Haruka ni Aogi, Uruwashino Review

Author: By Nargrakhan


Salutations and congratulations: You are hereby granted tenure as an instructor to the internationally admired, Shining Phoenix Girls Academy. We greet you warmly and with open arms. For generations, Shining Phoenix has held the distinction and honor of cultivating renowned businesswomen, politicians and royalty, yielding a legacy of unparalleled excellence. Your role will be an important one: for you are more than a teacher who guides promising students, but a figure whose words and actions guide the future of humanity. Know that your selection into our illustrious ranks was not made without heavy consideration. It is an honor to have your presence in our esteemed staff, and we look forward towards a positive response. With your help we shall continue to be the best, who teach the best.
.
Haruka ni Aogi, Uruwashino (遥かに仰ぎ、麗しの) is a comedy drama eroge published by pulltop in 2006. It has no sequel, side story, or noteworthy doujinshi.
. .
I’ve long come to the conclusion that the mind of an American is wired differently from those who hail from the Land of the Rising Sun: what might constitute as badass there; is not necessarily considered interesting here. Of course the Western adult gaming market, or rather the significant lack of mainstream interest, is concrete proof of this. One of the leading review sites for hentai entertainment in Japan is Erogamescape, which derives metric ratings for eroge via democratic voting. Much to my amusement, the collective judgment of that community has showered acclaim upon titles that I personally considered irredeemable filth, and in total contrast has lambasted titles I would proclaim as paragons of perfection. So when the annual Bishoujou Game Award announced their winners for 2007, I was highly skeptical I’d find much accordance with the verdict. Frontrunner of the coveted Grand Prize was Harukani Aogi, Uruwashino, an eroge that also earned First Place in several supplemental categorizes (Music, Pure Love, Scenario, and User’s Choice), fostering a clean sweep nostalgia like The Lord of the Rings enjoyed during the Academy Awards. I found this to be a surprising outcome, for until that point I was long under the assumption that Akane Iro Akano Saka would be the Japanese champion of saccharine love. Though taken aback, the triumph did nothing to kindle my interest in a title devoid of twincest and loligoths, so I intended to ignore the BGA 2007 winner in lieu of tastier fish.
. .
While I do not possess an extensive collection of “pure love” eroge, for the simple fact that my tastes generally run along the darker gamut, it does not mean I am incapable of finding satisfaction or appreciation from lighthearted stories. Nevertheless, I confess holding titles such as Harukani Aogi, Uruwashino to greater scrutiny when determining if I should purchase them. Unfortunately this particular Pulltop title did not sustain my attention following a cursory preview of the rear package advertising. That it contained exceptionally beautiful artwork was never in doubt, but nothing overtly sold the product on me, and breathtaking graphics do not necessarily make a good eroge. What truly hammered the coffin’s nail was the unimaginative story scenario, something I repetitively experienced in at least six dozen selections locked away in my storage closet: the ever cliché tale of a charismatic male teacher becoming the first significant intimate role model of several beautiful female students, who inevitably forge an unbreakable romantic inclination towards him, thanks to his involvement in solving an emotionally profound life crisis. Quite literally: been there, done that. Yet this blind insensitivity would prove to be a tremendous miscalculation, and were it not for a lucky string of events thanks an Italian online friend named Baldo, I would have never given the eroge a chance to prove it.
. .
The central charm in Harukani Aogi, Uruwashino can be attributed to one thing: unfiltered concentrated moe. Each of the main heroines is forged on the foundation of a personality fetish taken to incredible extremes, creating an allure of such character magnetism, it’s like being at ground zero of a thermonuclear blast. No self respecting otaku can repel firepower of this magnitude. Like lolicon with an attitude? Kazamatsuri Miyabi is the ultimate tsundere in a late puberty package, commanding an incredible vocabulary of insults and hair-trigger temper, yet easily prone to exposing her emotional weaknesses without realizing it. Looking for an adventurous fun seeker? Aizawa Misaki is more than just a hyperactive otaku; she’s a human Chaos Effect, unleashing unparalleled mischief in her wake, thanks to an overactive and surprisingly perverted imagination for someone so innocent. These are just two superficial examples of the adorably addictive heroines you will encounter, which utilize these cliché traits to leverage the player’s affection and adoration. Though it’s certainly possible to detest certain roles due to personal preferences in what someone considers cute - it’s impossible to actually HATE someone: they draw love like puppies and kittens.
. .
Harukani Aogi, Uruwashino narrates the tale of an inexperienced teacher recently appointed an academic position at the illustrious Shining Phoenix Girls Academy, and the impact his considerate personality and charismatic presence has on the students he instructs. The protagonist is accompanied by Akatsuki Kouichiroh, a close colleague and fellow novice teacher, who presents an important choice during the prologue, determining which heroines are winnable throughout the scenario: “Which dormitory do you want?” Because each instructor at the academy serves off-duty responsibilities as chaperone of the residence hall they live within, this innocuous question grants a chosen dormitory to the protagonist, while silently conceding Kouichiroh the unselected choice. Yet the distinction between these two locations is deeper than influencing which characters take the lead role: they are also independent sororities with unique traditions, different uniforms, and unalike approaches to dealing with similar situations. This method of presentation, in combination with the aforementioned influence of character prevalence in the story, creates the ultimate impression that Harukani Aogi, Uruwashino is more than a single eroge. But at no time does this become a negative factor or denies crosspollination, for the dorms remain interconnected thanks to Kouichiroh’s close friendship, the sharing of classrooms, and friendly rivalry between these student sisterhoods. Indeed it adds tremendous replay value, as the two experiences are very distinctive.
. .
Ironically enough, due to the immensity of spoken dialog and story duration in Harukani Aogi, Uruwashino - double to triple the amount found in competing titles - the overwhelming character charm fuels the eroge’s greatest failing: inability to romance the entire cast. Despite their high frequency of appearance and ease in attracting the player’s affection, several minor characters (specifically Mishima Kyouka, Uehara Kanade, and Lida) cannot be won for the simple reason that it was never an intention by the developers. It can also be debated if producing a script of this magnitude, forced the scenario writer’s imagination beyond its creative limit, as dozens of plots devices are blatantly borrowed from popular mainstream anime and manga series: Ai Yori Aoshi (several slapstick jokes), Ouran High School Host Club (the infamous vase breaking scene), and Sister Princess (an Aria and Jiiya skit from G’s Magazine) to name a handful. In the author’s defense, this amalgamation of divergent concepts is seamlessly executed without causing noticeable conflict or contraction; sometimes even resulting in different outcomes from the original. However individuals well versed in Otaku culture will most certainly sense déjà vu, but some individuals might find it entertaining in determining the origin of each plagiarized subplot.
. .
Being developed by the same studio, it should come as no surprise that Harukani Aogi, Uruwashino utilizes the audio and visual engine as Princess Waltz, sharing all the presentation magnificence of its predecessor. Nowhere does artwork quality fail to exceed standards: pleasing character designs, bright vibrant colors, breathtaking background illustrations, simply yet undeniably elegant cinematic scenes… the praise is endless. Even so, one cannot possibly ignore the pampering feats lavished on paper dolls. The quantity of paper doll expressions and positions for a single character in Harukani Aogi, Uruwashino, often exceeds the number found in an ENTIRE eroge from rival companies. This luxurious asset is further elevated by the capabilities of Pulltop’s dynamic game engine, producing endless visual effects that literally bring these two dimensional images to life. While all characters except the player’s are masterfully voice acted, special praise must be given to the commanding performances to Miyabi, Misaki, Yuuna, and Kanade. It is unquestioningly clear each actress was “in the zone” during her recordings - you literally hear anticipation in assuming the role. Though lacking a memorable impact, the music is gorgeous and diverse, perfectly matching each event it accompanies. Twenty sex scenes comprise the erotic content of the title, with the duration and image count of each greatly varying, as some girls get more loving than others. Regardless, the primary scene for each heroine consists of at least two dozen images and no shorter than ten to fifteen minutes when put on automatic text mode.

