)  What am I to say what works and doesn't in a shoujo sibling romance style manga)
Naruto 34-41 (apparently there was a problem with licence renewals or some nonsense, which caused Viz to think that 8 volumes in less than 2 months would be a reasonable solution.  I wonder if they consider that most people who buy this series don't actually have an income... This is out of control!)
Papillon 2 (This romance is turning out to be as angsty as Peach Girl -- but I think it's going to be a bit more fun to read.)
Scott Pilgrim 5 (Not manga -- actually Canadian; but much fun... It's been at least a year since I bought a volume of this)
Skip beat! 17 (There's a strange metaphysical development in this episode, which I'm not sure was the right direction for the story... We'll see how it worksout...)
Slam Dunk 2 (If Viz publishes past volume 5 I will be seriously pleased...Although the Japanese copy I have is much much nicer)
Tail of the Moon 15 (It's finally over -- and such a nice ending; with a super cute post-story at the end)
Tears of a lamb 5 (One of my favourite author's, but it is too angsty in an annoying way; that I actually don't like this series...)
We were there 3
Wild Ones 6

Now to find a place on my shelves for them....

1) I'm doing this meme cuz I'm bored...and I don't like being left-out. ;D
2) My favourite musical instrument is the harpsichord. I love the tinny sound...
3) I didn't have nick-names as a kid...that I recall...
4) If you count preschool & Kindergarten, I have officially been in school for 26 years!
5) My new hobby is 'fruity' gum. I'm currently chewing "Melon Mint"...

6) I don't like cake, or cakey items...like pancakes...yuck!
7) My last name only has 2 "Es" and 1 "S".
8) I love school supplies...no, I LOVE them. But only if they're spunky, fun, whimsical, or twinkly. For this school term, the theme is "Pink".
9) I have a fabulous long-term memory...and still remember the shakespeare and poetry we had to memorize in high-school.
10) I am currently dating "Doumyouji Tsukasa" from Hana Yori Dango...Once I finish that video game, I might try dating one of the other F4... (heh)

11) I'm very crafty (Not 'prof. cold-heart' crafty), but I can make stuff... and I'd rather make it, than buy it.
12) I have my BA in Art History with a minor in Museum studies...
13) I've found it to be a really useful degree...(for watching Jeopardy)...
14) I am NOT a computer geek...it's lies I tell you...all lies!
15) I'm scared of sharks (in swimming pools), Mountain lions (because they eat small children), Peanut butter & banana sandwiches (because bees might sting me), worms (cuz they might crawl through my skin)...<---due to the guidance of two older brothers.

16) When I was a teen I was offered a job teaching archery at summer camp -- which I regretably didn't take.
17) I love all things Japan.
18) I've been interviewed on television twice and quoted in the newspaper thrice (that I know of)...
19) I have a soft-spot for movie musicals (pre-1970)...my fav's are Gigi, Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, and State Fair.
20) I'm a chronic hoarder; but I try to live minimalistic (it's not working out so well).

21) I've been working for the library for 5 years, as of...today!
22) I'm all talk...
23) I had a series of nightmares when Wayne Gretzky got married in 1988...I very vividly remember pushing 'Janet' down the hill for stealing my future husband.
24) I don't like horror...except in comic book format...But I prefer Horror/Comedy.
25) My favourite thing is Coca Cola...Once it touches your lips, it's just sooooo good...

I haven't posted my new comics in awhile, so I'm a bit behind.  I'm not posting they that I've missed though... just this week's.  It's a bit of a larger haul than recent weeks, probably because we haven't gone in so long...and also because I fell off the spending wagon -- as I'm also trying to pay off my debt.  eheh...

Obviously, I've got a serious problem^^  Maybe next week, I'll get out of debt.

• Blank Slate 2
• Bleach 25  (The first new volume I've had in over 3 months)
• Haruka 3
• High School Debut 7 (One of my favourite new 'highschool' romance manga.  There are so many with a similar subject, but this one shines^^)
• Kiichi and the magic books 1, 2, 3  (My favourite purchase this week -- a really fun and interesting story.)
• Koihime Soushi  (Yes, it has cute characters, but the story leaves me scratching my head -- all I can say is, this is definitely the work of Koge-Donbo.)
• Kujibiki Unbalance 2  (Being as this was written as content for Genshiken, has a fairly decent plot and character development.)
• Love.com 10  (I really loved the series early on, but this one is getting a bit annoying.  I think Nakahara should have considered shortening this a bit.)
• Name of the flower 1  (This is a really lovely gentle romance -- I'm really looking forward to the next one)
• Naruto 32, 33  (and it continues...)
• Real 3  (My #1 favourite artist -- YAYs)
• Sand Chronicles 4
• School Rumble 10, 11  (I think I've only read the first volume of this series.  I think I really need to be in the mood, for this type of comedy.)
• Shugo Chara 3, 5
• Skip Beat! 16  (One of my favourite series!!)
• Time Stranger Kyoko 3  (This is the last volume.  Pretty cute story, but I'm not a big Tanemura fan.)
• Venus in Love 5 (Still a terribly awkward translation.  I hope they aren't in charge of any other series.)
• We were there 2 (The happiness at the end of this volume is too surreal... you just know its not going to last).

I guess that's it for me.  Except to say, I'm still alive, and haven't ridden in an ambulance for over a week now.  So, yay!  Now, I've got to go... I have more comics to read, and only a few more hours before sleep.