Ouran High School Host Club Volume 16 Review

 Ouran High School Host Club, Volume 16  

Author: Bisco Hatori

Publisher: Viz Media

American release date: June 7, 2011

Format/Genre/Length: Manga/Shonen/192 pages

Publisher/Industry Age Rating: Teen

Overall Personal Rating: ★★★★★

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The time is rapidly approaching for Hunny and Mori’s graduation, hard as that is to believe. Even more unbelievable is that Mori has challenged Hunny to a duel! What’s up with that?

Synopsis:

Ouran High School is abuzz with the news of the impending duel, and bets have even been placed. But no one can predict how the duel indeed ends.

April arrives, and time for the new school year, but the door to Music Room 3 remains locked…

So much is changing, more than friends graduating and moving on. Tamaki has been asked to move into Mansion #1, his longtime dream come true. Or is it a nightmare?

Suddenly Tamaki has no time for club activities. Or anything else that includes the Host Club. Determined to find out what’s going on, the Club approaches Tamaki’s father, to Tamaki’s dismay. Is he lost to them forever?

As a bonus story, we’re given a glimpse into the courtship of Haruhi’s parents.

Commentary:

This volume of Host Club is both wonderful and infuriating. Wonderful because we’re getting closer and closer to everything we’ve waited and hoped for. Infuriating because sometimes you just want to shake someone and tell them to see what’s really going on around them.

Only two more volumes left. I have no doubt that Haruhi and Tamaki will overcome everything and end up together. I hope. Okay, maybe I have a little doubt. And a lot of worry. And what will they have to suffer in the meantime? Let’s just say I’ll be disappointed with anything less than them being together.

Bisco Hatori has made the Host Club very real. I feel like I know the members very well. I love her artwork and her writing style. This series is definitely a classic.

I suspect that in the next two volumes we’ll be able to tie up everything, answer questions, and weave it all together into one soul-satisfying cohesive whole.  After the series is finished, I guess I’ll have to satisfy my desires to visit with the members of the club by writing fanfiction about them.

Can’t wait for Volume 17!

Ouran High School Host Club Volume 16 Review

Ouran High School Host Club, Volume 15  

Author: Bisco Hatori

Publisher: Viz Media

American release date: December 7, 2010

Format/Genre/Length: Manga/Shonen/200 pages

Publisher/Industry Age Rating: Teen

Overall Personal Rating: ★★★★★

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Haruhi learns that Ouran High School Host Club is holding an Orienteering Tournament, with the entrants to be divided into teams of two to run the gamut of six checkpoints to be run by the members of the school. The prize is having the host club members do whatever you ask for one full day! Everyone has their ideas of what they will do with the prize, should they win, including having Kyoya as a servant, a date with Haruhi or a private date with the entire host club!

Synopsis:

The checkpoints can be visited in any order, the point being to accumulate items from each. Those members that are not participating in the checkpoints are free to pair up with customers. Haruhi suggests that Tamaki team up with Miss Kanoya. With the ingredients that are gathered, each team is to make a curry, and the winning curry shall be judged both on the basis of flavor as well as the speed with which its makers have gone through the checkpoints.

Checkpoint #1 features Hikaru and Kaoru in their classic rendition of which twin is which. For this occasion, they’ve reverted to their identical looks. Tamaki passes the test with ease, but the ingredients he chooses earn him a puzzled look from Miss Kanoya. Checkpoint #2 is manned by Black Magic Club – the “Identify and Explain the use of a Dark Relic” Challenge.

Everything is proceeding smoothly when Haruhi learns that the location of the finish line has been changed, so she’s running from checkpoint to checkpoint, alerting everyone so they can in turn alert the contestants.

The third checkpoint is Hunny’s “Whack the Bunny When it Pops Up” Challenge—but it isn’t as straightforward as it seems, as Hunny gets upset every time a bunny is bopped on the head.

As the test progresses, those in the contest and those who run it learn a few things about themselves, coming closer and closer to the hidden truths in their lives.

Tamaki’s enlightenment regarding his feelings for Haruhi leaves him feeling uncertain around her, and acting even more idiotic than ever. Meanwhile, Kyoya is keeping tabs on a certain lawyer who seems to be engaging in secret meetings—with Tamaki’s grandmother!

Haruhi’s birthday brings on the hilarity of finding the perfect present, without being extravagant, a trait little valued by Haruhi. And then comes the news that Hunny and Mori are about to graduate, so the Host Club hosts its final event before the Third Year graduation. When asked about their future plans, Hunny and Mori give surprising answers, to everyone’s dismay.

