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Manga Review: Otomen

Otomen
Written by: Aya Kanno
Published by: Shojo Beat
Copy supplied by publisher
ISBN13: 978-1-4215-2186-2
ISBN10: 1-4215-2186-5

Reviewed by Lauren Lapinski

When we think of males and their hobbies, the first thing we usually think of is sports. From baseball to wrestling, if it’s a spectator sport, men will watch it. This is not the case, however, for Asuka Masamume of Otomen, a guy who loves all things girly, and who is forced to hide his passions to appear manly.
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Yaoi Review: Kissing

Kissing
Story by Teiko Sasaki
Art by Shoko Takaku
Published by Juné, imprint of Digital Manga, Inc.
Copy supplied by publisher
ISBN10: 156970922x
ISBN13: 9781569709221

Review by Linda Yau

Kazushi and Haru have been childhood friends, and now they are on the brink of graduating college. What happens when Kazushi suddenly pulls Haru aside and kisses him? This sets of a catalyst for Haru, who has to think about what would their relationship is and would probably turn out if he accepts or rejects Kazushi’s obviously last ditch to reject a girl’s confession – confession to him.
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Manga Review: Utahime – The Songstress

Utahime – The Songstress
Story and Art: Aki
Published by Digital Manga Publishing
Copy supplied by Publisher
ISBN-10: 1-56970-044-3
ISBN-13: 978-1-56970-044-0

Review by Kris

There is an uncertain future for a far off land. You see for centuries the land has been protected by the nightly singing of the songstresses. The songstress sings a song of protection toward the capital where the ruler resides. The ruler has always been male while songstresses are always born female. But there is a wind of change. In one of the villages that sprung up around the songstress’ tower the unthinkable has happened. A male songstress has been born. Not only that but when the ruler of the land’s wife gives birth to a daughter, are they doomed?
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Yaoi Review: Chocolate Suprise

Chocolate Surprise
Story and Art: Lily Hoshino
Published by the Deux Press Imprint of Aurora Publishing, Inc.
Copy supplied by Publisher
ISBN-10: 1934496642
ISBN-13: 978-1934496640

Review by Kris

Kakiuchi is the hottest guy in class and has devised a game where there is a bag of chocolates (some spiked with an aphrodisiac), a group of girls, and the possibility of sleeping with Kakiuchi. The rules are whichever girl picks the spiked chocolate gets to sleep with Kakiuchi. One day Ogasawara, a guy, is invited to join in on the fun but they amend the rule that if Ogasawara chooses the spiked chocolate he can choose whichever girl he wants to (at least that’s playing the Mix Chocolate game.) When it turns out that Ogasawara picks the chocolate, he allows Kakiuchi to help him out. Is this the beginning of love?
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Manga Review: The Manzai Comics vol 1

The Manzai Comics
Story by Atsuko Asana
Art by Hizuru Imai
Published by Aurora Press
Copy supplied by publisher
ISBN-13: 9781934496503

Review by Linda Yau

Ayumu Seta is a new student at a Japanese middle school; he prides himself on being a normal person, but what happens when his classmate, Takashi Akimoto who is a guy no less, asks you to go out with him? And if this going out is more different than what you expect. Then what? This is what Ayumu experiences, as he is unexpectedly thrown in the world of Manzai comedy. Continue reading “Manga Review: The Manzai Comics vol 1”

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FTC = WTF?

Reviewers, please read. (The post, the pdf is optional.)

FEDERAL TRADE COMMISSION
16 CFR Part 255
Guides Concerning the Use of
Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising

This so vague; all I can get out of it is that, after December 1, 2009:

a) we must disclose in every review of anything whether we got it for free or paid for it ourselves

b) no more links, affiliate or otherwise, to where to buy it.

I think there are fines for non-compliance, but I’d have to read it again to be sure. I hate reading this stuff. If anyone wants to take a crack at it and post in the comments what you think is important in this stupid document, be my guest.

I think the new review headers will look like this:

Title
Creator
Publisher
Copy supplied by publisher
or
Copy purchased by reviewer
ISBN

Grrrr.

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Manga Review: Youkai Doctor vol 1

Youkai Doctor
Story and Art by Yuki Sato
Translated by Stephan Paul
Published by Del Rey , imprint of Random House, Inc.
ISBN10: 0345512383
ISBN13: 9780345512383

Review by Linda Yau

Kotoko Katsuga is the descendant of a long line of people who exorcises youkai or demons. However by the time she came about, she pretty much lost that power, and can only be aware of spiritual beings that no one else can see. Continue reading “Manga Review: Youkai Doctor vol 1”

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New York Anime Festival 2009: Part 1

Reported by Linda Yau
Photographs by Eric M. Chu and Linda Yau

This past weekend on September 25-27, was the third annual New York Anime Festival also abbreviated NYAF by regular con goers, and Twittter alike. As a tool of instant communication, Twitter was referred to countless times this weekend. With many of the conventions this past year that I have been able to attend, it has became the norm to see people possibly on their cell phones, tweeting if you must know. Now If you look on the right side column, you will see the Twitter widget that JLHLS has. For following any NYAF news, type in #nyaf, and many of twitter responses will pop up. Personally I was able to twitter some updates via text, but if you were willing to have money for the Wi-fi service at Jacob Javits, then many live blogging updates have reach fans and interested people. This is a report on what I was able to see and take back.
Continue reading “New York Anime Festival 2009: Part 1”