28 Nov 2012

Shiawase Kissa Sanchoume manga review


English: Happy Cafe
Synonyms: Shiawase Kissa 3-choume, Suitei Seinen Shoujo, Hana to Ageha, Natsu, Number One DX, Sora no Namae
Type: Manga
Volumes: 15
Chapters: 82
Status: Finished
Published: 2005 to 2009
Genres: Comedy, Shoujo
Authors: Matsuzuki, Kou (Story & Art)
Serialization: Hana to Yume

Shiawase kiss sanchoume is the kind of manga that makes you..Happy. It's a pretty slow romance story though. But it really contains much comedy, that when your parents see you they might thought you are crazy laughing infront of the computer. ;D.



Uru is a very short girl and is constantly mistaken for an elementary school kid, but despite that, she is ridiculously strong and decides to live by herself after her mother gets remarried. She ends up working at a small cafe with two rather unique co-workers, Shindou, who acts gruff and intimidating, but who is really a nice guy who loves to make cakes and pies and the like, and Ichirou, who is really good-looking but who instantly falls asleep when he gets hungry and doesn't wake up again until he's force-fed something? What will the future bring to them?


Uru is a cheerful and kind person whose personality matches her looks perfectly. She is an only child who was raised by her single mom. For her, happiness is the most important thing and she is always thinking about others and their own happiness. Uru is sensitive, although (innocently) oblivious at times, and, even though she has sad times, as the death of her father when she was 3, she holds them with a smile and keeps her unstoppable positive attitude, and will absolutely not bother others.


Shindou works in Cafe Bonheur and everyone knows his usual grumpy face. He takes care of the shop while the manager, his adoptive dad, is out travelling. He disciplinates looks after Uru and Ichirou, the cash register and bakes the cakes.

Although Shindou always keeps his tough face, he had a sad past, having been abandoned by his mother when he was a child, and this still haunts him. Gladly, his adoptive father is an incredibly doting parent and Shindou admires him and thinks of him as a model to follow, the reason why he turned into a baker, to make people happy like his dad made him when baking and giving him cake; it was like magic.
This proud and stubborn person will never admit how he is fond of Uru and Ichirou.



chirou works part-time at Cafe Bonheur since he was 16. His habit of constantly getting asleep unless fed, allegedly due to his metabolism, doesn’t make him the perfect helper. Not that he tries, too.
Ichirou is a calm and gentle person, who likes to bluntly tease Shindou and Uru while keeping his constant neutral face. They are very precious to him, and he is much caring of Uru. In spite of his enigmatic and ludicrous attitude, Ichirou is sensible and sharp detecting other’s emotions.


What makes this manga interesting besides the romance blooming is the humor. This is a very funny manga. Gags are present everywhere such as this one (please refer the picture on the left.) Where Uru realized where she previously saw Mitsuka but didn’t want to make a big scene. The humor is just as well done as the romance, which is saying something

The artwork is also very good, making a “triple threat”, so to speak. Referring the picture on the right, we see the three different drawing styles the mangaka uses

This manga combines a great romance story with excellent humor and equally well done art.  Shiawase Kissa Sanchoume is a great romance and comedy manga definitely worth reading.


Kim Hyun Joong releases a teaser video for his new song


Kim Hyun Joong recently released a teaser video for his new song and attracted a lot of attention from his fans all over the world.

Planning to release his first album, Unlimited, in Japan on December 12, Kim released a teaser video for “Your Story,” the lead track of his new album, on Universal Japan’s official YouTube channel on November 28.

In the teaser video, Kim is showing off a charismatic look as a rock singer and portraying the sadness of a man who has just broken up with his girlfriend. Playing a guitar, Kim appeals to music fans with his sad voice and sad look in his eyes.

Having appealed to many music fans with his music, Kim is again planning to appeal to people with his high-quality music and attractive look.

The album will contain a total of 14 songs, including such new songs as “Your Story,” “Save Today,” and “I’m Yours,” and some of the existing hit songs.

