Xpress Reviews—First Look at New Books
-- Library Journal, 9/15/2006
Nonfiction | Graphic Novels
Nonfiction
Canfield, Jack with Carol Kline & Gay Hendricks. You've Got To Read This Book: 55 People Tell the Story of the Book That Changed Their Life. Collins: HarperCollins. Sept. 2006. 304p. ISBN 0-06-089169-6 [978-0-06-089169-5]. $24.95. LIT
This collection of uplifting essays by Canfield, the creator of the "Chicken Soup for the Soul" series (which currently has over 100 million copies in print), and Hendricks (Conscious Living) reminds us of the power of books to transform lives. More than 50 contributors—among them, authors, lawyers, a Holocaust survivor, sports figures, and a congresswoman—write about the books that made a difference in their lives: Dave Barry discusses how Robert Benchley's Inside Benchley helped him become a humorous writer; Sue Ellen Cooper talks about the impact of C.S. Lewis's The Great Divorce; Catherine Oxenberg reflects on Bryce Courtney's The Power of One and her friendship with actor Richard Burton; and Malachy McCourt recalls how a biography of Ghandi helped him on his road to sobriety. These are just a sampling of the wonderful recollections offered here, all demonstrating how books can not only broaden our horizons but also motivate us to reexamine our world. Inspiring, thought-provoking, and nostalgic, this collection is highly recommended for all libraries.—Ron Ratliff, Manhattan Christian Coll., KS
Engel, Jonathan. The Epidemic: A Global History of AIDS. Smithsonian: HarperCollins. Sept. 2006. c.400p. ISBN 0-06-114488-6 [ISBN 978-0-06-114488-2]. $28.95. MED
In this highly readable overview of the AIDS epidemic, Engel (public health, Seton Hall) begins with initial concerns about a new virus and ends with a discussion of the disease's status at the beginning of the 21st century. Readers will find an examination of the methods of transmission and a look at how social mores influenced the spread of the disease, both in the United States and in Third World countries. The economic and political ramifications of the disease are also discussed in some detail; a particularly interesting chapter looks at the growing complacency among some younger gay Americans who, having reached adulthood since the horrors of the early days of the epidemic, see the disease as unpleasant but treatable. Those expecting an extensive analysis of global issues may be somewhat disappointed—although several chapters focus on AIDS in Africa, Asia, and other parts of the world, Engel concentrates on the history of the disease within the United States. This absorbing, reasonably priced book is recommended for public, academic, and health science collections.—Tina Neville, Univ. of South Florida at St. Petersburg Lib.
Max, D.T. The Family That Couldn't Sleep: A Medical Mystery. Random. Sept. 2006. c.287p. index. ISBN 1-4000-6245-4. $25.95. MED
Noted science journalist Max explores the harrowing medical history of the "fatal familial insomnia" that researchers have traced through an Italian family since the 18th century. Like a Venetian carnival nightmare made real, the disease emerges in middle age in 50 percent of family members, beginning as an inability to sleep and inevitably leading to exhaustion, coma, and death. This rare and tragic condition has only recently been identified as a prion disease, an illness caused by abnormal proteins that infect genetically susceptible humans and animal species. Max frames his narrative with the tragic history of one family's hereditary curse, but his larger purpose is an exploration of the cruel array of infectious prion-caused illnesses, including mad cow disease, Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease, New Guinea's kuru, and possibly even Parkinson's and Alzheimer's diseases. Like Richard Rhodes's Deadly Feasts, an early popular treatment of kuru and mad cow disease, Max explores the cultural mores, agricultural practices, and government missteps that enabled horrific outbreaks of prion diseases linked to the food chain. Like the unnamed Venetian family, Max suffers from a rare and little-understood illness, a commonality that brings a special intensity to his well-researched narrative. Recommended for academic and larger public libraries.—Kathy Arsenault, Univ. of South Florida at St. Petersburg Lib.
