So I picked up volume 25 sometime in February, but I've only gotten around to finishing it now. The main story ends in this volume, with the other two volumes consisting of side stories about all the characters after the conclusion. This volume has two side stories after the finale, but instead of finding out what happens after the conclusion, we get a look into the past of two characters.
Summary
As Sarasa pleads with Shuri to get up, he sees his mother standing on the ledge across from the window. Shuri yells that she need not die, but his mother only turns to look and jumps off the ledge. Shuri is grief stricken, but Sarasa tells him that she must have loved him, his existence is proof of that.Meanwhile, Ageha is still in the basement with the Yarogumi, and just as an arrow is about to pierce him, Kagero, his owl, flies in front and takes the arrow in his place. The two share one last moment and Ageha continues his fight with the leader of the Yarogumi. Ageha manages to win, but the leader tells him he is not the most skilled of the Yarogumi, just as Hisoka jumps in and cuts Ageha. Against Hisoka, Ageha seems to be losing, but just as Hisoka is about to cut him one more time, Ageha stops his blade with his hand and pierces him with his own. Then he crawls over to the mechanism and attempts to slow it down, so that Tatara will have enough time to escape.Everyone is still escaping, but Asagi is standing in the palace as it is falling apart. However, flying on a kite, Hijiri and Nachi come to rescue him and give him a new reason to live. He and Muratake decide to go with them. Meanwhile Sarasa is having a hard time trying to find the exit. Just then she sees Ageha and he leads her out, when she turns around though, he is gone. The scene shifts to Ageha, he now closes his eyes slowly and lets go of the mechanism, thus bringing the whole palace down along with Ginko and Hiragi. Sarasa asks where Ageha is, but when everyone tells her he never came, she realizes that he must be buried under the rubble and begins digging through it; hoping against all odds that he really isn't dead. Meanwhile Princess Senju sees Ageha with her baby and he tells her to go to Kyoto.
Kakuji informs Sarasa that the people of Byakko village are awaiting Tatara to take revenge and kill the Red King Shuri. Sarasa is grief stricken but she takes up the sword as the crowd cheers, yet she has a vacant look in her eyes and is unable to move. As they stand there transfixed, Senju shows up with her baby and asks Sarasa not to kill Shuri since she (Sarasa) was the one who taught her that hate brings nothing. Then Sarasa, with tears in her eyes rushes at Shuri, drops her blade and they embrace. She cries out that she is not Tatara, that she lied and she is really Sarasa, and begs that they let her be Sarasa once more. Everyone is stunned (expect for her close friends who already knew she was a girl), and Kakuji cries asking her whether she intends to die with the Red King. She just looks at Shuri and the two embrace once more as dozens of arrows fire at them.
The scene shifts to a group of children, they ask Nagi whether Tatara and the Red King really died. Nagi says yes and the children get angry at Kakuji and run off. Kakuji, a little irratated, asks whether Nagi intends to make of him the monster in the historical accounts of Tatara's journey. Nagi looks out and says the plants Sarasa planted have grown, and Kakuji asks how far did he see this result. Nagi just response with another question, asking Kakuji when did he devise his own plan.The scene shifts back to Shuri and Sarasa. Arrows litter the ground around them, but no one is able to shoot directly at them. The others (those not from Byakko) begin to move toward the two, acknowledging that the journey they took was not with Tatara, but with Sarasa. The Byakko villagers give up and acknowledge that they cannot kill the one who means so much to them. Mako's mom (the boy who was first killed in Tatara's place) tells Sarasa that they always knew it was her, but refused to admit it. Nagi, for the first time since Sarasa cut her braids off, calls her Sarasa and tells Shuri he expects great things from him. He tells the two that they are free to go see the world as Shuri and Sarasa. He then turns to Kakuji would agrees and says the Red King and Tatara are dead.The scene shifts back to Kakuji and Nagi in the present day and he tells Kakuji that it worked out nicely. Then we see Muratake and Asagi wondering in the wilderness. Asagi