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Archive-name: manga/guide/part1
See reader questions & answers on this topic! - Help others by sharing your knowledge This FAQ, as well as the other anime/manga newsgroup FAQs and info articles written by Steve Pearl, are available from the Official Anime/Manga FAQ page at http://www.cybercomm.net/~starbuck/FAQ.html The FAQs on that page are always the most recent version (The monthly posts are posted directly from that directory!) Usenet Manga Guide April 1996 (version 6.03) Part 1/3 compiled and edited by Iain Sinclair (axolotl@socs.uts.edu.au) ---------------------------------------- Contents i. Introduction ii. How to Use this Guide I. Guide (A-N) II. Guide (O-Z) + list of contributors III. Usenet Manga Magazines Guide ---------------------------------------- i. Introduction Since its inception in 1992, the Usenet Manga Guide has been the one of the largest, most comprehensive and up-to-date references for manga in the English language. In its plain text form, it amounts to over 30,000 words. Nearly a hundred manga artists and their works are listed, and many biographies, summaries and reviews are also provided. The Usenet Manga Guide began as a way to answer the many frequently asked questions about popular manga titles. This is still its primary function. Readers should check this guide before posting any of the following questions to the net: "What is the latest volume number of (some manga)?" "Is (some manga) still running?" "Who drew or wrote (some manga)?" "Who published (some manga)?" and to a lesser extent: "What is the plot of (some manga)?" "What else has (some manga artist) done?" "What were the main influences on (some manga artist)?" "What other mangas will I like if I like (some manga artist)?" This document first began as a minimal list of titles, authors and publishers, which was irregularly posted by Chih-Ping Kuo in 1992. A few months later, the maintenance of this list was turned over to Iain Sinclair, who expanded it substantially with reviews, new entries, JIS code, and laboriously researched bibliographic details. The primary sources of data for the Usenet Manga Guide were Fukuya's Comic Catalog and Touhan's monthly manga releases sheets. They are primarily intended for Japanese booksellers, but are invaluable references for serious manga hunters. (Details of these sources are given in the Usenet Manga Resources FAQ.) ---------------------------------------- ii. How to use this Guide Please refer to the other Usenet manga FAQs for general background about manga, the net, JIS encoding, etc. The Usenet Manga Guide lists manga artists in English alphabetical order. Each manga artist has a brief biography (where supplied), and a list of their most important or recent mangas, in loosely chronological order. For each manga, the following information is listed, with optional items in [ ] braces: * Romaji title, Japanese title (in JIS), [English title]; o [author/gensaku-sha;] o magazine where the manga was serialized, OR publisher; (Please note that publishers of manga magazines are listed in the Usenet Manga Magazines FAQ. Currently running mangas are listed as "currently serialized" or "currently published".) o year of first publication; [year finished;] o [number of volumes;] o price per volume (in Yen); + synopsis/review/plot summary; (these are usually provided by readers of the net, and tend to reflect individual tastes and opinions, as with any review. They should not necessarily be regarded as authoritative or objective. Contributors' names are credited at the end of the Guide.) + list of relevant URLs. (provided as a sample only, not intended as a full cross-reference to manga on the Web, and not guaranteed to be current.) Japanese bookstores only require the title, artist/author and publisher to order a manga. ISBNs are not necessary. The best way to find information in this guide is to keep a copy on-line and search it electronically with a text editor or word processor. For those looking for recommendations for new mangas, or information in general, it is also suitable for browsing at random. Currently, the WWW version of the guide is a single, bulky document with minimal interactivity, generating about 250 hits per week. A proper queryable database was planned, but this would take much more time than the current maintainer can spare. In addition, no interest in this kind of service has been expressed. A Japanese-capable browser should be used to read the WWW version. Those using a Japanese-language text renderer such as Shodouka should set their browser's memory cache (10MB should be sufficient) to handle the large amount of JIS code in the Guide. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Adachi Mitsuru $@$"$@$A=<(B Adachi has his own baseball team, called `Vitamin A'. (born 9 February 1951, Gunma prefecture) -------------------------------- Touch $@%?%C%A(B - serialized on Shonen Sunday 1981-87, 26 volumes @ Y390, 11 wide-ban volumes @ Y680. Adachi's most successful work, made into 3 movies and a 108-part TV series. It is loosely divided into three parts. In the first part, the main theme was the love triangle between Tatsuya, Kazuya, and Minami. Uesugi Tatsuya and Kazuya were twins, and Asakura Minami was the girl next door. The second part of Touch concentrated on Tatsuya trying to put himself into Kazuya's shoes. Tatsuya got "traded" from the boxing team to the baseball team for a picture of Lum with an autograph of Takahashi Rumiko. Tatsuya pitched the Meisei team into the second round of the regional tournament, but lost to Nishimura and Seinan High School in an extra inning game while pitching a no-hitter. Minami, who had been the baseball team manager, also became a member of the school's rhythmic gymnastics team. Minami did exceptionally well and made it to the national tournament. The third part of Touch concentrated on Tatsuya making himself good enough for Minami. Meisei got a new coach because the old coach got sick. The new coach worked the team like the devil. But it paid off when Meisei made it to the finals of the regional tournament to face Nitta and Sumi Technical High School. Nine $@%J%$%s(B - serialized on Shonen Sunday 1990, 2 volumes @ Y680. High school sports (mainly baseball) and romance story. 3 TV movies were made. Miyuki $@$_$f$-(B - serialized on Big Comic 1980-4, 12 volumes @ Y360. 5 wide-ban volumes @ Y680. Wakamatsu Masato lives with his step-sister, Miyuki, whom he does not have blood relationship with. Their father is always working oversea (in fact, he has not appeared in the manga at all...) and left the two of them living by themselves in Tokyo. Miyuki is cute, nice, sensitive and very popular among guys around Masato. Masato has a girlfriend at school whose name is Kajima Miyuki, who is pretty and gentle, the ideal dream of every highschool boy. It took years for Masato and his sister to realise whom they love and care most after a lot of events. The manga is very nicely written, with excellent layout, interesting story and character developments, refreshing art style and filled with youth and emotion. It also shows the dramatic improvement of the author's skill. Rough $@%i%U(B - serialized on Shonen Sunday 1987-89, 12 volumes @ Y370, 6 wide-ban volumes @ Y700. Adachi probably got the 4dea for this manga from Romeo and Juliet. Yamato Keisuke and Ninomiya Ami are the offsprings of two rival families. Both families are confectionary shops, and have been trying to defeat each others for generations. Two generations ago, Ninomiya grandfather came up with an idea of an owl-shaped cake, but Yamato grandfather quickly thought of a similar thing but with ears. Because they were of same price and the Yamato's ones has extra ears, the business of Ninomiya suffered, and Ninomiya grandfather fell ill consequently, worrying about his business. Before his death, his last words were "I was killed by the Yamato's". This put the two families in extreme enemy situation. In this generation, however, as Keisuke's interactions with Ami increases, he fell for the one who is most difficult to deal with. The manga in general probably appeals more to non-baseball-fans than Touch. The story is interesting, exploring interactions between different kinds of relationships in depth (the friendship between the five guys is especially impressive). Distinct art style and layout. Nice sense of humour. Slow Step $@%9%m!<%9%F%C%W(B - serialized on Ciao 1986-91,7 volumes @ Y390. High school softball and boxing and romance story. One of the very few shojo manga that Adachi did. This manga focuses on the love triangle relationship among Nakasato Minatsu, Akibara Shuu and Kadomatsu Naoto. In an unusual circumstance, Minatsu covers up herself into a girl who looks completely different (to avoid being recognised by some gangsters), but on her way she bumped into Naoto, thus made Naoto fell in love with this "version" of Minatsu. The manga is a lot of fun, especially the part when Minatsu has to change over to Maria (her name when she is in another "version") all the time when Shuu and Naoto is at the same place. H2 - currently serialized on Shonen Sunday, 1992-present, 15 volumes @ Y390. Adachi's current work. Another highschool baseball/romance story, with ``two heroes and two heroines''. Ah! Seishun no Koshien $B$"$"!*@D=U$N9C;R1`(B - published by Shogakukan, 7 volumes. Short Program $@%7%g!<%H!&%W%m%0%i%`(B - published by Shogakukan, 1988, Y980. Niji-iro Togarashi $@Fz?'$H$&$,$i$7(B - serialized on Shonen Sunday 1990-2, 12 volumes @ Y390. Hiatari Ryoko $@M[$"$?$jNI9%(B! - published by Shogakukan, 1991, 2 volumes @ Y680. Sekiyo yo nobore!! - written by Yamasaki Juzo, published by Shogakukan, 1991, Y680. Nakimushi Koshien $@5c$-Cn9C;R1`(B - written by Yamasaki Juzo, published by Shogakukan, 1993, 2 volumes @ Y680. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Araki Hirohiko $B9SLZHtO$I'(B One of Shonen Jump's established artists. Well known for his unique art style and bizarre sound effects, such as ``WRRREEEEYYY'' or ``BARROOOO'' or ``DORARARARARARA!''. Araki's main influences include Yokoyama Mitsuteru and probably Hara Tetsuo, although his work shows a distinct Western sensibility, with some apsects reminiscent of the work of the American illustrator Burne Hogarth. Other manga-kas such as Maki Koji and Inoue Sen $@0f>e@k(B have captured the some of the feel of Araki's work. Araki's main hobbies are travelling and Western rock/pop music. References to the latter appear frequently throughout his manga. (born 6 July, 1960) ------------------------ Jojo's Bizarre Adventure $B%8%g%8%g$N4qL/$JKA81(B [Taiwanese title $B#J#O#J#OKA81LnO:(B] - currently serialized on Shonen Jump, 1987-present, 44 volumes/Y390. Violent, strange saga spanning four continents and four generations. Araki's ideas are stretched increasingly thin, but there is still plenty of action and new concepts to sustain the interest of demanding Shonen Jump readers. Each part of Jojo can be read more or less independently, and has its own atmosphere and storytelling/art style. It all starts in England, 1880, with Jonathan Joestar (``Jojo''), an aristocrat's son, and his rival, Dio Brando, who plans to usurp Jojo's inheritance. In the ensuing conflict, Dio puts on an Aztec mask and becomes an undead. To defeat Dio, Jojo learns ``hamon'', a yoga-like discipline, and the stage is set for their final showdown. Part II (volumes 5-12) begins in New York, 1937. Jonathan's grandson Josef goes up against the ``Ultimate Life Forms'', prehistoric overlords who made the stone mask. Part III (volumes 12-28) is set in the present day, with Dio resurrected from his watery grave, now possessing a ``stand'', or visible psi power. Dio's psychic resonance also endows members of the Joestar family with ``stand'' power, but endangers the life of of Josef's daughter, Holly. Josef and Holly's son, Kujo Jotaro, band together to bring down Dio and save her. Part IV (volumes 29-45) centers around the efforts of Jotaro and Josef's illegitimate son, Josuke, to retrieve the ``Bow and Arrow'', the artifact that bestows ``stand'' power. This section of the manga, set in Japan, 1999, is more in a ``romantic horror'' style than the fighting-manga style. Part V (not yet in tankoubon) concerns Giorno Giovanna, another kid in the Joestar lineage. See also: <http://ftoomsh.progsoc.uts.edu.au/~axolotl/Jojo/jj-faq.html> Jojo 6251 $B#J#O#J#O%8%g!<%9%?!<2H$NL[<(O?