Manga Mondays: Love Master A Volume 1

Following in Alison from Alison Can Read's footsteps, I decided that since I love reading it so much, I'll be reviewing manga series that I come across whether in my library or in the bookstore.  

Love Master A Vol. 1 - Kyoko Hashimoto

Summary: 

Determined to start a new life away from all the rumors and nicknames, Aria transfers to a new school - only to find that thanks to the nosey boys of the student council, her reputation preceded her.  Ironically nicknamed "The Love Master" due to her bad luck with romance, Aria nevertheless decides to turn over a new life - helping other couples overcome their problems, whether they like it or not.

**Warning: Review may contain some story spoilers.**

The Dish: 

Very cute if a bit extreme on the energy.  After being rejected by 50 boys to whom she confessed her love, Aria has decided to forsake love and make a fresh start at a new high school where she hopes her nickname as the "Love Master" won't follow her.  

Much to her surprise, on her first day Aria is chosen as the first years' student council president by the other first year student council members: Jin Kadomatsu, the health and safety coordinator who literally sweeps Aria off her feet, secretary Mizuki Tachibana who hides in the student council room to avoid other girls, treasurer Kurusu Umezono who spends most of his time utilizing the budget on technological means of monitoring the school, and vice president Chikayasu Takebayashi who is practically the reincarnation of a benevolent and loyal samurai.  And much to her dismay, the other student council members know about her reputation, but Aria manages to bounce back with energy to take the wheel of the first years' student council.

The art style is quite unique despite its similarities to most shoujo romance manga with the large eyes of main characters on otherwise fairly minimalist faces.  What I really appreciate are the unique characteristics of all of the main characters and even of side characters.  With some manga series, it can be difficult to distinguish between characters due to physical qualities that are too similar.  Readers will have no trouble knowing who is who in Hashimoto's adorable romance story.

In the way of the story, the first volume is told in a series of short vignettes and experiences involving the first year student council as Aria tries to find her footing as president.  Most readers will enjoy the pacing of the stories and the hilarious situations endured by the student council.  Personally, I found Mizuki's quirk of being afraid of other girls so endearing, and when readers see Mizuki, I think they'll understand her fears.  The last vignette starts the first of an over-arcing story which involves the second year student council trying to unify all the student councils together.  This story also involves the second year student council president, Takara Sakakiyama, wanting to make Aria his girlfriend.  While Aria is in debate over her feelings for a member of her own student council, she's unsure what to do to refuse Sakakiyama's advances.  What will she do?  Find out in the final volume.

While the story and art are fairly tame, this series is recommended for teen readers and above.

Stacking the Shelves (8)

We are all book lovers and the need to share our enthusiasm is sometimes overwhelming. Stacking the Shelves, created and hosted at Tynga's Reviews, is all about sharing the books you are adding to your shelves, may it be physical or virtual. This means you can include books you buy in stores or online, books you borrow from friends or the library, review books, gifts, and of course ebooks!

Underworld by Meg Cabot (Bought thanks to B&N coupon)
Demonglass by Rachel Hawkins (Bought at HPB)
A Game of Thones Vol. One by George R.R. Martin, Daniel Abraham, & Tommy Patterson (From Library)

The Raven Boys by Maggie Stiefvater (Thanks to Netgalley and Scholastic!)
Stormdancer by Jay Kristoff (Thanks to Netgalley and St. Martin's Press!)

Game of Thrones Season 1 (Borrowed, and I cannot wait to watch it finally!)


That's all I stacked on my shelves this week. What did you get? ^_^

In My Mailbox (26)

In My Mailbox is a weekly meme hosted by The Story Siren where bloggers post about the books they have received in the past week whether for review, purchased, or checked out from the library. ^_^

Bought:

Lord of Rage (Royal House of Shadows Book 2) by Jill Monroe

This one was such a bear (pardon the pun) trying to find in any bookstores, so I snatched it up once I spotted it!

