Yotsuba&! (Manga)

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Name: Yotsuba&!
Type: Manga

Author: Kiyohiko Azuma

Books: 14+
Genre: Comedy, slice of life
Age Rating: n/a

Review: 
Follow the ordinary life of five-year-old Yotsuba, a strange yet adorable girl with green hair who is being raised by her adopted father.

This manga series is adorable! You get to read the surprisingly realistic stories about the everyday life of five-year-old Yotsuba. She is being raised by her adopted father, along with his goofy friends and their kind neighbors. The only character who is truly developed is Yotsuba, though the other characters are just as enjoyable in their own way, by their own right; Jumbo is a big teddy-bear, Ayumi is mature and creative, Ena is open and always smiling. Each character is so sweet to read about, and they treat Yotsuba kindly.

Yotsuba is written by the same author who wrote Azumanga Daioh. Needless to say, this series is full of humor and crazy antics. I will say, though, that many of the stories are about Yotsube learning about every-day life, much like a real five-year-old might. She learns about where milk comes from, she practices drawing, she loves her teddy bear Duralumin, and one day she pretends to be a princess after reading a fairy tale and learning that they really do exist. As someone who looks forward to having children one day, this series was so sweet and made me even more excited. 

The art is simple, yet the normal doe-eyed anime characters aren't as exaggerated, and the simple tones really fit the way this story is read. Unlike some of his other work, Azuma does a good job at differentiating the characters. It's like a funny, care-free daydream featuring a cute little green-haired fairy. Perfect for a rainy day, or when you just need something to wind down with. Suitable for all ages. 

For more from Kiyohiko Azuma, click here.

Mature Content:

• n/a

Personal Note: 
Danbo the robot made of cardboard!

Azumanga Daioh (Manga)

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Name: Azumanga Daioh
Type: Manga

Author: Kiyohiko Azuma

Books: 4
Genre: Comedy, slice of life
Age Rating: 14+

Review:
Comic strips of life in highschool from the viewpoint of 6 girls with unique personalities. Main characters involve Chiyo the 10-year-old genius, Sakaki who secretly loves cats, Tomo the wild one, Yomi with the short temper, and Osaka the ditz.

Along with some teachers and a flying, stuffed cat, this is one manga you won't want to miss! It is one of the (if not the most) hilarious mangas I have read thus far! Having only 4 books in the series, it is a pretty fast read, and a complete volume with the entire series is now available, which I now have because I just loved this story so much. The manga is presented in a different way than others, taking on a more comic-strip style. Each mini-section has it's own title, and four panels to read. Some of the sections relate to one another and are continuations of previous segments, but most can be read alone, which is a fun option.

What's nice about this short series is that it appeals to both genders; my younger brother read them and thought they were hilarious as well. We instantly found quirks from all the characters that we could identify and connect with. Each girl possessed an exaggerated trait, such as Kagura's obsessive love of sports, and each is given time in the strips so it never feels like one character is more important than the others. The art was a bit simple, and, as Nathan pointed out, all the characters looked alike except for their hairstyles. Nevertheless, their personalities were big enough to make up for everything, and I was never confused as to which character was which.

I gave this manga a 14+ rating because the girls talk about each other's breasts a lot (especially in reference to Sakaki). Some of the teachers display immature behavior, which is not entirely realistic, and therefore can be a bit overplayed. Most of the characters might be seen as over-the-top, but it is important to remember that this manga is a work of fiction and not a true, realistic look of what high school life is like. The series on its own is meant to be comical and enjoyable in a quirky way. While there are some serious undertones in some chapters, one gets the sense that the author (who is a male and therefore not an expert on teenage female behavior) had a lot of laughs creating this. A lovely, laugh-out-loud-until-you-cry read!

For more on Kiyohiko Azuma, click here.

Mature Content:

• Sexual References- The girls talk about each other's breasts, especially Sakaki's
• One teacher, Kimura, is a pervert. He likes to see the girls in shorts and talks about how cute the young girls are. None of the girls like him
• At the end of one chapter, Miss Kurosawa tells the girls some "adult information" but the reader is never told what this information is
• Homosexuality- Kaori (or Kaorin) idolizes Sakaki, and gets excited about talking to her and being near her. It is never actually said that she is gay, but the way she acts may imply it
• Drugs- The teachers drink alcohol and get drunk and talk about hangovers.
• Profanity- Use of "damn," and "ass"

Personal Note: 
Tomo: You were really good at that one song!
Yomi: Eh? Which one?
Tomo: *singing* Oh I'm the king of the swingers, oh, the Jungle V.I.P!
Yomi: I have never sang that song!