wonders whether the White Lady was really his mother and asks Muratake if he wants to go to Kumano. When Muratake shows a lot of enthusiasm, Asagi tells him he has changed his mind (oh Asagi you meanie!). We are then showed snippets of the lives of the others, before returning once more to Nagi as he remembers little Sarasa asking if they can make the land greener. As he looks out on a lush new land, he wishes Sarasa happiness. The next page reads "Fin."We are then treated to two side stories, the first, White Story: Fig, tells us the whole life story of Ginko with a much needed resolution to her story. While the second story takes place in Ageha's past. Both story's are rather somber (a drastic contrast to the very beautiful and happy ending of the main story) and both deal with sexual abuse and rape (rather depressing themes). In Ginko's story, we learn that when she was brought back from Awaji Island she was raped by her drunken father and become pregnant. Hating the child, she asked Hiragi to get rid of it when a boy was born, but later she began asking for her baby boy, so Hiragi brought her another child he had found (this he later regretted doing). She named the child Asagi and told him that he was her brother the true Blue King. After the palace falls on Ginko, we are shown the bloody resolution to her tale. Her father, who escaped with Tachibana, is found by local farmers and both of them are murdered.
In Ageha's story we learn how he coped with being sexually abused and raped as a child slave, where he first heard the prophecy that he would die for the woman he loved, and how he rediscovered his roots as a blue noble of the desert. Overall, a very interesting story and it gives Ageha's character yet another level of complexity. It's basically covers what took place with Ageha right before he saved Sarasa and got his eye cut as payment.
My Thoughts
I loved the finale, it was very heart warming without being overally cheesy. I was worried how Tamura-san would end such a beautiful series off, but I worried in vain because Tamura-san did an exceptional job and one that was much better then I was hoping for. I wasn't expecting Ageha to die until the these last few volumes (where he made his intentions clear). So I raise my glass to Tamura-san once more because usually manga does not catch me off guard as much as Basara has. The story was really well written and much thought was given to it. But even though the main story is finished, I still excited about the last two volumes! I cannot wait to see what happens to the rest of the cast after this volume's conclusion :DThe two side stories were really good and added a lot to the rest of the manga. For one, Ginko's actions don't seem so drastic after we learn her whole story. I have to commend Tamura-san once more because the rape scene was well depicted; it wasn't too graphic and was more of a psychological depiction of Ginko's mind at the moment (she was a doll and her father a beast). The subsequent psychological state of Ginko was also well done, it was very believable. Ageha's story was also a believable depiction of his emotional and mental state. I found his reactions both to making love to Aello and meeting Shido very believable.Overall, Basara continues to remain my all time favourite manga since I picked it up a few years ago. I cannot wait to read the last to volumes of this beautiful epic.~Joanna
I love Fire Emblem, so naturally I pre-ordered the DS remake of the very first game. EB Games gave out this decent Laser Cell with a pre-order of the game. The game came out in February, but I've just been taking my time with posting my spoils =PThe game itself is fun, but it's missing a few staples of the franchise; like unit bonding. But it also has a few nice addition as well, like the harm button (which is X) that shows you the range of all enemy units (helpful when your trying to protect your frail units)Also, is it just me, or is this Fire Emblem more RNG harsh than other FE games. I mean 80% of the time, my units get only 0-2 bonuses when they level up. Usually I get at least 3-4 and only on rare occasions do I only get 0-2 from any unit (and I use them all, so this includes the 'crappy' units as well), but with this game the problem seems to be even more apparent. Right now I'm playing on Normal Mode (which is the easiest mode) so the problem isn't too bad (since enemies are low leveled and in smaller numbers), but it will become a problem when I play on the harder difficulties.
