Today I stayed at a bookstore for a group project again. Quite fun to be there, although it was quite a dreary day outside.
Productive? Well I guess we got the concepts down to the core now. No more wild changes, all implementation now.
Also, I realized that Twin Spica 5 is now sold out in most places. I'm scrambling to get a copy for almost regular price hopefully. I must complete this series.
Showing posts with label manga. Show all posts
Showing posts with label manga. Show all posts
Friday, 5 April 2013
Saturday, 10 November 2012
School for Geniuses? An Academy for "Alice"
Just finished volume 1 of Gakuen Alice after all this time. It's been probably 6 years since I heard of this series and for the longest time I wanted to read it. It's really too bad I left it... but now I can read it again, since the whole series is in my local library and ready for picking.
Volume 1 is the introduction of the naive, but boisterous Mikan and the cool, but sly Hotaru. The introduction of their splitting apart. Cause Hotaru has gone and moved to another school now. But Mikan can have that. She wants to be with her precious Hotaru, so she goes after her into Alice Academy (Gakuen Alice)!
Then hijinks ensue. Fire, pheromones, inventions, mind reading, psychokinesis etc.
And the great reunion of LOVE between Mikan and Hotaru. Keep in mind that they are just elementary school kids.
So far a fun series and it did not let me down. Time to look for volume 2.
Volume 1 is the introduction of the naive, but boisterous Mikan and the cool, but sly Hotaru. The introduction of their splitting apart. Cause Hotaru has gone and moved to another school now. But Mikan can have that. She wants to be with her precious Hotaru, so she goes after her into Alice Academy (Gakuen Alice)!
Then hijinks ensue. Fire, pheromones, inventions, mind reading, psychokinesis etc.
And the great reunion of LOVE between Mikan and Hotaru. Keep in mind that they are just elementary school kids.
So far a fun series and it did not let me down. Time to look for volume 2.
Thursday, 25 October 2012
2012 Library Sale Loot 1
Hopefully this is the 1 out of 4, since the sale lasts four days.
Anyways, I actually bought some more books today! I was able to pick up a very good condition copy of Buddha vol 1 by Osamu Tezuka. A brilliant work by a brilliant mind. I didn't notice that it was the UK/European copy until I got home though. Still, it was an incredible chance that I could not leave.
Next up was something I completely picked up as soon as I saw it. The "Train Man"/Densha Otoka novel translated into English. I was completely unaware that it was ever translated, so I had to pick it up. Even though it was in pretty bad shape, it was cheap and I really wanted to read it. Not bad for less than a dollar.
Lastly was something I was almost going to leave! Though I consider myself a pretty avid anime watcher, I haven't seen a lot of "must-watches" like the adaptation of this novel. The novel is "The Tatami Galaxy" or "四畳半神話大系" as I saw it because it was the original Japanese novel. I knew I recognized the cover somewhere, but I didn't know it until I searched it up at home. This is one where I trusted my instincts and got something good! No regrets here. I won't be able to read through it anytime soon, but it's still a nice addition to my "To-Read" Japanese collection.
All in all it was a bit hectic in there, but not as bad as the crazy closing sale that happened this summer. I even saw a 10 volume set of Claymore from that sale being sold at this sale, but alas, I'm thinking of saving my money for something a bit more special.
I ended up borrowing 7 more volumes of manga from the library as well, so that made my bag a bit heavy.
I'll be back tomorrow hopefully.
Anyways, I actually bought some more books today! I was able to pick up a very good condition copy of Buddha vol 1 by Osamu Tezuka. A brilliant work by a brilliant mind. I didn't notice that it was the UK/European copy until I got home though. Still, it was an incredible chance that I could not leave.
Next up was something I completely picked up as soon as I saw it. The "Train Man"/Densha Otoka novel translated into English. I was completely unaware that it was ever translated, so I had to pick it up. Even though it was in pretty bad shape, it was cheap and I really wanted to read it. Not bad for less than a dollar.
Lastly was something I was almost going to leave! Though I consider myself a pretty avid anime watcher, I haven't seen a lot of "must-watches" like the adaptation of this novel. The novel is "The Tatami Galaxy" or "四畳半神話大系" as I saw it because it was the original Japanese novel. I knew I recognized the cover somewhere, but I didn't know it until I searched it up at home. This is one where I trusted my instincts and got something good! No regrets here. I won't be able to read through it anytime soon, but it's still a nice addition to my "To-Read" Japanese collection.
