#Asuka: Otomen Edits

[officialshojobeat]

The Manga We’d Want as Gifts

As Black Friday looms, I asked the other Shojo Beat editors to give me a short list of the manga they would wish to receive as a gift if they hadn’t already edited it. I thought it would be interesting for you guys to know the titles we cherish, and maybe it could also help you in selecting some of your holiday gifts! You can find these series on sites like Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and RightStuf, but you may need to ask for a special order for some titles if you are using a brick-and-mortar bookstore for your holiday shopping. 

☆☆☆Pancha’s Picks☆☆☆

Skip•Beat! by Yoshiki Nakamura I love the balance of goofy, over the top humor and serious subjects. The main character starts out naive, but a rude betrayal sends her into a vengeance-fueled rage spiral that sweet friendships slowly help her to heal from. I also enjoy seeing Kyoko get better at acting and look forward to the day that she becomes a star!

Kamisama Kiss by Julietta Suzuki Nanami suddenly finds herself in the world of gods and monsters, and even though she's completely out of her depth her innate competence helps her thrive. At the center of this story is the god of bonds (like marriage, friendship, family etc), and I really enjoy how the series explores the different types of bonds that people can have, and how they can make us stronger. And I love that Nanami is good at her job as a god, even though it is totally alien to her.

Honey and Clover by Chica Umino This is a really poignant college tale that reminds me (sometimes too much!) of my own time in an artsy school. While it's not a comedy, it does have some really funny moments and I like its quite push towards self-discovery.

☆☆☆Amy’s Picks☆☆☆

Queen's Quality by Kyousuke Motomi

I love anything by Kyousuke Motomi (Dengeki Daisy, Beast Master, QQ Sweeper) because of her zany sense of humor and deep characters. I really love Kyutaro's introverted adorableness in Queen's Quality, and I like how Motomi Sensei is trying new things with this supernatural series (with cleaning tips!).

My Love Story!! written by Kazune Kawahara and drawn by Aruko

This series never fails to put a smile on my face! The friendship between Takeo and Suna is the best, and this feel-good manga is guaranteed to make you laugh out loud. I also love that Takeo doesn't look like your stereotypical pretty-boy protagonist in a shojo manga (but you grow to love him!).

Otomen by Aya Kanno

This manga series about boys who love girlie things like baking, makeup and flowers (to name a few!) is done in such a smart and beautiful way! You totally want main character Asuka to get together with tomboy Ryo, and you root for all the other "otomen" to be able to be their true selves in front of others. Also has one of the best endings out of all the manga I've edited. :)

☆☆☆Nancy’s Picks☆☆☆

Revolutionary Girl Utena Box Set

It’s our nicest release ever: Fancy slipcase, beautiful hardcovers, and color illustration pages (plus a poster)! And it’s the story of Utena, so it’s a timeless gift. The mood of it seems to fit with the holidays as well—fairy tales and romance.

We Were There by Yuki Obata

This series probably came out a little before its time here, but it remains one of the best shojo manga series written in the past decade. Yes, it will seem typical at first, but then you will find a depth and complexity of writing that other mangaka rarely attempt. Keep with it—it’s beautiful and full of hope. I will always want this series in my manga collection.

The Demon Prince of Momochi House by Aya Shouoto

Easily Aya Shouoto’s best work. Gorgeous artwork in a romantic fantasy that is heartrending at times. I find myself wondering about the characters when I am not working on this book. Aoi is a mystery that is being lovingly revealed. Of the various books I gave my niece, she kept rereading this one, so you know it’s a keeper!

-Editor Nancy