Recommend a Manga (Read the first post!)

[Crysantema]

Title: Legal Drug (Lawful Drug, Gohou Drug)
Author: CLAMP
Rating: T+ (sexual themes)
Genre: Comedy / shounen-ai / supernatural
Basic Premise/Basic Plot: Kazahaya is rescued from freezing to death on the streets of Tokyo by another young man his age named Rikuou. Now Kazahaya rooms with him above the drug store they both work at, Green Drug. Both work for the mysterious store owner Kakei. The strangest thing about Kazahaya's job is that he and Rikuou are often sent on 'extra jobs' by Kakei. Kazahaya always accepts the "extra jobs" so he won't end up without money and on the streets again...but he really wonders what the purposes are behind these strange tasks.

Your Rating for the Artwork: A-
Your Opinion/Review of the Art: It's different from CLAMP's more usual styles, but it's still as gorgeous a title as fans have come to expect from them.

Your Rating for the Story: B+
Your Opinion/Review of the Story: It's on hold currently at three volumes, and stopped at a point in the story where you aren't sure what direction it will go in, but it's easy to reread and enjoy over again, even if there's no more to read.

Suggested for people who like: xxxHOLiC and Tsubasa Reservoir Chronicle, which are set in essentially in the same universe (and in fact, xxxHOLiC crosses over with Legal Drug very briefly). Otherwise suggested for fans of shounen-ai and supernatural mystery-types (light on the mystery, heavy on the supernatural).

[Crysantema]

Title: Hellsing
Author: Hirano Kouta
Rating: T+ (blood, violence, vampires and friends)
Genre: Seinen / supernatural / horror
Basic Premise/Basic Plot: Vampires exist. It is the duty of Hellsing, an organization sponsored by the British government, to hide that frightening fact and protect the blissfully unaware populace. Along with its own personal army, Hellsing also has a few secret weapons. Alucard, an incredibly powerful vampire, has been controlled by Hellsing for years. Although he dislikes being a servant to the Hellsing family, he certainly enjoys his job as Hellsing's trashman.

Your Rating for the Artwork: A
Your Opinion/Review of the Art: It's a little strange at first, but since it's less than one volume produced a year, it improves dramatically. And the level of detail is amazing.

Your Rating for the Story: A+
Your Opinion/Review of the Story: At first the plot is murky, more involved is the development and introduction of necessary characters, but soon enough it springs into action.

Suggested for people who like: This manga is very bloody and violent, and takes a different sort of person to enjoy it fully than someone who reads for pretty guys (though there certainly is a couple of those, it just takes a bit of tastefulness to see it). These certainly aren't Stephenie Meyer's vampires.

[Crysantema]

Title: Fullmetal Alchemist
Author: Hiromu Arakawa
Rating: T (violence, mild language)
Genre: Shounen / drama / action / adventure / comedy
Basic Premise/Basic Plot: Edward and Alphonse Elric tried to bring their mother back to life using alchemy, and paid the hard way. Striving to achieve his goals, Edward enrolls in the state military and begins to hunt for the Philosopher's Stone. Along the way, however, he meets some characters that are more than a little shady, and he finds out a lot more about truth than he wished he knew.

Your Rating for the Artwork: A+
Your Opinion/Review of the Art: Why is this artwork so aesthetically pleasing to me? I don't know, but it's the most fantastic thing since the printed word to me. Easy to interpret, and shows the characters the way they're meant to be shown.

Your Rating for the Story: A
Your Opinion/Review of the Story: Again, pure brilliance - tasteful length, and a plot that never stops coming. The end may be near or it may not be, but every chapter is thrilling the way most series can never accomplish.

Suggested for people who like: Highly entertaining manga that really make you think sometimes, not just slap-bang fight scenes. Check it out if you haven't, just taking a look can never hurt!

[Crysantema]

Title: Black Lagoon
Author: Hiroe Rei
Rating: T+ (violence / mature themes / nudity)
Genre: Action / Adventure / Seinen
Basic Premise/Basic Plot: Dutch, Benny, Revy, and Rock only have one thing in common between them; they work aboard the smuggling vessel the Black Lagoon, sneaking around things that they wouldn't want to be caught red-handed with. They're based out of Roanapur, which is full of people that the law doesn't want to hear of. This is their story, even if it sounds incredible.

