Our Captains are...? ~BLEACH UPDATE~

CHAPTER 496 Kill The Shadow

 Are they mentally retarded or something?!?

WTF?!  We already KNEW they stole! Who the hell ever said seal?

The man DIED to tell you that they can Bankai +  they are Quincy +  and somehow yours is useless/won't work.

ALL this equals STEALING YOUR BANKAI.

So why?! For the love of God did you have to hand it over to them; going Bankai like fools. FOOLS!

Why not listen to Renji for once?

Here I thought Byakuya was being such BAMF and was about to kick some ass.

This strongly reminded me of when Ichigo went Bankai back in CH483 and I said:

We go back to Ichigo's battle with Ivan and Ichigo shows us that he's all grown up now and realizes when Ivan is taunting and simply provoking him. However, when Ivan taunts Ichigo to bring out his Bankai, Ichigo decides 'to play his game', and does in fact go BANKAI. 

WHY I ask you?  WHY?!

This excites Ivan extremely, and plans to destroy Ichigo's Bankai once and for all, with something or the other and an odd incantation of Melting and throwing a cup to the ground after joy. ~Seriously made me lol~

Shame for him, Ichigo is stronger than that. 

If you are not the odd-one-out Ichigo is, then don't do it! At least Ichigo was ignorant at that point; you were not! A man died to tell you! Sasakibe died!


....the stealing of the Bankai is basically all that happened in this chapter. Great story. Apparently we needed  more of a handicap. : /


How are you feeling about this war??


I think we're entirely screwed.

xoxo

UPDATE + Bleach!

I should come back to this...this Blog thing.

I just wanted to say

nowadays I tend to read BLEACH from behind my fingers

with my heart skipping a beat

every time I turn the page.

ITS JUST TOO MUCH. I DON'T KNOW HOW THEY'LL MAKE IT!!

PS. I just read BLEACH chapter 495 Bleeding Guitar Blues.

Oh, and the fuck if I remember all these damn new names.

There was a U, an F, and an E!

Are the Sternritters organized ALPHABETICALLY?? So is there 26?!

aaaaaahhh...!!!

xoxo

Update!

It been awhile.

Because May is exam season.

So I am on wits end in RL.

Please bear with me.

I will be returning to my Bleach and Noblesse updates soon.

As for Shoujo May...It is now Spring Shoujo!

Soz...


xoxo

Number 18! ~Kimi ni Todoke~

At 18,

an award winning Shoujo,

which definitely ranks much higher on other lists,

its

Kimi ni Todoke

Author: Shiina Karuho

Genres: Shoujo, Drama, Comedy, Romance, Slice of Life, School Life

Summary:  Sawako Kuronuma, called Sadako by her classmates for her resemblance to the character from The Ring, has always been feared and misunderstood because of her appearance. There are rumors that Sawako can see ghosts and curse people. However, despite her appearances, she is a sweet and timid girl who longs to be able to make friends with everyone and be liked by everyone else. When her idol, popular boy Kazehaya, begins talking with her, everything changes. She finds herself in a new world, trying to make friends and talking to different people and she can't thank Kazehaya enough for giving her these opportunities. Slowly, but surely, a sweet love blossoms between the two as they overcome circumstances and obstacles that stand in their way.

A popular Shoujo that has 2seasons of anime, a film, and is licensed in English: Kimi ni Todoke, is very well known; if you don't know of it, you're missing out!!

Its low on my list but I still READ it!

Basically, there's just too much awkwardness for me. YES, it steps out of the cliché, but I need some loving with all the cuteness. I need more happy moments in the midst of all the relationship anxiety. 

Why we don't get these, is because the story does not focus on just the main couple, but the friendships formed, and other couples, and rivals. Its a very FULL story, so its progress is slow. Frustratingly so. Its easy to lose interest so I do a catch up every few months. 

Still, worth checking out! A shoujo that simply can not not be on a Shoujo list!

