Customer Reviews

Fairy Cube, Vol. 1

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I've read a lot of shojo manga, and though there are many out there, "Fairy Cube" is the first I've seen to use traditional fairies as a subject. Sure, there are fairies in other manga, but these are usually cute, non-descript pixies. Here, the fairies are closer to the malevolent spirits of folklore, and they aren't the only characters of lore that appear.

The story starts when Ian's childhood friend, Rin, returns to his school. Although Ian still loves her, he tries to keep his distance. He is bullied because he claims to see fairies, and he doesn't want to involve Rin. The claims are true, though. Rin can see fairies, especially around Rin. He also has a malevolent double with green hair and red eyes he calls "Tokage." Recently, there have been mysterious deaths occurring, with victims who have blood splatter patterns that look like fairy wings. One day, Ian enters a shop and is given a cube with a lizard inside by the mysterious shop owner. It is only one of many cubes with creatures inside. How are these cubes related to the murders? Later, Ian and Ainsel, the shop owner's fairy companion, are pulled into the world of fairy and must find their way back. Ian's body is stolen by Tokage, who wants to take Ian's place, and Ian must inhabit another body to try to get back what he's lost... I really like the story. It sounds complicated, but it's easy to understand if you read the manga. I liked the fact that it was able to incorporate traditional folklore into the original, modern story. Just a note though, this story is probably not something for younger readers. It's not so mature yet, but knowing Kaori Yuuki, it's going to get a lot darker.

The characters show promise. I like Ian. He's a nice guy, but he gets picked on a lot because of his claim of being able to see fairies. He's honest with himself, which I like. Sometimes he's a little too selfless, but he shows real fear. Rin is good, too. She's tough and she knows what she wants. She's a good match for Ian. The last major character is Ainel, the fairy who teams up with Ian. I like her attitude, but I thought she started to like Ian a little too early.

The art is beautiful. The fairies are wonderfully drawn, as are the characters. Ainsel is especially delicate, and I thought she was the prettiest of all. There are also some very nice layouts here, and good drawings of flowers.

I enjoyed "Fairy Cube" because of its fresh elements, good story and characters, and pretty art. It's a good thing to try if you're tired of the usual fantasy.

I can't wait to buy this manga! I read it on internet the drawings are beautiful! What's appealing in this manga are the fairies. I Know everyone wishes to have a fairy and make things happen magically! This is also good vs bad kind of stuff it's very good! You must buy it!!!!!!

There's a serial killer on the loose, and his calling card is a gruesome spray of blood from the victim's shoulder blades. It looks a little bit like wings, so the press has labeled them "The Fairy Murders." There is more than meets the eye here, though, and if anyone can see past the surface, it is Ian Hasumi...because Ian can see fairies. In fact, he has been able to perceive these magical, mysterious beings since he was a child. Of course, no one believes him, and his peers all call him Ian the Liar.

But now one of these creatures, a malevolent spirit somehow connected to Ian called Tokage, has stolen Ian's body, taken over his life, and is wooing his childhood sweetheart, Rin. To get his body--and Rin--back, he will need to steal a body of his own and, with the help of the diminutive fairy Ainsel, become a Wing Person, a fairy clothed in the shell of a human body. Unfortunately, setting things aright will be anything but easy, and Ian the Liar will need to learn the truth behind The Fairy Murders if he is to save himself--and the world as we know it.

Although Kaori Yuki is most famous on both sides of the Pacific for her epic, multivolume fantasy/horror manga Angel Sanctuary and Godchild, her finest works are actually her shorter series. A strict page count keeps her unfortunate penchant for multiple convoluted subplots and an excess of supporting characters in check--while highlighting her numerous creative strengths. As such, Fairy Cube, a manga complete at a pleasingly manageable three volumes, is one of Yuki's best. It features gorgeous artwork, a skillful narrative, and a fascinating, novel adaptation of Celtic folklore.

Fairy Cube covers tremendous ground in just 600-odd pages. From the schoolyard to the back alleys of the big city to the eldritch world of the fairies to the luxurious headquarters of a corporate conglomerate, one might think that the story would be crazily disjointed. It is not. Ian's adventure progresses smoothly throughout, and even though the story draws extensively from a mythological tradition unfamiliar to most Westerners (let alone Japanese people), nothing ever feels hopelessly complicated or confused. The characters and the world they inhabit come vibrantly alive. It is, in short, a remarkable testament to the creator's storytelling talents and status as a veteran in the field.

Yuki's richly detailed, decadent illustration is justifiably famous. She moves seamlessly between the ethereally beautiful and the terrifyingly gory, and her aesthetic, sensual style makes her the Japanese manga counterpart to such Western fantasy/horror novelists as Anne Rice, Tanith Lee, and Storm Constantine. Her characters, both male and female, are exceptionally attractive and well-designed, particularly when drawn in full-color. While those familiar with the technical side of comics creation may be bothered by the obvious, extensive, and intensive use of assistants, most readers find her thickly defined, heavily-screen-toned pages instantly addictive. Highly recommended.

-- Casey Brienza

I just happened upon this manga in the book store. After Kaori Yuki's "Angel Sanctuary," I became impressed with her. After her "Count Cain/ Godchild," I knew I was in lover with her! So, when I saw the name on the piece, I whipped out my wallet and headed to the counter with it.

"Fairy Cube" is not a disappointment. The characters are as beautiful as ever and the story line is filled with as many plot twists as ever. With the fantastical nature of fairies, many would believe this to be a piece that was light and airy. However, Kaori Yuki manages to maintain her dark nature throughout this tale and it is definetely one worth adding to one's manga collection. With only three manga to its series, it also isn't a budget breaker either!

This is the first manga to ever catch my eye. It was phenomenal. I love the explanation of the fairy murders, and how the fey operate. They aren't the sweet, gentle fairies so many people imagine them to be. Can't wait to read volume two.

I love Kaori Yuki and again she doesn't disappoint!
The story is very imaginative and the artwork is beautiful. I love the way, the author brings in elements of Folklore into the story. The Faery Realm was so interesting, I wish the story had spent a little more time in it... I would have liked to see more of it, but prehaps there will be more visits in later books.
Ian is an interesting character. He is very likable and sweet; it's not at all surprising that he wins over the hearts of everyone he meets. He is clearly the underdog, but he has so much hidden strength.
The story is well-balanced, because Tokage is his exact opposite in everyway. He's vicious and manipulative-- a perfect villian!
Rin is a great character, she's strong, smart, and sensative... and I love Ainsel! She's such a spunky little thing! Truly with her, size doesn't matter! She can hold her own against any of them!
All-in-all, Kaori Yuki has written another great book and I look forward to reading the rest of the series!