Blood Alone: Omnibus 1 – Masayuki Takano

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Blood Alone is a Japanese manga by Masayuki Takano published in North America by Seven Seas. It was originally published in Japan as a doujinshi. A crime fiction story with romantic undertones, Blood Alone introduces another vampire universe with some unlikely protagonists.

Memorable Manga Moments: Sailor Moon vol. 1

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One of my favorite moments in the first volume of Sailor Moon is when Usagi and Mamoru end up riding the bus together. As Mamoru introduces himself for the first time, Usagi catches a glimpse of Tuxedo Mask in his features. Then Mamoru sees the image of Sailor Moon in Usagi’s body language.

Shōjo Wallpapers for May 2012

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The latest images for your desktop or mobile device. Some manga magazines post multiple per month. I claim no right to these images and only provide links to make them easy to find. All images are copyright the artist and publisher. Enjoy!

i am here! – Ema Tooyama: Series Review

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i am here!, originally Koko ni Iru yo!,  is a high school shoujo romance that ran in Japanese publication Nakayoshi in 2007. It was published in North America first by Del Rey with volumes 1-3 combined into one omnibus. The second omnibus containing volumes 4 and 5 was printed by Kodansha USA. i am here! is a short and sweet high school romance to satisfy a younger shoujo audience.

Best and Worst Moms in Shoujo Manga

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Coming up this Sunday in the United States is Mother’s Day. It’s a holiday where we recognize all that mothers do for their children and show our appreciation in some way, usually with a gift and a meal out.

As I pondered the role of moms, I came up with several good and bad examples of mothers in shoujo manga. Every character is affected by the role of their parents, and moms especially make a big difference when it comes to character development. Whether by her life examples, or her complete absence, a mom can change the life of her child forever.

New on Shoujo Shelves – May 2012

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Looking for what’s new on those ever shrinking bookshelves at stores? Or maybe you just aren’t sure what’s been released recently when you order online? Never fear, I’ve got the most recent shoujo releases lined up all in one place. Here’s what’s coming out this month for all you shoujo lovers out there.

Heart of Manga: Aniblog Tourney Round 2

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Well, it’s time for Heart of Manga to go round 2 in the Aniblog Tourney. I have to say I’ve really enjoyed this experience. I’ve gotten to meet new bloggers and find more interesting content to read. I even found my shounen counterpart!

If this is your first visit to my site, then feel free to explore, or click the initial Aniblog Tourney entry for an introduction. 

Natsume’s Book of Friends vol 1-9 – Yuki Midorikawa

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Natsume’s Book of Friends is a fantasy manga by Yuki Midorikawa that is ongoing in LaLa magazine. It was a finalist for the Manga Taisho award in 2008.  Released in North America by Viz media in 2010, Natsume’s Book of Friends continues to charm readers here and overseas.

Memorable Manga Moments: Birthdays from Shoujo Manga

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At our house we’ve come to the annual birthday run where we have one birthday right after another. This got me thinking about birthday moments in shoujo manga. There are a few that are quite memorable to me, but I know it’s a short list. I thought I’d share the ones I recalled and see if anyone can add to the list.

From the Archive: After School Nightmare – Setona Mizushiro

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Originally serialized in Princess magazine from 2005-2008, After School Nightmare was chosen by the Young Adult Library Service Association as one of the 10 best graphic novels for teens in 2008. This story is a psychological thriller that will leave you on the edge of your seat until the very end.

Viz and Kodansha Announce New Shoujo Licenses

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The last couple of days have proven fruitful for shoujo manga in North America. Publishers Viz and Kodansha have announced new licenses acquired for shoujo manga to be released later this year. These new licenses include Watashi ni xx Shinasai! by Ema Tooyama, Strobe Edge by Sakisaka Io, and Ayakashi Koi Emashi by Mayu Shinjo. All series that look very promising for shoujo fans.

Amazing Agent Luna vol. 1-7 – DeFilippis, Weir, and Shiei

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Amazing Agent Luna is an OEL manga written by DeFilippis and Weir and illustrated by Shiei. First published in 2008 by Seven Seas manga this story of a secret agent ninja girl will appeal to an audience who like alternative high school shoujo.

Shoujo Sensei: Hanami

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The month of April in Japan means it’s time for the cherry trees to begin their annual blossoming. It is during this time of year that the Japanese hold hanami, or flower viewing, parties. Existing for centuries in Japanese culture, hanami are still held every year all over Japan to welcome the changing seasons and new beginnings.