Ashita no Ousama Vol. 1

Synopsis:

Sasaya Yuu, a college girl who had just moved to Tokyo recently from the countryside, finally watch her first stage play. She was entranced by it, especially by one of the characters and decided then & there to be an actress! However, because of her country girl ways (tying 2 pigtails, wearing boring clothes, and even writing every single expenses she made into a notebook!), she was laughed off by her friends. One of them has connection to a stage troupe company and decided to bring her there for a tour and to show to her the reality. Not just anybody can be an actor!

Yuu was naturally denied by the company. However, she was steadfast in her pursuit and gave an impressive speech about how she will not give up. She was overheard by one of the actors there who praised her speech. Yuu realizes that the actor, Ichii Touya, was the same man who had entranced her in the play she watched earlier on. Touya was shocked that she recognizes him, and requested for her to keep silent regarding this matter because he was not suppose to be acting in another troupe’s play. In return, he gave her a contact of another company troupe (Garandou Company) that is currently searching for actresses.

The next day at Garandou, Shimamura Shougo (the head) gave Yuu a chance because she was after all recommended by Touya. However, Yuu couldn’t act at all. She was so bad, she was worse than an amateur. But she gave another impressive speech about her will to be an actress and Shougou decided to allow her to stay. The next day, Yuu was already helping out with the costumes while watching the troupe rehearse. They were having problems with the script, but during a small talk with Shougo, Yuu unawarely gave him a great idea. When Touya later came over to look at the rehearsals, Shougou told him that he don’t understand why he kept Yuu eventhough she is useless as an actress.

The play was very successful. After the curtain closes, Yuu and Shougo discussed about it, whereby Yuu tried to reenact her favourite scene. She showed great understanding about the script but still couldn’t act it out. Shougo later brought Yuu to watch Touya rehearse. Yuu felt very envy of Touya who is so talented eventhough he is still a rookie actor. Shougo also explained to Yuu the role of the play director and how each director has his own style & direction.

Later, an acquaintance of Yuu asked her to be a stand in for a play because they’re short of actresses. They thought that since she is from Garandou, she wouldn’t be bad. But during opening night, Yuu not only made a big mistake, but even fell down in front of the audience. Luckily, the mistake was covered by another actress. But this experience made Yuu think that she is not suitable for acting no matter how hard she tries. She went to discuss this with Shougo, but ended up talking to Touya (who happens to be there) instead. Both of them also overheard Shougo saying that Yuu is his rival. Angrily Yuu announce that she is leaving the troupe and stomped off. Both Touya & Shougo agreed that Yuu would definitely be back.

Yuu went back to her old routine, but she misses the theatre world. She went and watch Touya’s play and met him by accident after that. He persuaded her to return to the troupe. After thinking over their conversation, Yuu realizes that eventhough she can’t be an actress, she could still work backstage and be a part of making a play. She decided to go back to Garandou. When Yuu went to Touya’s apartment to thank him for his help, a beautiful stranger slams the door on her. But luckily, she met Touya who fetch her home and even fell asleep there.

Review:

Wow, I manage to squeeze one last review for the month of March.

What is it about manga with the entertainment industry as is backdrop theme that attracts me so? I’ve been addicted to series like Glass Mask, Skip Beat!, Penguin Revolution, etc. But this series is different in one sense. The main protagonist, Yuu, is not cut out to be an actress!

The drawing style is the usual shoujo style. Not especially nice or different enough to be eye catching, but still pleasing enough. The story is indeed quite interesting. In my opinion though, it will never be as good as Skip Beat! There’s a lack of tension, and the humor is not as funny. But still, it makes a good read when I am craving for something new.

Labels: Ashita no Ousama

Posted at 10:55 PM

Skip Beat Vol. 13

Synopsis:

The moment of TRUTH!!!!! Can Ren live up to his promise to deliver THE ACT OF THE CENTURY? (OK, OK, I’m going overboard here). Momose is very displeased and felt that Ren was looking down on her acting abilities when he said that he will make her act.

