Book Review: Skip Beat! Vol 9 by Yoshiki Nakamura

 

Skip Beat! Vol 9      

Author: Yoshiki Nakamura

Publisher: Viz Media

American release date: September 4, 2007

Format/Genre/Length: Paperback/Shojo Manga//216 pages

Overall Personal Rating: ★★★★★

 

Kyoko has an ongoing role as a giant chicken named Bo, but very few people know that, thank goodness. What are the chances that the same bratty child who said that Moko’s career is done should be the guest on the show? Kyoko sees it as her chance to find out what happened, but ends up being told her career is done too! Kyoko refuses to be intimidated by the child. Even when he threatens to out her to the world as Bo! (Unfortunately clever that one is!)  Kyoko engineers a meeting between Hio and Moko in order to find out what really happened, and why this brat is so vindictive. Turns out that on the set, Moko threw Hio, who claims to have suffered grievously at her hands. Why would she treat a child like that? And why doesn’t she see anything wrong with her behavior? In order to clear up the mystery, and explain why she did what she did, Moko takes Kyoko and  Hio to her home. Kyoko is excited to see Moko’s family, but she is in for quite the shock!

Ren is called to an early morning meeting with Lory, who is curious about the reason Ren’s phone was broken, assuming it had to do with a woman. But Ren denies that. Ren becomes confused when Lory brings up the lack of romantic gossip concerning Ren, like that’s a bad thing. But Lory finally comes to the point and tells Ren that “his acting of love sucks!” Ren is shocked as Lory explains that he’s hidden it so far because his roles haven’t called for it, but it’s obvious he’s never really loved. Ren tries to deny that, but can’t prove it and is dismayed at the way their conversation is going.

Kyoko and Moko have finally figured out what Hio’s problem is. Well, mostly. And Moko confesses to Kyoko what she has been doing for extra money, which is simply acting and nothing horrible at all. But Moko calls Kyoko out for not telling her own secrets, despite having confessed to her. Kyoko is terrified that Moko won’t like her anymore and she’ll lose her only friend! So Moko walks away!

Kyoko is shocked to learn she is being offered a part in a drama! She was even recommended for the role by the producer of Sho’s video! The drama is the remake of one that was very successful twenty years before. And oh, the lead actor is going to be Ren! She tells them she has to think about it, suddenly terrified of being around Ren like that. Meanwhile Mr. Yashiro is trying to find out what is bothering Ren, and for some reason he keeps linking Ren’s bad mood to Kyoko.

Kyoko meets Moko at a karaoke box and confesses her past relationship with Sho Fuwa. Moko is shocked, having believed Kyoko to be a mega-fan of Sho’s. They discuss Kyoko’s options regarding her acting and the offer of the drama. And then Moko drops a bombshell when she dares to suggest that maybe Ren actually likes Kyoko.

Ren is disturbed after leaving Lory. Maybe the man is right, maybe he shouldn’t accept the role. But a familiar scream draws his attention. And yes, it’s Kyoko, who has just read the script and realized she is not being cast as a rich nice young girl but a disturbed one. She has just run into the director of the drama, who is pleading with her not to change her mind, that she is the one he wants ever since he saw her play the angel in the video. Ren is caught unawares by the knowledge that Kyoko is to appear in the drama as well. And suddenly he accepts the offer to be the star!

So much going on in this volume! At least the mystery of Hio has been solved (even if he is still somewhat of an entitled brat) and also we learn a lot about Moko’s home life (egad, that would drive me crazy!). Now on to the drama! Both the series and the behind-the-scenes drama! I wonder how Lory would react to the knowledge of Ren as Corn, and his past relationship with Kyoko. After all, his current one is very complicated. I think he would not only understand, he would see through both their protestations. Of course, Kyoko doesn’t know Ren is Corn, and the longer he waits to tell her, the bigger the explosion, I’m sure. Especially if they manage to draw closer in the meantime.

Love, love, love this series, so awesome!  Until next time!

Book Review: Bleach, Vol 57 by Tite Kubo

 

Bleach, Vol 57       

Author: Tite Kubo

Publisher: Viz Media

American release date: April 2, 2013

Format/Genre/Length: Paperback/Manga/Supernatural/192 pages

Overall Personal Rating: ★★★★★

 

Word spreads throughout the Seretei – Ichigo Kurosaki is on the way, and his bankai cannot be stolen by the Quincies!  Everyone rejoices until Akon notices that Ichigo’s presence in the Garganta is gone, and Ichigo has to inform him that he has been trapped in a cage and is currently unable to escape. Unfortunately, his message doesn’t get through. Things are really starting to go haywire now!

