Now, before I dig too far into the review of the material housed within the pages of this book I wanted to take a second to bring up the writing style and artwork. Keith R.A. Decandido penned the script here and fans of the franchise will recall his work on the Ghost novel, Nova. He does a nice job here and the dialogue flows and pops, imbuing characters with personality. Fernando Heinz Furukawa handles the visual side of things quite deftly with some great designs and loads of detail. With that being said I must admit that while his style is very nice, a lot of the faces look exactly alike, but I should digress from nitpicking. With that out of the way, on with the review!

Much like the focus of the dead StarCraft Ghost game, Ghost Academy sees a Ghost cadet named Nova as its main protagonist. Nova is particularly promising in many regards. For starters she has a PI score of 10, which is literally off the charts by comparison to some of the other members in training. Another thing she has going for her is her quick reaction time which has saved her hide on more than one occasion. The only downside we see with Nova in this installment is the fact that she's not necessarily a team player.

While Nova stands front and center in the graphic novel she's surrounded by a host of other characters who make up what's known as Team Blue. Tosh is their leader, Kath is another senior member, Lio is just kind of there, and Aal is the newest recruit. Each of the characters brings some type of dynamic to the story here. For instance Lio is addicted to a drug called Hab and just sucks all around, Aal is a cocky privileged kid, and Kath and Tosh have a relationship. There are some other characters that share some of the spotlight in this novel as well, but in all honesty the main events follow Nova and her development.

After reading through this first installment I have to say that I truly hope the series is headed somewhere. Why do I say that? Well, nothing really happens here! It's all set up, introductions, and development of the characters, but there's really no concrete story. Sure there are little pieces of conversation that hint towards something that may be coming down the road, but the entire volume consists of Team Blue going through training courses. That's it. Even then we get badgered on the fact that Nova is better than everyone else and she'd be so much better if she would just display some teamwork.

The story so far just doesn't feel balanced and there aren't many dramatic moments. Sure we get to see Nova blow some stuff up, Aal kick some butt with kung fu, and Lio have a bad reaction to hab (Drugs are bad okay? Just say no!), but that's pretty much it. Still, there are plenty of references to the rest of the franchise and diehards will appreciate the lingo and bits and pieces of information that pop up about other species. In the end this is one that is geared more towards StarCraft fans, and not necessarily something that newcomers will be able to appreciate. Even so the story here is kind of flat and the first volume doesn't exactly take off. Here's to hoping the next installment will push things to the next level!

Generally speaking those who love manga and anime generally check out the book form of a franchise before the animated one. I, however, did things backwards with Tactics. I had the opportunity to watch the 25 episode episode show from 2004 long before I actually read the ongoing manga. Both serve as fine representations of Sakura Kinoshita and Kazuko Higashiyama's original work, but I must admit that I enjoyed the manga version much, much more.

In case you're unfamiliar of the franchise it basically takes place during the Taishou period in Japan and follows the exploits of Kantarou Ichinomiya. Kantarou possesses the ability to see demons, spirits, and other creatures regular humans cannot. Because of these powers he has become a folklorist and exorcist, working independently to help those in need bothered by things that lack explanation. Joining Kantarou is the oni-eating tengu known as Haruka and a fox-spirit named Yoko. The series follows their exploits as they take on various missions revolving around the exorcising theme.

Tactics has been in circulation now in the States for some time and Tokyopop just released the eighth installment of the series. Fans will undoubtedly be dying to know how the bit with Minamoto winds up in this volume. Those who read the seventh installment undoubtedly recall it ended with Kantarou squaring off against Sakata. In the opening pages here we do indeed see Kantarou and Sakata in a heated dual, and things get worse for our hero when Minamoto shows up to help Sakata. Just as the tides turn, however, Haruka jumps in to save the day.

What transpires next is a lot of fighting as Haruka shows just how cool he is. One thing leads to another and things get a bit darker for a few pages as the battle escalates. There are a few surprises in store for readers during this conflict and I appreciated the way things were resolved. It felt very appropriate given the tone of Tactics and what we've learned of its characters. Speaking of learning about the characters, there's a bit of development in the relationship between Haruka and Kantarou that transpires in the rest of the volume. It's very welcome and truly pushes their bond further than any of the previous installments.

As the eighth volume continues there's a bit with Muu-chan and Sugino that is as entertaining as you'd think it would be, and Kantarou gets involved in the story as well. Shortly after there's another chapter about a kappa and a few others as the installment goes on to feature more tengu bedtime stories.

