2 posts tagged “manga”
Man, I think I slept most of this weekend! Must be fighting off something...
Just finished up reading Cthulhu 2000, an anthology of writings utilizing aspects of Lovecraft's mythos. There are 18 stories, most good, a few stellar, and a few that just didn't work at all. Standouts include "Fat Face" by Michael Shea, "Black Man with a Horn" by T.E.D. Klein, "The Last Feast of Harlequin" by Thomas Ligotti and "The Barrens" by F. Paul Wilson. Well worth reading. It's interesting to see Lovecraft's creatures and concepts in different prose styles. I've got a number of Lovecraftian anthologies on hand which I intend to devour in my not-so-free time. I've got a story in mind that I'd like to write, but I want to make sure someone else hasn't already written something similar.
Next up is Night Voices, Night Journeys, a translated collection of short stories by Japanese writers taking on the Cthulhu mythos. Should be interesting to see their take on the subject.
I also got around to reading the English translation of Cipher--at least the 7 volumes now available. *blinks* I'm trying to decide who's bright idea it was to publish this series now? Why? Because it dates back to 1984! My head spun as I kept reading the mangata's gushing about groups like Culture Club and the Thompson Twins. And Wham! And the characters were all stylin' in their 80's styles tight pants, long shirts and very short shorts. And mullets. OMG, the mullets were everywhere.
Once you get past the whole time-warp factor and the outdated art style, the story is pretty decent. Anise, a regular girl at a New York high school, introduces herself to "Siva", a very handsome actor/model who happens to go to the same school. She wants to be friends. "Siva" decides to mess with her a bit and goes along with the friendship. Eventually, Anise discovers that "Siva" is actually two twin brothers named Roy and Jake who take each other's place every other day. (Later in the series, Roy explains why). "Siva" is actually Jake's stage name. Roy's is "Cipher", and it was in fact Roy that Anise met on the first day, and Roy is the twin that falls in love with her.
The early volumes set up the series and introduce the cast of characters. As the story progresses, the emphasis changes from the love story of Roy and Anise to a drama about the two brothers and how they start growing apart as they reach adulthood. Warning: twincest, drug use, and very bad fashion. I was in high school during 1984, so my impressions of this series are probably clouded a bit by my not-wanting to relive the 80's, but if you were too young to remember that era, this might make an interesting period piece. Although, if you want an 80's era manga, Maison Ikkoku is a better all-around story.
The last volume of Basilisk: the Kouga Ninja Scrolls came out recently. This series really was a brilliant adaptation. The art was fantastic and the story gripping and very, very dark. Manga at its best, so READ THIS SERIES!! There's an anime that has just finished being released in English as well, but I'm waiting for the box set, so I haven't seen it yet. Looks like Del Rey is going to release another adaptation from Yamada Futaro's Ninja series: the first volume of The Yagyu Ninja Scrolls: Revenge of the Hori Clan is being released in late October. No word yet as to whether they'll release the novel as well, like they did with Basilisk.
Not sure what I'll read next. I'm going to be reorganizing my bookshelves this week, so maybe something will pop out at me as I sort through my collection.
Looks like Fuji TV is going to be doing a Japanese version of Hana Kimi! The show is due to start Tuesday, July 3rd! Discussion thread at d-addicts here, including pictures of some of the main cast. Oguri Shun, who played Rui in Hana Yori Dango, will be starring along with Horikita Maki and Ikuta Toma.
I can't wait. The Taiwanese Hana Kimi was cute (and silly), but I haven't finished watching it yet. I don't understand Chinese at all, so I need subs for them. With Japanese dramas, I know enough of the language to at least follow what's going on. But what's this I see? Looks like there will be a sequel to the Taiwanese version, probably next year??? Sweet!
For those unfamiliar with Hana Kimi (aka Hanazakari no Kimitachi e), it was a manga series about a girl who disguises herself as a boy in order to attend the same school as her idol, a high-jump athlete. Mayhem ensues. Pretty art mixes with high comedy and results in one incredible tale of love, friendship and acceptance. Hana Kimi is being published in English and is currently at volume 17.