A song that Kim created as a member of a band is also included in the album. “Your Story,” the lead track of the album, is characterized by rich sounds of such instruments as guitar, bass, drum, and keyboard. According to reports, Kim also participated in arrangement and recording of the songs from his new album.





Rise of guardians movie review


Based on the books by author/illustrator William Joyce, RISE OF THE GUARDIANS follows Jack Frost (voiced by Chris Pine), a carefree immortal figure who creates winter fun for children who don't really believe in him. Everything changes when Pitch Black (Jude Law) rallies his nightmare forces to cause worldwide despair and make children stop believing in the Guardians of Childhood: Santa Claus (Alec Baldwin), the Easter Bunny (Hugh Jackman), the Tooth Fairy (Isla Fisher), and the Sandman. When the Man in the Moon tells the existing Guardians that Jack Frost has been chosen to join them, they must convince him to take up the cause before Pitch can snuff out the light of hope in every child of the world.

Rise of the Guardians (not to be confused with Legends of Guardians: The Owls of Ga'Hoole) is an exquisitely crafted 3-D adventure with an ingenious plot and surprisingly substantive messages that make it just as appropriate for tweens/teens who are still into animation as for younger elementary-aged audiences. The voice performances are all fantastic. Baldwin is hilarious (and nearly unrecognizable) as a tough, tattooed Santa who can wield two swords one moment and play with his workshop's toys (made not by elves but by yetis!) the next. The Easter Bunny (Jackman, for once using his native Aussie accent) is a strapping buck rabbit (but never call him a kangaroo), and Fisher's Tooth Fairy is lovely and amusingly obsessed with teeth.

As the contemplative Jack Frost, Pine nearly reprises some of the characteristics of his young Captain Kirk in Star Trek -- both characters are impulsive loners who don't know how to work on a team until they come into their own and spring into action. The movie's visuals are dazzling (especially in each of the Guardians' headquarters), the dialogue funny, and the threat from the villain real and disturbing (and wow, Law has a creepy accent). It's such a refreshing treat to see an animated film so thoughtfully made that didn't come from Pixar. Director Peter Ramsey has made an impressive, imaginative fantasy where the wonder of childhood reigns supreme.

Trailer:



Life of pi movie review


 Based on Man Booker-prize winning novel 'Life of Pi' by Canadian author Yann Martel, this film tells the incredible survival story of Pi, a teen stranded on a lifeboat for what seems like forever, with a tiger for company at sea in the Pacific Ocean.

Starting out with the older Pi (Irrfan Khan) recounting his unbelievable life story to an author ( Rafe Spall), we travel down memory lane and are briefly introduced to Pi's childhood in picturesque Puducherry (Pondicherry), his family-owned zoo and his faith in God and religion.
In due course, the family heads to Canada for a 'new chance' at life. Calamity strikes, leaving Pi the only human survivor with a full-grown fierce Bengal tiger for company on a lifeboat in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. What follows is an epic journey of adventure and self-discovery.

Oscar winner Ang Lee delivers a stunning masterpiece, defying the age-old belief that a film can seldom be as good as the book it's been adapted from. Spectacular 3D and computer-generated imagery make the film a monumental work of art. Lee's cinematic adaptation offers the story deeper meaning, while at the same time, mesmerising the viewer with its visual excellence.

LOP's soothing background score and gorgeous imagery transports you to a world of beauty, where the sky looks as sublime as the sea and the stars shine as brightly as the ripple of a stone thrown in the water. The film is 'visually enchanting' in every sense of the word. India's Puducherry and Munnar have been beautifully captured on camera.

Lee's storytelling keeps you engaged throughout and the credit also goes to the actors. Suraj Sharma is convincing as the adolescent Pi who discovers the meaning of life the hard way. Irrfan Khan as the older Pi contributes largely in making the film emotionally compelling. His on-off American accent is noticeable but does not distract. Tabu makes her presence felt even in her brief but significant role.