All in all it was a bit hectic in there, but not as bad as the crazy closing sale that happened this summer. I even saw a 10 volume set of Claymore from that sale being sold at this sale, but alas, I'm thinking of saving my money for something a bit more special.
I ended up borrowing 7 more volumes of manga from the library as well, so that made my bag a bit heavy.
I'll be back tomorrow hopefully.
Thursday, 18 October 2012
A Translucent Girl
I just completed volume 1 of "Translucent", a manga by Kazuhiro Okamoto. I picked this up randomly from my local library and I was thoroughly surprised by how enjoyable it was to read.
The main character is Shizuka who has this mysterious condition called "Translucent Syndrome" which means that parts of her body turn either translucent or transparent. It's a weird problem that seems to be accepted in society, though she is still treated slightly differently from the rest. She gets to meet an eccentric boy named Mamoru Tadami, who loves models and drawing. This guy has a strange interest in her, and that causes changes in both their lives.
Anyways, no more description just go out and find it somewhere. The art may be a bit strange to begin with, but it has its charms and improves as it goes along. Too bad volume 4 and 5 hasn't seen the light of day in English yet.
Although one thing to add is that I like the "Perfect" girl who ends up being the student council president, Okouchi-san. Her personality and relationship with Shizuka and Mamoru are pretty well done.
The main character is Shizuka who has this mysterious condition called "Translucent Syndrome" which means that parts of her body turn either translucent or transparent. It's a weird problem that seems to be accepted in society, though she is still treated slightly differently from the rest. She gets to meet an eccentric boy named Mamoru Tadami, who loves models and drawing. This guy has a strange interest in her, and that causes changes in both their lives.
Anyways, no more description just go out and find it somewhere. The art may be a bit strange to begin with, but it has its charms and improves as it goes along. Too bad volume 4 and 5 hasn't seen the light of day in English yet.
Although one thing to add is that I like the "Perfect" girl who ends up being the student council president, Okouchi-san. Her personality and relationship with Shizuka and Mamoru are pretty well done.
Friday, 12 October 2012
Aqua 2 : President Aria Adventures!
Today I picked up Aqua volume 2 from the library. Yet another light-hearted journey through the beautiful water, landscape, and architecture of Neo-Venezia. Part of it was President Aria, part of it was Akari, and then there was a chapter for Aika. All in all it builds up the world of Aqua and makes me intrigued yet "nostalgic" at the same time. I look forward to reading/watching the rest!
Also, unlike the leisurely pace of this story, there's been a lot of project work that I have to work on. 3D rendering is such a pain sometimes!
Also, unlike the leisurely pace of this story, there's been a lot of project work that I have to work on. 3D rendering is such a pain sometimes!
Wednesday, 3 October 2012
Wizards and a Lizard Head
Or "Sorcerers" as they are called.
I had just recently borrowed the first volume of Dorohedoro from the library because it seemed interesting. The name was a somewhat significant factor as well. What type of name is Dorohedoro?
Little did I know it had to do with a man with a lizard head killing a whole bunch of Sorcerers. Such a strange story with even stranger humour. It makes we wonder how it's going to pan out. Will Caiman ever get his real head back? Who was he originally? Why is Nikaido so awesome? Etc.
The bad guys are almost quite interesting. There were two "reveal twists" that were unexpected yet to have them happen so close to each other was the most unexpected part of the twists.
I had just recently borrowed the first volume of Dorohedoro from the library because it seemed interesting. The name was a somewhat significant factor as well. What type of name is Dorohedoro?
Little did I know it had to do with a man with a lizard head killing a whole bunch of Sorcerers. Such a strange story with even stranger humour. It makes we wonder how it's going to pan out. Will Caiman ever get his real head back? Who was he originally? Why is Nikaido so awesome? Etc.
The bad guys are almost quite interesting. There were two "reveal twists" that were unexpected yet to have them happen so close to each other was the most unexpected part of the twists.
Thursday, 20 September 2012
Aqua 1: To Mars and Gondolas
Alternately: "From Pair to Single in the Seas of Aqua"
Aqua. The terraformed Mars of the future.
Undine. A female gondolier who guides you.
Akari is going to Aqua to be an Undine.
This "prequel" to Aria, is about the beginning's of Akari Mizuhashi as she works towards being a full fledged Undine for Aria Company. Although it is about her, it is also about the world of the future, how Aqua is a sort of simple place compared to the Earth or "Manhome". How the residential Mars Cats are very mysterious, but very intelligent.
