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Sometimes the past haunts us. Sometimes we recall memories that still linger within and it is difficult for us to move onward when a part of ourselves still remains behind. In the manga "Adventure Boys" the past comes back to haunt everyday people in strange ways.

Story: The story is different every chapter. Each segment deals with a different character and each character deals with a different memory from their childhood that still haunts them well into adulthood. The stories are unique and pleasant in their own ways and mange to subtle convey a message. Whether it is the message of forgiveness, or the allure of second chances. The stories were brilliant in their own right and managed to convey the sense of nostalgia and childhood wonderment while still being able to look at these themes from an adult's perspective.

Art: The art for this title was cartoonish at best which became a little annoying at times. The art worked well with the theme of the piece (childhood and the way it affects our lives as adults) but this style managed to place a "friendly face" on the theme, almost like seeing a close friend after a long time a part. The art is nice, but it takes some getting used to and even after that it still can be a distraction.

Character: The strongest aspect of the story. Each of the characters change within their own story. Each of characters are so different in so many aspects, there's a phantom their, and a business man who can't move on, and a group of friends united by a secret tragedy. Still, the theme for each story remains the same, letting go of what has already come to pass. What is amazing is how each of these characters take different roads to reach the same conclusions.

Enjoyment: Loved the stories and characters, the art left a little to be desired but it is easily overlooked.

Childhood is a strange thing. Within the world of childhood we learn that what ever we wish is possible, but as we grow older we forget this. Adventure Boys flirts with the ideals of childhood while still encouraging its readers to move forward, it reminds us all of the days in the summer heat or the times we went to the swimming pool with friends. It forces us to remember, relieve, and to finally move on. read more

It is difficult to understand what we want in this world, and in turn, what this world wants from us. We never realize that sometimes, our own insecurities can sometimes influence the world we inhabit. Hallucination From The Womb is a manga that tackles the maze of human wanting, it sheds light on the basic human principles of longing while at the same time, illustrating how what you want can hurt what you can't see.

Story: Hallucination From the Womb breaks its story down into smaller vignettes. Stories of people and their everyday lives with small changes. The stories are all different in their own ways, dealing with the feelings of love and life in a way that is so real its haunting. What is amazing about each of the stories is the way they are presented. There is no grand battle to save the planet, there is no evil lurking beneath the shadows, it is just people looking for something more than just themselves.

Character: This is where the story truly shines. Each of the characters are given there own unique way of speaking, moving and interacting that is fits them. Their goals are sometimes explained, while other times they are hinted at, forcing the reader to guess at their motives, just like in reality. What is great about the work is that many of the characters are perfectly ruined (just like the city they inhabit) but still manage to carry on with life. In a strange way, its inspiring.

Art: This is where the title falters. Each of the characters (though original in their own right) are each drawn the same way. It was difficult to try and decipher one character from another, and sometimes it was near impossible. The designs of the decaying city were wonderful, clear, crisp and average in a way that spoke with a haunted realness.

Overall: I loved the manga. What it lacked in art it made up for in quality and its ability to capture life at its darkest but still being able to make seem real. Though, this title is not for younger readers, not just for its themes, but also for the depictions of naked girls (Especially in later chapters). Hallucinations From The Womb is a wonderful title that is sure to leave a lingering impression. read more