Streissguth, Michael. Johnny Cash: The Biography. Da Capo. Sept. 2006. 320p. photogs. bibliog. index. ISBN 0-306-81368-8 [ISBN 978-0-306-81368-9]. $26. MUSIC
Music writer Streissguth (Johnny Cash at Folsom Prison) promises—and delivers—an unexpurgated biography of country music star and American icon Johnny Cash that separates fact from legend. He starts with Cash's childhood, dominated by a hard-working, abusive father and the death of his brother, Jack. The author follows with the singer-songwriter's stint as an intelligence officer in the U.S. Air Force, his initial success with Sun Records, his defection to Columbia Records, his fascination with Dylanesque folk, and his marriage to June Carter. In the book's last half, he chronicles Cash's rise to fame with the album Johnny Cash at Folsom Prison and his network television show, unflinchingly deals with his lifelong battle with drug addiction, and charts his uneven professional success and many health problems during the last two decades of his life. Though generally recounting the same story already outlined in Cash's two autobiographies and previous books about the country star, Streissguth dispels a few myths and offers an evenhanded, complete, and reliable look at Cash that has resulted from dozens of interviews with his friends, musical associates, and family members. This dispassionate biography, which will probably become the standard for anyone interested in the life and times of Johnny Cash, is recommended.—Dave Szatmary, Univ. of Washington, Seattle
Weil, Andrew, M.D. Eight Weeks to Optimum Health: A Proven Program for Taking Full Advantage of Your Body's Natural Healing Power. rev. ed. Knopf. Sept. 2006. c.304p. index. ISBN 0-307-26492-0 [ISBN 978-0-307-26492-0]. $22. HEALTH
Holistic practitioner Weil (founder, Ctr. for Integrative Medicine; director, Program for Integrative Medicine, Univ. of Arizona) has updated his 1997 best seller. The practical approach of the first edition is also found here: readers follow a weekly integration involving diet (with weekly recipes), supplements, exercise, and mental/spiritual exercises (centered on correct breathing techniques). The 20 or so revised paragraphs emphasize a few more supplements, soy products, environmental toxins (air, water, fish, and crops), and trans fat; the revised source list includes more web sites, products, therapies, and related resources. Unfortunately, the case studies and powerful firsthand accounts date from the 1997 edition—some new examples would have been nice. Notes include references to the biomedical literature. Including a thorough index, this is highly recommended for public and consumer health libraries for its ease of use and current medically grounded explanations (in lay terms!). It makes a fine complement to Frank Lipman's Total Renewal: 7 Key Steps to Resilience, Vitality, and Long Term Health, which emphasizes toxins but contains many of the Eight Weeks components. [See Prepub Alert, LJ 5/1/06.]—Janice Flahiff, Univ. of Toledo Lib., OH
Graphic Novels
Amano, Jeff (text) & Craig Rousseau & others (illus.). The Cobbler's Monster: A Tale of Gepetto's Frankenstein. Image Comics. 2006. 128p. ISBN 1-58240-629-4. pap. $14.99. F
Carlo Collodi's classic children's novel Pinocchio (upon which the famous Disney film was based) and Mary Shelley's Frankenstein share eerie similarities. Both feature an anthropomorphic character that desires humanity and a father figure. Geppetto from Pinocchio loves his son dearly, while Victor Frankenstein looks upon his creation with disgust. Amano wields these similarities to craft his tale of an aged shoemaker who strives to resurrect his dead son—only to have to face destroying the monster that his child has become. It is a truly engaging narrative, drawing the reader into a dark world where science and magic coexist and where the repercussions of being a distant father come back to haunt the protagonist in a real way. Rousseau and his illustrators have done an excellent job of creating rich, detailed images that convey the emotions and conflict inherent in the story, as well as the brutality of the beast that is the title character (there are several scenes of graphic and disturbing violence). Unfortunately, the story takes a turn for the worst near the end, in what should be the most exciting part of the story. The ending is anticlimatic and ambiguous, leaving the reader frustrated and unsatisfied. However, Amano's creative storytelling cannot be ignored, nor can his eye for relationships between literary classics. Recommended for older teens and adults.—M. Brandon Robbins, Wayne Cty. P.L., Goldsboro, NC
Kalogridis, Laeta (text) & Christopher Shy (illus.). Pathfinder: An American Saga. Dark Horse. 2006. 168p. ISBN 1-59307-671-1 [ISBN 978-1-59307-671-9]. pap. $17.95. F