Happy reading! Let me know what you think!

xoxo

Number 19! ~L-DK~

Back to the norm, at 19, its

L-DK


Author: Watanabe Ayu
Genres: Shoujo, Drama, Comedy, Romance, School Life

Summary: Shuusei Kugayama, the "Prince" of his high school, has always turned down confessions. Aoi Nishimori begins to harvest hatred for Shuusei after he turns down her best friend, Moe Shibuya. Shuusei then reintroduces himself-as Aoi's new neighbor! One day, after his home becomes soaked, Shuusei moves in with Aoi. After living with him, and getting to know him better, Aoi begins to think that maybe he isn't such a bad guy.


Although it sounds like your familiar plot, it has a lot of twists that will leave you wanting to know more of the characters backgrounds.

Like your cliché shoujo, it has your naive female lead who goes with the flow, and the handsome yet seriously annoying jerk of a male lead. But the art is nice, and it has great comedy moments!

I still read it, it does get better...

Its worth checking out to see of its your cup of tea.


Let me know what you think!


xoxo

Number 20! ~Mishounen Produce~

At 20,

you can't deny its cliché plot,

if you can call it a plot...

a guilty pleasure, its

 Mishounen Produce


Author: Ichinose Kaoru

Genres: Shoujo, School Life, Comedy, Romance

Summary: It's the start of high school, and bookworm Kako decides to "produce" her country bumpkin childhood friend, Kousei, so that he can become a good-looking and popular school idol. She models him after Lawrence, a character in a manga she likes, but as Kousei's transformation becomes a huge success and he extends his new character beyond what she asks for, what will Kako do? Will she find herself left behind in the wake of his newly found popularity?


The art is the best thing this project has going for it, there are bishounens everywhere.

The characters are likeable although a bit plain personality wise.

Our female lead fills the categories of at times dense and delusional BUT she is at least strong and is not a cry baby. So you don't get overly annoyed, and she makes you laugh.

I can't say much for the male lead, except that I never could predict what he would do / how he would react....good thing??

As we only have one chapter to be scanlated before THE END, I would like to point out that many characters are introduced pointlessly. It had the potential to form some serious love rivalry but it ended with mild jealousy. :/

Having said that, the romance is cute. If you're looking for a fun, quick read that ticks all the shoujo boxes, then definitely don't miss on Mishounen Produce. 

Let me know what you think, and Happy Reading!

xoxo

Number 21! ~ILEGENES~

I promised to provide something different with my Top 25 Shoujo that wasn't exactly your cliché/ordinary shoujo plot.

So how bout a Shoujo with NO FEMALE characters?

Interested?

At 21 its ILEGENES.

Author: Kuwabara Mizuna

Artist: Ishizue Kachiru

Genres: Shoujo, Drama, Action, School Life, Sci-fi

Ilegenes is an island internationally known for its prowess in genetic engineering research and technology. But behind the scenes, it is a breeding ground for illegal clones, which are sold for major profits in the black market.

After witnessing the death of his parents, our young protagonist, Fon F Littenber, is collected by the doctor who is an expert in neurology and the world famous designer cloning. Fon later joins the Ilegenes Military Academy to rid the island of both its connection to the black market and its tainted name: The Genetic Sodom. 

Within the academy, the intelligence  and physical abilities of Fon will earn him the envy of his classmates who accuse him of having been modified genetically by his adoptive father. Fortunately, Fon would makes good friends within the Academy; he is assisted by his room mate, Jack, who is generally a very carefree person. 

The main characters are male and there is no Romance to speak of, so what makes it a Shoujo??

It like No.6...which I have introduced in the first Shoujo May post: Bring the Girls Out! 

Only THREE things can save such a Shoujo:

1. Bromance = A non-sexual relationship between two men that are unusually close. It describes the complicated love and affection shared by two straight males.
2. Bishies = Beautiful, young men.
3. Emotional plot > Action plot.

This project is saved by all above factors.

An interesting read, which I am sure you can tell by the synopsis; really makes you refelct on the consequences of cloning. Will the future ever become like that??

The beautiful people are everywhere, but it seems the more beautiful the more mentally twisted.

Most times I read Shoujo for a light read, to pass time. This is NOT one of those reads. Its too mentally and emotionally engaging to be.

