Only in Dreams

Stan Lee Interview

2008-05-15T21:29:50Z

I finally finished reading through an article Patrick Macias (he of Otaku USA editorial fame) wrote on Stan Lee (he of Spiderman, Iron Man, Incredible Hulk, X-Men, etc. fame) in today's Japan Times. And, before you ask, yes, it is in English.

Lee talks about his current manga and anime projects in Japan and muses upon his past success in comic books. I enjoyed it and I hope you do, too!

Speed Racer Fallout?

2008-05-13T16:36:38Z

The past year has seen Hollywood studios jump at the opportunity to produce live-action versions of our fav anime and manga properties, including the recently announced Ghost in the Shell, which will be exec produced by a certain Steven Spielberg, Akira, which is being exec produced by Leonardo DiCaprio, and the in-production Dragon Ball Z.

But, with the massive box office failure of Speed Racer, which came in third in its opening weekend (up against comic book flick Iron Man and the critically panned Ashton Kutcher/Cameron Diaz vehicle, What Happens in Vegas...), will studio heads rethink their plans regarding these flicks based on popular anime and manga?

As a PR/marketing professional, I think that studios will have to reconsider their publicity/marketing plans in terms of how they "sell" their movies to both the fan base and the general public. They can't assume that it'll be an automatic moneymaker because it has great actors and directors, amazing effects, and is based off of a profitable property (as Speed Racer did). Additionally, they need to consider their core audience. The Wachowski sibs wanted to make a family-friendly flick and ended up making a seizure-inducing, two-hour technicolor headache.

And, of course, there's no denying the fact that comic book-based flicks are successful because, overall, they're just good movies. See: Hellboy, Batman Begins, and the aforementioned Iron Man. Good movies still need to be good movies - as a PR person, I know you can't "sell" crap to people, no matter how much you try to spin it.

Lastly, studios need to make sure they don't alienate all the hardcore fanboys and fangirls out there, either. Especially since those are the people who will be the first to critically praise or pan any adaptation. So, studios need to find a good balance (in terms of story adaptation) and closely watch production, as opposed to simply "trusting" filmmakers to do what's in the best interest of the audiences.

Anyway, how do you think this affects M. Night Shyamalan's live-action adaptations of Avatar: The Last Airbender, if at all? Any thoughts on how this might affect the other anime- and manga-based flicks?

Catbus, anyone?

2008-05-12T22:36:57Z

While doing some Web-crawling, ran across this:

Evidently, someone was trying to sell a Catbus this past March in Albany, New York.

Amusing, no?

Creepy Comics!

2008-05-09T16:11:30Z

Noticed this the other night while I was waiting for the lab portion of our class to start. And it looks like looking2dastars continued the list of creepy comic book characters (found via When Fangirls Attack!).

If you're looking to kill some time, be possibly disturbed, and/or get a laugh in, check it out! I was certainly creeped out...and laughed at how censors missed things involving bondage, bestiality, and incest...

Get Lei'd!

2008-05-01T16:42:35Z

Happy May Day to all! For those unfamiliar with the Hawaiian custom for this oh-so-special day, click here. And for those of you who are nowhere near the tropics, or have any family to bestow a lovely and fragrant lei upon you, here you go:

Hopefully, spring has sprung in your part of the world!

Spreading the Jedi Love

2008-04-30T15:27:45Z

Got an e-mail from Del Rey today -- they're offering free copies of the New York Times bestseller Star Wars: Legacy of the Force: Betrayal through May 13. You can get the audiobook, PDF, Kindle or Sony reader versions. I haven't read this, but I just might since it's free and, well, I have a sweet spot for the original Star Wars trilogy (Don't get me started on the newer trilogy...I could seriously rant for hours).

We'll see if this leads to me actually reading any of the other books in the series, though.

Free Comic Book Day!

2008-04-29T21:52:57Z

So, I just remembered that Free Comic Book Day is this Saturday, May 3. On this most special of days, comic book stores across the world give away free comics!

It's this simple -- just show up and grab a copy of the free titles that are available! This is how I got hooked on Last Blood and Gyakushu!. And, this year, there's more manga being given away, including a Shonen Jump sampler.

Of course, there's tons more to check out, so find your closest participating retailer and pick up some new reads!

LJ is full of drama...