Oh and the prologue (which you have to play on normal to see) was alright, but the last chapter was annoying (why do I need to sacrifice a unit!? this does not bode well for OCD players like me. I did sacrifice Jagen, but I was NOT happy about it, not one bit...grr.)~Joanna
I picked up Basara 24 with 23, so I didn't have to wait long to read this. I also already have 25, so the impression will be done after I finish this one :)
Summary
Just as the last volume left off, Sarasa is making her way to Kyoto to see Asagi, and Shuri is determined to follow after her, so Nakijin agrees to go with him. Ageha, who also notices her, decides he need to discover what Hiragawa was plotting at the base of the palace.When Sarasa storms the palace, Ran and Umi of the four virtues confront her. However, Kikune shows up and helps Sarasa out, she tells her that this is her fight, so Sarasa leaves her. Ichimatsu also shows up, but Kikune also tells him this is her fight. He tells her he will wait for her to finish.Sarasa makes it to Asagi and asks him to come home with her. But it appears that Asagi isn't willing to do so, just then Shuri comes to the door and asks Sarasa to open it. Sarasa decides she must charge at Asagi if she cannot change his decision just as Nakijin breaks the door open and Shuri storms in. However instead of piercing her with his sword, Asagi embraces Sarasa. But the embrace doesn't last long because Shuri tears Sarasa away from Asagi. While Asagi is insulting Shuri, Hiiragi comes into the room, he survived the fall, but is now missing an arm like Shuri. Asagi makes his intentions clear, he will kill Hiiragi, he also became the King so that the people would despise the monarchy and never wish to return to this form of rule.
Sarasa is ashamed of her lack of trust, so she decides to trust him now and leaves Hiiragi to Asagi, while she and Shuri go see Ukon the king, or Shuri's dad. King Ukon is a desecrate old man, who steps down after trying to shoot Sarasa with his bow. Sarasa, however, does not want him to step down, because then the burden of the monarchy falls on Shuri, and she knows that the price he will have to pay is one of blood. But when she tries to urge the King to face his people, Shuri stops her and lets his father go with Tachibana.Meanwhile, Asagi has killed Hiragii and he now confronts Ginko. Ginko tells him that he isn't really from the royal family and that she found him and took him in like the four virtues. She muses that his name Asagi means a cheap blue color used in prisoner's clothing, a name that fits him well, and that he was a fool to believe her when she said he was the real blue king. Asagi enraged lowers his sword on her, but stops before he can hurt her. Saying that he's had enough, he leaves. Ginko calls back to him and tells him to kill her, but when he doesn't come back, she sets the contraption that Hiragawa discovered in motion.Ageha, who is underground, finds the contraption just as Ginko sets it in motion. Realizing that the whole building will collapse, he sends Kagero to Sarasa to warn her of the danger as he looks for a way to stop the contraption itself. However, the Yarogumi show up and Ageha has to fend off the attacks of their commander as well as arrows.
Meanwhile Kikune has managed to keep herself alive, but just as she is about to overpower Ran, Umi prepares to strike back, but Ichimatsu stabs him before he can do anything. Kikune is a little annoyed, but also happy that Ichimatsu helped her. Kagero then delivers to them Ageha's letter, and they realize they must flee.Finally, Kagero brings Sarasa the letter, and she and Shuri begin to leave, but Sarasa notices that Shuri is very weak and isn't moving as fast as he can. Shuri then tells Sarasa to leave him and go ahead. When she asks what about him, he tells her that he will be right behind, but just as he says that, Sarasa remembers Nagi's words and realizes that he won't be able to follow her. This volumes closes with a shunned Sarasa, realizing Shuri is going to die if he doesn't start moving again.