If vicious Viking raiders landed in North America before Columbus, why didn't they stay? This question drives Pathfinder, a graphic novel that grew from the storyboards for the 20th Century Fox movie of the same name (it's scheduled for a January 2007 release). Both tales follow Ghost, a young Viking survivor from a Norse-Indian battle in 874 C.E., who is raised by the American Indian tribe that finds him. When Vikings attack again, razing his village, Ghost must decide whether or not to follow his desire for revenge. This fantasy historical thriller features illustrations from Shy, the founder of the art production house Studio Ronin, who offers 644 small Rembrandts—each as stark, gripping, and monochromatic as if influenced by American painter Mark Tansey. The adapted screenplay can be hokey in spots, especially with sound effects ("Thunk!"; "Snap!"), and it frequently restates the obvious, but the style befits an elaborate storyboard. The filmmakers admit taking dramatic liberty with the Norsemen but attempted accuracy with the native people. Lord of the Ring fans may appreciate the fact that Karl Urban (Eomer) will be playing Ghost in the film and that the Norse raiders bear a strong resemblance to urukai. With all the thrill of a horror comic but with half the gore and three instances of partial nudity, this is recommended for older teens and adults.—Erika Bennett, Inst. of Production and Recording, Minneapolis
Lee, YunHee (text) & Kara (illus.). Angel Diary. Vol. 3. ICE Kunion. 2006. 200p. tr. from Korean by HyeYoung Im. ISBN 89-527-4482-9 [ISBN 978-89-527-4482-1]. pap. $10.95. F
To escape an arranged marriage to the emperor of the underworld, the angel princess of heaven flees to Earth and disguises herself as a schoolboy named Dong-Young. To complicate matters, Dong-Young seems to attract mystical energy and is regularly attacked and possessed by wayward spirits. She is also relentlessly teased by her mysterious and comically sleazy classmate Bi-Wal. In this volume, more is revealed about the rocky relationships and complex history among the four guardians of heaven, who have been tasked with finding and protecting the princess. The pressure is on the runaway princess to remain undiscovered as additional characters from heaven and hell join the search, including a clueless tree spirit and Bi-Wal's scheming fiancé. This is a solid manwha fantasy series full of pretty boys, humorous gender confusion, and a lively cast of magical characters. Teens will find it a light, fluffy, character-driven read with eye-catching artwork. The relationship and tension between Dong-Young and Bi-Wal will keep readers interested, and fans of the creators' previous work, Demon Diary, will enjoy this as well. Minor language and some scenes of unwelcome sexual advances earlier in the series make it appropriate for teens 13+.—Emily Williams, Metropolitan Lib. Syst., Oklahoma City
Lee, SiYoung. Real Lies. Vol. 1. ICE Kunion. 2006. 230p. tr. from Korean by HyeYoung Im. ISBN 89-527-4484-5 [ISBN 978-89-527-4484-5]. pap. $10.95. F
What makes us human? How are we different from, say, aliens or clones or even robots? Korean manhwa author Lee addresses these questions in three complex, futuristic short stories. "How Martians Conquer the Earth" is a probing look at the condition of love and loss when Si-ra loses her love, a cop who disappeared, but what does her love mean when she can't remember his name? She is forced to face this when he becomes one of "the returned." "Is It Really Impossible?" takes place in a world of clones where very few women and no men are born naturally. These "natural" women are referred to as goddesses but have a dark side that becomes apparent as the story unfolds. Are the goddesses inherently better than the clones? And "Science Fiction Story" addresses artificial intelligence (AI) when Yoon Kyung opens her door for the delivery of a robot possessing not only AI but also humanlike feelings and reactions. The depth of these stories is appealing, and the artwork, both in color and black and white, is attractive and reflects the tone of the tales as well as portrays the complex emotional journeys and themes presented. Appropriately rated 13+, this would be a good addition to an already established collection of manga and manhwa.—Diane Gallagher-Hayashi, Stelly's Sch., Saanich Sch. Dist., Saanichton, B.C.
Robinson, Jimmie. Bomb Queen. Vol. 1: WMD Woman of Mass Destruction. Image Comics. 2006. 128p. ISBN 1-58240-631-6. pap. $12.99. F
In this collection of the first four issues of the "Bomb Queen" series, the action centers on a corrupt mayoral race in New Port City, a depraved metropolis where all crime has been legalized by its resident supervillainess, Bomb Queen, a cheery, sex-crazed explosives expert. Bomb Queen tangles with a superhero-for-hire, quells a popular rebellion, gleefully murders countless bystanders, and ultimately retains her fascist rule. Bomb Queen herself feels like the Playboy Channel's hypothetical take on DC Comics' Harley Quinn and is more or less a vehicle for disingenuous one-liners and cheeky "wardrobe malfunctions" (Bomb Queen's right breast hangs out of her torn costume for most of issue 3). The artwork is merely serviceable, and the thin plot mostly strings together scenarios wherein Bomb Queen can pose or some cheap rape and/or incest joke can be arbitrarily inserted. The premise of how a supervillainess-controlled city might operate is interesting, as is the potential for making a villain the story's "hero." However, the story's execution gets nowhere near the black humor of Garth Ennis's take on The Punisher, the dystopian satire of Judge Dredd, or the punk exuberance of Tank Girl and Keith Giffen and Alan Grant's Lobo. With its gratuitous nudity and profanity, coupled with its lack of redeeming literary value, Bomb Queen is not recommended.—Ben Lathrop, Fairfield Lane Lib., OH
Shigematsu, Takako. Tenshi Ja Nai!! (I'm No Angel!). Vol. 3. Go! Comi. 2006. 200p. tr. from Japanese by Akira Tsubasa. ISBN 0-9768957-9-X. pap. $10.99. F
