2020 EDIT: Reread as an adult.
'Questors' remains a three-star, but is no longer on my shelf. Nowadays I am very uncomfortable with the handling of gender in the book. Cam, a child who supposedly won't have a gender until puberty, could be read as non-binary, but the characters and the narrative keep referring to Cam as "it", instead of using "they/them" or other pronouns. It's disgusting and dehumanising, like Cam can't be seen as fully human until they are either a boy or a girl. I know 'Questors' was published in 2007, but that's no excuse; this strict binary code/divide - you must be male or female, so as to be treated as such according to (socially constructed) "guidelines" (actual wording that's said in the book), based on your genitalia, and there are no other options and spectrums in sex and gender - it is a reprehensible and dangerous message in a children's book. It's transphobic to the extreme to boot. And 'Questors' thinks it's subverting gender roles!
It's a shame because otherwise 'Questors' is quite funny and witty, with memorable and colourful characters. But it is also largely underdeveloped.
Like, there are hardly any scenes with the three Questor children, Madlen, Bryn and Cam, and their Agent mother Kate. Kate only had them as part of a grand master plan to bring the three worlds of this book's universe back into balance - it was her duty, nothing more. How does she feel about all of this? I don't have a clue. She doesn't seem to care one way or the other. There is nary a family bonding moment or an emotional touch between her and her children who might get killed on their quests; it's a shafted blip on the radar. We never even find out who the children's fathers are.
The hero children, who had remained ignorant of their destiny - and of each other's existence - at the beginning, are forced on their quest far too quickly, with no training, no preparation, no weapons, and no briefing on any basic survival skills whatsoever. They don't even have time to change their clothes. A couple of chapters of exposition is all that's given. Any "rush" in a story involving time travel is rendered moot to begin with; it completely negates the saying "There's no time! Hurry!".
Yes, there are a lot of time travel confusions and plot holes. Plus incredibly stupid adult characters, but maybe that was the point?
These are the least of the book's problems, however. The mental illness and autism rep in 'Questors' is deeply troubling and problematic. As in, it's perceived in villainous or blameworthy characters. Perhaps unintentionally, it's viewed as dangerous and a threat to all civilisation.
Again, 2007, no excuse. &%!$£$£%! that.
There are some typos as well (Cam is referred to as a "her" once. Oops. Better than "it" though).
It's a little sad that some books from my childhood are turning out to be not as good as I remembered. But at least I have more space on my bookshelf now. Tee hee.
Final Score: 3/5
P.S. Why does every adult female in 'Questors' have to have a male love interest, or have a man be smitten with them sexually? Ugh! And young Bryn had found Kate alluring and sexy before finding out she's his mother; AND at one point he hits on a nurse, Serena, while he's injured and bedridden, and she blushes and almost encourages him! ARRRRRGH!
Original Review:
'If you can't find a hero, then you have to make one. When things are desperate, you'll try anything.' - back blurb of 2007 hardcover.
After reading Neil Gaiman's latest book for children, 'Fortunately, the Milk...', I've looked back on other random, creative and fantastical books - ones from my childhood.
Fact: I still own my old hardback copy of 'Questors', bought on a whim one fine school day. Despite being a confusing mess in some places, I remember it so fondly that I can't bring myself to give it away.
'Questors' is a story about three Worlds out of balance. The space-time continuum is about to shift and go kablooey. So a council of people with a total disregard for the ethical and moral issues of genetic engineering decide that the best solution is to create three Heroes, born from one mother, and send each of them to live in one of the three Worlds. Because logic and cosmic fun don't mix. A time-shifting danger lurks and arrives too early for the titular Questors to be ready to save everything and everyone. They must find the three Objects of Power from the Worlds in order to restore balance. Upon learning their true identities and the mission which is the reason for their existing, young Madlen and Bryn and Cam must put aside their differences and grievances so they can work together. They travel and fight to retrieve what will save their home Worlds from destruction.
The Heroes discover within themselves their respective skills and magical gifts, and they have to use them fast, for a villain called the Preceptor is determined to stop them on their quest...
Almost nothing in 'Questors' makes sense when put into questioning. However, I think that the interesting characters and funny fantasy elements save it from being just another forgettable kid's book published amidst the 'Harry Potter' craze. It is rather similar to 'Harry Potter', in fact, but not distractingly so. Madlen is the big sister and no-nonsense leader of the Questors; the Hermione Granger of the team. Bryn is the stubborn, roughly-dressed and sometimes cheeky younger brother from the war World; he possesses a heart of gold and an artist's soul. Cam is a sensitive, nature-loving kid of no gender - he/she will develop into a boy or a girl once he/she reaches puberty. An original coming-of-age tale is at play here, along with a nature-versus-nurture subtext.
Other characters - the adults of the council, to be precise - are also funny, and are even heartwarming to read about individually. The trauma the three child heroes go through is put into consideration, and their interactions with each other are splendidly written. There is even an unexpected plot twist revealed at the end, and it suits the silliness of the rest of the book.
Time travel, a boarding school, zombies, a hatchet, sexist dragons, ice mountains, apples, planes, and dreams that tell your destiny; such is the content of the action-sci-fi-fantasy, 'Questors'. I enjoyed it a lot more than I did 'A Wrinkle in Time', another similar book. There is a mysticism and winsome aspect to 'Questors' that makes it more endearing. While I wouldn't really call it a "good" book in terms of a well-written and well-structured story, it succeeds in having a spark that shines through the characters and creative settings. At least it's never boring, which saves it from the fade of mediocrity.
Hardly anyone has ever heard of 'Questors'. I'd say check it out if you have the time. You might be surprised.
Final Score: 3/5
Sunday, 31 August 2014
Book Review - 'Fortunately, the Milk...' by Neil Gaiman (Writer), Chris Riddell (Illustrator)
2023 EDIT: Part of my 2023 clear-up, of books I no longer like, or am no longer interested in, or remember well as standing out, or find as special anymore, or I otherwise will not miss.
Final Score: 3.5/5
Original Review:
A fun little book for children and for adults to read aloud to children to brighten their day, for it can be read in one day. Aided by Chris Riddell's illustrations, I can really see 'Fortunately, the Milk...' being made into a cartoon series. It's a roller coaster ride and spectacularly silly, and the talented Neil Gaiman knows this and runs wild with his latest idea for a children's story (liberties left unchecked, because he's Neil Gaiman).
It starts off as a normal account of two ordinary children not having any milk for their breakfast cereal. Dad, left in charge without Mum, goes to the corner shop to get the milk. He takes ages apparently. And when he comes back, he tells of the most extraordinary account of his day to his kids.
'Fortunately, the Milk...' has everything that young boys and girls know and love: aliens, pirates, time travel (plot relevant, and Gaiman's involvement with 'Doctor Who' shows here), dinosaurs, volcanoes, ponies, vampires ("wumpires" ha ha), and piranhas; all in one condensed barrel of laughs.
What I find to be particularly funny about 'Fortunately, the Milk...', aside from the craziness that ensues from a boring routine task, is that the dad (who in the illustrations looks suspiciously like Gaiman himself) is rather nonchalant about the whole thing. No matter how serious or hopeless things get, his top priority is the milk bought at a corner shop not far from his home. He isn't a passive spectator, and does stuff to get himself out of tricky situations - perhaps inadvertently making history along the way. Dad and the milk go through so much, and might even end up saving the universe together...