As a subdivision of Will, the release of Harukani Aogi, Uruwashino cements the position of pre-eminence that Pulltop holds within the company. It is a crowning achievement worthy of the praise and accolades received, reflecting the ingenious creativity of everyone who contributed to the eroge. While the overall scenarios has a distinctive lack of originality, the entire cast is loveable and easy to relate, earning the player’s devotion only minutes after the introduction. It should be noted, that the 2006 Title of Harukani Aogi, Uruwashino is scheduled for Western release by Peach Princess. Is there a chance that English gamers could enjoy the eroge splendor that our Japanese brethren received?


— Central Characters —
.

	Kazamatsuri Miyabi . Miyabi is heiress to the Kazamatsuri legacy: founders and headmasters of the Shining Phoenix Girls Academy. Short tempered and highly defensive of her diminutive stature, she presents an argumentative and challenging personality to everyone she encounters, but deep down remains an uncertain child inside.
	Takatasu Tonoko . Viewing surroundings with a clearheaded advantage, Tonoko has a unique way of examining the world, oftentimes leaving a casual observer mystified at her conclusions. She is painfully honest and straightforward, yet always careful to maintain a respectful demeanor. Whenever free time permits, Tonoko enjoys relaxing on a hill on academy grounds that overlooks the bordering seashore, finding serene comfort in the vista.
	Yaotome Shino . Shino suffers from an extreme phobia of nearly everything, easily agitated by the most insignificant hazards and always assuming the worst in any situation. She is passive and timid to authority, easily submitting to the orders of others, but adamant on advising flight over fight. Due to her constant worrying, Shino’s nervous hastiness contributes to an inherent clumsiness.
	Mishima Kyouka . Kyouka is the daughter of a respected family and noble bloodline, inheriting generations of keen intellect and picturesque beauty. Unfortunately these virtues contribute to her immense pride, resulting in terse situations when individuals refuse to respect her commanding presence and natural superiority. Especially Kazamatsuri Miyabi.
	Nire Sumika . Most students consider Sumika an untouchable lone wolf, as she spends little time associating with others and dedicates herself towards the achievement of academic honors and athletic excellence: a perception only magnified by her serious outlook, curt answers to innocuous inquires, and strict adherence to a daily schedule.
	Aizawa Misaki . Misaki is a carefree and energetic individual, forever guilty of perpetuating innocent trouble wherever she wanders. Her eternal smile and infectious happiness makes it easy for her to befriend the most difficult of people, and more importantly, find forgiveness when her antics unintentionally get out of control. Naïve and innocent to a fault, Masaki is surprising knowledgeable about romantic intimacy and sexuality.
	Hashiba Yuuna . Cherishing the virtues of patience and discretion, Yuuna superficially gives the impression of being bookish and submissive. It is this misjudgment that makes her maternal temperament surprising to strangers, as Yuuna possess a deep reserve of inner strength that drives her to stubbornly protect what she believes in. Yuuna spends the majority of her days in the academy arboretum, where she cultivates rare species of flora and shrubbery.
	Uehara Kanade . Kanade suffers from extreme panic attacks, taking allusions and offhand remarks at literal value. Naturally docile and pacifistic, she is the total opposite of Aizawa Misaki, her role model and closest friend. Often an accessory to the crimes Misaki commits, Kanade nonethteless has a tremendous influence on her hyperactive associate, passively limiting the damage of their adventures by openly voicing her concerns of the repercussions.
	Lida . Lida’s Russian native family has severed the House of Kazamatsuri for generations; an honor she cherishes as the personal servant of the family’s future leader. Normally calm and collected, professionally carrying out her household duties with the utmost dignity, she becomes a terrifying force of nature when angered - a notion that fearfully keeps Kazamatsuri Miyabi in line.

.

Quilt Preview

Author: By Nargrakhan

On the secluded paradise of Ripple Island, there is a fashion design competition held once a generation. Individuals from all across the globe journey to seek this challenge, for it bestows an impossible degree of renown and prestige. The rules are deceptively simple: one fashion designer creates a dress of his choice to be worn by a woman of his or her selection. Yet merely creating an exquisite dress and finding an equally picturesque woman are not enough to win. They must all be in harmony: the beauty of the dress, the heart of the woman, and the soul of the designer. There is only perfection in the unison: a perfection only found once a generation.
.
Quilt(きると) is a romantic drama eroge published by Clover in 2005. The title was later converted into a non hentai version for Playstation 2 by nine'sfox in 2007, substituting the loss of adult content with an expansion of winnable heroines and full voice acting. This review applies only to the original adult PC release.
.

.
In the grand scheme of things, Quilt is a highly predictable eroge that firmly roots itself in the tried and true foundations of traditional saccharine romantic drama. Developed by the studio responsible for successful releases such as Puni Puni Hand Maid and Tail Tale , the title was claimed to have taken over twelve months to produce, during which every effort to painstakingly craft each aspect of its content was driven towards perfection. In many ways this is obviously true: who can seriously muster hatred against a magnificent fairytale scenario, beautiful graphics, charismatic character designs, enchanting music, unique setting premise, and top billing voice actresses? Yet beneath all this wondrous glamor and glitz is nothing new, nothing truly groundbreaking to differentiate it from other titles of its like, except the generous budget CLOVER lavished upon their creation throughout production. To be perfectly straightforward, Quilt is merely an average eroge wrapped in a rather expensive shell. Fortunately for everyone interested, this is a combination that works flawlessly.
.

.
The story of Quilt begins with the arrival of Takumi on the mythical Ripple Island. Having spent his late childhood under the apprenticeship of a legendary dressmaker, he travels to the isle in hopes of proving his talent to the world and himself, taking part in a renowned contest that earns glory beyond imagination. This generational competition is held by the Guild, an influential institution which regulates the teachings and application of sorcery towards benign artistic endeavors. It is an opportunity which offers Takumi the greatest and most realistic chance to achieve his dreams of a becoming a distinguished dressmaker, yet an event of such world shattering importance brings the gathering of individuals who have ambition, desire, and skill equal to his own. To truly succeed, he must interpret the cryptic final lesson his master taught him… one that he still finds confusing: that a dress is nothing more than a dress, without the soul of its creator and wearer embedded into its threads.
.