Soulless Volume 1 by Gail Carriger and illustrated by Rem

I'm actually more inspired to read the series now that I've read the first volume.

A Sliver of Shadow by Allison Pang
Yep, I just had to get this one since I enjoyed A Brush of Darkness so much.

Won:

Mozart's Last Aria by Matt Rees

Won from Reading Lark's Emptying the Nest Contest

That's all for me this week. What did you get in your mailbox? 

Manga Review: A Bride's Story Volume 1

Title:  A Bride's Story, Volume 1
Author:  Kaoru Mori
Genre:  Manga/Graphic Novel
Pages:  192
Publisher:  Yen Press
Summary:  Amir is twenty years old when she marries her husband, a boy named Karluk from a neighboring village.  Adjusting to life in a new household can be trying for any young bride, but Amir's husband is eight years her junior!  Amir was a strong, sophisticated hunter and horsewoman in her village, but though their villages were next to each other, their customs are very different.  As Amir introduces Karluk to the foods and pastimes that were popular among her comrades back home, the warmth she feels for her young husband grows.

The Dish:  The idea of marrying someone who is eight years your junior... seems like a lot to take in especially when you're moving away from all that you have known in your life.  However, considering the time and setting of the story, it was considered the norm for girls to be married at age fourteen or fifteen.  By those standards, the main character, Amir, is considered old at twenty years. 

While the story is about Amir joining the family of her young husband, most of the focus is on Karluk's family members and their day-to-day lives.  There is an immense change with the arrival of this new girl, but they take Amir's differences in stride without necessarily scolding her.  While there was definitely an air of surprise, both from Amir upon meeting her husband and from Karluk's family, the warmth that grows between Amir and the family definitely shows. 

As a character, Amir doesn't seem to say as much as Karluk's family, but I really like her.  She is a brave young woman not only because of leaving her village and family behind to join Karluk's family, since that is proper during the time period, but mostly because she is considered an "old maiden."  Within this time, there were little options for older girls when it came to marriage, and for Amir to settle for a husband that is eight years younger, that shows a lot of her courage and lack of hubris.  Karluk is a kind boy who does accept his older wife, but there is a slight sense of hesitance on his part.  He does show concern for Amir when she goes on a rather lengthy rabbit-hunting excursion, but he is also amazed at what skills his wife possesses.  Perhaps his hesitance is due in part to intimidation not only because Amir is an older woman but because of her skills.  I look forward to seeing how their relationship grows in the next volume.

In the way of visuals, Mori's art can be described in one word: gorgeous.  Not all manga artists choose to go with a more detailed style, so it's refreshing to see one creating whole worlds in their story.  The settings are breathtaking and very realistic, and the people are diverse both in facial features as well as attire.  Mori often used a series of wordless panels to convey parts of the story, doing so flawlessly without breaking the overall volume.  Overall, A Bride's Story Volume 1 was a beautiful and warm introduction to our main characters, and I will be on the lookout for Volume 2, which is scheduled to be released in the US on October 25th.

In My Mailbox (5)

In My Mailbox is a weekly meme hosted by The Story Siren, where bloggers post about all the books they have received whether in the mail, if we purchased it, or checked out from our local library.

From Karen of Books Beside My Bed (because she's so awesome):

Dust City by Robert Paul Weston...

Personalized since Mr. Weston was at the Texas Library Association conference this week! ^_____^

From Carmel at Rabid Reads for winning her Giveaway:

Voices of Dragons by Carrie Vaughn 

From author R.A. McDonald:

Ada Legend of a Healer

From Half-Price Books:

Intertwined by Gena Showalter (I wanted to read some of her YA and LupLun wrote a great review.)

Hex Hall by Rachel Hawkins (I blame Karen's great review and for her pointing it out in the store.)

Black Unicorn by Tanith Lee (Finally, I have all three in the trilogy in hardcover!)

Black Dragon Codex by R.D. Henham (I'm still in a dragon mood lately.)

