Anime April Mayhem! Day 10, Anime/Manga I Need to Re-visit

These are manga or anime I haven’t read or watched in about ten years. I still have at least a basic idea what they are about. Some of them didn’t make it on my favorite anime or manga list because I didn’t think I remembered them well enough to know for sure.

Therefore, here is a list of one’s I’ll re-visit and review in the upcoming months.

Dengeki Daisy (2007-2013), Manga by Motomi, Kyousuke 

Teru Kurebayashi is left all alone in the world after the death of her brother, Souichirou. Well, all alone except for “Daisy,” someone that she can always talk to and who never hesitates to cheer her up. However, Teru has never met Daisy, she has no idea what he looks like, and her only means of contacting him is through a cell phone that her brother left for her.

In stark contrast to the kind words and encouragement Teru receives from Daisy, she gets nothing but grief from the rude school janitor, Tasuku Kurosaki, who forced Teru to work for him after she accidentally broke a window. But while Kurosaki seems like a lazy good-for-nothing who only enjoys making her miserable, is there more to him than meets the eye?

Myanimelist Overview

Once upon a time, I was obsessed with this story. I even had all the manga volumes. However, one day about five years ago I sold all of them because I had re-read the first few volumes and didn’t like them. Weird. . . I do think it’s about time to re-read it and write a full on review.

Kimi ni Todoke (2005-2017), Manga by Shiina, Karuho 

Kuronuma Sawako is completely misunderstood by her classmates. Her timid and sweet demeanor is often mistaken for malicious behavior. This is due to her resemblance to the ghost girl from “The Ring,” which has led her peers to give her the nickname Sadako. Longing to make friends and live a normal life, she is naturally drawn to Kazehaya Shouta, the most popular guy in class, whose “100% refreshing” personality earns him great admiration from Sawako. So when Kazehaya starts talking to her, maybe there is hope for the friendships Sawako has always longed for. Maybe…there is even a little hope for some romance in her future.

Myanimelist Overview

I still really like this manga! But, I haven’t read it all the way through in a long time. I’ve also never watched the anime all the way. Since I prefer more warm-hearted romances like this, I want to revisit it and see if I want my future daughters to have access to it. (I like collecting romances that teach wholesome lessons about marriage and relationships for that reason.)

Karneval (2007-?), Manga by Mikanagi, Touya 

Nai searches for someone important to him, with only an abandoned bracelet as a clue. Gareki steals and pick-pockets to get by from day to day. The two meet in a strange mansion where they are set-up, and soon become wanted criminals by military security operatives. When Nai and Gareki find themselves desperate in a hopeless predicament, they encounter none other than the country’s most powerful defense organization—”Circus”!!

Myanimelist Overview

Of all the entries on this list, I remember the least about this one. I have a vague memory of the two main characters but nothing else. I want to read it again because of the beautiful manga covers I came a cross a few weeks ago for my Beautiful Manga Covers entry.

Kobato. (2009-2010), Anime by Madhouse

Sweet and naïve Hanato Kobato came to Earth on a mission to collect and fill a bottle with “konpeito,” which appear after healing a person’s heart that is suffering. Kobato collects these because it is her wish to go to a certain place. Despite her strangeness, Kobato turns out to be well-suited for this mission as her heartfelt sincerity in helping others earns her the love and admiration of everyone she meets. However, she is not allowed to fall in love with anyone whose heart she heals.

Myanimelist Overview

I love this story! Re-reading the manga about two months ago I remembered I used to like the anime a lot because it fleshed out the short series. Therefore, I’m going to look into it again to see if I truly like it as much now.

La Cordo D’Oro (2004-2011), Manga by Kure, Yuki 

Every few years, the prestigious Seiso Academy holds a prominent musical competition, and only the very best students at the Academy are allowed to participate. Though all are eligible to apply, only students from the music department actually make it to the competition…until now.