When Hikaru Takabayashi modeled in an ad campaign as a child, her jealous classmates tormented her, and so she's now determined to fade into the woodwork at her new all-girls boarding school. Unfortunately, her roommate, Izumi, is a popular idol—and secretly a boy. Hikaru gets sucked into Izumi's world of entertainment and deception, at first by blackmail and then out of a reluctant desire to help when she finds out why Izumi desperately needs money. Although Izumi will do anything to keep his secrets, even threaten and humiliate Hikaru, he can also be very kind; the two develop a strange friendship through shared secrets, and as Hikaru falls for one of their teachers, Izumi develops feelings for her—but Hikaru treats him as a girlfriend. Many wacky situations move the plot along as the relationships grow. Switching rapidly between the comic and the serious, this shojo series creates well-rounded and captivating characters; the secondary characters are just as entertaining. Shigemasu's artwork is decent, if average, and Izumi's change from girl to boy when his shirt comes off is a bit unrealistic. The sound effects and author's notes are left in. This series will be popular with shojo fans in general but especially in demand for fans of Ouran High School Host Club. With only mild nudity, high school and public library teen collections will finds this a good addition.—Teresa Copeland, Yuma Cty. Lib. Dist., AZ
Takanaga, Hinako. Little Butterfly. Vol. 2. Juné: Digital Manga. Sept. 2006. 184p. tr. from Japanese by Sachiko Sato. ISBN 1-56970-906-8 [ISBN 978-1-56970-906-1]. pap. $12.95. F
High school senior Yuki Kojima is upbeat and talkative, while sullen and antisocial Atsushi Nakahara is avoided by his classmates. When Kojima reaches out and befriends the loner, Nakahara confides in him his troubled family life—a mentally ill mother and an abusive father. Friendship develops into love, and when Nakahara declares his feelings, Kojima is not sure what to feel or how to respond. As graduation nears, Kojima and Nakahara fight for a future together, as forces try to drive them apart. While Little Butterfly is a yaoi manga, the art and story come straight out of a shojo manga; the pleasing and natural artwork features expressive faces, tousled hair, and images of flowers and butterflies. The unconventional high school romance progresses quickly, and the excitable and animated Kojima is fun to read. However, the numerous plot devices weigh down the story line. Hopefully, the third and final volume will deliver a big enough emotional payoff to justify all the plot twists. Rated mature 18+, the first two volumes have scenes of kissing and heavy petting. Volume 2 includes partial nudity and a tame sex scene. Owing to the higher price and the mature rating, this is an optional purchase. Young love against all odds has been done more skillfully in shojo titles like Mars and Kare First Love.—June Shimonishi, Torrance P.L., CA
Nonfiction | Graphic Novels
Gossett, Philip. Divas and Scholars: Performing Italian Opera. Univ. of Chicago. 2006. c.704p. bibliog. index. ISBN 0-226-30482-5. $35. MUSIC
Gossett (music, Univ. of Chicago; editor, The Works of Giuseppe Verdi) here addresses what the four main composers of Italian opera active in the first two-thirds of the 19th century—Gioacchino Rossini, Gaetano Donizetti, Vincenzo Bellini, Giuseppe Verdi—actually intended with their works. Performance practices, including traditional cuts and substitutions, ornamentation, translation, transposition, instrumentation, poetics, and staging, are addressed from historicocontemporary and modern viewpoints. Gossett's emphasis on the critical editions results in some arduously detailed pages about manuscripts and other sources, but in general the chapters flow smoothly, and he leavens his erudition with intriguing tales of his own work as an advisor to various operatic endeavors and barbed remarks aimed at self-proclaimed experts in the field and prima donnas of both genders trying to exert their influence. The glossary is especially helpful, as are the almost 100 musical examples. Exceptionally annotated endnotes, a wide-ranging bibliography, and indexes complement the text. Highly recommended for academic and music collections as the latest authoritative word on the subject.—Barry Zaslow, Miami Univ. Libs, Oxford, OH
Huffington, Arianna. On Becoming Fearless: ...in Love, Work, and Life. Little, Brown. Sept. 2006. c.240p. ISBN 0-316-16681-2 [ISBN 978-0-316-16681-2]. $21.99. PSYCH
Syndicated columnist Huffington (Pigs at the Trough: How Corporate Greed and Political Corruption Are Undermining America) wants women to change the world by becoming fearless in every aspect of their lives. In order to achieve this quality, women must stop listening to their voices of self-doubt and those in society telling them to remain nice and accomodating and accept themselves. While there are many self-help books written for women, Huffington's is as unique as she is because it incorporates many of her own life experiences as well as techniques that have worked for her. The author sweetens the deal with advice by successful women like Nora Ephron, Diane Keaton, and Sue Smalley, along with Huffington's many references to other books in the field. This engaging and well-crafted guide on succeeding in love, work, and life is highly recommended for all public and academic libraries.—Mary E. Jones, Los Angeles P.L.