Wolf Moon by Charles de Lint (So I don't have to worry about returning it to the library!)

From Borders during Store Close-out Sale (kind of bittersweet):

How to Flirt with a Naked Werewolf by Molly Harper (I blame Carmel's great review.)

Natsume's Book of Friends Volumes 4 and 5 by Yuki Midorikawa (Cannot pass up manga on sale.)

Whew! Long list for me, but I'm happy about all of my new books. ^_^

What did y'all receive in your mailbox this past week?

In My Mailbox (4)

In My Mailbox is a weekly meme hosted by The Story Siren, where bloggers post about all the books they have received whether in the mail, if we purchased it, or checked out from our local library.

For the second week in a row, all of my books (the eclectic lot of them) came from my library including:

Cinderella: From Fabletown with Love

(Side story from the Fables graphic novel series featuring Fabletown's resident spy, Cindy.)

World of Warcraft The Shattering: Prelude to Cataclysm

(I may not play WoW, but it's hard to resist the novels. ^_^)

Bayou Volume 1

(This title had an interesting premise involving the supernatural south following the Civil War.)

Elephantmen: Wounded Animals

(While selecting the new branch's graphic novel collection, I came across this dystopian title. Looks action-packed!)

What's in your mailbox this week? ^_^

In My Mailbox (3)

In My Mailbox is a weekly meme hosted by The Story Siren, where bloggers post about all the books they have received whether in the mail, if we purchased it, or checked out from our local library.



All of my books came from my library this week, including: 

The Sandman: The Dream Hunters by Neil Gaiman & P. Craig Russell
(Always was a Sandman fan, and I can't wait to read this one.)

The Authoritative Calvin and Hobbes by Bill Watterson
(Nothing like revisiting old comics. Gotta love nostalgia ^_^)

Dust City by Robert Paul Weston 
(This novel arrived quickly by inter-library loan, hallelujah! ^___^)

My friends, what books arrived in your mailbox this past week?

"Waiting On" Wednesday: Sakura Hime Volume 1

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

This week's "Waiting On" Wednesday selection is:

Sakura Hime: The Legend of Princess Sakura

By Arina Tanemura

Publish Date: April 5, 2011 by VIZ Media LLC

From Publishers Weekly and Amazon.com~
Sakura is the granddaughter of a mysterious moon princess who slew demons with her Blood Cherry Blossom sword.  All her life, Sakura has been forbidden to look at the full moon without knowing why.  Then one night, unhappy over her impending marriage, Sakura gazes up at the moon, only to see a demon attacking her...

It's been awhile since I've had a manga series to anticipate the release, and I'm happy to be returning more to the Japanese graphic novels.  I adore most of Arina Tanemura's works, and this new title looks like a promising series.  Her art is one of the biggest draws for me along with the fantasy and legend elements, and I really hope this one delivers a great story. If you're unfamiliar with Tanemura's previous series, here are some of her titles. 

One Librarian's Journey

Title:  The Night Bookmobile

Author:  Audrey Niffenegger

Summary:  The Night Bookmobile tells the story of a wistful young woman who one night encounters a mysterious disappearing library on wheels.  This library includes everything, and only everything, she has ever read.  Seeing her history and most intimate self in this library, she embarks on a search for the bookmobile.  But over time her search turns into an obsession as she longs to be reunited with her own collection and therefore, her memories.

The Dish:  The Night Bookmobile is the first book I've read by Ms. Niffenegger, and it is a rather different type of graphic novel.  From the outside, it looks like a picture book one would find in the Children's Section of the library, but the story within is deeper than one expects.  Niffenegger is a rather unique storyteller, and she does tell a marvelous and touching story, one that not only librarians but anyone who loves books will hopefully appreciate in some way. 