Myanimelist Overview

Music and its a reverse harem. That’s what I vaguely remember. When I read it at eighteen, I was a music major in college and loved how it emphasized the spirit of music, and its healing effect on people. Now, I want to look over it again for nostalgic reasons. Maybe I’ll like it, maybe I won’t.

Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind (1982-1994), Manga by Hayao Miyazaki

Humanity, once a technologically advanced and thriving civilization, has been pushed to the brink of extinction following a cataclysmic war known as the “Seven Days of Fire.” The remnants of the human race now live in scattered kingdoms to avoid the unrelenting spread of the “Sea of Corruption,” a colossal forest infested with dangerous mutant insects and fungi that produce poisonous spores.

Nausicaä, sole heir to the throne of the agricultural kingdom Valley of the Wind, is thrust into a war after an ally kingdom, the imperialist Torumekia, invades the Dorok Empire. Forced to fight alongside the Torumekian military and their cunning princess Kushana, Nausicaä witnesses firsthand the horrors of war and its effect on both humanity and the environment. With her uncanny charisma and gentle nature, Nausicaä may be the only for hope for humanity as the ongoing war and the Sea of Corruption hasten the extinction of mankind.

Set against the backdrop of a devastated world, Kaze no Tani no Nausicaä depicts the aftermath of human folly and the immortal power of nature.

Myanimelist Overview

Nausicaä is still one of my favorites, unfortunately its been a LOOOONG time since I’ve read it. It’s also on the ever going “Need To Buy” list. I think its a good thing I haven’t read it in so long. It means I can re-experience its magic all over again.

Ouran high School Host Club (Anime 2006, Manga 2002-2010), By Hatori, Bisco

At Ouran High School, an academy where only the children of the rich and powerful attend, there exists a club consisting of the most elite of the student body: the legendary Host Club. Within the club’s room, six beautiful, bored boys spend their time entertaining equally beautiful and bored girls.

Haruhi Fujioka, a poor scholarship student, has no interest in the Host Club—until she breaks a valuable vase in their clubroom. After being mistaken for a boy, Haruhi is forced by Kyouya Ootori to work for the Host Club to repay her debt. Tamaki Suou, the princely leader of the club, eagerly takes her under his wing to teach her the ways of the host.

Things, however, are never quite so simple with the Host Club around. Even the most mundane events can turn into huge spectacles with the likes of prankster twins Hikaru and Kaoru Hitachiin, stoic Takashi Morinozuka, and sweet Mitsukuni “Hunny” Haninozuka. The crazy adventures of the Host Club are just beginning, and Haruhi must learn how to survive in the glitzy world of the hosts.

Myanimelist Overview

I would never show the show or manga for Ouran High School Host Club to young children because they wouldn’t understand its a satire. (Like Voltaire’s Candide) I have no bad memories of this story; just a big gap between when I last experienced it. The manga and anime are both good. I remember that much.

Soul Eater (2008-2009), Anime by Bones

Death City is home to the famous Death Weapon Meister Academy, a technical academy headed by the Shinigami—Lord Death himself. Its mission: to raise “Death Scythes” for the Shinigami to wield against the many evils of their fantastical world. These Death Scythes, however, are not made from physical weapons; rather, they are born from human hybrids who have the ability to transform their bodies into Demon Weapons, and only after they have consumed the souls of 99 evil beings and one witch’s soul.

Soul Eater Evans, a Demon Scythe who only seems to care about what’s cool, aims to become a Death Scythe with the help of his straight-laced wielder, or meister, Maka Albarn. The contrasting duo work and study alongside the hot headed Black☆Star and his caring weapon Tsubaki, as well as the Shinigami’s own son, Death the Kid, an obsessive-compulsive dual wielder of twin pistols Patty and Liz.

Soul Eater follows these students of Shibusen as they take on missions to collect souls and protect the city from the world’s threats while working together under the snickering sun to become sounder in mind, body, and soul.

Myanimelist Overview

Ecchi material. . . how I hate you. Soul Eater‘s anime has way less ecchi than the manga but its still there. I am a huge fan of Halloweeny type stories, and loved this show when it first came out. Also, the animation is great! I like looking at AMVs for it.

