Tsuyoshi, sent from Japan to Korea by his grandfather in order to discover his roots, has begun attending school with his neighbor, the tomboyish Be-Ri. When Tsuyoshi’s uncle asks Be-Ri to look after him, she finds herself doing things like showing him the way home after school and abandoning her own lunch when it occurs to her that he might be eating his in the classroom all … [Read more...] about Very! Very! Sweet 2 by JiSang Shin and Geo: B
Manhwa
Jade of Bango 1 by Ae-Ju Yim and Jin-Ju Yim: C-
Let’s play Spot the Cliché! Lin Seonu is a clumsy and ditzy high school girl with the ability to see and communicate with spirits. One day, when she’s under attack by an evil creature, a handsome yet stoic guy—whose outfit features many unnecessary buckles—appears and helps her to unleash her hidden powers. This fellow claims to be her guardian and fiancé and, of course, must … [Read more...] about Jade of Bango 1 by Ae-Ju Yim and Jin-Ju Yim: C-
DVD 1-2 by Kye Young Chon: A-
DVD reminds me of some various and random things—Ai Yazawa's NANA, the short-lived and cult favorite TV series Wonderfalls, and the pilot for the BBC show Being Human—while managing to be something fresh and original. It's true that I have not read a great deal of manhwa, but DVD is the finest example of Korean comics craft that I have yet encountered. DVD is the story of Ddam … [Read more...] about DVD 1-2 by Kye Young Chon: A-
Very! Very! Sweet 1 by JiSang Shin and Geo: B
If you had stripped this book of all identifying marks and given it to me to read, I never would’ve guessed it was from the same creative team behind Rolling. It’s got solid characterization for one thing, and a plot that looks like it’ll actually go somewhere! Both of the main characters are likable in their own way. Be-Ri is an animal-lover who’s raising money to protect … [Read more...] about Very! Very! Sweet 1 by JiSang Shin and Geo: B
Rolling 1 by Ji-Sang Sin and Geo: C
It’s not difficult to get admitted to Bright Free High School. They’ll take anyone, even other schools’ rejects, and theoretically whip them into shape with strict rules that exceed even the military’s notions of discipline. This volume introduces the four students and one freeloader who are sharing a dorm room. Episodic adventures ensue. I’ve seen this kind of premise before, … [Read more...] about Rolling 1 by Ji-Sang Sin and Geo: C