Chi's Sweet Home (Manga)

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Name: Chi's Sweet Home
Type: Manga

Author: Hajime Isayama

Books: 12
Genre: Comedy, family, slice of life
Age Rating: n/a

Review:
Follow the world from a cat's perspective as she learns the meaning of home and family after getting separated from her mother.

An absolutely adorable read! Chi is a cute kitten found by a loving family who takes her in as one of the family. The art is simple, but endearing, and the author does a fantastic job of distinguishing other cats from Chi. I could always tell which one she was and did not find myself confused even when she was with her sisters. Every facial expression Chi made was dramatized and delightfully charming (not to mention so adorable!). It was fun to watch Chi grow and learn alongside her human friends.

I really enjoyed reading a series that was easy to digest. A refreshing change to many fast-paced, hard-to-follow comics that I have read. The reader was only responsible for remembering a few characters, mostly centering Chi and her family. All of Chi's relationships with other cats were sweet; I especially appreciated her relationship with Blackie, an older black cat who mentors Chi on cat behavior. The whole idea of Chi being something who needs a little instruction on how to be a normal cat was humorous, and added a great effect to the comic.

The story itself is not overly stretched out; I didn't feel numbed by filler or side stories that had nothing to do with the plot. The books were fast and easy to read, and the series ends on a happy note, leaving the reader feeling warm inside, albeit a little sympathetic towards Chi's mother. I recommend these unoffensive books to lovers of cats, and people who enjoy refreshing, out-of-the-ordinary tales featuring our furry friends.

Mature Content:

• n/a

Personal Note:

Can I please get a Chi of my own?!

Dragon Drive (Manga)

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Name: Dragon Drive
Type: Manga

Author: Ken-ichi Sakura

Books: 14
Genre: Adventure, science fiction, comedy
Age Rating: 11+

Review:
A boy named Reiji and his friends join an innocent virtual reality video game called "Dragon Drive," not realizing that it is actually part of a plan to destroy the world!

This manga was definitely entertaining, and aimed for younger male readers, though it could be enjoyed by older kids and adults as well. The art was generic, but it went well with the type of story Sakura was writing, and there were not annoying inconsistencies or impossible contingencies. While not as action-packed as Dragon Ball Z, Dragon Drive offered its own set of heroes and different fighting styles that progressed throughout the series.

I liked Chibi and Reiji as partners, and was disappointed to learn that Reiji's story was only nine books long before a new main character, Takumi, is introduced. Thereon, an entire new cast goes on their own adventure in the world of "Dragon Drive." An interesting idea, but I liked the first team better, just because of their dynamics and the way their relationships evolved. I felt more connected to them, and was sad when they left the story. It was okay, but I didn't necessarily like the idea of changing characters all of a sudden.

While this manga's main target is boys, I enjoyed this manga as much as anyone would, and though it wasn't one of my favorites, it was entertaining enough. The rating is more closely a 2.5 star rather than just a 2, because it shifted from "this is okay," to "this is good." I have learned since, however, that Dragon Drive isn't as well known as other video-game manga or animes based off their mangas, but it is, nonetheless, something to consider reading if one is a younger fan of manga.

Mature Content:

• Violence- Characters fight battles with their dragons
• Magic- Some characters and creatures in "Dragon Drive" posses magical abilities

Personal Note:

I wish Chibi was my dragon!

The Girl Who Leapt Through Time (Movie)

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Name: The Girl Who Leapt Through Time
Type: Animation

Official Rating: NR

Director: Mamoru Hosoda
Genre: Drama, romance, comedy, science fiction

Age Rating: 12+

Review:

A girl named Makoto suddenly obtains the power to go back in time and she decides to use it to her advantage (and to the disadvantage of others, at some extent), not realizing she can only use the power a certain number of times.

The art is a bit crude, but after you get past the simplicity of it, it is very fitting for the story. Loose themes such time being precious and the impossible dream to go back and change things are strung together on the "here-and-now," "live-in-the-moment-and-love-where-you-are" messages. Another positive aspect is the fact that there are not very many characters, making it easy to identify and recognize each one. I never became particularly attached to any of them, but they were enjoyable.

The slow-moving plot may get dull for people who enjoy more action, but the plot-line is easy to follow, and it isn't without a sense of humor. A particularly enjoyable scene was when Chiaki tries to ask her out, and she would rather stay friends with him. She goes back several times to try to change things, but to no avail. Makoto chooses other, very realistic circumstances to rewind time in; she replays many of the same things that I probably would.

This easy-to-understand stand-alone movie is a family friendly anime with a good message and a satisfying, albeit somewhat bittersweet, ending. Though the plot moved slowly at times, it never became boring, and I came to really enjoy the main character, who was very realistically displayed. I enjoyed watching it, and while I don't necessarily need to own it or see it again, it was worth the while and not a waste of time.