Trigun (1998), Anime by Madhouse

Vash the Stampede is the man with a $$60,000,000,000 bounty on his head. The reason: he’s a merciless villain who lays waste to all those that oppose him and flattens entire cities for fun, garnering him the title “The Humanoid Typhoon.” He leaves a trail of death and destruction wherever he goes, and anyone can count themselves dead if they so much as make eye contact—or so the rumors say. In actuality, Vash is a huge softie who claims to have never taken a life and avoids violence at all costs.

With his crazy doughnut obsession and buffoonish attitude in tow, Vash traverses the wasteland of the planet Gunsmoke, all the while followed by two insurance agents, Meryl Stryfe and Milly Thompson, who attempt to minimize his impact on the public. But soon, their misadventures evolve into life-or-death situations as a group of legendary assassins are summoned to bring about suffering to the trio. Vash’s agonizing past will be unraveled and his morality and principles pushed to the breaking point.

Myanimelist Overview

I remember liking Vash as a character and wondering if he and Meryl actually get married. . . but beyond that I haven’t thought about it in a while. The time has come to re-visit this comedic, philosophical drama played like a Western.

Tsubasa: RESERVoir CHRoNiCLE (2003-2009), Manga by CLAMP

Warmhearted Syaoran has always been friends with Sakura—the princess of the Clow Kingdom who holds an extraordinary power capable of changing the world. When a mysterious man attempts to monopolize Sakura’s ability, her memories scatter throughout different worlds in the form of feathers. To save Sakura, Syaoran seeks help from the Dimensional Witch and meets two other travelers—Kurogane and Fai D. Flourite.

Kurogane, a capable fighter and ninja, has been banished from his homeworld and wishes to return. In contrast, Fai, a magician from Celes, wants to traverse different worlds to avoid his home and past. As the price to cross dimensions, each of the three must sacrifice their most valued possession. For Sakura’s sake, Syaoran agrees to give away their relationship as payment to the Dimensional Witch. And with firm determination, Syaoran, Kurogane, and Fai begin journeying through numerous worlds to fight against their ill-fated destinies.

Myanimelist Overview

I KNOW I love this series. I just haven’t read it in a long time. I’m never in the mood. However, this is the year I will sit down and make my way through it!

Thanks for reading! See you tomorrow!

Anime April Mayhem! Day 9, My Top Ten Favorite Anime

Anime April Mayhem! Day 11, My Most Disappointing Experiences.

Click to Donate!

Anime April Mayhem! Day 7, Best Artwork From Manga I’ve Read

For clarification, this list exclusively lists manga I have personally read. Therefore, I won’t be listing anything like Berserk or Vinland Saga. I love art and exploring different mediums within comics and manga. Those featured in this list are listed in alphabetical order. I don’t have the heart to pit them against each other in a competition.

Let’s get started!

Bleach, Artist Tite Kubo

No matter what anyone says against Bleach, Kubo did an phenominal job drawing this manga. Each chapter heading, even from the first volume, is cool. Characters are the gears of any story and he had a way of bringing them to life with his art.

Would I buy an artbook for this series? Definitely yes. Do they exist? Yes!

Daytime Shooting Star, artist Mika Yamamori

Those who have gone through my other posts know this manga has come up A LOT. It will pop up in the future as well. I guarantee it. I’m not sorry. Now, why did I include it here on an art list? Yamamori is one of the most consistent character artists I’ve come across. She is especially gifted in how she draws hands and eyes. Aesthetically, this series pops because of her character designs and how she carries through with them till the end of the series.

D. Gray-Man Man, artist Katsuro Hoshino

D.Grayman ALMOST made it onto my underrated manga list. If not for its anime series and bigger following I would say it definitely deserves more attention. As for the art, it is GORGEOUS. From the amazing manga covers and character designs as the series progressed, her art just pops for me. Hoshino is also great at sequencing action scenes. From the get-go, her manga has maintained a higher quality.