.
Character development has a significant role in Quilt, for only when a heroine truly opens her heart to the protagonist, can his craft be actually mastered… although he is not immediately aware of this. While the crisis that each girl faces is not terribly complex and fairly cookie cutter in concept, the resolution of a core problem will cascade into the creation of a second (sometimes more threatening) predicament that was not immediately foreseeable. This “dilemma echo” brings about a sense of emotional desperation, humanizing an already captivating cast with deeper vulnerability, making a successful final resolution all the more satisfying. Each story arc also involves the interaction of the other heroines not being sought after, thus avoiding the pitfalls of an unrealistic social vacuum. There still remains a suspension of relationship disbelief, given that “true love” is found within the mere passing of several weeks, but the fabled definition of true love is exactly the key element that Quilt seeks to portray.
.

.
CLOVER long earned itself a reputation for producing breathtaking artwork, and Quilt is clearly no exception to this definitely earned praise. It is a paradox of simplistic form and high attention to detail, merged with vibrant colors and minimalist shading. Even the dialog text box and various menu screens are absolutely gorgeous, and the very fact that everything takes place within an ideally traditional European village where exquisite fashion is paramount above all else, only spurs additional creative imagery. Through the use of Classical inspired compositions, the soundtrack immaculately reflects the Renaissance era surroundings as well, ultimately culminating with a beautiful remake of the renowned Greensleaves. Voice acting is performed by a first class collection of actresses who bring pure joy to a listener’s ears, although only the six winnable women are voiced. This is a highly noticeable and debatably foolish decision, as nearly all eroge have female roles universally performed: thus the periodic showing of speechless women has an unnerving effect for veterans used to the experience; perhaps even cheapening it to a certain extent.
.

.
With the exception of Sia (who has a single event), each of the heroines in Quilt is allotted three to four sex scenes, consisting of four to six illustrations apiece. This unusually extensive quantity of adult material for a plot central title further benefits from the talents of an unquestionably gifted artist and gathering of top notch actresses, making each event the epitome of quality. As they are entirely consensual and conventional themed, nothing merits objection or can be pictured as revile. Of course given the innocent nature of the narrative, sex does not occur until late into the game, so an impatient gamer will be mildly disappointed in this regard. However the delayed wait lends a significant worth to the moments, as it makes the ladies more than a one night sexual conquest: they are not willing to go “all the way” until Takumi has proven he is the man their hearts have searched for.

All things considered and within reason, few titles match the general auditory and graphical grandeur as Quilt. No illustration appears out of place; no spoken line is poorly acted. Even if one were to totally disregard the presentational factors, romance maintains its appeal from lovable characters that never get tiresome in an ideal world where sex is the consensual result of true love. Quilt provides “feel good” satisfaction, which is as close to perfection as many titles will ever get. In my opinion, that alone makes it a worthy addition to any collection that is looking for something pure and innocent.


.
— Central Characters —
.

	Airi . Height: 164 cm . Measurements: 87 - 55 - 86 . Bra Size: E Cup . Something of a disastrous klutz when she becomes nervous or excited, Airi is a competition contestant who shares the same apartment complex as Takumi, and as such sees him as possible rival to her goals. Despite the initial showing of a cold shoulder, Airi remains an energetic and compassionate individual who constantly believes in romantic superstitions and ideal love.
	Ena . Height: 172 cm . Measurements: 96 - 59 - 94 . Bra Size: G Cup . Ena is the manager of the apartment complex Takumi takes residence within, possessing unusually persuasive connections with much of the local business community. Many of her tenants quickly discover that Ena is a reliable and experienced source of knowledge in dressmaking, yet she remains strongly guarded about her past - one she seemingly has yet to let go of and move on.
	Sia . Height: 158 cm . Measurements: 80 - 53 - 79 . Bra Size: B Cup . Sia is a mysterious girl who appears and vanishes on the lonely beaches of Ripple Island without any apparent purpose or pattern. She typically refuses to speak about anything except the island’s culture and history, eternally presenting a hauntingly sad expression that masks her true emotions.
	Kanami . Height: 154 cm . Measurements: 89 - 54 - 86 . Bra Size: F Cup . Daughter of the master dressmaker who apprenticed Takumi, Kanami secretly ran away from her home to follow the man she secretly harbors romantic feelings for. Kanami is utterly devoted to Takumi, believing he truly can do no wrong and has already mastered the craft of dressmaking, enjoying the chance to wear attires that he designs.
	Kyrie . Height: 161 cm . Measurements: 79 - 55 - 78 . Bra Size: A Cup . An honor exchange student who is wholly committed to her work, Kyrie lives in the same apartment complex as Takumi and Airi. She carries an air of persuasive dignity and grace about her, giving rise to undying rumors that she is actually nobility from a foreign country. Kyrie’s mysterious solitude only bolsters these unproven allegations, as many feel she is intentionally trying to hide the truth.
	Mizuki . Height: 166 cm . Measurements: 85 - 55 - 86 . Bra Size: D Cup . Mizuki is a local island girl whose tanned skin arguments her athletic form and alluring curves. She is hopelessly drawn to serene places of nature, revealing her boundless curiosity and intellect when speaking about them. Despite her own obvious charms, Mizuki feels inferior when looking at other beautiful women, and further lacks the confidence to wear elegant clothing out of fear that doing so would only cause her to appear silly in them.

— Scored Summary —
.
Scenario: 37 out of 50. The plots are so sugary you’ll most definitely get cavities. Nonetheless there’s an overwhelming allure to having a heartwarming story without foreboding foreshadowing or devastating revelations. The small cast allows for massive character development, and their high likeability makes repeated replay more of a charm than a chore.
.
Visual: 20 out of 20. Three popular character designers were hired to produce the artwork, and their combined efforts shine flawlessly. No one suffers from looking like someone else; and the silk, lace, ribbon attire further the entire European setting. All other factors share in the same level of excellence – from the detailed backgrounds to the numerous paper dolls to the littlest menu button – bring forth an example of what all eroge should strive for.
.
Audio: 15 out of 20. The limited voice selection is what truly hampers this title from achieving a perfect score. It has finely appropriate music. It has an excellent catalog of sound effects. It most certainly has believable and memorable acting (when it occurs of course). The sudden decision to cut costs in something so trivial is incredibly disheartening.

Mechanics: +5 bonus. The typical “choose your response” menu system that most eroge share. The major exception is the inclusion of an item making “alchemist box” that is used to produce items required for sewing dresses and advancing the plot. Access to this feature can only be performed at the end of each day, and materials for the alchemist box are found at locations the player selects in the overhead map or via interaction with the island inhabitants. The most important contributions are received from the datable girls, as they provide inspiration for Takumi’s creative drive. Initially, this unusual feature will slow a newcomer down, as it takes several minutes to understand what combination of items create worthwhile results; but everything remains simplistic enough to not be a taxing challenge. In fact, it adds somewhat to the role playing that the player is assembling the materials needed for needlecraft.
.
Final Score: 85 out of 100. Outside of its item making elements, Quilt can be equated as a simplistic unoriginal concept. Yet the sheer exquisite production values quickly strip away thoughts of negativity. The title stumbles slightly in the audio department, but otherwise leaves nothing but a good feeling no matter where you look. Recommended for purchase.

