5 comments about FLCL, Vol. 1.

1. For anyone unfamiliar to the FLCL anime, after flipping through the first few pages of this book you'd most likely end up slamming it back down on the display rack and grab some of the more beautifully animated manga, like Naruta, InuYasha, or an Ani-Manga of some sort. But for fans of FLCL, the chaos of art that hits you from start to finish will make you smile, as it is very reminiscent of the anime in some ways. The FLCL anime had chaotic storytelling and action, while the manga has chaotic art. Both, however, are beautifully made.
   
   The differences this volume of the manga has from the series are very few. The story has been expanded somewhat in the first volume. A couple more mysterious characters were added, like Naota's grandfather, whose role in the series was minute at best. Plus, Mamimi, Naota's brother, and Naota's relationship are explained just a little better here, and we know the main reasons why Naota's family dislikes the mysterious fire-starter. Beyond that, though, the story is pretty much the same. Naoto is hit by a strange Vespa Girl. A horn grows from his head, and soon a robot crawls from that horn to defend him and his friends from intergalactic (maybe) threats.
   
   My main problem with this anime is that it's artistic style alienates people easily. I've told many that FLCL is one of the best animes ever, and whenever I recommend anime I always try to recommend the manga, because it's cheaper and if a person likes the manga, the anime is sure to follow (oddly enough, I'm not a big manga reader). FLCL, while beautifully chaotic, doesn't translate well for outsiders of this wonderful series. It's very difficult to recommend this to anyone who hasn't seen the anime. I would strongly recommend this volume for anyone who loved the anime, however, because the back-story of the characters can be found here, shedding some light on the FLCL.



2. I was wondering how they could adapt this crazy anime to manga. I thought it would be just about impossible and unfortunately I was right.
   This looks like it was drawn by a five year old. It's almost impossible to even tell what you're looking at in many of the panels.
   The story just doesn't convey the manic craziness, emotion, and sexuality of the series. I was just bored.
   I say don't bother with this just watch the anime again.



3. If you are looking for a printed version of the FLCL anime, you won't get it here. Other than the character names and small bits of the plot, the manga version bears no resemblance to the anime. I won't outline the story here because, well, I can't. Let's just say that the manga is more of a surreal exercise in style rather than a coherent story.



4. I must say that when I got this book I read it once and set it at the button of my shelf... It did not quite settle with me. Some time later I need a book to go to work with me and I took it. Reading it again I figured it out and was like "WOOOW_O..." So I bought the second one and they wore totally cool. The problum I was having is that the story is almost completely diffrent then the anime. Trust me you would be missing something if you don't give this a chance.



5. like robots (alien robots), the crazy form of art known as anime and have a creative way of thinking you'll enjoying reading flcl. thinking about buying it? don't hesitate, buy it. I love this book and have the first and second.

No comments about Batman Comic, June 2008 Issue.

No comments about Cipher: Volume 9 (Cipher (Graphic Novels)).

No comments about Marvel Illustrated - Homer's The Iliad #2 (Marvel Comics).

3 comments about Zot: Book 1 (Zot!) (Issues 1-10).

1. Scott McCloud's Zot! is simply amazing. For those of us who actually have hope, it will not be wasted on this sci-fi but not far stretched sentimental story of a simple boy who overcomes all odds to reach something glorious in life. Not only is the storyline enjoyable, but the plot keeps you rolling with deep character involvement, and actually shows flaws in the characters, which keeps them all stronger each chapter. Very suspeneful with his mastery of simple actions and language. I loved it



2. If you are a comics aficionado , this book is a must read. Scott McCloud is one of the few creators of this generation who has not only demonstrated the depth that can be achieved in the comics medium, but has also made it accessible to all of us. The superhero plot may or may not grab you, but it's the story's characters and McCloud's storytelling style that will grab you and keep hold of you. If you're a fan of Mark Waid and Kurt Busiek, this work is well worth checking out. Even if you despise "superhero" comics, you might find yourself pleasantly surprised. After fourteen years, these stories still represent a "high water" mark in American comics.



3. Zot's great, you won't be buying this book without knowing a little about this strangely wholesome upbeat & optimistic superhero. All the angst is supplied by jenny his self doubting human girlfriend, and even she's pretty cheerful most of the time. The book is a straightforward copilation of Zot issues 11-15 and 17-18, but unlike volume one this book is in black and white, so be warned, but I still enjoyed it.

No comments about Batman #666 : The Legend of the Batman (DC Comics).

1 comments about Showcase Presents: Metal Men, Vol. 1.

1. I guess one distinction between DC and Marvel Comics is that Marvel has been generally more successful with team comics. With the Fantastic Four, Defenders and the many incarnations of the Avengers and X-Men (including X-Force, X-Factor, etc.), Marvel has made superhero teams an essential part of its lineup. On the other hand, DC's record is a bit spottier. Sure, there is the Justice League, Justice Society and Teen Titans are notable, but even with them, a continuous run of more than a few years is rare. There are, of course, other DC teams that are truly second tier; one of my favorites of these minor league teams is the Metal Men; they may have never made a big mark, but they are still fun to read about.
   