2008-04-29T14:09:00Z

So, a couple of weeks ago, I went to a new media and technology conference for universities. It was interesting...in its own way, I suppose. Anyway, the CTO of Six Apart, the company that used to own LiveJournal, spoke about the future of social media. Afterwards, I went up to ask him a couple of questions, namely to ask him why Six Apart sold LiveJournal. From what I've witnessed, there doesn't seem to be a change in attitude regarding the new management company. In fact, people might be unhappier than not, for all I know. *shrugs*

Anyway, he smiled at me and explained that LJ was full of people who would never be happy with what they (Six Apart), as a company, could do for them. He also mentioned the word "drama."

And, TBH, I've got to agree with him. When I page through different LJ comms or individuals' profiles, there seems to be a lot of bitching about this (to most) free service that allows us to share our love of whatever. Oh, yeah, and people protest a lot for reasons that don't necessarily make sense...or that they fully understand. But, maybe that's just me?

And the ATLA fandom alone has been full of wankery since the NYCC trailer was released, along with the two eppies of "The Boiling Rock." The ship "war" is getting pretty silly billy and has caused some community defections, massive butthurt, and pissed off folks on both sides of the supposed "war." (I use quotes because I think it's fairly lame-o ranchero to call what's going on a war because, you know, we're in an actual war...)

So, to quote Rodney King, "Can't we all just get along?" And, to quote myself, when will the seemingly endless stupid end? :/

Porque me encanta Guillermo del Toro...

2008-04-25T18:19:49Z

For the non-Spanish speakers out there, "Why I love Guillermo del Toro..."

For those not in the know, Guillermo del Toro directed the special effects-laden Pan's Labyrinth. He also directed the upcoming Hellboy II (*points at self* BIG Hellboy fan here!) and he just got signed to direct...

DRUM ROLL PLEASE!

The two-film installment of The Hobbit, which is being exec produced by Peter Jackson!!!

I am so excited for him to direct -- he can tell fantastical stories with a visual beauty that harkens to the magical realism of Mexican/Latin literature. He is a true storyteller...And what better story to tell than the prequel to The Lord of the Rings trilogy?

Another Post?!?

2008-04-24T18:08:20Z

First, I'm NOT a fan of MTV. If I could take MTV and burn it in a lake of acid, I would. BUT, they've also broken some interesting news today...Not just the Kill Bill thing, either.

Yeah, that's my fav band ever...And, yes, that up there is the cover for their next album and it is NOT a joke, so says their publicist:

"Yes, that's absolutely the cover," Jim Merlis, the band's publicist, told MTV News. "It's what they chose. They looked at a bunch of mockups, and that's the one they decided to go with. It's not a joke."

While I like the self-titled, color-oriented themes like the blue album, the green album, and now, the red album, isn't this getting a little goofy? Anyway, I hold out hope that this album is a bajillion times better than Make Believe...I already listened to the first single "Pork and Beans" and it's good and reminds me of their earlier stuff...And it reminds me of how old I am...

Anime + Kill Bill = AWESOME

2008-04-24T15:50:48Z

*cue Jimmy from South Park voice* Ta-ta-tarantino's doing a new anime for Kill Bill...Have you heard about this? Have you seen this?

/Jimmy

Anyway, looks like Uma Thurman let the cat out of the bag for Tarantino's latest project-- some tasty additions to the deluxe edition of Kill Bill! Evidently, Tarantino's (supposedly) expanding on the story of the Bride and Bill with two anime sequences that will be shown during the intermission between the two Kill Bill flicks.

As a HUGE Tarantino and animation fan, I'm really excited to see what unfolds (besides the whole animated backstory of O-Ren Ishii in the original flick was nothing short of AMAZING). Tarantino's films have always struck me as perfect for that kind of treatment, too, what with the raw violence, dark humor, and urban landscapes. Anyway, I'm just hoping that the rerelease comes out on Blu-Ray because I would LOVE to see the Crazy 88s scene in hi-def...

Avatar-related Brain Overload

2008-04-20T14:26:38Z

So, things have gotten REALLY interesting in the Avatar fandom...What with ninjas, when the finale will air (what is this fuckery with releasing the DVDs before airing the eppies BTW?), and tidbits and trailers. Anyway, I guess I read/watched too much of it online last night (to the point that my husband pointed out there would be "more Avatar tomorrow" so I would go to bed) that I had a really odd dream.