As always, Higashiyama and Kinoshita have put together a fantastic volume of Tactics. The writing is superb, the stories here are engaging and suspenseful, and the artwork is certainly a cut above. Every page is full of detail and those that have enjoyed the seven prior volumes will undoubtedly feel right at home here.

Tokyopop has another fine installment of Tactics on their hands with this eighth volume. The development that happens between Haruka and Kantarou here is about as rich as any we've seen so far, and the variety in content is solid as well. The different chapters all have something unique to offer and the conclusion to the conflict with Minamoto at the beginning definitely fits the bill for action. This volume is highly recommended!

The comedy-romance manga, Maid Sama!, began its lengthy run in Japan in 2005. The manga by Hiro Fujiwara has lasted for ten volumes overseas and is even in production to become an animated series at some point in 2010. Needless to say that speaks to some level of popularity, but how does the series resonate with American audiences? We've already seen the first two volumes of the series, but recently Tokyopop just sent the third to store shelves. Let's take a look, shall we?

Just in case you're unfamiliar with the manga, you should know it's all about a girl named Misaki Ayuzawa who happens to be the student council president of her school. This may seem like nothing special at first, but considering Seika High used to be an all-boys school prior to becoming co-ed, it's fair to assume that girls typically don't rise to that level of power. Misaki is feared by many and respected by most. She uses her influence to make changes for the better and she thrives in the tough atmosphere. Imagine, if you will, what the male population's reaction would be if they found out she also had a part-time job as a maid at a café. One boy in particular, Usui, discovers her secret. Cue hilarious antics and the beginnings of a relationship.

At the start of this installment Seika High is holding a Dress-Up Race. Students that are participating must dress up in costumes provided by the student body. It's a random grab and wouldn't you just know it? Misaki pulls out a maid costume that was put there totally by chance from her adoring fans. The events leading up to her discovery of the costume are pretty funny, and once she actually dons the maid outfit it gets even better. Usui's reaction to her is classic and when it comes time for the event there's some support from her friends as well.

Moving forward there are more scenes that take place both in the school and café that develop Misaki's character and her relationship with some of her friends. One of the chapters also introduces the café manager's niece, Aoi, into the fold, and let's just say that she creates an interesting and beautiful dynamic. She's very dramatic and contrasts Misaki's character quite strongly I like the prospect of what her character offers the series, and it will be interesting to see what comes of Aoi in future installments. Another interesting development happens towards the end of this volume that involves some hypnotism. I'll leave it for fans of the manga to discover what happens during this bit, but let's just say that we see Usui and Misaki in a compromising situation.

As was the case with the other volumes Hiro Fujiwara's manga looks fantastic. The characters are nicely detailed with attractive designs and wonderful expressions. I really enjoyed the maid-fetish design that was at play here and it's clear that Fujiwara has an affinity for it as well. Scattered throughout the book are omake and amusing little bits that aren't a part of the main story. It all comes together with the writing and translation to make a volume that absolutely pops and has a lot of personality.

If you haven't read Maid Sama! before, then you should definitely add it to your list. The manga is full of humor, placates to otaku fetishes in some ways, and offers a fine balance with its dramatic moments. The third volume pushes the series forward and introduces some new things that should prove very interesting in the coming installments. Highly recommended!

In case you're like me and weren't really sure what was going on here, let me fill you in on the book as best I can. Basically it's all about a punk band named Faust. They seem to be pretty popular as indie artists and play a lot of club gigs and whatnot. Cree is the vocalist, Rail is the guitarist, Izsak is the bassist, and Char is the Drummer. Now, there's some relationship mumbo-jumbo here as Rail wants Cree, but Cree is dating Izsak. This is something that pisses Rail off to no end and he lashes out at Cree and Izsak constantly, though he never really expresses how he feels. As far as Izsak is concerned he bears something of an air of mystery. Strange people keep following him and there are times where he behaves oddly. Fans of the book and newcomers should note that we find out why in this installment.

The third volume of RE:Play starts out in a club with Izsak kissing some chick other than Cree, though she happens to witness the whole thing. Naturally her first reaction is to deck the girl who kissed her boyfriend. Her second reaction is to run away to the bathroom crying. Izsak, however, finds himself in a bit of a pickle. He has absolutely no idea who the girl that kissed him is, and now he has to make up with Cree. Something else was at work behind the situation though, and things are about to get a whole lot more interesting.