Commentary:

Things are really beginning to come together now, and plots are coalescing and developing apace. There is a great deal of character development going on, in self-awareness and growth, as is to be expected of young people of this age. Is not high school a time for learning, both academic and personal growth? These students are no exception to that, although maybe at one time it appeared that not all of them would end up with a clue.

Even so, there are still some elements of mystery remaining. It seems inevitable that Haruhi and Tamaki will end up together, but there are no guarantees in life, right? Even in a manga? So that remains to be seen. Life doesn’t always end up the way we think it should, and that’s just how it is.

Only three volumes remaining. While I look forward to getting the answers to my questions, I will feel sad when the journey is over. I’ve enjoyed it immensely. Oh well, no sense in growing maudlin. On the plus side, there are three volumes remaining! I look forward to them greatly. This was another wonderful volume in the series, a can’t miss one. Onward and upward!

Ouran High School Host Club, Volume 14 Review

Ouran High School Host Club, Volume 14  

Author: Bisco Hatori

Publisher: Viz Media

American release date: July 6, 2010

Format/Genre/Length: Manga/Shonen/192 pages

Publisher/Industry Age Rating: Teen

Overall Personal Rating: ★★★★★

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Once Hikaru confesses his feelings to Haruhi during the class trip, he tells her to take her time and bolts from her presence. Tamaki shows up unexpectedly, concerned for his welfare, and Hikaru informs him of what he has done, adding may the best man win. Everyone is invited to the Hitachin family manor for an end of the year party. Will things come to a head there?

Synopsis:

Haruhi comes to the party with Mei. She is still amazed at Hikaru’s confession, particularly that she never saw it coming. A disgusted Mei tells her to shut up, she finds her “cheesey blushing maiden in love” line annoying. Mei tells her that Hikaru is waiting for Haruhi on the balcony. Time to give him her response.

When Hikaru confronts Tamaki with the result of his talk with Haruhi, he assures him that he hasn’t given up. Meanwhile, Tamaki is wrestling with his own demons, caught between his misguided sense of family and his feelings for Haruhi.

Tamaki’s family life has never been easy, born as he was on the wrong side of the blanket, an error that was no fault of his but which has haunted him all his life. His paternal grandmother has never accepted him, nor permitted him to step inside the main Suoh mansion, relegating him to the second mansion. And yet Tamaki remains a very sweet, very caring young man.

He agrees to make a New Year’s shrine visit with the other members of the Host Club  The twins challenge Tamaki and the others to a bet—whoever finds the items that Haruhi likes best from the nearby knick-knack shops win. The time limit is one hour, the dollar amount no more than $10, a budget appropriate for commoners. As Haruhi approaches, the members all scatter, intent on winning the bet.

Tamaki gives Haruhi his gift, and she cherishes it, but he manages to insert his foot into his mouth, and Haruhi is miffed.  She walks away from him in a huff. Seeing someone she thinks she knows, she starts to hail the person, when she finds herself unexpectedly kidnapped.

When Tamaki finds his gift to her lying on the ground, he instantly deduces that Haruhi has been kidnapped. But no one believes him! Can he save Haruhi?

For the first event of the New Year, the Host Club is holding court outdoors, in fine equestrian style. The only member of the club who has no experience with horses and riding is Haruhi .A freak accident lands Tamaki in the hospital. Upon his release, he becomes the object of Miss Kanoya’s attention, feeling guilty for having brought about the accident. She is most attentive to him, in very feminine ways, and Haruhi realizes with a start that Miss Kanoya is everything she is not. And she has Tamaki’s attention.

In an extra episode, we see what Mori does on his day off.

Commentary:

The plot is certainly thickening, and we’re finally getting to the heart of the matter. We’ve definitely come a long way since the series began, and the characters have grown and matured along the way. Haruhi is becoming more and more aware of herself as a woman, and as a maturing adult, the object of interest of young men. The rivalry between Hikaru and Tamaki over Haruhi seems rather one-sided, except to Tamaki, who’s still struggling with his own emerging maturity. It’s easier for us, the readers, to see which way the wind blows. Only a few episodes left for Haruhi and Tamaki to figure things out.

Another great volume of Ouran High School Host Club. Can’t wait to see what happens in the next one.