Currently on scanlated Ch26, updates can be a bit slow, but definitely worth checking out!


Hope you do and Happy reading!


Let me know what you think!


xoxo

Number 22! ~Namida Usagi - Seifuku no Kataomoi~

At 22 its Namida Usagi - Seifuku no Kataomoi

Author: Minase Ai

Genres: Shoujo, Drama, Romance, Comedy, School Life

When Momoka, a very shy girl who loves rabbits, is forced to change her seats, she finds herself at sitting at the back of the class, next to a boy she has never spoken to before, Narumi. Everyone thinks that he is strange and all of the girls are afraid of him. Why? There is a rumor that he is cursed and that the girls sitting next to him will never find love. Momoka believes in the rumor and fears him, but she gradually discovers the true Narumi and eventually new feelings are taking a hold on her. Is it friendship or... love?

Starts off a bit cliché. He is not the bad boy that turns out to be nice, but more like the misunderstood, quiet type that you need to get to know to feel comfortable with. Unfortunately, odd rumours follow him; but our protagonist Momoka begins to see the true him slowly as they get closer. But it turns out that their time together is limited??

The art is not bad, the girl is nothing new in terms of personality, but the story took an out-of-norm turn recently that bumped this shoujo a couple of places up. 

Hope you check it out! Happy reading!

xoxo

The BEAST Returns! ~BLEACH Update CH491~

I have been waiting...

Another week off and Bleach returns with TODEN ANGEL.

From last chapter's Update: 
SHOCK! We have heard of Letzt Stil! Way back in SS when Ishida battled Captain Mayuri, he used this 'last resort' which absorbed surrounding reishi at an alarming & powerful rate, and increased his power attack, cutting Mayuri's Bankai in half and still managing to cut through the Captain himself and damaging the area. This INSANE power also causes the loss of spiritual power as the body tries to preserve itself.
DIFFERENCE: Its true name is apparently Quincy Vollständig (Quincy Complete Holy Form) and it has a form. Ishida never transformed.
DIFFERENCE #2: In SS everything is made up of reishi, buildings and all. I can't help but think collecting reishi in HM is going to be a bit different.


Things we learn in this chapter:

• The Letzt Stil we know of and this Quincy Vollständig is different. The one we know of is apparently "too weak" and is now a "Relic of the Past"as they have evolved in the last 200 years. "Its as different to  Quincy Vollständig as Heaven is to Earth."   

Good to know. I'm not surprised. So far these bastards have taken everything we know to be bad and made it worse, and everyone we thought strong to be weak. 

Of course Ichigo is great, he soothes our worries with some humour, "I am relieved. If Ishida transformed into something that disgusting...I might end up killing him by mistake."

Mind you battle wise, Kirge is proving to be difficult: dodging Ichigo's attacks, and catching Ichigo by surprise due his quicker Hirenkyaku. 

• Everything is made of Reishi in HM too, as Kirge absorbs surrounding reishi from the rocks and sand of HM, as well as Inoue's Santenkesshun. 

I didn't realize.

Kirge prepares for a major attack, his Vollständig's 'Justice of God', by absorbing this reishi, and just as he attacks, and we wonder how Ichigo will fare, it is blocked by something. 

What? What? WHO?!

You guys remember the Tres Bestia's pet monster, Ayon, right? Of course you do, he gave us hell back in the Arrnacar arc.

Give him hell AYON! 

DONE!

What happened to the SS invasion?  Are we just going to go back to dead bodies? Can you imagine if Kubo did that to us! Like oh yeah, we lost many in battle already...!! No NEVER...

Still, I wonder if Ichigo has to wrap up here first before we get to see whats happening in SS? 

Only one image today of the chapter, there wasn't anything else deserving, except maybe how freaky Kirge looked in the 'Holy Executioners' bit. :P

Let me know what you think!

xoxo

Number 23! ~Dreaming Sun~

Up at 23 (because I missed a few days!) its Dreaming Sun/Yume Miru Taiyou


Author: Takano Ichigo
Genres: Shoujo, Comedy, Drama, Romance, Slice of Life, Harem


While loitering in the park, Shimana Kameko, who intended to run away from home and skipped school, meets a suspicious man in a kimono. This man, who had been locked out of his house, offers Shimana a place to stay. However, he requests she fulfill three conditions in exchange for her tenancy?!

