Manga (for real this time!)

Yes. I am no longer talking about random things because I really do have the ability to read English!! Because of that amazing ability of mine, I believe the title of this blog is Mangafreak.

So...

In light of this not-so-recent discovery of mine, I wanted to review some of the manga that I love <3

Skip Beat!

"When an actor immerse themselves in a role, they are truely a professional".

 

-Skip Beat!

Definitely my all-time favorite.

It's still ongoing, so I won't spoil anything for you! All I can say is that Kyoko, the main character, is an amazing person, and I find myself growing to like her more and more every single time I read Skip Beat. She's a human girl who struggles with the whole idea of love- not just romantic love- because of her past. But you learn that she's actually extremely strong and that even though her past has hurt her, it has also set the foundation for her to grow and become an incredible actress.

I really enjoy seeing her become different people and where her acting is taking her. You may think this weird, but I reread the entire thing (so far) and made a list of my favorite chapters. I realised that most of the chapters were ones of her in different acting roles. I'm really impressed that Yoshiki Nakamura was able to create all these different characters, and if you look closely, different parts of Kyoko.

It's funny; as I got deeper into the story I found myself trying acting techniques she used and to be more like her. I think she's a great role model for girls like me who want to act, but need that advice and an understanding of what it's really like.

If you're into drama or acting, I encourage you to look it up!

1/2 Prince

"It's just that ... my killing methods are a tiny bit like the horror movies! Plus... I just like having my body soaked in blood, and it's really just good manners, that I like to smile at others! Just because of that, they give me such a horrid title! How unfair!"

 

- Prince (a.k.a. the Blood Elf), 1/2 Prince

 



Ahh... The gender bender. This story takes place in the future, where technology is further advanced (by about 1000 times) and where everyone basically has two lives. One in real life where they eat and sleep and go to school, and the other one in video games. Engineering has gotten to a point where a new game has come out with a 99% reality level. The main character, Feng Lan, is tired of taking on girl characters who just leech of guys and don't earn their levels in the game- or so her brother tells her. She sets out to prove her brother wrong, and because she is one of the first people to log on to the game she is granted one request. She decides that the way to prove her brother wrong is to play as a guy. Wish granted, she sets off into the world of Second Life as Prince, the newly made bishie with a love for fighting.

I did prefer the novel because I got to see different peoples POV, there was more detail, and there were some extra chapters you didn't see in the manga, but the art in this was amazing. It was intricate, and there's nothing like seeing a character you've only imagined in your head brought to life.

I loved the plot; who doesn't like seeing how the gender bender deals with their situation in real life? In this novel, you get to see how it affects her online too.  The reveal, the romance, the mistaken identity & confusion, and the adventure that comes with it.

Shiawase Kissa Sanchome (Happy Cafe)

"Dream? I don't have any. But, umm...

I just wanna make people happy.

That's all".

 

- Takamura Uru, Happy Cafe
 

This mananga (mananga? Manga ;-) makes me so happy whenever I read it. It's one of the stories I read o'er and o'er and never get tired of. Uru, the main character is one of the girls who gets all of the guys in the end, and even then you don't mind because she's so caring and innocent in a way. Seriously. Every guy she meets cares so much about her. The romantic storyline is really enjoyable and each character's unique personality adds so much to the plot- C'mon. There's a guy (a true bishounen) who will only wake up if you feed him. Who wouldn't read about that? Haha! Plus, you'll love reading about their little siblings and their own (mis?)adventures.

 

Ichirou or Shindou... It's so hard to choose! Takamura is a lucky girl. Honestly, my parents look at me weirdly when I read this because it makes me laugh out loud. All the time. The art is also one of my favorites, by Kou Matsuzuki, who's also the author and illustrator of Ouji to Majou to Himegimi to. 

 

This manga will surely leave you with a smile on your face, and a very happy person :-)

 

Hana to Akuma (The Flower and the Demon)

 

"To live in the hearts of those we love is to never die".

 

-Hana to Akuma

 

This is one of the shorter mangas (whereas I usually read ones with 100 chapters and counting), but one of my favorites. Believe me, I cried and laughed as I read this.