Reality? In MY escapist fantasy? (Persona 3)

It’s more likely than you thought. A warning before I get into the actual post: this will contain spoilers for Persona 3 and Gurren Lagann, particularly their endings, so be warned. It's more likely than you thought. A warning before I get into the actual post: this will contain spoilers for Persona 3 and Gurren Lagann, particularly their endings, so be warned.

Because we all want a harem composing of our osananajimis, school idol, imouto and other female classmates Because we all want a harem composing of our osananajimis, school idol, imouto and other female classmates

I already finished Persona 3 some weeks ago, but it took me quite a while to break out of the momentary depression that it sent me into. Not really a case of depression per se, but rather, feelings of grief and melancholy. It’s been a while since I’ve been that attached to the characters of a game, and seeing the ending of Persona 3 just tore up something in me. And just when I’ve gone and picked myself up, Gurren Lagan’s final episode aired, and it bitchslapped me in the face so hard that it took me a few days to recover.

I already finished Persona 3 some weeks ago, but it took me quite a while to break out of the momentary depression that it sent me into. Not really a case of depression per se, but rather, feelings of grief and melancholy. It's been a while since I've been that attached to the characters of a game, and seeing the ending of Persona 3 just tore up something in me. And just when I've gone and picked myself up, Gurren Lagan's final episode aired , And it bitchslapped me in the face so hard that it took me a few days to recover.

You shall forever be remembered ;_; You shall forever be remembered; _;

Persona 3 was just unfair with its ending. Here I was spending most of the game getting to know the people I could talk to, slowly learning to appreciate their lives, their stories, and how the main character (I called the hero Kuraki Setsuna, good luck spotting the references in that name: from this point on I’ll keep calling him Setsuna until I remember what his official name is) helped them out in their problems and gave them the hope to move on from whatever it was that held them back. And when I developed an affinity for Setsuna and his SEES friends, after seeing what they went through, how their bonds strengthened, and how they decided to face the inevitable together, they had to pull out the ending where Setsuna sacrifices his life for everyone.

Persona 3 was just unfair with its ending. Here I was spending most of the game getting to know the people I could talk to, slowly learning to appreciate their lives, their stories, and how the main character (I called the hero Kuraki Setsuna, good luck spotting the references in that name: from this point on I'll keep calling him Setsuna until I remember what his official name is) helped them out in their problems and gave them the hope to move on from whatever it was that held them back. And when I developed an affinity for Setsuna and his SEES friends, after seeing what they went through, how their bonds strengthened, and how they decided to face the inevitable together, they had to pull out the ending where Setsuna sacrifices his life for everyone.

Yeah, you read that right. The hero dies at the end of the game - this was because he used his soul in order to create a barrier that would not so much as keep Nyx away from the world, but rather, keep the evil, destructive thoughts of humans away from Nyx. This was the reason, as Nyx stated itself, why the Fall was inevitable: the dark, destructive thoughts of humans was so strong that it reached out to Nyx, pulling it closer to the world and accelerating what was inevitably to come years later.

The reason he was still around for at least 2 months was because his will to see his friends for one final time and keep their promise of meeting on their Graduation Day was so strong, it gave him enough reason to last until that moment. Granted, his soul is the seal on the barrier, and his body is in a somewhat catatonic state, but he might as well be dead since his soul’s going to be there forever, unless humans are able to remove their whole negative wish for destruction, or reduce it substantially (which is nigh impossible, judging by today’s society, and the society which P3 has). Yeah, you read that right. The hero dies at the end of the game - this was because he used his soul in order to create a barrier that would not so much as keep Nyx away from the world, but rather, keep the evil, destructive thoughts of humans away from Nyx.

This was the reason, as Nyx stated itself, why the Fall was inevitable: the dark, destructive thoughts of humans was so strong that it reached out to Nyx, pulling it closer to the world and accelerating what was inevitably to come years later. The reason he was still around for at least 2 months was because his will to see his friends for one final time and keep their promise of meeting on their Graduation Day was so strong, it gave him enough reason to last until that moment. Granted, his soul is the seal on the barrier, and his body is in a somewhat catatonic state, but he might as well be dead since his soul's going to be there forever, unless humans are able to remove their whole negative wish for destruction, or reduce it substantially (which is nigh impossible, judging by today's society, and the society which P3 has).

At this point, I was like Nozomu, without the whole crying part - Something died inside of me, though At this point, I was like Nozomu, without the whole crying part - Something died inside of me, though

If you were paying attention while playing Persona 3, you’d have to have noticed that the signs were all there, pointing towards the eventual death of the hero. Aside from the glaring warning of Pharos with the hero having only “one year to do everything”, there was the whole “memento mori” theme, the whole “Thanatos and a butterfly” imagery, the need to portray suicide (shooting oneself in the head) with an Evoker in order to summon a power (Personas) that are meant to protect others, why those who use their Personas for self-gain are meant to die eventually, and others more.

I applaud the game on this regard: everything was there, and they were all pointing towards Setsuna eventually dying a hero’s death, but it seemed like something that came out of left-field the moment it happened. I myself was in denial the moment Setsuna closed his eyes while Akihiko and the rest were coming up to him and Aigis, and I just kept telling myself that he was just exhausted after the fight with Nyx, despite a sense of foreboding sending chills down my neck. If you were paying attention while playing Persona 3, you'd have to have noticed that the signs were all there, pointing towards the eventual death of the hero. Aside from the glaring warning of Pharos with the hero having only "one year to do everything ", there was the whole" memento mori "theme, the whole" Thanatos and a butterfly "imagery, the need to portray suicide (shooting oneself in the head) with an Evoker in order to summon a power (Personas) that are meant to protect others, why those who use their Personas for self-gain are meant to die eventually, and others more.

I applaud the game on this regard: everything was there, and they were all pointing towards Setsuna eventually dying a hero's death , But it seemed like something that came out of left-field the moment it happened. I myself was in denial the moment Setsuna closed his eyes while Akihiko and the rest were coming up to him and Aigis, and I just kept telling myself that he was just exhausted after the fight with Nyx, despite a sense of foreboding sending chills down my neck.

While FES confirms Setsuna’s death, one doesn’t really need to be exposed to it in order to realize that he dies at the end, unless you’re either really dense, or in fervent denial. At first I was part of the latter, refusing to accept Setsuna’s death in part because it was something he didn’t deserve, and also because of how it’d hurt his friends. Setsuna didn’t deserve his death, in my opinion, because the guy’s had such a rough life: his parents died ten years ago (he was just probably 5 to 7 at the time), he became the unfortunate host of Death who would soon bring about Nyx and the Fall, and he was guiled into bringing about the Fall by his own hands. As for his friends, his death would tear them up even if he died for their sake: Shinjiro’s death, even though he protected Ken, was already too much for the whole group to bear, and losing another one of their comrades just when they’ve recovered would be too traumatizing, judging from their emotional states.