A situation where a group of four youths with odd backgrounds live together. The comedy is great and finding out about their backgrounds is interesting. I find the characters cute, and unfortunately atm I'm backing a losing party! Zen- FIGHTING!


A harem where you don't WHAT will happen!



Hope you check it out! 


Happy reading! Let me know what you think?!
xoxo

Number 24! ~Boku kara Kimi ga Kienai~

Its Boku kara Kimi ga Kienai


You know to write these reviews/summaries I proper have to go back and read the first few chapters. (._.')



Author: Aikawa Saki
Genres: Shoujo, Drama, Romance, School Life



Kanzaki Hotaru meets and falls in love with a college student on the train/bus who helps her in a time of need, as a second year middle school student. She then studies hard to enter the high school in which he became a teacher in.
On the first day of high school she is caught daydreaming at the the entrance by a fellow student who has a striking resemblance to her love, Haruna-sensei. She later finds out that its his younger brother, Kousuke-kun, who is also in her class; added to this Kousuke-kun seems to have an immediate interest in Hotaru, and is annoyed that her eyes only follow his brother.


How will it end for these three?

The art is really good and the characters are loveable; what pulled me in for sure is the fact that rather than just the girl crushing on a guy, we get the guy crushing on the girl too.
The art is great but her eyes scare me a bit...they're MASSIVE. 

Also I like love-triangle where you don't know who to cheer for. A really good read; we're currently on chapter 19 so the story is still in its start, but the plot and the situations are definitely playing out.


Notice: its hasn't been updated in a bit.




Hope you check it out! 


Happy reading! Let me know what you think?!


xoxo

Number 25! ~FASTER THAN A KISS~

At 25 its....FASTER THAN A KISS!


Author: Tanaka Meca
Genres: Shoujo, Drama, Comedy, Romance, School Life

Don't panic.

I know this project is a well-known in the Shoujo world, its just 25 to me.  as I don't like Teacher-Student relations, which is what this is, EXCEPT its a Teacher-Student MARRIAGE!

Let me explain.

After losing their parents, Fumino and her brother hop from one relative to another. Getting tired of all those moves, she finally decides to quit school and work to support her brother on her own. As they sat on a park bench, her teacher appears in front of her and agrees to her demands of marrying and supporting both her and her brother!

Strangers, other than the fact that he is her teacher, they are now married! Their married life however takes into consideration both the age-gap and the fact that he is her teacher, ~forbidden relationship!~ 

Meaning the guy holds back! Oh yes, in fact they don't even kiss, although she tries! You'll be glad to know, although she cries every now and then, our protagonist is the tough somewhat violent type; which goes well with Sensei as he is an ex-delinquent.

The story goes into married/familial life and the trials they face as well as conflicts, and they naturally grow closer.

I enjoy Faster than a Kiss because it isn't your ordinary cliché storyline, and it takes its time to build up both story and relationship, so you get more for your time. The story flows well, the characters are well developed and you most certainly can't complain about the art. Although the summary sounds insane, it really grows on you! It can leave you frustrated at times, but its definitely a great Shoujo Manga worth reading!

Happy reading! Hope you check it out!


xoxo


NEXT at 24, is a love triangle between the Girl+Student+his brother: the Teacher. Any guesses as to which Shoujo Manga it is??

Bring the Girls out!

I have a list of the TOP 25 SHOUJO manga I am CURRENTLY reading! I didn't want to add any complete Shoujo manga in the list, because, as we know, a Shoujo manga is only as good as its end!

 Many Shoujo lists you find on the web are the old greats, and they are repeated, e.g. Fruits Basket, The Wallflower, Hot Gimmick, Hana-Kimi, etc. etc. Then there are other greats which are simply not my dish, e.g Vampire Knight...

So those are still recommended.

