Now, I'm positively addicted to shojo mangas, I'm not sure if I'm as well read as some, but I definitely know I've started and finished on a lot of series I found to be memorable. So I decided to do this sort of bi weekly review dump of shojo mangas I frequently check on.
*These are a few of my favorite reads, but I will be dis-including titles such as: Hana Yori Dango, Nana, Kodocha no Omocha... etc. Because those series are so long and epic I'm bit intimidated haha
Review Dump: Shojo Manga Pt. 1
1. Kamisama Hajimemashita (Comedy, Fantasy, Ongoing): Currently, my favorite ongoing manga. It's a really easy read. The art style is almost cartoon-y but with a very shojo- esque feel. Art and story by Suzuki, Julietta.
- Summary: Momozono Nanao is left homeless after her dad ditches her (yet again). Finding herself at a park, Nanao meets a strange man who offers his temple to her as a home. However, upon the temple, Nanao realizes she not only inherits the temple, but the role as a Land God as well as the responsibilities that come with it.
- Heroine: Momozono Nanao is a good heroine. She is selfless, honest, and knows when to be defiant. She's more of a character of justice; usually fighting for the best for her temple in the chapters.
- Love Interest: Her familiar, Tomoe, is a cat spirit who dislikes Nanao from the beginning. Although he betrays her in the beginning, one can see how loyal he is to his duties both as Nanao's right hand man and as the temple's guardian. His manipulative, but loyal character plays very well with Nanao, making them both a bit unforgettable.
- Love Rival: Outside the school and demon fangirls, there hasn't been a real rival against Nanao for Tomoe's love until recently. For now, I know she is a human of great importance to Tomoe although I understand she is no longer living, her presence causes some sadness and curiosity in Nanao. There is also the snake familiar who lives in the temple with Tomoe and Nanao, who battles for the latter's affections.
***TL;DR: Currently, this manga doesn't show any real, epic storyline, rather little arcs that matures the character's relationship. There is no major villain, and sooner or later every one comes at peace with one another. It's a very light hearted and enjoyable manga to get into.
2. Ashita no Ousama (Slice of real life, Josei, Completed): I was IN LOVE with this comic. It is just so refreshing via character development, art style, and setting. I recommend this series to every one if you're looking for an original story. Art and story are by Emiko Yachi.
- Summary: Sasaya Yuu is a college student who quickly finds her calling in stage performing and later, script writing. She joins a local theater and learns the ups and downs to the show business, as well as becoming closer to rising performance star, Ishii Touya.
- Heroine: Yuu, like all characters in this story, has both faults and flaws that make her character relate-able. Her passion and honesty gives the traits as a heroine, but impatience towards her dream and naivety that is limiting to her goals makes Yuu's battle more engaging. I believe her to be a heroine that stands on her own.
- Love Interest: First impression of Ishii Touya is that he is just TOO EFFING COOL. Cool, talented, and good looking; he seems to be the perfect love interest for a shojo. However, Touya is still faltering between that line of stage and tv acting and becomes frustrated several times throughout the series when he feels he's disappointed himself. It's very touching to watch his character grow and also how he and Yuu develop respect for each other (among other things).
- Love Rival: Touya's manager, Kina, is the rival for Touya's love. Her and Touya have a history and although that is over and done with, one sees that Kina tries to repair what they once shared. She's very dependable and looks for the best in Touya's future, landing him roles on a TV series. There is also a rival actor for Yuu's affections that appears in the last few chapters.
***TL;DR: Optimistically moving, this series focuses more on being passionate and following your dreams. Although there is a love story, it isn't a big part of the moral. All the character support and motivate each other as well as deal with their own issues. Y'ALL SHOULD READ THIS MANGA.
3. Kokoro Botan (Comedy, School Life, Ongoing): I started and caught up with this series just last night. There were times when reading that I wanted to scream, "STORY OF MY LIFE". It's a relatively feel good manga that often leaves each chapter ending with a nice conclusion.
- Summary: The story follows Kasuga Niina and her "trial" relationship with Koha Eito. However, the smiling boy seems to be playing more with Niina's feelings rather than developing feelings for her.
- Heroine: Clumsy, tactless, and and definitely, gullible; those would probably be the words I use to describe Niina. Although she is very cute, her actions seem a bit desperate at times and some what clingy. It isn't so annoying because it plays very well with Koga's character.
- Love Interest: Koga isn't as mean as one expects him to be when first reading the synopsis. He is more like a teasing, curious observer. Most of the time he leads Niina on, but always means well for her in the end.
- Love Rival: There is an upperclassman who fights for Koga's affections, but she doesn't last for no more than a chapter. There is also Niina's classmate (I cannot remember the name right now..) who is flirts with her in every chapter. The series is still only ten chapters long so it's hard to really pin point a love rival;;
*** TL;DR: This series could still use some work. Although the story is simple, it is not touching enough to really be a "feel good" series, nor does it have a compelling story line. I feel like Koga's fondness for Niina isn't convincing. Niina's persistence for Koga and her insecurities are well done, however. WE WILL SEE HOW THIS SERIES PROGRESSES.
AND THAT CONCLUDES MY REVIEW DUMP PART ONE~~