(B compiled by Shukan Shonen Jump Shu $B=54)>/G/%8%c%s%WJT(B, - published by Shuueisha, 1993, Y2000. A mook full of color illustrations, excerpts from the manga, Jojo character profiles, a map of the Jojo saga, an interview with Araki, and more. Subtitled ``Araki Hirohiko's world'', it's an excellent way to get the best of Jojo without having to buy every volume. Bao Raihosha [aka BAOH: Armored Phenomenon] - serialized on Shonen Jump 1984, 2 volumes @ Y370. A sinister research center implants a parasite in a boy, Hashizawa Ikuro, turning him into a fearsome bio-weapon. He escapes, but after his companion Sumire is kidnapped, he is forced into a showdown at the research center. Fairly standard shonen action/SF manga, enlivened by Araki's offbeat approach. The manga for which he is best known in the West (via translations, and the successful anime). Gorgeous Irene $@%4!<%8%c%9!z%"%$%j%s(B - serialized on Shonen Jump 1986, Y370. Mashonen B.T. $BKb>/G/%S!<%F%#!<(B - serialized on Shonen Jump 1986, Y370. Nikola Tesla - published in Super Jump 1989. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Aro Hiroshi $@$"$m$R$m$7(B Most of Aro's stories have a clear, clean appearance with a surreal quality. This could also be said of his characters, tone, and attitude. He uses hentai with its double meaning of `metamorphosis' to describe weird backgrounds, assorted personalities, and other strangeness. His humour-oriented stories usually share the same universe. In late 1994, Aro and Yano Kentaro started the quarterly manga magazine Comic Will together. (Aro Hiroshi is a pseudonym.) ------------------------ Morumo 1/10 - serialized on Shonen Captain 1985, 2 volumes @ Y550. A combination of the superhero, comedy, and love story genres. Morumo is an alien girl raised on earth. She is 16.3 meters tall at age 16 and weighs 43 tons. She looks human (with pink hair); if you are far enough away, her proportions look human. She occasionally takes a shrinking serum that reduces her body by one-tenth in size. You and Me $@M%!uL%0a(B - serialized on Shonen Jump Monthly, 1986-89, 5 volumes @ Y600. Yo is a boy who just moved into the equivalent of a boarding house. Everything is not as it first seems, even the boy. Living in the same room is a ghost (female) named Me. The series is a combination of love, humor, and a general parody of anime and manga. Futaba-kun, Change! $@$U$?$P7/%A%'%s%8(B - currently serialized on Shonen Jump Monthly, 7 volumes @ Y390. Another high school hentai slapstick manga. Futaba changes his/her gender when he/she gets excited. But it's not only him. His family is filled with gender-changing people. Hunter Cats $@%O%s%?!=!&%-%c%D(B - currently serialized on Shonen Captain, 1992-present, 4 volumes @ Y550. A semi-parody of the trouble-shooter genre. Basically, it's about 3 women with inhuman capabilities who solve cases. It is derived from, and an improvement over, his earlier work Sheriff. One of the members is also from Sheriff. The names and titles are: Mei the cyberqueen (super hacker), Akira the iron fist (great strength, very athletic, has scars all over her body), and Hikaru the quick (unmatched pick pocket, has super speed, can grab a fired bullet from the air and steal bullets from guns without the user being aware; when she was younger she was in Sheriff and was a thief, but she reformed). Tottemo Shonen Tankentai $@$H$C$F$b>/G/C58!Bb(B - published by Shueisha, 1993, 2 volumes @ Y390. The story of a bunch of explorers on a fantastic school campus. Each member of the team has their own special feature or quirk. The school is vast, a kind place that might might be considered heaven to Calvin of Calvin and Hobbes. While I do not have all the original stories to compare, I have noticed that Aro decided to add extras to the last story (the story of Noah's ark and the tower of babel). The extras are pages 186-187 (Yukari eats Babel Parfait and finds out why people refer to these places as tourist's traps when she gets the bill), 189-193 (a golem attacks and is destroyed by Cleo), 197 (this is hindu mythology (?) of a tortoise going through the heavens with elephants on its back, which supports the earth (not to sure if I remember these religons correctly)), 202-203 (the impressive effects of the pieces of Babel crashing into the earth). 204 (primarily the addition of Cleo to the scene). Project A-ko 3 $@%W%m%8%'%/%H#A;R(B - anthology, published Rapport, 1988, Y580. Unkai no Tabibito $@1@3&$NN9?M(B - published by Tokuma Shoten, 1989, Y680. 4 Spirits Plus [$@%W%i%9(B] - anthologies, - published by Rapport, 1989, 7 volumes @ Y800. Sheriff $@%7%'%j%U(B - published by Shueisha, 1989-90, 2 volumes @ Y370. Boogie-Woogie Alligator $@$V$.$&$.(B$@%"%j%2!<%?!<(B - published by Shueisha, 1990, Y600. Para no iya gekijo $@$Q$i$N$$207`>l(B - published by Shueisha, 1991, 2 volumes @ Y600. Fuin $@Iu0u(B - published by Rapport, 1991, Y500. Omisore! Tora Burikko $@$*$_$=$l!*%H%i$V$j$CL<(B - published by Shueisha, 1992, Y800. Battle Angels $@%P%H%k!&%(%s%8%'%k%9(B - with Yano Kentarou, published by Rapport, 1994, Y800. Muteki Eiyu Esugaiyaa $BL5E(1QM:%(%9%,%$%d!<(B - published by Hakusensha, 1994, Y520. Trickster - published by Kadokawa Shoten, 1995, Y900. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Asagiri Yu $@$"$5$.$jM<(B Asagiri Yu debuted on Nakayoshi in 1977 with Hikari mezashite tonde yuke. She won the 11th Kodansha annual manga award with the work Nana iro magic in 1987. Asagiri is good at drawing pretty people and using SD-characters at appropriate times, and has a flair for fashion. Focusing on shojo-manga, most of her works are published by Kodansha, but recently she made a vague comment about wanting to be free and try something new. Her newest works are now published in Shoujo Friend & Shoujo Comic. There is also an Asagiri Yu (name spelled differently with kanji, $@D+L8(J $@M<(B) who published some "racy" stuff. -------------------------------- Kurenai Densetsu $@9HEA@b(B - published by Shogakukan, 1991-2, 4 volumes @ Y390. Akogare Adventure - published by Kodansha, 1986, 3 vols @ Y370. A griffin medallion is the only lead to the "greatest" treasure on earth, and Miya has it. With bad guys everywhere trying to take the medallion away, will Miya be able to find the treasure? Nana-iro Magic $@$J$J?'%^%8%C%/(B - published by Kodansha, 1986-8, 6 volumes @ Y370. Nanako... the number seven... dance & dancers ... twin sister who's an idol... love triangles... fame... the number seven... dancers and dancing. Apple Dream $B%"%C%W%k(B$@$I$j$$$`(B - published by Kodansha, 3 volumes @ Y380. A story about a girl who wants to be a mangaka. Kocchi muite rabu! $@$3$C$A$`$$$F(B$@%i%W(B - published by Kodansha, K4 volumes @ Y390. Kirakira boshi no dai yogen $@$-$i$-$i@1$NBgM=8@(B - published by Kodansha, 2 volumes @ Y380. Minmin! $@%_%s%_%s!*(B - published by Kodansha, 1990-present, 5 volumes @ Y390. Min-Min, a sorceress in training, is exiled to earth because of her incompetence, and cursed to transform into a doll whenever she falls asleep. She can only change back when she is kissed by someone. Cash-na Kankei $B%-%c%C%7%e$J4X78(B - currently published by Kodansha, 1990-present, 4 volumes @ Y390. Kon-na Panic $@%3%s$J%Q%K%C%/(B - currently published by Kodansha, 1991-present, 4 volumes @ Y390. Mai is in all respects an average girl, until the day she discover she has fox-blood and grows fox-ears and tail whenever she feels distressed. Oneesan no jijo $@$*;P$5$s$N;v>p(B - currently published by Kodansha, 1995-present, Y390. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Asamiya Kia $@Kc5\530!(B Asamiya Kia is the same person as the famous animator/character designer Kikuchi Michitaka. -------------------------------- Shinseiki Vagrants $@?@@15-%t%!%0%i%s%D(B - written by Vauxhall Production, published by Kadokawa Shoten, 1988, 2 volumes @ Y880. Some quotes from the net: ``The author is more lost than the readers''. ``Just when you think the story is beginning to make sense, it ends''. ``The art is primitive, pre-Tron, low-screentone Asamiya. While it is common knowledge that Asamiya Kia can't write, Vagrants has proven beyond reasonable doubt that he can't read, either''. The story, while messed up big time, is not complex in terms of players and situations. It tried to tell 4 different stories in utterly unrelated settings. The main characters teleport/dimension-warp/whatever universes and solve problems, not unlike some old network sci-fi shows. The formula may yet work had the dialogues not been as corny, pace not as dreadful, and situations not as uninvolving. The story writer meshed together a space colony, fantasy kingdom, desert village, and then a moon cult space opera into one blob; the teleporting is just a Monty Python excuse to move from one setting to another. It took me $25 original, $20 Chinese DX translation, 8 rereads, and hours of soul searchings to figure this out. Now that I have, don't bother. If the only reason you're considering this title is because it's from Asamiya, t hen that should be good enough reason for you not to. Silent Mobius $@%5%$%l%s%H%a%S%&%9(B - currently serialized on Comp, 1990-present, 7 volumes @ Y950. To combat the re-emergence of demons in 21st century Japan, the all-female ``Attacked Mystification Police'' is formed. A stylish cyberpunk/occult manga, which was made into two high-budget anime films. However, the story has declined drastically in recent years. ``Asamiya can draw, except he doesn't know what to draw.'' ``Kikuchi used to come up with only lame ideas but these days he can't come up with any.'' Mobius Klein $B%a%S%&%9%/%i%$%s(B is the continuation of Silent Mobius after the demise of Comp magazine. Currently, only volume 0 (serialized on Dengeki Comics GAO, 1994, Y980) of Mobius Klein has been released. There is also a Silent Mobius game book. Dark Angel $@@;=CEA@b%@!<%/%(%s%8%'%k(B - currently serialized on Newtype, 1990-present, 2 volumes @ Y850. Set in a fantasy world very loosely reminiscent of China in the Three Kingdoms era. The protagonist is an impetuous young boy named Dark, his tiny assistant angel, and the mad spoiled lord who's on the verge of stumbling into a major war in his attempts to kill Dark. Nice artwork, though the story has also deteriorated drastically. Steam Detective $B2w7f>x5$C5DeCD(B - currently serialized on Monthly Shonen Jump, Y390, 1994. Something of a departure for Asamiya - a story with a retro feel, about a gumshoe in a fanciful 1920's setting. Uncharacteristically, there is no screentone at all, though this seems to only highlight his artistic flaws. Different, but nothing spectacular. Gunhed - published by Kadokawa Shoten, 1989, Y800. A manga version of the live-action movie. Compiler $@%3%s%Q%$%i(B - serialized on Afternoon, 1991-92, 3 volumes @ Y500. Two girls, Assembler (who constructs) and Compiler (who destroys), come to earth to play a game. They soon give up, and ``senators'' from the cybernetic dimension send two assassins, Directory and Bios, to finish them off. There are funny moments, but the ending was disgracefully rushed. See also: Compiler homepage <http://www.cs.ubc.ca/spider/edmonds/anime/compiler.html> Assembler 0X $@%"%;%s%V%i#0#X(B - currently serialized on Afternoon, 1992-present, 4 volumes @ Y500. Sequel to Compiler. Lots of Japanese pop culture in-jokes, and the subject of some of Afternoon's CG covers, but there's precious little substance, and the bright spots are few and far between. Almost dojinshi-like in its content. (Takeuchi Naoko is credited as doing some conceptual design for Assembler 0X.) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Asari Yoshito $B$"$5$j$h$7$H$*(B Asari Yoshito's style tends to be simple, almost cutesy...except for the times he does exploding entrails and shotgun wounds. Whereupon his attention to detail is impressive. A selective bibliography follows. (born 20th November, 1962) -------------------------------- Tampenshu $BC;JT=8(B - published by Tokuma Shoten, 1989, Y680. A collection of some of Asari's short comics from 1980 to 1988, showing the variety of different stories and styles that Asari is comfortable with. My personal favorite is The Magnificent Seven Zombies. (A somewhat paraphrased title.) Included is a list of all Asari's published stories up to 1988, for fanatical collectors. Space Family Carlvinson $@1'Ch2HB2%+!<%k%S%s%=%s(B - currently serialized on Shonen Captain, 1986-present, 11 volumes @ Y390. When a motley band of travelling performers have a deep-space collision with another spacecraft, they find that the sole survivor of the other craft is a humanoid infant. They decide to raise the child as their own on the nearest planet as they wait for other members of the girl's race to come and find her. Corona-chan grows up as their daughter, and the manga details her five-year-old adventures with her fuzzball mother, her robot-soldier father, her living-central-nervous-system pet, and the other bizarre members of the local village. Manga Science $@$^$s$,%5%$%(%s%9(B - published by Gakushukenkyusha, 1991-present, 5 volumes [written with roman numerals] @ Y800. The Manga Science series is something Asari Yoshito did for a Gakken science magazine (aimed at fifth graders). Each episode, he handles a different topic. He talks about recent developments: cloning lettuce, milk-derivative cloth, food made out of crab shells... The entire second volume is dedicated to the space program. Wahhaman $B%o%C%O%^%s(B - currently serialized on Afternoon, 1992-present, 6 volumes @ Y420. Wahhaman is a special robot soldier built ten thousand years ago by the Atlanteans. Found and dug up in present-day Tokyo, he cannot remember any of his past, due to a nasty knock to the head he received at some point. People tend to mistake Wahhaman, who is unable to speak except for laughing when going into battle, for someone or something that they are looking for in their own lives. Let's Go!! Unagi-chan $B9T$1(B!!