All I can remember from the dream is talking to an entertainment reporter about Avatar and reading through their typed-up transcript from an interview with Bryke in some little dinky conference room. In said transcript, Bryke mentioned that they read through fanfic from time to time, but that they had fandomme's stuff all printed out and in binders in their offices and that it served as inspiration for this season's script. I remember trying to scan that portion of the interview transcript with a cool scanning pen, thinking that "Oh, fandomme would be really psyched to hear this, I should totally post it on my LJ!"

Obviously, I eventually woke up and realized it was a dream... D: The weird thing is that this felt SO real. Usually, my dreams are obviously fantastical (like me flying) or totally horrifying (like monsters coming to eat me). Not to mention, I really do work with the media and have friends that are editors and reporters in RL. Of course, none of them are entertainment reporters at the time being, but it is within the realm of possibility...And, honestly, after reading through Ozai's Vengeance" and Stormbenders, and seeing portions of them come true, I wouldn't be the least bit surprised if this was happening in real life!

/collision of fangirl fantasies and RL

Disney Goes Anime?!?

2008-03-06T16:57:31Z

Okay, latest news out says that Disney will produce anime "Made in Japan"! In the unforgettable words of Stewie Griffin, "What the deuce?"

My initial reaction is "Disney's slowly taking over the world!" And, of course, then I remember, they've kind of already done that, what with multi-million dollar-grossing films and all. I was also concerned about the Disney-fication of animation in Japan, but then I remember that Osamu Tezuka, the "godfather of manga," was highly influenced by Walt Disney and his work (and the work of other manga and anime artists thereafter) reflects that. Just one look at "Steamboat Willie" and you'll see the influence of the "big eyes, little mouth." Mind you, Tezuka was also influenced by Max Fleischer's work, too.

After reading the article, TBO, it seems like a smart decision for Disney business-wise-- by localizing production and stories, Disney will be able to increase market share in a country dominated by animation produced in that country (and, let's face it, anime is an important cultural export for Japan). Not only will they be creating new programming, but they'll also be adapting other Disney stories, like Lilo and Stitch.

But it isn't only a "win" for Disney, it's good for Japan, too. Japan's economy, which has been in a recession for years, needs this. As any fan of Avatar: The Last Airbender knows, lots of animation is farmed out to other Asian countries, most notably Korea. So, the move will provide more Japanese animators with jobs, if nothing else. And what's better than providing another venue for Japanese animation?

But, enough about what I think, what do you think?

When Hollywood Attacks!

2008-02-21T16:58:22Z

Or, two movies that I'm interested in...

So, it's hit the blogosphere that Leonardo DiCaprio is producing a live-action version of Akira. Ain't It Cool? News and The Anime Blog are reporting the leads with DiCaprio as Kaneda and Joseph Gordon Levitt as Tetsuo. As both leads are great actors (I love Levitt from Third Rock from the Sun), my only beef is that the story, as envisioned by hired director Ruairi Robinson (a first-time feature director, no less), will take place in (as reported by the Hollywood Reporter) "New Manhattan," a city rebuilt by Japanese money, as opposed to New Tokyo. I wonder how will that affect the storyline, or is it just more palatable for American consumers to see the movie take place in a familiar U.S. city?

What do you think about a live-action Akira? Sound exciting or are you already dreading it? Is the Year of the Rat all about making "new" (and mostly live-action) versions of our fav anime (see: Speed Racer, Robotech, the CG Astroboy, etc.)?

The Hollywood Reporter also had a report on the new Wolverine (he of X-Men fame) movie. For the ab-tastic version, visit The Beat. So, there's lots of pretty faces and some interesting namedrops to fill out the cast of the film, which takes place 17 years before the X-Men movies. will.i.am of Black Eyed Peas fame stars as Wraith, a mutant who can go translucent, and Ryan Reynolds as Deadpool, a wisecracking mercenary. Oh, and let's not forget Liev Schreiber as Sabretooth, a mutant with bestial superpowers. Anyway, I'm most excited to FINALLY see the introduction of Gambit, one of my fav X-Men (played by relative unknown-- according to The Beat-- the ab-tastic Taylor Kitsch of NBC's Friday Night Lights).

Any other X-Men fans out there? I got into the cartoon in the 1990s and the comic books. I'm "meh" when it comes to the movieverse, but it's done a lot better than a lot of other comic book-based franchises (see: The Incredible Hulk). While I worry that they'll butcher the story about Wolverine, I figure it's WOLVERINE for goodness' sake-- how could it be bad? I'll still most likely pay the $10 to see Hugh Jackman take another shot at the role...

Gyakushu!