There are many other amazeballs characters, such as Professor Steg the stegosaurus scientist, who has a balloon with a time machine in it that's powered by mundane junk and stones. Everyone is hilarious and barmy, and even the dad's kids are cute and make a solid presence in the book - and they act only as the listeners of Dad's story (they could be considered the chorus, if the story were a Greek play).
'Fortunately, the Milk...' - worth the read just to get one's creative juices bubbling. It's also a lot cleverer than it first appears; real effectual thought was put into it, as shown with the foreshadowing of the images in the first few pages. This story about milk proves that there is brilliance in weirdness, and that you can write a book about absolutely anything.
Mad as the Mad Hatter, Neil Gaiman's recent book for younger readers - plus his other book for adults, 'The Ocean at the End of the Lane' - are pure entertainment and wonder.
Final Score: 4/5
Final Score: 3.5/5
Original Review:
A fun little book for children and for adults to read aloud to children to brighten their day, for it can be read in one day. Aided by Chris Riddell's illustrations, I can really see 'Fortunately, the Milk...' being made into a cartoon series. It's a roller coaster ride and spectacularly silly, and the talented Neil Gaiman knows this and runs wild with his latest idea for a children's story (liberties left unchecked, because he's Neil Gaiman).
It starts off as a normal account of two ordinary children not having any milk for their breakfast cereal. Dad, left in charge without Mum, goes to the corner shop to get the milk. He takes ages apparently. And when he comes back, he tells of the most extraordinary account of his day to his kids.
'Fortunately, the Milk...' has everything that young boys and girls know and love: aliens, pirates, time travel (plot relevant, and Gaiman's involvement with 'Doctor Who' shows here), dinosaurs, volcanoes, ponies, vampires ("wumpires" ha ha), and piranhas; all in one condensed barrel of laughs.
What I find to be particularly funny about 'Fortunately, the Milk...', aside from the craziness that ensues from a boring routine task, is that the dad (who in the illustrations looks suspiciously like Gaiman himself) is rather nonchalant about the whole thing. No matter how serious or hopeless things get, his top priority is the milk bought at a corner shop not far from his home. He isn't a passive spectator, and does stuff to get himself out of tricky situations - perhaps inadvertently making history along the way. Dad and the milk go through so much, and might even end up saving the universe together...
There are many other amazeballs characters, such as Professor Steg the stegosaurus scientist, who has a balloon with a time machine in it that's powered by mundane junk and stones. Everyone is hilarious and barmy, and even the dad's kids are cute and make a solid presence in the book - and they act only as the listeners of Dad's story (they could be considered the chorus, if the story were a Greek play).
'Fortunately, the Milk...' - worth the read just to get one's creative juices bubbling. It's also a lot cleverer than it first appears; real effectual thought was put into it, as shown with the foreshadowing of the images in the first few pages. This story about milk proves that there is brilliance in weirdness, and that you can write a book about absolutely anything.
Mad as the Mad Hatter, Neil Gaiman's recent book for younger readers - plus his other book for adults, 'The Ocean at the End of the Lane' - are pure entertainment and wonder.
Final Score: 4/5
Saturday, 30 August 2014
Book Review - 'Princess Academy' by Shannon Hale
2021 EDIT: 'Princess Academy' is a lovely, bountiful, funny, lived-in and soulful book. The realness of its world! The female power! The amount of life lessons that can be learned from it!
Everything is easy to picture and follow without over-descriptions, and I was never bored. I could feel the weather conditions, the rock, the stones, the crags, the songs, the air, the sweetness of the worldbuilding. I didn't even mind there being no straightforward plot structure throughout. The events felt more real that way.
I adore young Miri. She's a fantastic heroine. Brave, smart, bold, practical, and hilarious! What a great, well developed and blossoming daughter, sister and friend to have. She grows like the strong, tiny flower she was named after.
I remember almost nothing about 'Princess Academy' from my first read, bizarrely, but to relive it again is a huge treat. Thank goodness, too, as many of my previous rereads of books I liked in the past had been a bust. I was beginning to despair of reading; like maybe books were no longer my thing. But now I can relay my fears, and I feel more confident that I'll enjoy reading again. Books like 'Princess Academy', a light-but-no-less-magical-fantasy for all ages, make it worth it.
Peder is still an ass. Thankfully the romance subplot doesn't overshadow other developments, scenarios, and themes; such as bigotry, female friendships, families, community, and home being where the heart is.
The monarchy in the story is barely criticised, though. Shannon Hale seems to glorify being a princess, or at least she paints it as being worth it, a bit too much in her princess stories.
And where are the characters who are explicitly POC? A book about people who live on mountains, quarries, and far off, rustic lands, and no one is described as being naturally dark-skinned, without a tan? Really?
Yet somehow, I still love 'Princess Academy' with all my heart, in spite of its flaws.
Final Score: 4.5/5
Original Review:
'Princess Academy' is a wonderful and exceptionally well-written book for both children and adults. It reminded me of 'Alanna: The First Adventure' in its mark on feminist fantasy fiction, but without the swords and sorcery; 'Princess Academy' is more subtle in communicating its magic. It also reminded me strongly of 'A Little Princess', where a group of girls in an oppressive boarding school work off each other and develop and grow to become friends instead of rivals.
'Princess Academy' really has it all when telling a story for children. Beneath its colourful, flowery highland surface, it addresses important universal themes. These include family love and trust, friendship, loving yourself and what you have, not judging someone before knowing them, fighting corruption, challenging an unfair class system, educating yourself and others, seeing the value in a person when he/she uses a skill selflessly, and the theme of happy endings being earned through committed use of hard work and bravery. Recognising and believing in one's strengths is the overall message in this priceless quarry treasure of a novel.
From what I've read of Shannon Hale's work so far, she is a writer of smart fantasy. Aside from being creative with her plot points and elements, she adds layers to her stories that relate to the social and ethical issues of the real world in intricate stitches. She also describes settings beautifully, and in ways which are true to her main characters in how they feel about their surroundings. She recognises the symbolism in colours, plants, animals and the weather, and she paints them in her pages so vividly I could almost see and even smell them myself whilst reading. Woven in is the avid explanations of how her characters are feeling and why. Recollecting old memories is an effective tool to make the readers care about book characters and see and even wish them to be real; and Shannon Hale understands this. She understands people. Reading her stories is a joyous, imaginative and eye-opening experience and I am glad that I've finally given her a chance. She is a remarkable author, and sure to become a new favourite of mine.
One character in 'Princess Academy' I want to talk about in great praise is the protagonist, Miri. She is just fantastic. Fourteen-years-old and small for her age, she feels she is an outcast in her mountain village of Mount Eskel, and in her own family. But she is far from introverted. She tells jokes - genuinely funny ones - to lighten the mood in the worst situation. She is sarcastic and sometimes rude, materialistic and judgmental, but she grows out of it. Miri, for a so-called primitive mountain girl, is very smart and observant; in fact a lot of the female characters in this book are. Each are wonderful and real in their own way, but spunky little Miri, who simply wishes to be someone of worth in her existence, might just be the most important person her village will ever be in need of. Even if she doesn't become a princess at the princess academy and marry a prince, she is still loved by all who know her.
Miri's major flaws are her naivete concerning lowlander behaviour and her dishonesty about her feelings, but her development - with her courage to fight for her people and to improve her own person - are such fun to read about. This heroine's biggest accomplishment is her discovering new ways to communicate with people positively (which includes telepathy through rocks, called quarry-speech); and new ways to express herself.
