icon Measures and provisions are being taken at various locations in an effort to prevent the spread of the new coronavirus.
Please check the official website for the event / store you are planning to visit for more information.

asianbeat Multilingual pop culture website

  • facebook
  • twitter
  • Instagram

asianbeat Editorial Department's Top Picks!(2/2)

      |  Next
    asianbeat Editorial Department's Top Picks!
    Next up it's the comics. From new releases to old favorites, it's a real mixed lineup. Just like the light novels we'll give you an overview of the story and then tell you what our staff have to say!
    Light Novel
    Comic

    "Wandering Son"

    放浪息子
    ©志村貴子
    ■Plot
    The first book from the Wandering Son series, published during the comic book boom. This volume includes 8 individual stories that were serialised from December 2002 up until July 2003. Shuichi Nitori is a boy who wants to become a girl. Yoshino Takatsuki is a girl who wants to become a boy. A secret that neither can speak about, this is a story of the delicate emotions experienced before puberty.

    Manga Artist: Takako Shimura
    Label: BEAM COMIX
    Published by: KADOKAWA / Enterbrain
    ■Comment
    The other characters, aside from the two fifth graders the story is centered on, serve to deepen and progress the main story with their various points of view and ways of thinking. This is one book that, by describing the feelings of puberty, will really make you think, even as an adult. People who say "That's just the way things are" won't really get this. If you want to live and be true to yourself then this is the book for you!
    (Editorial Dep't. – Shimizu)

    "Joou no Hana" (lit: Queen's flower)

    女王の花
    ©和泉かねよし/小学館・ベツコミフラワーコミックス
    ■Plot
    Aki is the cold and indifferent princess of Akoku. While taking care of her mother, the childish princess happens upon a blonde haired blued eyed slave called Hakusei.
    The pair, even though they are worlds apart, share an unbreakable bond, but what does the future hold for them?
    A love between classes, a friendship between student and teacher, amid the bargaining of royalty, this is a historical romance packed full of drama and passion.

    Manga Artist:Kaneyoshi Izumi
    Label: Flower Comics
    Published by: Shogakukan
    ■Comment
    The relationship between Aki and Hakusei a chord in my heart. Their feelings for each other, especially Hakusei's single minded devotion made me skip a beat. While this is a "The forbidden love between princess and servant" story, Aki's fate as a trouble brews in the palace give it a majestic feeling. The consideration of cruelty and inhuman practices sets it apart from other books in the genre and makes this worthwhile reading.
    (Editorial Dep't. – 93a)

    ”Denkigai no Honyasan” (lit: A Bookstore in an Electronics District)

    デンキ街の本屋さん
    ■Plot
    This manga from Asato Mizu features details the every day life of the youthful employees of a comic book stores. Get ready for a comedy with a cast of die-hard comic book fans. The main character is Umio, who works part time at Uma no Hone and encounters numerous comic book fans, nerds and other 'intense' characters. Her boss is showing her the ropes, even though she's even younger than Umio... Will Umio be able to cope??

    Manga Artist: Asato Mizu
    Label: MF Comics Flapper Series
    Published by: KADOKAWA / Media Factory
    ■Comment
    The first time I saw this manga I was in a comic book store, much like the one in the story. It was just when I was getting into doujinshi and this one was so fresh that I had to have ever single one. So in this special environment, I got not only a love comedy but also nerd's story, I was really blown away and I just couldn't stop reading. Even though the characters can be very blunt, when it comes to love they shrink back. Take the time to read this story fully of unique characters. I'm sure you'll enjoy it.
    (Editorial Dep't. – Siwon)

    ”Himitsu – Top Secret"

    秘密 -トップ・シークレット-
    ■Plot
    The president dies in the suspicious circumstances and a serial killer commits suicide. The images locked inside their brains point towards a "secret", but what? Fully updated this volume starts from the beginning. Originally published December 2002.

    Manga Artist: Reiko Shimizu
    Label: Jets Comics
    Published by: Hakusensha
    ■Comment
    Neuro-image conversion will not stop. This story is set in a near future that we have not reached yet, seeing as the book was published several years ago.