Also, her art books are phenomenal. They are on my to buy list.

Fullmetal Alchemist, artist Hiromu Arikawa

People gush about Fullmetal Alchemist often. It’s for good reason. For me, one of this series’ highlights is the artwork. Specifically, Arakawa’s fluid designs and knowledge of human anatomy fascinates me. Of all the manga artists, Arakawa is the most similar to me in personality, especially in how much research she did for this series.

I also want to own the art books for this series. (You see the pattern. I need to buy these art books but don’t have the heart because of MONEY. So sad).

Immortal Rain, artist Kaori Ozaki

Kaori Ozaki draws amazing character profiles. Even outside this series, her works consistently feature well-balanced designs. As for Immortal Rain, her artwork blossomed throughout the story, featuring beautiful human caricatures and striking details in the backgrounds and sequencing. I did not mention this in my Underrated Manga Post, but her talent as a story writer and artist is underappreciated.

Mushishi, artist Yuki Urishibara

Because Mushishi is recognizably one of the most beautiful anime, specifically in its backgrounds, the manga is a little undervalued. This is rather foolhardy because Urushibara has a very distinct, earthy quality to her artwork. Throughout her ten volumes, she created such a vibrant view of Old Japan, disconnected from the modern world.

Natsume’s Book of Friends, artist Yuki Midorikawa

Much like Mushishi, Natsume’s Book of Friends has an ethereal feel to it. Yuki Midorikawa’s brush strokes feel like Japanese calligraphy, and her chapter headings have a beautiful watercolor feel.

Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind, artist Hayao Miyazaki

One of the reasons Miyazaki’s movies are appreciated worldwide is because of their artistic quality. Miyazaki, though viewed primarily as a director, is really at heart an artist. Over twelve years, he drew an extended manga covering his first film from 1984. truly, Miyazaki is an incredible artist. It is hard to convey the depth of his talent through the few pictures I could find. To truly experience it, it is best to read the manga in full.

One Punch Man

I love the first season for One Punch Man. Its’ animation and comedy are great. The manga is definitely undervalued in light of the anime. The original story is by ONE, who has great ideas but limited artistic ability. Therefore, for the manga, Eyeshield 21‘s Yusuke Mirata stepped up as the primary artist.

Dang. His drawings have DEPTH and amazing shadowing. He was the right choice as this iconic story’s artist. Of all the artist’s I searched for, his art pieces were the easiest to find.

Pandora Hearts, artist Jun Mochizuki

I am a sucker for Alice in Wonderland parodies. Pandora Hearts‘ artwork, much like D.Grayman, is definitely a major highlight of the series. Of all the manga on this list, Mochizuki’s artwork is probably the most likely to find its way into an Anglophile’s personal library. (Much like Black Butler). Basically, lovers of Tim Burton-esque Hot Topic fans.

Personally, I simply admire Mochizuki’s coloring for her art book features, designs, and manga backgrounds.

Psyren, artist Toshiaki Iwashiro

Psyren was the hardest to find the right feature artworks. (Another sign it is underrated). Iwashiro is one of the best worldbuilders I’ve seen, especially in his backgrounds. He puts such amazing detail into the setting, it comes to life. Another highlight is his character designs. He is best at drawing hands and teeth.

Tsubasa: RESERVoir CHRoNiCLE, artist CLAMP

Magical. CLAMP’s artwork throughout Tsubasa, and their other works, is simply magical. I feel like I can drink in the manga like an exquisite three-course meal. I love how they do hair, clothing, and staging. Literally, any piece from their artbook could go on the wall.

The Girl From the Other Side, artist Nagabe

Nagabe’s artwork for The Girl From the Other Side shines differently than any manga I’ve listed. It reminds me somewhat of the artwork featured in Patrick Ness’s A Monster Calls, with its heavy shadowing. It could be mistaken for artwork commissioned for Edgar Allen Poe’s short stories. It’s Gothic and beautiful.

