Author/Artist: Christy Lijewski
Publisher: Tokyopop
Rating: Older Teen (16+)
Released: March 2008

Synopsis: “After unexpectedly leaving Cree and his passion as Faust’s bassist, Izsak once again finds himself on the streets that he knows all too well. But a conversation with a mysterious stranger convinces him that his future may not be as solitary as he thinks. Meanwhile, the heartbroken Cree wants Izsak back – but Rail still thinks he’s dangerous. Emotions run rampant and mysteries begin to unravel as RE:play continues!”

Volume two of RE:play picks up where volume one left off. Rail continues his questioning about Izsak’s condition and related habits while Cree remains concerned over their friend’s disappearance. Meanwhile Izsak wanders the streets until thoughtful words from a ‘stranger’ bring him back to Rail and Cree’s doorstep.

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The contrasting duo of Nanaki and Ao return in this second volume of Psychic Power Nanaki. Recap: After getting hit by a car, Nanaki awoke to discover he has numerous psychic abilities, ranging from telepathy to teleportation. Recruited by the mysterious organization known as the LOCK Agency, Nanaki is partnered with the youthful-appearance, but dry in personality, Ao. Random adventures insue.

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Author: Itabashi Masahiro
Manga-ka: Tamakoshi Hiroyuki
Publisher: Tokyopop
Rating: Older Teen (16+)
Released: November 2004

Synopsis: “A benched jock finds his game in the nightclubs of Shinjuku; an otaku gets more cosplay action than he can handle; two best friends eye the same hot girl. These guys aren’t exceptionally strong, brilliant or infused with mutant powers – they’re ordinary guys discovering love for the first time. Whether you’re a guy looking for tips, or you’re a girl trying to understand what makes guys tick, you’ll find all the answers inside.”

Following the romantic entanglements of the average Joe, Boys Be is a collection of short stories spanning from Judo players to otaku to happy reindeer.

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Manga-ka: Ryo Saenagi
Publisher: Tokyopop
Rating: Teen (13+)
Released: February 2008

Synopsis: “It’s back to the amusement park for Shima and his supermodel pal, Kaori. They’ve been invited to test out a new attraction: a mystery-maze game. The dynamic duo is joined by old rivals Mai and APP, but along with them is a snooping reporter who wants to get the goods on Kaori. When Kaori collapses during the game, who will learn the secret of his other personality?”

It’s more of the same in volume 6 and unfortunately it’s finally reaching the state of getting a little old. A game put in place by Kaori’s sister creates the perfect opportunity for characters to engage in mystery solving, Indiana Jones type treasure hunting without the need for any sustaining plot behind it. Read more…

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Manga-ka: Kazuya Minekura
Publisher: Tokyopop
Rating: Mature (18+)
Released: Febuary 2008

Synopsis: “Pursued by rival Yakuza factions and linked to the mysterious and dangerous drug, “Wild Adapter”, the distant Kubota and prickly Tokito have formed a relationship where they trust no one but each other… When Kubota ends up in the wrong place at the wrong time, he is called in for questioning by the police, and his silence to protect himself and Tokito is left in the dark, homeless and incommunicado, and with no coice but to try to uncover what happened to his friend and companion.”

With the search for clues to the mysterious, and deadly, W.A. drug moved to the backburner, volume four of Wild Adapter sees Kubota arrested for a crime he didn’t commit and Tokito on the hunt for information about his friend’s past.

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Manga-ka: Matsuri Akino
Publisher: Tokyopop
Rating: Older Teen (16+)
Released: Febuary 2008

Synopsis: “It’s been several years since the bizarre Chinese count known only as D left L.A.’s Chinatown. In that time, life has returned to normal in the world, and the nightmares associated with Count D’s pet shop of horrors have ceased. But across the Pacific, amidst the bright lights of Tokyo, a mysterious Chinese man has been spotted, and he seems to be opening a new shop…”

Three years after the final volume of Petshop of Horrors was released in English by Tokyopop, comes its sequel series, Petshop of Horrors: Tokyo. After the events of the parent series, Count D has fled around the world, settling now in Neo Chinatown, Tokyo where he’s opened the same mysterious shop that promises rare animals and fulfilled dreams.

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Manga-ka: Ryo Saenagi
Publisher: Tokyopop
Rating: Teen (13+)
Released: February 2006

Synopsis: “As a school punishment, Kanata has to ring a bell in a deserted church. But when the floor collapses, he falls into a room where he discovers a coffin – from which a vampire rises, killing Kanata! But Kanata’s soul is saved, and he and the vampire soon realize that they are bound to each other through a magic spell! With a cool style and sensibility, Sequence showcases the ultimate in pretty boys and vampire slayers!”

Sequence doesn’t waste anytime in giving readers most of what the back cover synopsis promises: within the first ten pages, Kanata, a young high school student, accidentally discovers a vampire in a coffin, hidden within an abandoned church, and is promptly killed by him. Moments later he awakens with no clear memory of what happened… though he is alive so all’s right with the world, right? Not quite. Strange occurrences at his school bring about Kanata and the vampire, Kamyu Titi’s, second encounter when they both realize they’ve been connected through a magic spell, one that combined their souls and leaves both their bodies susceptible to the other one’s pain, including death.

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Manga-ka: Nao Kodaka
Writer: Rika Tanaka
Publisher: Tokyopop
Rating: Everyone
Released: May 2007

Synopsis: “The wicked Queen has captured Kilala and Rei! Unless Kilala gives the Queen Rei’s magic tiara, she will be forced to eat the poison apple! Snow White shows up just in time and offers to eat the apple instead – can Kilala defend the tiara and save Snow White?”

It’s not a bunny but it is cute and fluffy! I continue to be undeniably charmed by these short but adorable books. The story picks up where volume one left off as Rei and Kilala are forced to face the evil Queen to retrieve the magical tiara. When Rei is injured and the two are taken hostage, it’s up to Snow White and the seven Dwarves to come to their rescue.

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Manga-ka: Nao Kodaka
Writer: Rika Tanaka
Publisher: Tokyopop
Rating: Everyone
Released: August 2007

Synopsis: “When a giant wave washes Kilala and Rei into the sea, they discover the magical world of the Little Mermaid under the sea. Kilala wishes she could enjoy and swimming with Ariel and the other mermaids, but she’s worried – the sea is a vast place, and Rei has suddenly disappeared. This latest volume of the hit series is filled with the most enchanting Disney princesses and packed with tons of magic!”

The drama heats up volume three of Kilala Princess. Kilala’s best friend Erica is acting strangely and makes off with the tiara. Meanwhile, Rei is about to leave forever unless Kilala’s peril is enough to make him stay (naturally). A stormy boat ride leaves the two separated and Kilala finds herself in the care of Ariel under the sea but Rei’s nowhere in sight.

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