They adamantly refused to accept Setsuna’s death the moment that Nyx was sealed away, and that was already an omen in itself. While FES confirms Setsuna's death, one doesn't really need to be exposed to it in order to realize that he dies at the end, unless you're either really dense, or in fervent denial. At first I was part of the latter, refusing to accept Setsuna's death in part because it was something he didn't deserve, and also because of how it'd hurt his friends.

Setsuna didn't deserve his death, in my opinion, because the guy's had such a rough life: his parents died ten years ago (he was just probably 5 to 7 at the time), he became the unfortunate host of Death who would soon bring about Nyx and the Fall, and he was guiled into bringing about the Fall by his own hands. As for his friends, his death would tear them up even if he died for their sake: Shinjiro's death, even though he protected Ken, was already too much for the whole group to bear, and losing another one of their comrades just when they've recovered would be too traumatizing, judging from their emotional states. They adamantly refused to accept Setsuna's death the moment that Nyx was sealed away, and that was already an omen in itself.

One of these days, I’ll be eating ramen, and I’ll play “Want to be Close” just for kicks One of

Despite what my initial reaction might lead you to think, I actually liked the ending. Yes, it’s bittersweet in nature, and it’s depressing because I’ve spent so much time investing in the characters in my relationships with them, and liking them so much, that I felt just as choked up as they probably were over the hero’s death.

Imagine everyone of your friends remembering, in a brief moment, all of the times you’ve shared, all the tears you’ve shed and the laughs you’ve had for the past months, and the promise that you all swore to keep; with exultant glee, you all leave the graduation ceremony rites together and head to the rooftop where he is, eager to be reunited with each other, only to find him having passed away while waiting for all of you, in the arms of another of your comrades. Damn, did I choke up. Despite what my initial reaction might lead you to think, I actually liked the ending.

Yes, it's bittersweet in nature, and it's depressing because I've spent so much time investing in the characters in my relationships with them, and liking them so much, that I felt just as choked up as they probably were over the hero's death. Imagine everyone of your friends remembering, in a brief moment, all of the times you've shared, all the tears you've shed and the laughs you've had for the past months, and the promise that you all swore to keep; with exultant glee, you all leave the graduation ceremony rites together and head to the rooftop where he is, eager to be reunited with each other, only to find him having passed away while waiting for all of you, in the arms of another of your comrades. Damn, did I choke up.

True, the hero dies, and everyone’s going to be affected by it, but it’s not like he died in vain, and this is what I liked about the ending, along with the whole story in general. The story is indeed reflective of today’s society, and while it appears harsh and cruel on the surface, there is a glimmer of hope present despite all that: that the hero died so that he could let the people he came into contact with, continue to live, and make this world a happier place just as how he helped them overcome their own problems and make their lives better by their own choosing.

It’s not as happy and cheerful as how other stories pull off their endings, and I’d say that P3’s ending is about as bittersweet as Fate/Stay Night’s Fate route ending, with Saber abandoning her idea of finding the holy grail and going back to her own time only to die. It may be sad, but once you accept it and realize just exactly why the ending was this way, you can then move on, realizing the level of maturity and courage that it must have took these characters to make these decisions. True, the hero dies, and everyone's going to be affected by it, but it's not like he died in vain, and this is what I liked about the ending, along with the whole story in general.

The story is indeed reflective of today's society, and while it appears harsh and cruel on the surface, there is a glimmer of hope present despite all that: that the hero died so that he could let the people he came into contact with, continue to live, and make this world a happier place just as how he helped them overcome their own problems and make their lives better by their own choosing. It's not as happy and cheerful as how other stories pull off their endings, and I'd say that P3's ending is about as bittersweet as Fate / Stay Night's Fate route ending, with Saber abandoning her idea of finding the holy grail and going back to her own time only to die. It may be sad, but once you accept it and realize just exactly why the ending was this way, you can then move on, realizing the level of maturity and courage that it must have took these characters to make these decisions.

Hmm….would I be able to choose between these girls? Highly unlike, I think… Hmm .... Would

Most people don’t like these bittersweet, realistic endings because fantasy stories, whether it be in anime or games, are supposed to be escapist: they’re supposed to provide you an escape from reality and let you indulge in whatever fantasies you prefer, be it having a harem, saving the world, or whatever strikes your fancy. Stories that provide endings like these strike a nerve with people who indulge in their escapist tendencies because they don’t want something that’s utterly close to the real world, something that they’re trying to abandon in the first place. Most people don't like these bittersweet, realistic endings because fantasy stories, whether it be in anime or games, are supposed to be escapist: they're supposed to provide you an escape from reality and let you indulge in whatever fantasies you prefer, be it having a harem, saving the world, or whatever strikes your fancy.

Stories that provide endings like these strike a nerve with people who indulge in their escapist tendencies because they don't want something that's utterly close to the real world, something that they're trying to abandon in the first place.

Not that I’m trying to pick a fight with these people, but I find that view childish. True, fantasy stories in games and anime are escapist, and I’m not denying that since that’s exactly what brought me into anime and eroges in the first place, but I prefer bittersweet yet hopeful endings over sugar-and-spice perfect endings any day.

The latter barely provides any denouement, any form of catharsis for me, while the former gives me tons of it. Bittersweet endings give me the chance to ask myself “why do I find this particular ending tragic?, “how did the character manage to arrive at this decision?”, “what did it take for this character to make this choice?”, and, what I believe to be the most important question for me, “given the situation, could I do the same thing if it was asked of me?”. Not that I'm trying to pick a fight with these people, but I find that view childish. True, fantasy stories in games and anime are escapist, and I'm not denying that since that's exactly what brought me into anime and eroges in the first place, but I prefer bittersweet yet hopeful endings over sugar-and-spice perfect endings any day.

The latter barely provides any denouement, any form of catharsis for me, while the former gives me tons of it. Bittersweet endings give me the chance to ask myself "why do I find this particular ending tragic?," how did the character manage to arrive at this decision? "," what did it take for this character to make this choice? ", and, what I believe to be the most important question for me, "given the situation, could I do the same thing if it was asked of me?".

Would you give up your life trying to protect whatever mattered the most to you? Would you

With the last question, I’m not trying to put myself in the character’s shoes, but rather, I’m trying to question my level of maturity with theirs. If something was expected of me, and it required making a great deal of sacrifice, could I do it? Do I have the maturity to realize that despite whatever I do, I would still just be “someone else” in the eyes of the whole world? The way these endings make me think are much more rewarding than any happy ending I’ve ever encountered, and they leave much more of an impact on me.

Another example would be Gurren Lagann’s ending. With the last question, I'm not trying to put myself in the character's shoes, but rather, I'm trying to question my level of maturity with theirs. If something was expected of me, and it required making a great deal of sacrifice, could I do it? Do I have the maturity to realize that despite whatever I do, I would still just be "someone else" in the eyes of the whole world? The way these endings make me think are much more rewarding than any happy ending I've ever encountered, and they leave much more of an impact on me. Another example would be Gurren Lagann's ending.