Alexandra, the narrator, is walking about the city of Chicago one night and comes across a rather out-of-place Winnebago in the street.  Curious about it's appearance and the fact that the lights are on, she approaches it and the person in the driver's seat allows her entrance.  This Winnebago is actually a Bookmobile of sorts, but not just any Bookmobile.  When you first see the amount of books inside, it fills almost the entirety of the Winnebago.  This actually reminds me of a drawing by an artist I encountered at the Jazz & Arts Festival in Denton.  It is a one-point perspective drawing of a library that seems to go on endlessly, and if any library could represent one that adds more and more books to it as the reader reads, it would be within this piece.  Below is sort of an example of one-point perspective in a library; I would rather not show the drawing itself without a link to the artist's webpage.

For anyone who is searching for something or has ever felt the need to search for that something that seems to be missing in their life, I would recommend this graphic novel.  The story does have its sad points, but I hope that readers would find some peace in reading the end. 

Graphic Friday: The Stuff of Legend Book 1: The Dark

Title:  The Stuff of Legend Book 1: The Dark

Author:  Mike Raicht and Brian Smith

Illustrator:  Charles Paul Wilson III

Summary:  The year is 1944.  As Allied forces fight the enemy on Europe's war-torn beaches, another battle begins in a child's bedroom in Brooklyn.  When the nightmarish Boogeyman snatches a boy and takes him to the realm of hte Dark, the child's playthings, led by the toy soldier known as the Colonel, band together to stage a daring rescue.  On their perilous mission they will confront the boy's bitter and forgotten toys, as well as betrayal in their own ranks.  Can they save the boy from the forces of evil, or will they all perish in the process?

The Dish: When I first saw the cover, I was curious by what a walking teddy bear would be doing in an adult graphic novel.  Like most people who enjoy graphic novels, I would believe a teddy bear (especially one that can move about) would be in a juvenile or children's graphic novel.  So automatically, I wanted to know more about the storyline.  Max, the teddy bear, is one of many toys owned by a boy in 1944 Brooklyn.  It is at night that dark tendrils come out of the boy's closet, snatching and pulling him inside.  We later learn that the tendrils belong to none other than the Boogeyman himself.  Why he wanted this particular boy is not explained, but I'm confident there will be much more to that story when Book 2 comes out.  

It is when a group of eight toys and the boy's dog, Scout, led by the boy's current favorite toy only known as the Colonel enter the Dark that readers see the transformation of the toys into more realistic forms.  Max becomes the size of a grizzly bear, the Colonel, the Indian Princess, the Jester within the Jack-in-the-box, and the dancing doll Harmony all appear human-sized with human bodies, Percy the piggy bank is changed into a real pig wearing pants, and Quakers a wooden duck becomes a real duck.  It is my guess that this is either a show of the Boogeyman's power or the power of the realm of Dark itself.

Also, I thought it interesting that Wilson chose to keep all of the pages in sepia tones rather than full color.  Perhaps it is reminiscent of wartime in which so many things were considered too precious to be used so freely, or maybe it establishes the time period in a sense that most printed material was only available in these tones.  No matter what the means, I believe it does show the grave situation that the small group of toys are in and reflects the seriousness of what is transcribed in the story.  

This kind of story is definitely not an average children's tale even though it involves a child's toys and possessions.  It makes me remember when I and my friends would play out whole stories with our toys, even battles and fights just as this Brooklyn boy did.  The Stuff of Legend will make you think again about those stories and battles involving children's toys and imagination.  I eagerly await the release of The Stuff of Legend: Book 2.

What toys or books do you remember as being your favorites to play with or read as a child?

Coming Soon (And Very Soon!)

