3 Years

Status: Finished

At first sight, Asaki China is like any other manga heroine you've ever known: a loudmouth tomboy enrolling into high school, living the Shoujo Dream: what else but fall in love, yadda yadda. But of course, as she is more reminiscent of a monkey guy than she is of a girl, her chances of getting that love is close to nil. Until she meets her new classmates, the class clown Haruka and the intimidating giant Shindou anyway...

Bored already? Don't worry, so was I. But there is a reason this short story on four chapters made me bawl a river in my room, and it isn't because of the ugly art.

Art - 0.2 /10.0
Whatever praise you're expecting me to say about this manga, it doesn't extend to the art style. My first impression was that China looked like a pig, and the two male protagonists a bear and a weasel. And I don't know about you, but bestiality isn't really my thing. Either way, I sucked it up and kept reading. And that's when we get to the good part...

Plot/Concept - 9.7 / 10.0
I love, love, LOVE the simplicity of 3 Years. I can tell you what it isn't: it isn't a intricate plot with some innovative, imagination-rocking idea; it isn't a rollercoaster drama where you keep holding your breath all the way. It isn't even original, or unique, and maybe that's what makes it so goddamn special. This story is as real as it can get when the main characters all look like animals, and anybody can relate to it. This is a story about growth, and regardless of if we've already been there or are on our way there, we still know what the mangaka is trying to tell us. And the message, in stark contrast to the way it is drawn, is hauntingly beautiful.

Characters - 9.5 / 10.0
Okay, none of the guys had me squealing, and I didn't cheer the heroine on as if she was my best friend. But these characters are stunningly realistic, and that's what makes you like them. They're not gorgeous or even remotely close to being perfect in any way, but they're people, not just characters on paper. You either are one of them or could have been. You might even know somebody just like them. Regardless, they're not your stereotypical shoujo characters -- they're actually real.

Romance - 9.8 / 10.0
I clicked, I saw, I cried. No, really. I usually don't sit around sniffling my way through mangas, but this one had me in tears with only four chapters worth of pages, to boot. I don't want to spoil anything, so I'll tell you: just read it. You won't regret it.

----

This is one of my all-time favorite manga, even despite how ugly it is. I love coming-of-age stories, but this one is definitely the cherry on top of all the coming-of-age manga I've ever read. It may not be for anyone, because it's rather serious and brutally honest: it's not your usual ditzy shoujo. But if you're ever in a mood for a story that actually speaks to you, this one is going to break your heart. That I can swear.

Overall Rating: 9.8 / 10.0

Credits for the scans: Perfect Illusions

S.L.H. - Stray Love Hearts (Final Review)

Status: Finished

...Wait, what? It ended? Just like that?

That's just lame. No, it's beyond lame. It's like Ichigo's-endless-whining-sessions-in-Bleach lame, and that is the epitome of lameness that can be humanly reached.

I realize I might be exaggerating a bit here, but after the fangirlism I indulged in over this series just a few hours prior, I was least to say surprised to find that Turtle Paradise had released the scanlation for the final chapter. What the heck? I thought. In my opinion, the story had just officially begun.

So I was already doubtful when I clicked the link to their online reader, but after reading that final chapter...

Yeah.

It was like Aishiteruze Baby all over again. After a fabulous series, fantastic cast and gorgeous art, I just feel emotionally robbed as I sit staring at those last few pages, thinking in incredulity, That's it? That's all we get as a final goodbye? It's like somebody giving you toilet paper for a farewell gift: maybe it might not be the worst present in the world, but it's still impersonal and just stupid.

I still love this manga, though. Up until now, it was plain amazing. The ending was too abrupt and (SPOILER!) what the hell was up with that confession? I actually cringed at the corniness. Cringed. Not to mention... WHAT ABOUT REN?????(END SPOILER)

I still recommend this series for its beauty and its characters, but you should at least be prepared that the ending will suck. Bigtime. If that bothers you too much, don't read this. But if you're willing to give up your hopes of a breathtaking finale for the sake of those out-of-this-world bishies, go ahead.