Ang Lee interweaves adventure and spirituality brilliantly. And if you still don't know what meditation feels like, Watch Life of Pi, it is therapeutic and profound.

Tip-Off: You may not like this movie if adventure is not your genre.

Trailer:





The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn 2 – Movie Review


A saga that began in captivating gloom and unbelievable romance has come to a close, much to the displeasure of the million Twilight fandom. In its fifth and theoretically final film of Twilight, the mega movie monster spawned by novelist Stephanie Meyer's phenomenon spends virtually all of its 115 minutes feeding the unquenchable thirst its fans have for all things 'Twilight'.
Bella and Edward are beginning their new lives in blissful matrimony with their daughter - Renesmee. But when the sinister Volutri believe a claim that the child is a half-breed, they set out to destroy the Cullen family. Bella and Edward forge a global alliance with other vampire clans to stand together and protect their daughter.
The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part 2 is in every sense what it intends to be, the best in the series and will be much loved by Twihards. Romance being the central element of the film that first hooked the teen set, the final adaption takes the Bella-Edward romance to a new level with the entrance of a new family member. Young Bella Swan (Kristen Stewart), having given birth to her half-vampire daughter Renesmee with now-hubby Edward Cullen (Robert Pattinson) is finally revealing in the glorious new vampirism. It also has the werewolf Jacob Black (Lautner) baring his body as well as his soul.
The action sequences are breathtaking, as the characters warm up with arm wrestling and rock climbing then going in for the kill with a head-ripping, body-burning battle that puts the Cullen clan against those world-dominating Volturi. Breaking Dawn Part 2 is about the final showdown. And the events lead up to the ultimate confrontation with the Volturi.
The film has a thrilling climax, as the battle of good and evil commences with an epic action sequence. The sequences have exhilarating cinematography that makes the film a visual delight. Overall, Breaking Dawn Part 2 serves as an ideal finale as the story of the epic saga of Twilight concludes!!

Trailer:



Sinister movie review


True crime writer Ellison Oswalt (Ethan Hawke) arrives in a small town with his wife (Juliet Rylance) and two kids -- Trevor (Michael Hall D'Addario) and Ashley (Clare Foley) -- in tow, preparing to work on his latest book. He's writing about a family of four that was murdered, hung simultaneously from a tree, after which the youngest daughter disappeared. Unfortunately, Ellison has chosen to move into the murder house itself, where he finds a box of Super 8 films that depict the actual murder, as well as several others. As he pieces the puzzle together, strange and terrifying things begin to happen. Ellison's life becomes a race to finish the book before he and his family become too deeply involved in a deadly situation.
Writer/director Scott Derrickson has a touch for using old horror movie tools to create new scares, and he also incorporates several interesting themes into SINISTER. Even if some of his attempts don't quite work some of the time, he still gets credit for trying. To start, he's created an interesting character in Ellison, who's struggling between recapturing his former glory and keeping his family safe, pulled helplessly in two directions at once. And Hawke -- wearing a funny, puffy "grandpa" sweater and shoes -- emphasizes a fascinating clash between courage and weakness in his performance.

Derrickson does pack too many concepts into his story, mixing the supernatural with the mysterious, and it doesn't quite come together; the themes become jumbled up by the final payoff. But the movie has some terrifying, startling moments, mainly thanks to a crafty, strangely prickly music score by Christopher Young. Sinister won't hold up to scrutiny, but it's worth a look for horror fans.

Trailer:



Hotel Transylvania movie review


More than a century ago, a grieving Dracula (voiced by Adam Sandler) decided to build a human-proof castle called HOTEL TRANSYLVANIA, where monsters could stay and -- more important -- he could raise his half-vampire, half-human daughter Mavis (Selena Gomez) without exposing her to the danger of humans. Fast forward to the present day, and Mavis is turning 118 (but looks 18), and "Drac" has planned a huge birthday celebration. As the hotel fills with Mavis' many monster aunties and uncles -- like werewolf Wayne (Steve Buscemi), Frankenstein (Kevin James), Mummy Griffin (Cee-Lo Green), and the Invisible Man (David Spade) -- an unexpected visitor arrives in the form of 21-year-old Jonathan (Andy Samberg), a solo backpacker who somehow stumbles across the supposedly untraceable castle. Not wanting to alarm his guests, Drac puts Jonathan in costume and forces him to pretend that he's Frankenstein's younger cousin. What Dracula doesn't count on is Mavis and Jonathan falling for each other.

