Haruka, Bakuman, Skip Beat, Dangereuse Attraction, Hotaru

[badtzphoto]

Manga:

1. Haruka: Beyond the Stream of Time 17 (the end): Adapted and Art by Toko Mizuno:
   - Borrowed from ILL and read the last volume since I wanted to know the ending and couldn't reserve 15 and 16! Will read them later.
   - Despite missing 2 volumes, I was able to pick up and continue the story without difficulty.
   - The scenes between Yorihisa and

Comments

[double_dear]

We can't help but wonder if the translation might be part of why Haruka was so forgettable. A series like that isn't made to be enjoyed for the story so much as for the characters, and if the characters aren't portrayed well, it can easily turn boring. But we totally agree that Yorihisa looks better with a ponytail.

We also have to jump to Ren's defense, because he's not being especially jerky--just human. Plus, the other guy is Kijima, so it might be less possessive and more protective (though most likely it's a little of both). Our theory is that, since Kyoko is obviously going to be oblivious to romance for a while, he likes to think he has time to make himself worthy of her, but when another guy comes along, he starts to panic. Either way, Yashiro is the best.

[badtzphoto]

"... translation might be part of why Haruka was so forgettable."
I don't know for sure, even though I like the characters, I felt that the story is dragging a bit too long. It can't be helped given that she had to find 8 guardians first. For awhile, it's unclear whom Akane will choose, I was surprised of her choice, though. I must say that I enjoy the chibi characters omake a lot. They are all very funny and cute.

I'm glad you jumped to Ren's defense. I do like him amd am glad that he's flawed. Sometimes, I'm just cranky and find faults right and left. And Kyoko bugged me in this volume, too. She shouldn't have let Kijima did that for her. It's not that she acted out of character it's just that she's so easily swept up her feet sometimes because of these make-ups.
I totally agree with you. Yashiro is awesome. I miss Moko.

eta: "... he starts to panic. "
This reminds me of what Lory told him lots of volumes ago regarding how one would act when one is in love. Poor guy.

[double_dear]

Yeah, they had to keep it as ambiguous as possible for as long as possible, because it's based on a video game where the idea is that the player gets to choose whichever character they like best. We were only a little surprised at her ultimate choice, because Yorihisa is kind of the "first" guy, but man I felt bad for Yasuaki. That's what he gets for being a liar, I guess.

Heh heh, we all get cranky and fault-findy sometimes. We can't blame Kyoko for any of her actions, either, because they're so totally understandable based on who she is. When you're of the opinion that no guy will ever be an object of romantic affection, and you certainly don't think you would ever be interested in you, you tend to be oblivious when they're hitting on you. That being the case, even after the whole makeover, it was obvious that while Kijima did sweep her away, he didn't sweep her entirely off her feet, as far as falling for him.

[badtzphoto]

As for Haruka, I felt bad for Tenma. I haven't read 15 and 16 so don't see how his liar would change anything.

"Kijima ... he didn't sweep her entirely off her feet"
I reread the volume again last night and whatever he did had no effects on Kyoko whatsoever, unlike Ren which is very good.

[double_dear]

Oh! I thought they revealed at the end that Yasuaki never lost his memories like everybody else, but he lied about it because he wanted Akane to worry about him. If only he understood human emotions; then he'd know that she would have really liked to have somebody backing her up.

[badtzphoto]

Yes, it was revealed in the last volume that Yasuaki had lied. He had never lost his memory. What I meant was since I'm missing 15-16 I didn't see how he lied.