Mature Content: 

• Profanity-- "Damn" and "hell" 
• Sexual Content-- Mild joke about masturbation 
• Magic-- Makoto and Chiaki can time travel

Personal Note: 

I was a bit heartbroken at the ending. I want Makoto and Chiaki to find each other again!

Dragon Ball Z (Manga)

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Name: Dragon Ball Z
Type: Manga

Author: Akira Toriyama

Books: 26
Genre: Martial arts, science fantasy, comedy
Age Rating: 13+

Review:
Saiyan Son Goku and his friends are back, and their enemies are bigger and stronger. Join them as they fight together using Chi to locate their enemies and defeat them in epic battles!

This series was violent and full of team fighting, much like Yuyu Hakasho, or, on a different approach, The Avengers. It had a more science-fiction approach to it mixed with humor (though it was more subtle than most). There wasn't a lot of plot to the book, but it was entertainment in the fact that it gave me something to read. True to its martial arts' nature, there was never a dull moment, and the scenes between fights were short-lived. Its main focus was the battles between Son Goku, his friends, and opponents that became stronger with time to balance out the strength of the main characters, who are all pretty much invincible.

There was some language in the series, but it didn't divert from the character development, and there were no other inappropriate scenes other than the violence. It had its funny moments, and I thought it was full of weirdly miraculous yet somehow still predictable scenarios. The way everything always worked out in Son Goku's favor was a bit unrealistic despite the many "evil defeats good" fake-outs. The Dragon Balls themselves did not really follow their own rules. There are a lot of convenient loopholes the author introduces to keep the main characters alive. You only get three wishes from the genie? No problem--just have it summoned again! The Dragon Balls can only raise someone from the dead two times? No problem--just speak Namekin! Another eye-roller was the fact that everyone kept their "true" power-level concealed until the fights progressed. Just as you think someone is about to be beaten, they laugh and say something along the lines of: "This isn't even my full power, yet! Haha, this is my REAL form!" or, "I've never been able to show anyone my true power before! Behold: my REAL form!" and then they proceed to become even stronger than they were before.

The series picked up after the whole thing with Cell was ended and Son Goku died. (To be frank, I didn't even believe that he had been killed for good even though Toriyama says so in his beginning author's note, and the cover of the volume itself has Son Goku saying goodbye. He died too many times.) I appreciated the break between fighting scenes, and it was fun to see how all the characters developed over a time-jump of seven years. To sum it all up, this was a good series, as far as action/martial arts manga go, and it will appeal more to boys than girls. That being said, I'm a girl, and I enjoyed reading them, so you never know!

Mature Content:

• Violence- Intense battle sequences
• Sexual References- Master Roshi is a pervert. He finds women attractive and sometimes touches their boobs.
• Profanity- "Piss" and "Damn" and "Bastard"
• Spiritual- The characters rely on "Chi" a type of spiritual sensitivity power
• Some of the character have magical abilities
• There is a character named "Lord of Lords" who is the "god of gods" of the planets combined
• The character Dende is referred to as "god" several times
• Many of the villians are demons

Personal Note:

Piccolo and Dende were my favorite characters.

Fairy Tail (Manga)

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Name: Fairy Tail
Type: Manga

Author: Hiro Mashima

Books: 57+
Genre: Action, adventure, comedy, fantasy
Age Rating: 18+

Review:
Join Natsu Dragneel and his friends from the Fairy Tail guild as he goes on magical adventures to find Igneel, his dragon-father. Enter a world of Wizard Guilds, magic, and epic friendship! 

This is one of my all-time favorite manga and anime series. The characters are all refreshingly different, and all have their quirks and hilarious habits. Though very strong, they are not without flaws, and many have tragic and hard backstories that are relevant to the plot and add a lot of mystery to the plot. It's one of the only series I've read that doesn't feel redundant, and no moment is dull or feels forced. The author knows his characters extremely well, and as a reader, you get the chance to read the point of view of many of the main characters, including Lucy, Happy, Erza, and Grey. 

Hiro Mashima's art is great; I absolutely love it! Each character is drawn a little bit differently, and he is consistent with appearances. I also really appreciate how Lucy's outfit is always different. It's more realistic that way. The amazing consistency Mashima has is to be praised---both in his art and in his writing. It is really interesting how he follows Lucy almost closer than he follows Natsu at times. I actually misrepresented her as the main character because she is the narrator most of the time, and is the one we follow in the beginning. It turns out later that Lucy loves to write, and it is implied that she writes down all of her adventures in Fairy Tail, which is what we, as an audience, are reading. I think that's an interesting concept.