Title:  The Last Unicorn Graphic Novel

Author:  Peter S. Beagle

Art by:  Renae Del Liz and Ray Dillon

Summary:  Whimsical. Lyrical. Poignant. Adapted for the first time from the acclaimed and beloved novel by Peter S. Beagle, The Last Unicorn is a tale for any age about the wonders of magic, the power of love, and the tragedy of loss. The unicorn, alone in her enchanted wood, discovers that she may be the last of her kind. Reluctant at first, she sets out on a journey to find her fellow unicorns, even if it means facing the terrifying anger of the Red Bull and malignant evil of the king who wields his power. -Amazon.com

I cannot wait to read this comic in its entirety!  It's due to be released on January 26th, but in order to benefit Peter Beagle more, I recommend getting it from Conlan Press which is where I'll be getting my copy from soon.  Although I already own the first few issues of the comic, I still want to have a complete graphic novel of the story on hand, especially since it's in hardback format.  There will be a future review here, and I'm looking forward to reviewing this artistic rendition of one of my favorite books.

Graphic Friday: Beasts of Burden

Title:  Beasts of Burden Animal Rites

Author:  Evan Dorkin and Jill Thompson

Summary:  Welcome to Burden Hill--a peaceful suburb like any other with white picket fences and vibrant green grass--home to an unlikely team of paranormal investigators.  Black magic, demonic frogs, and zombie roadkill are just a few of the problems plaguing this seemingly sleepy little town.  With the human residents unaware of the danger, it's up to a determined crew of dogs (and one cat) to keep their community safe.

The Dish:  I came across Beasts of Burden when doing a random search on Amazon for a different graphic novel title for my library's collection.  Being a doglover and a catlover, the cover immediately caught my attention with the six members of the Burden Hill section of paranormal investigators, particularly their leading figure of Ace, the Siberian husky.  When the title was on our next collection development list, I immediately requested it for the collection.  The book itself is told through stories, or rather events, revolving around supernatural beings that the group of six encouter.  Although the stories are connected overall, I actually favor the episodic format which allows for readers to pause easily, and with this type of material, sometimes readers need to pause.  If you are an animal lover, particularly of the dog and cat variety, some of the stories will tug at your heart. 

What really drew me into the story were the main characters: Ace-the brave Siberian Husky, Rex-the Doberman Pincher with a bark worse than his bite, Pugsley-the sarcastic Pug, Whitey-the eager Jack Russell Terrier, Jack-the stand-up Beagle, and Orphan (AKA the Orphan)-the Ginger Tabby and sole ownerless member of the group.  Each character has their own unique personality that makes them stand off from the others, though I will admit I sometimes got Whitey and Jack confused by their similar coloring.  The introductory story revolves around Jack's doghouse being haunted by the restless spirit of a dog, and it is here that readers also meet the Wise Dog, one of a society that practices and trains in means of dealing with the occult.  It isn't until a later story that the Wise Dog offers to train the group into becoming other Wise Dogs (and a Wise Cat, in Orphan's case).  And apparently their home of Burden Hill is ripe with paranormal activity, thus the Wise Dog's interest in bringing the group within the society.  

I was a little puzzled by the lack of human interaction with the group especially with their owners.  In fact, we do not even see the human owners at all throughout the book.  The only humans that are shown are those usually involved in a case that the Burden Hill group is investigating.  True, the focus is on Ace and the others as they are doing this all to protect their neighborhood, but I am curious to see who they are protecting aside from the neighborhood animal inhabitants.  Hopefully, their owners will be shown further into the story, and I am looking forward to the next book of Beasts of Burden.

Edit: Who knew Gene Ambaum of Unshelved fame would review the same title on the same day? :)

Graphic Friday: Natsume's Book of Friends

Title:  Natsume's Book of Friends, Volume 1

Author:  Yuki Midorikawa

The Dish:  Natsume is not like other boys.  All of his life he's been able to see spirits and demons...and they're usually chasing him.  But this isn't his fault since the demons believe he is his grandmother, Reiko, from whom he inherited his spiritual gifts.  When she was alive, Reiko had taken the names of many different demons after spiritual battles, thus forming her "Book of Friends".  After releasing a demon he calls "Nyanko-sensei", due to the demon being trapped in the form of a lucky cat, Natsume finds the "Book of Friends" and vows to return the names to their proper owners.  Nyanko-sensei has promised to assist Natsume in this task on the condition that should the boy die while on his quest, the demon shall receive the "Book of Friends".