I rooted for Miri all the way - princess or not, she does stuff! I also love how she is not conventionally pretty; never a fair maiden. Though however plain she might be described, that she wears her hair in braids is adorable.
Miri's relationship with the former lowlander girl, Britta, is one of the best written in the book, in my opinion, along with Miri's relationship with her father and sister. Miri first sees Britta as being beneath her because she's a lowlander who keeps to herself. She thinks Britta is a smug showoff and that, as a lowlander, she must be looking her nose down on the mountain girls (yeah, see the hypocrisy there?). But when talking to and educating one another outside of the academy classroom at breaktime, an unexpected alliance blossoms; built on respect and a familiar sense of justice. A revelation about Britta that comes at the very end of the novel shows Shannon Hale's subtle use of foreshadowing and gift of writing in plot twists at just the right, smack-bang moment.
Blossoming, familiar, warm and sweet are yet more words that best describe 'Princess Academy'.
It's not perfect, though nothing is. I didn't care a big deal about Miri's relationship with her childhood-friend-turned-love-interest, Peder. It didn't feel as well-developed as the other bonds she forms, and Peder came across as a stubborn, possessive stalker. Aside from his good looks, why does Miri like him? I know she's fourteen but I'd have thought she's smarter than that. Although I quite like that the conclusion to their relationship was left up to the reader, with no concrete resolution. Nothing feels forced or contrived then.
Also, the lessons taught at the princess academy are not given much written attention or thought - that the school itself is so small doesn't help. But at least the subjects become important to the plot; the mountain girls learn to read and about how commerce works.
A lovely tale full of songs, mountains, kingdom landscapes, nature magic, realistic characters and societies and customs; fantasy readers of all ages are sure to adore 'Princess Academy'. More than a great story, it has a great big heart as well, with something to learn from in each carefully-crafted chapter.
Pretty as a picture, the novel ultimately teaches girls - whether they be would-be princesses, rustic mountain squatters or whatever background they come from - that they can be themselves, and that they also have the power within to improve themselves if they have to or want to. For the good of others, and of their homeland.
Final Score: 4.5/5
Everything is easy to picture and follow without over-descriptions, and I was never bored. I could feel the weather conditions, the rock, the stones, the crags, the songs, the air, the sweetness of the worldbuilding. I didn't even mind there being no straightforward plot structure throughout. The events felt more real that way.
I adore young Miri. She's a fantastic heroine. Brave, smart, bold, practical, and hilarious! What a great, well developed and blossoming daughter, sister and friend to have. She grows like the strong, tiny flower she was named after.
I remember almost nothing about 'Princess Academy' from my first read, bizarrely, but to relive it again is a huge treat. Thank goodness, too, as many of my previous rereads of books I liked in the past had been a bust. I was beginning to despair of reading; like maybe books were no longer my thing. But now I can relay my fears, and I feel more confident that I'll enjoy reading again. Books like 'Princess Academy', a light-but-no-less-magical-fantasy for all ages, make it worth it.
Peder is still an ass. Thankfully the romance subplot doesn't overshadow other developments, scenarios, and themes; such as bigotry, female friendships, families, community, and home being where the heart is.
The monarchy in the story is barely criticised, though. Shannon Hale seems to glorify being a princess, or at least she paints it as being worth it, a bit too much in her princess stories.
And where are the characters who are explicitly POC? A book about people who live on mountains, quarries, and far off, rustic lands, and no one is described as being naturally dark-skinned, without a tan? Really?
Yet somehow, I still love 'Princess Academy' with all my heart, in spite of its flaws.
Final Score: 4.5/5
Original Review:
'Princess Academy' is a wonderful and exceptionally well-written book for both children and adults. It reminded me of 'Alanna: The First Adventure' in its mark on feminist fantasy fiction, but without the swords and sorcery; 'Princess Academy' is more subtle in communicating its magic. It also reminded me strongly of 'A Little Princess', where a group of girls in an oppressive boarding school work off each other and develop and grow to become friends instead of rivals.
'Princess Academy' really has it all when telling a story for children. Beneath its colourful, flowery highland surface, it addresses important universal themes. These include family love and trust, friendship, loving yourself and what you have, not judging someone before knowing them, fighting corruption, challenging an unfair class system, educating yourself and others, seeing the value in a person when he/she uses a skill selflessly, and the theme of happy endings being earned through committed use of hard work and bravery. Recognising and believing in one's strengths is the overall message in this priceless quarry treasure of a novel.
From what I've read of Shannon Hale's work so far, she is a writer of smart fantasy. Aside from being creative with her plot points and elements, she adds layers to her stories that relate to the social and ethical issues of the real world in intricate stitches. She also describes settings beautifully, and in ways which are true to her main characters in how they feel about their surroundings. She recognises the symbolism in colours, plants, animals and the weather, and she paints them in her pages so vividly I could almost see and even smell them myself whilst reading. Woven in is the avid explanations of how her characters are feeling and why. Recollecting old memories is an effective tool to make the readers care about book characters and see and even wish them to be real; and Shannon Hale understands this. She understands people. Reading her stories is a joyous, imaginative and eye-opening experience and I am glad that I've finally given her a chance. She is a remarkable author, and sure to become a new favourite of mine.
One character in 'Princess Academy' I want to talk about in great praise is the protagonist, Miri. She is just fantastic. Fourteen-years-old and small for her age, she feels she is an outcast in her mountain village of Mount Eskel, and in her own family. But she is far from introverted. She tells jokes - genuinely funny ones - to lighten the mood in the worst situation. She is sarcastic and sometimes rude, materialistic and judgmental, but she grows out of it. Miri, for a so-called primitive mountain girl, is very smart and observant; in fact a lot of the female characters in this book are. Each are wonderful and real in their own way, but spunky little Miri, who simply wishes to be someone of worth in her existence, might just be the most important person her village will ever be in need of. Even if she doesn't become a princess at the princess academy and marry a prince, she is still loved by all who know her.
Miri's major flaws are her naivete concerning lowlander behaviour and her dishonesty about her feelings, but her development - with her courage to fight for her people and to improve her own person - are such fun to read about. This heroine's biggest accomplishment is her discovering new ways to communicate with people positively (which includes telepathy through rocks, called quarry-speech); and new ways to express herself.
I rooted for Miri all the way - princess or not, she does stuff! I also love how she is not conventionally pretty; never a fair maiden. Though however plain she might be described, that she wears her hair in braids is adorable.
Miri's relationship with the former lowlander girl, Britta, is one of the best written in the book, in my opinion, along with Miri's relationship with her father and sister. Miri first sees Britta as being beneath her because she's a lowlander who keeps to herself. She thinks Britta is a smug showoff and that, as a lowlander, she must be looking her nose down on the mountain girls (yeah, see the hypocrisy there?). But when talking to and educating one another outside of the academy classroom at breaktime, an unexpected alliance blossoms; built on respect and a familiar sense of justice. A revelation about Britta that comes at the very end of the novel shows Shannon Hale's subtle use of foreshadowing and gift of writing in plot twists at just the right, smack-bang moment.
Blossoming, familiar, warm and sweet are yet more words that best describe 'Princess Academy'.