  
Although its premise is much better than the execution, Hotel Transylvania is just palatable enough to tolerate for parents. Little kids too young for the genuine spookiness of Monster House and ParaNorman will particularly enjoy how harmless the monsters are (save for Dracula's occasional rage face) and how sweet the relationship is between Dracula and his daddy's girl, Mavis. Gomez is well-cast as a naive adolescent daughter who just wants a chance to discover the world beyond the hotel, and Samberg is like a young Sandler as the bumbling-but-sweet human who ends up stealing not only Mavis' heart but befriending an entire circle of monster pals.

That's not to say that there aren't some issues with Hotel Transylvania; a Pixar masterpiece it's not. The word "zing" (as in the romantic spark between couples) quickly becomes tedious, as do some of the repetitive jokes about the werewolf cubs' poop and the Bride of Frankenstein's hen-pecking (she's voiced by Fran Drescher, of course). But despite the tiny missteps, kids -- and they, after all, are the movie's target audience -- will relate to Mavis, laugh at Dracula and his friends, and be completely invested in this monster mash of an animated comedy.

Trailer:





Perks of Being a Wallflower movie review


Odious comparisons to J.D. Salinger's The Catcher in the Rye emerged when Stephen Chbosky's young-adult novel The Perks of Being a Wallflower was published in 1999. Erase the thought. Chbosky's semi­autobiographical treatment of his high school days was good, just not that good.

The film version, written and directed by Chbosky himself in a rare but welcome instance of Hollywood actually thinking an author might know something about his own book, is a modest but distinct pleasure. Chbosky is clearsighted about the harsh realities of sexual identity, drug use and mental illness, but alert to the scars left by emotional wounds.

Logan Lerman (3:10 to Yuma) excels as Charlie, the smart but socially inept freshman. The novel was done with letters, but Lerman is quite adept at catching the right tone of voice for a character who's still not over a friend's suicide, and a traumatic experience with an aunt (Melanie Lynskey).

It's an unwritten rule that every wallflower needs advisers. Charlie's older sister (a lovely turn from Nina Dobrev of The Vampire Diaries) lends a sympathetic ear. And Paul Rudd brings warmth and nuance to the English teacher who befriends Charlie, within limits.

But Charlie needs help on the inside of this Pittsburgh high school circa 1991. Enter Samantha, a pretty, poised senior possessed of natural cool. She's played by Emma Watson in her first major foray out of Hogwarts. Naturally Charlie aims his misplaced affection straight at her. Watson, sporting a spot-on Yank accent, makes a dream girl to die for.

But Perks is stolen, head to tail, by Ezra Miller (sensational as Tilda Swinton's psycho son in We Need to Talk About Kevin). Miller is a force of healing nature as Patrick, Sam's gay stepbrother. For Charlie, Patrick reps a world where feelings get expressed, where problems get talked out. Miller brings stinging humor and surprising tenderness to Patrick, two qualities Charlie needs badly.

Perks deserves points for going beyond the typical coming-of-age drivel aimed at teens. Chbosky's compassion for his characters is absent any hint of condescension. And that's reflected in performances that leave the feeling you've seen something good and true.

Trailer:





The possession movie review


The film title pretty much says it all. Years after The Exorcist (1973) was made, filmmakers still seek inspiration from the horror classic. What distinguishes 'The Possession' from 'The Exorcist' is merely the mention of demons in Judaism. Barring the Jewish angle, The Possession, too is about a young girl who's been possessed by a mysterious evil spirit.