You can read the final chapter (as well as the others) here.

Final Overall Rating: 8.9 / 10.0

S.L.H - Stray Love Hearts

Status: Ongoing

Ah, don’t we know this set-up well. Cutesy girl Kozue Hiyoki enrolls in prestigious boarding school, lives in a dorm filled with bishies—nay, ikemen bishies (that’s how hot they are)—and, well. Et voilà - it's drama-time!

This story has got a little twist by adding in a supernatural element though; Hiyoki’s heart was literally stolen when she was sixteen, in a dream. All she knows about the thief is his platinum hair and the crest tattooed on his chest; the same symbol as the school crest.

Determined to find her thief, she goes on a hunt at her new harem boarding school, to find the culprit. Meanwhile, she lives in the infamous S-Hall (where all the bishies reside), and has to share a room with each one of them for a certain period of time! To top it all off, Hiyoki can see into people’s dreams... so you can guess things are about to get ugly. (Or as ugly as it can get when you’re mentally singing Hallelujah at the sight of all those bishies...)

Art – 10.0 +++/ 10.0
Oh, wow. Just... wow. I knew what I was expecting when I saw that this manga had been created by Shouto Aya (also mangaka of one of my all-time-favorites, Barajou no Kiss), but she really exceeded her abilities with this one. I don’t think I’ve ever seen such gorgeous shoujo art, period. Even though there are so many bishies, each one of them are unique in their own ways.

From the dark loner Reizei to the flirty heartbreaker Kitoh, they all have this special quality about them that even separates them from their phantom stereotypes in Barajou no Kiss. Sure, there are similarities between Reizei and Mutsuki, or Asukai and Seiran, but it’s just the stereotype mold. When it all boils down to the actual story, their quirks make them so different that the expressions and styles wind up almost completely different, hence making them unique in the way they’re drawn.

Plot/Concept – 9.2 / 10.0
I’ll have to say I’m pretty surprised by the small amount of loopholes. Sure, there are a few strange occurrences here and there—like the compulsory school events, or whatnot—but the overall plot in itself is quite solid. Even the things that seem cliché and stereotypical are explained if you just connect the threads of what you’re told and what is happening. I can’t say the storyline blew me away, but it’s interesting in the way it unfolds. And I think a dream-seer is a first when it comes to supernatural abilities in shoujo.

Characters – 9.0 / 10.0
Ever the element of surprise, I know. I’m really impressed with Shouto Aya this time around. Wherever Barajou no Kiss failed to deliver in its character building, SLH picks up the dropped ball and keeps things running. There isn’t a particular character I’m in love with, so there’s still something missing—but I like the entire cast, and I know for one that that one is new. The heroine might not be as strong-willed as I would have wanted her to be, but she’s not just a whiny crybaby, either.

Also, the interrelationships between the bishies themselves are quite fascinating, as the mangaka puts emphasis on them in this, as opposed to Barajou no Kiss where all the friendships remained at a quite superficial level. I love the dynamic between them as well as the overall realism about the characters: even though there’s nothing particularly impressive about them the way that Kurosaki blows me away in Dengeki Daisy, all the characters remain likeable and you can see the explanation behind their actions if you bother to read between the lines. This, coupled with the amazing art, makes a fabulous combo that’ll leave you—or, at least, it left me—breathless, waiting for the next advancement forward in both plot and character development alike. (And did I by the way mention that the guys are hot?)

Romance – 8.4/ 10.0
Like with the characters, there’s the doki-doki factor missing in the romance as well. While I absolutely adore the scenes between the guys and Hiyoki (mostly because of the art, but whatever), there’s nothing quite like a romance that can make your heart race. But I’m not rooting for any character in particular, and instead I remain clinically curious who she’s going to end up with and why. (Although it’s starting to become increasingly obvious, but you never know—hopefully, Shouto Aya can still maintain that element of surprise and give us a huge plot twist someplace.)