It's not perfect, though nothing is. I didn't care a big deal about Miri's relationship with her childhood-friend-turned-love-interest, Peder. It didn't feel as well-developed as the other bonds she forms, and Peder came across as a stubborn, possessive stalker. Aside from his good looks, why does Miri like him? I know she's fourteen but I'd have thought she's smarter than that. Although I quite like that the conclusion to their relationship was left up to the reader, with no concrete resolution. Nothing feels forced or contrived then.
Also, the lessons taught at the princess academy are not given much written attention or thought - that the school itself is so small doesn't help. But at least the subjects become important to the plot; the mountain girls learn to read and about how commerce works.
A lovely tale full of songs, mountains, kingdom landscapes, nature magic, realistic characters and societies and customs; fantasy readers of all ages are sure to adore 'Princess Academy'. More than a great story, it has a great big heart as well, with something to learn from in each carefully-crafted chapter.
Pretty as a picture, the novel ultimately teaches girls - whether they be would-be princesses, rustic mountain squatters or whatever background they come from - that they can be themselves, and that they also have the power within to improve themselves if they have to or want to. For the good of others, and of their homeland.
Final Score: 4.5/5
Monday, 25 August 2014
Non-Fiction Book Review - 'The Making of Evita' by Alan Parker, Madonna (Introduction)
'It's not easy making movies and it's certainly not glamorous. The manic, tormented hard work, the long, upside-down hours, and being constantly ankle deep in pig shit is the reality. But sometimes it's really worth it.' - Alan Parker, director of 'Evita', 1996.
A good companion to the motion picture, which, while not for everyone, is one of my all-time favourite films, based on my favourite musical (and I'm not even a fan of Andrew Lloyd Webber).
I love musicals, I love huge, passionate spectacles, and I love important female figures and their impact on history. I also appreciate the queen of pop Madonna for her singing and dancing talent, and her strong, dedicated presence both on screen and in this behind-the-scenes book. She writes the introduction. Then Alan Parker writes about Eva Perón's life, and the passion and difficulties faced when making a film version of 'Evita', which is a musical as controversial as the real Evita had been.
The majority of 'The Making of Evita' is pictures taken from the film - plot point by plot point - accompanied by text explaining what is happening in a major musical movie about the exploits of the Argentine First Lady and political leader, Eva Perón. There are also a few backstage photos of the director, and sketches taken from his notebooks.
With so much going on in the development and filming of 'Evita', its 'Making Of' book doesn't contain much to scream about overall. It's a big companion book only 128 pages long. However, fans of the movie and the musical are sure to get something out of it. A worthy musical collectable.
Final Score: 4/5
A good companion to the motion picture, which, while not for everyone, is one of my all-time favourite films, based on my favourite musical (and I'm not even a fan of Andrew Lloyd Webber).
I love musicals, I love huge, passionate spectacles, and I love important female figures and their impact on history. I also appreciate the queen of pop Madonna for her singing and dancing talent, and her strong, dedicated presence both on screen and in this behind-the-scenes book. She writes the introduction. Then Alan Parker writes about Eva Perón's life, and the passion and difficulties faced when making a film version of 'Evita', which is a musical as controversial as the real Evita had been.
The majority of 'The Making of Evita' is pictures taken from the film - plot point by plot point - accompanied by text explaining what is happening in a major musical movie about the exploits of the Argentine First Lady and political leader, Eva Perón. There are also a few backstage photos of the director, and sketches taken from his notebooks.
With so much going on in the development and filming of 'Evita', its 'Making Of' book doesn't contain much to scream about overall. It's a big companion book only 128 pages long. However, fans of the movie and the musical are sure to get something out of it. A worthy musical collectable.
Final Score: 4/5
Book Review - 'Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them' by J.K. Rowling
2023 EDIT: Part of my 2023 clear-up, of books I no longer like, or am no longer interested in, or remember well as standing out, or find as special anymore, or I otherwise will not miss.
[I think I have finally outgrown this series and fandom, and I can no longer in good conscience support it, thanks to She-Who-Shall-Not-Be-Named. My once-love of the franchise has turned sour; I am disenchanted, disinterested, and I can't look at it fondly anymore. I will always have the memories, but not the books.]
Final Score: 4/5
Original Review:
Another book for any 'Harry Potter' fan's collection - the first one J.K. Rowling penned for charity. 'Newt Scamander's Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them' is a fun and enjoyable read about the "facts" concerning fictional creatures from the ever-expanding and fantastical world of 'Harry Potter' - things Muggles are not meant to know about by order of the Ministry of Magic and the Department for the Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures. But some of these "secrets" can be shared for goodwill (J.K. Rowling gives all her royalties from the sales of this book to Comic Relief).
The foreword is an account by the always-faithful and learned Hogwarts Headmaster, Albus Dumbledore. The introduction explains how wizards define what is termed a "beast", a "being", and a "spirit" - which is a more complicated issue than some might think, and has a history of controversies, debates and subsequent changes to the system (in the Wizards' Council; preceding the Ministry of Magic). Poor werewolves still get classed as beasts despite them being human most of the time.
The book also has the "author", Newt Scamander, explain why and how the 70+ magical creatures listed in his famous book are kept hidden from Muggle attention. Wizarding departments "unplot" certain areas for the more dangerous of species, and create safe habitats; similar to how we preserve natural colonies and sanctuaries for endangered animal species. There's a ban on inter-species breeding to prevent the creation of new, out-of-control creatures. Other information includes an existing control of trading of beasts and their eggs and young. And readers are introduced to the subject of Magizoology, and why it is beneficial for both wizards and Muggles.
The rest of the "guidebook" lists "beasts" and other magical creatures. From A-Z we are briefly informed of their appearance, habits, of how dangerous they are, whether they can be domesticated, where they originate, where they will most likely be found, and what they eat. There are loads of different species; not just unicorns, dragons, centaurs, snakes, merpeople, leprechauns, gnomes, fairies, imps, kelpies, griffins and hippogriffs. Some creatures are small and boring - hardly worth noting - while others are interesting, scary (looking at you Lethifolds), and even funny - such as the rude Jarveys. Hermione Granger's cat Crookshanks might be a Kneazle.
'Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them' is very humourous from a Muggle's perspective. It suggests that dodos are actually magical creatures - called Diricawls by wizards - and are not extinct after all. Some crop circles are explained away by Mooncalves. Plus, apparently, Puffskeins are popular wizard family pets because they eat your bogies. The old "Muggle's copy" of the book contains doodles by Harry Potter and Ron Weasley themselves as students; mostly making fun of Hagrid getting his giant hands on dangerous (and illegally-owned) beasts.
The number of "beasts" listed and their functions - added with a dash of good, self-aware wit - showcase once again Ms Rowling's raw talent of imagination when developing her magical world. I even wish I could study 'Care of Magical Creatures' as a witch at Hogwarts.
My few disappointments with 'Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them' are that there's barely a mention of other creatures such as the vampire, mandrake and Pygmy Puff. But maybe the former is classed as a "being", while the latter is a creation by Fred and George Weasley for their Weasley's Wizard Wheezes shop. Oh well, 'Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them' doesn't need to be longer anyway, even for its "fifty-second revised edition".
What an entertaining "guide"! And really, like all the 'Harry Potter' books, it's ultimately harmless. It's fun for a good cause.
Final Score: 4/5
[I think I have finally outgrown this series and fandom, and I can no longer in good conscience support it, thanks to She-Who-Shall-Not-Be-Named. My once-love of the franchise has turned sour; I am disenchanted, disinterested, and I can't look at it fondly anymore. I will always have the memories, but not the books.]