Although I cannot avoid the cliché shoujo, I will try and give a variety.

Speaking of which I am starting this journey by introducing Eight manga that were on my original list but didn't make the final cut...

Nevertheless, I recommend you check them out!

• Shiawase Kissa Sanchoume 

Author: Matsuzuki Kou

Genres: Shoujo, Comedy, Romance, Slice of Life, Harem

Summary: Takamura Uru takes her mother’s remarriage as an opportunity to strike out on her own and begin a part time job. Filled with the thought of “If only I could make someone happy…”, she begins working at Café Bohneur, a shop famous for cakes; but the employees, Ichirou-kun and Shindou-san, turn out to be incredibly unsociable. These two, though frightening at first glance, begin to change something inside of her. This is the start of a romance about Uru’s search for happiness.

Reason it didn't make the list: It is a complete manga. It ends after 15 great volumes. One of my all time favourites. Although categorized as Harem, it is not the typical kind that I find the category a bit harsh...it remains a romantic hilarious slice of life.

• Strobe Edge

Author: Sakisaka Io

Genres: Shoujo, Comedy, Drama, Romance, School life

Summary: Having no experience in romance, the vibrant Ninako curiously explores the meaning of what "love" really is, and is surprised to feel a colorful range of emotions as she grows closer to the school heartthrob, the quiet yet gentle Ren, who also happens to be involved in a longtime relationship. With every intention of keeping her head held high, Ninako prepares to face the mental pain of this one-sided love that she had allowed to take root, facing a series of trials that would either contribute to her growth as a headstrong woman, or break her as it did with other girls.

However, is this really a one-sided love? Or had something been silently sown in the most hidden part of Ren's heart?

Reason it didn't make the list: It is a complete manga. It ends after 10 volumes.

• Chocolate cosmos

Author: Haruta Nana

Genres: Shoujo, Comedy, Drama, Romance, School life

Summary: Sakurai Sayuki was born with sharp eyes that make her look like she's always angry, even though she's not. Because of her looks, students around her misunderstand her as a bully and scary girl when in fact she's "a romantic". After 15 years without a boyfriend, she started off her high school year with hopes of love...

Reason it didn't make the list: It is a complete manga. It ends after 4 volumes.

• Natsume Yuujinchou 

Author: Midorikawa Yuki

Genres: Shoujo, Comedy, Drama, Supernatural, School life

Summary: Natsume's just an ordinary kid, except he can see spirits, just like his grandma Reiko could. Reiko, though, used to bully the spirits, and bound them to her will in the "Book of Friends". Now that Natsume has inherited this book, a never-ending stream of spirits is coming after him. But that doesn't mean there aren't malicious spirits trying to kill him. Which is where Madara (called Nyanko-sensei by Natsume) comes in; Madara serves as Natsume's bodyguard and spiritual advisor of sorts, even though he is motivated by his own desire to possess the Book of Friends.

Reason it didn't make the list: I recommend the anime over the manga. They follow the same story but the art in the manga was hard for me to get used to. The Anime is amazing, all four seasons!

• No. 6

Author: Asano Atsuko Artist: Kino Hinoki

Genres: Shoujo, Action, Mystery, Sci-fi, Tradegy

Summary: The story is set in "No. 6," a future model city in 2013. Raised as a top-ranking elite since the age of 2, a boy named Shion lives in an exclusive area in No. 6. On the night of his 12th birthday, he rescues a boy who calls himself "Nezumi" ("Rat"). Nezumi ran away from the city's Special Security Area. From that moment on, Shion's life is changed forever...

Reason it didn't make the list: Although I should have seeing as its alternative to the cliché; However I do also recommend the anime over the manga. 

• Kanojo wa Uso wo Aishisugiteru

Author: Aoki Kotomi
Genres: Shoujo, Romance, Drama

Summary:  Ogasawara Aki is the reclusive, idealistic composer of the popular band Crude Play. Discontented with his life and with no drive to succeed, he meets Riko, the 16-year-old grocer's daughter in a band consisting of her childhood friends, and asks her to be his girlfriend on a whim. Riko, young and innocent, agrees immediately, but worries about her new boyfriend, whom she suspects has just broken up with a woman he cared very much for.