But in the end, it is really a peaceful and soothing ride reading this manga. The world is so vast and the information so sparse, yet it still satisfies my curiosity enough.
It's quite unfortunate to know that the Aria manga did not get officially finished in English. However, I'll try my best to find what remains. I already found the 2 Aqua volumes in my local library, so that's a start.
Next volume: Onwards to being an Undine!
Aqua. The terraformed Mars of the future.
Undine. A female gondolier who guides you.
Akari is going to Aqua to be an Undine.
This "prequel" to Aria, is about the beginning's of Akari Mizuhashi as she works towards being a full fledged Undine for Aria Company. Although it is about her, it is also about the world of the future, how Aqua is a sort of simple place compared to the Earth or "Manhome". How the residential Mars Cats are very mysterious, but very intelligent.
But in the end, it is really a peaceful and soothing ride reading this manga. The world is so vast and the information so sparse, yet it still satisfies my curiosity enough.
It's quite unfortunate to know that the Aria manga did not get officially finished in English. However, I'll try my best to find what remains. I already found the 2 Aqua volumes in my local library, so that's a start.
Next volume: Onwards to being an Undine!
Wednesday, 22 August 2012
Tiny Japanese Book Loot
So today I got a chance to get even more Japanese books. This time at a not-so-local Kinokuniya.
My loot was small.
Only got one thing and it was cheap. At least it was some Negima. The rest were at the usual marked up prices. Though not too bad, but I can probably get them somewhere else. I did see some good selection of popular light novels though. Almost always the hardest thing for me to find in a bookstore, but it was easier here.
In other book-related news, I had a chance to check out the Haruhi hardcover novel and the Spice & Wolf novels. The hardcover Haruhi was pretty much what I expected and the cover looks quite nice. The Spice & Wolf novels include that not so great original English cover, but this time you can just slip them off for some good old Japanese cover underneath.
I also found the first of the Book Girl series: Book Girl and the Suicidal Mime. Too bad most of the copies I saw were in pretty bad shape. Maybe I'll just look online for it, as the quality will probably be better.
My loot was small.
Only got one thing and it was cheap. At least it was some Negima. The rest were at the usual marked up prices. Though not too bad, but I can probably get them somewhere else. I did see some good selection of popular light novels though. Almost always the hardest thing for me to find in a bookstore, but it was easier here.
In other book-related news, I had a chance to check out the Haruhi hardcover novel and the Spice & Wolf novels. The hardcover Haruhi was pretty much what I expected and the cover looks quite nice. The Spice & Wolf novels include that not so great original English cover, but this time you can just slip them off for some good old Japanese cover underneath.
I also found the first of the Book Girl series: Book Girl and the Suicidal Mime. Too bad most of the copies I saw were in pretty bad shape. Maybe I'll just look online for it, as the quality will probably be better.
Monday, 20 August 2012
Symbiotic Head Crabs and Girls
Aka. Alien Nine (or Alien 9, the official Japanese way)
Not quite head crabs, but the comparison does come to mind. I just finished reading volume 1 of Alien Nine. I was expecting tons of really dark things to happen, especially considering how it was compared to Madoka sometimes. Turns out the dark things are there, but it is subtly crawling it's way up from subtext, as it nears the end of the volume.
To quickly summarize a bit, Yuri is an school girl who pretty much got voted into this group called the "Alien Party". This group hunts aliens that show up in their school. Seemingly odd, she's more worried about the gross alien versus the actual hunting at first. The group of three all have to "wear" these aliens called "Borg" on their heads. These Borg have some drill-like tendrils that can be used in a variety of situations such as for protecting them or grabbing aliens. By using non-lethal methods they try to capture them. Seems alright for the two originally in the group: Kumi, the independent girl who you can lean towards to guidance and Kasumi the genius girl who does this for kicks. Yuri, however, just constantly whines and cries because she really does hate doing this. I would too if I knew that there were more people involved than what they know.
I look forward to reading or perhaps watching the rest of Alien Nine. Quite weird, but with very interesting ideas.
Not quite head crabs, but the comparison does come to mind. I just finished reading volume 1 of Alien Nine. I was expecting tons of really dark things to happen, especially considering how it was compared to Madoka sometimes. Turns out the dark things are there, but it is subtly crawling it's way up from subtext, as it nears the end of the volume.