ROW ROW FIGHT DA POWAH…or the people, or something ROW ROW FIGHT DA POWAH

Gurren Lagann’s ending was somewhat ironic yet fulfilling. You’ve got Simon, the man who makes the impossible look like a walk in the park. He defeated Lord Genome, punched a hole in the time-space continuum, formed a mech the size of a Moon which shot beams that surpassed time and space, AND formed another mech the size of a freaking galaxy with the help of his friends, and defeated the entity that’s been suppressing the universe’s spiral race inhabitants. He freed the Earth along with various Spiral homeworlds, but lost Nia, the woman that he loved, as she faded away in his arms during their marriage ceremony.

Talk about a big slap in the face. Whatever happened to the whole “throw logic away and kick reason to the curb?” theme of the show if Simon was just going to fade into obscurity while everyone else assumes various important positions? Gurren Lagann's ending was somewhat ironic yet fulfilling. You've got Simon, the man who makes the impossible look like a walk in the park. He defeated Lord Genome, punched a hole in the time-space continuum, formed a mech the size of a Moon which shot beams that surpassed time and space, AND formed another mech the size of a freaking galaxy with the help of his friends, and defeated the entity that's been suppressing the universe's spiral race inhabitants.

He freed the Earth along with various Spiral homeworlds, but lost Nia, the woman that he loved, as she faded away in his arms during their marriage ceremony. Talk about a big slap in the face. Whatever happened to the whole "throw logic away and kick reason to the curb? "theme of the show if Simon was just going to fade into obscurity while everyone else assumes various important positions?

It’s still there. Throwing logic away and kicking reason to the curb was how the Dai Gurren Dan did things, but they never lost sight of what they were and what they wanted to do, particularly Simon. Simon got that far doing what he had to do, as Nia had already said, and Simon fought the Anti Spiral and won, knowing that doing so would cause Nia to eventually disappear. Think back to the fight between the Anti Spiral, right when Nia agreed with Lord Genome’s sentiments about wishing to create a future for the Spirals with the temporary bodies that they have.

Simon’s anguished look already says it all, yet he continued and fought with all his might knowing full well the consequences. It's still there. Throwing logic away and kicking reason to the curb was how the Dai Gurren Dan did things, but they never lost sight of what they were and what they wanted to do, particularly Simon. Simon got that far doing what he had to do, as Nia had already said, and Simon fought the Anti Spiral and won, knowing that doing so would cause Nia to eventually disappear. Think back to the fight between the Anti Spiral, right when Nia agreed with Lord Genome's sentiments about wishing to create a future for the Spirals with the temporary bodies that they have. Simon's anguished look already says it all, yet he continued and fought with all his might knowing full well the consequences.

I know full well I wouldn't be able to bring myself against someone like her, because I'll be too busy ogling her

This is why Gurren Lagann has been a welcome ride. They way they kicked reason to the curb regarding how they fought their enemies were all fucking incredible, though I found the whole “bigger is better” concept a bit ridiculous and over-the-top, but not despicable. But the Dai Gurren Dan also knew how real the sacrifices were made, and how the dead gave their lives for the living to continue on and pass on their wishes to those who would follow their footsteps.

Kamina, Kittan and everyone’s deaths weren’t meaningless, as each one of these served to make Simon and the rest move forward in history and make a better future for everyone who put their hopes on the Dai Gurren Dan. This is why Gurren Lagann has been a welcome ride. They way they kicked reason to the curb regarding how they fought their enemies were all fucking incredible, though I found the whole "bigger is better" concept a bit ridiculous and over-the-top , But not despicable.

But the Dai Gurren Dan also knew how real the sacrifices were made, and how the dead gave their lives for the living to continue on and pass on their wishes to those who would follow their footsteps. Kamina, Kittan and everyone 'S deaths weren't meaningless, as each one of these served to make Simon and the rest move forward in history and make a better future for everyone who put their hopes on the Dai Gurren Dan.

Now that he’s created the path for the future, Simon walks out of the stage as he knows that there’s nothing left for him to do. The whole reason why a lot of people felt disappointed was because they felt that Simon should be anything else but a nobody, given how many sacrifices he’s made, how many times he’s done the impossible, and how he ended up, but I beg to differ.

Simon was and is nothing else but a driller: think back to his speech on Episode 11, and how he proclaims the he is himself, and that “himself” is Simon the Driller, the one whose drill is the drill that will pierce the heavens. Now that he’s pierced the heavens, it’s time for the next generation to move forward, through the path that he’s dug, towards a better future. It doesn’t matter what e expected and wanted Simon to be, because in the end, Simon stayed true to himself. Nia may be going away, but before that could happen, Simon made sure that Nia would be the happiest bride in the universe, and she was. Now that he's created the path for the future, Simon walks out of the stage as he knows that there's nothing left for him to do.

The whole reason why a lot of people felt disappointed was because they felt that Simon should be anything else but a nobody, given how many sacrifices he's made, how many times he's done the impossible, and how he ended up, but I beg to differ. Simon was and is nothing else but a driller: think back to his speech on Episode 11, and how he proclaims the he is himself, and that "himself" is Simon the Driller, the one whose drill is the drill that will pierce the heavens. Now that he's pierced the heavens, it's time for the next generation to move forward, through the path that he's dug, towards a better future. It doesn't matter what e expected and wanted Simon to be, because in the end, Simon stayed true to himself. Nia may be going away, but before that could happen, Simon made sure that Nia would be the happiest bride in the universe, and she was.

To apologize for the lack of GL pics, have a Sayane in wedding clothes in return To apologize

It’s true that the Japanese are obsessed with endings like these, and that there are a lot of endings that are bittersweet and tragic because they’re realistic. Don’t get me wrong and think that all endings that are bittersweet and tragic are, by association, perfect for me because it doesn’t work like that. I tend to gravitate towards the more realistic endings, but I still prioritize content and cathartic impact.

At the very least (and I know this’ll sound cheesy, but whatever), endings like these help me appreciate life for what it is, and helps me to deal with it more. It's true that the Japanese are obsessed with endings like these, and that there are a lot of endings that are bittersweet and tragic because they're realistic. Don't get me wrong and think that all endings that are bittersweet and tragic are , By association, perfect for me because it doesn't work like that. I tend to gravitate towards the more realistic endings, but I still prioritize content and cathartic impact. At the very least (and I know this'll sound cheesy, but whatever), endings like these help me appreciate life for what it is, and helps me to deal with it more.

On a sidenote, P3 taught me that sleeping in class, while it refreshes my status, might make me miss out on some lesson that'll be used in an upcoming exam

Croquis Pop Vol 02 - Thoughts & Impressions

About the Mangaka

Unfortunately I couldn't find anything on KwangHyun Seo, who wrote the story, nor on JinHo Ko who did the art. If anyone has any info please drop me a line through the contact me page.

About the Manga

I was hoping this volume would be great, unfortunately it’s at best, average. I was hoping this volume would be great, unfortunately it's at best, average.

JinHo’s art still isn’t up to scratch, in fact it’s even worse than volume one at times. I think in part it’s being done deliberately, or at least I’m hoping that it is, since if the art is genuinely that bad it makes me wonder what she (or he) is doing drawing in the first place. JinHo's art still isn't up to scratch, in fact it's even worse than volume one at times. I think in part it's being done deliberately, or at least I'm hoping that it is, since if the art is genuinely that bad it makes me wonder what she (or he) is doing drawing in the first place.