It's about a demon who finds a baby on his doorstep, and decides to raise her. He loves her as a daughter, but isn't prepared for her to actually grow up. As she gets older he struggles with his feelings, love rivals, his own duties in the demon world, and the whole immortal-mortal dilemma.

 

I love this soooooo much. So much. I am not ashamed to laugh or cry in public when I read this... It's just a little embarrassing when they ask you what's wrong and I answer them "I was reading a book!" while simultaneously crying my eyes out. And then I laugh at the next chapter...

Who cares? Get to know me before you judge, people!

 

Oresama Teacher

I would get kinda nervous since they looked, so delicate, you know...

Um... If I had to say something it would be that they're...

like angels!

 

- Kurosaki Mafuyu, Oresama Teacher

 

Oresama Teacher is still ongoing (it's one that I check for updates almost daily on) and a great shojo manga that isn't quite so romance 24/7. There's lots of action, confusion, and quirkiness.

 

A lot of these characteristics are brought on because of the protagonist's (Kurosaka Mafuyu's) decision to become more of a 'girly-girl'. She idolizes normal girls, and has an urge to protect them while simultanously trying to become one.

 

The problem is that she was the banchou of her old school, and is actually a great leader and fighter, which makes it hard for her to be a 'proper lady' when she has the constant need to protect people. (That's probably the reason she was the leader of her delinquent gang at Higashi High). Because she wants these to completely different things, all sorts of situations come up...

 

Between the complicated plot, lovable (and really quirky) characters, the art, and the relationship I have yet to understand with her teacher, I see no reason why you shouldn't check this out at your next opportunity.

 

 

And because you all live online and there are a bunch of manga-hosting websites at your fingertips, I better hear what you think pretty soon :-)

 

I hope your summer is going great, and that you're ready for school ASAP!

Any advice for somone starting public school for the first time?

Hell or High Water

Hi Guys!

In honor of the Albertans experiencing the effects of the major floods, I just want to take a minute to acknowledge the event of the last few weeks.

Yes, I know this isn't manga, but I felt that I needed to write this down because I think that some events are too important to forget, and believe me, I've forgotten more important things than I can count. By posting this on the internet, I know that it will stay there for a long, long time. I can only hope to make a few more people aware of the events of June 20th-23rd.

Because of the excessive rain, the Bow and Elbow rivers flooded and overcame neighborhoods in Medicine Hat, High River, and Calgary, as well as many other Southern Alberta communities. Pets were lost, property was damaged, and places were shut down for days.

Depressing. I know.

I certainly wasn't expecting it. You seem so sheltered, thinking that these disasters only happen in foreign places and that it fades away within weeks. But it doesn't. A couple days before, we were happy for the rain because all of these cities are really dry places, and let's face it. We all like to see a little green when we occasionally take a look past our computer screen and out the window.


BUT.

It was amazing to see all of these concerned neighbors and strangers getting off their butts and helping others. Many people volunteered their time, and donations to the Red Cross poured in. Strangers accepted strangers into their houses and gave them a place to stay. You could see all of the love.

 

 

What amazed me was that they got the Calgary Stampede up and running. A few events were canceled, but the midway was set up, "interesting" deep fried foods (deep fried pickles??? bleh.) were created, and they were able to drain most of the water out.

 

They sold these T-shirts to help raise money for flood victims, and I thought they were awesome. The problem was that they just sold either small or X-large. What is with that???

The best part is that they created a different shirt for kids. When I saw them at first, I thought it was a mistake, but then I realised that we were near the kids area. You know what they sold there? "Heck or High Water" shirts... lol. In my mind, I was like "What difference does this make?" Oh well.

If you guys are in the Calgary region, you should check it out!

Thanks again,
FP

New Anime: Free!

 

Oh my gosh. I totally forgot to mention this extremely hot anime.......well, its a swimming anime and oh my gosh. It was ALL over tumblr!!! So hot......just look!

 

 

 

....Dayum. Once I saw those beautiful abs, I rushed to animeseason.com to check if the episodes were there. And guess what? Yep!!! For the last hour, I have been fangirling......this anime, I swear! Its like pure fanservice to us females!!