Your Rating for the Artwork: A
Your Opinion/Review of the Art: There's nothing outstanding about the art, but it's good at displaying the characters' honest emotions.

Your Rating for the Story: B+
Your Opinion/Review of the Story: As far as I've seen there isn't a whole lot of a plot, but this story still keeps you thinking.

Suggested for people who like: It's more-or-less a 'typical' seinen manga, but the characters are so unique that you can't put it together with anything else. And that's all I can say, because I can't figure anything else to describe it.

[sparxwonders]

Before the seasons flow away...

Title: Full Moon o Sagashite
Rating: PG
Genre: Fantasy, Musical, Romance, Shoujo, Drama...
Chapters: 30
Status: Complete
Author: Tanemura Arina

Basic Premise/Basic Plot: Kouyama Mitsuki is a 12 year old who has a passion for singing and dreams to become a famous singer. However, a tumor in her throat prevents her from reaching her full potential. When Mitsuki meets two magical shinigami, her life is turned upside down. The two shinigami grants Mitsuki a chance to experience her dreams despite her health, and together, they go through a journey of determination, friendship, and love.

Your Rating for the Artwork: A-
Your Opinion/Review of the Art: It's beautiful and emotionally drawn, but it can improve; not a lot, but it can.

Your Rating for the Story: A++
Your Opinion/Review of the Story: It's very touching indeed. Though it's short in terms of chapters, the development is beautiful. Characters are believable and just so... real. The story is somewhat tragic, but can move many hearts, including myself.

Suggested for people who like: This is recommended for many who find appeal in emotional tales. This story will definitely show you beauty and truth beyond words. Though it's fantasy based, sometimes you can't help but feel it's real. People who enjoy twists can also check this out. Music is a sure factor in this, so musical people can also find their share in this.

I want to see you again...

[sparxwonders]

Before the seasons flow away...

Title: Nodame Cantabile
Rating: Somewhat PG 13.
Genre: Music, Comedy, Drama.
Author: Ninomiya Tomoko
Status: Incomplete

Basic Premise/Basic Plot: Chiaki Shinichi is the son of a famous pianist, but despite his talents in playing musical instruments, he dreams of being a conductor. However, going abroad is a difficulty for him, who has problems with flying in an airplane. When he meets his neighbour as well as fellow student at the school, Megumi Noda (Nodame), his life becomes much more meaningful, in a twisted way. Nodame can't cook, clean, doesn't care to clean her hair for several days in a row and fails at sight reading. But she can convey emotions in a singing manner like Chiaki has never heard before. Because of Nodame, Chiaki begins to love music once again. And the two of them will continue to advance, in music, as well as love.

Your Rating for the Artwork: A
Your Opinion/Review of the Art: It's very clear and humourous, and the detail of the instruments is incredible.

Your Rating for the Story: B
Your Opinion/Review of the Story: Though not very exciting and dangerous, Nodame Cantabile shows the real side of life and that not everyone can achieve a fairytale without trying hard. Typical perhaps, but shown in a very creative way that will draw in many readers.

Suggested for people who like: Mainly, the theme is showing through the concept of music. So music lovers would enjoy this manga, just by the technical terms and such. It may prove to be confusing for those without musical background knowledge. The characters themselves are humourous as well, so people who enjoy comedy can try this manga out.

I want to see you again...

[sparxwonders]

Before the seasons flow away...

Title: Tsubasa Reservoir Chronicles
Author: CLAMP
Rating: PG-13. Somewhat bloody.
Genre: Fantasy, Shounen, Adventure, Action, Angst...
Status: Incomplete
Basic Premise/Basic Plot: Sakura is the princess of Clow Country who is in love with her childhood friend and archaeologist, Syaoran. When Sakura was drawn to the mysterious ruins of her country, her memories shattered across universes. Now Syaoran must sacrifice and fight for Sakura's memories, and go on a journey with others to save Sakura's life, as well as to stop a sinister purpose...

Your Rating for the Artwork: A
Your Opinion/Review of the Art: It's okay I say. Typical CLAMP style and simple to understand. Quite detailed at places too. I think I just have a problem with the chracters being too skinny... sweatdrop

Your Rating for the Story: A-
Your Opinion/Review of the Story: Personally, I love the storyline. It starts off very lightheartedly, and magical as well. The characters are very full and perfectly believable. And the twists near the middle are very exciting and hard to anticipate. However, it gets much more complicated later on, which makes the stroryline harder to understand.

