Rozen Maiden (Volumes 1 - 4) - Manga Review

Overall Rating: B+

Synopsis: Jun is a teenage boy whose parents have left Japan for business and left his sister, Nori, in charge. When we first encounter Jun, we discover that he has decided to stay in his room indefinitely, refusing to go to school despite his sister's pleading. He spends all of his time ordering items on the internet and returning them before their policy expires for a full refund.

One item, with only the choice "Will you wind? Or not wind?" and mysterious instructions produces a case with an incredibly life-like and haughty little girl doll named Shinku. When a strange attack forces them to bond, Jun begins to learn of the strange symbiotic relationship he has entered with his "Rozen Maiden" and once others begin to appear, the strange story behind their creation begins to unfold.

Rozen Maiden has a lot of elements that seem very strange at first, but slowly get explained over time. And the relationship between the main character, Jun, and his sister, Nori, is very endearing. The dolls are ridiculously cute in their lolita way, and each of them has a different personality.

As more dolls become part of the story, the reader learns more about the reason behind the dolls existence, how there are only seven of them, why they must battle each other to become 'Alice' - but even four books in, you still don't have all the details, and it keeps you hooked.

The character design for this book is great. The dolls are drawn lavishly, each with their own style of clothing. The only thing I occasionally have difficulty with is understanding is when the artist/creator resorts to an over-the-top stylization of the characters as a one-take reaction. For example, Nori and one of the dolls, Shinku, are discussing what type of doll Shinku is, and Nori takes a second and then screams that she's so cute. Instead of this being a full-sized panel, Nori and the doll will be shown in a much simplified style, almost stick figures with a few characteristics of each of them, shown in a very small panel.

I know this is a regular thing in manga, but it does happen a lot in Rozen Maiden so just be prepared for it.

I have also watched the first disc of the anime (which I will review later) but I feel like it presents the story of the dolls in a way that is much more easily understood.

I would definitely suggest picking up this manga, especially if you're into the lolita or goth lolita style. I'm excited to find out more of the story of the dolls, how Jun will learn to deal with his feelings of isolation from his class, and just get to see more awesomely designed dolls.

Rozen Maiden Book 6 comes out in the U.S. October 2007.

Azumanga Daioh - Anime Review

Rating: A+++

Synopsis: Six girls attend high school together in this hilarious and cute slice-of-life anime. The plots are all character-driven, maintaining a balance of mundane and wacky, despite the low-key ambitions of the series. We begin the series with the first day of High School and follow the girls through to their graduation.

Words fail me in describing Kiyohiko Azuma's Azumanga Daioh, but I will do my darndest. Even though this is a slice-of-life style anime, there's plenty to watch and like as we follow these six girls through sports days, culture fests, and summer vacations. The characters grow on you within the first couple of episodes, and from there you're hooked.

There is dramatic tension in the show, but it's caused by things like "Will Sakaki be able to pet the kitty?" Osaka's tendency to daydream or say strange non-sequitirs provides a great deal of surrealistic entertainment. Chiyo-chan's dilemma as a ten year-old high schooler gives the show tons of great scenes (such as the first time she ventures out at night to buy a new eraser, and runs from streetlight to streetlight in terror).

There is an entire episode dedicated to fan service, and instead of some sort of racy panty-shot laden episode, we get spoonfuls of cuteness as the class runs their Cute Cafe. With Chiyo-chan in her penguin suit, this episode will about kill you, as all you can manage to do is whisper "kawaii!"

Main Character Guide (from left to right in image above):

• (Yomi) Koyomi Mizuhara - Yomi is the voice of reason and most normal girl in the group. She wears glasses, is very athletic and smart, but is always concerned about her weight. She acts as the main restrainer on Tomo's schemes.


• (Osaka) Ayumu Kasuga - A girl transferred to the high school from Osaka. She is given the nickname "Osaka" despite the fact that her dreamy, barely lucid style of thinking is very different from the stereotypical Osakan. A lot her daydreams and thoughts give the series its surrealness.


• (Chiyo-chan) Chiyo Mihama - Chiyo's a prodigy advanced five grades to high school at 10. Ridiculously cute, Chiyo-chan attempts to fit in with her new older friends.


• (Sakaki) Sakaki - Sakaki is a tall quiet girl who is good at school and sports without trying. Unfortunately, the one thing she desires most, a pet cat, is the one thing she can't seem to make happen (cats hate her, her mother is allergic). Her tallness and quietness give her a reputation for being "cool".


• (Kagura) Kagura - Kagura is a very hard-working athlete who joins the girls in their second year. She spends a lot of time training, and though she sees Sakaki's innate athletic talent as competition, she usually ends up competing with Tomo.


• (Tomo) Tomo Takono - Tomo is the school's self-proclaimed "wildcat", competitive and energetic. Tomo is incredibly impulsive and can be obnoxious at times, but her actions tend to be a catalyst for the show.

This is my favorite anime right now, and that is the highest recommendation I can possibly give. As soon as I sent back the Netflix discs, I made plans to buy my own. If you haven't seen any Azumanga Daioh, then get to it!