Kindlon, Dan. Alpha Girls: Understanding the New American Girl and How She Is Changing The World. Rodale. Sept. 2006. c.352p. illus. ISBN 1-59486-255-9 [ISBN 978-1-59486-255-7]. $25.95. SOC SCI
After all the hoopla about books like Mary Pipher's Reviving Ophelia and Rosalind Wiseman's Queen Bees and Wannabes claiming that teenage girls are mostly stifled, mean, or picked upon, it's nice to know that some young women are doing well. But is this the "innovative, newsworthy material" that the cover blurb promises? Probably not. For one thing, Kindlon (coauthor, Raising Cain: Protecting the Emotional Life of Boys) chose to study girls who were high achievers—valedictorians, star athletes, National Honor Society members. He then compares these "alphas" to a cross section of boys in general and to nonalpha girls. Is it any wonder that the alphas are more assertive, capable, and ambitious than these broader groups? The author also claims that today's alphas are substantially different than alphas of earlier generations, based on their assertions that they won't compromise their career ambitions or encounter gender discrimination. Again, the comparison is wrong—between what these young girls say they expect and what has been the actual experience of their elders. We'll have to check back with them in a couple of decades. Not an essential purchase.—Mary Ann Hughes, Neill P.L., Pullman, WA
Graphic NovelsBusiek, Kurt & Pat Olliffe (illus.). Spider-Man Visionaries. Vol. 1: Kurt Busiek. Marvel. 2006. 176p. ISBN 0-7851-2204-4. pap. $19.99. F
This volume reprints issues #1-8 of Untold Tales of Spider-Man, originally published in 1995–96, which attempted to create new "untold" stories that would fit chronologically between existing classic Spider-Man comics published by Stan Lee and Steve Ditko during the 1960s. While Olliffe's illustrations are eerily reminiscent of Ditko's style and Busiek's writing is strong, the stories vary in quality. Those featuring such established villains as the Vulture, the Sandman, and Electro work well, but the tales starring "new" baddies like the Scorcher, the Spacemen, and Batwing are not as rewarding. The first few issues set up and reinforce all the well-known elements of the Spider-Man mythos: a down-on-his-luck Peter Parker; a frail, doting Aunt May; and a blustery, hard-nosed, egotistical, ignorant J. Jonah Jameson. These issues take a well-intended stab at replicating the style and feel of the classic works, but Busiek's efforts seem a bit clichéd and dated when viewed from a contemporary perspective. Still, a very cool idea, coupled with nice storytelling in various segments. Steve Mattsson's colors are excellent, and the rest of the book is produced well. Appropriate for typical superhero audiences; no excessive violence or objectionable content. Optional purchase for larger collections.—Jeff Hunter, Royal Oak, MI
Gotoh, Shinobu (text) & Hotaru Odagiri (illus.). Time Lag. Digital Manga. 2005. 184p. ISBN 1-56970-921-1. pap. $12.95. F
In another example of the boys' love genre, Gotoh tells the romantic story of boyhood friends who have a falling out over a misunderstanding after Satoru Tendou declares his love for Shirou Sawaguchi. Three years later, Seiichii has his eye on Satoru, who still pines for Shirou, who no longer speaks to Satoru. Following all of the conventions of a sweet Harlequin romance, with the exception of the male/male element, this yaoi relates the confusion created by a letter lost in the mail for three years. Misapprehensions, comic conversations, and jealous confusion abound. Both Shirou and Satoru think the other is in love with Seiichii, who is only too glad to perplex Shirou. However, like all formulaic romance novels, things end happily for Shirou and Satoru. The drawings are of the usual, androgynous, pretty teenage boys interspersed with comically childish faces when one of the guys is confused. The text and illustrations mesh well together, although it is sometimes difficult to tell Satoru and Seiichii apart. This fairy tale of sorts contains no explicit sex; the boys just kiss a few times. Recommended for libraries where yaoi is popular.—B. Allison Gray, John Jermain Memorial Lib., Sag Harbor, NY
Irons, Greg. You Call This Art?!: A Greg Irons Retrospective. Fantagraphics. 2006. 292p. ISBN 1-56097-754-X [ISBN 978-1-56097-754-4]. pap. $29.95. GRAPHIC ARTS
Irons never achieved the success of R. Crumb, S. Clay Wilson, or Gilbert Shelton, but this handsome collection does its best to establish him as their peer in the underground comics pantheon. Born in 1947 and largely self-taught, Irons embraced the excesses of the 1960s even as he diligently pursued his craft. The profuse black-and-white and color examples reproduced here cover his life work, from children's book illustrations and quintessentially trippy concert posters for Moby Grape and Jefferson Airplane to his "comix with a conscience" of the late 1970s and a generous sampling of the tattoos he designed before being killed by a Bangkok bus in 1984. There are also 17 complete stories, most notably the nightmarish "Legion of Charlies," which conflates the Manson murders and Vietnam atrocities like My Lai. Subtlety was not Irons's strong suit, and it's as easy to dismiss his work as dated as it is to value it as a testament of the times. But it still compels in its outrage, passion, and sheer visceral power. Note to the squeamish: Irons's love of the EC horror comics of the 1950s, his own refusal to flinch from his dark side, and the genre's inclination to the grotesque and gruesome mean that violence—including dismemberment, torture, and bloody death, all explicitly rendered—figures prominently in his work (not that sex is ignored). The skull seems to have been his totem. Definitely not for the library children's room, though recommended for larger collections.—Andrew Moore, Wayland P.L., MA
Ito, Junji. Museum of Terror: Tomie 1. Vol. 1. Dark Horse. 2006. 376p. tr. from Japanese by Naomi Kokubo. ISBN 1-59307-542-1. pap. $13.95. F