Vampire Knight, artist Matsuri Hino

I have conflicting feelings about Vampire Knight. Its story and the odd ending really threw me for a loop when I finally got the courage to read it. Honestly, it’s not a great story. But its artwork is breathtaking. When I found its artbook in Barnes and Noble, its beautiful colored pictures surprised me. I expected to hate it. Now, I admire her visual artistry despite her struggles writing good stories.

The Way of the House Husband, artist Kousuke Oono

Hot dang Oono is a great artist! Not only does he draw amazingly accurate character designs, but his staging and use of light and shadowing also enhance the series’ comedic effect. The first time I read it, I was in awe of his drawings and surprised it was his first released manga.

Thank you for reading! See you tomorrow.

Anime April Mayhem! Day 6, Underrated Manga Tag

Anime April Mayhem! Day 8 Webtoon/Manhwa Special, My Favorites

Anime April Mayhem! Day 6, Underrated Manga Tag

Cover from Hayao Miyazaki’s Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind

This is a rather fickle list to make because popularity shifts like the wind and people’s tastes are subjective to their interests. I thought long and hard on the underrated titles I wanted to highlight. At least half of them made it onto this list because no one talks about them anymore, and they have a very specified fan base. All in all, I think they deserve more love and attention.

For this tag, I’ll be listing a variety of manga I feel are underrated. Feel free to use this tag yourself and be sure to tag me into your post so I know it’s going around!

Let’s get started!

Enhanced by Jul26

Daytime Shooting Star, 2011-2014 by Yamamori, Mika 

If you’ve been following my posts for the last few days, yes, this manga has come up A LOT. It’s one of my favorites and is a well-rounded mature romance. Yamamori treats her characters well and doesn’t create “villain” like rivals. Instead she built up the eventual relationship for her main character Suzumi in a way that honored her feelings and experiences.

Yamamori’s art style and consistent quality artwork should be praised more.

D.N.Angel, 1997-? by Sugisaki, Yukiru 

Fans probably rate D.N.Angel‘s manga so low because of the anime. (It’s not good.) The original publisher, Tokyopop, of the English translation also went out of business about ten or so years ago so access to the manga volumes plummeted. This is unfortunate because Sugisaki’s artwork is hauntingly beautiful at times and her story is thought-provoking. She hasn’t released any new chapters in a long time, so the story is on hiatus for an indefinite time period.

From Far Away, 1991-2003 by Hikawa, Kyouko 

From Far Away is another manga that has popped up a few times the last few days. With how popular Isekai style manga and anime are nowadays, I think more people should know about Hikawa’s Fantasy adventure with its optimistic and compassionate character Noriko from Japan. It’s a very romantic story and it also teaches pivotal truths on individual worth, power, and choice and accountability.

Immortal Rain/Meteor Methuselah, 1998-2011 by Ozaki, Kaori 

Immortal Rain was fairly popular about fifteen years ago while Tokopop was publishing its volumes. However, once it went out of business access to the new volumes became impossible. Ozaki has a crisp, unique art style which is easily recognizable. She also has a knack for creating relatable, deep characters with identifiable motivations and problems. I hope VIZ media or another company chooses to re-translate it sooner than later. It is a really beautiful story. (Warning though! It has some mature content I wouldn’t recommend for younger readers.)

Tsubaki-chou Lonely Planet, 2015-2019 by Yamamori, Mika 

Much like Yamamori’s other work Daytime Shooting Star, I admire this story for its mature, more relatable take on relationships and communicating as a couple. I also really admired how she set specific boundaries in their relationship, giving them time to grow and eventually marry one another once Fumi was older. (The main characters havea big-ish age difference so it is important the author did this.)

Unlike Daytime Shooting Star, there is no English release for the manga volumes yet. There is also no anime. So sad. My hope is after Yamamori’s other series is completely released in English, VIZ media will also release Lonely Planet.

Love So Life, 2008-2015 by Kouchi, Kaede

(Yes, it is here again.) As far as Shoujo romances go, this is yet another more realistic take on relationships with bigger age gaps. I loved how Kouchi set up the romance between Shiharu and Matsunaga. There were not huge passionate scenes, however, they grew towards each other.

