Manga Review: Gestalt, Volume 1, by Yun Kouga

Rating (Out of 5): ~3-3.5

Publisher: VIZ Media

Release Date: 2009

Volumes: 8

Spoilers?: No.

Buy it here: Amazon. Barnes and Noble. Book Depository. Powells. RightStuf.

Volume: 2.

Goodreads Synopsis:

R to L (Japanese Style). After experiencing a crisis of faith, Father Olivier of the Valaria Order decides to go to G and find out the truth behind the legends. Olivier's journey is unsanctioned, and the head of the Order engages the dark elf Suzu to stop him. As he begins his quest, Olivier encounters Ouri, a young girl from the south who cannot speak. But Ouri reveals another side of herself when Suzu catches up to them!

Review:

This series has been advertised in the back of the Loveless volumes, because it’s by the same author, but I’d never even heard of the series until then. I’ve read two other series by Kouga, and really enjoyed both of them, so this was definitely added to my list.

I wasn’t sure what to expect, but I was thinking that it would take a while for me to really get into this series. But this was a surprisingly easy volume to read.

We’re immediately thrown into the world, the mention of a god named G, and the statistics of the characters. This is set in a World of Warcraft like world, which I was a little surprised by. It wasn’t hard to follow, though, and the statistics and information for spells is given in an easy way to understand (much like in an actual game).

The characters are easy to like already, and the humor works. The way the fights and everything work seems a little cheesy cartoonish, but it work here.

There’s Olivier, a priest going off to find G (a god who betrayed the other gods and is thus feared) for a wish, who ends up being gifted a slave named Ouri. Ouri is somewhat of a mystery to most of the others, but I like her. I’m not quite sure what she’s doing, but I do like her. I like their relationship, too, and am looking forward to seeing how it develops.

There are a few other characters; like Suzu, who is working for Messiah to bring Olivier home, and a shazan they picked up. Then there are Ouri’s siblings, who she’s fighting to win something.

This was a pretty good first volume. I’m intrigued, and look forward to reading more.

Manga Review: Loveless, Volume 12, by Yun Kouga

Rating (Out of 5): ~4

Publisher: VIZ Media

Release Date: August 12, 2014

Volumes: 12+

Spoilers?: No.

Buy it here: Amazon. Barnes and Noble. Book Depository. Powells. RightStuf.

Volume: 1. 11.

Goodreads Synopsis:

When Seimei refuses to fight alongside Nisei against an enraged Moonless, it cuts the final tie in the web of manipulation that binds the dirtiest Fighter to his heartless Sacrifice. Meanwhile, while looking at his brother’s photo album, Ritsuka discovers new information about his old self that doesn’t match up.

Review:

Several things are still the same as in the last volume. Seimei is still horrible, and I still don’t understand what his plan is. Nisei is also horrible, although I guess I just care about him less. We did get some of their backstory in this volume, though. So we got to see how twisted their relationship has always been.

I still love Soubi, even if he is still confusing and frustrating me. I want him to do something already.

The bro-ship between Ritsuka, Youji and Natsuo is great. I don’t know why I like their friendship so much, but I really do. They spend a lot of time together in this volume, too, going to Ritsuka’s house to look for clues. Their meeting with his mother is interesting, and deserving. They bring back the topic of Ritsuka’s forgotten past, which I am now curious about again. It’s been several volumes since I’ve even thought about it, but it’s still a looming mystery for Ritsuka.

They also spend some time thinking about Soubi and the mess with Seimei, before Natsuo disappears to introduce a new character. And some possible problems between Natsuo and Youji is hinted at, which I’m not looking forward to.

I love this series, and now that I’m fully caught up again, I’m made aware of how long it might be before the next volume is released. This series has a long time between release dates, and we’re all caught up with Japan. I still love it, and will be waiting not-so-patiently for the next volume.

Manga Review: Loveless, Volume 11, by Yun Kouga

Rating (Out of 5): ~4

Publisher: VIZ Media

Release Date: June 2013

Volumes: 12+

Spoilers?: No.

Buy it here: Amazon. Barnes and Noble. Book Depository. Powells. RightStuf.

Volume: 1. 10. 12.

Goodreads Synopsis:

Ritsuka Aoyagi is alone in the world—never fitting in at school and alienated from his own past by a fragmented memory. When his beloved older brother is brutally murdered, Ritsuka is heartbroken but determined to find answers. His only lead is Soubi, a mysterious, handsome college student who offers him an intimate link to his brother’s other life: a dark and vibrant world of spell battles and secret names.

Ritsuka’s faith in his older brother Seimei is pushed to the limit when the unit named Moonless reveals sordid details of Seimei’s horrific past deeds. Then, while Ritsuka is still reeling, the unthinkable happens: Seimei returns to reclaim Soubi.

Review:

A horrible revelation is made about Seimei in this volume. And Nisei, of course, who I already didn’t really like. But the more I read about Seimei, the more I don’t like. He’s horrible.

Then there’s some really cute scenes between Soubi and Ritsuka, until Soubi does something horrible, goaded by Seimei. It breaks Ritsuka’s heart, and it’s horrible. I don’t like it even a bit, but I also don’t really understand why. Just… why, Soubi?

Then we see Ritsuka’s relationship with Youji and Natsuo. Their relationship is just so great, and I love the way they’re there for him after what happened with Soubi, as well as how what Soubi does hurts them, too.