The day after the funeral for a missing high school girl—whose dismembered corpse was discovered scattered throughout the city—she arrives to attend classes. Did the authorities misidentify the corpse? Her classmates believe there was no mistake and that the girl has returned for revenge, and not even death will come in her way. This book collects nine of the interconnected Tomie stories. Several horror tropes appear: the class trip, the sinister hospital basement, and the abandoned cabin. The stories usually involve dismemberment—Tomie's admirers want her so desperately that they destroy her—and the gruesome regeneration of Tomie, usually achieved at the expense of a hapless person. What is Tomie: a vengeful ghost or an obake (mutated creature)? Tomie is a sociopathic succubus who entices readers into her next grisly adventure. The black-and-white illustrations are naturalistic, full of inky grooves and shadows. In Japan, Tomie has been the subject of five recent movies, and Ito has received the Umezu Award for his work on Tomie. According to the sales estimates of Diamond Comics, this book was included in the top 100 graphic novels for July; the second volume, available in September, and the third, due in January 2007, should place at least as well as the first. Acquire this title if you are collecting horror manga for an older audience.—Christine Gertz, Univ. of Alberta, Edmonton
Ken, Homerun. Clan of the Nakagamis. Juné: Digital Manga. 2006. 144p. tr. from Japanese by Sachiko Sato. ISBN 1-56970-896-7. pap. $12.95. F
Tokio Nakagami, a 25-year-old math teacher and his student, Haruka Iijima, insist on keeping their romance secret. Blinded by love, the couple don't realize that Tokio's entire family already knows. In one scene, Haruka and Tokio are getting close to consummating their relationship when, "THUD," one of Tokio's brothers falls out of the false ceiling. This quick, action-packed, zany read has a good amount of sexual tension that is repeatedly interrupted by one or more of Tokio's family members—such as the hard-drinking grandfather who looks like he's ten years old and the older brother who's a manga artist and transvestite. These wealthy, beautiful, eccentric family members are freakishly obsessed with Tokio and appear to get younger as they age. The artwork and dialog are beautifully rendered; the black-and-white illustrations are realistic with cartoonish comic relief. There's a lot of slapstick humor and sexual innuendo throughout this yaoi title (including poking fun at shota conventions and incest). Ken has also included three individual stories not related to the Nakagamis. Entertaining and funny, although the sexual innuendos and themes will not appeal to everyone. The full-color jacket, book cover, and spine image include a drawing of Haruka carrying a nude of Tokio from the waist down. Also with partial nudity, drunkenness, and mature themes, this is definitely a 16+ book.—Susan L. Wakefield, Minneapolis
Kim, Hee-Eun. Kiss for My Prince. Vol. 1. Infinity Studios. 2006. 180p. tr. from Korean by Je-Wa Jeong. ISBN 1-59697-064-2. pap. $10.95. F
In this shoonjung (girls') manhwa, triple princes are triple the trouble for maid Sei-Ann. When Sei-Ann meets a handsome prince at her lady's house, she knows she must become his bride. With the help of his equally handsome servant, she becomes a maid in the royal household, but Prince Joon is harder than she thought—he doesn't even recognize her royal potential! To complicate matters, the man she thought was his servant turns out to be Crown Prince Shion, who wants her to spy on Joon, while a third prince, Yu-Jen, decides to court her despite his love for boys. Lest one drown under all the romantic possibilities and bishounen (beautiful boys), Sei-Ann also has a mysterious past, dangerously connected to the royal family, to liven up the story. Enough details come out to hook readers not already hooked by the triple prince premise. The princes—friendly, flamboyant Yu-Jen; sardonic but caring Shion; and cool, unkind Joon—play off one another nicely, while Sei-Ann is outspoken and vain but charmingly so. Kim's pen work is light and delicate without a lot of high contrast; she excels at small details, evidenced by each character's stunningly ornamental clothing, and expressive faces, leaving backgrounds plain or patterned to show off her efforts. A nice start to a new series. The few scenes of Yu-Jen in bed draped with extremely young boys will limit this to older teens and adults, for whom it is recommended.—Krista Hutley, Lakeside Sch., Seattle
Koga, Ryoichi. Ninin Ga Shinobuden: The Nonsense Kunoichi Fiction. Vol. 1. Infinity Studios. 2006. 160p. tr. from Japanese by Kentaro Abe. ISBN 1-59697-221-1. pap. $9.95. F
This book is aptly subtitled, as Koga's stories are full of nonsense and laugh-out-loud humor. Its strength lies in its characters: Shinobu, a sweet and innocent female ninja infatuated with her best friend; Kaede, the sensible best friend; Onsokumaru, the ninja master who is rude, manipulative, and overly concerned with sex; Miyabi, Shinobu's brilliant and worldly little sister; and a collection of bumbling ninja-in-training. Unfortunately, the story line undercuts these wonderful personalities. Koga tells us in the afterword that this volume is made up of stories that were originally published as standalone narratives; therefore, the overall story does not flow. The illustrations are mainly black and white with some color, all clear and attractive. The translation is very good, using colloquial English and expressions familiar to the target teen audience. Notes explaining unfamiliar aspects of Japanese culture are a plus. However, the binding is weak and started to come apart during a second reading, and pages 39-54 were missing, while pages 55-69 were repeated. The rating for this manga is 13+; however, owing to the frequent swearing and sexual references, it's only for older teens. Not recommended.—Diane Gallagher-Hayashi, Stelly's Sch., Saanich Sch. Dist., B.C.