My Thoughts
This volume feels a bit rushed, but it's still really well done. I can tell Tamura-san is trying her best to close up loose ends before the finale next volume. In particular, I wish Kikune's struggle was a bit more fleshed out, as well as Asagi's fight. But I guess I'm not too upset about the fight because fight scenes are not what Basara is about XD And Asagi's large single panel fight scene was very poetic and pretty, so I'm pretty satisfied. =D Other then that, it's another satisfying volume. Please look forward for my impression of 25 some time in March =D
There are a lot of extras this volume, including a few pages of Tamura-san's thoughts and illustrations, a single page strip featuring Shuri and Shido before he had died (hence taking place sometime in volume 3-4ish; chronologically) And two comedic one shots about Basara: the first titled "Basara Academy" is what basara would look like if it was a romantic comedy. I actually found it really funny, especially seeing the alter egos of the main cast. XD The second is titled "If they Played Games" and it's basically about dead Taro going around and observing what kind of games the cast of basara likes to play. Overall, they were a nice diversion from the main story's more somber tone. ~Joanna
After many months (actually almost a year!), I was able to find a comic store that preordered this volume for me. yuppie! So without further ado, I'll start the summary section.
Summary
Volume 23 starts right where 22 left us hanging. Shuri, with one less arm, pleas with his remaining soldiers and voices his decision to side with Tatara. Sarasa hears his emotional plea and as Tatara accepts his help. Kaku and the villagers are shocked, but Shuri and his soldiers, who side with him, are welcomed into the rebel army.Meanwhile, Asagi is called back to the royal palace by the White King. Torn, he asks Sarasa if she had to choose between him and Shuri who would she choose. When Sarasa tells Asagi it would be him, he doesn't believe her, but Sarasa just replies that her friends are more important to her than Shuri. A little shocked, Asagi pulls in Sarasa and gives her a kiss before running away. Sarasa is rather stunned, but notices Asagi left a blue earing in her mouth.When Tatara's army moves in to occupy a fortress the next day, they are attacked, and discover that Asagi has become the new King of Japan. Forced to assault the fortress, Sarasa sneaks in and confronts the leader, in order to convince him to side with her. When he turns on her, Hayate shoots an arrow and kills him. He tells Shuri, who was there, that he killed Shido in the same manner; Shuri just replies that he would have done the same.Meanwhile in Kyoto, Councilor Hiragawa returns and meets his end by Ageha's hands. Asagi, now king, realizes that Tatara will storm Kyoto in a matter of days, so he orders the Yarogumi to round up all the citizens around the castle and use them as a human wall. Muratake delivers the message to Tatara, but she is not about to give up and sends a letter to Ageha requesting his help. Ageha is able to evacuate all the villigers with the help of councilor Sakurada and later Ichimatsu. Asagi realizes that the people have been replaced by the buddha statues and only laughs. However, Sarasa, just as she has said, takes Yota and glaps toward Kyoto, intent on seeing Asagi. As she gallops away, Ageha takes notice.Volume 23 has two side stories included, the first deals with Ageha and his past as a slave. It's very depressing, but also inspiring (I know this makes no sense, but I won't spoil anything :P). The second deals with the night before the battle with Shuri in volume 22, and it has a cute Asagi and Sarasa moment :3
My Thoughts
Another amazing volume (my summary doesn't show it, but the story telling is amazing!!)=^___^=
Plot and character development is top notch as always. I cannot wait to find out what Asagi meant by "please god" followed by "there is no god" and what he's trying to accomplish, as well as what Ginko is planning. And of course I cannot wait to see the resolution of the story :3The two extra side stories were very well done. Ageha's story developed his character more and was very powerful. The other side story had a cute Asagi x Sarasa moment. It was funny and adorable. =3I just adore Basara and I cannot wait to read the next volume! (Which will be happening very soon, because I already have it.) :D~Joanna
ShutterBox Volume One: Basic InformationAuthor: Rikki Simmons & Tavisha
Edition: English
Publisher: Tokyopop
Release Date: October 2003
Retail Price: $9.99 USBasic Story
(taken from the back cover of volume one)On the surface, Megan Amano seems like a typical Los Angeles girl, attending college and spending a good time of her afternoons in therapy. However, when Megan dreams, she travels to a place unlike any other-- a supernatural and surreal college, one any recent high school graduate would die to attend. And usually they must...for Merridiah University is the afterlife's premier educational institute. But for Megan a great exception has been made....
