Lenni Reviews: Kiss of the Rose Princes vol 2 by Aya Shouoto

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If you recall my last review, I mentioned this manga is pretty standard shojo fare unless there's a curve ball thrown in later volumes. Boy, were my words ever prophetic...

This volume begins with Anise still searching for her lost choker. She orders her knights to locate it but can only let them look for so long as their magic is powered by her blood. But things get interesting when a new transfer student, Haruto Kisugi, is added to the mix, Anise's father sends her a message that he's coming home, and a seal holding in a demon is cracking, which will require a sacrifice to repair.

By the end of this volume, I was shocked and had a new respect for Anise. Most shojo heroines are plucky by design and want to change the sad fate presented in the plot. But (as a mild spoiler) when Anise says "Bring on my punishment" (referencing the punishment for losing the choker) I found that pretty ballsy. Things went so bad so quickly and Anise really showed her bravery. She went right on without hesitation. And she's brave and strong without being overbearing or too cliche. And I have read a LOT of shojo manga. Of course that could change but we shall see in volume three!

I can't give much more detail without spoiling all of the plot twists in this volume but to sum up, things get real and it was awesome.

Lenni Reviews: Kiss of the Rose Princess Vol. 1 by Aya Shouoto

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High school girl Anise Yamamoto gets chased through the school gates every morning. But not by rabid suitors or aliens, but by the dress code enforcer who takes issue with a rose choker Anise wears every day without fail. She is willing to endure this daily nonsense because her father told her when she was little if Anise were to ever remove the choker, a terrifying punishment will befall her. In true magical girl fashion, a small magical creature manages to knock it off and suddenly, Anise is the new owner of four magical cards she can use to summon attractive knights with a kiss.

This volume is a good start to what I can see being a very cute series. I was left wondering if the terrible fate that befalls Anise is to have the hottest bodyguards around (can we all share that "horrible fate," please?) but by the end of this volume it does seem like something is brewing behind the scenes.

However, if you've read any other magical girl, high school manga, you get the rhythm of everything. Hot guys, magical charms and kisses, wacky high school hi-jinks, and a cute, mischievous talking animal. Just another normal day in manga-land. Don't get me wrong, I like it, but unless some sort of curve ball comes in later volumes, shojo fans will know exactly what to expect here. The art is lovely and all the characters are interesting so far. I look forward to seeing what happens next.

Frozen: The Poster Collection Review

The heartwarming story of two sisters who save their kingdom through their love for each other, Frozen has gained unparalleled popularity and acclaim worldwide. Based on the award-winning animated film, Insight Editions in collaboration with Walt Disney Animation Studios proudly presents Frozen: The Poster Collection (Insight Editions / $24.99 /2015).

Fans of Frozen this is a great collectible for you. Frozen: Poster Collection is a collection of movie posters, character posters and key scenes from the movie. The book contains 40 pages of removable posters filled with epic scenes, characters and artwork. My favorite one has to be the original poster with the three main leads in the front. The poster size are 12 x 16 which is great if you want to frame it for the house or office. With 40 posters to choose from you can definitely get enough for the price of $24.99. This is a great deal for Frozen fans and people who want good artwork.  Check out some of the posters below.

Frozen: The Poster Collection

Reprinted from Frozen: The Poster Collection published by Insight Editions. Copyright © 2015 Disney Publishing Worldwide. All rights reserved.

Final Grade A-/9.5

Requiem of the Rose (Vol 1) King Review

I am a theatre nerd (hence being an English and Theater major) and when it comes to Shakespeare, I am all in especially with different adaptations of his classic works. I am not a big fan of Shakespeare's historical plays, however, Requiem of the Rose makes me want to re-read Henry IV and read Richard III. An added bonus is that Aya Kanno also wrote one of my favorite manga series Otomen. I could not wait to start reading this and it met all of my expectations. Without further ado here is the review for Requiem of the Rose. 

Synopsis

In medieval England, during the age of the War of the Roses, a fierce battle rages between the House of York and the House of Lancaster. Young Richard of the House of York is determined that his family will ascend  the throne...but he's hiding a secret that could destroy everything he desires. 

I remember reading Richard III just recently last semester and I may have read Henry IV as well. If one has no idea about the original plays or read some and not all, it is not a problem. Aya Kanno makes the story original and engaging enough to sit and read, hungry for more volumes. The secret that Richard of Lancaster has, will spin the story in such a way that I did not see it coming nor did I that as part of the original story. It differs from the play but one could understand the premise and love the story. For veterans of the plays, it gives a whole new twist and it may peak your interest on how Aya Kanno takes the series even further. Also the artwork is amazing and it reminds me a lot of Otomen. This manga is a little more serious than Otomen however there were funny moments. 

Rating

I give this a rating of 9/10. Overall the story, characters, and artwork are amazing and I can't wait to read more from Aya Kanno. Manga Rules!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Lenni Reviews: Tides of Maritinia by Warren Hammond

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In this surprising space adventure, Jakob Bryce is sent on a covert mission to infiltrate and dismantle the power of the newly freed Maritinia; a planet on the far reaches of The Empire that rules the system. Despite the small size of this world and the limited role of their single export - kelp - to the economy, the Empire is stretched thin defending their control. If one small planet can successfully rebel, it may inspire others and it's Jakob's job to make sure that doesn't happen.