2008-02-05T16:47:56Z

Anyone interested in revenge? I hear it's a dish best served cold...If so, check out Dan Hipp's Gyakushu!. Yes, I know I'm a total fangirl when it comes to Dan Hipp, but what can I say, the guy's got ~~a pretty face~~ TALENT.

Anyway, the second volume of Gyakushu! is hitting the shelves at your local manga shop tomorrow and it will not disappoint! I've read through the volume two preview, and let me say this, it's freakin' amazing! Hipp really does a great job illustrating the stark fight scenes with his graphic style and he's got an entertaining narrative voice...And if you're interested in seeing how he goes about creating a volume, check out his blog. There's an awesome desktop that he's also got posted on his blog-- which, you guessed it, is now currently on my work computer. Come on, it's red and black-- our school colors! Okay, that's a stretch, but I don't really care. It looks REALLY cool...

So, yeah, check out Gyakushu!, either via the free online preview at TOKYOPOP, or "in the flesh," alright?

Oh, and don't forget to vote today if you're one of the U.S. states involved in "Super Tuesday"! I was the second person at my polling place today...Can we say "happy to do their civic duty"? XD

Oh, Rivers!

2008-02-04T17:50:19Z

Yes, I love Weezer. So, of course, I was excited to hear about Rivers Cuomo's solo album that featured never-heard-before b-sides and such. I am yet to make it out to the record store (or hit up the iTunes store), but I did catch the video for "Blast Off!" It's an odd little video of Cuomo basically kicking it in Japan (his wife's Japanese).

Anyway, here's the video:

It's a little odd, right? Well, when I first saw it, I was like, "He looks even creepier with a mustache..." Of course, the BBC interviewed Cuomo, wherein, he mentions how he thinks it's important to experiment with his facial hair, stating, Different kinds of facial hair really change the way people view you and it really changes the way you feel. Inevitably, this led to a "Now I get it!" kind of moment regarding his (as stated by the BBC) "fabulous mustache." Anyway, thought those of you that enjoy Japanese culture would get a little kick out of the video and the interview...

Filipinos, Prison, and Haruhi Dance

2008-01-30T23:52:06Z

Remember the video of Filipino prisoners dancing to Thriller that I had posted some time ago? Well, looks like they're practicing a new routine-- the dance from The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya! The video's a little grainy and is a little boring to watch all the way through. But, to be honest, I find this an entertaining way to keep morale up in a prison. Here's to hoping they get the routine down pat and will upload the final video soon!

Ch-ch-ch-check it out!

2008-01-24T23:07:00Z

Excuse my lame Beastie Boys' reference, but I have to share this little ol' link.

For those not in the know, shaenon has been doing a cool installment called "Overlooked Manga Festival" on her journal for a while now and, as she's coming to a close on OMF, asked readers for suggestions of other manga that she hasn't shown the love for.

So, of course, this opinionated lady had to get a few words in edgewise. ^__~ You can check out my recommendations for overlooked manga, as well as those suggested by others, here. Maybe you'll find a series that you may have overlooked until now?

Sucked into the void...

2008-01-24T02:39:55Z

I don't think I've mentioned it here, but the hubby got a gigantic (46") LCD HDTV with all his birthday/Christmas money. So, of course, we had to get the hi-def cable to go with it. Oh, and did I mention the PS3 that plays Blu-Ray discs? And don't forget the Blu-Ray version of Paprika that he got for me...

And while I was not 100% supportive of this purchase, I have begrudgingly admitted that the picture and sound are frickin' AMAZING! I thought Paprika was fairly badass to watch in the theater. Well, I was wrong. It's absolutely badass to watch it on my gigantor TV!

Not to mention, we got a DVR with our HD package from the cable company. Which means that little ol' lady Rena gets to record her fav anime that air in the wee hours of the evening! So, I've gotten into Witchblade, Death Note (again), and Ghost in the Shell: Solid State Society.

Sadly, I've only just discovered CrunchyRoll.com-- yeah, I know I'm late to the party, so sue me! :P Anyway, I've now been watching Saiunkoku Monogatari during my lunch breaks and I can't believe how much I've been missing out on. I was planning on renting these from the local manga shop, especially since it was licensed in the U.S. But, now that Geneon's out of business and there's little to no info on what's going on with licenses (or incentive to pay for product from a defunct company), I figure that I'll just watch online until DVDs are released again...I won't even mention the fanfic hunting I've been doing. If anyone has any recs, feel free to send them my way!