Final Score: 4/5
Original Review:
Another book for any 'Harry Potter' fan's collection - the first one J.K. Rowling penned for charity. 'Newt Scamander's Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them' is a fun and enjoyable read about the "facts" concerning fictional creatures from the ever-expanding and fantastical world of 'Harry Potter' - things Muggles are not meant to know about by order of the Ministry of Magic and the Department for the Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures. But some of these "secrets" can be shared for goodwill (J.K. Rowling gives all her royalties from the sales of this book to Comic Relief).
The foreword is an account by the always-faithful and learned Hogwarts Headmaster, Albus Dumbledore. The introduction explains how wizards define what is termed a "beast", a "being", and a "spirit" - which is a more complicated issue than some might think, and has a history of controversies, debates and subsequent changes to the system (in the Wizards' Council; preceding the Ministry of Magic). Poor werewolves still get classed as beasts despite them being human most of the time.
The book also has the "author", Newt Scamander, explain why and how the 70+ magical creatures listed in his famous book are kept hidden from Muggle attention. Wizarding departments "unplot" certain areas for the more dangerous of species, and create safe habitats; similar to how we preserve natural colonies and sanctuaries for endangered animal species. There's a ban on inter-species breeding to prevent the creation of new, out-of-control creatures. Other information includes an existing control of trading of beasts and their eggs and young. And readers are introduced to the subject of Magizoology, and why it is beneficial for both wizards and Muggles.
The rest of the "guidebook" lists "beasts" and other magical creatures. From A-Z we are briefly informed of their appearance, habits, of how dangerous they are, whether they can be domesticated, where they originate, where they will most likely be found, and what they eat. There are loads of different species; not just unicorns, dragons, centaurs, snakes, merpeople, leprechauns, gnomes, fairies, imps, kelpies, griffins and hippogriffs. Some creatures are small and boring - hardly worth noting - while others are interesting, scary (looking at you Lethifolds), and even funny - such as the rude Jarveys. Hermione Granger's cat Crookshanks might be a Kneazle.
'Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them' is very humourous from a Muggle's perspective. It suggests that dodos are actually magical creatures - called Diricawls by wizards - and are not extinct after all. Some crop circles are explained away by Mooncalves. Plus, apparently, Puffskeins are popular wizard family pets because they eat your bogies. The old "Muggle's copy" of the book contains doodles by Harry Potter and Ron Weasley themselves as students; mostly making fun of Hagrid getting his giant hands on dangerous (and illegally-owned) beasts.
The number of "beasts" listed and their functions - added with a dash of good, self-aware wit - showcase once again Ms Rowling's raw talent of imagination when developing her magical world. I even wish I could study 'Care of Magical Creatures' as a witch at Hogwarts.
My few disappointments with 'Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them' are that there's barely a mention of other creatures such as the vampire, mandrake and Pygmy Puff. But maybe the former is classed as a "being", while the latter is a creation by Fred and George Weasley for their Weasley's Wizard Wheezes shop. Oh well, 'Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them' doesn't need to be longer anyway, even for its "fifty-second revised edition".
What an entertaining "guide"! And really, like all the 'Harry Potter' books, it's ultimately harmless. It's fun for a good cause.
Final Score: 4/5
Sunday, 24 August 2014
Manga Review - 'Chibi Vampire Airmail' by Yuna Kagesaki
2022 EDIT: Changing my rating to suit my feelings about 'Chibi Vampire' as a whole (click here for more).
Final Score: 3/5
Original Review:
Recommended only for fans of the 'Chibi Vampire' (or 'Karin') manga and anime. The mangaka cranks her special brand of comedy and horror up to eleven in her 'Airmail', with the prominent theme of understanding relationships and romances. The Airmail's stories - each in a chapter - don't all connect to the series or its characters. The tales are as disgusting as they are blood-curdling and terrifying, but the whole thing is entertaining as hell; especially if you like dark, twisted humour and unconventional love.
No summary or any further details here, just a heads-up on what up-and-down tone one can expect from something relating to 'Chibi Vampire'.
Well... Enjoy!
Final Score: 4/5
Final Score: 3/5
Original Review:
Recommended only for fans of the 'Chibi Vampire' (or 'Karin') manga and anime. The mangaka cranks her special brand of comedy and horror up to eleven in her 'Airmail', with the prominent theme of understanding relationships and romances. The Airmail's stories - each in a chapter - don't all connect to the series or its characters. The tales are as disgusting as they are blood-curdling and terrifying, but the whole thing is entertaining as hell; especially if you like dark, twisted humour and unconventional love.
No summary or any further details here, just a heads-up on what up-and-down tone one can expect from something relating to 'Chibi Vampire'.
Well... Enjoy!
Final Score: 4/5
Manga Review - 'Kare Kano: His and Her Circumstances' by Masami Tsuda
2024 REREAD: You know what? I've changed my mind. This shoujo high school romance manga will always hold a special place in my heart, even if I'll never finish the whole series. I'll keep the first volume, at least.
It's a classic.
But what is up with that ending story, 'The Tiger and the Chameleon: A Promise of One Week'? It's weird and sexist, and it contradicts its own message.
Final Score: 3.5/5
Original Review:
In my opinion, 'Kare Kano: His and Her Circumstances' is one of the most underrated shoujo and slice-of-life manga series ever. A hundred years ago I stumbled across the anime version on YouTube by chance, and I've never looked back. The anime was sweet and funny. It had a lot of dark, deconstructive layers to its writing, and a good English dub to boot (featuring actors from 4Kids Entertainment; Veronica Taylor, aka Ash Ketchum, voiced Yukino Miyazawa). Naturally I read the manga as well, but only the first 9 volumes so far - roughly where the anime ended. If I have enough money in the future I'll buy more.
But for now, here's a brief summery of why I love this series:
'Kare Kano' does something that most shoujo romances rarely take a chance on: it sets up a solid relationship between the school girl and boy early, and the rest of the series revolves around the challenges that come with teenage love and how the couple fights to stay together. For example, when the teachers start to get concerned about the kids not performing as well in their studies due to them spending much of their time together. Sex is mentioned and taken seriously, though nothing graphic is shown, as it's portrayed rather gradually and healthily.
The series also doesn't just center on and develop the two main leads: 'Kare Kano' adds friendship and family dynamics to its many layers. When the leads, top "model" students Yukino Miyazawa and Soichiro Arima, learn more and more about each other and help one another overcome their personal egos and psychological insecurities - learning more about themselves along the way - they make an even better couple. Their individual circumstances - hence the series's title - are issues that slowly evolve into things to love, trust and understand in their relationship. But another bonus is that this helps them to socialise better with classmates. Before they met, Yukino and Soichiro were both popular for being exceedingly smart and beautiful, but they never tried to make close friends because of their worries over being discovered for their true selves. People might not like these once-perfect students at first for their longtime deceit, but overtime any heart can thaw. Anyone can forgive and trust again. 'Kare Kano' contains such an endearing and cute cast of characters who each get a development story arc - and who have their individual hobbies and ambitions, including writing, running and designing.
So the series may appear simple and sweet on the surface, but it is surprisingly witty, and a dark take on shoujo drama titles, especially for the mid-to-late nineties when it first came out. It is exactly what I look for in slice-of-life titles as well: what it may lack in overall plot it makes up for with interesting characters and side stories. Each volume cover features a different type of flower to symbolise a character's personality and growth.