   The Metal Men are a group of six robots built by Will Magnus, each representing a different metal and able to reshape itself to adapt to various situations. Each has a "responsometer" that gives it intelligence and a personality. Gold is the most intelligent and the natural leader when Magnus is not around. Lead is somewhat dense, both literally and figuratively; he's good-hearted but not all that bright. Iron is the reliable strong-man of the group. Mercury is, well, mercurial. Tin stutters and has an inferiority complex. Finally, there is Platinum, the one "female" robot who is in love with Magnus.
   
   The issues within Showcase Volume 1 introduce the team and highlight their first battles. Typically, they are opposed by other robots, either from outer space or built on Earth. Most signicant is Chemo, a giant toxic robot and various "relatives" of the Metal Men, including the ill-fated Uranium and the Gas Gang. Generally, Gold, Iron and Lead are the less interesting characters, with Mercury and Tin standing out more, and Platinum standing out most of all.
   
   In fact, the Platinum/Magnus relationship shows the weakness of reading these issues in a Showcase format rather than reading the comics in the original bi-monthly format. Every issue seems to have Platinum declaring her love and Magnus saying insisting she's merely a robot with a defective responsometer (although it's clear he secretly has affection for her too). On an every-other-month basis, this might not be bad, but if you read several issues at a time, it can come off repetitive.
   
   That, however, is a criticism of the Showcase format (which nonethless, I like overall), not a criticism of the individual stories within. The Metal Men may not be the most popular team, but they are an entertaining example of what mid-1960's DC had to offer.

5 comments about Aquarian Age - Juvenile Orion Volume 1 (Aquarian Age - Juvenile Orion).

1. To be honest, I thought that Aquarian Age could have been better. True, the art was beautiful (with plenty of bishonen to boot) but I felt that the story was a bit choppy. However, it was still interesting enough to keep the reader flipping the pages, even though its was a bit like X/1999 (which is better by the way)...my main issue was that the main character, Mana, seemed like all the other main shoujo characters. But that is just my personal opinion. Overall, I think that Aquarian Age is a good buy if you have some extra cash or something, but definately not a must-have.



2. I bought volume 1 of Juvenile Orion on a whim from a local Barnes and Noble. I expected an average manga with slightly above average artwork, like so many other series, but I was pleasently surprised. The story is captivating, the artwork is phenominal, and the characters have depth to them, which I find increasingly hard to find in manga. Honestly, I hadn't even thought of the similarities to X until I read the reviews, and I believe that, while slightly reminiscent, the differences are great enough to create a unique and absorbing plot that will keep you reading. I immediately went out and bought the next three volumes after reading the first, and they were even better than the first. I highly suggest this wonderful series to anyone who likes almost any type of manga!



3. I honestly never really made a connection to Clamp's X with this work until I read reviews. I have read through four of the five books and I must say that I saw several similiarities in these characters with other characters from almost every other manga I have ever read. Mana reminds me of Himeno from Pretear, for example. Their attitudes and mannerisms, even Kaname reminds me of the Leafe Knight Hayate...and those characters remind me so much of others from Blue Seed 9; so really, if you are any kind of manga fan at all, you'll realize that almost ALL manga have some kind of parallel to others out there, and why not? Shakespeare took all his ideas from a lot of mytholgical legends, do your homework on this and you'll see what I mean. And if you want to go talking about ripoffs, take a small glance at RahXephon, see if THAT doesn't make you go "HEY! I know this story! I watched it under the title Neon Genesis Evangelion."
   
   As far as this particular story goes, I would have to say I gave this book a four because the next three are so much better, giving us more into the characters, helping us understand a little better who they are and what exactly they have to give in this tale. Development I think is what they call it. =)
   
   Essentially I see that (as in so many other manga) this whole scenario was created by the life of society as a whole in the book world. Many things come about because of the choices people make, destined for consequence.
   
   I enjoy a whole range of genre when it comes to manga, it really depends on my mood, and I can tell you that this is one that I could pick up at any time and truly enjoy with a smile on my face and an upbeat rhythme in my heart. I can't wait to read the fifth book.
   
   I suppose I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys beautiful artwork, heroine romance, and the possibility of hidden abilities within everyone. And let's face it, is this stuff excellent eye candy or what?!



4. Juvenile Orion is a very good series, even from the first volume, but there are alot of problems. Yes, the drawings are beautiful and such, but as you read things get a bit odd.
   
   Fighting scenes are almost practically non existent. Which is not bad, but as the series goes on random characters will appear with no reason and random characters will be mentioned but never told about. Things seem to get jumbled up and questions unanswered. The series takes 2 books to explain everything that happened and 3 books to jumble up one big enemy boss. Its ends abruply making you wait for more until you realize theres only 5 volumes.
   
   Its an entertaining series, but if your looking for something more in depth it may not be the best thing for you.