Life is so beautiful!! I have one more reason to live!!! :)) I can't wait for the next episode...



Title: Free! Iwatobi Swim Club
Genres: Shonen, School life, Slice of Life, Sports
Air Date: July 4, 2013
Status: Ongoing

Summary: Free! revolves around members of a high school boy's swimming team. Four boys—Haruka, Makoto, Nagisa and Rin—all participated in a swimming tournament shortly before graduating elementary school and later parted ways. Years later, they reunite when Rin challenges Haruka to a race and wins. Not wanting to be defeated so easily, Haruka gathers Makoto and Nagisa and a new recruit named Rei to form the Iwatobi High School Swimming Club.

 

The storyline is quite intriguing........and the men. Just wow. I'm going to start drawing such beautiful people once I wake up from the wet dreams and......wow. Just amazing. Ok. I should seriously sleep. Hopefully will talk to you guys again when I'm in Philippines!

Arigatou~!!

I'm alive.......but I'll be gone for a bit~ Going to the Philippines!!

Hey everyone! How goes it? If everyone is wondering, I'm doing quite fine now! :) I'm so happy that all the stresses are gone!! I wrote my last grade 11 tests last week and lately, I have been working my butt off! I am sorry but I will be leaving you guys once again to the Philippines! I'm sorry.....I have been truly converted to tumblr but I'm still here for you guys! I have a beautiful person named Fong Pen posting for me while I'm gone. She's a beautiful girl who I met at camp. I guess I wanted to get someone new and she will be my guest blogger with you guys until August 21st.......unless you know, she enjoys blogging and hopefully she will try making her own too! You guys cheer her on you hear? Ganbatte! (Good luck!) Be nice to here ok? I'll try to get to an internet café as soon as I land!

 

(All gifs come from tumblr!)

Also, anyone interested in my Disney land trip? Well........Disney land was so much fun!!!!! As a band, we preformed extremely well! I went on so many rides and I got to watch a pirate show with hot, shirtless and sweaty men (I'll make a whole post for it soon~ pictures are promised!) So beautiful! :) Oh! Its less than.........a couple hours until I get to go to Philippines!!  16 hours to be exact. Whoo hoo! ^_^ Its around 3 am right now and I can't sleep quite yet. My stomach has been killing me and I wanted food and the computer was sitting right there.............anyways! Everything is finally taking place. I finally have squeezed time to blog and man, I miss it so. Here you guys go, some mangas I have been reading for the past couple months (hopefully I remembered every single one of them...)

Title: Aozora Pop
Author: Oochi Natsumi (Fly High)
Genres: Romance, Shojo, Comedy, Slice of Life, Drama
Reading Direction: Right to Left
Age Rating: 13+ Teen
Status: Ongoing

Summary: (mangafox.com) From Enchantment Scans:
Kazuki Orika, a 15-year-old girl, aspires to become a model like her beautiful mother, who passed away. Without the knowledge or consent of her father, Orika enters an amateur model competition, only to reunite with her childhood friend, Miyazaki Kanata, the cameraman, and make new friends with models Yano Mito, Yano Haruto, Kunimi Riko, and many others. But modeling isn't all fun and games. Will Orika be able to make it big?





The art. ITS AMAZING. FLAJKSAHDS. AHHH!!! The hot guys. The beauty of the lines and definition.............amazing. And absolutely breathtaking. I just want to master her art!!!! I'm in love with this manga and this mangaka!!! Adorable, cute storyline and downright......AH. I just love it. This manga didn't take me that long to finish reading and I'm waiting for more chapters......I love it!


Title: Ouji no Kikan
Author: Junko
Genres: Yaoi, Romance, Comedy, Slice of Life, Shonen ai
Reading Direction: Right to Left
Age Rating: 16+ Older Teen
Status: Ongoing

Summary: (mangafox) Story 1 (Chapter 1-2) Satake Kou attended the wedding of his sister unknowingly that he will be reunited there with his cousin, Fumihiro, who used to be a very dumb fat guy, then transformed into a charismatic prince! Kou became undeniably self-conscious about this while he is not aware of Fumihiro’s high regards towards him since they were little. And in their reunion, Fumihiro’s admiration has turned into something complex. How would Kou respond to Fumihiro’s feelings?