Ouran High School Host Club Volume 13 Review

 Ouran High School Host Club, Volume 13 

Author: Bisco Hatori

Publisher: Viz Media

American release date: November 3, 2009

Format/Genre/Length: Manga/Shonen/200 pages

Publisher/Industry Age Rating: Teen

Overall Personal Rating: ★★★★★

The class trip to France behind them, life continues in Music Room #3; the Host Club assembles once more, and this time they take their faithful followers to Turkey! Tamaki has taken a renewed interest in the workings of the club, and between that and learning about his father’s business, he is kept very busy. He’s concerned about Haruhi possibly having a fever and keeps trying to talk her into going to the hospital. Meanwhile, the other members of the club are trying to analyse Haruhi and Tamaki, while Hikaru tries to deal with his own feelings toward Haruhi.

Synopsis:

Haruhi heads home, where Mei is waiting for her. Haruhi confesses that she seems to be having an allergic reaction to Tamaki; she describes her symptoms—her heart hurts when she sees him, sometimes it palpitates, she feels feverish and she can’t speak clearly…Before Mei can tell her what this means, Kaoru calls and implores her not to, but she leaves behind a girls’ magazine which contains a ♥ test; Haruhi decides to take it, with surprising results. Well, surprising to her. The rest of us have known the truth for quite a while!

The next day, Haruhi runs into Tamaki and inquires as the previous day’s meeting. She confesses to having stayed up too late, reading a magazine, even as she realizes she has all the symptoms—she’s in love with Tamaki! Unable to handle the truth, she says she’s going to the nurse and tells her she is leaving school, unwell, then she runs to Mei’s school, confused and unsure.

The next day, a recovered Haruhi approaches the class president and the twins and tells them a skiing trip sounds great! (as long as the costs are kept down, of course). She’s decided to be a more interactive Haruhi, and not simply go through the motions. She’s going to do things and enjoy things, including skiing.

As a new interactive Haruhi, she suggests the Host Club cosplay Japanese folktales, and she assigns them parts.  But their complaints are making her feel guilty for having spoken up. An unexpected find in the form of a treasure map leads to fun for all, though. Another outcome is that Hikaru confesses to Tamaki that he has feelings for Haruhi.

On with the ski trip! Somehow Haruhi ends up rooming with Hikaru, who is struggling to reconcile his own feelings with the possibility that he may have inadvertently clued Tamaki into discovering his own feelings for Haruhi. Hikaru tries to feel out Haruhi, without revealing too much information, and she gives him what advice she can, considering he’s being very vague.

In a bonus episode, we see Tamaki’s first day in Japan, and how it went.

Commentary:

I am so happy that Haruhi has finally gotten a clue! Now, if only Tamaki would do the same! We’re really getting down to the heart and soul of the matter now. I feel sorry for Hikaru, for I can’t see that his feelings for Haruhi will get him anywhere but heartbroken, and of course I am cheering for Haruhi and Tamaki to end up together. Only five volumes left!

The ski trip was cute, and so is the emerging Haruhi. She’s finally coming out of her shell and developing, rather than just reacting to what happens around her. Great addition to the Host Club family!

Ouran High School Host Club Volume 12 Review

Ouran High School Host Club, Volume 12  

Author: Bisco Hatori

Publisher: Viz Media

American release date: June 2, 2009

Format/Genre/Length: Manga/Shonen/200 pages

Publisher/Industry Age Rating: Teen

Overall Personal Rating: ★★★★★

Kyoya has made it his personal mission while in France to seek out Tamaki’s mother and bring back some word of how she is doing. To that end, and with his usual thoroughness, he devises a strategy to discover her whereabouts. Meanwhile back at home, Hikaru requests asylum with Mori while Hunny flies to Kaoru’s side, bearing well-meaning gifts.

Synopsis:

Word has gotten around about the sibling feud and fangirls are having a holiday! They see this as a very romantic situation, the brothers fighting over Haruhi. Something is afoot when Haruhi takes Hikaru to an amusement park, while Hunny brings Kaoru. An angry Mori demands to know what’s up. A bored Tamaki approaches his father in his office, something he never does, and confesses to his boredom, so his father offers to take him to lunch and buy him some nabe.

The twins reach an accord, and while maintaining their solidarity and togetherness, they launch a new campaign of individuality, beginning with a new hair color for one of them.

Back in France, the travelers visit an area that was a favorite getaway for the Impressionists. Kyoya is exhausted with his efforts on behalf of Tamaki, but he refuses to give up. The object of his endeavors, meanwhile, is very unhappy. He’d thought being without the others for ten days would be easy, but he hadn’t counted on the staff thinking he wouldn’t be home and having other plans, so he relies more and more on his father, clinging to him. One servant remains to protect Suoh Mansion #2, and she gives Tamaki a lot of food for thought about his future, and what he wants to do with it.

