ShutterBox, Book Two: First School Quarter (Paperback)

~ Rikki Simons (Author), Tavisha Wolfgarth-Simons (Author) "As we've discussed with you previously, dear reader, for some time now, we here in this afterlife have been searching for a human capable of..." (more)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

Megan awakens from a dream to find that she is in the afterlife as a full time exchange student. A spirit inhabiting Megan's camera tells her that her mother is being tormented on earth by an evil banshee who took her place on Earth. With the help of her possessed camera, Megan and her friends Thomas and AJ struggle to banish the banshee from her mother's life!

From the Inside Flap

Manga is not necessarily always from Japan. In fact, manga isn't restricted to any one geographical location or ethnic group. A manga artist or writer need not live in Japan or be Japanese. Manga is transcendent. It is an art form and not restricted by borders or race. In TOKYOPOP's ShutterBox, Rikki Simons and Tavisha team up to present a manga, with all the traditional Japanese symbolism and story structure, taking place in the U.S.A... ShutterBox is mysterious, foreboding, enchanting and compelling. In other words--a total manga experience.
-- Collectors' Corner

This is a first-rate manga. I can't wait for more ShutterBox--one read and you'll be totally hooked!
-- Sheena McNeil, Sequential Tart

Product Details

• Reading level: Young Adult
  
• Paperback: 184 pages
• Publisher: Tokyopop (July 6, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1595322019
• ISBN-13: 978-1595322012
• Product Dimensions: 7.3 x 4.9 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #855,518 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars For Those Who've Stuck Through, I Salute You!, July 12, 2004

By	Nicole Maronn (Enfield, CT) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Finally, Shutterbox picks up the pace! While volume 1 was a drag, for readers who gave this series a chance and read volume 2, the reader is finally given a break and is treated to an actually story!

Picking up where the last volume poorly left off, Meg awakens from her "dream" to Merridiah and discovers that her pyschologist is not what he seems and also finds out that her friend, Dagny, also has encountered a man VERY similar to her doctor. Meanwhile, AJ catches up with his friend and roommate Thomas and some light is shown on what Meg's true purpose in Merridiah actually is.

The biggest improvement readers will notice is that Rikki and Tavisha have lightened up on the words. Instead of filling page after page of complicated, useless words and paragraphs, they have decided to give the reader a chance to get to know the characters and the enviroment inwhich they are placed in. Within this volume, we get a more filling introduction to Thomas, who seems to have another personality called "Tina", inwhich he dresses like a 1920s flapper. He provides a comical, yet sympathic role which is charming. Our other new face is Meg's best friend Dagny. She is almost identical to Meg, yet Dagny seems less nerotic and more down to earth than our main character. Plus, like Thomas, she also provides a comical and sympathic role, mixed with the right amount of sugar, spice and everything nice.

Readers are also treated to more lush and detailed scenes of Merridiah, particularly withhin the university. One of my favorite scenes involves AJ carrying Meg across the university grounds at night time. The scenes that follow are utterly beautiful and romantic; you can almost feel like you yourself are flying through the grounds. Speaking of romance, the ending leaves the reader hints of a possible romance between Meg and AJ (which I hope will be revealed in future volumes).

After reading volume 2, Shutterbox has grown on me. It reminds me of Labyrinth, due to it's romantic gothic tones and style. I simply cannot wait until future volumes are released! So, once again, give Shutterbox a chance...you'll be surprized on how wonderful this series is.

1 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A lot tighter than the first Volume..., July 8, 2004

By	Liolania "In2Jesus" (Hippyville USA) - See all my reviews

The thing about Shutterbox one, was that, at times, it was a little confusing. And the artwork seemed a little overwhelming. However, in this sexond volume things seem to work A LOT better. In fact everything in Shutterbox volume 2 seems much better. However, it still seems like nothings really happened yet. If that's the one complaint I have...

In this volume Megan is waiting for 3months till she can go back to Meridia University where she will be gone 4months earth-time to train to be a living muse. Adrien(the super-hot Bishie on the volume one cover) also can't wait for Megan to return. Oh, and just so that one reviewer whom remarked about the lady-on-the-cross scene being irrelevant, it actually turns out to be a crucial plot point, so HA!!!!!!!!!! ;P Anyways, on the night she is to go back to Meridia she meets her friend, and finds out something very shocking to her. Oooooh!!!! :D

Overall I'd say I've really come to appreciate Shutterbox and its marvelously sketchy art-style. Its very unique and very fitting to the story-line. I also love the gothic style of Meridia, the clothing is very Gothic-lolita, the best example I can give is, its like the clothing in Paradise Kiss, if you're unfamiliar with it. :D

Anyways, I was right(as always, HAHA) about my guess that with Volume 2 Shutterbox would only get better, and I betting it will improve EVEN MORE over the next 4 volumes(its only 6 volumes).

God Bless & *enjoy* ~Amy