Othello, Volume 3 [Paperback]

Satomi Ikezawa (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 29, 2005

ROCK & ROLL WOMAN GIVES ME THOSE ROCK & ROLL BLUES

Timid Yaya is the victim of every bully in school, but she has a secret kept even from herself: She has another personality named Nana, who is all too willing to kick butt. While nice-guy guitarist Moriyama begins a tentative romance with Yaya, the constant appearances of brash Nana reveal the truth about his would-be girlfriend. And soon Moriyama’s charismatic professional-musician friend Shôhei takes too much of an interest in Nana’s killer singing voice . . . and body! Can Nana resist the very man Yaya has idealized all her life?!

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 10 Up–Life is complicated for poor Yaya. Her alter ego, Nana, is taking over more frequently and the resulting blackouts worry her. Moriyama knows the situation and tries to play down Yaya's fears even as he scolds Nana for making appearances. Shingyooji, Moriyama's musical mentor, takes a proprietary interest in Nana as a vocalist and potential conquest. And last but far from least, Moriyama's devoted fan Megumi enlists Yaya's help against Nana. Ikezawa treads a fine line with her protagonist(s). Moriyama knows about Nana and helps deflect attention when people seem to be figuring it out. Yaya's gothic friends just think she chooses to be shy some days. Shingyooji writes off any evidence he sees as Nana playing games–she's the primary personality as far as he's concerned. The central conceit has yet to become wholly unbelievable–or boring. Ikezawa's art is consistently gorgeous and differentiates between Yaya and Nana. Othello is a fun romance, with the drama lightened by comedic moments, many of which are provided by Elisabeth, Shingyooji's pet crocodile, and her tendency to bite.–Susan Salpini, TASIS–The American School in England
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Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 16 and up
  
• Paperback: 192 pages
• Publisher: Del Rey (March 29, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 034547998X
• ISBN-13: 978-0345479983
• Product Dimensions: 5 x 0.6 x 7.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 6.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #409,124 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3.0 out of 5 stars PERSONALITY WARS, October 6, 2005

By 

Sesho "www.sesho.libsyn.com" (Pasadena, TX USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Othello, Volume 3 (Paperback)

As Yaya's feelings for Moriyama increase, she feels torn between him and her love (infatuation) for Shohei, the lead singer of the now defunct band Juliet. If only she knew that Shohei, sans make-up and entourage is now pursuing her alter ego, Nana! And who is Nana pursuing, you might ask? It seems like the long ago dreams of Yaya, as she tries to muscle in to Moriyama's band, the Black Dogs. Shohei tries to convince her that he wants to manage her career and get her a break into the business, but is he sincere? Maybe you should ask his pet alligator who acts like a woman scorned! And not all of the fans of Moriyama's fans are happy about Nana hogging the stage. Enter Megumi Hano, Black Dog super-fan and Moriyama-stalker who slaps Nana in the face over it and replaces Moe and Seri as Nana's #1 enemy.

While the first and second volumes of Othello were charming and funny, I'm beginning to wonder where this book can go now. Hopefully, it will develop a bit more than it did here. It seems to be playing awfully close to "average" manga level. It's still a good book, but it could be better.