*The entire first 3 chapters of this volume was dedicated to showing in detail, the acting of both Ren & Momose in the crucial scene (the one where Ren got stuck before this). I will not be summarizing this part as it will take me forever. And I also feel that I wouldn’t do it enough justice. Please Read The Manga. Suffice to say that Ren was so overwhelmingly good that it surprises everyone. President Lory gave his approval & all is well again on the DM set. And Kyouko realizes something IMPORTANT from watching this scene. NO spoilers regarding that! =P*

After the test (I call it a test because it is a test for Ren given by President Lory to see whether he can still remain in DM), Ren had a private chat with President Lory in his limo about his act just now. They also talked a little about Ren’s past but everything still sounds vague. Kyouko who came to find Ren (to inform him about lunch! Did any of you realize how Kyouko’s always concern about Ren when it comes to food? Just like a wife :P) saw that he was talking seriously with President Lory.

President Lory & Ren realizes that Kyouko was waiting nearby the car. Seeing Ren’s face (as he look at Kyouko – adoringly I’m sure, but the angle was facing off so we didn’t get to see…sob), President Lory was shocked, and correctly assume that Kyouko was the girl that Ren likes and it was from what he felt for her that Ren was able to act out Katsuki. Which actually also meant that Ren wasn’t acting – the current Katsuki is Ren.

Kyouko who was waiting outside all this time suddenly saw a very serious (and sad) look on Ren’s face. She was shocked and wondered how to help him. She suddenly thought of something and ran off. When Ren came out of the limo, he met up with Kyouko, who gave him the purple stone, which is suppose to magic and absorb the negative energy! (fairies & magic alert!!!!). They chatted about Corn, the fairy prince. Although Kyouko still had not realize that Corn was in fact sitting next to her at that time, Ren was already reminiscing about the “child Kyouko”. Their conversation help Ren feel better and after their lunch, Katsuki is back on set!


Review:

Wow, this has to be the shortest summary of all the Skip Beat! volumes I wrote. But if I included the summary on the DM scene, it would definitely be twice as long as my usual length.

Like the previous volume, we’re loaded with Tsuruga Ren here. The main focus shifts to him instead of Kyouko (the protagonist). And I am sure all Skip Beat fangirls enjoyed it. In fact, this is one of my favourite volume :D

Nakamura Sensei really outdone herself here. The entire scene on Katsuki & Mizuki is so detailed but at the same time, can still include the opinions/feedbacks of the sideviewers. Even if it is just an expression on the face (without saying anything) we know what they are thinking when they watch this scene. There’s plenty of humors (just the way I like it), laced together with the feeling of both characters. The look on Katsuki’s face is just incredible and the Mizuki who actually don’t know what is happening (since Ren & Momose are ad-libbing) responded perfectly to him.

Actually, regarding the Kyouko no spoiler just now, I just realize that there is a spoiler in this post if you guys look properly ^_^

Next volume: Kyouko & Sho meets up!!!!!!!!!


PS: A special note here. Two days ago (Sunday) marks the final episode of Skip Beat! anime. It's been a great although short run, and I (and many of you for sure) hope that there will be a 2nd season!!!! And I am pretty sure there would be because the ending was left kind of hanging (those reading the manga should understand). Anyway, I'll be waiting!

Labels: Skip Beat

Posted at 12:55 AM

Eien no With

Synopsis:

Kurio Hitomi is a child who kept to herself and finds it hard to make friends. This is because her family always moves house after a couple of years. She also feels that her parents care for her baby brother more than for her. She yearns for a dog to keep her company. However this is also impossible because not every place they move to allow pets. Then, during a school trip, she found out about guide dogs (dogs which help guide blind people) and a program which gives a normal family a chance to help raise & look after puppies for a year before letting them go back to train to be guide dogs. These people are called Happy Walkers.

Hitomi begged her parents to allow her to be a Happy Walker so she could at least keep a dog for a year. After considering, Eye, a Labrador puppy finally join the household. His arrival and his subsequent time with the family brought many positive changes. Hitomi’s parents made more time to be with their children for family trips and so forth. Hitomi also finally open up more to the people around her and made friends with her schoolmates. Raising Eye taught Hitomi plenty regarding responsibility and love.