Byakuya is facing Quincy Äs Nödt. Renji wants to attack but his captain warns they need to identify his ability first. Byakuya begins to feel an unfamiliar sensation, as if his arms and legs are freezing. Although he fears poison, the Quincy tells him that it is only fear that he feels, an unaccustomed sensation indeed. An indignant Renji attacks when the Quincy steals Byakuya’s bankai and dares to use it on him. Renji is put out of commission just before he is about to use bankai by an overzealous Quincy who assumed only Captains could do such things, irritating Äs Nödt.

Just after the so-called Majesty learns of the death of the Captain, Kenpachi arrives, carrying three Quincies he has defeated, and he’s glad to tell how he did it. Kenpachi announces he wants to battle His Majesty, even as things are falling apart for the Soul Reapers, and Ichigo is still contained in the cage, put there by Quilgie Opie J! Apparently, J stands for Jail!

In an unexpected twist, things are looking bleak for Kenpachi, when Captain General Yamamoto steps in to face the so-called majesty, whom he addresses as Yhwach. Turns out he’s known him for a thousand years and foresaw this day. But can he defeat this megalomaniac?

Things are only getting worse. In fact they’re downright horrifying. First Kira, now Byakuya. Where will this madness end? Is no one safe? I fear even more for my Shunsui. There is a great deal of back story here for the Captain General, which has been a long time coming, as I think he’s the least known of the Soul Reapers. Gives a lot more dimension to his character. The ending threw me off a bit, and I admit to being a little confused, but hopefully that will be cleared up in the next volume. I know this fight is far from over, as this thousand year bloodwar arc has just begun. I am afraid to find out who will be lost next.

Looking forward with trepidation to the next volume!

Book Review: Bleach, Vol 56 by Tite Kubo

 

Bleach, Vol 56       

Author: Tite Kubo

Publisher: Viz Media

American release date: April 2, 2013

Format/Genre/Length: Paperback/Manga/Supernatural/192 pages

Overall Personal Rating: ★★★★★

 

An army of Quincies known as the Stern Ritter (Star Knights) has attacked the Soul Society. Meanwhile, one of them, Quilgie Opie, is facing Ichigo in Hueco Mundo. Ichigo went there, along with Orihime, Chad, and Urahara, after Nel informed him that it was under attack. When Ichigo tells Quilgie that his arrows are stronger than Uryu’s, the Quincy is confused and begins to say something but decides that silence is golden instead. What was he about to say? And what does he know of Ishida?

The Quincy keeps talking about His Majesty, but when Ichigo presses him for information, he just tells him that His Majesty has said Ichigo must die. Quilgie changes into his Holy Form and the battle continues, while the others search for Nel’s companion, Dondochakka. Their fight is interrupted by three female Arrancars and their monster, Aon, who was created using their three left arms. Since their fight is not with Ichigo, they tell him he can go so he doesn’t die. Like that would ever happen.

Back at the Soul Society, pillars of light have descended upon them, leaving the captains and lieutenants to wonder what is going on. Captain General Yamamoto announces he is stepping out and leaves the defense to his third seat, Genshiro. Sensing spiritual pressure, some of the Soul Reapers attack, and they suffer a devastating loss in the death of one of their own, a lieutenant. The newcomers announce they have orders to kill everyone, and it’s time for the purge.

Each Stern Ritter has a letter after their name which corresponds with their ability. The Soul Reapers are quickly dismayed to learn that the enemy can seal their bankai so they are unable to use them. They determine to find a way to break the seal. Byakuya is the first to realize the bankai haven’t been sealed, they’ve been stolen! The order goes out to not use Bankai. But this is a problem, because the Bankai are their only means of defeating the invaders. What to do? “Then how are we supposed to fight them?” Renji cries. Akon realizes they need Ichigo, and on his own he determines to contact the Deputy Soul Reaper.  But he is surprised to learn he is not in the Land of the Living, but in Hueco Mundo. He gets through to Ichigo and explains the situation, and tells him he needs to come immediately. Ichigo agrees, but things don’t go exactly smoothly. What’s he going to do now? As things stand, he can’t possibly get to the Soul Reapers to help them, and without him, they are doomed.

Things just got real. One Captain and one Lieutenant dead? Just devastating. No access to Bankai? And Ichigo contained in a cage, prevented from reaching the Soul Society. As usual, he is their only hope, but unless he can free himself, they are doomed. A heartbreaking volume. I fear for my Shunsui, who was injured during the battle. He’s alive, yes, but who knows what will happen next? Nervously looking forward to the next volume.

