By Natsuki Takaya | Published by Yen Press On the one hand, it’s exciting to be reading something new by Natsuki Takaya, creator of my beloved Fruits Basket. On the other, it was kind of weird to embark upon an unfamiliar story whose artistic style was so very familiar to me. This volume goes by quickly, with its large, pretty panels unencumbered by much in the way of … [Read more...] about Liselotte & Witch’s Forest, Vol. 1
Natsuki Takaya
Let’s Get Visual: Fruits Basket
MICHELLE: So, we've been talking about Fruits Basket all week, but I'm certainly not yet weary of the topic. How about you, MJ? MJ: I suspect I could discuss Fruits Basket for weeks on end! MICHELLE: Me too. We've already discussed the general awesomeness of the story and characters this week, but one thing we haven't talked much about yet is the art. Takaya's style … [Read more...] about Let’s Get Visual: Fruits Basket
Fruits Basket 21-23 by Natsuki Takaya
As I recounted in this week’s Off the Shelf column, I have been a fan of Fruits Basket for nearly a decade now. I followed the end of the series in Japanese, and because I knew how it ended, I was able to postpone reading the final English volumes and delay the sad moment when the series really would be over. This week’s Manga Moveable Feast, however, prompted me to finally … [Read more...] about Fruits Basket 21-23 by Natsuki Takaya
Twinkle Stars 1-2 by Natsuki Takaya
I have no idea why Natsuki Takaya's Twinkle Stars (aka Hoshi wa Utau) has yet to be licensed in the US, but when I learned that English editions were available in Singapore/Australia, I knew I had to acquire them. See the final paragraph of this post for a link where you might do the same. I thought I might be disappointed by this series. There's no shortage of complaining … [Read more...] about Twinkle Stars 1-2 by Natsuki Takaya
Phantom Dream 5 by Natsuki Takaya: B
In this, the final volume of Phantom Dream, the millennium-long battle between the Gekka and Otoya families comes to a close. Before this can happen, we learn all about the villain’s painful background and what really happened 1000 years ago. Unfortunately, the authorial sidebars spoil one major plot twist (it would’ve been nice if there had been a spoiler warning), but luckily … [Read more...] about Phantom Dream 5 by Natsuki Takaya: B