I was introduced to this series by a friend of mine, though it was the anime, not the manga.  Oddly enough I didn't watch an entire episode despite my curiosity.  Then, when I saw the manga available here, I just had to really see what the story was about.  The overall story of Natsume's Book of Friends is that Natsume is basically wanting to undo what his grandmother did years ago in taking the names from the demons listed in the book.  What I really love is the episodic stories involving Natsume with the various demons he encounters such as when he first meets Nyanko-sensei, or Madara as he is called by other demons.  The most endearing story to me involves the "Dew God", a spirit that was treated as a god many decades prior.  However, with only one believer remaining and growing older, his stature had been reduced to a tiny spirit easily held in one's hand. 

The banter between Natsume and Nyanko-sensei/Madara is quite humorous, especially with Nyanko-sensei always taking into account that he could always just eat Natsume to gain the Book of Friends.  In fact, it was Nyanko-sensei/Madara that made me very interested in this series simply because his true demon form has the appearance like that of a wolf.  It is rare to see wolves along the side of the protagonist in manga.  In the Dew God's story, there was a prediction made that involved Nyanko-sensei/Madara that makes me very curious to read more volumes.  Overall, I can't wait to continue collecting more volumes and I'd like to revisit the anime when it comes to America. 

When reading a graphic novel series, do you prefer more episodic stories or the overarching storyline and why do you prefer that type of story?

(Belated) Graphic Friday: Yakitate!! Japan

Title:  Yakitate!! Japan

Author:  Hashiguchi, Takashi

The Dish:  Battling...brawling...baking?  At the tender age of 6, Azuma Kazuma was introduced to the art of bread-making by a local baker with a dream to create a signature bread associated with Japan.  The French have a bread, the Germans have a bread, many countries have a bread associated in their country of origin.  And thus, Azuma's dream of creating such a bread for Japan, or Ja-Pan, was born.  

Why should people read this manga series?  Because it's a manga about a bread competition.  How many shonen series can boast this type of competition?  In most action manga, the competition is a battle royale in the sparring ring between two (or more) brutal warriors, as with Dragonball Z, YuYu Hakusho, and so forth.  With Yakitate!! Japan, it's still a battle...the ring just happens to be in the kitchen using an oven.  

This is one crazy manga starting off with Azuma competing for a position at Pantasia, the most prestigious of breadmaking brands in Japan.  While in the competition, Azuma meets formidable opponants in Ken Suwabara, a breadmaker with the heart of a samurai, and Kyousuke Kawachi, a young breadmaker with a secret past.  But Azuma has one advantage on his side in this bread competition...his "hands-of-the-sun", or palms that are warmer than normal temperature.  Azuma fairs well in the competition, but due to some scheming in part of some of the competition, he does not win the position at Pantasia's main branch.  Instead, he and Kawachi have both caught the eyes of Tsukino Azusagawa, owner of the the smaller south Pantasia branch.  How will Azuma fair working in a bakery that is in competition not only with other local bakeries but also with Pantasia's major rival, St. Pierre?  

Overall, I have enjoyed this manga simply because of the unique theme even if it does revolve around a competition.  It has the heart of the hero's journey as Azuma strives to achieve the perfect Ja-pan, or Japanese bread.  The side characters involved in the manga are what really make the story great, although I believe we dwell too much on Kawachi's "hair issues" later in the series.  Although I haven't been able to finish the manga yet, I'm looking forward to seeing the outcome of the final bread competition. 

What competition-based manga series capture your attention?