$@$&$J$.$A$c$s(B - irregularly featured on Newtype, 1994. Asari's bizarre Sailor Moon parody. Chikyu Boei shojo Iko-chan $@CO5eKI1R>/=w%$%3$A$c$s(B - published by Kadokawa Shoten, 1990, Y890. Chukuchi Boeigun $@Cf6uCNKI1R73(B - published by Tokuma Shoten, 1989, Y680. Wagahai wa Robot de aru $@8cGZ$O%m%\%C%H$G$"$k(B [I, Robot] - serialized on Nora, 1993, Y800. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Chen Wen $@E"Ld(B Chen Wen worked for a dozen design companies before starting his own studio, working as an illustrator and comic artist. He has pioneered the use of the Chinese calligraphy brush to draw modern manga, though this is an exacting process, where one tiny slip can ruin the whole page. Today he is one of Taiwan's most prominent manga-kas. Chen Wen's hobbies include collecting models, swimming, reading, and watching movies. (born 27 December 1958, Tao Yuen, Taiwan) ------------------------ Heroes of the East Chou Dynasty $@El<~1QM:EA(B - serialized on Morning, 1991, 3 volumes @ Y1100. About Chinese historical figures in the days of the East Chou Dynasty. Like Magical Super Asia, this was written for Kodansha, not a Taiwanese publisher. Magical Super Asia $@?<$/H~$7$-%"%8%"(B [lit. Profoundly Beautiful Asia] - serialized on Afternoon, 1992-4, 5 volumes @ Y1200. A story of psychics/demi-gods, beast-people and demons, taking place in a near-future Asian setting. Some of the superb color pages featured characters which never turned up (or featured only briefly) in the story, suggesting that Afternoon editors cut it short. Banzai $Bh_:P(B - serialized on Morning, 1995. Diviners, heroes, supernatural beings, Taoists and passers-by in 1995 Hong Kong. Other works (all on Taiwanese magazines): Leopard Warriors, Leopard Warriors II, The God of War, Story of the Assassins, The Armor General. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- CLAMP CLAMP is an all-female team at the forefront of today's shojo manga. Currently, CLAMP consists of four members: Name Role Birthday Okawa Nanase $BBg@n<7@%(B writing/scripting/direction2 May 1967 Mokona Apapa $@$b$3$J$"$Q$Q(B art/backgrounds/characters 16 June 1968 Nekoi Mick $BG-0f$_$C$/(B assistant 21 January 1969 Igarashi Satsuki $B8^==Mr$5$D$-(B cook/assistant 8 February 1969 The core members of CLAMP are Mokona and Okawa, workaholics who are directly responsible for such mangas as Rg Veda, X and Tokyo Babylon. CLAMP used to have three additional members: Nanao Sei $B<7Jf$;$$(B, Sei Leeza $B@;$j$$$6(B and Akiyama Tamayo $@=);3$?$^$h(B, the latter having written DERAYD and CLUSTER with CLAMP. Akiyama is now a solo manga-ka, and has completed a fourth volume of CLUSTER. All CLAMP's mangas suddenly stopped serialization for a few months in mid-1994. Officially, Okawa was recovering from the effects of an unhealthy diet, but the probable real cause was CLAMP's dissatisfaction with the policies of Asuka's editor. Contributing to their absence was CLAMP's addiction to video games (they have portrayed themselves as fans of Streetfighter II, the Jojo's Bizarre Adventure game, and Shin-Megami Tensei $@??!&=w?@E>@8(B). ------------------------ Shinkyoku Debide $B?@6J%@%S%G(B An early Devilman dojinshi. [?] Shirahime Sho $@GrI1>6(B - published by Koubunsha, 1992, Y500. There is a legend that whenever it snows, it is the tears of a white princess. This manga consists of 3 romantic short stories with `snow' as a common theme. The artwork is dark, so as to recreate the sentimental atmosphere of snow, but the stories are quite interesting and romantic. Seiden Rg Veda $@@;EA(B - currently serialized on Wings, 1990-present, 9 volumes @ Y490. Although CLAMP borrowed ideas and names from Hindu/Buddhist mythology, Rg-Veda has very little to do with them in terms of story. This manga is CLAMP's first major work and its story and art gets better and better with each volume. Rg-Veda defines the current state-of-the-art in shojo manga. <http://www.cen.uiuc.edu/~w-ip/RG/rg.html> Hiten Muma: Rg Veda Illustrations $BHsE7L4Kb(B - artbook, published by Shinshokan, Y3200. Contains all of the early Rg Veda color work. Campus Police Duklyon $@3X1`FC7Y%G%e%+%j%*%s(B - published by Kadokawa Shoten, 1992, 2 volumes @ Y900. Higashikunimaru Kentarou (what a name...) and Shuukaidou Takeshi are Campus special police Duklyon who protect the peace on campus. Assigned by Imonoyama Nokoru, they have to keep their identity secret and when they transform into Duklyon, they are completely covered in their "uniform". They usually fight against wierd named monsters from the "organisation" - Imonoyama Shotenkai led by Sukiyabashi Kotobuki, whose normal form is the classmate of Kentarou and Takeshi. A fun manga although not as good as CLAMP Campus Detective Service. CLAMP Campus Detective Service $B#C#L#A#M#P3X1`C5DeCD(B - serialized on Asuka, 1992, 3 volumes @ Y520. A light comedy featuring three whiz kids in CLAMP Elementary School. Takes place on the same campus as Duklyon. A detective team aims to help female students on campus to find clues to trace their lost stuff. Nokoru, the de facto team leader, is very popular among female students, and he's quite happy to help them. Tokyo Babylon $@El5~#B#A#B#Y#L#O#N(B - serialized on South 1991-4, 7 volumes @ Y580. Demon hunt story heavily influenced by Kujaku-Oh. However, it concentrates more on the social background and inner feelings of characters rather than violence and action. <http://www.cen.uiuc.edu/~w-ip/tb.html> Shunka-den [aka Chunhyang-Jun] $B=U2FEA(B - serialized on Serie Mystery Extra (published by Hakusensha), 1992. Based on a Korean folk tale. (CLAMP said they like Korean costumes.) X [aka X 1999] - currently serialized on Asuka, 1992, 6 volumes @ Y390. Opposing factions known as `the seven seals' and `the seven messengers' begin to gather around a boy called Kamui. Kamui is prophesied to hold the key to the earth's fate, to be decided on the day of Revelation, in 1999. An occult/action manga with superb art, complex plots and intriguing characters. It takes place in the same universe as Tokyo Babylon and CLAMP Campus Detective Team, and is scheduled to run for 20 volumes. According to Okawa, `X' was chosen as the title because its associations with crucifixion, crossroads, the unknown quantity, etc. A two minute ``image anime'' based on X, Double X, has been released. It gives a taste of the high-budget X movie, originally scheduled for completion in 1995. Attentive readers will note many references to Kujaku-Oh, Jojo's Bizarre Adventure (for example, Inuki="stand") and video games. See also: X homepage <http://www.cen.uiuc.edu/~w-ip/X/x.html> Night Head - published by Kadokawa Shoten, 1993, written by Iita Jouji $BHSED>y<#(B, 2 volumes @ Y1400. CLAMP only did illustrations for the novel and its blurb, and had nothing to do with the story. Night Head was originally a late-night live-action TV series, about two brothers who were locked up in a lab because of their psychic powers, and the events that follow their escape. The novel, written by the director of the TV series, will finish at 5 volumes. (CLAMP has also illustrated the covers of Tanaka Yoshiki's Soryuden $BAON5EA(B novels.) REX Kyoryu Monogatari $@#R#E#X62N5J*8l(B - serialized on Asuka, 1993, Y800. A promo manga for the REX movie (doesn't follow the story that closely). Mokona Ojo no Ehon $@$b$3$J2&=w$N$($[$s(B - published by Kadokawa Shoten, 1994, Y1500. Drawn by Mokona Apapa. A small picture book (e-hon $B3(K\(B), not an illustration book, intended for children. Magic Knight Rayearth and Magic Knight Rayearth 2 $BKbK!53;N%l%$%"!<%9(B - currently serialized on Nakayoshi, 1994, 2 volumes @ Y680 (first series), 2 volumes @ Y680 (second series). "Please save the world, the legendary Magic Knights..." Summoned by the Emerald Princess, Shido Hikaru, Ryusaki Umi and Hooji Fu (all 14 years old) met each other in their field trip of fate at Tokyo Tower and entered another dimension where they are the chosen Magic Knights. They received power and skills and weapons, and their mission is to save the world. This started their journey, meeting all sorts of strange people and wierd animals, and fighting against the enemy. Hikaru befriended a rabbit-like thingy called "Mokona". This manga is drawn in an RPG game style targeted at girl readers in junior highschool. Nice art work (of course!) with story emphasising friendship among girls. Its popularity in Nakayoshi outshines other manga, and is comparable to Sailor Moon. (It is heavily supported by merchandising, the main reason why it continued running throughout CLAMP's "strike" of 1994.) See also: o Hiroyuki Hironaga's RayEarth homepage <http://ccwf.cc.utexas.edu/~susanooh/RE.html> o Kodansha's RayEarth page <http://anchor-net.co.jp:80/rental/kodansha/kmshop.html> Miyuki-chan in Wonderland $BIT;W5D$N9q$NH~9,$A$c$s(B - irregularly featured on Newtype Comic Genki, 1993-present. A parody of Alice in Wonderland, and the source of the title for CLAMP's 1994 CLAMP in Wonderland event. A 7-minute anime, commissioned from Sony and Mad House with their own money, was shown at the event. The characters in the anime include Kamui (X), the Rayearth knights, the three CLAMP detectives, Subaru (Tokyo Babylon), Ashura (Rg Veda), and a cameo from Kujo Jotaro (JoJo's Bizarre Adventure). Shining Star $@%7%c%$%s%$%s%0%9%?!<(B - published by Kadokawa Shoten, 1987, Y520. Derayd - published by Shingekisha, 1989, Y1000. 20 Mensho Onegai! 20$@LLAj$K$*4j$$(B! - published by Kadokawa Shoten, 1990, 2 volumes @ Y800. Watashi no Suki-na hito $B$o$?$7$N9%$-$J?M(B - published by Kadokawa Shoten, 1995, Y460. CLUSTER - published by Shinkigensha, 1990, 4 volumes @ Y880 (including volume 0). Combination - published by Kobunsha, 1991, Y500. Hidarite - published in South, 1994. Moryokiden $Br3r4I1EA(B - published by Kadokawa Shoten, 2 volumes. Hagun Seisenki $BGK73@1@o5-(B - short story, 199?. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Egawa Tatsuya $@9>@nC#Li(B A former disciple of Motomiya Hiroshi $BK\5\$R$m;V(B (a legendary and prolific manga-ka), he got his big break when his story Don't Give Up won Comic Morning's open contest. He has recently established an `Egawa Manga Research Lab', and assembled a faithful and talented group of assistants. He is regarded as one of the canniest manga-kas in today's industry. ------------------------ Be Free! - serialized on Morning, 1986-88, 12 volumes @ Y480, 7 wide-ban volumes @ Y870. Wild, fast, uninhibited manga about a maths teacher, Sasanishiki (many of the characters' names come from popular brands of rice, etc). Features raw but inspired art and story, overloaded with sex scenes, cataclysms and interesting subplots. Probably loosely autobiographical. Magical Taruruto-kun $@$^$8$+$k!y%?%k$k!<%H$/$s(B - serialized on Shonen Jump, 1989-93, 21 volumes @ Y390. 5th grader Edojo Honmaru is one of the weakest in his class, until he meets the little magician Taruruto. Taru's magic helps him to deal with girls, triumph over bullies and meet other challenges. Lots of fun, slapstick and fighting, a feelgood title in the spirit of many Shonen Jump mangas. As a bonus, the Magical Taruruto-kun tankoubons contain Egawa's manga version of his rise to fame, including Nagai Go-inspired work done in his high school days. For hardcore Taruruto fans, there is also a Magical Taruruuto-kun Magic Items $@$^$8$+$k!y%?%k$k!<%H$/$sKbK!%"%$%F%`(B book (published by Shuueisha, 1993, Y480). Golden Boy - irregularly featured on Super Jump, 1992-present, 6 volumes @ Y500. Kintaro is a 25 year old genius, a dropout from Tokyo University, who likes to tutor and study. His favourite subject for research: women. Captures some of the uninhibited rawness of his earlier work, with considerably more refined art. Tokyo Daigaku Monogatari $BEl5~Bg3XJ*8l(B [Tokyo University Story] - currently serialized on Big Comic Spirits, 1992-present, 11 volumes @ Y500. A drama about highschool students aiming for Tokyo University. It has proved quite popular; Egawa has said that he was testing what the public liked with Magical Taruruto-kun, and the result is reflected in Tokyo University Story. Takechan to Papa $BEl5~Bg3XJ*8l(B - currently serialized on Mamanga, 1995-present, Y1200. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Fujishima Kosuke $@F#Eg9/2p(B Fujishima rose to fame with Taiho Shichauzo, and his later Aa! Megamisama! is a consistent best-seller. He is known for being a motorcycle/mechanics otaku and is a talented costume designer. Fujishima has done costume designs for the Villgust and KO Seiki Beast Sanjuushi $@#K#O@$5*%S!<%9%H;0=C;N(B animes, and also did illustrations for the Yumina Senki novel. (born 7 July 1964) ------------------------ Taiho Shichauzo $BBaJa$7$A$!$&$>(B [You're Under Arrest!] - serialized on Morning Party Extra 1989-91, 7 volumes @ Y420. The story is about the life of two policewomen, Miyuki (mechanical genius, expert vehicle driver, the brain of the pair, more introverted), and Natsumi (enormous strength, expert motorcyle driver, more action-minded). Both feel embarassed when faced with romantic situations. There are many interesting supporting roles. Fujishima's art changes greatly between the first and seventh volumes, as is common with debut manga. See also: Taiho Shichau Zo! homepage <http://www.hsr.no/~geir-f/taiho.html> Aa! Megami-sama! $B$"$"$C=w?@$5$^$C(B [Ah! My Goddess!, aka Oh My Goddess!, Taiwanese title $@9,1?=w?@(B, HK title $@2fE*=w?@(B] - currently serialized on Afternoon, 1990-present, 12 volumes @ Y470, anime comics 4 wide-ban volumes @ Y800. Keiichi, a student at Nekomi Institute of Technology, calls a wrong number and ends up invoking Belldandy, goddess of the present. Belldandy grants him one wish, and he says: "I want you to stay forever". The wish is approved, and Keiichi is shortly thrown out of his all-male dorm. He settled in an old temple and is eventually joined by Belldandy's sisters Urd, troublemaking goddess of the past, and Skuld, mecha freak and goddess of the future. (Fujishima derived many characters' names from Norse myth; for example, Belldandy=Verdandi). A light-hearted romantic comedy, initially a cult favourite, but now fairly popular because of its warm atmosphere and eye-candy appeal; the five OAVs didn't hurt either. Ai ga Tomaranai $B#A#I$,;_$^$i$J$$(B, which ran on Shonen Magazine for a while, is one of many blatant Aa! Megamisama! ripoffs. A postcard book (Y880) is available. See also: o Relief Goddess Office Homepage <http://www.hsr.no/~geir-f/amg.html> o <http://www.princeton.edu/~ksthorn/ams.html> Striker, the Shining Star - irregularly featured on Morning, 1993. Loosely based on the ``weird baseball dude'' from Taiho Shichauzo. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Hagiwara Kazushi $@Gk860l;j(B Hagiwara's biggest achievement is his astounding, technically accomplished art, which has been at the forefront of shonen manga for the past few years. His core assistants, who are largely responsible for making it happen, call themselves ``Studio Loud in School'', apparently because they were in the same class at school and have similar artistic styles. They regularly publish a best-selling Bastard!! dojinshi, MegaDeth, usually only available at Comikets. The members of Studio Loud are Fujita Tsuyoshi $BF#ED(B$B5#(B, Inoue Takuya $B0f>eBn:H(B, Tachi Hideyaki $B4[=(><(B and Uchiyama Issei $BFb;30l@.(B. In addition to Studio Loud, two of Hagiwara's former assistants are now moderately successful manga-kas: Tsuruta Hirohisa $BDaEDMN5W(B (creator of Natsuki Crisis $B$J$D$-%/%i%$%7%9(B, serialized on Business Jump, 1991-present, 11 volumes @ Y500) and Yamane Kazutoshi $B;3:,OB=S(B (creator of Chodoku Senshi Justice $BD6W85i@o;N%8%c%9%F%#%9(B, published by Shueisha, 1994-present, 2 volumes @ Y390). Shiki Satoshi $@;N5.CR;V(B (creator of RIOT, published by Kadokawa Shoten, 1993, Y950) has been greatly influenced by Hagiwara's art. ------------------------ Bastard!! - currently serialized on Shonen Jump Season Special, 1987-present, 15 volumes @ Y390. Dark Schneider, ancient sorcerer, is imprisoned in the body of Luche, an airheaded boy. Only a virgin's kiss can transform him, and soon a girl called Yoko obliges. Then all hell breaks loose, and D.S. goes up against the four rulers of Metallicana, the dark god Anthrathax, and ultimately, God. (The names of characters and spells are taken from heavy metal music, in much the same way that Araki borrows names from rock/pop music.) Incredible art, almost psychedelic at times, very tongue-in-cheek, and some people even find the story interesting. (Bastard!! started out as a short story, Wizard, which became a full-time manga due to popular demand.) Bakuen Campus Guardress $BGz1j#C#A#M#P#U#S%,!<%I%l%9(B - currently serialized on Virtual Jump. A monthly dose of color sketches, character designs and other scribblings, which became the basis for an OAV series. Hagiwara's collaborator in this project is Akahori Satoru $@$"$+$[$j$5$H$k(B, best known for the equally vapid manga Bakuretsu Hunter $@Gz$l$D%O%s%?!<(B (currently serialized on Gao, 1993-present, 3 volumes @ Y560). ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Hara Tetsuo $@86E/IW(B Hara's work on Hokuto no Ken was a landmark for the second generation of action/violence mangas. It became the model for numerous other manga-kas working within the genre, notably Saruwatari Tetsuya and Miyashita Akira $@5\2<$"$-$i(B (known best for Sakigake!! Otokojuku $@3!(B!!$@CK=N(B, serialized on Shonen Jump 1986-91, 34 volumes @ Y390). Hara also did character designs for CapCom's Muscle Bomber arcade game. ------------------------ Hokuto no Ken $@KLEM$N7}(B [Fist of the North Star] - serialized on Shonen Jump 1984-9, 27 volumes @ Y370, written by Buronson $@IpO@B:(B (alias of Fumimura Shou), 15 volumes @ Y1000. Post-apocalyptic martial arts saga. The story records the wanderings of Kenshiro, master of the Hokuto Shinken style, bound by the code of his art to protect the weak. Kenshiro is one of the all-time manga "bad-asses". A macho-manga classic. Cyber Blue $@#C#Y#B#E#R%V%k!<(B - serialized on Shonen Jump 1989-90, 4 volumes @ Y370. Mindless violence in a near-future setting. Iron Don Quixote $BE4$N%I%s%-%[!<%F(B - published by Shonen Jump, 2 volumes @ Y370. Hana no Keiji $@2V$N7D!{(B - written by Ryuukei Ichiro $@N47D0lO:(B. serialized on Shonen Jump 1990-94, 18 volumes @ Y390, Kagemusha Tokugawa Ieyasu $@1FIp!{FA@n2H9/(B - written by Ryuukei Ichiro, script by Aikawa Sho $@A=@n>:(B, serialized on Shonen Jump 1994-5, 5 volumes @ Y390. Kato Ryusei $B2VF#N6@1(B - currently serialized on Shonen Jump, 1995-present. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Hiramatsu Shinji $BJ?>>?-Fs(B Hiramatsu is one of the first generation of true action/violence manga artists, along with other veterans like Wada Shinji, Shibata Masahiro, Ikegami Ryoichi, and Kurumada Masami $@!{ED@5H~(B, creator of Saint Seiya $@@;F.;N@1Lp(B, (published by Shuueisha, 1987-91, 28 volumes @ Y390), who all debuted in the early 1970s. ------------------------ Black Angels $@%V%i%C%/%(%s%8%'%k%:(B - published by Shonen Jump 1980-4, 12 volumes @ Y600. Even by today's standards, this is a startlingly dark, bleak, violent manga about a justice-seeking hitman and his associates. It has more than enough action, sinister bad guys and occultish themes to satisfy any action manga fan. Murder License Kiba $B%^!<%@!<%i%$%;%s%92g(B - currently serialized on Super Jump, 1989-present, 22 volumes @ Y390. A team of righteous ninja assassins in today's world. Has all the usual ingredients, but it's hollow compared to his earlier work. Ricky Typhoon $@%j%C%-!=BfIw(B - published by Shuueisha, 1991-2, 5 volumes @ Y600. Doberman Detective $@%I!<%Y%k%^%s7:;v(B - published by Shuueisha, 1986-88, 19 volumes @ Y580. Monster Hunter $@%b%s%9%?!<%O%s%?!>?-FsC;JT=8(B - published by Shuueisha, 1989, Y370. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Hirano Toshihiro $@J?Ln=S90(B Kakinouchi Narumi's husband. He directed the Vampire Miyu OAVs and worked on both the Tobikage TV anime and the first Megazone 23 OAV. (born 3 October 1956, Osaka) ------------------------ Iczer Densetsu $@%$%/%5!=EA@b(B - serialized on Comic Genki, 1992, Y900. Very loosely based on the Iczer OAV series. See also: Iczer @ sunet.se ftp://ftp.sunet.se/pub/tv+movies/anime-manga/sorted/Iczer Dangaioh Legend DOLL $@??CF9oK1@;EA#D#O#L#L(B - irregularly featured on Comic Nora, 1990, 5 volumes @ Y800. Again, only a loose interpretation of the OAVs. There's no mecha, and not many other similarities, apart from the names and appearances of some characters. See also: Dangaio @ tcp.com <http://www.tcp.com/pub/anime-manga/sorted/Dangaio> Godzilla 1990 $@%4%8%i#1#9#9#0(B - published by Kadokawa Shoten, 1990, Y800. Hirano Toshihiro Character Works $@J?Ln%-%c%i%/%?!<%o!<%/%9(B - published by Bandai, 1987, Y1854. Senshojo Iczerion $@@o>/=w%$%/%;%j%*%s(B - published by Kadokawa Shoten, 1995, Y580. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Hirokane Kenshi $@907s7{;K(B A lot of Hirokane's works are critical of the society we live in. He addresses problems that we have to deal with, as we see in all of his works. His wife is Saimon Fumi, who is also a manga artist, famous for the original works of art for smash TV hits like Tokyo Love Story. ------------------------ Some of his best-known works are: Kacho Shima Kosaku $@2]D9Eg9L:n(B - written by Yajima Masao, serialized on Morning 1986-92, 17 volumes @ Y500. Kosaku Shima is a section chief of the Electronic Giant Hatsushiba. He gets involved with a lot of women, conspiracy inside the company, while he goes up and down the corporate ladder. Written in a span of nine years from 1982 to 1991, Kosaku Shima's character gradually changes from that of a normal, ambitious salaryman in the beginning as he emerges in the end to become a sort of a "super salaryman," a typical stereotype of the Japanese businessman. It has been made into a movie starring Toshihiko Tahara. Human Scramble $@?M4V8r:9E@(B - serialized on Shogakukan 1985-91, 27 volumes @ Y500. A collection of short episodes of small incidents in everyday life. It is supposed to make us think about things we rarely notice in today's information society. Haro hari Nezumi $@%O%m!=D%$j%M%:%_(B - serialized on Young Magazine 1984-9, 23 volumes @ Y500. The main character is the assistant of a private eye. He gets involved with political scandals, corporate conspiracies, etc. (Currently, this title is on a hiatus while Hirokane works on other mangas.) Last News $@%i%9%H%K%e!=%9(B - written by Inose Naoki $@Cv@%D>!{(B, published by Shogakukan, 110 volumes @ Y500. Last News is a 10 minute TV show that focuses on one event that happened on a particular day... It searches through to show what really happened, suggesting what the incidents we see every day could be like underneath. Kaji Ryusuke's Argument $@2C<#N42p$N5D(B - written by Inose Naoki, currently serialized on Mr.Magazine, 1992-present, 10 volumes @ Y500. ``Overcome by scandals time after time, Japanese politicians are shameful creatures. However, not all of them became politicians to get fortune. In fact, most of them in the beginning must have had an ambition to make the country into a better one. Yes, we must admit that we have a dark side in Japanese politics. However, I also wanted to focus on the good parts we have in Japanese politics today.'' So said Hirokane on some TV show as he was introducing this story. Kaji Ryusuke, a son of a famous Japanese poplitician, undergoes the hardship of becoming a Member of the Diet after claiming a mandate as his father's heir - in ultra-conservative Kagoshima Prefecture. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Hoshisato Mochiru $@@1N$$b$A$k(B ------------------------ Living Game $@$j$S$s$0%2!<%`(B - serialized on Big Comic Spirits, 1991, 10 volumes @ Y500. A romantic comedy about a Fuwa, a guy living in a small apartment in overcrowded Tokyo, who wants to have a place of his own. Because of a building accident in their new office building, Fuwa's company (5 employees) had to move into his apartment, right after he had moved to a larger place. And the new employee (Hiyama Izumi, a 15 year old girl) had to move into Fuwa's place, as she had just come from the country. Then Fuwa's old girlfriend Tokiko, who had already gotten married, ran away from her husband and came to Fuwa's place. Kiken ga Walking $@4m81$,%&%)!<%-%s%0!!(B - serialized on Shonen Captain, 1988-9, 4 volumes @ Y370. Ikibata Shufu Rumble $@$$$-$P$?!{IW%i%s%V%k(B - serialized on Shonen Captain, 1990, Y490. Wazuka icchomae $@$o$:$+$$$C$A$g$^$((B - serialized on Shonen Captain, 1991, Y500. Half na bun dake $@%O!<%U$JJ,$@$1!!(B - serialized on Big Comic Spirits, 1991, 2 volumes @ Y500. Kekkon shiyouyo $B7k:'$7$h$&$h(B - serialized on Big Comic Spirits, 1993-5, 6 volumes @ Y500. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Hosono Fujihiko $@:YLnITFsI'(B Hosono is at the top of an impressive manga-ka lineage. One of his assistants was Egawa Tatsuya, and one of Egawa's was Fujishima Kosuke, and one of Fujishima's was Takada Yuzo. ------------------------ Crusher Joe $B%/%i%C%7%c!<%8%g%&(B - from the novels by Takachiho Haruka $@9b@iJf(J $@MZ(B, published by Asahi Sonorama, Y500. Set in the distant future, where the Crusher teams take care of dangerous spacefaring jobs; the best team is led by Crusher Joe. Best known in the West for its spinoff characters, the Dirty Pair, who featured only briefly in the original. ------------------------ Hosono's recent works include: Itoshi no Batman $@0&$7$N%P%C%H%^%s(B - currently serialized on Big Comic Spirits, 1991-present, 11 volumes @ Y500. Mama $@%^%^(B - serialized on Young Sunday 1988-91, 9 volumes @ Y500. Gallery Fake $@%.%c%i%j!<%U%'%$%/(B - currently serialized on Big Comic Spirits, 1992-present, 7 volumes @ Y500. Gomen Asobase $@$4$a$s$"$=$P$;(B - currently serialized on Comic Burger, 1992, Y680. Nekken Musashi $BG.7}%`%5%7(B - serialized on Shonen Captain, 1992-3, 2 volumes @ Y390. Tokyo Tanteidan $@El5~C5DeCD(B - published by Shogakukan, 1991, 3 volumes @ Y780. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Hojo Tsukasa $@KL>r;J(B Another Shonen Jump celebrity of the 80's, though he hasn't had much success since City Hunter finished. (born 5th March, 1959) ------------------------ Cat's Eye $@%-%c%C%D(B$@%"%$(B - serialized on Shonen Jump 1981-4, 18 volumes @ Y360, 10 volumes @ Y1000. This is a story about three sisters in search of their lost father, who was a famous artist. They steal his works of art from museums/galleries to make him recognize their presence in the world. (It has been said that some of the techniques and methods portrayed in the manga come from a Gu Long novel about Che Lieu Xian, the master thief.) Short Story Collection 1: Gift from Angel $@E7;H$NB#$j$b$N(B - published by Shueisha, 1988, Y360. One story is about a pair of lovers always quarrelling and not admitting that they're suited for each other. But their future daughter comes and helps them realise their love. City Hunter - serialized on Shonen Jump, 1985-92, 35 volumes @ Y390. About Ryo Saeba, the sukebe troubleshooter and Kaori, his long-suffering, hammer-wielding female assistant. (Hojo was compelled to draw City Hunter because he was tired of drawing from a woman's point of view.) Jackie Chan stars in the Hong Kong movie of the same name. Sakura no Hanasaki kukoro $@:y$N2V:i$/$3$m(B - serialized on Shonen Jump, 1993, Y390. Hojo Tsukasa Illustration Collection $@KL>r;J%$%i%9%H=8(B - artbook, published by Shuueisha, 1991, Y1000. Komorebi no moto de... $@$3$b$lM[$N2<$G!D(B [Beneath the Dappled Shade] - serialized on Shonen Jump, 1993, 3 volumes @ Y390. A sensitive story about two kids: Sara, who can emphasise with plants, and Tatsuya, her friend. RASH!! - serialized on Shonen Jump, 1994-5, 2 volumes @ Y390. The main character is a Kaori-like nurse with a tendency to beat people up. Mercilessly (or mercifully) terminated by Jump editors. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Ikegami Ryoichi $@CS>eNK0l(B Debuted in 1971 with Aineo Boy, written by Koike Kazuo. One of the famous and influential realist/violence artists. He has long since given up trying to draw his own stories. Ikegami's art has been especially infleuntial in Hong Kong and Taiwan. (Curiously, Ikegami once drew a version of Spiderman.) ------------------------ Mai $@Iq(B [aka Mai the Psychic Girl] - published by Shogakukan, 1986, 3 volumes @ Y780. Story about a young, psychically gifted girl, and people who try to kidnap, kill or exploit her. (The director Tim Burton was involved in an attempt to bring a musical version of Mai to the big screen.) Crying Freeman [$@%U%j!<%^%s(B] - published by Big Comics, 1986-9, 9 volumes @ Y480. About a killer for the triads who cries whenever he kills someone. Ikegami's most best-known recent work; it's been adapted for various anime and movies. Sanctuary $@%5%s%/%A%e%"%j(B - written by Fumimura Shou $@;KB<(B $@fF(B, serialized on Big Comic Superior, 1986-95, 12 volumes @ Y500. Story about two young men working together to change the shape of Tokyo's politics - one by becoming a politician, and the other by becoming a Yakuza. Doesn't pull any punches. Offered $@%*%U%!!<%I(B - written by Koike Kazuo, published by Shogakukan, 1990-1, 4 volumes @ Y500. The main character is an "offered" of Gilgamesh, (Gilgamesh preserved his semen in an iceberg...so it survived. The grandfather of the main character for some rason was able to gain the semen..) so he goes on this trip to Agartha, where all the secrets of his birth lie. Ouritsuin Kumomaru no Shogai $@2&N)1!1@4]$N@836(B [aka Samurai Crusader: The Kumomaru Chronicles] - written by Hiroi Ooji $@9-0f2&;R(B, published by Shonen Sunday 1991-2, 3 volumes @ Y500. In the early 1930s, the son of a Japanese noble family travels to Europe to seek his fortune. But he soon becomes embroiled in the militarist conspiracy, running up against the militarists' ninja Juuzou, Chinese demons and fleets of zeppelins. Ikegami's art is as good as ever, but its awkward story proved unpopular and it ended prematurely. ------------------------ Other major works: Nobunaga $@?.D9(B - published by Shogakukan, 1988-90, 8 volumes @ Y500. I Katsuotoko Boi $@#I!&2nCK%\!<%$(B - published by Studio Ship, 1992, 9 volumes @ Y700. Otokogumi $@CKAH(B - published by Shogakukan, 9 volumes @ Y700. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Inoue Noriyoshi $@0f>e5*NI(B Inoue is another violence/action manga-ka who started in the 80s. He was one of the first to seriously use CG in his mangas, mainly for backgrounds and screentones. He is in roughly the same category as Tetsuya Saruwatari and Kano Seisaku $@3p@::n(B (artist of Brothers and Auction House $@%*!<%/%7%g%s!&%O%&%9(B). ------------------------ Mad Bull 34 $@%^%C%I!y%V%k#3#4(B - written by Koike Kazuo, serialized on Young Jump and Bears Club 1986-90, 27 volumes @ Y460. The violent exploits of New York cops. Some truly outrageous stories (many inspired by Hollywood movies). W.WOLF - written by Toban Zenji $@El:dA0Fs(B, published by Shueisha, 1993, 2 volumes @ Y600. An international investigator, possessed by the spirits of wolves, turns from a nerd to a musclebound hunk in crisis situations. Gulf Hawk $@%,%k%U$NBk(B - serialized on Young Jump 1991, 2 volumes @ Y460. About a Japanese cameraman in the Gulf War. Renkan Nihon-shoki $@O"4DF|K\=q5*(B - serialized on Young Jump 1991-2, 4 volumes @ Y460. The reincarnations of the people who wrote the ancient Japanese legends channel across time to the 1990s in a quest to find the true Japanese history. THE MISSION - serialized on Young Jump 1991, Y460. Diamond Elfin $@%@%$%d%b%s%I%(%k%U%#%s(B - published by Young Jump 1991, 2 volumes @ Y460. Koryuu no mimi $B2+N6$N<*(B - currently serialized on Young Jump 1993-present, 5 volumes @ Y460. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Kinutani Yu $@0aC+M7(B A manga-ka working in the SF/fantasy genre. His former assistants include Shiro Ono $B$7$m!=BgLn(B (artist of Shiro Dasaku Gekijo $B$7$m!=BL:n7`>l(B) and Yoshitomi Akihito $@5HIY><?N(B (who continued as Kinutani's assistant after starting Lone Knight $@%m!<%s%J%$%H(B). Kinutani's art superficially resembles Otomo Katsuhiro's, but his stories are much weaker. ------------------------ Angel Arm $B%(%s%8%'%k%"!<%`(B - currently serialized on Gao, 1991-present, 6 volumes @ Y950. SF/RPG story about a girl who develops psychic powers. Previously known as Angel Paradigm, before the demise of Comp magazine, where it began serialization. Battle In the Dark $@%P%H%k!&%$%s!&%6!&%@!<%/(B - published by Tokyo Sanseisha, Y710. Crush $@%/%i%C%7%e(B - published by Tokyo Sanseisha, 6 volumes @ Y690. Scion $@%7%*%s(B - published by Tokyo Sanseisha, 1988-present, 3 volumes @ Y690. Aura Battler Dunbine Ihen Exile Saga $@@;@o;N%@%s%P%$%s0[JQ%(%0%6%$%k!&%5!<%,(B - published by Bandai, 1990, Y900. Seirei Senshi $@@;Nn@o;N(B - published by Tokyo Sanseisha, 1988, Y690. Korirunai Lonely Boys $@D($j$J$$%m%s%j!<%\!<%$%:(B - published by Tokyo Sanseisha, 1990, Y750. Final Fantasy III $@%U%!%$%J%k%U%!%s%?%8!<(JIII - published by Kadokawa Shoten, 1991, Y950. Yukyu no Fudensetsu $@M*5W$NIwEA@b(B - published by Kadokawa Shoten, 1991, Y920. New Beginning $@%K%e!=!&%S%.%K%s%0(B - published by Tokyo Sanseisha, 1993, Y750. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Itsuki Natsumi $@!{$J$D$_(B A shojo manga-ka. ------------------------ Oz - published by Hakusensha 1990-92, 4 volumes @ Y700. On the 15th of October 1990, World War III breaks out. It only lasts for 40 minutes, but industrial establishments were nearly wiped out by the 1000 megatonnes of nuclear weapons used in the war. The Earth was then cloaked by in a nuclear winter which lasted for 6 months, and all the grain plants died. Each government fell into anarchy and transport and communication networks could not be restored easily. Soon, declarations of state establishment from the citizens in various areas came one after another, and America was split into 6 parts, adding other unapproved small states, it was divided into more than 20 countries. The story is set in 2021, 31 years after World War III. Filicia Epstein, a bionics genius, came to Sabano and Sergent Mutou was ordered to protect her. Searching for her only brother, Lyon, Filicia encountered with 1019, a cybernoid, who directed them to the phantom city, OZ, which is a shelter created by Lyon. As the story unfolds, they gradually realised what `OZ' actually was... Very loosely based on some parts of The Wizard of Oz. Two OAVs were made. ``Great story, excellent art, interesting characters, pretty girls, handsome guys, action and romance, this story deals with life and death, meaning of life, the search for oneself, the journey, the ideal, the truth and the deceit, natural and artificial environment, technology, and the meaning behind it.'' Passion Parade $@%Q%C%7%g%s!&%Q%l!<%I(B - serialized on Hana to Yume, 1987-89, 6 volumes @ Y370. Eccentric City $@%(%-%;%s%H%j%C%/!&%7%F%#(B - serialized on Hana to Yume, 1989, Y360. Hanasakkeru Seishonen $B2V:i$1$k@D>/G/(B - serialized on Hana to Yume, 1990, 10 volumes @ Y390. Marcello Monogatari $@%^%k%A%'%mJ*8l(B - serialized on Hana to Yume, 1991, 2 wide-ban volumes @ Y1300. Yakumo Tatsu $@H,1@N)$D(B - serialized on Hana to Yume, 1992, 3 volumes @ Y390. Juosei $B=C2&@1(B - published by Hakusensha, 1994, 2 volumes @ Y700. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Iwaaki Hitoshi $@4dL@(B $@6Q(B A seinen-manga horror artist. Iwaaki's art is simple, powerful and sensitive, going against the 90s trend towards flashy pictures and vapid plots. He cites Tezuka as his main influence. (born 1959?) ------------------------ Kiseiju $@4s@8=C(B [lit. Parasite Beasts] - serialized on Afternoon, 1990-present, 8 volumes @ Y500. One day, mysterious spores float down to Earth, their origin unknown. They invade animal and human hosts, assimilating their brains, and controlling their nervous systems. One attempts to invade 17-year-old Shinichi via his arm, but Shinichi blocks it off, and it assimilates his right arm instead. It learns Japanese overnight by reading books, and Shinichi christens him `Miggy' [`Righty'], and as they both struggle to survive, a strange symbiotic relationship develops. A story loosely in the tradition of Day of the Triffids and Invasion of the Body Snatchers. Kiseiju became a runaway success, winning Kodansha's 1993 award for best manga. Despite its occasional horrific gore, it has a compelling, suspenseful atmosphere. Unlike many recent SF mangas, it does not insult the reader's intelligence. The treatment of human relationships is quite moving, and has even been compared to shojo manga. It ended abruptly with the words, "Leaning on something...until the end of a life...". Director James Cameron has apparently acquired the film rights. Fuko no Iru Mise $@Iw;R$N$$$kE9(B - serialized on Morning 1987-8, 4 volumes @ Y480. Hone no Oto $B9|$N2;(B [The sound of bone] - published by Kodansha, 1990, Y500. A selection of short stories. The title comes from the ending of one story, where two lovers decide to throw themselves under a train. (Apparently, reading this manga helps to understand the ending of Kiseiju..) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Kakinouchi Narumi $@3@LnFb@.H~(B Hirano Toshihiro's wife. Kakinouchi and Hirano collaborated on a book called Mermaid Trip. (born 21 March, Osaka) ------------------------ Vampire Princess Miyu $@5[7lI1(J($@%t%!%s%Q%$%d(J)$@H~!