What 'Kare Kano' teaches its readers is that people are not always what they seem in public. Learn to look past facades, and love and respect and trust what is inside. Everyone you meet may likely be struggling with life as much as you are, or more so. Be yourself! as lives can improve by socialising and understanding others as a team.
Overall, 'Kare Kano' is a lovely little high school drama manga. To me its humour, relationship dynamics, themes of maturity, and character development make it not only relevant today, but timeless. However, it might be viewed as being too simple by manga readers more used to action-packed stories. It is not for everyone, but it is for me.
Final Score: 4/5
P.S. I have heard that the anime ended prematurely because of creative differences between Gainax and the mangaka, Masami Tsuda, who thought the anime focused more on the comedy than the drama and romance. Ironically, I've always thought it was the other way round: that the manga focuses more on comedy, and the anime the drama. Hmm.
It's a classic.
But what is up with that ending story, 'The Tiger and the Chameleon: A Promise of One Week'? It's weird and sexist, and it contradicts its own message.
Final Score: 3.5/5
Original Review:
In my opinion, 'Kare Kano: His and Her Circumstances' is one of the most underrated shoujo and slice-of-life manga series ever. A hundred years ago I stumbled across the anime version on YouTube by chance, and I've never looked back. The anime was sweet and funny. It had a lot of dark, deconstructive layers to its writing, and a good English dub to boot (featuring actors from 4Kids Entertainment; Veronica Taylor, aka Ash Ketchum, voiced Yukino Miyazawa). Naturally I read the manga as well, but only the first 9 volumes so far - roughly where the anime ended. If I have enough money in the future I'll buy more.
But for now, here's a brief summery of why I love this series:
'Kare Kano' does something that most shoujo romances rarely take a chance on: it sets up a solid relationship between the school girl and boy early, and the rest of the series revolves around the challenges that come with teenage love and how the couple fights to stay together. For example, when the teachers start to get concerned about the kids not performing as well in their studies due to them spending much of their time together. Sex is mentioned and taken seriously, though nothing graphic is shown, as it's portrayed rather gradually and healthily.
The series also doesn't just center on and develop the two main leads: 'Kare Kano' adds friendship and family dynamics to its many layers. When the leads, top "model" students Yukino Miyazawa and Soichiro Arima, learn more and more about each other and help one another overcome their personal egos and psychological insecurities - learning more about themselves along the way - they make an even better couple. Their individual circumstances - hence the series's title - are issues that slowly evolve into things to love, trust and understand in their relationship. But another bonus is that this helps them to socialise better with classmates. Before they met, Yukino and Soichiro were both popular for being exceedingly smart and beautiful, but they never tried to make close friends because of their worries over being discovered for their true selves. People might not like these once-perfect students at first for their longtime deceit, but overtime any heart can thaw. Anyone can forgive and trust again. 'Kare Kano' contains such an endearing and cute cast of characters who each get a development story arc - and who have their individual hobbies and ambitions, including writing, running and designing.
So the series may appear simple and sweet on the surface, but it is surprisingly witty, and a dark take on shoujo drama titles, especially for the mid-to-late nineties when it first came out. It is exactly what I look for in slice-of-life titles as well: what it may lack in overall plot it makes up for with interesting characters and side stories. Each volume cover features a different type of flower to symbolise a character's personality and growth.
What 'Kare Kano' teaches its readers is that people are not always what they seem in public. Learn to look past facades, and love and respect and trust what is inside. Everyone you meet may likely be struggling with life as much as you are, or more so. Be yourself! as lives can improve by socialising and understanding others as a team.
Overall, 'Kare Kano' is a lovely little high school drama manga. To me its humour, relationship dynamics, themes of maturity, and character development make it not only relevant today, but timeless. However, it might be viewed as being too simple by manga readers more used to action-packed stories. It is not for everyone, but it is for me.
Final Score: 4/5
P.S. I have heard that the anime ended prematurely because of creative differences between Gainax and the mangaka, Masami Tsuda, who thought the anime focused more on the comedy than the drama and romance. Ironically, I've always thought it was the other way round: that the manga focuses more on comedy, and the anime the drama. Hmm.
Wednesday, 20 August 2014
Food for thought: When you're a kid, you envy people older than you. When you're an adult, you envy people younger than you. I'm finding it is true that childhood is long, and difficult to get through. But it's not forever, and it should possibly be spent well while it lasts. Life Goes On can turn into quite a scary - and even more difficult - saying once childhood is done and gone. But stay happy and positive always, with the people you love and who love you, regardless of age. And keep doing the things you want to and have to do
Manga Review - 'Kitchen Princess' by Natsumi Ando (Artist), Miyuki Kobayashi (Writer)
This is a manga series cute enough to eat, like a creamy Ricotta cheesecake. It is the sweetest, snuggliest, loveliest, most delicious shoujo manga I've ever read - purely to be read to take the place of eating comfort food. By the moon and the stars I feel stupid just typing up those words, but I can't think of a more fitting description of 'Kitchen Princess', even if each chapter of all 10 volumes really did offer up a dessert - like a strawberry truffle or a creme caramel. The artwork fits the cooking-story perfectly, with each dish looking good enough to taste. Natsumi Ando-san practically compels her readers to want to try cooking or baking her protagonist's multiple recipes themselves. Scrumptious!
Is there much need to add anything else? If my opening paragraph has made you hungry enough to at least be curious about 'Kitchen Princess', then chances are you may love it if you try a slice. It is, in my opinion, also one of the most underrated manga I've read.
On the surface, aside from the academy setting and talent competition side dish of things, the story is fairly, typically shoujo. There's a saintly female orphan protagonist, a love triangle with a brooding, dark-haired boy vs a more open and understanding blonde-haired boy, a mean girl and her cronies, and a mystery surrounding the heroine encountering a faceless boy in her childhood and so she dedicates her entire life to finding him.
Sounds standard, and it is. But no cliche in 'Kitchen Princess' is portrayed badly, and none of them are annoying there. Mainly because of the endearing and charismatic cast.
The heroine, Najika, is impossible not to love and admire - for her adorable personality and her endurance to be a top cook and to help those she loves and those she feels needs it. She does not want to find her childhood prince at the Seika Academy just for "true love", but for him to try her goal of a perfect dish. Not only is Najika a talented chef like her late famous parents (but not without effort and hard work), she's a wonderful person; whose flaws stem from her naivety, but she refuses to let her shortcomings get in the way of her dreams. She is a friend to all, and if her friendship is magical, so is her cooking!
The two love triangle boys, Sora and Daichi, are brothers. And there is a dark, deep-rooted reason for their differences in personality and their conflict with one another. The mean girl, Akane, is a Defrosting Ice Queen who grows a heart through her eventual friendship with Najika, and even she becomes likeable.
Plus, halfway through the series, 'Kitchen Princess' takes a surprisingly dark turn for a shoujo manga aimed at young girls. At its emotional storytelling heart is a warmth and comfort that proceeds from suffering and loss.
But aside from its moments of melancholy and tragedy, it is so cute! The artwork, man. The artwork! Desserts truly can look as good as they do in 'Kitchen Princess'!
Well that's all, my friends. Consider 'Kitchen Princess' highly recommended. It's all kinds of flavoursome, and contains just the right amount of sugary-sweetness without being too saccharine. It has its layers of dark chocolate too; but with no sticky sourness or bitterness. A fine cuisine.
(Okay Artemis, enough of the food and cooking metaphors now.)