Suggested for people who like: CLAMP lovers, this is a must read. This crossover story contains many characters from many of their previous works, though in a different role than expected. Those who enjoys surprises should give this a try too. Not recommended for people who are too lighthearted, for the story contains some dark themes.

I want to see you again...

[SilerWolf]

Title: King of Hell (Majeh)
Rating: Mature
Genre: Action/ Fantasy/ Martial Arts/ Supernatural for a more mature audience. (Due to violence and cursing)
Status: In-progress; 19 out of 29 volumes currently released.
Basic Premise/Basic Plot: When Majeh was alive he used his incredible skills to rock the martial arts world. Even Hell's toughest warriors couldn't stand up to him. To contain the awesome power the King of Hell placed a special seal on Majeh and made him and envoy to the next world. When some of the worst demons escape from Hell it's up to Majeh to track them down and send them back before they can slip under the radar...The only problem is, with a new life and skills that still surpass the Masters despite the seal, Majeh decides to explore the mortal world and have some fun.

On his actions packed adventures Majeh meets new and interesting friends like Young the assassin, Chung Poong the determined coward, Dowha the flirtatious fighter, and Baby the blushing boy with some darker personalities hidden inside. Together they stumble across incredible creatures and people in search of the escapees.

Your Rating for the Artwork: A
Your Opinion/Review of the Art: Kim Jae-hwan is a masterful artist. Each panel is full of detail and life, giving the Korean manwha an unparalleled ability to "set the stage". Even the rare chibi is full of small details. Fight scenes are executed flawlessly giving the reader much to look at. I personally can read and re-read the book and always find some small thing that I had never noticed before. The panels flow so easily that it's near impossible to get lost or confused.

Your Rating for the Story: A-B
Your Opinion/Review of the Story: The story is an interesting one for sure. It's not the generic "Find the shiny object and save the world" plot that many action manga have come to adopt. The story is always changing, introducing characters and places almost constantly. At the same time, characters never get left out in the dust after being brought into the story. Just when you think they've forgotten your favorite supporting character, he or she gets thrown back into the mix. The only complaint I have is that it occasionally gets a little corny. Sometimes you expect the characters to smile, high five, and freeze while jumping in mid air just like in a corny 80's TV show. Though rare, this is a bit of an annoyance.

Suggested for people who like: Ruroni Kenshin, Naruto, Warcraft: The Sunwell Trilogy, Bleach, and any other action series.

[starfoxx322]

Title: One Piece
Author: Eichiiro Oda
Rating: PG-13 (lots of violence, blood, etc, and language in the japenese scans)
Genre: shonen, action, adventure
Status: Incomplete (about 1/2 done, according to the manga-ka)
Chapters: 509

Basic Premise/Basic Plot: A boy named Monkey D. Luffy, inspired by his childhood hero "Red Haired" Shanks, sets out on a journey to become the new Pirate King by finding the legendary One Piece. To accomplish this, he must reach the end of the world's most deadly and dangerous ocean, the Grand Line, where the previous Pirate King Gold Roger hid One Piece.
Luffy gather a crew, known as the Straw Hat pirates because of Luffy's treasured straw hat, and sails through the sea of East Blue and then through the Grand Line, having many adventures along his way to find One Piece and become the next Pirate King.

Your Rating for the Artwork: B -> A (my opinion went from a B to an A as i got used to it)
Your Opinion/Review of the Art: DO NOT LET THE ART STYLE TURN YOU OFF. At first the style of art is really different, but as the story went on, I got used to it and I found I actually really like it.

Your Rating for the Story: A
Your Opinion/Review of the Story: The storyline does get very long (it's only 1/2 done 10 years and 500 chapters later) and at times the plot does move a bit slowly, but the story keeps you hooked, entertained, and begging for more.

Suggested for people who like: People who like action and adventure, with a side of humor and (at some points) quite a bit of drama.

