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Aug 1, 2014
I discovered TCP while waiting for Skip Beat! chapters to be scantalated. I was skeptical at first, but decided to take a leap of faith and read another one of Nakamura-sensei's works. And I'm glad I did... Oh yes. Having already fangirl-ed sufficiently over Skip Beat!, I felt compelled to write about Tokyo Crazy Paradise. Don't worry, it'll will be a more solid review this time around ;D
>Story: TCP (or KurePara) is a little mix of everything when it comes to the plot. It has enough action to appeal to a shounen audience, while the romantic elements are true to it's shoujo nature. There were
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certainly many scenes that took my breath away, especially the first time I read it. My only critique is that it was slightly all over the place leaving a few things things under-explained and the ending could have seemed anticlimatic (although it did a good job of tying the loose ends together).
In the crime-ridden Tokyo of fictional 2020, death is a common theme throughout - it being the cause of the protagonists coming together in the first place. KurePara is a more mature piece because it deals with serious and dark topics such as rape and drug wars, but sprinkles a good amount of humor in between. The comedy never felt out of place. A romance about a boy who was raised as a Yakuza and a girl raised to be a member of the police may seem cliche, but cliches aren't necessarily a bad thing. Of course, cross-dressing gender-hiding females were never scarce in anime or manga, but KurePara is a prime example of doing it right.
>Art: TCP skillfully combines a rougher style and merges it with the more feminine touch that is prevalent in Skip Beat! I'm not sure if that is because the mangaka polished her technique as time passed or if this is intentional. But this never detracted from the experience, as the style happened to suit TCP's story perfectly.
It's a treat to once again see the lead female's multiple transformations and disguises. Emotions were never lacking from the panels but some of the character designs were a tad more bland than what I was expecting (meaning that it was initially hard for me to tell some of them apart). In an author's note, Nakamura-sensei herself addressed this and explained that it was because a large number of characters were middle-aged. Therefore, the art was still a treat to behold in my humble opinion.
>Character: Now this is the exciting part ^u^ The crowning jewel of Nakamura-sensei's work.
Tsukasa, the female lead, was definitely the inspiration for Kyouko. As such, her personality reflects a cuter, more energetic side as well as the strong, loyal, terrifying fighter that she is. The other characters are constantly surprised by Tsukasa's actions and her uncanny resemblance to an important legend. She always adds flavor to the story and the overall experience would be sorely lacking without her.
Ryuuji is the stony-faced teenager who seems far more mature than his age. This is due to the responsibility he shoulders in order to lead his people. Tsukasa is able to bring out the emotions that he conceals - inadvertently revealing his amusingly immature attitude towards her in the process.
The best part was that the story does not only revolve around these two, but everyone else on the sidelines. I was drawn in to the struggles of Asago, a girl who strives to become the perfect partner for Ryuuji; the emotional support of Kamojima, who acts as a father figure to the group; Akira, who represents a ray of morality and hope by being a part of the police force "Grave"; and even the villains, including Shiki and Shiva - but I won't talk about them because =spoilers!= as well as many others (including the ones who aren't even ALIVE during the story). I love how they all grew splendidly over the course of the manga. The area of character development will not disappoint - everyone has their fair share of shifts in perspectives and mindsets.
If the character's were so amazing, what was the problem here? Well, it doesn't help that the main characters are ONLY 14! If they were at least a year or two older, I could find myself more accepting of various events. Many times I was drawn out of "willing suspension of disbelief" in order to gape at some of their actions. Though society is fairly different from ours, they were undoubtedly minors who wouldn't have gotten away with half of the things they did. That, or they simply hit puberty far too early. (But, if you're okay with Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet, then I guess this is fine - each to their own era)
>Enjoyment/Overall: Regardless of some minor flaws, I did thoroughly enjoy KurePara and found myself rereading it not soon after. I would recommend it to an older audience as there are visuals like bare breasts and instances of mature humor. If you've read Skip Beat! already, definitely give this one a go. It's nice comparing the two and seeing the original ideas and elements present in Nakamura-sensei's present serialization. I can't say that it'll be an entirely sweet ride, but I can guarantee that it'll be a page-turner.
What do I think of it in the end? I believe Tokyo Crazy Paradise is quite underrated for being such a captivating, somewhat-unorthodox, shoujo manga. It deserved it's own anime, but I can see why it never did.
Reviewer’s Rating: 8
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Jul 6, 2014
WARNING: Avoid drinking anything while watching. This show is not liable for any snorting of said drink. Side effects may include stomach aches from giggle-fits and shortness of breath...