Ouij no Kikan is such a cute manga.............the "H" scenes are........WHOO HOO. Wow. Just wow. The guys are hot. I'd like to say the storyline is quite cliché but I still enjoyed the light heart story. 



Title: Nanatsu no Taizai
Author: Suzuki Nakaba
Genres: Shonen, Action, Adventure, Comedy, Fantasy
Reading Direction: Right to Left
Age Rating: 16+ Older Teen
Status: Ongoing

Summary: (mangafox.com) The "Seven Deadly Sins", a group of evil knights who conspired to overthrow the kingdom of Britannia, were said to have been eradicated by the Holy Knights, although some claim that they still live. Ten years later, the Holy Knights have staged a Coup d'état and assassinated the king, becoming the new, tyrannical rulers of the kingdom. Elizabeth, the king's only daughter, sets out on a journey to find the "Seven Deadly Sins", and to enlist their help in taking back the kingdom.



The art is quite amazing and so is the storyline. I think its interesting and it drew me in when I read the summary. I just started reading it and man, I'm loving it so far! The main character perks me up and I hope you guys have the time to try and read this!! ^_^



Title: Suki tte Ii na yo, Say I love you
Author: Hazuki Kanae
Genres: Romance, Shojo, Romance, Drama, School life
Reading Direction: Right to Left
Age Rating: 16+ Older Teen
Status: Ongoing

Summary: (mangafox) From Karma Falls Scanslations:

Mei Tachibana has spent her 16 years without making either boyfriend or friends. One day, she drop-kicks a popular boy in school, Yamato Kurosawa, because of a misunderstanding but for some reason it seems that he takes a liking to her and one-sidedly claims that they’re friends. Furthermore, he not only protects Mei from a stalker, he does it with a kiss…?!!




Just.........amazing. One of the best shojo manga's I've read out there. I loved it so much that I had watched the anime several times and I laugh sooo hard that my stomach starts to hurt. I love ALL the characters to pieces!!! You guys HAVE to read it. I'm still fangirling like a freaking idiot every single time. Oh my gosh. Its beautiful and I..........ARGH. I can't explain how happy to even talk about this manga/anime!! You guys MUST try it!



Title: History's Strongest Disciple Kenichi
Author: Matsuena Syun
Genres: Shonen, Action, Adventure, Romance, Comedy, Drama, Fantasy, School life
Reading Direction: Right to Left
Age Rating: 16+ Older Teen (Mature...)
Status: Ongoing (Anime Comepleted!)

Summary: (mangafox) Shirahama Kenichi is a book lover who has just entered high school, but he is often bullied by others. One day, he became good friends with the new transfer student, Fuurinji Miu, who was also looking for a friend. Kenichi was shocked at how powerful she is at first, but he is still somehow attracted to her...



I honestly started watching this on Netflix.......and then got into the manga! I started watching this when I got my wisdom teeth taken out (ouch..) and man, I love it! It's so much fun to watch and I love the different arcs in the manga. Like every manga, its soo cool to read how different the drawing style has come through. Its quite amazing. The art.....its a bit revealing so if you people are offended by the way the art is drawn, I suggest you don't read this.



Title: Juushin Enbu, Hero Tales
Author: Hiromu Arakawa
Genres: Shonen, Action, Adventure, Fantasy, Drama
Reading Direction: Right to Left
Age Rating: 16+ Older Teen
Status: Ongoing (Anime Completed!)

Summary: (animenewsnetwork) Set in a time of chaos, seven heroes of the Stars, the Hokushintenkun, rise up to lead the people. Two of the seven, the Nitenshinson, the Hagun and the Tanrou, are never supposed to exist at the same time, but fate has decided otherwise. Taito, chosen as the Hagun, now must rise up to defeat the Tanrou, as the fate of the Stars destined it to be.