Wednesday Briefs: Rose and Thorne 6 #20 (4.6)

 Good morning and Happy Hump Day ! If it's Wednesday, then it must be time for more flash fiction from the Wednesday Briefers! We're a group of authors who bring you our finest flash fiction every week, 500 to 1000 words, inspired by one of our prompts. 

As you'll recall, Vinnie and Ethan had said good night to Uncle Benny and were engaged in serious... conversation in their room when all hell broke loose. See what's happening in this week's chapter of Rose and Thorne 6. Don't forget to visit the other Briefers and see what's up with them. Their links follow my tale! Enjoy!

Rose and Thorne 6 #20 (4.6)

“Guys, come on, fire alarm!” Benny continued to pound on our closed door, his voice rising above the sound of the alarm. Ethan and I pulled on our clothes in record time. We holstered our weapons as well and emerged fully dressed to find Benny had had the presence of mind to do the same.

“You get used to dressing quickly in prison,” he explained as we three bolted toward the exit. “You never know when you’ll be turned out for something.”

One of the first things I remember being taught in training in Illinois was that in any given situation Don’t panic. Keeping a level head could mean the difference between life and death. I imagine that had been ingrained into Ethan as well during his similar training in Georgia. To be honest, though, my boy didn’t tend to panic no matter what. Being by his side was an inspiration to me to stay calm as well.

We moved cautiously into the hallway, unsure of what we might find. There was no visible sign of a fire, neither smoke nor flames. Maybe a dozen or so guests were in the hall, most of them staying close to their rooms, as if unsure what they should to, as if they wanted someone to take charge and give them direction. When I noticed a few of the guests had broken away from the others and were headed toward the elevator, I yelled out, “Take the stairs!” One of the worst places to be during a fire was an elevator, for a number of reasons. What if the power went out? You’d be stuck inside an immobile metal box, with no way out, and you could very possibly die. Stairs, although more work because you had to climb them, were safer and didn’t require electricity.

Ethan and I automatically took charge. We began to herd everyone toward the stairs in as orderly a fashion as possible. An old man in his pajamas grumbled about people making a fuss in the middle of the night, moaning that he wanted to go back to sleep, but his feisty little old wife smacked him and told him to get his skinny ass down the stairs before it got roasted. He mumbled something that might have been yes dear and meekly followed her out.

I glanced at Ethan, whose glance was fixed on me. I knew just what he was thinking, without having to ask, and I shook my head vehemently. “That is not us!” I protested. “Never will be.” That produced a smile from him.

“That is exactly us, in fifty or sixty years, Vinnie.”

“You have a high opinion of yourself, Mr. Thorne, if you think I intend to put up with you for the next fifty or sixty years.” The last of the guests on our floor had just disappeared down the stairwell, and Benny held the fire door open, waiting on us.

Ethan’s smile only grew bigger. “Don’t worry, I’m gonna love your skinny ass forever,” he swore before giving that same ass a quick swat. “Even if it gets fat.”

“Get fat? What?” I complained. “I’ll have you know—”

But whatever I’d intended to have him know was lost in the kiss he laid on me, just before he slung his arm about my waist and we made a quick exit of our own.

 to be continued

Now go see what's up with the other Briefers!

Cia Nordwell

J Ray Lamb

 

Book Review: Bleach, Vol 55 by Tite Kubo

 

Bleach, Vol 55         

Author: Tite Kubo

Publisher: Viz Media

American release date: February 5, 2013

Format/Genre/Length: Paperback/Manga/Supernatural/192 pages

Overall Personal Rating: ★★★★★

 

Hollows are beginning to disappear at an alarming rate. This is especially bad news to those in the Soul Society who monitor such things because of the delicate balance that exists between the Soul Society and the World of the Living. Should this balance be disrupted, well, the result would not be pretty. And Kurotsuchi has an idea who is responsible for this imbalance.

It’s Yuki’s first day on the job but he’s very tired, having been too worried to get much sleep the night before. He is yelled at by Shino, who tells him he has nothing to fear while she’s around and to pull his act together! They travel to Karakura Town to begin making their rounds. Yuki is dismayed that they are patrolling separately, especially when he runs into his first Hollows! And oh dear, they’ve got Shino on the ground, unconscious. What’s a new guy to do? Luckily for him, the Deputy Soul Reaper arrives to save the day!

Yuki awakens a day later to learn he missed the battle. While Ichigo is trying to get the new Soul Reaper out of his bed, other people assemble – Orihime, Chad, Uryu and some guy named Ebern. Ebern? Who the heck is that? Ichigo realizes this new guy, who he believes to be an Arrancar, has come on account of him so he decides to handle him quickly. Except Ebern is not an Arrancar, not at all. And what he is is surprising.