I like how the plot is actually interweaved in the romance in the way that it’s not a romance with the plot as a side-dish, but rather, things are explained by how the storyline progresses and ties the different events together neatly instead of just being an excuse to set the characters up for more romantic scenes. And besides, it’s rather tough rooting for a character in particular, when you like all of them. (But hey, regardless of whoever Hiyoki ends up with, I’m more than willing to take the leftovers...)

---

Least to say, I’m eager for further advancements. I wish I could say more, but then I’d be spoiling that pleasant surprise for you. So enjoy your read—I know at least that I did mine.

Overall Rating – 9.4 / 10.0

Credits for the scans: Turtle Paradise

Otomegokoro

Status: Finished

Nene Kashiwagi—a 16-year-old tomboy awkward with romance who simply can’t find love. Jun Endou—her friend and archnemesis, who can’t stop making fun of her. Then Nene’s first shot at love goes down the drain, and everything takes a rapid change. (Hey, that rhymes!) Cue doki-doki and sparkliness.

Yeah, that’s at least what I thought. What with the mangaka who created L-DK being the creator of these series, things were just about to go from cliché to crazy.

Art – 9.1 / 10.0
If there’s anything I love about Watanabe Ayu’s work, it’s her art style. There’s something simply different about the way she draws her characters that really makes them stand out, even in a familiar setting, uniform and hairstyle. The eyes, especially, are breathtaking.

Plot/Concept – 2.3 / 10.0
...I should’ve known Watanabe Ayu never does normal, but this should win an award in having way-out-there plot twists. I’m left staring blankly at my computer screen saying, ...thafuck? after every cliffhanger. There isn’t a logical sequence behind why things happen the way they do, other than the mangaka wanting to be as goddamn unpredictable as possible. But instead of being intriguing and fascinating, the plot ends up making no sense. We’re left staring at plotholes the seize of the Eiffel Tower every time the story moves forward. The only good thing about this is that you’ll never guess what’s coming next.

Characters – 1.5 / 10.0
I might as well just say it: what is up with this mangaka and sonuvabitches for male leads? It’s like she’s trying to convey a message to all her readers: regardless of how great a guy seems, beware. He’s actually the King of Jerks hiding beneath a pretty shell, and the prettier he is, the jerkier he becomes. Also, all they can think about is sex, but as a girl, you shouldn’t mind, because that means you’ll get laid and that makes you closer to him, even if you come off as a desperate hoe in the process.

I mean, I actually thought I’d like Jun. He’s the opposite of Shuusei from L-DK; outgoing, cheery and friendly. He’s upfront about what he thinks and feels, and he seemed rather sweet. But a few chapters in, and we get what I’ll now call the Watanabe Ayu Deal: oh really, he’s just one horny jerk among dozens of horny jerks, but what do you know, Nene wants him anyway but still gets treated like shit.

And Nene? I’d like to say she’s strong, but she’s not. She’s so swept up in her emotions, she can’t think straight. Maybe she doesn’t burst into tears and cause scenes at every given occasion, but it’s almost like she has zero pride. No, wait, she has zero pride.

I’m not saying every girl has to be a thick-skinned screaming tsundere, because that doesn’t really make you any more of a stronger person. But I think there’re times when you put your foot down, realize that you’re just getting yourself in one fucking mess and tell yourself that this just isn’t right.

She can have her cool moments, though. So if there’s anybody that even remotely makes this weirdass story even just a fraction better, that’d be her. As for the other girl, I hate her guts. Which I guess is sort of the point, but I also think she’s hugely unrealistic. She doesn’t even have a reason for wanting Jun in the first place, besides the God of Plotholes demanding her to.

Romance – 0.4 / 10.0
Wow, this may be one of the lowest scores of all time that I’ve ever given a romance, but really. There’s not even anything romantic about this story at all. It’s about a girl desperately thinking about love, who pines away for a moron thinking through his penis, who for some odd reason wants to bang has a crush on a girl who... doesn’t think at all. The first chapter is probably the only reason I’m not giving this whole thing a straight zero. But I feel as touched about the rest as I would be about watching my neighbor’s dog pee all over our street.