The storyline is quite cool! I love the mix of Chinese folklore and terms. I love the different characters and they all go quite well.

Ok guys! It's almost 4am.........I think I should sleep before my parents kill me. Hahaha! I'll definitely post pictures and stuff!! Look forward to them! Wish my luck and have fun with my guest blogger. Be nice! ^_^

Arigatou~~

Introducing Me (Fong Pen)

Hi Guys!

My name is Fong Pen, and translated from Chinese signifies "wisdom, intelligence, and peace". Chibiko, an amazing friend of mine, has invited me to post a few things while she is away. Here are a few things you may want to know about me:

• I am a relatively new "mangafreak".

This is all of Chibiko's doing, and I am thankful for it everyday. I love the intricate storylines, the relatable (or completely unrelatable!) characters, and the beautiful art. Throughout the summer I'll post about some of my favorite mangas and characters, and I hope to hear your feedback!

I LOVE Skip Beat!, Akatsuki no Yona, 1/2 Prince, Kamisama Kiss, and the list goes on and on......

• I read. A lot.

From romance, chick-lit, sci-fi, historical fic, YA, Christian, Chicken Soups, retellings of classics, dystopian, spies, supernatural, faerie, and of course..... MANGA!

•  Between sleep, surfing the web, and reading I can be a little active (just a little)

Soccer and wrestling. Need I say more?

• I am hopelessly lost when it comes to gifs. 

When it comes to pics, I will try my best, but don't expect anything too fancy :-)

• I love writing

This is one of the reasons why Chibiko suggested I be a part of this blog. Outside of school, it's hard for me to come up with material, so I am extremely excited to participate in this. If you have suggestions, feel free to comment! This is also the reason why my posts will be so long most of the time. lol. Even most of my emails look like essays.........

• I cannot speak any Chinese. I probably have 10 words in my vocabulary, and most of them are foods.... Not that there is anything wrong with that!

Yeah. It's a little ironic, considering my (Chinese) name, but I actually speak (and write) English really well, and can have a decent conversation in Spanish! Because of manga, I've found my Japanese vocabulary growing every week. It's been really cool to learn all the vocab. I just can't speak it very well! You know that awkward moment when it sounds perfect in your head, but when you say it outloud it turns out the pronunciation was totally wrong? Yeah... Try that in a different language!

Thanks for taking the time to read this; I will try my best to post at least every other week. I am determined!!!

See how determined I am??? 

 

 

And a huge thanks to Ro; this is for you!

FP



Reality T.V Shows

Getting ready for a performance! :) Don't I look sexy? Joke! :P

This month is killing me!!! >:( I have piano festival and a bunch of tests........I'm dying!!! I have two performances for tomorrow and a science fair project to present...........man. I'm so stressed out!

Anyways, that's my month. Here are some T.V shows I love to watch on Netflix that make my life almost stress free. :)

Title: No Oridinary Family
Type: American Show
Genres: Action, Comedy, Drama, Fantasy, Romance, Adventure
Status: Completed

Summary: This show is about a typical family with a twist. After a tramatizing family vacation, each family member come back from the trip with special powers. Their family feels broken but the discovery of their new powers made them grow closer.



This show makes me extremely happy! I was soooooooooooooo estatic when I found this one Netflix. I was having second thoughts at first because I never usually watch shows on Netflix but thanks to this show, I have been crazy about other shows ever since. I hate how it ended. HOLY COW. I was mad that they didn't make a second season and everything but but but but............they ended with a freaking cliffhanger!!! ARGH! I hate that when that happens! Apparently this show was "underated" and wasn't getting any good views. PEOPLE. This show has rare genres that you never see in regular shows anymore. It has family and fantasy qualities like no other!!! >:( What is wrong with the world?!?! This show was amazing and they shut it down when it was getting better! GRRR.



Title: Robin Hood
Type: American Show
Genres: Romance, Action, Fantasy, Drama, Mystery, Adventure
Status: Completed

Summary: After 5 years of fighting in the crusades, Robin returns to England and leads a band of outlaws to outwit the Sheriff of Nottingham.