Anyway, those are my newest obsessions. Now I lie in wait for Sony Pictures and Disney to release all of their back catalog on Blu-Ray, especially since Disney has the U.S. license for all of Hiyao Miyazaki's movies.

Now, off to my night class!

New Journal

2008-01-17T18:14:13Z

After much thought, I've decided to create a journal specifically for my fanfic. I realized that I had a lot of people on my friends list that don't necessarily read my fanfic, which is fine, but why not just post it somewhere else? So, I created renagrrl_writes to hold all my fanfic.

I've archived all my little LJ-only drabbles and one-shots in the new journal and have links to my multi-chapter fics on The Pit, too. Anyway, if you want to keep reading my fanfic, go ahead and friend the new journal. Of course, I'll still be cross-posting any relevant fanfic to LJ comms, too, so you don't necessarily have to do that...

And, don't fear, this journal will stay very much alive, only now it'll be random musings about life, grad school, fandom, and whatever else comes to mind! ^__^

Will the WGA Strike Hit Comic-Con?

2008-01-16T17:24:00Z

Oi, I was reading The Beat, a blog on Publisher's Weekly, and there's rumblings of how the Writers Guild of American strike might affect San Diego Comic-Con International. Even our local newspaper/rag, The San Diego Union-Tribune covered it.

Here's the comments from Peter Sanderson, a writer, regarding his prediction of one of the biggest stories of 2008 on The Beat:

Comic-Con 2008: What if the Writers Guild of America strike goes on and on, into June, when the directors and actors unions’ contracts expire? What if the actors then go on strike, too? What if the directors, who have only gone on strike for literally five minutes in the past, join them? What effect does that have on the San Diego Con, which has increasingly become a showcase for movies and TV shows? Sure, producers and PR people will still hold panels in Hall H to preview new product. But don’t the fans go to these panels to see the actors and the “star” directors and writers? Will it become easier to get into Hall H? In other words, just how many of the 100,000 plus attendees at Comic-Con come for the media other than comics? We may find out this year.

For me, I'll be honest, I could care less about the glitz and glam of Comic-Con. I've been going for ten years and, for me, it's always been about: comic book panels with writers/creators, relaxing in the anime rooms, and traipsing through the Exhibit Hall with my jaw dropped. So, really, what's the possible adverse affect? Fewer people...Yeah, I can deal with a smaller crowd-- 140,000+ people last year was a bit much, even for me, the girl who's comfortable in a mosh pit of hundreds.

Anyway, biggest thing to note from The Beat-- the on-going scarcity of hotel rooms. So, book now if you're even thinking about going to Comic-Con! You can always cancel if you change your mind...

D&L: Chapter 2

2008-01-14T19:18:50Z

The White Lotus Society celebrates their newest inductee with a dinner at the Flying Boar, a Bei Fong-owned restaurant in Chinatown.

Title: Dragons & Lotuses
Link: Chapter 2: Reflections
Genre: Modern AU
Pairings: Sokka/everybody, eventual Zuko/Katara
Rating: Starts at PG-13/T, but will probably move to R/M eventually
Description: Sokka is an undercover cop for the L.A.P.D., trying his best to infiltrate the notorious White Lotus Society yakuza. While his plans have always been to take the yakuza down, will he eventually take his artificial oaths of loyalty to heart?
Disclaimer: I don’t own "Avatar: The Last Airbender" or anything associated with it. This story is for amusement purposes only—so I hope you’re amused!

New Chappie!

2008-01-06T04:21:23Z

The first chapter of my Quentin Tarantino-inspired fanfic "Dragons & Lotuses" is up; Sokka becomes a member of the family.

Title: Dragons & Lotuses
Link: Chapter 1
Genre: Modern AU
Pairings: Sokka/everybody, Zuko/Katara
Rating: Starts at PG-13/T, but will probably move to R/M eventually
Description: Sokka is an undercover cop for the L.A.P.D., trying his best to break into the most notorious yakuza in the city — the White Lotus Society. While his plans have always been to take the yakuza down, will he eventually take his artificial oaths of loyalty to heart?
Disclaimer: I don’t own "Avatar: The Last Airbender" or anything associated with it. This story is for amusement purposes only—so I hope you’re amused!