Haruhi has been trying to reach Kyoya but her calls don’t seem to be getting through to France. She finally gets him on the phone, but when she asks about Tamaki—unaware that he hasn’t gone on the trip with the others—Kyoya hems and haws and says that Tamaki has gotten diarrhea and can’t speak. Until Haruhi notices something strange in front of her house.

While Haruhi is dealing with a delicate stomach, Kyoya has discovered a woman who once worked for Tamaki’s family and goes to see her and gains great insights into his friend, and why he is the way he is. After talking to Haruhi, Tamaki has an idea of what he wants to do, and Kyoya has an idea where Tamaki’s mother might be.

In an extra story, Kuze’s Happy and Unhappy Everyday Life, we follow Takashi Kuze, American Football team captain, on his birthday.

Commentary:

While I was sad that Tamaki did not go to France with the others, I understand his selfless reasons. Kyoya’s search for Tamaki’s mother is very heartwarming and sheds new light on the sort of person he is, dispelling the myth of his lack of warmth and emotion. I’m happy that the twins have resolved their differences, although I thought Hikaru’s change was a bit extreme. I hope they aren’t serious about getting rid of the incest-play at the Host Club. I think their guests would be very saddened.

This volume of the Host Club has a lot of depth, and goes deep into the minds of some of the characters. I think my favorite scene was between Haruhi and Tamaki in the bathroom, when he’s shirtless. I had hopes, for just a moment…

I can only hope that one day these two will figure things out, and Tamaki will finally realize that he is not Haruhi’s father. I think they’d make a very cute couple.

Ouran High School Host Club Volume 11 Review

Ouran High School is about to hold its first sports festival! Tamaki and Kyoya are on opposing teams, a highly unusual situation. Which one will prevail? And what effect will it have on their friendship. Kyoya is the strategist, while Tamaki operates on sheer emotion. Will Kyoya over think the situation, or has he pegged his friend perfectly? But what other forces are in play that might have a hand in what is happening?

Hikaru and Kaoru are also on opposite teams, which makes them uncomfortable with keeping secrets from one another. But there’s more to their estrangement then that, if only they could put their finger on what that something is. Or is it someone?

By the time the first half of the festival is over, Tamaki’s Red Team has proven itself to be its own worst enemy, and it seems that the White Team will handily take the day. Is there any way to turn things around?

When it comes down to the relay race, Tamaki and Kyoya make a private wager between themselves—if Tamaki wins, he gets a free year-round use of Kyoya’s kotatsu passport, but if Kyoya emerges triumphant, then Tamaki  has to greet customers the following week wearing only a fundoshi.

The Host Club is wearing kilts—all except Tamaki, who’s in his fundoshi and complaining about it (although the customers certainly aren’t). Haruhi buys him a superball to keep him occupied; it works a little too well, leading to the discovery of a mischievous tanuki whose behavior becomes a bit extreme.

The class trip is coming up, and the destination is France. Tamaki doesn’t let on to the others, but he confides in Kyoya that he isn’t going. Meanwhile, the twins are discovering new things about themselves.

In a bonus story, we get a look at Hunny’s brother, Chika as he fights against his attraction to cute cuddly animals.

There’s a lot going on in this volume, and we get some real indepth looks into the characters and their motivations, although Haruhi’s appearances are rather minimal. It’s more about the relationship between Tamaki and Kyoya, and Hikaru and Kaoru.  The sports festival stories are enjoyable and fun. In one episode, Ranka and Misuzu and Mei make a brief appearance.  I wish there’d been a host club in my high school. How much fun would that have been?

Another great volume of Host Club, can’t wait to see more!

Ouran High School Host Club Volume 10 Review

Hunny unwittingly comes to the aid of a damsel in distress, only to find himself the victim of her curse! Kanazuki is a member of the school’s Black Magic Club. When the other members ask why she’s placing a curse on Hunny, she replies—because he stole her soul! She freaks Hunny out by the things that she does, and the boy is beside himself, wondering what he did to anger her so. It’s up to the other Host Club members to get to the bottom of things, and figure out what to do about Kanazuki’s apparent vendetta against Hunny!