The last page of the manhwa is awesome, I have to admit to that. The art in that scene is perfect, and kinda creepy, which was the objective I feel. The last page of the manhwa is awesome, I have to admit to that. The art in that scene is perfect, and kinda creepy, which was the objective I feel.

Once again however it’s KwangHyun’s story that rescues this volume. However this doesn’t go as smooth as it did last volume. I got the impression that this volume the art was dictating the story, which made the story jerky. As though there is bits missing from the flow. Either that, or that KwangHyun wasn’t sure in himself as the writer. Once again however it's KwangHyun's story that rescues this volume. However this doesn't go as smooth as it did last volume. I got the impression that this volume the art was dictating the story, which made the story jerky. As though there is bits missing from the flow. Either that, or that KwangHyun wasn't sure in himself as the writer.

There is some interesting development in the volume, though I’m still not sure who the bad guys are in this series. This can be a good thing, since it keeps readers on the edge of their seat wanting more. However it can also be a bad thing if it’s never fully resolved, which I’ve seen all to often. Hopefully this won’t be one of them. There is some interesting development in the volume, though I'm still not sure who the bad guys are in this series. This can be a good thing, since it keeps readers on the edge of their seat wanting more. However it can also be a bad thing if it's never fully resolved, which I've seen all to often. Hopefully this won't be one of them.

The real good stuff however doesn’t occur until the end of the volume, and I do mean the end. The second half of the final chapter makes up for the weak rest of the volume. The ending does also give a glimmer of hope for the third volume. I’m hoping that that’s when the series story will begin to pick up pace. The real good stuff however doesn't occur until the end of the volume, and I do mean the end. The second half of the final chapter makes up for the weak rest of the volume. The ending does also give a glimmer of hope for the third volume. I'm hoping that that's when the series story will begin to pick up pace.

Yen Press do a great job as usual with this release, a good translation, though since I’ve not read the original it’s hard to really comment on that. Lettering and editing was good, and for once no major guttering problems. Yen Press do a great job as usual with this release, a good translation, though since I've not read the original it's hard to really comment on that. Lettering and editing was good, and for once no major guttering problems.

While it does have some guttering issues, or rather it still suffers from having no gutter, none of the text suffers from it. While it does have some guttering issues, or rather it still suffers from having no gutter, none of the text suffers from it.

Still not able to add it to my Essential Read list, but it does carry my interest over to another volume. Still not able to add it to my Essential Read list, but it does carry my interest over to another volume.

Digital Distribution of Comics (It's Really Not That Farfetched)

My apologies for not updating sooner; it's been a crazy week, and I've been preparing for a conference this weekend.

While I wasn’t able to go to NYAF (because, let’s face it, I can’t really afford the gas to get there), I have been keeping up with all the announcements and documentation of all the roundtable discussions. In particular, the state of the manga industry panel has lead me to ask a few questions about the “state of the manga industry” or, as I like to think of it “the state of where US manga publishers would like to go in the next, eh, six months or so.” While I wasn't able to go to NYAF (because, let's face it, I can't really afford the gas to get there), I have been keeping up with all the announcements and documentation of all the roundtable discussions. In particular, the state of the manga industry panel has lead me to ask a few questions about the "state of the manga industry" or, as I like to think of it "the state of where US manga publishers would like to go in the next , Eh, six months or so. "

We know that US manga is still profitable. Dark Horse has reported a 20-year high in sales of its manga lines, and people in the industry keep telling us that it’s going pretty well for them. The amount of manga publishers is continuing to increase, and news of an eventual Kodansha imprint here in the States is only an indication of where the business is going. We know that US manga is still profitable. Dark Horse has reported a 20-year high in sales of its manga lines, and people in the industry keep telling us that it's going pretty well for them. The amount of manga publishers is continuing to increase, and news of an eventual Kodansha imprint here in the States is only an indication of where the business is going.

One of the most interesting statements made at the state of the industry roundtable was Michael Gombos and Kurt Hassler’s dismissal of digital distribution. Blaming the lack of a universal format and explaining that manga “is meant to be read on the page” is what we got out of them. Frankly, Some of as are upset. One of the most interesting statements made at the state of the industry roundtable was Michael Gombos and Kurt Hassler's dismissal of digital distribution. Blaming the lack of a universal format and explaining that manga "is meant to be read on the page" is what we got out of them. Frankly, some of are us upset.

That includes me. That includes me.

See, digital distrubition isn’t about a universal format, and manga certainly isn’t only meant to be “read on the page”. That kind of attitude is what’s killing the music business right now. For the longest time, music was only an analog kind of experence. Play your tapes, your CDs, but don’t use your computer. Your Walkman is fine, thank you. The problem with that attitude is that, while your analog distribution may be pretty fricking great, people have been reading manga on the internet for years. Scanlations have always been a huge part of the industry, and the last time I checked, you get those on the internet, right? See, digital distrubition isn't about a universal format, and manga certainly isn't only meant to be "read on the page". That kind of attitude is what's killing the music business right now. For the longest time, music was only an analog kind of experence. Play your tapes, your CDs, but don't use your computer. Your Walkman is fine, thank you. The problem with that attitude is that, while your analog distribution may be pretty fricking great, people have been reading manga on the internet for years. Scanlations have always been a huge part of the industry, and the last time I checked, you get those on the internet, right?

Business is not necessarily about a feel or a perception; it’s about finding a consumer and playing to their needs in a way that is profitable. Manga has found its place in the comics world, but in a society where everyone is always on the run, how much more convenient can mobile manga be? Digital distribution allows manga fans a chance to download and go, and it allows consumers the chance to customize their manga experience. Business is not necessarily about a feel or a perception; it's about finding a consumer and playing to their needs in a way that is profitable. Manga has found its place in the comics world, but in a society where everyone is always on the run, how much more convenient can mobile manga be? Digital distribution allows manga fans a chance to download and go, and it allows consumers the chance to customize their manga experience.

Think, for example, on the possiblities of a RSS-type manga feed, where users could subscribe to manga series through objects like the iPhone or home computer. Each time a new chapter came out, the manga would be instantly queued for download, and purchased for a micro-transaction type fee. A small manga distribution application would be all it would take to get this kind of digital manga into the hands of a busy fandom. The advantage for consumers is a way to sample manga more liberally, and do so without downloading scanlations of licensed manga, or spend hours in the local Borders trying to find their next series. It also allows customers to keep a more “periodical” relationship with their favorite series that is more in tune with manga in Japan, in that a new chapter would come out every week or every few weeks, instead of one tankoban coming out four times a year. Think, for example, on the possiblities of a RSS-type manga feed, where users could subscribe to manga series through objects like the iPhone or home computer. Each time a new chapter came out, the manga would be instantly queued for download, and purchased for a micro-transaction type fee. A small manga distribution application would be all it would take to get this kind of digital manga into the hands of a busy fandom. The advantage for consumers is a way to sample manga more liberally, and do so without downloading scanlations of licensed manga, or spend hours in the local Borders trying to find their next series. It also allows customers to keep a more "periodical" relationship with their favorite series that is more in tune with manga in Japan, in that a new chapter would come out every week or every few weeks, instead of one tankoban coming out four times a year.