Lee, YoungYou. Moon Boy. Vol. 1. ICE Kunion. 2006. 210p. tr. from Korean by HyeYoung Im. ISBN 89-527-4604-X. pap. $10.95. F
Boy-mad Myung-Ee Joo doesn't like class president Yu-da Lee because he has a talent for catching her in humiliating situations. But they do share a common trait: their eyes glow red in moonlight. One day, Yu-da vanishes from school, and no one but Myung-Ee remembers that he existed. Five years later, in a new high school, she is reunited with Yu-da, who doesn't remember her, but she won't give up until she solves the mystery, a task that puts her up against the Fox Tribe, hunters of the red-eyed Rabbit Tribe. As an earth-rabbit, Myung-Ee is fox food until she is rescued by Taekwon V, a member of the Soon-La Army that opposes the Foxes. Soon after, Yu-da joins Taekwon to rescue the rabbit-boy from his Fox captors. Myung-Ee is a plucky, Watase-style heroine, outspoken and exaggeratedly pretty. The Fox Tribe is campy-dangerous, though their sinister moon queen may become an adequate villain. Violence is limited, and later conflicts are resolved by diversion. There is one panty shot—a humiliation and not a titillation. Some readers will appreciate the jibes at the magical-girl and yaoi genres, as well as the cute chibi figures, but because of the silly language and derivative plot, this book is for larger collections with a shojo fantasy core. Ice Kunion offers a substantial preview on their website, www.icekunion.com.—Christine Gertz, Univ. of Alberta, Edmonton
Nelson, Arvid (text) & Juan Ferreyra (illus.). Rex Mundi. Vol 3: The Lost Kings. Dark Horse. Sept. 2006. 176p. ISBN 1-59307-651-7 [ISBN 978-1-59307-651-1]. pap. $16.95. F
To readers of Dan Brown's The Da Vinci Code, many of these plot elements may seem familiar, but this volume is still a fine story and an intriguing tapestry of religious faith, espionage, conspiracy, magic, politics, and romance. Master physician Julien Saunière seeks to uncover the dealings of a secret society that has infiltrated the French government in 1933. A trail of bodies leads him to Duke Lorraine, a master schemer and politician descended from the Merovingian dynasty—the first Christian kings of France. Lorraine orchestrates various malicious plots, including the murder of Marquis of Aragon, one of three key leaders who have protected France from the Muslim invaders inhabiting the nearby Emirate of Cordova. Genevieve Tournon, Saunière's ex-flame, is Duke Lorraine's current personal physician and lover. Meeting with Winston Churchill, King Louis XXII, and others, Lorraine maneuvers France to the brink of war and himself into a position of power. Just like the first two arcs of the story, this one can also be read on its own. Lavish color illustrations with clean lines; a stirring, intricate, twisting plot; multiple layers of deception and riddles; political and religious machinations; and romantic entanglements all provide for a fascinating tale. Some violence and adult subject matter gear this to a mature audience. Recommended for larger collections.—Jeff Hunter, Royal Oak, MI
Park, Sung-Woo. Chun Rhang Yhur Jhun. Vol. 1. Infinity Studios. 2006. 234p. tr. from Korean by Je-Wa Jeong. ISBN 1-59697-041-3. pap. $10.95. F
Set in a period of Korean history roughly contemporary with the Roman Empire, when Korea was made up of three kingdoms, young martial artist O'Rhang Yhun becomes entangled with bandits, traitors, and a mysterious woman who has somehow made him hard to kill. A stolen sword and two stolen letters bring Yhun, his mystery woman, and a young thief together as they find that their enemies overlap. Thus begins a quest for justice and revenge with intrigues and counterplots, but mostly a lot of fighting. This manhwa has footnotes for everything from martial arts moves to Korean history. The black-and-white illustrations are very distinctive but odd, similar to some Chinese comics; actions are labeled like sound effects (jump or glance), especially in combat, identifying things that another artist might simply show. As a result, some panels feel like still photos rather than parts of an action sequence. Others involve blurs of motion too fast for the "lens" to capture. That style may bother some, but martial arts fans will enjoy the story. At least three volumes are scheduled for release in the United States. The story is a violent one, with many deaths but little gore, even when weapons are used. Not suitable for children, this belongs in libraries collecting Korean manhwa.—Nick Smith, Pasadena P.L., CA
Takakura, Row. I Can't Stop Loving You. Vol. 2. Kitty Media: Media Blasters. 2006. tr. from Japanese by Kitty Media. ISBN 1-58655-889-7. pap. $10.99. F