Meanwhile a situation is developing in the Rukongai. Entire villages of people are disappearing.  Even as the Soul Reapers investigate, Captain General Yamamoto is visited by a contingent who have come to declare war! Even as he faces them down, Ebern taunts Ichigo to use his bankai and defeat him. However when Ichigo does as he wishes, Ebern seems frustrated that Ichigo’s bankai doesn’t disappear. What does that even mean? He departs in a huff, leaving a confused Ichigo.

Tragedy strikes the Soul Society with the death of one of their own, although the Captain General is safe. Yuki receives the news and relays it to Ichigo and the others. Suddenly, Ichigo spots something hurtling toward the earth and hastens to catch it, only to discover it is none other than Nel! Hueco Mundo has been attacked!  Naturally, Ichigo feels the need to help, as do Chad and Orihime, and even Kiskue. But Uryu has to sit this one out because he cannot conscience saving Hollows.

There is a new villain on the scene, and he has subordinates who seem to be as evil and crazy as he is!  They call themselves the Vandenreich, the Invisible  Empire… and the most surprising thing about them is that they are an army of Quincies! Now Soul Society and Hueco Mundo and the World of the Living are all in danger. These guys have a trick up their sleeves – they don’t just seal the Soul Reapers’ bankais – they can steal them! How does that even work? And why does Ichigo seem immune to that? Will Ichigo once again be the key to everyone’s survival?

I’m reminded of that old saying – be careful what you wish for. I wished for the end of the Fullbring arc and the arrival of the new arc. Well, it’s here, and I have a feeling we’re in for a bumpy ride!

 

 

Saturday is Horror Day #57 - Hell House LLC III: Lake of Fire, Evil Dead (2013)

 Hell House LLC III: Lake of Fire

Nine years after the tragic events that transpired at the Abaddon Hotel, the hotel is slated to be torn down. But the last minute intervention of billionaire Russell Wynn (Gabriel Chytry) saves the hotel. He has decided it's to be the site of his successful audience-interactive show Insomnia.  He invites journalist Vanessa Shepherd (Elizabeth Vermilyea) to bring a crew and film a behind-the-scenes documentary of the grand opening.

Russell's team sets up as Vanessa's crew films. Everyone has been given cameras which they are encouraged to use for additional footage for times when the crew isn't around. Of course, everyone is familiar with the stories surrounding the hotel. But they're just stories, right? And stories can't hurt you.

It begins not with a bang, but a whimper. Glimpses of half-seen figures. Movement where none should be. And of course, everyone is scared of the basement, where the horror occurred. Not to mention the creepy clown mannequins, which are still there and still creepy. Russell has given explicit instructions that no one is to go into the hotel at night. But some of the crew get to drinking, and dare each other to go into the basement. The only one brave enough (or is that drunk enough) to accept the challenge is Jane (Bridgid Abrams). But she quickly learns what a foolish mistake that was.

Russell's show Insomnia is a modern-day rendition of Goethe's Faust, which a man sells his soul to the 

devil by making a bargain with him. People make such deals all the time, for different reasons. Does Russell Wynn have such a reason? Does it have anything to do with the horrific car crash he survived just a couple of years previously which left him with the large vertical scar on his face?

As the night of the opening of Insomnia nears, some of the cast and crew back out, afraid of what they have seen. But Russell is determined that the show must go on. However, at what price?

This is the third installment in the Hell House trilogy. Again, it consists of found footage from various sources chronicling the events leading up to one particular night. Compared to the first two films, it doesn't have the same level of bloodshed (at least not until the end). But the creepiness factor is definitely there. Also, look for some by now familiar faces. I think the actors did a good job. All in all, it was worth watching. Is this the end of the series? I would think so, but you never know. I'll give this 4 Stars.

Evil Dead (2013)

Mia (Jane Levy) has a problem with drugs, one her friends intend to help her with. Mia's brother David (Shiloh Fernandez) and three other friends all take Mia to a remote cabin in the woods. Unbeknownst to David, they are determined not to let Mia leave, even if she wants to go home. They plan to see it through until the end. David doesn't like that idea but he isn't being given a choice.

The cabin hasn't been used in a very long time. From the moment she enters, Mia complains of a bad

smell that no one else can smell. But then David's dog scratches at a rug. They move it only to discover bloodstains and a trap door leading to a basement. And yes, something smells. They go into the basement only to discover that some sort of Satanic ritual was performed here.