I just love the relationships in this series. Youji and Natsuo are definitely two of my favorite characters, because they are just so interesting and entertaining. I feel so bad for Ritsuka, and I’m now confused by and unhappy with Soubi. The plot is also thickening in very interesting ways, and I’m interested to see where it goes.

I’m very excited to get my hands on the next volume.

Manga Review: Loveless, Volume 10, by Yun Kouga

Rating (Out of 5): ~4

Publisher: VIZ Media

Release Date: January 2013

Volumes: 12+

Spoilers?: Not really.

Buy it here: Amazon. Barnes and Noble. Book Depository. Powells. RightStuf.

Volume: Omnibus 1. Volume 9. Volume 11.

Goodreads Synopsis:

Reads R to L (Japanese Style). When his beloved older brother is brutally murdered, Ritsuka is heartbroken but determined to search for answers. His only lead is Soubi, a mysterious, handsome college student who offers him an intimate link to his brother’s other life: a dark and vibrant world of spell battles and secret names. Will Ritsuka’s relationship with Soubi ultimately lead to the truth or further down the rabbit hole than he imagined possible?

Still reeling from his brother’s dramatic return, Ritsuka goes back to school in search of something normal. He’s joined by the Zero unit of Natsuo and Youji, who transfer in to keep an eye on him. But even their protection won’t be enough when a new unit named Moonless approaches Ritsuka with a dangerous and seductive proposal…

Review:

This volume was a bit of a reprieve from the previous couple, a break from the major serious stuff. It was very nice, as the serious stuff was getting big and complicated, and I think the reader (at least, I did) and the characters needed things to calm down.

While I do love Ritsuka and Soubi, cause they’re my favorite and everything, I must say that I love Youji and Natsuo. I was sad when they left Soubi’s place, and am very happy that they’re back. I was waiting for it to happen, and it made me smile. I’m not sure why I like them so much, honestly. But I like the way they tease Soubi and Ritsuka, and their easy banter between each other. The way they were conflicted about Miss Nagisa and how they matured because of it. I’m just happy they’re back with Soubi.

Their being back also caused some fun for Ritsuka at school. For some reason, I wasn’t expecting them to be such rude troublemakers, but they are. And poor Yuiko because of it.

I’ve said before that I enjoy meeting all the different characters, and how it gives insight and scenes from all of them all the time. And I think that was done particularly well in this volume. Moving from one set of characters to another seamlessly, all for a purpose. I like the group of characters in this series.

Major plot-wise, there were also some interesting developments. There was a definite surprising development for Kio, which I won’t spoil. I was very caught off-guard, though, and am still not sure what to make of it. Then, while the plot of simmering and hinting with the group of seven, we met a new pair, Moonless. They seem very interesting, and I look forward to seeing where that cliffhanger goes in the next volume. I’m not sure yet if I’m going to like them or not. I’m also starting to wonder how many more pairs we’re going to meet, because there are just so many at this point. It’s starting to get a bit ridiculous.

I am still definitely enjoying this series, though. Loving it, and enjoying being along for the ride. After the next volume, there’s going to be long-wait release dates, though, and I’m not looking forward to that.

Manga Review: Loveless, Volume 9, by Yun Kouga

Rating (Out of 5): ~4

Publisher: VIZ Media

Release Date: September 2012

Volumes: 12+

Spoilers?: No.

Buy it here: Amazon. Barnes and Noble. Book Depository. Powells. RightStuf.

Volume: Omnibus 1. Omnibus 4. Volume 10.

Goodreads Synopsis:

The long-awaited continuation of the bestselling series, a masterpiece tale of intrigue and innocence lost.

Reads R to L (Japanese Style) for T audiences.

When his beloved older brother is brutally murdered, Ritsuka is heartbroken but determined to search for answers. His only lead is Soubi, a mysterious, handsome college student who offers him an intimate link to his brother’s other life: a dark and vibrant world of spell battles and secret names. Will Ritsuka’s relationship with Soubi ultimately lead to the truth or further down the rabbit hole than he imagined possible?

Seimei is very much alive and has torn through the Seven Voices Academy like a whirlwind. As Septimal Moon struggles to right itself and keep its secrets from spilling out, a new enemy takes center stage: the unit named “Bloodless” wages a crippling psychological war, ending battles without spilling a single drop of blood. Yet Ritsuka and Soubi must emerge victorious against them—or lose Kio.

Review:

I’m just plain enjoying this series. I love the characters, and I enjoy getting to see little pieces of the minor ones developing along with the main. There are surprising little twists and turns. It’s a little messy at times, sure, but it’s just good.

I feel bad for Ritsuka. And I’m anxiously waiting for his show down with Seimei. It’s got to happen at some point. I’m guessing there are going to be some more surprised before it happens, but I’m waiting. It’s not going to be good, and Seimei is obviously up to something bad, but it needs to happen.

As I said in the previous review, I like all of the minor characters. I can’t remember any of their names’, but I like them. We met some new characters, some fighters that I’m not a fan of, and then a somewhat mystery surprise character. There was a bit of Kio in this volume, and I like him. It seems like he’s going to be playing a bigger part in the story in the future, and I’m intrigued by that.

There hasn’t been a lot of down time in the last few volumes; it’s been very plot heavy. I’m enjoying it, but I do hope something character driven will happen soon, particularly between Ritsuka and Soubi. I just want more of them together.

I’m glad that the color pages and extras after the chapters continued into the single volumes. I really enjoy them.

Now, off to the next volume.