Doll -Softcover Volume 1 [Paperback]

Mitsukazu Mihara (Author)

Book Description

Series: Doll | Publication Date: August 10, 2004

In these haunting tales, dolls--human-like androids--have an uncanny way of working themselves into the lives of their masters: A woman develops an unusual closeness to doll that she takes beyond the grave...A man wants to make his doll into the perfect human lover...A father buys his son a doll to help him get over the death of his mother. Doll examines the question of what it means to be truly human.

--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Editorial Reviews

From the Publisher

Appeals to fans of Chobits
English Adaptation by Simon Furman (Transformers, Death's Head) --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Details

• Paperback: 192 pages
• Publisher: TokyoPop (August 10, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1591827108
• ISBN-13: 978-1591827108
• Product Dimensions: 7.2 x 5 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 6.4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,684,887 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Gothic Trip into the Dark Side of Humanity, March 9, 2006

By 

Sydney (At My Computer, with Caffeine) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Doll -Softcover Volume 1 (Paperback)

Androids are a common icon in science-fiction; crafted in the image of man, they're fascinating and frightening, and all too often used in the story of machine revolt. But deep down, we understand that we are their creators to begin with, and were the first to be corrupt. So what do they see in a world that only emotionless beings look upon?

Doll, written and illustrated by Mitsukazu Mihara, is a dark, twisted anthology that dives into the darkest parts of humanity. In these tales, the stories follow the lives of maid servants called Dolls, and their owners. Both frightening and beautiful, these androids are programmed by the SG Corp, the top manufacturer of Dolls, to serve mankind. In this world, Remodellers, who illegally change the dolls for, 'specific needs' rule the underground, people who appear normal are secretly insane, and the most powerful words you will hear in these books are, 'That's an Order.'

In the spirit of the Twilight Zone, the stories can be counted on to deal with dark topics. This is pulled off with very deep characters, no matter how few their appearances and actions, an eerie art style, and the Gothic Lolita costumes that most characters are donned in. The endings can be anywhere from heart warming to tear-jerking to downright terrifying, so there's no telling where you'll end up once you begin.

And though they appear to be a series of shorts, these tales are slowly tying together into a dark, shocking, and complex story. Among the most noted characters are the Kirishima's, the creators of the prototype Dolls, a remodeller named Ichiro, and his nameless assistant. Remember, no one is who they seem in this series, so as time goes on, more is revealed about the world of Dolls and the impact it has on their lives.

Now, as a warning, these books are VERY intense. The stories are disturbing and twisted, and some of the people in these books are so evil it will make you sick. A warning especially towards the 3rd book, the only one with an M rating, for a very good reason. There is gore, violence, sexual content, and frightening images. So if you can't handle this sort of thing, then this is a series you should avoid. If not, then I can guarantee that you're in for a twisted, psychological trip that turns out into one of the most shocking endings you'll ever see. Doll isn't just a manga; it's a fictional triumph.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Different Tragedies, August 8, 2005

By 

Ms. Walrus (USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Doll -Softcover Volume 1 (Paperback)

Even though DOLL is classified as science fiction, and the doll (rather like androids) theme is strong throughout, that's not the main focus.
It's divided into six different stories, each one involving many of the sadder aspects and emotions of human life. If you want to be cheered up, this manga won't do that for you, although I don't think it would make you sad, either. Since it deals with the way people can grow (or be torn) apart, and the voids and obessions resulting from that, it's very thought-provoking and unique. The difference between the tired, angry, sad, or blank expressions of humans (although there is some happiness too) and the long-lashed concern of dolls is fascinating.
DOLL doesn't preach; it Questions. When a human cares for nothing but a doll, and a doll cares for its (her? his?) and others' safety and happiness, who really is humane? And what makes us different from anything else, anyway?
Maybe after reading DOLL you'll find some answers.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great manga!, January 21, 2005

By 

H. Chen (San Mateo, California United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Doll -Softcover Volume 1 (Paperback)

One of my favorite mangas. These individual stories revolving around the droids known as "dolls" are highly enjoyable and often deep, meaningful, as well as macabre. Though the later volumes are not as good as the first, I am amazed at how the mangaka is able to create a great variety of compelling and thoughtful tales around a single subject.