Char sees one of her professors at the club and is introduced to his boyfriend, who happens to be an editor of a popular magazine. As luck would have it he wants to do a spread on Izsak and a subsequent feature on Faust, naming Izsak its lead man. Rail has a huge problem with that and puts an ultimatum on the table that could shake the very foundation of the band. That's not the biggest development that comes from this installment though.

Cree is kidnapped in the aftermath of the dramatic events at the club, and the perpetrators lure Izsak to them. What's the catch? Well, I don't want to spoil the big reveal here, but let's just say it's very...interesting. Since I haven't read the other installments I'm not sure how this fits into the overall plot, but knowing what little I know of the series I must say it seems kind of out of place. Either way, it's handled quite deftly and the story makes it believable to an extent, so I went with it. This plot more of less takes over and defines who Izsak is as a person.

Despite all that happens between Cree and Izsak in this installment, there's also quite a lot of focus on the villains of the show and on Rail. On the bad guy side of things the dynamic duo of Niji and Laurent are charmingly dangerous and I really appreciated where Lijewski went with them. Also, before the volume ends Rail gets into a rather awkward situation and there's a bit of a hint at a future place for his character as well.

All in all the third, and final, volume of RE:Play was quite good. There was a bit of a supernatural spin here with felt out of place, but since I didn't know the rest of the series it might have already been introduced. Despite my lack of knowledge I truly enjoyed this manga. Lijewski's writing and art style are inviting and easy to appreciate, and the story and characters both feel well-developed. If you've been reading the series up until now then you'll be pleased with where this volume takes things, however, if you're new to the book (like me) then consider checking out the first two installments. It almost feels like a supernatural version of Beck, but with more of a focus on romance.

Azumanga Daioh has been one of my absolutely favorite shows ever since it made its way to America. The sense of humor is unparalleled, the characters are lovable to a fault, and everything about the series just oozes charm. Though there are many characters to pick and choose from when it comes to crafting a PVC figure, Kotobukiya has announced a lovely duo that would make creepy Mr. Kimura's jaw drop.

Sakuya:

Sakuya stands 7 inches tall (1/8 scale) and is scheduled for release in March with an MSRP of $54.99.

Kaho:

Kaho stands 7 inches tall (1/7 scale) and is schedule for release in February with an MSRP of $54.99.

---

With the recent release of Evangelion: You Are (Not) Alone on DVD (and Blu-ray soon) it's not surprising that Kotobukiya has some figures on the way. Rather than focus on the EVA units or individual characters, collectors can snag pairs of characters at a time. I found the poses for these two releases rather interesting and a bit different than what one would expect. Pictures are worth a thousand words though, so without further delay.

Rei & Asuka - Plug Suit Version

Rei and Asuka measure 8 inches in height and will see release this March with an SRP of $69.99.

Shinji and Kaworu

I do not have measurement details yet on Shinji and Kaworu (though they are 1/8 scale), but one would assume since it's a companion piece it should be roughly the same size as Rei & Asuka. This release hits in March as well with an SRP of $59.99.

Needless to say if you're a Neon Genesis Evangelion fan these figures are right up your alley. Then again, if you're a diehard collector then you may recognize these from a couple of years ago. The original line was so popular that they were lined up for a re-release. Maybe they'll prove to be just as successful?

---

More figure shelf filler! This time around Yamato Toys has announced a new addition to the King of Fighters lineup with their release of Vanessa. If you're a fan of the series then you'll know that this character debuted in King of Fighters 2000 and contrasted the young roster quite nicely. While most fighting game characters have rather shall we say, eclectic, origins, Vanessa takes the cake in some regards. She's basically an older housewife who doubles as a mercenary on the side.

Yamato's new PVC figure faithfully represents the character and all her "assets". For those interested here are some preview pictures:

Vanessa stands approximately 12" tall (1/6 scale) and comes with an MSRP of $112. She's set to release around April/May of 2010 and should fit nicely in any King of Fighters fan's collection.

---

What do you think about the column?  Like what you see?  Don't like it?  Have a comment or suggestion?  Drop us an e-mail and let us know!
 
 

Archives

January 2015 Edition
2013 Q4 Top Anime Titles from RightStuf.com, Part 1
Holiday Edition
Crunchy Roll, Lupin, and Bunny Drop
Compete Archives

Advertise With Us

Review Staff | Newsletter Subscribe | Join DVD Talk Forum
Copyright © DVDTalk.com All rights reserved | Privacy Policy | Terms of Use | Manage Preferences | Your Privacy Choices