It’s almost time for summer break, and Haruhi’s thoughts turn to helping Misuzu at the pensione again. Ranka says Misuzu is acting strange. It turns out that he has custody of his teenage daughter Mei for the summer, and she’s driving him crazy! She’s rebellious, loud and completely disrespectful of her drag queen father. He’s beside him with worry, and begs Ranka for help! When Haruhi begins disappearing from Host Club meetings early, the suspicious boys are determined to find out what’s up. They learn that she is going to Mei’s school to meet her and bring her to the Fujioka residence, watching her for her father.  The boys become determined to crack the hard nut that is Mei, and return her to her loving father’s… er… bosom. Mei finds herself taken with Tamaki, whom Haruhi has been avoiding ever since the kiss. Will Mei succeed in stealing Tamaki’s heart? Eyes are beginning to open.

Summer break begins, and Misuzu heads off to the pensione, sans Mei, who is staying with Haruhi and Ranka.  But why is Tamaki getting up extra early, now that he doesn’t have to go to school? Mei ends up spending time with the Host Club, and discourages Haruhi from coming, which works well with her avoidance of Tamaki. But Mei is quickly disillusioned. Instead of the chic lifestyle and fun she envisioned, the boys are obsessed with doing things and seeing things in the way of the poor people.  Tamaki enveigles Haruhi into a scheme, one she can’t disclose to Mei. To Mei’s dismay, when she’s with him, he mentions Haruhi—a lot!

When Kaoru and Hikaru learn what Tamaki is up to, they head straight to Karuizawa, and find they aren’t the only ones to do so. Although some are more helpful to Misuzu than others.  The boys come up with a scheme in which Mei will be “accosted” by a low-life hooligan, and her father will come to the rescue, earning her undying love and devotion! A splendid scheme, what could possibly go wrong? Well, consider the source…

Summer is drawing to a close, and Mei realizes she has neglected her homework! She tells Haruhi that she should do it for going behind her back with Tamaki, and the two exchange words, resulting in Ranka tossing them out of the house as he tries to sleep! A call from the twins concerning souvenirs from Okinawa leads to Mei dying to go there—not to see what the boys got, but because their mother is the famous fashion designer Yuzuha Hatachin! Oh. My. God.  Yuzuha has Haruhi dress up in her latest fashions, which she reluctantly does, to the boys’ delight. She gains some insight into the twins’ parents, and helps Kaoru answer an important question concerning his brother.

Back to school, and back to the Host Club. Tamaki is intrigued by something Mei told him, about a sports festival at her school. He’s always interested in knowing more about what the poor people do. When Takeshi Kuze, Football Club President, barges into the Host Club, a spirited rivalry ensues, which ends with Tamaki’s determination to hold a sports festival at Ouran.  With himself organizing it. He takes charge of one team, and sets Kyoya in charge of another. But Kyoya isn’t interested… until Takeshi pushes his buttons.

There is nothing boring about this volume of Host Club! I enjoyed seeing more of Hikaru and Kaoru’s parents. And Mei is an interesting character, even if I wanted to bitchslap her sometimes! I’m hoping that Haruhi and Tamaki are getting closer to realizing they have feelings for one another, and also I hope Tamaki gets over the idea that he’s her “father”. Can’t wait for Volume 11!

Ouran High School Host Club Volume 9 Review

Volume 9 of Bisco Hatori’s Ouran High School Host Club begins with an examination of the dichotomy that  is Hikaru and Kaoru. The twins are a perplexing pair—torn between wanting to be seen as individuals and being seen as a whole. They manage to confuse most of the people around them with their attitude and they go out of their way to make fools of everyone by childishly switching places whenever it pleases them. They are easily bored and prone to tossing aside their latest toy or pursuit when it no longer holds their joint attention, people included.  They believe that people only want to get close to them because of their family name. They haven’t reckoned on Tamaki Suoh.  When he asks them to join a club he wishes to start, they force him to play the “Which One is Hikaru” game for a month, sure he cannot succeed. They don’t count on Tamaki’s tenacity. Of course, the outcome is a foregone conclusion.

As the second story begins, the Host Club are playing pirates—buckling swashes and shivering timbers and slashing their way into their ladies’ hearts!  An unexpected visitor to the club, who is a newcomer to the school—a visiting princess from the kingdom of Monar—sets Tamaki into a tailspin that none can understand, although many try to psychoanalyze his reactions to the pampered, spoiled, selfish young woman. Does he know her? Does she remind him of someone? And why does he agree to her petulant demands?  Including wanting to have one of the little people taste her food in case of poison! The others are determined to get to the bottom of his bizarre behavior—the sooner the better!