Jakob is a newbie to this job so his loyalty is truly tested as he's thrown into this odd mix of idealists and madmen and forced to maintain a cover with some really shoddy intel. For an all powerful Empire, they send this guy on his first mission not knowing a great deal; like who is the father of the woman his target is in a relationship with. In this reader's opinion, I was already losing faith in the Empire way before Jakob did. To keep Jakob in line, there is an artificial intelligence implanted in his brain named Pol, who keeps Jakob from being able to deviate from the mission. This poses a problem because Jakob's loyalties are tested, emotions are toyed with, and he has to decide if the will of the Empire is worth the cost of the people of Maritinia.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. At first I was confused by the typo filled journal entries at the beginning of each chapter but the why's and how's of that are revealed later in the book. The world building is detailed and exacting. You really feel like you're in a waterlogged boat the whole ride. As the story progresses, Jakob's character gets better and better. You will be cheering for him by the end of it. While this can easily be a standalone novel, I do hope we hear more of Maritinia from Warren Hammond. It's a cool spy adventure in space that will leave you wanting more.

(For more of Lenni's writing, click here)

Lenni Reviews - "Lisa Simpson's Guide to Geek Chic"

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These adorable little books are kinda hard to review. They're not a full story or anything but they make good collectibles or coffee table books for an avid Simpsons enthusiast. There are pullouts, quizzes, and some amusing geek facts as told by our favorite geek girl, Lisa Simpson. There's even a little pocket in the back so you can write your future geek self a letter and see how far you've come with your geek lessons and compare them to your past self. 

If you're like me and are super scared to so much as scratch a page in a book with your fingernail much less write all over it, this book is still a worthwhile purchase if you love Lisa. It even includes vegetarian recipes you can try. It seems a little pricey to me for such a small book at $24.99, but I'm sure if you're a fan, it's worth every cent.

(For more of Lenni's writing, click here)

Pokémon the Movie: Diancie and the Cocoon of Destruction Review

In the underground Diamond Domain, where many Carbink live, the Mythical Pokemon Diancie serves as ruler. The Heart Diamond that sustains the land is beginning to fall apart, and Diancie is not yet strong enough to create a new one. While seeking help from the Legendary Pokemon Xerneas, Diancie encounters a group of thieves who want to take control of it's diamond-producing power- and who awaken the Legendary Pokemon Yveltal from its cocoon in the process!

I will be the first to admit I haven't watch Pokemon in along time. It's just one of those things I just grew out of. When I sat down to watch the new movie I must admit I was hit with nostaglia. e movie starts off with the introduction of Diancie. You get a background on her and her Poke friends and the environment. As always trouble is brewing and some evil human is trying to use Pokemon for their own plans. As usual it's up to Ash and his friends to save the day. If you're use to the Pokemon setup there will be nothing new under the sun with this film. However I will say that the Pokemon in this film were awesome. Pokemon is at it's best when the storyline focuses on the legendary Pokemon. This film focuses on the legendary Pokemon Xerneas who has the power to restore life to heart diamond that Diancie needs to save her domain. However standing in their path is the Pokemon of destruction Yveltal.  Yveltal in ancient times stole all the life force from the Kalos Region.  Ash and his friends must protect Diancie and the world, while fending off Team Rocket and a gang of thieves trying to use Diancie to make diamonds.

Pokemon Diancie and the Cocoon of Destruction doesn't really add to much to the Pokemon lore. The film follows the basic format you're use to seeing in a Pokemon medium. The visual are enhanced a bit giving it a really polish look compared to the XY tv show. The action is improved and the music production is enjoyable. I grinned like a child when I heard the original Pokemon theme in the opening scene. If you're a Pokemon fan you will enjoy this film it has action, legendary Pokemon and some pretty funny moments with Team Rocket. My only grip with  the film is some of the pacing and character development on supporting characters. I felt it wasn't flushed out enough for me to care for them. Also why is Team Rocket still after Pikachu? It' s been decades I think that plot has run it's course. Overall this film knows who it' s for and that is for Pokemon fans. Check it out if you're fan.

Final Grade C+/7.5

Legend of Korra Book Four: Balance Blu-ray Release

After 10 years, 2 avatars, and a slew of exciting characters the incredible franchise that started with a young air bender named Aang, is coming to an end. Korra beat Amon, she connected the human and spirit world, and stopped  The Red Lotus from ending the line of the Avatar. Book 4 is her most turbulent journey yet.

Book 4: Balance is the perfect ending to this epic series. Zaheer's poison took a toll on Korra both physically and mentally. She is haunted by the image of herself in the Avatar state while she was under the control of the poison. The season begins 3 years later, on the day Team Avatar, Korra, Asami, Bolin and Mako, are meant to finally reunite. When her father arrives without her however, they discover Korra has been missing for months. She has begun a journey of self realization. She meets an old friend of Aang's who helps her extract the final remnants of the poison just in time to face Kuvira, the metal bender who after the fall of the earth queen is conquering the Earth Kingdom.

The original series, Avatar: The Last Airbender, has the most vibrant group of memorable characters and Korra follows suit. The dynamic of this Team Avatar is reminiscent of the original crew. Bolin is the funny guy who is always has your back in a fight and a joke ready for a tough day. Asami who although she is not a bender, is a technological genius who can hold her own in a fight against any bender. Mako the cool under pressure muscle with impeccable instincts, except with women. They are just the start. Book Four beautifully ties up story lines of characters that appear throughout the series. For example, Asami's father Hiroshi returns. Before Book 4, we last saw Hiroshi being arrested for supporting Amon, now he helps Asami engineer a weapon to level the playing field during the final battle.

There are hours of bonus features. They include commentaries on each episode by the creators, actors, producers and animators. They open your eyes to the complexities of creating a master piece like The Legend of Korra. There are moments they cherish, that perhaps the audience missed watching the series for the first time, or visual cues they may have glossed over. Next they include a recording of the last ever New York Comic Con Panel. Each of actor explain what a personal and profound effect the series has had on their lives. It a comprehensive look at the making of this incredible journey.

For Avatar fans this Blu-ray release is a must have.