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Best New Shōjo of 2010

Another year has gone by and many stories were printed for our enjoyment. Sadly, we lost publishers CMX and DelRey, which had rights to several series that I was rather enjoying. Despite the drop in sales, we are still getting some excellent titles. Here they are in no particular order. The best new shôjo manga released in the states during 2010.

Cover of Dengeki Daisy vol 1
Dengeki Daisy by Kyousuke Motomi – Viz Media

The best slice of life series released this year, Dengeki Daisy is a mix of comedy and drama with some mystery/suspense thrown in for good measure. Heroine Teru Kurebayashi is orphaned when her brother passes away, leaving her in the possession of a cel phone that connects her to DAISY, the alias of a person who provides support and guidance for Teru in the absence of any family. When Teru causes some expensive damage to school property, she ends up paying it off doing custodial chores under the delinquent janitor Tasuku Kurosaki. She begins to have suspicions of her beloved DAISY, and if he could possibly be connected to Kurosaki in any way.

Cover of Library Wars vol. 1
Library Wars by Hiro Arikawa, Illustrated by Kiiro Yumi – Viz Media

In an alternate time line where the libraries need a military force to protect the freedom of media, Iku Kasahara is training to become part of the Library Defense Force. Kasahara is inspired by her “prince” – an LDF officer that rescued a book for Kasahara when she was in high school. She yearns to return that favor for others and hopes to one day find her “prince”. As a female recruit, Kasahara is quite skilled, yet is still given a tough time by her drill instructor Atsushi Dojo. Plenty of action, romance, and humor make this an enjoyable read.

Cover of Stepping on Roses vol 1
Stepping on Roses by Rinko Ueda – Viz Media

Set in the Meji Era, this historical romance may as well be labeled “Harlequin” due to all the tradition trappings of a romance novel it contains. This includes a marriage of convenience,  a Cinderella type rescue, love triangle, falling for the jerk, and helpless maiden antics. It’s the mysterious back story that keeps you turning pages trying to determine the motivations behind the main characters.

Cover of The Story of Saiunkoku vol 1
The Story of Saiunkoku by Sai Yukino, Illustrated by Kairi Yura – Viz Media

Ah, this historical romance has a refreshing heroine, portrayed as intelligent and mature. A noblewoman, no longer wealthy, is chosen to train the defunct prince of the kingdom into becoming a better leader for his people. Rich character development, well planned storyline, and pleasing artwork combine to make this story a must read for shojo fans.

Cover of Alice in the Country of Hearts vol 1
Alice in the Country of Hearts by QuinRose, Illustrated by Soumei Hoshino – Tokyopop

A different take on Lewis Carroll’s Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, incorporating plenty of bishies and added romance.  Alice becomes trapped in Wonderland and must refill a medicine vial in order to leave. To do that she must interact with all the residents of Wonderland. The residents seem to be going through troubling times, creating a civil war where others are indifferent to who lives or dies. Who will Alice trust to help her find her way out?

Stolen Hearts Volume 1
Stolen Hearts by Miku Sakamoto – CMX

A title in need of rescue, as it was brought down with the sinking of CMX.  Stolen Hearts tells the story of Shinobu, a high school girl that through circumstances ends up becoming a model at a kimono store. Koguma is the largest boy at school, and his family happens to own the store. Frightened of Koguma at first, Shinobu learns there is a lot more to this quiet boy than she first assumed. An endearing story of teen relationships.

Cover of Arisa vol 1
Arisa by Natsumi Ando – Tokyopop

A great suspense/mystery page turner, Arisa tells the story of twins Tsubasa and Arisa, separated by divorce for three years.   During those years of separation, Tsubasa is lead to believe through her letters, that Arisa has led a joyful life.  However, when Arisa attempts suicide Tsubasa takes Arisa’s place in school to find why her sister took such drastic measures. Only to discover Arisa was not the only one in danger.

Cover of Seiho Boys High School vol 1
Seiho Boys High School by Kaneyoshi Izumi – Viz Media

An all boys school isolated on a island devoid of females. Seiho Boys High School gives a realistic and comedic look at the nature of deprived hormonal boys and antics that occur in such an environment.

Cover of Demon Sacred vol 1
Demon Sacred by Natsumi Itsuki – Tokyopop

A synopsis so absurd, you’d most likely dismiss it, but then you start to read it. Twin sisters, one with “return syndrome”, are chained to the existence of a “demon” and in order to save the one twin, another demon must be summoned and chained. Demon Sacred has so many shojo cliche plot elements that it may come across as hokey to some, but the wacky plot is intriguing, and the events flow smoothly enough that you’ll find yourself engrossed in no time. Definitely a fun shojo read.

Cover of Cardcaptor Sakura Omnibus 1
Best New Reprint:
Cardcaptor Sakura Omnibus by CLAMP- Dark Horse Comics

A classic CLAMP story and one of the most well known of the maho shojo series, Cardcaptor Sakura is back. Magic tarot cards, mysterious dreams, and chibi mascots make this series entertaining and humorous. Add in a teen girl crush and it’s just right for all the tweens on your list. Don’t miss this version which includes colored images.

Cover of Bunny Drop vol 1
Best New Josei Manga:
Bunny Drop by Yumi Unita – Yenn Press

An endearing and memorable story seen from the eyes of bachelor Daikichi. After returning home for his grandfather’s funeral he discovers Rin, the illegitimate daughter of his grandfather. Because of the stigma associated with the child, no one in the family wants to take care of her. Sympathizing, Daikichi decides to take care of Rin although he has no experience with children. Daikichi discovers the joys and trials of parenting all the while trying to identify and locate Rin’s mother.

Cover of Twin Spica vol 1
Best New Manga outside the shojo genre:
Twin Spica by Kou Yaginouma – Vertical

As a child who dreamed of becoming an astronaut, Twin Spica is a read that touches many emotions. Young Asumi desires to be amongst the stars, despite the traumatic events of losing her mother due to a failed rocket launch when she was just an infant. That horrific event still scars the town and Asumi’s family over a decade later. Still, this determined girl applies to astronaut school, and with the help of a mysterious mascot, may one day make her dream a reality.

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