[starfoxx322]

Title: Black Cat
Author: Kentaro Yabuki
Rating: PG-13, for violence and language
Genre: shonen, action, adventure, sci-fi, bit of fantasy
Status: Complete
Chapters: 185

Basic Premise/Basic Plot: Train Heartnet is an ex-assain called Black Cat, known for his insanely good gunsman skills that bring "bad luck" to his targets. He used to work for an organization called Chronos that rules 1/3 the world.
Train is now a sweeper (bounty hunter) traveling with his partners Sven Vollifield, an ex-IBI Investigator and Eve, a girl made out of nano-machines who can change her form at will. It's been 2 years since he left Chronos at the urgings of his friend Saya and it's been 2 years since his ex-partner at Chronos, Creed Diskenth killed Saya and disappeared himself. Train still harbors feelings of hatred and revenge towards Creed and wants to kill him. Creed, however, wants to overthrow Chronos and rule the world, with Train as his partner.

Your Rating for the Artwork: B+
Your Opinion/Review of the Art: It's nothing overly spectacular, but it isn't horrible either. The style does gradually change over time, and I found I liked the style towards the end better than the style at the beginning.

Your Rating for the Story: A
Your Opinion/Review of the Story: It's a very good story that can keep you entertained and the plot moves along at a good pace. It combines action, humor, and drama in a mix that keeps the series from getting to overly serious, although there are some dramatic moments. However, some fans may not like the ending and there are some plot points that seem to be left resolved.

Suggested for people who like: Fullmetal Alchemist, because there is plenty of action with a bit of sci-fi/fantasy thrown in.

[iWillKissU-Luna]

Title:Ichigo 100%
Rating:i dunno i think Older teen
Genre:uh romance/comedy ><
Status:Complete
Chapters:167 not including the last o-make/chapter
Basic Premise/Basic Plot: A boy named Manaka Junpei meets many girls. He bumbs into Toujo Aya on the rooftop of his middle school and falls for her at her first site. Later not not knowing she was the freak girl of the class with glasses and whatnot. He asks out Nishino Tsukasa the schools most popular girl thinking it was her. Later two more girls come to the scene and shake things up.

Your Rating for the Artwork: A-
Your Opinion/Review of the Art: All I can say is very sexy and nice details.

Your Rating for the Story: A
Your Opinion/Review of the Story:The overall story kept you emotional. OR atleast me.

Suggested for people who like: Any Shonen jump fans or people who like dramatic things.

[kitsune shojo]

Title: Petshop of Horrors
Author: Matsuri Akino
Serialized in:Missy Comics DX
Publisher: Tokyopop (though I think this is currently out of print)
Language: English
Number of Volumes: 10 for the series, but a sequal series, Tokyo Petshop of Horrors is being written (two volumes have come stateside, but I'm unsure how many are out in Japan, if you can't the first series, the second can be standalone what I've read of it)
Rating:This is rated older teen for violence mostly, one of the characters cusses profusely, and some sexual themes.
Genre: horror, action, fantasy, comedy
Basic Premise/Basic Plot: The story is set in Chinatown (U.S.A. shocking as that sounds) where Count D has set up his petshop. He sells exotic and fanciful pets generally asking for nothing but sweets in return. But you must abide by the rules of the contract or D is not responsible for the results. Generally the people in the stories meet horrifying ends because they don't heed his warning. Because of that, he gains the attention of the local police and a one Detective Orcot is sent to investigate. Orcot is a bumbling pervert character who originally hit on D thinking he was female. He generally never really gains any concrete evidence against D and even winds up asking for D's help and helping D on several occasions. I shant say any more, so as not to ruin it.
Your Rating for the Artwork: A+
Your Opinion/Review of the Art: Akino-sensei handles details very well and the illusion of the petshop with it's growing hallways and luscious rooms is masterfully done. It's always interesting to guess what animal the person she has illustrated represents.
Your Rating for the Story:A+
Your Opinion/Review of the Story: I loved it, the chapters are set up to be easily taken as one shots most of the time, but they weave together beautifully towardws the end of the series. It's morals are also very interesting to think about as even people who on the surface don't seem to deserve their fate meet bad ends on occasion.
Suggested for people who like: Shojo or shonen, the art is more geared to a female audience (especially those who like bishies) but the storylines are engaging and haunting for either genre. I would not suggest this for younger readers as the storylines are complicated and it really is a very violent manga, as people often get maimed in graphic detail.