The girl starts displaying bouts of violent and bizarre behaviour. Her divorced parents fail to decode her dilemma and evidences of demonic possession. The father ( Jeffrey Dean Morgan), however, senses trouble eventually and wages war against the demon, seeking help of a Jewish exorcist (played by reggae-pop star Matisyahu). Will the demon let go of the girl?

The Possession is high on suspense. It even manages to keep you engaged throughout with its haunting background score and quaint big houses. The actors do a fine job. The very young Natasha Calis is extremely convincing.

The film, however, is low on originality and pace. Bornedal's storytelling drags and gets repetitive, thus diluting moments which could have been scarier. The suspense unfolds a bit too late for it to be too creepy. Tracks like the parents being divorced and the girl vomiting bugs seem cliched.

The Possession is Jewish Exorcist. It's gripping but lacks novelty.

Trailer:




Ian Somerhalder, Nina Dobrev Enjoy Family Time


Ian Somerhalder and Nina Dobrev spent some time with family over the holiday weekend. Taking a small break from filming The Vampire Diaries, the actors were able to get away for a while. It sounds like they both really enjoyed their time, as they shared some of their weekend memories with their Twitter followers.

"Sunset on the Mandeville Lake Front today... I grew up on this very piece of dirt- so cool to be here w/ my family (sic)," Ian tweeted on Sunday. "Sunday funday! Just made breakfast for the family...later gonna make some pizza! It's a cooking kinda day... (sic)," Nina tweeted.

Ian Somerhalder and Nina Dobrev try to spend time together over the holidays if they can. Pictures of the couple were posted by Fanpop, showing that they both had a really good time together this weekend—they even shared some kisses! There is no question that they both love their families—and each other's families—and it is great to see them fly "home" for a few days.


Robert Pattinson and Kristen Stewart expecting first child?


Robert Pattinson and Kristen Stewart are reportedly expecting their first child together - just months after the couple were torn apart by a cheating scandal involving the actress and her married ‘Snow White’ director Rupert Sanders.

According to OK! Magazine, the couple have their first baby on the way, following their reconcilation in September, the Sun reported.

The couple are already planning a “lavish nursery” for their child, and want to raise it in England, the magazine said.

The publication also claimed that the 26-year-old actress is “begging” Pattinson to marry her before the baby is born.


Justin Bieber Cheated On Selena Gomez? 'Star Caught Kissing Girl In Club', According To Reports


Things looked like they were back on track for Justin Bieber and Selena Gomez after a reported rough patch at the start of this month, but a US gossip site has tried to stir up trouble again by accusing the 'Boyfriend' singer of cheating on the actress.

'Jelena' as they are known to fans, were reported to have broken up after JB got overly flirty at the Victoria's Secret Show a few weeks ago but after a string of loved up dates things appeared to be back on track.

But now US site CelebDirtyLaundry has accused the 'Baby' star of playing away, quoting LaineyGossip.com as witnessing the alleged incident.

They reported: “It all started the other night at a post-show party. My source tells me JB scanned the club and settled on a girl who strongly resembles Selena.

“They hadn’t even had a proper conversation and already he was inviting her back to his hotel. She wanted to bring her friends. I’m told he and his people weren’t hot on the idea but eventually agreed.”

The site went on: “He asked her if she wanted to hear his new song and he wanted to know what she thought of it and that eventually progressed to kissing and light groping. But when she made it clear that it would not result in sex, well, he told her to leave. She wasn’t welcome anymore if she wasn’t giving it up. Go if you can’t be useful, right? It’s standard rock star behaviour.”

The incident allegedly took place at a club following another performance on Justin's 'Believe' tour.

It's not the first time the 18 year-old has been accused of cheating, but after publicly declaring his love for Selena in an interview with Oprah Winfrey this weekend, would the teen sensation really so publicly cheat on her?


Taylor Swift yet to experience true love


Despite being linked to stars like John Mayer, Jake Gyllenhall and Harry Styles, Taylor Swift thinks that she is yet to be truly in love as her romances have failed.