Hmmmmm, writing this lame-menu-disguised-as-a-review has made me peckish. I crave yummy cake. Time to Ready-Steady-Cook-it into the kitchen, take out a Delia Smith recipe book (or reread 'Kitchen Princess' - either works), and see what puddings I can make for my family and moi.
(Seriously Art, stop it.)
(Alright, temptation wins. Here's one more cooking reference.)
Err, Bon appétit.
Final Score: 5/5
Is there much need to add anything else? If my opening paragraph has made you hungry enough to at least be curious about 'Kitchen Princess', then chances are you may love it if you try a slice. It is, in my opinion, also one of the most underrated manga I've read.
On the surface, aside from the academy setting and talent competition side dish of things, the story is fairly, typically shoujo. There's a saintly female orphan protagonist, a love triangle with a brooding, dark-haired boy vs a more open and understanding blonde-haired boy, a mean girl and her cronies, and a mystery surrounding the heroine encountering a faceless boy in her childhood and so she dedicates her entire life to finding him.
Sounds standard, and it is. But no cliche in 'Kitchen Princess' is portrayed badly, and none of them are annoying there. Mainly because of the endearing and charismatic cast.
The heroine, Najika, is impossible not to love and admire - for her adorable personality and her endurance to be a top cook and to help those she loves and those she feels needs it. She does not want to find her childhood prince at the Seika Academy just for "true love", but for him to try her goal of a perfect dish. Not only is Najika a talented chef like her late famous parents (but not without effort and hard work), she's a wonderful person; whose flaws stem from her naivety, but she refuses to let her shortcomings get in the way of her dreams. She is a friend to all, and if her friendship is magical, so is her cooking!
The two love triangle boys, Sora and Daichi, are brothers. And there is a dark, deep-rooted reason for their differences in personality and their conflict with one another. The mean girl, Akane, is a Defrosting Ice Queen who grows a heart through her eventual friendship with Najika, and even she becomes likeable.
Plus, halfway through the series, 'Kitchen Princess' takes a surprisingly dark turn for a shoujo manga aimed at young girls. At its emotional storytelling heart is a warmth and comfort that proceeds from suffering and loss.
But aside from its moments of melancholy and tragedy, it is so cute! The artwork, man. The artwork! Desserts truly can look as good as they do in 'Kitchen Princess'!
Well that's all, my friends. Consider 'Kitchen Princess' highly recommended. It's all kinds of flavoursome, and contains just the right amount of sugary-sweetness without being too saccharine. It has its layers of dark chocolate too; but with no sticky sourness or bitterness. A fine cuisine.
(Okay Artemis, enough of the food and cooking metaphors now.)
Hmmmmm, writing this lame-menu-disguised-as-a-review has made me peckish. I crave yummy cake. Time to Ready-Steady-Cook-it into the kitchen, take out a Delia Smith recipe book (or reread 'Kitchen Princess' - either works), and see what puddings I can make for my family and moi.
(Seriously Art, stop it.)
(Alright, temptation wins. Here's one more cooking reference.)
Err, Bon appétit.
Final Score: 5/5
Sunday, 17 August 2014
Manga Review - 'Chibi Vampire' by Yuna Kagesaki
2022 EDIT: Yeah, I don't care anymore. I haven't for a long time. I should never have been so forgiving of that godawful ending. 'Chibi Vampire' or 'Karin' can be a cute, funny, daring and decent vampire series, but that final volume, that ending, ruins everything. Literally. For it renders the entire 14-volume manga series utterly pointless, and it turns out that Karin was never even the main character. No agency, no choice, no character, no point, nothing. There is some sexist and stupid garbage present, too (see my original review below for references).
What a terrible, terrible ending.
Final Score: 3/5
Original Review:
Series overview:
'Chibi Vampire' (original title 'Karin', after the main character) is a 14-volume manga series with various problems. There are a ton of plot holes; the "heroine", despite being a cool addition to the vampire lore in that she's a reverse-vampire who can only give blood to humans (or else she gets gushing nosebleeds), is nevertheless a pretty typical female lead found in shoujo titles, and she feels an absolute failure when she thinks she can't give her boyfriend children or a big family (seriously, that's one of the conflicts of the last half of the series); Karin's older brother Ren is a complete bastard with no real redeeming qualities, even for a vampire; there are some horrifying implications of rape; and lastly, the ending infuriated me, partly because it makes no sense (go forth more plot holes), but mainly because it's a slap in the face to dedicated readers who believed Karin to be the main character (slight spoiler: turns out she isn't really), and who had hoped that all of her development - and her accepting of who she is - would come to something. It doesn't. Karin doesn't even get any say or choice in what is the result of her story arc. What a crock.
However, I still really like 'Chibi Vampire'. It is one of my guilty pleasures. The humour is something I could latch on to - dark and macabre, yet with heart. I especially love the scenes with Karin and her bizarre vampire family - they may be cold, but in their own socially-awkward way they love her in spite of her being a reverse-vampire, which are highly unusual. The manga's artwork reflects this; it's drawn moe-style where all the female characters have big eyes, but it has a sharp, cut-and-tongue-in-cheek knife edge, with an overall shadowy, old-fashioned 'Nosferatu' horror touch. Karin's nosebleed scenes are particularly gruesome.
I have heard the mangaka, Yuna Kagesaki, might be a fan of cartoons such as 'South Park', and it shows in 'Chibi Vampire'. I also like the more original take on vampires - they are born, not made, from vampire parents, and the children develop their vampirism through a process in puberty.
If the plot is a mess, then the highlight of this manga, aside from the comedy, is the characters. Each and every one of them is memorable and endearing in their own strange way.
Karin Maaka (aka Marker from her European origins) is the reverse-vampire middle child of her vampire family. She may be self-pitying, an embarrassment-magnet, a bigger cry-baby than Usagi Tsukino, and the Butt Monkey of her own series, but she's a hard worker and very caring and considerate of others. Typical shoujo heroine traits, I know, but Karin at least stands out by being a reverse-vampire girl - plus the constant butt of jokes who still keeps going for the sake of her family and friends (and she has wonderful and supportive female friends, such as Maki).
I adore Kenta Usui, Karin's love interest. He's as much a hard worker as she is, since he lives in poverty and doesn't take anything for granted. A really good, misunderstood guy who's not a pushover and is also a little naïve about romance and teenage relationships. Kenta is the kind of understanding boyfriend Karin needs; important for when he finds out about her vampirism. In a lot of ways these two kids are very similar, minus the vampire bit, and they make an extremely cute couple. They are more believable and have better chemistry than most other vampire-and-human couples I can think of, that's definite.
Kenta's mum Fumio is a saint and a saviour - a young single mother who suffers from depression but keeps looking forward and smiling for her son. A frequent victim of sexual harassment at work, she gets fed up with life and society, and even when she has good moods (once brought on by Karin giving her blood to her), they fade in time (a good subversion of expectations). Both an optimist and a pessimist, it's easy to relate to someone like Fumio. A nice change in conventional, trope-laden storytelling is that Kenta's parents are still in good terms with each other despite living apart (they broke up because of Fumio's overbearing mother).
Karin's parents are hilarious, as is her grandma Elder who looks exactly like her granddaughter but with long silver hair. Her brother Ren is, as I've stated, an utter bastard and he doesn't even deserve to have anything else said about him, and not just because of spoilers.