After the princess’ departure, Tamaki takes to his bed with a cold, not appearing at school. Gadzooks! Tamaki sick? Unheard of! What’s going on? The Host Club goes to see!  They find him being spoiled by the staff at the manor, but there’s evidence that Tamaki has been acting strangely lately, including questioning Mori as to whether he ever wishes to kiss Hunny. Truth be told, Tamaki has had ideas of kissing Haruhi. But he’s her father! Wherein lies the conflict. This calls for some parental guidance, in the worst possible way. But will he receive it?

In the extra episode, Haruhi’s hosting a yami-nabe party at her house. Literally it means dark pot. Guests bring different foods that aren’t normally used in nabe and add them to the pot. Whatever you pick up with your chopsticks, you eat.  When the members of the Host Club run out of their expensive additions, they persuade Haruhi to run to the store for more—at their expense, of course. She grumbles, but she acquiesces. Once she’s out of the house, they are free to put their diabolically clever—and inherently ridiculous—scheme into effect, whereby they secretly replace every bit of the Fujioka’s poor, cheap home with expensive duplicates of high quality. Will they succeed? And if they do, will anybody notice?

A bonus story after the Host Club episodes is called The Love Egoist in which a college student is warned not to take a certain path, but he ends up taking it anyway. Has he found the love of his life? Or will he lose her by going down his already chosen road?

On the cover of this volume we see Haruhi and Hunny is grass skirts—completely adorable! I loved all the stories, but especially those with Tamaki. Although the spoiled princess trope is a familiar one, this one serves a different purpose, and I have hopes of seeing a furtherance in the relationship between Tamaki and Haruhi. I’ve enjoyed getting to know the members of the Host Club and look forward to a lot more of their adventures. The fun never stops, and the writing maintains a high quality in each story. I hope it continues for a long time to come!

Dengeki Daisy, Volume 4 Review

Teru knows the truth about Daisy, but she can’t let him know she knows! Are things going to change between her and Kurosaki? Will she be able to keep him from learning that she knows the truth, that he is Daisy?

 Synopsis:

Trying to be yourself without seeming like you’re trying is harder than it sounds. Teru becomes afraid to text Daisy because she thinks she will sound different, but not texting him is also bad. She has to find a happy medium and she does, by separating Daisy and Kurosaki in her head, pushing Daisy into the role of a substitute brother, thus making it easier to text him and keep everything straight in her mind.

Needing to talk to someone, Teru confides in Haruka, an acquaintance of hers, about the Daisy/Kurosaki situation, thus drawing them into a closer friendship. It helps to have someone to confide in, to get another person’s perspective on things, to brainstorm and problem solve with.  Teru is afraid that if she lets Kurosaki know she knows that he is Daisy, that she will lose him, and she can’t bear that thought. It seems that Student Council President Rena has been eavesdropping on their conversation, so now she knows the janitor’s secret too!

A clogged drain pipe which has backed up becomes a problem when it prevents students from accessing the roof, because the area is forbidden until the janitor (Kurosaki) can deal with it. One student braves the guardian of the roadblock, in order to offer her assistance to Kurosaki—it’s Teru, of course. She brings an umbrella, ‘cause it’s pouring rain, and she tries to help him, using her smaller hands to dredge trash from the gutter, disgusting though that is. She is concerned for him, and figures the fastest way to get done is to help him. He spurns her help and sends her away, from his own concern for her, but ends up falling ill and going to the infirmary, under the care of the ditzy Ms. Mori, who is on him like white on rice! Teru is invited to a mixer, and she doesn’t want to go, but her friends tell her to ask Kurosaki, so he’ll reveal himself and his true feelings in his response. To her dismay, he tells her to go, have a good time. She has her misgivings and goes, unaware that he is actually sick, in bed.

While preparing for a test, Teru practices a technique for focusing which her late brother taught her, and is caught by Kurosaki, which opens a floodgate of memories about Soichiru. She also talks about her brother to Riko, who at one time dated him, telling her the story about the imaginary dog her brother created in order to cheer her up, one he named Gabe. Arf!  Teru talks about her brother with Daisy, and asks about the origin of the flowery pseudonym, assuming he will affirm her hypothesis that it has to do with being her favorite flower. Strangely, he does not reply to her question immediately. And when he does, his words surprise her.