To quickly summarize a bit, Yuri is an school girl who pretty much got voted into this group called the "Alien Party". This group hunts aliens that show up in their school. Seemingly odd, she's more worried about the gross alien versus the actual hunting at first. The group of three all have to "wear" these aliens called "Borg" on their heads. These Borg have some drill-like tendrils that can be used in a variety of situations such as for protecting them or grabbing aliens. By using non-lethal methods they try to capture them. Seems alright for the two originally in the group: Kumi, the independent girl who you can lean towards to guidance and Kasumi the genius girl who does this for kicks. Yuri, however, just constantly whines and cries because she really does hate doing this. I would too if I knew that there were more people involved than what they know.
I look forward to reading or perhaps watching the rest of Alien Nine. Quite weird, but with very interesting ideas.
Wednesday, 15 August 2012
From Gundam School to Ninja Gundam
I recently read volume 9 of the Gundam manga "Ecole du Ciel". For those who don't know, Ecole du Ciel is about a girl called Asuna who goes to a school called "Ecole du Ciel" in Montreal. It's a mobile suit training school, but with a hidden agenda. Starts with drama and slice of gundam school life, but it heads to space soon enough.
In volume 9, we finally get to see Le Cygne in action. Le Cygne (or Swan in French) is what the mecha designer calls a "Kunoichi Gundam". It may have taken a while, but the wait was worth it, though this Gundam is quite different from others I've seen. It has tons of little bits that add up to make it a very versatile Gundam. From a huge shield with verniers to boosters all over the thing, it can certainly move.
As for the story, it's mostly a big revival of the rivalry between Asuna and Erisia, except it's blown into overdrive with MS vs MS. Or perhaps it's MS vs MA instead. While tension rises and Erisia gets more berserk, we see an familiar face again. Then it ends with a cliffhanger as the ship they try to save gets blown to bits. Darn.
After holding off for years to read this, I finally get a chance to. Then I find out this is the final volume that Tokyopop released in English. And it was released in 2010. Plus, Tokyopop is largely defunt on the manga side and even with it's supposed revival I doubt this little series got enough attention. It is mostly for an avid Gundam fan, though I'm not exactly one myself. Hopefully I'll get a chance to continue this series in Japanese some time in the future.
In volume 9, we finally get to see Le Cygne in action. Le Cygne (or Swan in French) is what the mecha designer calls a "Kunoichi Gundam". It may have taken a while, but the wait was worth it, though this Gundam is quite different from others I've seen. It has tons of little bits that add up to make it a very versatile Gundam. From a huge shield with verniers to boosters all over the thing, it can certainly move.
As for the story, it's mostly a big revival of the rivalry between Asuna and Erisia, except it's blown into overdrive with MS vs MS. Or perhaps it's MS vs MA instead. While tension rises and Erisia gets more berserk, we see an familiar face again. Then it ends with a cliffhanger as the ship they try to save gets blown to bits. Darn.
After holding off for years to read this, I finally get a chance to. Then I find out this is the final volume that Tokyopop released in English. And it was released in 2010. Plus, Tokyopop is largely defunt on the manga side and even with it's supposed revival I doubt this little series got enough attention. It is mostly for an avid Gundam fan, though I'm not exactly one myself. Hopefully I'll get a chance to continue this series in Japanese some time in the future.
Tuesday, 14 August 2012
Silly Arms Dealer and co.
Jormungand volume 1.
I didn't exactly think this was my cup of tea, but it ended up being better than I thought. The silly yet badass Koko, the cute little boy soldier Johan, and the eye-patched but a little crazy Valmet are some of the characters that really made the first volume. I expect pretty much everyone to be interesting, but I think the focus has been on these three.
Maybe I should watch the anime. Seeing Koko's antics and plans would be really nice to watch.
I didn't exactly think this was my cup of tea, but it ended up being better than I thought. The silly yet badass Koko, the cute little boy soldier Johan, and the eye-patched but a little crazy Valmet are some of the characters that really made the first volume. I expect pretty much everyone to be interesting, but I think the focus has been on these three.
Maybe I should watch the anime. Seeing Koko's antics and plans would be really nice to watch.
Friday, 22 June 2012
Japanese Book Loot Part 3+4 of 4
And that's it for now. BookOff Vancouver is closing down tomorrow and there's nothing to be done other than scavenging off their crazy deals right now.
So the loot for #3 shopping trip was:
-Some guy wants to go to a university to fulfill a childhood promise. Volumes 8 and 9.
-A fight to be the lord of ghost handlers : Random guidebook.
-The first of many fights that this guy does using red gloves. First volume.
And the loot for #4 (today) was:
-Magical teacher teaches a huge class of girls. Volumes 1 to 10!