Kyouji, a Buddhist priest and exorcist in training, has plenty of power to dispel spirits. Unfortunately, he can't actually see them. Luckily for him, his boyfriend, Yu, can. Yu may seem smaller and weaker than Kyouji, but he actually possesses nearly superhuman strength. He loves Kyouji enthusiastically—so much that he often ends up hurting him during intimate situations. Possessive and jealous, Yu follows Kyouji on a training trip to a mountain town where girls are disappearing. When they find a woman's body, they try to solve her death. The second volume ends with a bonus story about a disinherited young man who goes home after his father's death to find out his father adopted an attractive young man. Like many standard yaoi series, there's sex as often as possible, showing everything but genitals. Whereas the first volume followed yaoi clichés—the plot centers on finding a way for the two to have sex without interruption or Yu hurting Kyouji—the second improves by focusing more on ghosts. The characters are entertaining, and Takakura draws beautifully and manages to make every individual distinctive within the usual pretty boy style. Yet this will only appeal to yaoi fans. For 18+.—Teresa Copeland, Yuma Cty. Lib. Dist., AZ
Takeuchi, Mick. Her Majesty's Dog. Vol. 3. Go! Comi. 2006. 208p. tr. from Japanese by Akira Tsubasa. ISBN 1-933617-01-2. pap. $10.99. F
In this shojo horror tale set in a modern Tokyo high school, things are not what they seem. Pretty new student Amane Kamori, or the "Ice Queen," talks to no one and is always kissing the handsome transfer student Hyoue Inugami. But Amane and Hyoue harbor a secret: Amane is a manatsuki, a shamaness who uses the power in words to control spirits; Hyoue is her koma-oni, a guardian demon who feeds off her life force. Amane had left her village to lead a normal life, but she is always willing to help when paranormal situations arise. Complicating matters, the clan elders of her village are willing to use supernatural means to force her back. The stories in this series are fast-paced; Amane's naiveté is very endearing, and her social ineptness contrasts with her powerful command of the spirit world. Although Amane equates Hyoue's bond to her as dog to a master, it is more akin to that of a knight to a queen. The artwork is very strong; the characters are expressive and realistic, and the supernatural imagery is crisp and detailed. The first volume's emphasis on horror (e.g., bloody ghost, decapitated dog spirit) shifts by the third volume toward the paranormal (e.g., exorcising ghosts, battling koma-oni). Rated 16+ for mild language, moderate violence, and mature situations. This pleasing mix of shojo romance, high school drama, and supernatural action is enthusiastically recommended for older teen collections.—June Shimonishi, Torrance P.L., CA
Tooks, Lance. Lucifer's Garden of Verses. Vol. 4: Between the Devil & Miles David. ComicsLit: NBM. Oct. 2006. 75p. ISBN 1-56163-469-7 [ISBN 978-1-56163-469-9]. $15.95. F
Striking black-and-white illustrations illuminate the series' fourth book, the first volume that does not feature the devil as a character. However, main character Amo Tanzer is writing a book titled The Devil and Miles Davis. Unfortunately, she has a bad case of writer's block, and after drunken fights result in her being kicked out of several saloons, Amo wanders into a mysterious and magical bar called The Smokeasy. Narcissa runs the place (she may or may not be the title character from another book in the series). The women drink strange potions that cause them to recount stories from their pasts; some of these stories are very involving, others are less successful and jarringly interspersed with strong political statements. The ratio of illustrations to text is uneven, with large chunks of text overshadowing the art in approximately half the book. But the artwork is arresting, with large patches of gray and white space on a black background. Fans of the previous books will enjoy this latest installment; others may simply be bemused.—B. Allison Gray, John Jermain Memorial Lib., Sag Harbor, NY
Watase, Yuu. Fushigi Yûgi Genbu Kaiden. Viz Media. 2006. 205p. tr. from Japanese by Lillian Olsen. ISBN 1-59116-896-1 [ISBN 978-1-59116-896-6]. pap. $8.99. F
In Watase's popular Fushigi Yûgi, a book called Universe of the Four Gods transports modern-day girl Miaka to a mythical China, where she becomes priestess of the god Suzaku. With the help of seven "Celestial Warriors," she summons the god to wish for the safety of his war-torn kingdom. Genbu Kaiden is a prequel featuring the first priestess: 1920s schoolgirl Takiko Okuda, priestess of Genbu. When, in a rage, Takiko tries to rip up her father's translation of Universe of the Four Gods, she is sucked into the book. It soon becomes apparent that she is the long-awaited priestess of Genbu and that she must find the seven warriors, summon Genbu, and rescue the troubled land of Bei-Jia. More than a little coincidentally, two of the warriors are the first people Takiko encounters: Limdo, a rakish criminal who inexplicably becomes female when he uses his wind powers, and Chamka, a bounty hunter pursuing him. Locating the Celestial Warriors may be easy—convincing them not to kill each other may not. Genbu Kaiden will attract Watase's many fans and is well worth adding to a larger collection. However, Watase is something of a one-story pony, and small collections will survive without it. Contains two scenes of brief and mild nudity; recommended eighth grade and up.—Rebecca Schaffner, Saline Dist. Lib., MI
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