5. This manga book was really good. The artwork by the author was superb and I can't believe a person could have that much talent in drawing in this world of art, and literature. This manga book, volume 1 of the series, is HIGHLY recommended. I think anyone would like it.
   
   I think this series goes towards the "female" audience since it has revealing pictures of the characters, so I recommend this book to maybe teenage girls or women in their early 20s.
   
   The story is okay, but the manga focuses more on the artwork than the actual writing and literature of the story. But this book was good overall.

3 comments about Sandman: King of Dreams: 40 Collectible Postcards.

1. "The Sandman: King of Dreams" is a coffee-table sized tribute to the 10 story arcs that comprise Neil Gaiman's beloved Sandman series. A chapter is devoted to each story arc (or corresponding graphic novel, if you will) filled with full-page reproductions directly from the stores themselves. There are also a smattering of new artwork, behind-the-scenes tidbits, quotes and such.

   I adore the Sandman series, and even find repeated enjoyment in "The Sandman Companion", but I was disappointed by this book. Why?

   1st, there was not enough new art to keep me from getting bored. Yes, the pages look damn good reproduced here, but still pretty much look the same here as in the graphic novels.
   2nd, there is too little text to go with the visuals, and what there is seems lacking ("The Sandman Companion", though visually less appealing than "King of Dreams", has about a 100x more info in it). For example, in the chapter covering the 2nd Sandman graphic novel - Doll's House, it alludes to original artist Mike Dringenberg not being able to keep up with the monthly pace. He apparently is replaced. Sounds interesting. So what happened? Was he fired? Did he step down honorably? Is this type of thing normal in a comic series? You won't find the answer here. Getting under the skin of the story - a forte of Mr. Gaiman, is frustratingly lacking here. It comes across as a superficial glossing over of the greatest comic book series ever.

   What's left is great art you've mostly seen before, some interesting tidbits and insights, and a summary of stories you already know by heart. I'd recommend this for Sandman completists who especially love the artwork. For everyone else, try the "Sandman Companion" (its cheaper and better) or just pull out your reading copies one more time for another run through.




2. Sandman: the King of Dreams is a wonderful coffetable-eque art book. However, it also contains many insights into the world of the Sandman and the creative process. Alisa Kwitney was a one time editor of the comic series and brings wonderful anecdotes about the writers, artists and characters that I have not heard anywhere else. This bok is clearly written with love for the world of The Sandman.
   The art is also gorgeuos. images from the comics are replicated here in a wonderful format. also there are many images taken from other comics and trading cards and several that have been hiding in the editorial vault.
   though this book is not as detailed as Hy Bender's wonderful ode to the series, and the two do cover the same ground on occasion, this is an excellent addition to anyones'sSandman library.



3. From the fall of 1987 to the beginning of 1996, Neil Gaiman worked mostly on the "Sandman" series of comics, . . . which became trade book collections, and merchandise, and fannish websites, and spin-off books by other writers. Morpheus gave it all up in the end, but the readers haven't. One of the best spin-offs is this overview, or commentary, or summation, of the series, from the first issue to the last, by one of the assistant editors with whom Gaiman worked. She's gone on to other things, too, but she obviously can't leave the Endless behind any more than the paying readers can. It's nice to be able to revisit, all in one place, the wide range of artists who worked on the series and to read Gaiman's brief comments on the origins of certain story arcs and the interconnections between others, not all of which were intentional. And, as Kwitney says, if you've picked up this book without having read about the Sandman, . . . well, now's your chance.

5 comments about Demon Diary, Book 1.

1. this book is aiight....but
   THIS BOOK IS NOT MADE BY A JAPANESE PERSON!!!!
   it's korean, look at the name, and the way that u have to read it. it's read like american format..same with
   SOUL TO SEOUL, KING OF HELL, DRAGON HUNTER, FAERIE'S LANDING, RAGNAROK, LIGHTS OUT(ONE DAY SOMETHING WONDERFUL MAY HAPPEN), EVIL'S RETURN, and more!!!
   i'm tired of japanese taking credit 4 everything......



2. This manga is a must have for all if you Shonen-ai lovers out there. As the story goes along, you will discover secrets of gods and demon.



3. This is pretty bad and all over the place. Young demon lord has to learn how to be a demon lord to stop some god-demon conflict that barely rates a mention.
   
   Has a servant type that is a tall, pale slim hipped pillow who wears black, you get the idea. Some other goofy little magic things to have stupid express, and throw in some random magic technobabble at times.



4. This is not death note quality but if you like Rave master or db, etc., it is one worth collecting. Funny and still some noteworthy fights, it is good.



5. Demon Diary introduced me to the world of graphic novel. I would have been lost otherwise. The characters have unique personalities and the story is one of a kind. For those of you who are art lovers it is time to rejoice. This artist will blow your mind away. The characters are beautifully drawn and rich in detail. The sceneries are fitting to their settings. The plot is quite simple, but with a twist in the ending. It is a pleasant read. You will find a mysterious love affair, a brief father son moment, and a lot of comedic relief. Just sit back and enjoy.