As the friends predicted, Mia wants to back out shortly after arrival, but they aren't having it. Eric (Lou Taylor Pucci) discovers a strangely bound package in the basement. Cutting through the wire that binds it, he discovers a book, bound in what seems to be human flesh. Opening the book, he makes out a few words, which he reads aloud. Huge mistake on his part. Now the trouble begins.

Enter the demons!

Mia is battling her inner demons, outside in the rain, when the summoned demon arrives and ends up possessing her. But her friends can't tell the difference from Mia suffering from withdrawal issues and Mia possessed by a demon. And so people begin to die...

Let me start by saying Sam Raimi did it better. His movie was campy, sure, but it was funny, and you had to root for Ash (Bruce Campbell). I didn't care about any of these people, to be honest. Now, if you like your horror filled with blood, then this might be for you. It's full of it. In fact, I'd say this is not for the squeamish. At the same time, I have to ask how people keep losing limbs and never seem to go into shock or die from blood loss or anything, and in fact seem to take each amputation in stride.

Watch through the end of the credits (if you're still watching by the time the credits roll) for a ten second cameo. All in all, I hope they don't make a sequel. If they do, I don't think I'll watch it. I'll give this 2.5 Stars, and a Razzie for worst performance by a demon.

Book Review: Spy x Family, Vol 7 by Tatsuya Endo

 

Spy x Family, Vol 7    

Author: Tatsuya Endo

Publisher: Viz Media

American release date: April 5, 2022

Format/Genre/Length: Paperback/Manga/Action & Adventure/200 pages

Overall Personal Rating: ★★★★★

 

Twilight engineers a meeting with Donovan Desmond under the guise of apologizing for Anya’s violent behavior, but the father does not seem upset about it, and brushes off Loid’s suggestions he bring a gift to the manor. Even so, it’s a beginning, and Loid has gained some insights regarding his target.

Damian Desmond may be a spoiled brat, but the truth is what he really craves is his father’s attention, affection, and especially his approval. Hearing him praise his son for his good grade has become an impetus to do even better. Having been late to morning muster, Damian must help the dorm mother with chores. His friends have no wish to leave him to this fate, so they contrive to be punished as well. The headmaster decides to give all three boys a new punishment – they must accompany Mister Green on a field research trip!

The precognitive dog Bond has a vision of darkness that he doesn’t know how to interpret! Every scenario he envisions is worse than the one before!  Afraid that Yor is trying to poison him, he seeks out Loid, who is on a mission. This could either be a huge mistake or a blessing in disguise for the spy.

Yor’s brother Yuri is a member of the secret police. He receives a new assignment which involves books that have been appearing in Ostania recently denouncing the East. His job is to follow the alleged author and find out who is publishing this trash!

At Eden Academy, students whisper about the fabled pastry of knowledge. It has been rumored that those who partake of this pastry go on to become Imperial scholars. So of course every student wants to have one. But no one knows when the mysterious patissier will show up to make these delicacies. And the competition to get them is fierce, as there are only so many to go around when he does show up. The news flies through that the school that the pastry is there and this time it’s macarons. Everyone races to get one. Anya and Desmond are neck and neck. But George is the last person to receive the prized pastry. They persuade him to gamble for the macarons in a game of Old Maid!

Twilight picks up some pictures from Franky that he needs for his mission. When he asks for more, Franky says he will, but in exchange, he needs Twilight’s help – to find a missing cat! The cat belongs to a server at his favorite café and she has been sad ever since her feline went missing. Franky is determined to see her smile again.  But Twilight seems less than interested, so Franky has to do it himself!  When he runs into Yor and explains the situation, she offers her assistance.

Yor receives a phone call pertaining to her alter ego as Thorn Princess and receives an assignment – to protect a woman and her young child after her husband and sons were killed in an internal dispute. She is seeking asylum in a foreign country and is sailing there. Yor is to accompany her. How to explain her absence to her family?

A bonus story is about Twilight’s handler, Sylvia Sherwood, and the things she has to go through in order to meet with him safely!

This volume brings to the fore the characters who normally don’t take center stage in this series and gives us a chance to get to know them better. I’m learning in my manga reading and anime watching not to make assumptions about characters you think you have pegged, because you’ll often find out you’re wrong about them. Each book is generally made up of short stories about the family, and this one is no exception. Except that it does end on a cliffhanger which I presume will be continued in the next book, and a very interesting one it is too!

The anime recently began playing on Crunchyroll. I watched the first episode and loved it! I would recommend it if you enjoy this series.

Another great volume, can’t wait for the next one (although I’ll have to lol)