{(B - published by Akita Shoten, 1989, 5 volumes @ Y580. Himiko, a spiritualist, discovers that dark shinma (spirit-demons) are being quietly banished by a vampire girl called Miyu and her companion, Larva. However, Miyu and Larva aren't acting for the good of humanity. An understated, spooky series. There is a Miyu novel, written by Kakinouchi, and set after the events of the Miyu manga. A special manga is included as the final chapter. See also: Vampire Miyu Anime Picture Gallery <http://csclub.uwaterloo.ca/u/mlvanbie/miyu/vmapg.html> Vampire Yui $@5[7lI1M<0](B - published by Akita Shoten 1989-92, 2 volumes @ Y850. New Vampire Miyu $@?7!&5[7lI1(J($@%t%!%s%Q%$%d(J) - published by Akita Shoten 1990-present, 4 volumes @ Y850. Deals with the shinma friends of Larva before he became the servant of Miyu. Cordname wa Charmer $@%3!<%I%M!<%`$O#C#H#A#R#M#E#R(B - published by Akita Shoten, 1990-3, 3 volumes @ Y850. About psychic highschool students. Mengenso $BLL88A[(B - published by Gakushuu Kenkyuusha, 1994, Y500. Gogo 3-toki no Maho $B8a8e#3;~$NKbK!(B - irregularly featured on Afternoon, 1993-present, Y500. Le Masque - irregularly featured on Margaret, 2 volumes @ Y390. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Kanzaki Masaomi $B?@:j>-5p(B A competent but otherwise undistinguished action/fantasy manga-ka, who debuted in the mid-80s. (born 1964, debut 1985) ------------------------ Xenon $B=E5!9CJ<%<%N%s(B - published by Shogakukan, 4 volumes @ Y370. A dramatic story set in contemporary Japan, about a guy with amnesia, who finds out he was turned into a super-cyborg in a corporate weapon research program. He goes on a mission of revenge. A little shallow, perhaps, but a good example of shonen SF/action mangas. Streetfighter II: Ryu $@%9%H%j!=%H%U%!%$%?!=(BII-RYU - published by Famimaga, 1993-present, 3 volumes @ Y490. A manga spin-off of the phemonenally successful computer game. There are other manga versions, especially the 4-koma ones, but this is probably the best - not that that's saying much. Kaze - currently serialized on Shonen Captain 1992-present, 8 volumes @ Y500. Ash Geene $@%"%7%e!&%.!<%M(B - serialized on Shonen Sunday 1987, Y360. Seimono ga yoru yatte kuru $@@;!{$,Lk$d$C$F$/$k(B - published by Wings, Y490. Hunter - published by Shogakukan, 1989, Y500. Gun Crisis - published by Read-sha, 1991, Y500. Saikyo Muteki!! Dokonjo Ichizoku $@:G6/L5E((J!!$@%I:,@-0l2H(B - published by Enix, 1992, Y450. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Katsura Masakazu $@7K@5OB(B Another Shonen Jump rising star of the 1980s, who achieved recognition with Wingman. His art direction skill (especially his use of screentones) and cute girls have made him popular with Western manga fans. Katsura has also done character designs for $@&)'A&)&!(B, the anime based on Zeiram, a live-action movie conceived by Amemiya Keita $B1+5\7DB@(B. ------------------------ Wingman $@0&B"HG%&%$%s%0%^%s(B - serialized on Shonen Jump 1986, 12 volumes @ Y390, 7 wide-ban volumes @ Y1000. One day, a guy finds a girl dressed up in weird costumes.... one of her belongings was a Dream Note - whatever written in it becomes true. He drew a fictional character called Wingman.... which he transforms into when a bunch of bad guys from another world come to attack the strange girl he found. Chokidoin Vander $BD65!F00w%t%!%s%@!<(B - published by Shonen Jump 1986, 2 wide-ban volumes @ Y600. A guy and a girl transform to become the Vander - the hyper-policeman. They go on a mission to fight the aliens who had come from outer space to conquer Earth. Video Girl $@EE1F>/=w(B - published by Shonen Jump 1990-93, 15 volumes @ Y390. Yota isn't liked by girls, so one day he rents a videotape which promises a night with the cute Amano Ai. When he plays the tape, Ai walks out of the video screen and into Yota's life. Shuueisha withdrew volumes 3 and 5 from sale, so that some of the artwork could be ``corrected'' (in most cases, this was merely the addition of strategically-placed underwear). There was nothing particularly explicit, but some scenes were judged to be unsuitable for Shonen Jump's typical "boys and girls" audience. Volumes 1-13 are Video Girl Ai, while volumes 14-15 are Video Girl Len (a different story set some years after VGA, with a brief appearance from Yota). The VGA novels were illustrated by Katsura and written by Sukehiro Tomota. They feature the four "den'ei shojo" of VGA plus two new "den'ei shojo", Kagetori You and Kayama Yume. See also: VGA homepage <http://www.eecs.umich.edu/~warrenf/vgai.html> D.N.A2 - serialized on Shonen Jump, 1993-4, 5 volumes @ Y390. In the future, the earth suffers an enormous overpopulation problem, all due to one ``megaplayboy''. An agent, Aoi Karin, is sent back in time to avert this disaster by altering the DNA of the megaplayboy, who turns out to be an ordinary high school student, Momonari Junta. He has a ``female allergy'' which stops him getting anywhere near girls, but all that changes after Karin accidentally shoots him with the wrong DNA control medicine. An interesting premise, executed with Katsura's professionalism, but it never quite recovered from some long and dreary fighting scenes. See also: D.N.A2 homepage <http://www.tcp.com/doi/peter/down1/tv/dna_94000.html> Present from Lemon $@%W%l%<%s%H!&%U%m%`#L#E#M#O#N(B - published by Shonen Jump 1988, 2 volumes @ Y370. Masakazu Collection $@7K@5OB%3%l%/%7%g%s(B - published by Shonen Jump 1989, 2 volumes @ Y880. Shadow Lady - irregularly featured on Virtual Jump and subsequently Shonen Jump, 1992-present. Katsura Masakazu Tampenshuu ZETMAN $B7K@5OBC;JT=8(B - published by Sh\ueisha, 1995, Y390. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Kawaguchi Kaiji $@$+$o$0$A$+$$$8(B One of the current leading seinen-manga pros. Kawaguchi has a crisp, effective and distinctive style. (born 27 July 1958) ------------------------ Medusa $@%a%G%e!<%5(B - serialized on Big Comics, 1990, 12 volumes @ Y500. The story starts in 1969, when the student movement in Japan was at its peak. Chinmoku no Kantai $@D@L[$N4OBb(B [The Silent Service] - currently serialized on Morning, 1989-present, 28 volumes @ Y500. The advanced US nuclear submarine `Seabat' is taken over by a Japanese crew, and renamed `Yamato'. It then proceeds to waste a large portion of the superpowers' fleets. This manga has some infamy (being mentioned in the Diet), and is slightly derivative of The Hunt for Red October. Lots of suspense, politics, and well-done naval warfare scenes. However, it suffers from long and dull lapses in the action (partially due to Kawaguchi idling while military photographers took him to court for copying their work). The ending was determined by a Morning readers' poll. Kawaguchi Kaiji no sekai $@$+$o$0$A$+$$$8$N@$3&(B - published by Matsubunkan $@>>J84[(B, 1994, Y1980. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Kikuchi Hideyuki $@5FCO=(9T(B Kikuchi is a novelist, not a manga artist. But he sometimes writes stories for manga, and several manga and anime have been based on his novels. Actually, he is one of two most famous novelists of the horror/action (sex/violence) genre. Unfortunately, for those who cannot read Japanese, his best works are among the ones which are available only as novels. <Shinjuku> seems to be his favorite setting. ------------------------ Novels Yoju Toshi $BME2x=CET;T(B [lit. Supernatural Beast City] - 3 volumes. The OVA only dealt with the first volume. (The baby of Makie and Taki was born in the third volume.) There is also a Hong Kong live-action movie. Demonic War in New York - 2 volumes. Sequel to Yoju Toshi. Makai Toshi <Shinjuku> Mato Babylon- Sequel to Makai Toshi <Shinjuku>. Aki Setsura, the Man-Searcher - 12 volumes. Mephisto, the Doctor of Demon City - 12 volumes. Makai Keiji $@Kb3&7:;v(B [Detective of Demon City] - 2 volumes. (All the above stories are set in <Shinjuku>.) Vampire Hunter D 7 volumes. Killer Name Kaze no Na wa Amnesia ------------------------ Manga Makai Toshi Hunter $@Kb3&ET;T%O%s%?!<(B - drawn by Hosoma Shinichi $@:YGO?.0l(B, serialized on Shonen Champion 1984-9, 17 volumes @ Y380. Loosely based on the novel Makai Toshi <Shinjuku>. It had many interesting characters and fascinating ideas in the beginning but its ending was really lame. Hosoma Shinichi's art was adequate, but not spectacular. Recommended if you're interested in a nonsensical violence/fantasy/sci-fi mixture. Makai Gakuen $@Kb3&3X1`(B art by Hosoma Shinichi, - serialized on Shonen Champion 1984-93, 21 volumes @ Y390. Another violence/sci-fi/fantasy manga from the Kikuchi/Hosoma team. Same old story with slighty different characters. Majin Gakuen $@Kb?@3X1`(B 9 volumes @ Y390. Western Bungei-cho $@%&%(%9%?%sIp7]D"(B - art by JET, published by Asahi Sonorama, Y880. Dark Side Blues $@%@!<%/%5%$%I%V%k!<%9(B - published by Akita Shoten, 2 volumes @ Y1240. Mokushiroku Senshi $@L[<(O?@o;N(B - art by Hosoma Shinichi, serialized on Shonen Captain, 1993, Y390. Jashin Sensen Restorer Boy $B!{?@@o@~%j%9%H%i!&%\!=%$(B - serialized on Shonen Captain, 1993, 2 volumes @ Y390. Majin Keiji - art by Hosoma Shinichi, 1995, Y390. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Kishiro Yukito $@LZ>k$f$-$H(B At 17, he won one of Shuueisha's manga contests, but opted to go onto art school instead of ploughing straight into the manga industry. Kishiro has admitted to being influenced by Western SF/action movies (eg. the Mad Max series), and unusually, some Western comics (eg. The Dark Knight Returns). He did a few short stories prior to Gunnm, none of which have been republished. They are: title # pages year publisher Kaiyousei 32 1988 Shougakukan Hito 31 1988 Kadokawa Shoten Dai-Mashin 40 1989 Shougakukan Mirai Tokyo Head Man 40 1989 Kadokawa Shoten Uchuu Kaizoku Shonendan60 1990 Kadokawa Shoten (born 20 March 1967, Tokyo; debut 1984) ------------------------ Gunnm $@=FL4(B [aka Battle Angel Alita] - serialized on Business Jump, 1991-1995, 9 volumes @ Y500. In the future, land-dwellers eke out a living from the garbage discarded by Zalem, a giant city which floats above them. Ido Daisuke finds a girl's intact head amongst the flotsam, and attaches it to a military-grade android body, christening her Gally. To Ido's surprise, Gally turns out to have the mindset and abilities of a crack soldier. Gally embarks on a long, bloody journey to reach Zalem, the unreachable utopia, and uncover the mystery of her origins. A unique manga with elements of the cyberpunk/action/martial arts/SF genres. Unfortunately, it was rudely terminated with a slapdash ending, like Kiseiju. Despite this, Kishiro's art and storytelling ability is undeniably another step forward for the manga industry. See also: Gunnm homepage <http://www.cs.purdue.edu/homes/pappasnw/anime/gunnm.html> ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Kitagawa Sho $@$-$?$,$ofF(B Kitagawa, as he describes himself, is a very tall, muscular, dark skinned fellow, and yet he's a major shojo manga fan (and that caused him some embarrassing moments in bookstores in his high school years). His art reflects the shojo influence, and yet his stories are tailored for men. He started drawing manga at age 13. (born 28 June) ------------------------ Nineteen $@%J%$%s%F%#!<%s(B - serialized on Young Jump 1989-91, 12 volumes @ Y600. Commenced when the artist was only 21 years old, and yet it shows surprising maturity in both style and story. Most importantly, Kitagawa captured the essence of the age bordering adolescence and adulthood. In a sense, 19 is the GQ of manga. Our hero, Kubota Kazushi, will have his heart broken three times (and his virginity intact) before he finds a steady love, and that's just half of the story. The story can be very light hearted, and then very depressing sometimes. The tone is, IMHO, overall melancholic. Comparing with some other bland shonen stuffs that are out there, 19 scores far above the field. B.B. Fish $@%U%#%C%7%e(B - serialized on Young Jump 1991-4, 15 volumes @ Y600. More fantasy oriented, and it rivals other YJ series in degree of H-ness. Unfortunately, BBF doesn't have a well defined theme as Nineteen. It's trying to tell a love story, fantasy story, sports story, and a mystery story all at the same time. (NB: This is not to be confused with Yoshida Akemi's best-selling Banana Fish.) PURE - serialized on Margaret 1986, Y370. Teens shiyoka $@%F%#!<%s%:$7$h$&$+(B - serialized on Young Jump 1988, Y580. Eccentricity $@%(%-%;%s%H%j%C%/%7%F%#(B - serialized on Margaret 1989, Y370. Kitagawa Sho Illustration Book $@$-$?$,$ofF%$%i%9%H%V%C%/(B - artbook, published by Shuueisha, 1993, Y1800. C - currently serialized on Young Jump 1994, 6 volumes @ Y600. Moeko Ganbarimasu $BK(;R$,$s$P$j$^$9(B - currently serialized on Margaret, Y390. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Koga Yun $@9b2O$f$s(B A shojo manga-ka whose art is known for its distinctive, fluid linework. She was apparently a dojinshi artist for quite some time before turning pro. A daughter was born to her in May 1994. (born 9 July 1965, debut 1988, married 8 July 1992) ------------------------ Alice [$@$"$j$9(B] in Wonderland - serialized on Comic Val, 1989, 2 volumes @ Y530. A prince from Wonderland is about to decide who he shall marry, but he doesn't feel that he loves any of his brides-to-be. So he asked his personal advisor, who is also a wizard, to let him go to the human world and try his luck. The wizard agreed, but the prince has to go as a dog, he can only turn back as a prince only twice while he was there and most of all he cannot tell his name to the woman he wishes to get married with, or otherwise he won't be able to marry her. The prince agreeed to the terms. The wizard turned him into a puppy. The prince was picked up by Alice, a girl who loves dogs, she has a lot of dogs in her house. The prince falls in love with her. Later that night, he changed himself back to his human shape while she was asleep. But, Alice woke up and asked who he was. The dumb prince slipped his tongue and told her his name. So what happened then is that he still bring her back to Wonderland. He planned to stay with her even if they can't get married. Then the story goes on..... You're My Only Shinin' Star - published by Kodansha, 1991, Y420. An SF/fantasy mook about moon people with big insect-like wings. At that time, it's magic that rules. The main character Thomas is the greatest magician on earth. At that time, women are the ones who are working and they are the ones who protect the men. Humans had conquered the moon already, and killed all the moon people, because the moon people have a special power. The main female character is the last of the moon people. Thomas is actually a moon-person as well, but no one knows about it. It turns out that there is a guy within the heroine. It was a spell that happened during the war between the moon people and earth, so now they are actually two people in one. So Thomas has to show her that he really loves her, even though she is actually a guy sometimes. Genji $@8;;a(B - currently published by Shinshokan, 1988-present, 9 volumes @ Y490. Ebata Katsumi, 16 years old, 1st year student of Senior Highschool. Following his love Sakura, he went to the mysterious dimension of Japan and got involved in the fight between Genji and Heike. The actual historical epic took place in the Heian and Kamakura era, but the manga is somehow set in modern Japan where the characters can even go to Shinjuku. Katsumi looked very like Minamoto no Yoritomo who just passed away so the Minamoto family made him to be the fake Minamoto no Yorimoto so that the people from Heike family wouldn't know about it. The story depicts life and death in the Kamakura bakufu. In addition, there is supposedly a hard-to-find dojinshi, Genji Koushiki Guidebook $B8;;a8x<0%,%$%I%V%C%/(B. Earthian $@%"!<%7%"%s(B currently - published by Shinshokan, 1988-present, 5 volumes @ Y490. `Earthian' is the term for people living on earth. This story is about `angels' from the planet Eden, who have been inspecting Earthians for more than 5 billion years. They are divided into 2 groups, `plus checkers' whose job is to find good points about Earthians, and `minus checkers' whose job is to find bad points about Earthians. They always go in pairs. If the bad points reach 10,000 (the score system is not important in the story and Koga Yun did not really explain it in detail), Earth will be destroyed by the Angels. All the angels are white in colour; white hair, white eyes and white wings, except one with black hair, black eyes and black wings. (Black is considered to be a unlucky colour on Planet Eden.) His name is Chihaya, and he is a plus checker. He went to earth with a minus checker called Kagetsuya, and the story is about the different people and events they came across on Earth. Flexible Sensation There is a group of aliens whose spaceship has lain crashed on earth for centuries. This group of alien is pretty weird. Each individual is composed of two bodies, and a male one and a female one. The male character was a descendant of the alien, without his other half, he is like a normal human. Other aliens try to get him to combine with her sister, so he can return to his alien form. Rorakaizaa $@%m!<%i%+%$%6!<(B - published by Akita Shoten, 1992, 4 volumes @ Y390. One of Yun's more sexually heavy manga. No sex, but has plenty of sexual tensions. There are strange beings that live in a slightly different dimension above Earth. To them, humans are "Oni (demons)". They fear them, a little, but humans are their main meal during the mating season that happens once every 500 years. Sasame, who has been ashamed of his "ugly" body, acquired a beautiful body from Nene, who suicided. Nene gave her soul to Akaza, Sasame's arch-enemy. Akaza placed a deep scar mark on Sasame's, and ergo Nene's, beautiful body before he went down to Earth with the "Sky Above"'s only female, Yuuko. The mating season is on, and if the "Sky Above"'s only female does not mate with the "Sky Above"'s King, the species will die out (Only the King can mate with the female. Akaza took Yuuko only because Yuuko claimed that she loved him.). By the order of the "Sky Above"'s King and by his own unquenching anger and hatred toward Akaza, Sasame heads down to Earth to confront Akaza and get back Yuuko. Thus begins Sasame and Akaza's strange dance of love and hate. Yunn's theme in this manga is "What is love" (again) and "If you loved someone so much that you didn't want him/her to forget your existence for even one second of their life, then extreme hate is stronger than love", meaning, extreme hatred is very close to maddening love. And hate is definitely a stronger emotion than love... [MN] CYCLAND - published by B.N.M., Y1030. A book of essays. SSS.SPECIAL - published by Shinshokan, Y1200. A book of paintings. Love Songs $@%i%V!&%=%s%0%9(B - published by Shinshokan, 1989, 2 volumes @ Y1240. Books of paintings. B-Type Union $@#B7?F1LA(B - serialized on Newtype, 1989, Y780. Safran Zero Beat $@%5%U%i%s!&%<%m!&%S!<%H(B - serialized on Wings, 1993, Y580. Kodomo-tachi wa yoru no Junin $@;R6!$?$A$OLk$N=;?M(B - published by Tairiku Shobou, 1990, 2 volumes @ Y500. Yajo Teikoku $@Lk>nDk9q(B - published by Akita Shoten, 1989, Y380. Ren-ai $@Lk>nDk9q(B - published by Akita Shoten, 1989, 2 volumes @ Y380. Choju Densetsu Gestalt $@D6=CEA@b%2%7%e%?%k%H(B - currently serialized on Gangan Fantasy, 1993, 2 volumes @ Y780. Mind Size $@%^%$%s%I%5%$%:(B - published by Kobunsha, 1988, 2 volumes @ Y500. Kiga Ichizoku $B522n0lB2(B - published by Gakushu, 1994, Y500. Yoseijiken $BME@:;v7o(B - irregularly featured on Afternoon, 1994, Y780. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Kuruma Shinichi $BMhN14V?50l(B (now known as Aki Kyoma $B=)(B $B63K`(B.) ------------------------ Yami Garishi $B0G!{$j;N(B - published by Tokuma Shoten, 1985, Y360. His debut, influenced by the Yumemakura Baku $@L4Km`S(B novel, was quite popular among Shonen Captain readers, and led to Majinden, his original manga. Majinden $BKb?MEA(B - serialized on Shonen Captain, 1985-8, 4 volumes @ Y370. In the OAV Shin-Majinden [Battle Royal Highschool], Riki Hyodo (school karate champion) and Toshimitsu Yuki (lone swordsman) are possessed by a sorcerer and a sprite queen from another dimension. They battle for control of both worlds, as Zankan (a special agent from an orbiting space station) attempts to stop them. The OAV covers vol.1 of the manga, and is fairly different. The manga eventually progresses to a `virtual reality' battle. Demons Attack Company $BKb=C7k!{(B - currently serialized on Shonen Captain 1992-present, 6 volumes @ Y390. Occult cyberpunk. This title was started after he changed his name to Aki Kyoma. FOUNDATION - published by Hobby Japan, 1994, Y980. A compilation of four short stories with martial arts themes: a werewolf cop, a cyber-cop who uses `dead force' to battle demons, a cop who uses mantis style kung-fu and a Garo Densetsu story. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Kusunoki Kei $@Fo7K(B A young, pretty (enough to compete with idol singers) manga-ka who works in the horror and comedy genres. She was one of a group of manga-kas (including Kanzaki Masaomi, Hosono Fujihiko, Kitazaki Taku, Nobe Toshio and Suzumiya Wayu) who featured on Shonen Big, the now-defunct forerunner of Young Sunday. Kusunoki Kei's twin sister, Ohashi Kaoru $@Bg6670(B - her real name - is also a decent manga artist. Their artistic styles are more similar than their appearance. ------------------------ Headbutt Sleeping Beauty $@$V$A$+$^$7L2$jI1(B - serialized on Asuka 1992, Y390. This is about a girl who walks around when she sleeps, which becomes a problem when she falls in love with a guy whose mother was abandoned by his father because she was a sleepwalker! A comedy manga. Yagami-kun no katei no jijou $@H,?@$/$s$N2HDm$N;v>p(B [Yagami's family matters] - serialized on Shonen Sunday Monthly, 1990, 7 volumes @ Y390, 4 wide-ban volumes @ Y680. "Yagami's mother has an appearance like a 16 year old cute girl and Yagami was at first embarrassed by this, but then he couldn't help falling in love (or lust?) with his own mother. He declared himself as "mother-con" (Oedipus complex). With all his classmates, his teacher, a delinquent juvenile all falling in love with his mom, and an OL who fell in love with his father, and Yagami having a cute biker girlfriend, and on top of that, a schoolmate (male) who looks nearly exactly like his mother. The story depicts the "normal" life of Yagami-kun and his family matters... "The manga itself is very well written, with a style distinctively Kusunoki Kei's. Unique layout and panelling, filled with fun and jokes, the story is very interesting. Definitely KK's best comedy manga." [CM] "Well, in short, the mother looks like she's 14, and the kid is "openly" in love with her - loli x motha-con. His teacher, too, is in love with her mother, and so the love rivals duke it out in classroom, as well as plotting the downfall of their common enemy, his father. The father has a secretary who is in love with him. But once she discovered that he has such a "young" wife she turned her attention to his son, who is now torn between his own mother and a naive, motorbike riding girlfriend. Later on the class gets a new student who looks exactly like the mother, whom everybody falls for. Except the student is a he.... "This manga managed to remain innocent while pushing the boundary of family values. In mere 7 volumes, YFA packs more punch than series twice its lengths. It's the manga of choice on a desert island. For me, that is. ^_^ "Yagami-kun OAV has a good chance of being the only anime of which the production video (tagged along with some episode) is more interesting than the anime itself. And they weren't kidding about ``Low budget manga spinoff anime aimed at exploiting the existing fan base.''" [DM] Onikogome $B54Kb(B - serialized on Wings 1985, Y910. Yoshimaru $B5H:W(B - published by Shogakukan, 1986, Y370. Tatoeba konna Yurei Kidan $@$?$H$($P$3$s$JM)Nn4qCL(B - serialized on Ribbon, 1987, Y360. Kusunoki Gekijo $@Fo7`>l(B - serialized on Wings, 1988, Y780. Aishite Frozen $@Nx$7$F%U%m!<%:%s(B - serialized on Ribbon, 1988, Y360. Momotaro ma iru! $@EmB@O:$^$$$k!*(B - serialized on Ribbon, 1989, Y370. Gokushado $B9v1jF2(B - serialized on Wings, Y780. Kusunoki Kei Kessaku Tampenshu $@Fo7K7f:nC;JT=8(B - published by Shogakukan, 1990, Y370. etc. - published by Shinshokan, 1991, Y1200. Gomen nasai Power $@$4$a$s$J$5$$$3(B$@$Q$o$"(B - serialized on Ribbon, 1991, Y390. Akumade Rabucome $@$"$/$^$G%i%V%3%a(B - currently serialized on Ribbon, 1992-present, 4 volumes @ Y390. Circus Wonder $@%5!<%+%9!&%o%s%@!<(B - serialized on Ribbon, 1991, Y390. Jinro Kusagami $@?MO5Ap;f(B - serialized on Wings, 1991, 3 volumes @ Y390. Yoma $@MEKb(B - serialized on Ribbon, 2 volumes @ Y370. Daitogai ni hoero $@BgET2q$K$[$($m(B - serialized on Asuka, 1992-present, 5 volumes @ Y390. Onikirimaru [aka Ogre Slayer] $B54@Z4](B - published by Shogakukan, 1992-present, 7 volumes @ Y390. Migiko Nipponichi!! $B$_$.$3F|K\0l!*!*(B - serialized on Ribbon, 1995, Y390. Crime City - published by Kadokawa Shoten, 1995, �. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Manabe Johji $@??Fi>y<#(B A self-confessed otaku. ------------------------ Powerful Mazegohan $@%Q%o%U%k(B$@$^$<$4$O$s(B - published by Byakuya Shobo, 2 volumes @ Y850. This anthology is a collection of Manabe's earliest work, back when his drawing style was more like Matsumoto Leiji's. Each volume has a full-color short story for an opener, and also includes several X-rated pencil sketches of Kahm, Mian, Khada, and several others. Not suitable for people under 18. The Key of Graciale $@%0%i%7%'!