Review: Solanin

Solanin
To be free is never easy

Author
Inio Asano

Plot Summary
Inoue and Taneda decided to quit their typical life and earn their long-awaited freedom. It turns out freedom is not as they expect it to be. Their freedom went from being happy to being bored. The further they go the more they struggle within their so-called freedom leaving a harsh life at the palm of their hands. Will they retain their freedom?

Personal Opinion
What is freedom? This is the basic question that evolves within the life of Meiko Inoue and Shigeo Taneda in Solanin. Inio Asano took us on a 2 (two) volumes journey on a typical definition of freedom; what it is, how it is achieved, and how it is basically something you can’t handle just by yourself.

Review: Old Boy

Old Boy
memories of a man in search of truth

Author
Story: Tsuchiya Garon
Art: Minegishi Nobuaki

Status
8 Volume – Completed

Plot Summary
For 10 years, Goto being imprisoned in a private jail. Locked up in a small room without ever getting out, and without knowing the reason. And suddenly he is free. All he knows is, before he just a normal person without any enemy. So who would go through all the troubles for that? What has he done that made that person holds that much of grudge?

Review: Level E

Level E
when an alien is bored

Author
Yoshihiro Togashi

Status
3 Volume – Completed

Plot Summary
A guy broke up into Tsutsui’s apartment. Claiming that he is an alien and has lost his memories. Turns out he is the first prince of planet Dogra, and also the owner of the most brilliant mind in the universe. The problem is his twisted and malicious personality also has no peer.

Review: Angel Densetsu

Angel Densetsu
you really shouldn’t judge people by their look

Author
Norihiro Yagi

Status
15 Volumes – Completed

Plot Summary
Meet Kitano Seiichirou, probably the most kind-hearted person in the world. The problem is, he has the face of a demon. People easily misunderstood him, and fear him without reason. Only people who really know him, can understand his true nature.

Review: Half Prince

Half Prince
Welcome to Second Life

Author
Story: Yu Wo
Artist: Choi Hong Chong

Status
4 Volumes – On Going

Plot Summary
A virtual reality game with 93% “reality”? In 2100A.D., even that is possible.

Feng Lan never played it, but things changed when her brother challenged her with a bet. She had to prove that girls could do more than just “stay safe in the back and let the boys do the fight, but eventually level up faster”. Intending not to use her “female benefit”, Feng Lan entered into Second Life…. as a boy.

Personal Opinion
When I read the summary for the first time, I thought it would be typical gender-bender shoujo romance. Moreover, the cover screams “RPG” all the way, which is not my cup of tea. But first chapter got me hooked up, so I decided to read the rest. I say it’s refreshing. Even though the plot focus on the VR world, it feels more relaxing than the usual RPG theme, possibly because it’s only a game, without any serious mission to accomplish except to gain points and level up (so far). I guess it’s suitable for those who want to read fantasy but can’t keep up with long stories.