Interfering on Teru’s behalf with a belligerent student, earns Kurosaki three months’ suspension of pay and five days confinement to his house. In the meantime, weird things are happening at the school. Kyoshi says he saw a strange bearded guy in the closet! And people are receiving text messages purporting to be from Daisy, threatening them with losing data or worse if they don’t buy the anti-virus from him. Teru knows this can’t be true, but who can be behind this, and why? And, as usual, she is too quick to venture into situations that are potentially dangerous. Will she endanger Kurosaki too?

You can read my complete reviews at Anime Radius and Yaoi Radius!

V.B. Rose, Volume 11 Review

Ageha innocently asks Kuromine and Arisaka, “So how long have you two been together?” She doesn’t mean it like it sounds, but the question seems to annoy Yukari and amuses Kuromine as we begin Volume 11 of V.B. Rose.

 Kuromine isn’t helping matters any when he reminds Yukari that they’ve almost made it to their tenth anniversary, the diamond anniversary. Luckily (or is it unluckily) for Arisaka, he is needed to help at Rosa, which leaves Kuromine free to wander down memory lane and to tell Ageha the story of how these two boys met.

According to Kuromine, there are four characteristics which girls use in order to determine a boy’s popularity:  1) good looking 2) athletic 3) funny 4) tall.  And in middle school, while Kuromine scores a perfect ten in those attributes, alas, Arisaka does not. Kuromine hasn’t even noticed him at first. But then he does, and he starts asking questions, learning about his famous actress mother. The first time he sees Arisaka smile, he is smitten.  A great bromance is born!

There’s only one problem—it’s very one-sided!  In fact, Arisaka seems intent on evading every attempt at friendship from Kuromine!  What’s up with that? Kuromine chases after him; when he catches him, he compliments Arisaka on his looks, comparing them to his famous mother—and receives a punch in return! Yukari tells him, “Anyone who underestimates me is going to end up in a world of pain.”

Kuromine ponders his words. When he encounters his little brother Shizuya, who is rather the worse for wear, he discovers that he’s been in a fight with a close friend, but all’s now well between them. Hmmm, is that what friendship means? Did he and Yukari have a fight? Mitsuya wonders.  He realizes that he is in possession of Arisaka’s book, the one he always carries with him, forgotten in the course of their fight. He must return it to him, of course, but first he looks inside—and what he sees will change the course of their lives forever!

It’s all about fashion design and making clothing. He had no idea Arisaka is into that stuff. Before he knows it, he’s devoured the book. But when he would return it to Arisaka, he’s not in school! A few days go by with no sign of the other boy, so Kuromine decides to go to his home and see what’s up!

 You can read my complete review at Anime Radius and Yaoi Radius!

Butterflies, Flowers Volume 6 Review

There’s good news and bad news for Choko and Masayuki. The good news is that at last the house of Choko’s parents, which was destroyed in an accidental fire caused by the neighbors, has been rebuilt. The bad news is that now she is moving back, and out of the home she has been sharing with Masayuki.

It’s their last night together, and sadness abounds, but Choko and Masayuki are determined to spend this last night  in one another’s arms—but they haven’t figured on the machinations of Mikihiko, Choko’s brother, who comes to take her home already. But apparently, it hasn’t occurred to him that their going back will mean no longer leaving next to Suou too. (Mikihiko still isn’t aware that Suou is no lady).Masayuki arrives the next morning with Choko’s things, as well as a request for the return of his spare key, since obviously she doesn’t need it. Choko is devastated—she isn’t ready to give up paradise yet, and neither is he. What can she do about it?

Choko and Masayuki are even more lovey-dovey than before, having had their third lovemaking session. To Masayuki’s chagrin, they are going on a company trip—he would have preferred taking her alone, but he has no choice in the matter. They are going to an inn which just happens to have a hot springs. Masayuki hates the way that the woman wait on the male executives, who are essentially boring pigs who like to brag about themselves. And President Yanagi is there as well, which is never good. On the trip, Choko learns that Masayuki once dated a girl who had worked in the administration department. The knowledge disturbs Choko, who can’t seem to get it out of her head, despite Masayuki’s protestations that that was over a long time ago, and Choko is the only one in his heart. A disturbed Choko has a bit too much to drink, and ends up where she shouldn’t. Can Masayuki save the day, and her dignity?

Back at work, a coup seems to be underway to oust President Yanagi. Thanks to Masayuki and Branch Manager Otaki, this effort is foiled and Yanagi saved. Otaki is known to be Yanagi’s successor since Masayuki turned the position down.  There is a catch, though—Yanagi is still determined that his successor marry his niece, Makie. But it seems that Makie is in love with someone else! In an effort to fix things, Masayuki assigns Choko to Otaki as his personal assistant. But it seems they’ve merely thrown oil on the fire rather than put it out!