Megan has been accepted as a Shutterbox exchange student, where she will spend a year studying to become a living muse. However, all is not as it seems as secrets are unlocked and a great mystery is exposed-- revealed, of all places, through the lens of a camera...Story
First, let me say that this is not a Japanese manga, but an america comic that is highly influenced by manga, these are often referred to as American manga, and unless you look at the author's name (which isn't japanese), you probably would not be able to tell it wasn't from Japan.I bought Shutterbox on a whim a long time ago, and I was not expecting too much from it, but this first volume shows a very promising beginning. The back cover explains the basic premise well; Megan, the protagonist, goes to Merridiah when she dreams, and that's when the story get interesting. Volume one puts forth a lot of questions, such as why does Megan goes to Merridiah and what is the purpose of a shutterbox exchange student. These mysteries really pull you in, and set the story up quite nicely. The only complaint I have is the story doesn't really hook you in until the third or fourth chapter. But I suspect that the first two chapters will have future significance. Actually chapter one introduces the mysterious AJ, but you won't understand who he is until later in the volume. Chapter two is rather interesting; Megan talks with her psychologist, this seems to have no plot relevance at the moment, but I have a suspicious feeling that it will become more important at a later time in the story.Overall, Shutterbox's story holds a lot of promise; volume one is quite interesting and I'm certain it will leave you wanting more, in particular, fans of fantasy will really enjoy it, as it promises to deliver an interesting tale filled with lore.Translation
Since this is an original English manga, there was no translation. Everything is as the authors intended, and I'm happy to report, there is no slang (well at least nothing noticeable)! =DArt
To begin, I will once again report that even through this is an English manga, it reproduces the art well. However, those who read a lot of manga will be able to notice a difference between American manga style and the original manga style (that is to say the mainstream style in Japan). The difference isn't drastic, but it is there. For one, the art is a lot cleaner (less screentone and lines) and second, the eyes aren't as large. But these changes take nothing away, if anything they make this manga a lot more distinct, and I actually quite adore its art.
The first volume's cover is alright. I don't really like it all that much, but it isn't horrible either. I like that it is a dust cover, and Tokyopop's title fits nicely. All in all, it isn't the best cover out there, and it might turn some people away, which is a shame, but it's still a very interesting cover.
I am also happy to report that Shutterbox features some nice chapter covers. The first one is a little plain, but most of them are nice. My favourites include chapters 3 and 4. I also like the unusual chapter titles :)Extras
For a US manga, Shutterbox has quite a few extras, which is always nice.Extras included in this volume are as follows: an introduction by the author Tavisha, chapter covers, two pages of extras (another note from the author and a really interactive preview of the next volume), an afterword by one of the tyokopop editors, and finally an author bio on the back cover. The introduction is rather humorous, read it with a grain of salt and you'll thoroughly enjoy it. The preview was very fun, as it was written as if it was a diary entry by Megan. The afterword and bios were an interesting read, but not quite as good as the other things. Basically, you'll probably pass over these two unless you like to read everything. :)Content:
Language: nothing really; it's very clean.
Fan Service: again there is nothing, this is one clean manga.
Nudity: none
Other: well, the main character's sanity is questioned; and there is a suicide.
Overall: 13+
There is nothing really objectionable, but I can tell just from this first volume that the manga will be dark and is aimed at teens and not children.Ratings
Story: 8/10
Translation: N/A
Characters: 7/10
Art: 7/10
Cover: 6/10
Extras: 7/10
Overall: 7/10~Joanna
So I picked up volume 25 sometime in February, but I've only gotten around to finishing it now. The main story ends in this volume, with the other two volumes consisting of side stories about all the characters after the conclusion. This volume has two side stories after the finale, but instead of finding out what happens after the conclusion, we get a look into the past of two characters.