Wipes drool off chin

2008-01-04T21:41:11Z

So, I started and ended yesterday with delicious baked goods. During the start to my workday, my co-worker mentioned that she made my pumpkin muffins recently. For those not in the know, I love baking and make a mean pumpkin and cranberry muffin. It was a nice treat to hear how she and her boyfriend enjoyed them during the holiday break. It also reminded me how I need to get in the kitchen and whip up some deliciousness during this upcoming rainy weekend.

Of course, I went through the rest of my day as I normally do-- work, lunch break where I watch a J-drama and eat, more work, go home, and then head out to a meeting for a professional association I'm involved with. So, I get to the meeting place in Mission Valley a little early and decide to go next door to my local manga shop, Rising Sun Creations, to see if they put out their new stuff yet. When, lo and behold, I found all four volumes of Antique Bakery sitting there shrink-wrapped on the front table and on sale for $25.99!!!

Now, I've been wanting to get into cooking manga for some time because I love food. I also love goofy humor-- I was a huge fan of the original, straight-from-Japan, and horribly dubbed Iron Chef. Unfortunately, I'm already currently reading a lot of different series right now and don't have the inclination to start reading Iron Wok Jan or Yakitate!! Japan. But, I had heard lots of good things about Antique Bakery (thank you Manga: The Complete Guide!) and had been searching for it for the past couple of weeks. It's only four volumes and features lots of interesting tidbits about baking French pastries...

So, long story short, I got it for a total of $28 and started reading it last night. I've been enjoying scratch-and-sniff covers, small doses of shonen ai/yaoi (which I've actually never read before), and mouth-watering pastries since, along with laughing out loud for healthy measure. The sub-plot is also interesting and I'm looking forward to finishing volumes three and four tonight.

Unfortunately, it's also made me want to go get a chocolate croissant or something from the local cafe, along with a nice cafe au lait or something along those lines...

Don't drink the water...

2007-12-22T21:23:43Z

It seems like everywhere I look, someone's pregnant. My aunt's having a baby next month and a friend of ours is pregnant, too. Not to mention the whole Jamie-Lynn Spears' thing. While, normally, I don't pay any attention to celeb news (no, really), this celeb pregnancy has been hard to ignore because of the media repercussions. Since I work in the media, I try to keep abreast of media-related news. And, sadly, this has been a big deal.

While Nick is supporting Spears through the ordeal, many have said that they need to do something more so that it doesn't send the wrong message to their key demographic, 9 to 14 year olds, including possibly canceling her show "Zoey 101." Granted, I could care less about her horrible little TV show, so I wouldn't be upset if it were canceled. But it's the last season of the program and filming's wrapped, so why cancel it?

And there's talk of Nick bringing in one of their big guns, reporter Linda Ellerbee, to do one of those thought-provoking after-school specials/news hour discussions on important topics. Oh, and did I mention the Spears' mom, Lynne, got her book deal, wherein she gives advice on being a mother, has been cancelled by her Christian publisher? Well, duh...

So, like I said before horribly trailing off-topic, everywhere I look, someone's pregnant. Even when I'm least expecting it...

***************Spoiler Alert: Dramacon 3 and NANA**************************

I did some last-minute shopping yesterday at the Borders and skimmed through Dramacon 3 while waiting in line. I'm still waiting for mine to show up in my mailbox after buying it online... T__T Anyway, Christie's horrible ex-boyfriend Derek from vol. 1 shows up, pregnant fiance in tow! Pregnancy is also discussed a little bit later in the book...Anyways, it was an interesting surprise amidst the hilarious insider chibi-themed jokes, the drama, and the meteoric rise of Lida...I really loved this volume and am sad to see Dramacon ending.

Then, after I got home, I read through NANA vol.8, which has an underlying theme of parents (Shin talks about his and we see a small flashback of Nana becoming an orphan), and found out that Hachi is pregnant! Talk about a surprise for a Shojo Beat title! Every time a new volume of NANA comes out, I'm amazed at the more mature elements of the story. Not that I mind the maturity, but I'm just taken aback by the M rating on a title that's marketed to teens. And while I could argue that this is really a case of putting a josei title in shojo clothing, I have to admit there is the whole "fantasy" element to it when it comes to the involvement of a uber big rock band being involved in all of the storylines.

Anyways, I really liked this volume, especially the amazingly realistic art. Ai Yazawa catches the emotions on characters' faces so vividly. Additionally, the method of storytelling in this volume really stands out alongside the art-- one can almost hear the characters' narration. Of course, you're left on another cliffhanger in this volume, with readers wondering what will happen next for Nana and Hatchi.