Karin's younger sister, Anju, is a developing vamp. This creepy child is more mature than Karin and fits the big sister role much better than she does. Anju wears Gothic Lolita-type dresses and carries a parasol to keep from the sun. She is an introvert: quiet, reserved and seemingly not that interested in the lives of others, including Karin's. Her constant companions are a memory-erasing bat and a doll possessed by the soul of an axe-wielding serial killer. Anju is occasionally shown to have a disturbingly-close relationship with her brother Ren (one of the many reasons to believe him a sicko). In later volumes her character develops along with going through her first bloodsucking stage as a vampire. The lonely little girl will have to leave her human school and mortal friends, with whom she is just growing to like the company of. As it turns out, she is more capable of affection than she first appears. Adorable and adorably scary, but misunderstood and sad, I like Anju greatly.
Nothing much else to add that I care to remark upon. The rest of the characters are okay, and the series, even when it grows darker and the stakes get higher (pun unintended) as it progresses, never loses its zaniness. This humourous, macabre but loving manga is quite an admirable feat. In my personal opinion, 'Chibi Vampire' is different from most other supernatural comedy manga and anime for the reason that it seems to be more ambitious and full of life. At times it really shines in clever ideas and in realising its full potential.
The manga isn't unnecessarily mean-spirited or cruel, although I think its ending is forced for the sake of shock value, and a lot of the story makes no sense at all. But if you can look past the plot holes and love the individual characters - as I did - then I'm sure you can enjoy 'Chibi Vampire'; especially if you are a fan of humour that's darkly-twisted, similar to a black comedy.
I have seen the anime, and it is okay. Lighter than the manga, and funny. It does take different directions, especially with its own conclusion which happened before the manga series ended (probably for the better), but it is still very likeable.
Bloody and fun. If you're looking for something different from mainstream shoujo and shonen manga titles, I recommend 'Chibi Vampire'.
Final Score: 3.5/5
What a terrible, terrible ending.
Final Score: 3/5
Original Review:
Series overview:
'Chibi Vampire' (original title 'Karin', after the main character) is a 14-volume manga series with various problems. There are a ton of plot holes; the "heroine", despite being a cool addition to the vampire lore in that she's a reverse-vampire who can only give blood to humans (or else she gets gushing nosebleeds), is nevertheless a pretty typical female lead found in shoujo titles, and she feels an absolute failure when she thinks she can't give her boyfriend children or a big family (seriously, that's one of the conflicts of the last half of the series); Karin's older brother Ren is a complete bastard with no real redeeming qualities, even for a vampire; there are some horrifying implications of rape; and lastly, the ending infuriated me, partly because it makes no sense (go forth more plot holes), but mainly because it's a slap in the face to dedicated readers who believed Karin to be the main character (slight spoiler: turns out she isn't really), and who had hoped that all of her development - and her accepting of who she is - would come to something. It doesn't. Karin doesn't even get any say or choice in what is the result of her story arc. What a crock.
However, I still really like 'Chibi Vampire'. It is one of my guilty pleasures. The humour is something I could latch on to - dark and macabre, yet with heart. I especially love the scenes with Karin and her bizarre vampire family - they may be cold, but in their own socially-awkward way they love her in spite of her being a reverse-vampire, which are highly unusual. The manga's artwork reflects this; it's drawn moe-style where all the female characters have big eyes, but it has a sharp, cut-and-tongue-in-cheek knife edge, with an overall shadowy, old-fashioned 'Nosferatu' horror touch. Karin's nosebleed scenes are particularly gruesome.
I have heard the mangaka, Yuna Kagesaki, might be a fan of cartoons such as 'South Park', and it shows in 'Chibi Vampire'. I also like the more original take on vampires - they are born, not made, from vampire parents, and the children develop their vampirism through a process in puberty.
If the plot is a mess, then the highlight of this manga, aside from the comedy, is the characters. Each and every one of them is memorable and endearing in their own strange way.
Karin Maaka (aka Marker from her European origins) is the reverse-vampire middle child of her vampire family. She may be self-pitying, an embarrassment-magnet, a bigger cry-baby than Usagi Tsukino, and the Butt Monkey of her own series, but she's a hard worker and very caring and considerate of others. Typical shoujo heroine traits, I know, but Karin at least stands out by being a reverse-vampire girl - plus the constant butt of jokes who still keeps going for the sake of her family and friends (and she has wonderful and supportive female friends, such as Maki).
I adore Kenta Usui, Karin's love interest. He's as much a hard worker as she is, since he lives in poverty and doesn't take anything for granted. A really good, misunderstood guy who's not a pushover and is also a little naïve about romance and teenage relationships. Kenta is the kind of understanding boyfriend Karin needs; important for when he finds out about her vampirism. In a lot of ways these two kids are very similar, minus the vampire bit, and they make an extremely cute couple. They are more believable and have better chemistry than most other vampire-and-human couples I can think of, that's definite.
Kenta's mum Fumio is a saint and a saviour - a young single mother who suffers from depression but keeps looking forward and smiling for her son. A frequent victim of sexual harassment at work, she gets fed up with life and society, and even when she has good moods (once brought on by Karin giving her blood to her), they fade in time (a good subversion of expectations). Both an optimist and a pessimist, it's easy to relate to someone like Fumio. A nice change in conventional, trope-laden storytelling is that Kenta's parents are still in good terms with each other despite living apart (they broke up because of Fumio's overbearing mother).
Karin's parents are hilarious, as is her grandma Elder who looks exactly like her granddaughter but with long silver hair. Her brother Ren is, as I've stated, an utter bastard and he doesn't even deserve to have anything else said about him, and not just because of spoilers.
Karin's younger sister, Anju, is a developing vamp. This creepy child is more mature than Karin and fits the big sister role much better than she does. Anju wears Gothic Lolita-type dresses and carries a parasol to keep from the sun. She is an introvert: quiet, reserved and seemingly not that interested in the lives of others, including Karin's. Her constant companions are a memory-erasing bat and a doll possessed by the soul of an axe-wielding serial killer. Anju is occasionally shown to have a disturbingly-close relationship with her brother Ren (one of the many reasons to believe him a sicko). In later volumes her character develops along with going through her first bloodsucking stage as a vampire. The lonely little girl will have to leave her human school and mortal friends, with whom she is just growing to like the company of. As it turns out, she is more capable of affection than she first appears. Adorable and adorably scary, but misunderstood and sad, I like Anju greatly.
Nothing much else to add that I care to remark upon. The rest of the characters are okay, and the series, even when it grows darker and the stakes get higher (pun unintended) as it progresses, never loses its zaniness. This humourous, macabre but loving manga is quite an admirable feat. In my personal opinion, 'Chibi Vampire' is different from most other supernatural comedy manga and anime for the reason that it seems to be more ambitious and full of life. At times it really shines in clever ideas and in realising its full potential.
The manga isn't unnecessarily mean-spirited or cruel, although I think its ending is forced for the sake of shock value, and a lot of the story makes no sense at all. But if you can look past the plot holes and love the individual characters - as I did - then I'm sure you can enjoy 'Chibi Vampire'; especially if you are a fan of humour that's darkly-twisted, similar to a black comedy.
I have seen the anime, and it is okay. Lighter than the manga, and funny. It does take different directions, especially with its own conclusion which happened before the manga series ended (probably for the better), but it is still very likeable.
Bloody and fun. If you're looking for something different from mainstream shoujo and shonen manga titles, I recommend 'Chibi Vampire'.
Final Score: 3.5/5
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