I freaking love this show!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I love it to peices~!!!!!!!!!!!! OH MY GOODNESS!! I cried so bad...............I really hated how it ended but whatever! Anyways, Robin Hood is like the main things I loved when I was a kid. This is just downright amazing. The acting and action was cool and the romance and adventure mixed in it created a legendary story that got me thinking all night. I rewatched this one and it still makes me feel like a kid and how much a I looked up to Robin Hood. I love it~



Title: Numbers
Type: American Show
Genres: Mystery, Comedy, Drama, Action
Status: Completed

Summary: Working for the FBI, a mathematician uses equations to help solve various crimes.



I always wondered how math was ever used in the real world and bam. This show appeared. I was truely amazed with this show and I love it sooo much that I got my family addicted to it. It's utterly fascinating to see how everything works even it doesn't make sense but whatever, I love the storyline! The actors are soooo cool and I just love Charlie and his brother! They make an awesome team.



Title: H20 Just add Water
Type: American Show
Genres: Romance, Fantasy, Drama
Status: Completed

Summary: (imdb.com) When three normal teenage girls stumble upon a ancient cave they undergo a transformation that will change their lives forever. H20 - Just Add Water, sees three very different girls facing everyday teen problems with an added twist - they're mermaids with incredible powers over water.



I remember watching this show when I was just in middle school. I'm still fascinated with all the tails. I love the show even though it is a bit on the cliché side but whatever! I enjoyed the show a lot and I miss all the characters very much.



Title: Terra Nova
Type: American Show
Genres: Sci-fi, Comedy, Drama, Action, Adventure, Romance
Status: Completed (NOO!!)

Summary: (imdb.com) Centers on the Shannons, an ordinary family from 2149 when the planet is dying who are transported back 85 million years to prehistoric Earth where they join Terra Nova, a colony of humans with a second chance to build a civilization.



I just want another season to this show!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! It just ended with a.......................nevermind. Just watch this show people. It's amazing. I just love the mixture of Family bonding, Romance, Sci-fi and a great adventure. This show has rare qualities just like No Ordinary Family. Why do people hate these kinds of shows?! WHY?! This is just amazing!



Title: The 4400
Type: American Show
Genres: Action, Fantasy, Sci-fi
Status: Completed

Summary: (imdb.com) As the reappearance of 4,400 missing persons on a single day confounds the global community, federal agents on the case slowly discover the ways in which the victims have been changed.



I really liked this show! It's pretty neat! It kinda reminds me of X-Men since everyone doesn't quite understand the 4400 like in X-Men. Also, they discriminate them too. I just got into the t.v show and so far so good!

Arigatou~!!

Hey guys (Short post today)~ April New Anime: Pretty Rhythm Rainbow Live

I'm so sorry for not blogging for like........2 months? I'm sorry! >:( I've been tumbling (ALOT not kidding) and music festival is coming up. I'm so busy and man, many things are happening all at once! I'm going to die! I'm looking forward to many great things such as anime's coming up this month, Comic Con (YAYAYAY!!!!) and the Disney Land Band trip. Ok, enough of me and my excuses, let's get down to the anime's shall we? :)

New anime's like Uta no Prince-sama: Maji Love 2000% and Karneval is finally out~ I'm soooooo happy!!

Uta no Prince-sama: Maji love 2000%

 

Karneval

 

Title: Pretty Rhythm Rainbow Live
Genres: Fantasy, Shojo, Magical Girl, Comedy
Air Date: April 6, 2013 Saturday

Summary: (animenewsnetwork.com)Naru Ayase is an 8th grader who can see the colors of music when she listens to it. For Naru, who is extremely good at deco-ing Prism Stones, becoming the owner of a shop like Dear Crown was her dream. One day, she finds out that the manager of a newly-opened shop is recruiting middle school girls who can do Prism Dance, and immediately applies. Naru begins to Prism Dance at the audition, and an aura she's never experienced spreads out in front of her. At that moment, a mysterious girl named Rinne asks her if she can see "rainbow music".

I can't wait for this!!!! :)

Arigatou~!!