However, a year quickly past and it was suddenly the time for Eye to be brought back to train as a guide dog. Hitomi was heartbroken. She didn’t care for blind people whom have nothing to do with her and she was worried that once Eye is gone, her parents will not care as much for her anymore, she will be alone. She ran off into the forest with Eye chasing her from behind. While crying alone with Eye sitting next to her, Hitomi selfishly consider hurting Eye’s legs so that he will not be able to be a guide dog. But after thinking twice,she was not able to do it. The sky grew dark and Hitomi got lost in the forest. Luckily, Eye guided her safely back. This taught her about the helplessness that blind people feel and finally understand that Eye is needed to guide them. She finally let Eye go. She was also told that Eye will be able to return to them after he retired as a guide dog.

The years pass, and Hitomi is now working as a dog groomer. She has waited all this time for Eye to come home and her wish was finally granted. But all was not fine. Hitomi felt that she had become a stranger to Eye, who only looks out for his previous employer (Note: employer as in a person who employs Eye to be his guide... This means Eye is sort of like “working”). When Eye’s previous employer, Asai Hiroyuki (Hiro for short), decided to come by to visit Eye every month, Hitomi felt resentful towards him. She dislikes the fact that he decided to get a new guide dog but still pretends to care for Eye. She also hate that Eye always seems to be waiting for him to come. Finally things came to a headstand. Hiro purposely showed to Hitomi what happen when he uses Eye instead of Holly (his new dog) as a guide. Eye is now old and easily distracted. Instead of helping keep Hiro safe, he was instead endangered and even fell down. Hitomi cried when she saw all this and drop her resentments & anger. After that, Hiro became a close friend of the family and frequently come over to their home with Holly. He also began dating Hitomi.

Soon one day, Hitomi notice that was something wrong with Eye. A trip to the vet told them that Eye’s got a malignant tumor, in other words, cancer. Treatment is not very successful and percentage of recovery is very low. Eye might die. Hitomi got very depressed & even had a fight with Hiro. But after much thoughts and overhearing Hiro’s little talk with his dog Holly, Hitomi understood that she needs to keep her fighting spirits up and do whatever is possible to cure Eye. They started medication and taking care of Eye. After a long time, Eye finally seems to be cured, but he relapsed again and in the end, he died. It was an emotional time for everyone, but Hitomi was thankful for all the time that Eye was with her.

Review:

Recently, I’ve been surrounded by “dog-related” things. Last month, a friend welcomed a poodle into his home. Last week I read this manga (yep – the one I’m reviewing now!) and cried buckets! I’ve just watch Marley & Me (that’s a dog movie for those who don’t know) yesterday and cried again, & today just before writing this, another of my friend welcomed a shih-tzu to her home! We’re having dog fever here guys! Anyway, I dedicate this review to all my friends and their dogs and I can’t wait for the day that I get a dog of my own.

Seriously though, this manga is great even for those who doesn’t like dogs. Notice that it is only 1 volume long so it makes for a good short story even though the time span is from Hitomi’s childhood all the way to her adulthood (that makes about 17 years!) which included the entire lifetime of Eye (13+ years) as well a five year onward during the ending of the story. Although the story in itself is very simple – it’s about everyday life of a girl & dog – it is not at all boring as I had first thought. It is something that I can relate to myself.

Hitomi’s character is very well developed as we see her growing and learning. She’s not a perfect person. She has everyday flaws like us all. She’s selfish, she throws tantrums and she doesn’t always puts herself in other people’s shoes, which makes her misunderstand other people actions & intentions. But she is likable in spite of all this and she is willing to admit to her mistakes and make changes. And her relationship with Eye & later Hiro, is really something wonderful to see.

The mangaka herself is a dog lover (and owner) and had used her experience to write and draw this story. Most of her works are about dogs & their relationship with people. I’m really glad to read this kind of manga even if the ending is a little sad, but I know that death is imminent and that we can’t stop time.

Bottom line: Read it. And if you’re a person who can cry easily, prepare some tissues beforehand.

Labels: Oneshots/Single volume

Posted at 12:51 AM