many short series
As a result of a local comic bookstore sale %50 off. I checked these series and stocked up others (Nana - but I haven't started yet - saving the best for last :) )
( 14b. 1 volume of Love Master A (ラブマスターA). )
( 14b. 1 volume of Love Master A (ラブマスターA). )
Written and illustrated by Shigeru Takao
From CMX website
Vol 4: The school festival has finally ended, and thankfully, Chiyo didn't completely destroy it. In fact, her desperate attempts to earn Saizo's affections have only driven Shinobu and Saizo closer together. Saizo's adoptive brother Sasuke gets some big news from back home, forcing a return to his village. What's the big secret that he can't reveal?
Vol 5: It seems misfortune surrounds Sasuke wherever he goes, which is precisely why Shinobu's family has blacklisted this troublemaker and his brother Nozomi. Despite strict instructions not to see Sasuke, Shinobu-accompanied by her ever-loyal ninja protector Saizo-runs away to do just that. But when they instead fall prey to a trap set by kidnappers, will Saizo be able to save his lifelong friend?
Vol 6: Shinobu's relationship with the ninja Saizo is changing. Are they shifting from lady and protector to something a lot more equal…and way more romantic? Shinobu's mom warns her to back off, but her teacher Shogo is a bit more open-minded. Meanwhile, someone's got a security tape that shows the young couple in an affectionate embrace and Saizo's determined to keep it suppressed.
Some points:
- It's been almost a year since I read the first 3 volumes. I remember didn't want to continue, but seangaffney kept talking about it in the journal, so I gave it another chance, and seangaffney was right, the later volume gets better and better.
- The plot is thickened.
- More romance which is always good in my book.
- Mysteries, secrets.
- Angst.
- Forbidden love ;)
- Unfortunately, #7 is out may 10 :(
- I guess I'll wait another year or 2 to collect the last 4 books :P
- It seems that the translators were changed mid-series. Hm!
Bottom line, it's not a must have but I'm curious enough to continue if budget allows.
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I was confused the first few times I read the earlier volumes, but I stuck with it because of Sean's posts too. I do like it a lot now :D It keeps getting more and more interesting. I would definitely love to read more of Shigeru Takao's work!!
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Eh, my bad, for some reason, I thought Sheldon Drzka was the translator for the first 3. Sorry about that. Why did he change "Shou" to "Shogo" though?
Yeah, I like the last 4 volumes better than the first 2. I'm thinking that Shinobu's is a body double or something like that - remember the panel after Shou opened the locked door?
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Body double? I don't remember this part either... which volume was it?
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"Body double?" Just a speculation of my part, end of chapter 32, Shou went back to the village. He opened a locked door ... same back with flower different length of hair and dress, so ...
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Written and illustrated by Shigeru Takao
From back cover:
Shinobu needs protection. Good thing her best friend is a ninja!
Shocking secrets from the past turn Shinobu and Saizo's world upside down!
What mystery is contained in a tattoo on Shinobu's back? Shinobu tells Saizo that her father revealed something to her on his deathbed that changed everything she knew about her family ... and herself? Then, while vacationing at Shogo's family home, the young couple discover things about Shinobu's teacher's own past. What was his previously unknown connection to Shoko, Shinobu's mother? Back in the present, Shoko suddenly falls ill and is rushed to the hospital. Find out what happens in this intense volume!
Some points:
- I almost didn't get this volume since I was afraid of a cliff hanger and with DC shut down CMX and all. After reading seangaffney's review here I decided to get it but didn't read it until I was able to get the ending Japanese takobon. Unfortunately, they were oop. Fortunately, they are reprinted in bunko volumes 6 in total. Last week I was able to pick up volumes 4-6 japanese bunko when I went to Kinokuniya bookstore. Aren't the covers pretty?
- The plot is thickened, some pasts revealed. A page turner, except the ending was at a terrible place! Cliff hanger! - From the covers, it looks like there will be some trials for everyone, but a happy ending for Shinobu and Saizo.
- I feel bad for Shoko and Shou, though.
Bottom line, very good volume.
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