There are some sexual references and nudity, and on the online version of the manga, there is quite a bit more profanity, including the "f" word. The women are also dis-proportioned--their breasts are far bigger than what they should be, and there are a lot of nude shots. This is why I would keep it monitored and only allow more mature kids read it. Another aspect of this story is the magic. I understand that sorcery is condemned in the Bible, so the reader should understand that there is no such thing as "magic" like that in Fairy Tail. However, none of the magic or sorcery talked about felt offensive to me, personally.

I would be careful about boys reading this series, just because of the nudity. Unfortunately, this series has a lot of appeal for men, but for younger boys it may not be appropriate for them, especially if you feel they would have more of a problem with it. Just another reminder to "be careful little eyes what you see." Both boys and girls can get into this manga; there is something for everyone. Humor, mystery, tragedy, action, adventure, suspense, drama, a hint of romantic tension...this series definitely gives you all the feels. It is a very popular manga as far as mangas go, and it's not hard to see why. If this isn't already on your list, you should seriously consider putting it there, however, please consider the fact that I gave an 18+ rating because of the increasing nudity as the saga continues.

Mature Content: 

• Sexual References- Unnaturally large breasts and a lot of extremely skimpy outfits
• Boobs/butts are sometimes accidentally grabbed by the opposite gender (sometimes they are grabbed by the same gender as well, though it's never meant to be romantic)
• Some mild sexual innuendos (Lucy using her "feminine wiles" against an enemy, Taurus commenting on Erza's boobs)
• Nudity- Sometimes clothes are ripped off (usually the women).
• Everything but the nipples and nether extremities are drawn and revealed
• Grey Fullbuster frequently strips his clothing, but nothing is ever shown and it is supposed to be funny 
• Profanity- "Damn,"  "hell," "bitch," "ass," "shit," (and "fuck" in the online versions)
• Violence- The characters frequently fight with many enemies, and even each other
• Blood is drawn (unnatural pain tolerance)
• Magic- The characters practice and preform magic
• Drugs- Some characters (Kana) drink excessively to the point of passing out
• Some characters are seen with cigarettes in their mouths
• Intense Scenes- This manga is very emotionally intense

Personal Note: 
I ship NaLu so hard, I sometimes can't concentrate! I even dream about them and have a picture of them together on my bedroom wall! I WILL GO DOWN WITH THIS SHIP!

One Punch Man (Anime)

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Name: One Punch Man
Type: Anime

Official Rating: TV-PG

Director: Chikashi Kubuta

Seasons: 1
Genre: Action, comedy, parody, superhero
Age Rating: 14+

Review:
Saitama is a man who trained hard to be able to take down his enemies in one swift punch. When Cyborg, Genos, meets Saitama, he assigns himself as the hero's apprentice despite Saitama's protests.

This is probably one of the--if not the most--hilarious animes I have seen thus far. The characters were enjoyable and funny (especially Saitama, Genos, and Mumen Rider) and the villains were comical. If I had to describe this anime simply, I'd say it is a parody of most all other fighting animes and manga. There were so many subtle jokes and highlighted cliches through the show--even Saitama's ability to take down an enemy in one punch pokes fun at cartoon heroes' unrealistic winning streaks. 

Though it is very funny, it did have battles and if you cannot understand the humor it would be best to wait until a kid is mature enough to understand the content. The fact that Saitama can take out an enemy in one punch is funny in and of itself, but some of the fights can get unrealistic, and the show categorizes the enemies and sends out warnings to the people accordingly. There are a lot of casualties, though none are shown. It should also be clarified to younger viewers that most conflicts can't be solved with violence, and not everybody is as physically strong as Saitama.

I saw this with a sixth-grader during one of our "Anime clubs" and he enjoyed the show as well as everybody else. Aside from some language and strangely-clothed characters, One Punch Man was fun for everybody involved. This is one of those shows that is best watched with multiple people. It is just that much funnier. Trust me, you will never experience the weirdness in full otherwise.

Mature Content:

• Profanity- "Damn," and "ass" and "hell"
• Homosexuality- It is insinuated that Puri-Puri-Prisoner is gay
• Nudity- Some of the clothing is questionable; the lobster only wears underwear and it's kind of gross'
• In one episode, One Punch Man punches another character in the genitals, and it shows an uncomfortable close-up shot of this
• Violence- Fights, though usually quite comical
• Evolution- The "House of Evolution" is filled with test subjects and other mutations and experiments

Personal Note: 
My girlfriends and I could NOT stop laughing at Saitama's secret behind his strength: his exercising until he went bald. We also could not stop laughing at "Caped Baldy" and "Blonde Cyborg."