Reason it didn't make the list: Its interesting! I do recommend it. I like how the POV switches between Aki and Riko. Riko is also not the annoying type of protagonist. The mood just throws me off sometimes. I don't know where its going. Currently on Vol6.

• Obaka-chan, Koigatariki 

Author: Sato Zakuri

Genres:  Shoujo, Comedy, Drama, Romance, School life 

Summary: Since childhood, Neiro has been known for being good at fighting, making people fear her and giving her the title of Kansai's strongest woman. Wanting to find romance, she decides to transfer to a high school in Kanto. Instead, what faced her was a specially assembled class of delinquents. Reason: I'm used to the crazy, strong girl plot. The boys don't get a lot of action. Currently on Vol4.

• Issho ni Neyou yo

Author: Takao Shigeru

Genres: Shoujo, Romance, Drama, Psychological

Summary: Ichiko Usami is a fifteen-year-old runaway girl. One day, while she’s loitering around the riverbed with nowhere to go, a masked boy named Kohaku suddenly appears in front of her! Ichiko faints and Kohaku takes her to the mansion he shares with several others. Even while lost in wonderment at the individualistic residents, Ichiko gradually opens up to them. But why is she somehow frightened by the fallen children shoes?

Reason: Its a bit confusing due to the psychological category. Not very romantic. 

DONE!

Please free to check them out and let me know what you think! They're all ones I have enjoyed reading or am currently enjoying!

Now that theses are out of the way, we are free to start on our TOP 25 Shoujo! These would have more details!

Enjoy!


PS. Manga details were taken from MangaUpdates!

xoxo

Oh Rai! ~Noblesse~

CH234 

I found this chapter a bit sad, especially with the flashback at the start...

We finally got to put a face on the Roctis; Roctis Kravei Leader of the Kravei Clan:

We learnt he called Rai 'Raizel-nim' and seemed to have a lot of respect for him and was quite protective, telling the then 'new' Frankenstein, "If you do anything that brings harm to him, I will not forgive you." 

The truth? An act?? Was he truly close to Rai??

Back in the present the chapter consisted of the Elder running his mouth about taking Rai's life, coming back to kill them all, destroying the KSA, and declaring war on the nation.

We also got some comedy, with Tao and Takeo finally regaining conscious, 

"...and is he really shaking his finger and yelling at the Boss?"

HA! Ya hes was, too bad Frankenstein didn't do anything...

In fact it was Rai, who was so quiet before, who settled the matter. "Why do you believe your life is more valuable than theirs? Who gave you the right to take another's life?"

As Rai's power becomes evident, the Elder begins to panic and fires an attack at Rai from close range, believing he got him. 

Obviously not. Rai uses Blood Field to finish him off, "Bonded of Roctis Kravei. You have forfeited your right to existence." ~Kyaaaa!~

DONE!

I wanted a KNEEL...not power usage. I didn't want him to use his powers any more. Shame on you, Frankenstein! Protect your Master better!

Its the look on Rai's face and the massive gap between him and the others that made me a bit sad. I really hope, though doubt, that this does not effect Rai's health.

Let me know what you thought! Check out Noblesse on EGSCANS. 

xoxo

~Dear Skip Beat~

Form the contents of the new chapter, CH188, I feel like you read my pleas in my post, " Skip to the romance or Beat it! ~Skip Beat!~"


 I mean, WOW!

Kyoko slowly trying to solve Ren's mystery. 


Kajima getting into the love triangle.


Ren getting upset because Kyoko gave her number AND texted Kajima!


Yashiro's hilarious mental monologue! Reminder of the LOVE ME section!


Sho showing up!!  Clearly getting a text from *black-haired girl* that Kyoko is in school and decides to go in!



The romance! The comedy! THE PROGRESS!!

I am too excited for Kyoko's and Sho's meeting. Always a fun read! Also, if Ren would show up, I'd just be the happiest!

Banzai! Skip Beat!