I am truly surprised more people don’t talk about this series. I am equally surprised it is no translated into English yet.

Mushishi, 1999-2008 by Urushibara, Yuki 

Some may argue this series is not underrated. However, looking over a lot of different blogs and lists these past few months I have barely ever seen anyone talk about this series. Perhaps its because its so difficult to buy the English translation for the manga. It also may be because it has a completely different appeal to it then big Shonen anime and manga like One Piece and Bleach.

Regardless, more people should know about and read this series. It has beautiful artwork, compelling mysteries, and it is utterly therapeutic to read. It will also make you think deeper about different aspects of human nature, especially with its relationship with nature and the spiritual world.

Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind, 1982-1994 by Miyazaki, Hayao 

Miyazaki’s manga for his infamous animated film by the same name is the epitome of an underrated cult classic among manga fans. I only found it because, at 17, I was still working my way through all of Miyazaki’s films. When I watched the film I had this strange feeling something was missing from its story. So, I looked it up and found out he wrote a manga to better portray what had originally wanted for the story.

Its artwork and story are incredible. Miyazaki drew and wrote it himself and every page is a visual and literary delight for me. It suffers from the same problem Beserk does. It’s not a main stream genre so its looked over by general fans.

Psyren, 2007-2010 by Iwashiro, Toshiaki 

During the 2000’s a lot of people talked about Psyren. Since Iwashiro finished the manga though, no one talks about it anymore. I can for the life of me fathom it. It has great pacing, dynamic characters, and incredible artwork (especially how he drew teeth).

Silver Spoon, 2011-2019 by Arakawa, Hiromu 

Don’t get me wrong. I love Arakawa’s Fullmetal Alchemist more. However, that doesn’t mean I don’t think this manga is both hilarious and incredible. If anyone could get me interested in farming, its Arakawa. Silver Spoon draws a lot from her roots as a farming child. It might even be a small tribute to the world she grew up in.

Though it has an anime and a fairly large fan base, I think most readers skip over it because it is nothing like Fullmetal Alchemist. When they see Arakawa as the author, they must expect another great Shonen, action thriller. Instead, they get a well-rounded slice of life growing up story. Though it’s not for everyone, I still think the fan base needs to grow.

Yotsuba&!, 2003-? by Azuma, Kiyohiko 

Here we are again. It should probably be obvious Yotsuba&! is one of my favorite manga. The story is so down to earth and it’s so funny! Not as many people know about it though because it has no anime and not that much identifiable merchandise. (Shrug.) That’s the way it goes sometimes. Thankfully, at the very least there is an English translation for this manga readily available.

There you have it! I did treat this post as a possible tag other blog writers could use. Feel free to use it and be sure to tag me in there somewhere as the original creator.

Thank you for reading!

Anime April Mayhem! Day 5, Anime/Manga I’ll never do

Anime April Mayhem! Day 7, Best Artwork From Manga I’ve Read

See you tomorrow!

Beauty Around Us: Part 6, Japanese Animated Backgrounds II

Though it took awhile, here is the second part of my Japanese film section. Most of these are from Hayao Miyazaki, but all these films have beautiful imagery.

I Satoshi Kon

  1. Millennium Actress (2001)

2. Tokyo Godfathers (2003)

3. Paprika (2006)

He will take a LONG time. His films are visually gorgeous.

II. Hayao Miyazaki

  1. Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind (1984)

2. Castle in the Sky (1986)

3. My Neighbor Totoro (1988)

4. Kiki’s Delivery Service (1989)

5. Porco Rosso (1992)

6. Princess Mononoke (1997)

7. Spirited Away (2001)

8. Howl’s Moving Castle (2004)

9. Ponyo (2008)

10. The Wind Rises (2013)

III. Various Others

  1. Metropolis (2001)

2. Hotarubi No Mori E (2011)

3. In This Corner of the World (2016)

4. Redline (2009)