25 of 28 people found the following review helpful:
3.0 out of 5 stars
Pretty But Shallow, August 3, 2009
This review is from: Black Bird, Vol. 1 (Paperback)
I had rather high expectations for Kanoko Sakurakoji's "Black Bird". I'd already read the manga-ka's other work published in English, "Backstage Prince", in the pages of "Shojo Beat" magazine, and I thought it was pretty good. The preview for "Black Bird" in "Shojo Beat" made it seem a little cliche, but I still looked forward to the manga. After all, it won the 2009 Kodansha Manga Award for best shojo, one of the most prestigious recognitions in the industry.
But I ended up being disappointed with "Black Bird". There's really not a lot to it. The story is shallow, to begin with. It's got many cliche elements- the girl with special powers assailed by demons, the sexy demon who shows up to protect her (who's also the heroine's childhood friend and first love), and of course, a love triangle. These things can all be entertaining if done right, but that's not the case here. The story is kind of episodic and mostly consists of Kyo saving Misao from various demons. I'm a feminist, but I don't have a problem with the hero rescuing the heroine sometimes. A girl has a right to fantasize, after all. But when it's the focus of the whole plot, it gets old. But fantasizing seems to be what this manga is about. There's no sex in it as of yet, but there are definitely some risque scenes. Kyo is able to heal Misao's wounds by licking them, and this happens about once per chapter. It gets a little naughtier each time, too. I've heard it called a "bodice ripper", and that's definitely appropriate.
The characters were ok. I got a little tired of Misao's angsting, though. I can understand her being put off by Kyo's rather forward advances, but you think she would at least be a little grateful for him protecting her. Instead, she says she doesn't want him to protect her, that she wants to be a normal girl with a normal boyfriend (strange how these shojo heroines always seem to be upset by the fact that they have a hot, considerate guy madly in love with them). Misao's obviously got feelings for Kyo, but she won't admit it to herself. Then she goes around all gloomy because she thinks that he's only interested in her for what she can do for him. Which would be a legitimate concern, I guess, but it's been done a thousand times in shojo. Kyo, dark and mysterious, is protective of Misao, but also very forward with her. All in all, neither of them are too complex, but they fit this kind of story well.
I will say that "Black Bird" has beautiful artwork. It's simple but detailed, and the characters look great. Kyo's especially good-looking, and especially when his black wings show. But in this case, beauty is only skin deep, and it takes more than pretty artwork to hold my attention. I realize that this manga is mostly about being racy, but there still needs to be more of a plot. I'd be willing to give "Black Bird" another shot, though. The story has to get better if it won the Kodansha Manga Award, right? I guess we'll find out in time.
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8 of 9 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
I can't wait for VOLUME 2!, August 15, 2009
This review is from: Black Bird, Vol. 1 (Paperback)
I bought this manga, not having very high expectations because I was just looking for new material to buy, but I'm super glad I picked this one up. For me, it takes romance to a higher plateau and is slightly more mature than some of the other mangas I have read. The romance element is killer. I also love the protagonists. Many female protagonists are intensely annoying with their incessant squeals, incessant overacting, and the like, but I like this character a lot. The male interest is also great. I love also the dialogue. Instead of a "You need me, and I want you to know it," the male protagonist drops a "You need me, and I need to teach your body that." HAVE MERCY! Something as subtle as that has a great effect. I look forward to seeing what craziness will develop with the demon infestation troubling the female protagonist's life. I can't wait for volume 2!
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8 of 9 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
An Enchanting Love Story, August 14, 2009
This review is from: Black Bird, Vol. 1 (Paperback)
Some might say that the tale of Black Bird is cliche and old; a girl needing her hero to save her from outlandish perdiciments. But I found myself unable to put it down! Kanoko Sakurakoji made this tale work by adding a few different elements and twists. The main character, high school student Misao Harada, is able to see demons that are invisible to others around her. This cruel fate happens every century to an unlucky human. When she turns sixteen, she is targeted by relentless demons who either want her blood for a long life, her flesh for eternal youth, or to be her betrothed. Yes, thats right. If a demon claims her as his bride, then that demon's clan will prosper.
This interesting plot got me hooked from the start. To thicken this plot, Kyo appears after ten years of absence, to protect Misao. Kyo, a Tengu demon with black wings, was Misao's childhood friend, whom she has very little memory of. Unaware that Kyo was a demon, she has been secretly waiting for him to return. Kyo boldly asks Misao to marry him, in exchange for protection. But now knowing the truth, she rejects Kyo because he is a demon himself. But he doesn't quit his quest for her affection. Misao knows that Kyo doesn't really love her. He only wants her hand in marraige for the wellfair of his clan. But is there really love behind Kyo's determination?
This ravishing story will leave you wanting more! Not to mention the beautiful art. Sakurakoji's illustraitions catch your eye right from the store shelf. This book is funny, sexy, and imaginative. Once you pick it up, you won't be able to put it down!
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