<%k$N80(B - published by Hakusensha, 1984-1989, Y880. A collection of short stories, a few of which were the source material for Outlanders. The nuclear war story The Last Shelter marks the original appearance of the character Raisa Vogel. Capricorn $@%+%W%j%3%s(B - published by Shinshokan, 5 volumes @ Y490. About the quest of a dragon-girl named Mohna and her human friend Taku (who is transformed into a huge dragon in mid-series), to save Earth (the ``Capricorn'' of the title) and Moon from colliding when a dimensional anchor separating the two is misused by the warlord Zolba. Dora $@%I!<%i(B - serialized on Wings, 1987, Y880. A collection of short stories, most of which follow the adventures of the one-eyed female mercenary Khada. Junk Party $@%8%c%s%/%Q!<%F%#(B - published by Kadokawa Shoten, 1991, Y920. A schoolgirl gets kidnapped by a bunch of dark-skinned humanoids with insect wings and antennae, but she makes friends with them, and both races learn a little about each others' way of life. Galaxy Warring State Chronicle Rai $@6d2O@o9q72M:EA%i%$(B - currently serialized on Comp 1991-present, 10 volumes @ Y980, 16 wide-ban volumes @ Y390. A space opera with a setting reminiscent of Japan's Warring State Era, following the life and times of the samurai Rai, and the quest of several spacefaring factions for control of territory and, of course, the Empire. (It's an interesting mix of feudal Chinese/Japanese custom and space-going technologies, and several of the warships are reminiscent of biomech designs from Outlanders.) Jamka's Great Adventure $@E\Es!*%8%c%`%+$NBgKA81(B - currently serialized on Wings, 1992-present, 5 volumes @ Y490. This may be his best work (other than Rai), though Outlanders is pretty close. It's a pirate adventure, with the required trappings of a beautiful admiral's daughter who may be the best ship captain chasing Jamuka the pirate; a princess whose country has been invaded; her loyal retainer, who starts out as a Samurai until Rai needs to rescue her from a flooding compartment; A pirate captain who's really pretti ly drawn and likes to dance, with or without sword; etc. This is a really nice book, because it has lots of humor and characters that, like Rai & Shion or Kahm-sama and Tetsuya, you get to really, really like. [MC] Outlanders $@%"%&%H%i%s%@!<%:(B - published by Hakusensha, 1986-87, 2 wide-ban volumes @ Y1700. Ten no kamigami-tachi $@E7$N?@!9$?$A(B - serialized on Kadokawa Shoten, 1989, Y490. Caravan Kidd $@%-%c%i%P%s!&%-%C%I(B - published by Hakusensha, 1987, 2 wide-ban volumes @ Y1400. Biba Usagi Kozo $@%S%P!y$&$5$.>.AN(B - serialized on Nora, 1993, 3 volumes @ Y850. Chuka Ichiban $@Cf2Z0lHV(B - published by Kadokawa Shoten, 1993, Y550. Dorakuun $B%I%i%/%%!<%s!]N5I1!{!](B - published by Kadokawa Shoten, 1993, 3 volumes @ Y900. Gosei douji Ran $B8n@1F8;R%i%s(B - published by Kobunsha, Y400, 1995. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Maki Koji $@4,Mh8y;N(B Maki Koji's mangas have certain uniqueness and creativity, although his knowledge of mythology and occultism is shallow and his character design ability is limited. He can write decent short to medium length stories but he just cannot write long, consistent stories. This was very obvious in Godsider, the manga that made him famous (he had two unsuccessful mangas in Shonen Jump before Godsider). ------------------------ Mikisutori $@%_%-%9%H%j(B - currently serialized on Super Jump, 1991-present, 12 volumes @ Y500. Mikisutori is an archaeologist who was searching an Aztec tomb, but an abnormal virus turned him into a reincarnation of an Aztec god. His wife was turned into a cripple, and he works as a hitman so that he can pay for her operation. Metal K $@%a%?%k#K(B - published by Shonen Jump, 1987, Y370. Godsider $@%4%C%I%5%$%@!<(B - published by Shonen Jump 1988-9, 8 volumes @ Y370. The Green Eyes $@%6!&%0%j!<%s%"%$%:(B - published by Shonen Jump 1990, 3 volumes @ Y370. Kikai Senshi Gilfer $@5!3#@o;N%.%k%U%!!<(B - published by Super Jump, 1992, Y900. Magic Paradise $@%^%8%C%/%Q%i%@%$%9(B - published by Super Jump, 1992, Y500. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Maruo Suehiro $B4]HxKv9-(B Maruo's treatment of themes like sadism, decay and human brutality is highly disturbing, definitely not intended for the girls-and-guns otaku audience. His art has a totalitarian feel, clearly influenced by traditional and contemporary Japanese design. (Maruo's main influence was Toshio Saeki.) Most of Maruo's manga have been published by Seirindo, and are now mostly out of print. (Unavailable titles include National Kid $@%J%7%g%J%k%-%C%I(B, DDT, Yume no Q-saku, Bara-iro no Youbutsu and $Bi,i/?'%N2xJ*(B. Shoujo-baki $B>/=wDX(B has been reprinted recently.) ------------------------ Inugami Hakase [Professor Dog-Talisman] $B8$?@Gn;N(B - published by Akita Shten, 1994, Y880. The story of an Onmyouji (Master of Yin-Yang Tao) who deals with various fringe occultists, and their horrific practices. Not for the faint-hearted. Kaze no Matenro $@Iw$NK`E>O:(B - published by Tokuma Shoten, 1994, Y880. ------------------------ Some of Maruo's short stories include: Planet of the Jap (29 pages) Japan wins WW2, conquers US. Denki Ari (35 pages) The ultimate modernist nightmare. A high school boy is trapped studying for his entrance exams in industrial suroundings, of monstrous machines and thunderous clangs; he loses his sanity. Gansaku Denki Ari (21 pages) Dadaist cyberpunk-sci fi. Android man in business suit quests for his former self in a desolate urban landscape. Die Andere Seite (14 pages) One of Maruo's most artistic works. Surrealist collage of post-WW2 reconstruction, drawing from images worldwide. Apaprition (8 pages) Son kills his mother, when his long-last dad walks in posing as an encyclopedia salesman. Moon Desert (8 pages) Boy gets lost in desert. Completely meaningless work. Cough (16 pages) Japanese drug dealer in contemporary US runs pot for other Japanese tourists; clinical still-life (lifeless) depiction of modern America (circa 1980s). Suneko Tanpako (8 pages) S&M sex between grown woman & dwarf man (around 50). Shonen Gaho (10 pages) Horrific account of little-boy life in 1950s Japan, getting his picture- cards stolen, witnessing his parents' sex, traumatized by a horror movie, drinking Vitamin-D fortified skim milk in school (w/ low retention rate). SOS Boy (25 pages) Avoidant-personality disorder boy, his drug-addict unemployed dad, his comatose & pregnant mom, live surrounded by an industrial-complex nightmare. Goodbye-Hoffman (30 pages) His prototype idea for a adventure serial (which apparently never materialized); boy-hero (& his sister & dad) can transform himself into anybody by contorting his face. Protects company president's brat son, for an extraordinary fee. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Matsumoto Izumi $@$^$D$b$H@t(B Matsumoto has gained more praise for picking assistants than for anything he actually drew - his former helpers include Hagiwara and Okazaki. These days, Matsumoto has become something of a bbs/computer otaku, and reputedly took his modem to Anime Expo '94 (in the US). (NIFTY-ID: mxa03072) ------------------------ Kimagure Orange Road $@$-$^$0$l%*%l%s!y%8%m!<%I(B - serialized on Shonen Jump 1984-8, 1 volumes @ Y390, 10 volumes @ Y1000. A romantic comedy centering on the love triangle between naive, indecisive Kyosuke), who loves bad girl Madoka; her best friend Hikaru loves Kyosuke. Kyosuke's family has psychic powers, too. As the title implies, the mood of the manga is kimagure (whimsical, fickle, capricious), a ``corny teen love comedy'' whose characters and situations won over many Western fans. The manga formed the basis for a movie, 8 OAVs and a 48-episode TV series, with character designs by Takada Akemi. The KOR novel released in 1994, New Kimagure Orange Road, combines the endings of the manga, TV and movie, and goes on from there. It features a 20 year old Madoka, and all other major characters except Yusaku. Matsumoto did the basic story and did several pages of illustrations, while Terada Kenji, screenwriter of the TV series, did the actual writing. It has less of the kimagure feel, with descriptions of sex, etc. See also: o KOR Homepage <http://ghost.pc.cc.cmu.edu/kor/> o Shin-KOR Homepage <http://www.teleport.com/~wakefiel/KOR/KORhome.html> Sesame Street $@$;$5$_!z$9$H$j!<$H(B - serialized on Super Jump 1990-2, 3 volumes @ Y600. Another love triangle (quadrangle?), consisting of a ronin, his sister-in-law, a virgin widow, a 17 high-school girl who likes him. Like KOR, the ending was badly botched. "The story starts out with a wedding. The oldest son of the family is getting married. He will inherit the family business, which is in the grocery trade in the same location in downtown Tokyo since the Meiji era. My Japanese isn't good enough to be sure, but it looks like he is called away on some urgent business even before he can go on his honeymoon. The next scene is a funeral. Seems that the plane he was on crashed with no survivors, although apparently his body was never specifically identified (that idea comes later in the story). "The main character is the younger son, Fujiya Keiki, 18, and he studying to get into college. His mother has been dead for some time. His grandmother lives with them, and they have a boarder - a 16 year old high-school girl named Karin. Soon his sister-in-law (Chitose) moves in with them because she can't handle the rent alone. Turns out she's 19, and can't decide whether to "be faithful" to her dead husband, or to get on with her life. Keiki is expected to treat both of the girls like sisters, and is finding it increasingly hard. They are both cute, especially Karin. Keiki is in a band, and runs into a few aggressive "groupies"... "There's a story series in vol.2 were a company is trying to buy out the Fujiya store location. The rep conned Keiki into doing something he shouldn't have (some sort of promise to sell). The rep has also picked up on Chitose (and trying to date her), and at first no one is aware of the relationships. "It looks like Keiki gets into college at the end of vol2. Chitose is apparently either in college or going back to college, and Karin is certainly planning to go. Karin seems to like living in the Fujiya household so much that she doesn't want to go home. She apparently has some sort of a crush on Keiki." [SH] Matsumoto Izumi Tampenshu Graffiti $@$^$D$b$H@tC;JT=8!!%0%i%U%#%F%#(B - published by Shueisha, 1989, Y370. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Matsumoto Leiji $@>>K\Nm;N(B Matsumoto's art might take some getting used to, but he is renowned for coming up with great stories and brilliant new concepts. Debuting in 1954, he has authored nearly thirty mangas; we list a few of the important ones here. One of Matsumoto Leiji's former assistants is Sen'no Knife $@@iG7%J%$%U(B, who was also an assistant of Maki Miyako $@=!H~CR;R(B. He went solo in the mid-80s and enjoyed modest success with Yami no Silhouette $@0G$N%7%k%(%C%H(B (published by Akita Shoten, 1987-92, 4 volumes @ Y390). ------------------------ Space Cruiser Yamato $@1'Ch@o4O%d%^%H(B [aka Star Blazers] - published by Akita Shoten, 2 volumes @ Y1100. The hulk of an ancient battleship, Yamato, is rebuilt as a space warship to defend the earth from alien forces. Became the catalyst for a major animation boon in the mid-70s, being made into several movies, all theatrical releases. The TV series was hacked up and dubbed into English, and became one of the few Japanese TV animes that achieved some recognition with Western audiences, joining Jungle Emperor [aka Kimba], Speed Racer, and Macross [aka Robotech]. Galaxy Express 999 $@6d2OE4F;(B999 - published by Shogakukan 10 volumes @ Y1200. A classic, regarded as Leiji Matsumoto's master work. Matsumoto's message of "the strength of the human spirit" comes through strongest in Galaxy Express 999 than in any of his other works. The artwork may seem too loose and sloppy to some but it's a stylistic thing; it grows on you. Check out his mecha though--really amazing. This and Space Cruiser Yamato (also by Matsumoto) are probably the major factors behind the SF-boom (still ongoing) of the early 80's. Space Pirate Captain Harlock $@%-%c%W%F%s%O!<%m%C%/(B [aka Albator] - published by Akita Shoten, 3 volumes @ Y1000. Muo no Hosomichi $@L41|(B$@$N:YF;(B - published by Shogakukan, 1991, Y500. The Millenium Queen $@@iG/=w2&(B - published by Shogakukan, 2 volumes @ Y1200. Queen Esmeralda $@%/%#!<%s%(%a%i%k%@%9(B - published by Kodansha, 2 volumes @ Y1000. Hard Metal $@%O!<%I%a%?%k(B - published by Shogakukan, 1986-9, 3 volumes @ Y500. Hyoryu Kansen 000 $@I:N.44@~#0#0#0(B - published by Taitosha, 1994, 2 volumes @ Y900. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- <> -- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Edited by Steve Pearl- Moderator, rec.arts.anime.info Email submissions to anime-info@cybercomm.net and questions about the newsgroup to anime-info-request@cybercomm.net User Contributions: |
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