When she was a girl, every Christmas Choko received a stocking full of candy from Masayuki, her Cha-chan. Now they’re grown up, and it’s Christmas time, and he’s trying to buy her jewelry. But she isn’t interested and tells him all she wants from him is a stocking, like in the old days. They make plans for her to go to his place on the 24th and spend a special night together, then the next day he can present her with his stocking. But the best laid plans of mice and men…. Masayuki learns from Yanagi that Otaki is in no hurry to be married; apparently he is love with someone, and it isn’t Makie. Choko learns that Makie and Suou (in men’s clothes! Le gasp!) have a date for Christmas Eve, which she thinks is wonderful. Until Otaki tells her that she has to accompany him to a party, and if she doesn’t, he’ll make Makie do it in her stead! Choko can’t do that to her friends, so what choice does she have? What does this mean for her plans with  Masayuki?

Masayuki picks Choko up for work the next day as usual, and drops her off to pick up the Chairman. Choko runs into a helpful woman outside their building, who offers to help her with her bags. It turns out this woman once worked there and has returned to do so again! Choko begins to put two and two together, and comes up with an identity for Masayuki’s ex. Things get awkward when Masayuki returns, and it seems that he is too attentive to this newcomer. Choko is definitely feeling threatened—but then it gets worse!

You can read my complete review at Anime Radius and Yaoi Radius!

Vampire Knight, Volume 2 - Review

The Day Class is unaware of Zero’s secret—he is a vampire, and has been turning more and more so over the past four years. If they knew the truth, would they be so quick to embrace him as the rising star of their class? And how will the knowledge of what he is becoming affect his relationship with Yuki?

Yuki and Zero get an unexpected privilege—they get to run into town on an errand for the headmaster. Normally, leaving school grounds is rather restricted. Yuki is determined to have fun, even if Zero seems determined to be a killjoy. She wants them to crowd as much fun as they can into this day. He’s concerned about returning by sunset, but she reminds him that the Night Class is off so they won’t be coming out. No harm in living a little, right? They stop to eat at a café, but when one of the girls who works there mistakes Zero for a member of the Night Class, he becomes agitated, knowing that he smells like them now. He runs off, and Yuki must find him. Only in her search for him, she is found instead—by a vampire!

Headmaster Cross does his best to make mealtime for Yuki and Zero as normal as possible, but his idea of dishes is a bit odd. And bringing up the blood tablets that Zero needs to survive does not enhance that boy’s mood any. Ichijo and Shiki of the Night Class invite them to come to the Moon Dorm after midnight for answers to their questions, and Yuki is determined to go, although not so sure Zero should, not in his present state of mind, when it seems as though he is dying to shoot someone. There she learns about the different classes of vampires – from the level A purebloods to the Level E, who are even below the former humans. E stands for End—former humans eventually fall into this category, and into insanity and thus reach their end, end standing for destruction. Something Zero undoubtedly knows, coming from a vampire hunting family. Kaname welcomes them, and insists that Yuki sit beside him. She resists, but not for long, being irresistibly drawn to him. With his touch, he heals her wounds.

When blood is deliberately let at the party, Zero flees in disgust, with Yuki right behind him, concerned about him. Yuki discovers the truth about Zero and blood tablets, and he is about to take blood from her instead when suddenly he finds himself at the wrong end of a gun being wielded by a vampire hunter who is none other than his former master! His name is Toga Yagari, and he is also an acquaintance of Headmaster Cross, whom he considers to be a twit.  He sends Yuki to bed while he debates with himself on whether or not to kill Zero or to let him live.

The next day, Zero isn’t in school and the vampire hunter is now lecturing on Ethics to the Night Class, in a curious turn of events. He reveals to Yuki where Zero is and she goes to him—to finish what was previously interrupted.

Bonus stories include Sometimes There are Lazy Days Too, in which Yuki and Zero are forced to take a supplementary class, and the teacher refuses to let them leave until they’re done—even if it is sundown and time for them to take up their disciplinary committee duties! In I Must Have Been Born Under the Victim of Circumstances Star, we learn how Idol and Wild got their nicknames. And inVampires Covered in Blood are Prohibited From Entering this Page, we get a brief glimpse into the past which will be explained in the future.

You can read my complete review at Anime Radius and Yaoi Radius!