Graphic Friday: Lone Wolf and Cub

Title:  Lone Wolf and Cub, Volumes 1-14

Author:  Kazuo Koike and Goseki Kojima (artist)

The Dish:  Honor, betrayal, disgrace, vengeance…Lone Wolf and Cub chronicles the story of Ogami Itto, the Shogun's executioner who uses a dotanuki battle sword. Disgraced by false accusations from the Yagyu clan,he is forced to take the path of the assassin. Along with his three-year-old son, Daigorō, they seek revenge on the Yagyu clan and are known as "Lone Wolf and Cub".

I was started down the path of Ogami Itto and his son, Daigoro, by one who thought I would appreciate the merits and the journey of this father and son seeking vengeance and justice within Japan.  After reading the first 14 volumes, I would have to say he was right simply because although Ogami and Daigoro are the protagonists within the story, it is rather hard to state their story is a 'hero's journey'.  Because of what Ogami does (which at times involves Daigoro in the grand scheme) as an assasin, one cannot really call them "heroes" though in many cases, Ogami has managed to save side characters we meet within their long quest even if saving them often at times means releasing them from pain/dishonor/distress.  Their story is more of a quest to clear the honorable name of Itto and to punish those who had betrayed them. 

What I also admire about the writing of Lone Wolf and Cub are the notes written regarding the time period.  Koike helps set the story in a more historical sense in allowing the reader to see more through the eyes of the characters and understand a different culture's manners and behaviors.  He also supplies a glossary of main terms used throughout the volumes (some with additional terms) in the index area of the books while words used less frequently are explained within the text itself.  Kojima's art style is definitely unique and recognizable among other Japanese graphic novels.  Although at times disturbing, I believe it helps set the mood for the times, giving a more realistic view of how things appeared and were dealt with in this era of Japan.  I would almost liken it to Rurouni Kenshin only more gritty, violent, and rough through and through rather than just the edges. 

What graphic novels grab you?

Graphic Friday: Magic Knight Rayearth

 

Title:  Magic Knight Rayearth

Author:  CLAMP

The Dish:  When the world as we know it is falling apart, when those sworn to lead it have turned against the realm, who will rise up and stand against the enemy?  Three teenagers from Japan.  Hikaru, Umi, and Fuu are three girls visiting Tokyo Tower on school trips when the floor opens up beneath them, sucking all three into Cephiro, a world that is shaped and molded by the strongest of wills.  Once there they meet Guru Clef who informs the girls that they must save Cephiro and rescue its Pillar, Emeraude, from the once loyal priest, Zagato.  At first hesitant, each girl must find her own inner strength to draw out the power of her guardian beast, Selece for Umi, Windam for Fuu, and Rayearth for Hikaru. 

Magic Knight Rayearth is one of the older manga series and also one of the first series I read when I became interested in manga.  There is something remarkable about this series despite its familiar and perhaps clichéd plot.  Let me start off by saying this: CLAMP = Beautiful.  There is no doubt when one reads a CLAMP novel that the artwork will be gorgeous, sometimes too much so.  The detail the artists put into creating not only the characters but their very world is impressive, and it is one feature I love about Magic Knight Rayearth.  That detail is also shown in the personalities of the girls.  Granted, it is a tried and true plot device to bring together people possessing different skills in order to accomplish a task.  This doesn’t take away from the story, instead adding greater warmth to it as readers travel with Hikaru, Umi, and Fuu.  Each of the main characters has something favorable, and one cannot help but like the girls and hope for the best end result. 

Another great point of this series is meeting all of the side characters, which isn’t a large amount.  In some series there are so many side characters, a reader would need to keep a list of each one for characters who appear once and then again farther into the story.  Within Rayearth, every character that the girls meet on their quest has a reason to be there whether it’s to test Hikaru, Umi, and Fuu in some means, or to befriend and assist them; sometimes both are done in the process.  However, it is the final test that will make the girls look back on their journey and ponder the “what if?”

Overall, Magic Knight Rayearth is one manga series that I could read over and again.  With a great story, likeable characters, and beautiful art, it is one series I intend to keep in my collection. 

What manga/graphic novels do you remember from your past?