---

Did I just waste an hour and a half of my life reading this crap? Because I just think I did. Do me a favor and don’t follow suit. The story is completely pointless, from the beginning to the end. If you’re a fan(atic) of Watanabe Ayu’s art, then go ahead and enjoy the eyefest—the art is as pretty as always. But if you’re actually looking for a decent story, or even a story at all, this manga may not be for you.

Overall Rating – 0.9 / 10.0

Credits for scans: Which Scanlations

Suki Desu Suzuki-kun!!

Status: Ongoing

Chibi love. It’s like everything else that is sweet and sugary presented to you in real life: either you ate it or hate it.

Suki Desu Suzuki-kun!! is that kind of a story. We’re introduced to Hoshino Sayaka, the shy megane girl with supreme acting skills, and Itou Chihiro, the popular and beautiful girl-next-door. And oh, of course, our protagonists—Suzuki Hikaru (to the right) and Suzuki Shinobu (to the left). Members of the school basketball team and as different as day and night.

...Quadruple drama, here we come!

Art – 7.2 / 10.0
Okay, I’ll be honest. I like cute things, but not chibi art. It’s fine in comedy shoujo moments. It’s adorable in shounen ones. But an entire story based on it... I don’t know. There’s the reason I put down Shugo Chara four chapters in.

The one thing that keeps me reading is how it’s obvious the story will not only revolve around their middle school days. Right from the get-go, we’re told that this is a blast to the past, rather than the story itself. In a style reminiscent of Cat Street, we’re promised some major character development (guess who was squealing about that?) and there in itself an art style change due to their aging (as you can see on the cover depicted above).

Plot/Concept – 9.6 / 10.0
What I think is really unique about this series is how we’re actually shown continuous progress over the years and how time changes people rather than it being an element necessary to move the plot forward. Without the use of time skips or hints of the past, we’re being actively told about their realistic development all the while we’re promised a plot twist. I think the storytelling in itself is pretty amazing in the way that we don’t get bored of reading, despite the fact that we know it’s just part of building the foundation for the actual plot. It’s a lot of fluff, true, but even despite its chibi art, the characters’ emotions become palpable and surprisingly real.

What I do find annoying, though, is how they tell us the ending pairing right from the get-go, there-in reassuring us of a happy ending. While most stories remain obvious with their endings, the promise of an alternate or open ending is always fuel for the fans. The tiny, last detail out of that chapter that blew open that veil of mystery entirely was completely unnecessary, in my opinion. Regardless, my interest is piqued.

Characters – 8.8 / 10.0
The two Suzuki-kuns and their respective crush are all special in their own way. Their personalities are refreshing but stereotypical, so it’ll be interesting to see how they develop; so far, they’re just cute, the whole bunch of them. This leaves us hanging in whether they will become more annoying further one post-plot twist, or if they’ll mature. With such focus on the coming-of-age aspect of this story, I’m hoping it’s the latter rather than the former.

Romance – 7.5 / 10.0
If ‘aww’-ing your brains out is your kind of thing, this romance is made for you. This early into the manga, it’s still too cute for me to be able to relate to it, albeit that in itself doesn’t have to be a bad thing. But you can tell things are going to grow more intense further on as the romance develops, and that is why I keep such a high score despite its clichéness—this type of romance is quite rare in the shoujo world. Rather than throwing in a bunch of random plot twists to progress the plot forward simply to give space to doki-doki moments, we’re shown how a relationship grows throughout the process of puberty. With the pending plot twist looming over our heads, it seems to be the perfect recipe for delicious drama.

----

I have high expectations of this manga, and so far, it has yet to disappoint me. There’s definitely potential, and I’m more than willing to explore that potential. In the meantime, I’ll be waiting for more development.

Overall Rating – 9.0 / 10.0

Credits for the scans: Shoujo World and Starlight Scans