The 22-year-old singer, who started dating Conor Kennedy this July, ended the relationship amicably in September.

“Part of me feels you can’t say you weretruly in love if it didn’t last,” the Mirror quoted her as saying.

“If I end up getting married and having kids, that’s when I’ll know it’s real, because it lasted,” she added.


Emma Watson moves on from fashion


Harry Potter actress Emma Watson is cutting her ties with the fashion world so she can focus entirely on her acting career.

Emma has previously served as the face of fashion firm Burberry and cosmetic company Lancome, and she recently teamed up with fair trade corporation People Tree as a creative advisor and helped in designing two clothing ranges.

Now, the 22-year-old insists she is taking a step back from the industry in a bid to concentrate on her chosen profession - acting.

"It was fun when I was younger, but I don't think it will be quite as much part of my future, honestly. Now that I know acting is the thing I want to do, that's more where my passion is and my focus is," contactmusic.com quoted Watson as saying.

"I still find fashion very interesting, but it's quite full-on. I am finding more and more that I don't want to wear a dress and heavy make-up. I want to wear jeans more. It's quite intense to do it all the time," she said.


Daniel Radcliffe smokes cigarettes in non-smoking hotels


"Harry Potter" star Daniel Radcliffe frequently puffs cigarettes while in non-smoking hotels to avoid the ranks of photographers waiting outside.

The 23-year-old actor is adamant that he hates exploiting his fame to get special privileges but says it comes in useful when he wants to indulge his nicotine habit in public buildings, reported Daily Star.

"They let me do it here so that I don't have to stand outside. There will be photographers, not for me, but just because they hang around smart hotels... 

It's pretty much the only thing I exploit my position for, to be allowed to smoke inside," he said.


10 Nov 2012

Ao Haru Ride manga review


Synonyms: Aoharaido
Type: Manga
Volumes: Unknown
Chapters: Unknown
Status: Publishing
Published: Jan 13, 2011 to ?
Genres: Comedy, Drama, Romance, School, Shoujo, Slice of Life
Authors: Sakisaka, Io (Story & Art)
Serialization: Betsuma

When i started reading Ao Haru Ride, my expectations were very high since i LOVED the mangaka Io Sakisaka's previous manga strobe edge. However Ao Haru Ride still succeeded to reach my expectations, yeah maybe even more than that. Note: I only read the 21 chapters that can be found on the internet.


I really like the story. I started to read this manga because i wanted a good shojo and that's exactly what i got. The story starts out with showing the past of our two min characters, Futaba & Kou. Futaba dislikes guys, but she likes Tanaka kou (Tanaka-kun) , he is different to her. Kou also likes Futaba, but overhears her saying she dislikes all boys, and things get difficult. soon after this, Tanaka suddenly transfers to another school and disappears out of Futabas life. 

Then we jump forward to 15 year old Futaba whos in high school. Her personality is very much different from the innocent cute girl we saw at first; the reason for this change is that Futabas friends started to dislike her for being cute and taking all the attention from the boys. As a given, Futaba soon meets Tanaka-kun, however he looks different and acks like a totally jerk. And he even changed name to Mabuchi Kou.

I like the story pretty much, since it's a typical shojo story, but not in a bad way. You won't get the "meeeh..." feeling while reading this. If you like Shoujo, there is no way you won't love this.


Io Sakisaka's art is ADOREABLE. I LOVE IT SO MUCH. really, it's just so pretty, shiney-shiney, fluffy and cute without being the usally shojo-style. Io Sakisaka haves her very own beautiful and remarkable drawing style.


The Characters is fine, i specially like our Main hero. Our main heroine, Futaba, is pretty standard shojo girl, She's not too plain and very likeable. At first she's trying to be all un-cutey and such, to make "friends" but soon realizes that she can't go on like that. She manages to make new friends, but is still the lively, not-so-cute girl, but in a way she developed a little. Next time where she develope, -- and this is what make her VERY likeable to me -- is when she realizes she loves - and want to be Kous girlfriend. I can't say WHY this is so special, but read the manga and you will understand, since you will surely think "Oh no.. not this type of manga.. dont tell me she.. oh.. she didn't. YAY!"