-Some rain goddess story that's completely obscure and way too short. Volumes 1 & 2 (complete)
-Some short story by the same artist as above. One volume only.
-A crazy seinen story that looks almost shounen has crazy fighting and should have a great trap. First volume.
-A girl is depressed and goes to live with some other stranger girl. Volumes 1 & 2.
-More of the university childhood promise stuff. Volumes 5 & 6. Sad that I couldn't get the complete set.
-Three girls and their three vehicles: A tank, a plane, and a submarine. Volume 1.
-A gritty saga of war and one man. Volume 1.
-A great big guide book for a fighting game of an anime that does not exist. Volume Re-Act.
-Wacky stories about love triangles in a school, that supposedly ended with a train wreck. Volumes 1 to 15!
And that's all. Next time I got to a BookOff or whatever, I'm finishing the whole set for the childhood university promise story.
So the loot for #3 shopping trip was:
-Some guy wants to go to a university to fulfill a childhood promise. Volumes 8 and 9.
-A fight to be the lord of ghost handlers : Random guidebook.
-The first of many fights that this guy does using red gloves. First volume.
And the loot for #4 (today) was:
-Magical teacher teaches a huge class of girls. Volumes 1 to 10!
-Some rain goddess story that's completely obscure and way too short. Volumes 1 & 2 (complete)
-Some short story by the same artist as above. One volume only.
-A crazy seinen story that looks almost shounen has crazy fighting and should have a great trap. First volume.
-A girl is depressed and goes to live with some other stranger girl. Volumes 1 & 2.
-More of the university childhood promise stuff. Volumes 5 & 6. Sad that I couldn't get the complete set.
-Three girls and their three vehicles: A tank, a plane, and a submarine. Volume 1.
-A gritty saga of war and one man. Volume 1.
-A great big guide book for a fighting game of an anime that does not exist. Volume Re-Act.
-Wacky stories about love triangles in a school, that supposedly ended with a train wreck. Volumes 1 to 15!
And that's all. Next time I got to a BookOff or whatever, I'm finishing the whole set for the childhood university promise story.
Thursday, 7 June 2012
Japanese Book Loot Part 2 of ?
Went again today, although I just went and picked up something I overlooked yesterday. Not a big deal at all, though I did spend at least an hour browsing the whole manga section again.
Loot for today is simple:
-Completed series with garbage in SPACE. Had a pretty well received anime.
Also, today I had the shocking realization that School Rumble was NOT wrapped up very well. Sad to hear, since I've been on hold for that series since volume 8. Oh well, looks like I won't be getting that huge set anymore.
Loot for today is simple:
-Completed series with garbage in SPACE. Had a pretty well received anime.
Also, today I had the shocking realization that School Rumble was NOT wrapped up very well. Sad to hear, since I've been on hold for that series since volume 8. Oh well, looks like I won't be getting that huge set anymore.
Wednesday, 6 June 2012
Japanese Book Loot Part 1 of ?
Well, today I just came back from Japanese book shopping. There's this local place that has a pretty great selection, though sadly I couldn't find half the things I wanted. However, there were a few gems that are now going to be the cornerstone of my (small) collection.
Pictures later maybe.
Stuff includes:
- That one depressing story about a small bird guy.
- A story about some that loves books, and fights crime.
- A story related to the above, but with sisters instead.
- Something that is related to a wooden stick sport.
Pictures later maybe.
Stuff includes:
- That one depressing story about a small bird guy.
- A story about some that loves books, and fights crime.
- A story related to the above, but with sisters instead.
- Something that is related to a wooden stick sport.
Thursday, 12 April 2012
Not Lives - Virtual Reality?
Not much happened today other than attempting to study. Started reading "Not Lives", pretty neat so far. Looking forward to future chapters.
Tuesday, 24 January 2012
Yellow of Viridian Forest
 |
| Yellow and Pika! |
Anyways, Yellow is awesome.
And Pika too.
And Red.
And Pokemon Special in general.
Monday, 23 January 2012
Kimi ni Todoke volume 1
From Me to You
Sawako <3
Finally got around to reading this series after probably 2 years of knowing about it. Better late than never.
(From Me to You isn't really the exact translation is it?)
 |
| Image from the anime version that I'll (hopefully) watch soon. |
Sawako <3
Finally got around to reading this series after probably 2 years of knowing about it. Better late than never.
(From Me to You isn't really the exact translation is it?)
Tuesday, 10 January 2012
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