Story: 8/10 There is a special charm that only short anime possess, such as Hetalia, Chi's Sweet Home and Miss Monochrome. Among these easy-to-watch shows is Tonari no Seki-kun, whose episodes are a mere 7 minutes in length. Each segment is episodic without much of an overlying plot, although there are recurring themes. A creative boy named Seki-kun brings in nick-nacks to class and messes around with them rather than pay attention. Yokoi-san, the girl who sits
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next to him, reluctantly gets drawn into his activities. Her inner monologue of observations explain his schemes and give significance to small changes. Sitting at the very back of the classroom, the other students and teachers take no notice of whatever dramatic occurrence is taking place; when they do, it usually takes form in some misunderstanding. Much to her chagrin, Seki-kun never gets caught, while Yokoi manages to get in trouble instead. The fact that the two take each situation so seriously only amps up the amusement.
Art: 7/10 There is nothing very special about the animation, except for when it focuses on the games. The art does justice to Seki-kun's elaborate hobbies. The colors are light and happy, and the expressions of the characters take form in comedic ways. The only noteworthy character design is Yokoi, who sports white hair and a candy-colored girl's school uniform. The more detailed manga panels translate cleanly in the adaption. Overall, the simple style works wonders for the anime's simple premise.
Sound: 8/10 The opening is sung by the voice actor of Yokoi, and it's basically her general reactions to Seki-kun's antics. The frantic stream of thought within each verse is sung in one breath, and the fast paced vocals are complimented by lighthearted music. I have never once thought of skipping it. The ending is also addictive, with Seki-kun drumming on his pencil cases and school supplies.
Seki-kun never speaks, so you won't hear much of the seiyuu except for occasional grunts or laughter. Yokoi, on the other hand, is the prominent narrator. Kana Hanazawa does a wonderful job portraying Yokoi, but I did find her voice to be slightly annoying. It's a teeny-tiny mar to the overall execution.
Character: 8/10 You really wonder why a genius like Seki-kun doesn't put his talents and energy into other skills rather than waste time. The audience quickly sympathizes with Yokoi's plight, but like her, are drawn into every game. As the series progresses, we see that Yokoi starts to become more and more involved with Seki-kun's various distractions. This however would be the extent of any character development. I fell in love with this adorable duo almost instantly and I'd like the anime to speak for itself. Supporting characters have a tiny role, but they are amusing additions to the plot nonetheless.
Enjoyment: 9/10 This could potentially be the best comedy of the season, no joke. I'm really grateful to my little brother who introduced me to Tonari no Seki-kun. I'd definitely use some of the nifty ideas to pass time myself if I didn't get caught. Anyone who can pull off the antics should have the right to wear a T-shirt that says "Seki-kun like a boss." The style of humor is somewhat similar to that found in Azumanga Daioh or Lucky Star. I swear, it'll brighten up your entire day =D
Overall: 8/10 Oh gosh, I've started rambling. Anyway - I totally recommend this (especially to younger demographics and people who haven't seen anime before) if your looking for something family-friendly. It's an automatic favorite. Thank you for reading this review and happy laughing.
Reviewer’s Rating: 8
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May 15, 2013
Skip Beat! is the one and only manga that I have followed religiously. And I truly mean religiously. Every month, I check for the latest chapter as if it were a ritual ingrained in me. And having been a dedicated fan for over a decade, I now invite you to join the cult. So settle down, my friends, as I sing the praises of the masterpiece that is Skip Beat!
Story: Meet Kyouko Mogami, a young girl pouring her heart, sweat and blood into supporting her childhood crush Shoutaro so that he can fulfill his dream of becoming a top celebrity. Turns out he’s a narcissistic
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jerk who’s been using her all along for his own benefit, without a word or hint of gratitude towards her sacrifice. Upon realizing that her pure feelings have been trampled upon, Kyouko decides to destroy Shoutaro’s career by one-upping him and making him fear the terrible wrath of a woman scorned. In the strangest and most hilarious way anyone has entered show business, Kyouko weasels her way into a top talent agency called LME which sets into motion a series of life-changing experiences. Thankfully, the manga does not remain fixated on the initial hook and instead focuses on Kyouko’s journey into the unfamiliar world of acting, where she seeks to regain her lost self-confidence and hope and sense of self-worth, nor does it allow you forget Kyouko’s painful history or make you feel that her fixation with revenge is shallow or unwarranted. So don't be fooled into thinking that the synopsis offers a full picture of what Skip Beat! has to offer.
There is a wonderful balance struck between the light-hearted humor of a romance comedy and some of the more somber elements of a dramatic narrative. Every arc adds more complexity and depth to the story and the characters. The author, Nakamura-sensei did a superb job using flashbacks, supporting characters, and different jobs to highlight and draw out the various layers of the protagonist. I’m constantly blown away by the storytelling. No detail goes unnoticed, for one or two panels may be subtly foreshadowing the events of a chapter that will come out months or even years later.
Art: Nakamura-sensei has been working on Skip Beat! since 2002 so you can imagine that her style has evolved over the years. The art is clean and is a credit to the mangaka's skill. I admit I was put off by the men at the very, very, very beginning but the mangaka's style improves considerably. I can say that they contend as some of the hottest manga characters in shoujo manga. Another visual treat is Kyouko's many transformations according to her roles.