I find Kou very interesting. He's not this typical emo-like guy, but he also hides some troublesome past behind him. Everytime i read a chapter, i just want to know more about Kou. 


I enjoyed this manga very much. I looked for a good shojo, and i sure found one! It's also have good comedy in it and good moments between our main characters which just makes you go "Kyaaaa~" (And the art i so pretty too, it's just perfect). And i will recommend this manga to ALL shojo-lovers. Read it!








4 Nov 2012

Monkey high! Manga review


English: Monkey High!
Synonyms: Monkey Mountain, Monkey High, Saruyama! 
Type: Manga
Volumes: 8
Chapters: 34
Status: Finished
Published: Oct 23, 2004 to Feb 13, 2008
Genres: Romance, School, Shoujo
Authors: Akira, Shouko (Story & Art)
Serialization: Betsucomi

When I first saw the cover, I was a bit put off by the art style, which is different from what I usually prefer, but the plot synopsis seemed interesting enough, so I decided to give it a try.
I have absolutely fallen in love with it after only seven chapters. I enjoyed it a lot! It was light, it was entertaining. And it had plenty of cute moments. 


Due to her father’s political scandal, Haruna Aizawa is forced to transfer from prestigious K high to a new high school she dubs “Monkey High”. This is because the social life of the students reminds her of a mountain of monkeys with all the fights and drama. One boisterous primate, Masaru “Macharu” Yamashita, catches Haruna’s eye with his outgoing, bright personality. The series follows Haruna and Masaru’s relationship through their high school years


Haruna begins as a quiet observer, trying to stay unattached to her new school due to her father’s reputation. However, with all the monkey drama, she ends up being dragged into escapades by her classmates and becomes acquainted with Masaru and his friend Atsu. “Saru” is the Japanese term for monkey. So it’s no surprise that Masaru is known as “baby monkey” by his classmates. With his big ears and chimp-like grin, he charms with his beaming, winsome personality.  Haruna can’t help but be drawn to the warmth of his demeanor after coming from an aloof household. 


As the characters develop, the romance factor escalates. Haruna’s father as well as Atsu are both obstacles that Masaru and Haruna must overcome. The relationship of Masaru and Haruna is lovely to watch. The ending of the series is too good to be true, but makes the read such fun enjoyment. Monkey High! starts out cute and cuddly, but by the end of the series the teens take their relationship to a physical level. No inappropriate images, but the content is intimate.


I am thoroughly impressed by the characters in this story. They are more like normal people than most of the lovestruck girls and arrogant, libidinous boys found in the typical shoujo manga. I admit to taking guilty pleasure in these character types as well, but the simplicity and innocence of Macharu and Aizawa has its own charm. It is extremely gratifying to find a story in the shoujo genre which focuses more on the relationship between the two lead characters than their physical attraction.


While not breathtaking or particularly notable, the art of this manga has a soft feel to it that suits the story and the characters perfectly. The characters' expressions are more realistic than most manga I have read. As I mentioned before, I was at first a little put-off by the art style of this manga, but as is the case for many manga, once I actually began to read it, I was drawn in more by the character relationships and the story than the art. 


If you are looking for a cute manga to peruse leisurely during your free time, you have found it. The slow pace lends itself to a casual reader who is likely to set it aside for several days before returning to it. The pace makes it easy to simply read the manga for the enjoyment of reading it. There is no feeling of needing to get to the next chapter in a hurry in order to reach the conclusion of some overly dramatic break-up scene or what-not. 


his is a good manga for a bit of light reading on the side. The lack of convoluted plot lines gives it a very sincere atmosphere. Its simplicity of character and story will leave the reader with a wholesome satisfaction at the end of each chapter. 
Overall, the story is light and pleasing, a refreshing break from more complicated and tiring shoujo romance stories.I would definitly recommend it ^_^