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29 of 34 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
It does make you curious..., October 20, 2004
First of all, Legal Drug has what strikes me as an unusual layout. The panels are large and spaced further apart than a normal manga. However, this also means the images are blownup, which isn't exactly a reason to be excited, as they are generally plain... there isn't any amazing detail to marvel over. But it's still nice. CLAMP displays its usual storytelling skills of suspense, action, and good-natured, slightly adult fun.
To get the best summary of the story, check out Tokyopop's website, but to sum it up the main character, Kazahaya, was found on the streets by a young man his age, Rukio. Rukio works at a pharmacy , where he lives and works with/for a beautiful pharmacist and his "friend". Kazahaya becomes Rukio's roommate and starts working at the pharmacy as well, but takes on strange additonal jobs for money. He seems to dislike Rukio, but they both have psychic powers that are needed for thier commissions.
The story was engrossing. Every page made me anticipate an answer for the pile-up of mysteries that overlapped as the story progressed. However, it skirts around... well, having a definitive point. Kazahaya goes out on his jobs, which all are problematic one way or another,but all of which imply that they are somehow connected to his past. However, this is never confirmed in the least and it becomes a little frustrating when the reader has to wonder if it's in the imagination. With such a surreal style and meandering focus, it seems very possible. But when a story is this aggravating in making the reader want to make absolute sure he has it right, it's obviously quite addictive!
The art looked as if it were compromise between a shoujo and shonen style- nice looking boys, but not too feminine, and straightforward clothing most of the time. Some leisure outfits were more unisex. The bodies portrayed male anatomy correctly- there was none of the slim willowy-ness that are typical in manga written by women. I didn't like how the pages sometimes looked a little empty- but I suppose other people would.
And as a warning- the manga ends on a cliffhanger, so if you buy, plan on completing the series for full satisfaction.
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6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Surprising, December 27, 2004
I actually recieved Vol 1 of this manga as a gag gift for Christmas. I was amused by the 'pinup' type art that decorated the covers and ridiculous poses the characters occasionally struck. However, when I READ Legal Drug, I was pleasantly surprised. Out of all the manga and manwah I've read, the panel transitions and dialouge of Legal Drug are the most natural and effortless. Even simple, popular items like Fruits Basket have occasionally given me cause to read back in order to understand exactly what's happening in a scene, but Legal Drug was clear, consise, and beautifully drawn.
The first few pages set the tone: mystery interspersed with humor and suggestive undertones. The interaction between the two main characters, Kazahaya and Rikuo, is genuinely amusing. Rikuo is the stoic, mysterious one and a great foil for Kazahaya, who(despite his serious appearance on the covers)is very much a 'spaz'. Plus, there are fun little extras to enjoy like a color page, a humourous "What If" section, and transparent sheet. One of the most enjoyable gag gifts I've ever recieved.
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11 of 13 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Not a Kid's Review, August 30, 2006
A Kid's Review
Okay, if you promise not to tell, I'm actually fourteen, it's just easier to use this feature.
First issue: rating. The Legal Drug series is rated OT for Older Teen or 16+. But it shouldn't be, the only reason that it is, is because of a) a general shounen-ai feel to the whole thing and b) because it does grow progressively worse, but in my opinion, probably shouldn't exceed the T rating.
Second issue: Why is it taking so long for them all to come out? Okay, 1/5 of the story is out in volumes 1-3, but the reason it's on a temporary hold is because the magazine which originally published the series got canceled. So, yes, there will be about 12 volumes in the future, so just be patient. Rikuo's and Kazahaya's full stories will be published eventually in English, don't you worry.
Third Issue: yaoi. In no way is this series yaoi. For one thing, yaoi is more of a sexual exploit, close to cartoon guy on guy pornography (to give you something to relate to, the Graviatation series by Maki Murakami has no yaoi as erotic as it is- but the remixes do.) It has a touch of innuendo into shounen-si variety though, even though CLAMP revealed that it wasn't supposed to be a Boy's Love manga.
Now, I just want to say that this manga is definately one to check out. As you know, CLAMP is always good. Legal Drug may not be as complex or flashy as other mangas, but it does demand respect. They're relatively quick and easy reads. Though it isn't categorized as comedy, it should be (I love the extra at the end of the first volume, buy it for that reason alone. Hilarious.) CLAMP also seems to like to dress Kazahaya in drag, and you don't find me arguing. The third volume will have you laughing like a spider monkey on crack, and that's an understatement (I read it in the book store and no one would sit near me because they thought I was 'touched').
So, enjoy this delightful manga, and run, not walk, unless you have scissors, to the nearest bookstore and buy it.
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