Mein Gott! What happened to me? Matsuricon, a very bad cold, and a couple tests this week put me out of commisson. School is a beast this year, so I think we’re just going to be getting impression posts from me for now. Anyway, I am also terribly behind in Antique Bakery, with FOUR episodes to catch up on.

But I did get to read some manga. In particualar, Rozen Maiden 1 and Shugo Chara 1 by Peach-Pitt.

First off, I have already read DearS. I would not recommend this series to anyone, from the cliched characters, to the cliched plot, to the cliched events happening within the plot. There was a redeeming quality to DearS though, and that the world building itself was interesting and kinda unique. While this wasn’t enough to save DearS I was delighted to see this talent emerge once again and make things work.

Rozen Maiden came along, and the only way it resembled DearS was Peach-Pitt unique art style. Their art is absolutely beautiful. Although, truthfully, the story is weird. It was described as ‘metaphorical’ though the metaphors are lost on me. In the first volume, we come across a social recluse of a boy, (actually, he crossed the Borderline Hikkomori point) named Jun, who orders products and returns them before the date is up. Until, that is, he ends up with a living doll. He finds himself at this dolls beck and call as she involves him into a deadly game. It all gets more complicated from there, including tea, protective voodoo dolls, and the death of a teddy bear. It’s very dark, and this fact is added to by the childlike elements, such as the teddy bear.

The doll who appears, Shinku, is a character I love. She’s very stuck-up, but she’s tough and has a take charge nature. She also has a winning character design. My sister pointed out to me that is was very unusual, the relationship between Jun and Shinku. Usually, when a robot/living doll who appears out of nowhere is set on trying to serve the male. Not forcing the male to serve them. And Shinku bosses Jun around.

I can’t wait to read more.

Shugo Chara was much different, definitely a story for a younger audience compared to Rozen Maiden. I’m not going to go into the summery because Crisu wrote a great post about the series here: http://cjblackwing.wordpress.com/category/all-series/shugo-chara/

I will say, it’s magical girl, but not you’re typical faire. There’s more depth, and while it’s for a younger folk, it manages to be entertaining to an older audience too rather then come across as dumb–such as Tokyo Mew Mew.

The main character is amazingly crafted, Ami is not the usual heroine. She’s shy, and tough, so everyone respects her but no one really talks to her out of intimidation. That isn’t her at all, she wants to feel cute and act herself, but just can’t. I feel for Ami so much, as I’m pretty much the same way. Overall, it’s a different apporoach, and I like it.

The art is more typical Shojo then Rozen Maidan was, but is very nice to look at, and so cute. I’m impressed. And the outfits, ohmigoodness. They’re adorable. I want to cosplay one of the student councils outfits.

Anyway, I look foreward to seeing more of both series.

Til later,

~Janette E