    What are the "rights" and "wrongs" of the tools we build for ourselves? We can't just leave this decision to the people of the future. Will the memories inside your brain be solely your property in the future? If you're asking this question then you need to read this book!
    (Editorial Dep't. – koike)

    "Bambino!"

    バンビ~ノ!
    ©せきやてつじ/小学館 ビッグコミックス
    ■Plot
    Shogo Ban is a young man who has moved to Tokyo from his home town Fukuoka in order to become a world class chef and work in a Roppongi restaurant. This is the story of a boy moving up in the world of Italian cuisine in the warzone of the kitchen.

    Manga Artist: Tetsuji Sekiya
    Label: Big Comics
    Published by: Shogakukan
    ■Comment
    The main character Shogo Ban starts out with a normal life as a university student in Fukuoka. He has a part time job at an Italian restaurant, but when the manager catches wind of his talent he is shipped off to the famous Latorea Bacchanalia restaurant in Roppongi, Tokyo to work as an apprentice. This story is all about how Shogo must use all his effort and willpower to overcome the difficulties he finds there. This is not your average underdog sports manga, it's an underdog cooking manga!(Editorial Dep't. – kaneko)

    "Hōzuki no Reitetsu"

    鬼灯の冷徹
    ■Plot
    This world is made up of heaven and hell. Hell is divided into two parts: the eight great hells and the eight freezing hells, from there it splits into 272 smaller regions. In the massive expanse of hell, the enormous task of running the place is left to the demons. Among them is Hozuki, first aide to the supreme judge of the afterlife. He's a cool-headed control freak and he has his work cut out keeping the hordes in check. This book makes hell look so fun, you better be careful not to do anything bad in this world!

    Manga Artist: Natsumi Eguchi
    Label: Morning KC
    Published by: Kodansha
    ■Comment
    Business is booming in hell! And the supreme judge's first aid is in efficient and in control. This book follows Hozuki and his companions as they live their life in hell. The characters are all bursting with individual personalities! It also features the people (?) of myth and legend, along with some cute animals. All the artwork is top quality, with every story's front piece a visually impressive work. So grab a seat and a bowl of brain soup why don't you! This is a highly recommended book with an anime series already in the works.
    (Editorial Dep't. – Eliy)

    "The Seven Deadly Sins"

    七つの大罪
    ■Plot
    The Seven Deadly Sins, a group of rebels rumored to have overthrown the kingdom in times since passed. Even now, the king's holy knights, a group of mighty warriors, are searching for the wanted gang. But, a young girl with an unspeakable secret is hot on the tail of the group. The whole world is about to change, and the rebels are about to start a whole new adventure. A thrilling tale of heroism and fantasy.

    Manga Artist: Nakaba Suzuki
    Label: Shonen Magazine Comics
    Published: Kodansha
    ■Comment
    This series is gonna be the next big hit! At least, I that's what I think, so I'm recommending it.
    The main character Meliodas a member of the wanted Seven Deadly Sins rebels who brought about the kingdom's previous revolution. What's hiding in his past? Why hasn't he changed at all in the past 10 years? The story is wrapped in puzzles right from the outset. Every time the group beats one of their enemies the truth becomes a little bit clearer. It's compulsive reading!
    (Editorial Dep't. – Asami)

    "Red River"

    Manga Artist: Chie Shinohara
    Label: Flower Comics
    Published by: Shogakukan

    ■Comment
    This shojo manga features an otherworldy journery and has been hugely popular among adults. Reading about how hard the main character Yuri strives is one of the reason why I keep re-reading it. She never gives up in the face of adversity and never loses sight of herself. She always manages to push through together with the ones she loves. Seeing Yuri's struggles gives me strength with my own. After making it past all the cruelties of her situation, she keeps her spirits up and never gives in until she reaches her happy ending, that's why I recommend this book.
    (Editorial Dep't. – 93a)
      |  Next

    WHAT’S NEW

    EDITORS' PICKS

    • Misako Aoki's Timeless Trip in Fukuoka
    • A Romantic Fukuoka Date with Xiao Xiao Bai ❤
    • That's why I always love you Fukuoka
    • オタクマップ
    • Fukuoka Ramen Map
    • Interview Now
    • Cosplayers Laboratory
    • WFS

    PRESENTS