The expressions are stunning and lend authenticity to the characters' conflicts. The eyes are particularly captivating and every emotion is perfectly captured by the images alone. Chibi art is often incorporated alongside the more detailed anime profiles in a seamless and amusing manner. Although the art is gorgeous, it doesn't rely too much on the surroundings. Instead, the manga focus on gestures and convey a sense of "movement” that exists within the pages.
Character: This is easily the manga’s greatest feature. There are no flat characters in the world of Skip Beat! and you’d be hard-pressed to describe Kyouko as a Mary Sue type. Rather, the protagonist can be scarily obsessive about perfecting her voodoo doll-making skills at one moment and then gushing over pretty, fairy-tale related paraphernalia the next. Kyouko is equal parts innocent, crazy, dense, clumsy, funny, friendly, eager, elegant, polite, perceptive, hardworking, professional, intelligent, confused, sensible, vengeful, loving, and ambitious. Readers can quickly empathize with the many facets of her personality. Her acting career draws all of these traits because her roles require a process of self-discovery. Kyouko has a natural affinity to method-acting and the characters she plays essentially “possess” her once attained. At one point, she is described as the eternal butterfly, an actress that nobody recognizes because she disguises herself in the personas that she creates.
Even obnoxious fleas like Shoutaro aren’t discarded after the inciting incident. He is further developed (while still retaining his childishly-possessive nature, because the essential element of his character profile is that he is the World’s Biggest A-Hole) and continues to serve various purposes. This is a relief to me, because I would have easily forgotten him otherwise and would wonder why Kyouko hadn't. I hate to say this, but Sho's existence is actually important. The pain of his betrayal is enhanced as readers slowly learn about Kyouko’s complicated childhood in increments. After all, it is their history that serves as a catalyst for Kyouko’s rise to stardom.
And speaking of complicated pasts, allow me to introduce you to Ren Tsuruga, the actor who has captured the admiration of every woman in Japan. This fully applies to the readership - I have rarely seen another 2-D character ooze so much charisma. At first, he seems to to be just another handsome gentleman the world of fiction has to offer. But our protagonist has developed a phobia of two-faced male celebrities. Upon Kyouko’s first encounter, he is quickly judged to be yet another detestable rival to defeat because of his condescending attitude towards her modus operandi. But even the coldest of hearts cannot help but be melted by his many charms, and Kyouko eventually comes to admire him as a senior and a mentor. Unfortunately, Ren struggles with the cardinal virtue of sincerity. Occupational hazard of being an actor? Not quite. The reader will be exposed to the darkness within Ren over the course of the story and come to the realization that he is the perfect counterpart to our protagonist. He is afforded as much depth as Kyouko and his personal growth is just as crucial to the manga.
I haven't even commented on the plethora of supporting characters. Nakamura-sensei breathes to life an endearing cast that truly feels like a diverse community. Every new opportunity brings Kyouko into contact with new people who feel real and contribute to her growth in unique ways. You can’t miss eccentric characters like President Lori, or the capable manager Yashiro, who provides both solemn advice as well as a true-fangirl’s commentary and thereby establishes himself as the de facto voice of the readership. And there are plenty of other colorful individuals, so I recommend you read Skip Beat! to meet them all.
Enjoyment: Surely, you’ve gotten my opinion by now. If I actually comment on this category, I’ll exhaust the thesaurus of positive connotations that can be related to Skip Beat! ;D
The binge-ability of this manga is extremely high. The only complaint I can bring to the table is that once you’ve caught up, it will be agonizing waiting for the next installment. Sometimes it feels like the story is dragging on for months before you take the time to revisit previous arcs and realize that the pacing is in fact quite excellent. Don’t expect a quick resolution and savor each chapter as they come. I pray and hope that Nakamura-sensei will write the conclusion before I die, but I’ve learned that the most fulfilling of relationships take their sweet time.
Overall: Skip Beat! and its adaptations are one of the main reasons people haven’t lost hope in the shoujo genre. It is a genuine flagship comparable to Akatsuki no Yona, Glass Mask, Yamato Nadeshiko Shichihenge, Ouran High School Host Club, Fruits Basket and Akagami no Shirayuki-hime. If you haven’t read it yet – or any of these other titles, really – put in your top priority.
Re-readability is also very high, for all of those who have already had a taste. I fell in love with this manga the moment I picked it up over a decade ago and continue to love it with the same amount of zeal. I’ve read and re-read all the chapters that have been published so far and have seen the anime and the drama adaptations too many times to count. The story manages to stay refreshing and enjoyable no matter how many times I revisit it.
Parting Remarks: Thank you for somehow reaching the end of this long rant. I apologize if the review wasn’t as substantial as it ought to be but I’m just one advocate out of many. Don’t just take my word for it. Go and find out if you will love Skip Beat! as much as the rest of the fanbase. (And if anyone tries to tell me that Yashiro isn’t a princess amongst us – then you better be ready to step outside because imma fight you.)
Reviewer’s Rating: 10
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