This isn’t just for consumers though. The manga industry profits too. Without knowing too much about the publishing scene, I can almost guarentee that manga are, at one point or the other, digitized so that translations can be applied to the original comic image. In this sense, the apple is ripe for the plucking. This isn't just for consumers though. The manga industry profits too. Without knowing too much about the publishing scene, I can almost guarentee that manga are, at one point or the other, digitized so that translations can be applied to the original comic image. In this sense, the apple is ripe for the plucking.

It’sa shame to see major publishers brush aside digital distribution. Truly, it’s money waiting to be made. It'sa shame to see major publishers brush aside digital distribution. Truly, it's money waiting to be made.

The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya Vol 01 - Thoughts & Impressions

About The Mangaka

Tanigawa Nagaru is rather unusual as a manga-ka or even as a writer, in that he didn't train as one. Rather he is a law school graduate of all things>. <. While he is best known for The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya series, which won him the grand prize at eighth annual Sneaker Awards; he has done several other series.

I couldn’t find anything solid on Tsugano Gaku, other than that he or she also did the art for Girl Who Runs Through Time, which was licensed by CMX. I couldn't find anything solid on Tsugano Gaku, other than that he or she also did the art for Girl Who Runs Through Time, which was licensed by CMX.

Ito Noizi took me by surprise, she did the art for the Shakugan no Shana novels, but also works for a H-Game company. She has a personal Website , though it’s Japanese only. Ito Noizi took me by surprise, she did the art for the Shakugan no Shana novels, but also works for a H-Game company. She has a personal Website though it's Japanese only.

About the Manga

I’ll be up front and honest, this was on series I had considered letting Yen Press know not to send me. I found the anime so uninteresting I wanted nothing to do with it. I'll be up front and honest, this was on series I had considered letting Yen Press know not to send me. I found the anime so uninteresting I wanted nothing to do with it.

But with everything going on I forgot to, so it turned up. I decided to read it and get it over with, and to my surprise I found that not only was I liking it, but I was actually loving it. But with everything going on I forgot to, so it turned up. I decided to read it and get it over with, and to my surprise I found that not only was I liking it, but I was actually loving it.

I really like Gaku’s art, it’s strong and confident and has no flaws that I saw. It was consistent as well, which of late is something I’ve found lacking in a lot of manga. Gotta love Haruhi and Mikuru in bunny girl outfits!! And Mikuru in her maids outfit!!! Where can I get a girl like that I really like Gaku's art, it's strong and confident and has no flaws that I saw. It was consistent as well, which of late is something I've found lacking in a lot of manga. Gotta love Haruhi and Mikuru in bunny girl outfits!! And Mikuru in her maids outfit!!! Where can I get a girl like that

Ito’s characters are awesome!! While Haruhi is the lead, I don’t particularly like her. I don’t hate her or anything, I just don’t feel she’s as good as she should be. For me the star of the show is Nagato, she’s cute, aloof and bloody funny. Ito's characters are awesome!! While Haruhi is the lead, I don't particularly like her. I don't hate her or anything, I just don't feel she's as good as she should be. For me the star of the show is Nagato, she's cute, aloof and bloody funny.

I felt that Haruhi was trying to hard to be funny, where as Nagato and Mikuru simply are funny. I felt that Haruhi was trying to hard to be funny, where as Nagato and Mikuru simply are funny.

Ito’s designs are great, but I do feel that Haruhi should have had a bit more oomph behind her design. That’s the only flaw I can think of when looking at the characters as a whole. I have to admit I nearly killed myself laughing when Haruhi referred to Mikuru as the token big boobed moe mascot. Ito's designs are great, but I do feel that Haruhi should have had a bit more oomph behind her design. That's the only flaw I can think of when looking at the characters as a whole. I have to admit I nearly killed myself laughing when Haruhi referred to Mikuru as the token big boobed moe mascot.

Tanigawa’s story is funny to say the least. Psycho girl looking for aliens, time travellers etc etc. Normal every day guy, and a slew of the targets around them, all interested in the lead. Tanigawa's story is funny to say the least. Psycho girl looking for aliens, time travellers etc etc. Normal every day guy, and a slew of the targets around them, all interested in the lead.

My only grief with this really is that I can see Kyon ending up with Haruhi, but I really don’t want to see that. I want him to end up with Nagato. Their relationship would cause more hilarity I think. Though I can see why he needs to be with Haruhi in terms of character and plot development. My only grief with this really is that I can see Kyon ending up with Haruhi, but I really don't want to see that. I want him to end up with Nagato. Their relationship would cause more hilarity I think. Though I can see why he needs to be with Haruhi in terms of character and plot development.

I really don’t like Koizumi, there’s something a little to fake and weird about him >.< I really don't like Koizumi, there's something a little to fake and weird about him>. <

I have to admit this volume blew me away. When I started the volume I was someone who didn’t want to read it, and would never have bought it. However within a chapter I was hooked, and by the end I was converted!! I have to admit this volume blew me away. When I started the volume I was someone who didn't want to read it, and would never have bought it. However within a chapter I was hooked, and by the end I was converted! !

Yen Press do a good job with this release, however it does have several flaws. Firstly, an insane amount of guttering. All to often I was having to bend the book back over, something I hate to do since it damages the spine. Secondly, the editing, in the sides there’s to much wasted white space in the speech bubbles. The text is cramped into the side leaving a load of wasted space. Yen Press do a good job with this release, however it does have several flaws. Firstly, an insane amount of guttering. All to often I was having to bend the book back over, something I hate to do since it damages the spine. Secondly , The editing, in the sides there's to much wasted white space in the speech bubbles. The text is cramped into the side leaving a load of wasted space.

They get extra points from me though for the extra we’re given, the prologue and first chapter of the light novel that’s due for release next year. They get extra points from me though for the extra we're given, the prologue and first chapter of the light novel that's due for release next year.

This preview caught my interest, and while it didn’t feel as good as the manga did, it was enough to spark more interest in me. I’ll certainly be picking up the novels when they’re released mid next year. This preview caught my interest, and while it didn't feel as good as the manga did, it was enough to spark more interest in me. I'll certainly be picking up the novels when they're released mid next year.

I’m glad they left the colour pages intact in this release, since the chibi Nagato and Mikuru are just so damned cute in full colour!! I'm glad they left the colour pages intact in this release, since the chibi Nagato and Mikuru are just so damned cute in full colour!!

There is one down side to this release though, and that’s the wait between volumes. Volume two isn’t due out until March 2009 which is a five month wait, which I feel is a bit excessive. There is one down side to this release though, and that's the wait between volumes. Volume two isn't due out until March 2009 which is a five month wait, which I feel is a bit excessive.

The real question now is, how do I recommend it? I had to think on this, since my first reaction was to put it on the Essential Read list. However after thinking about it I've decided not to. While it was good enough to be on there, I want to give it a few more volumes before making that decision. I'm going to be getting a lot tougher on my titles from now on. They'll need something special to get on my list from now on