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Anime Yokoso brings us a review of the first volume of the SHI-NO light novel series, titled: SHI-NO: The Girl with Black Soul.

Anime Yokoso brings us a review of the first volume of the Mushi to Gankyuu series of light novels, titled: Mushi to Gankyuu to Teddy Bear.

Title: FLCL Volume 1
Author: Youji Enokido
Illustrators: Kazuya Tsurumaki & Hiroyuki Imaishi
Original concept and project: Gainax
Licensed by: Tokyopop
Price: $9.99

Reviewed by: Matt122004

One of TokyoPop’s newest light novel releases, and by far the most controversial. When I first heard about the FLCL (Fooly Cooly) novels, I thought ‘maybe’. You see, I had seen the anime long before when it first aired on Cartoon Network. I had gotten interested in it, mainly because of its craziness, but I didn’t really understand it, and when I had seen the ending, I didn’t like it at all. However, I thought, maybe it would work as a novel. Needless to say, I decided I would give it a try when it came out in April of 2008. When it did, I was shocked. The light novel was the shortest I have ever seen! In fact, it’s a shorter read then I think even Scrapped Princess was! However, when I looked at the back of the book, I nearly flipped my lid. It was priced at $9.99, and yet was a 80% less in size than The Twelve Kingdom’s which was priced at $7.99, as well as other light novels much larger and priced the same. Obviously, this was an attempt to get the maximum profit from this book, because TokyoPop knew that dedicated FLCL fans would buy it no matter what the price. Personally, I think it’s an outrage.

Now aside from that, what is the story, for those unfamiliar? The story is about Naota, a sixth grader in Japan. He and his brother’s girlfriend, who keeps using him as a substitute boyfriend as his brother is in America, live normal lives. Naota believes the world to be not full of any surprises. However, one day, a crazy woman named Haruko comes speeding at him on a vespa and strikes him in the head with a strange guitar. It appears, his head has become a gateway for robots to emerge out of. Add to the fact that the robots want to fight each other and destroy things, this creates an obvious problem. Just who is this crazy alien vespa riding woman?

Alright, let’s cut to the chase. The book is one word, and that word is, great! The writing style is awesome and captivating and the story moves perfectly. I had low expectations when I saw how thin it was, but it proved me wrong and happily so.

It was a fast read, but yet, it didn’t feel like it. It felt like the first part of a story just beginning, and it left me satisfied at the end, yet still wondering what the next book would hold for the characters.

I have a confession to make, I didn’t buy the book. I read it at the bookstore in a chair. Will I buy it now? No, not yet. I wouldn’t recommend buying it either yet, until the next and last book come out. It’s a three book series, and I don’t want to spend $30 on a light novel, unless it’s pure awesomeness. So if you’re a fan, your going to get it no matter what, but if your like me and interested in a good novel read, wait to buy this later this year when the final book comes out. Then you can read my final review for the entire series, which really equals one single light novel. I just know that with a series so short and quick, and so expensive, I want to make sure the ending is all worth it.

I think this might be the first ever review for this book. So I hope I helped anyone out wondering about this book.

Until book 2, I bid goodbye.

My Grade for This Light Novel: A

Title: Scrapped Princess: A Tale of Destiny
Author: Ichiro Sakaki
Illustrator: Nakayohi Mogudan
Licensed by: Tokyopop
Price: $7.99

Reviewed by: Matt122004

Well, one of TokyoPop’s earlier light novel launches was of the series “Scrapped Princess” by Ichiro Sakaki. Most will probably know this series because of the anime that was based off these novels, I have not seen it, so once again, this was my first introduction to the story and characters. I had seen the book in bookstores since 2006, and recently tried ordering it without luck. So when I found it at a Used Book Store, books 1 and 2, both half off, I went and got them.

Scrapped Princess is the story of an infant baby girl, who has a death sentence proclaimed on her because of a prophecy proclaiming she will bring about the end of the world on her sixteenth birthday. However, the baby is snuck away safely while the world believes her to have been killed. Fifteen years later, she is feisty and very much alive, living with the people that saved her (although she knows nothing of her true identity). The story opens right up with her adopted father being killed (later discovered as being murdered), and she find his will. Soon she discovers her true identity and that’s when the action starts. Not only because she now finds out she is a princess, but because the royal family learns she is alive and starts to send out assassins to kill her and her brother and sister.

Filled with lots of battles, it’s a fast paced reading adventure that you are sure to enjoy. Now, when I say fast paced, I’m serious. The book is very short, and only has the same size as other light novels because TokyoPop increased the font size. It’s the fastest light novel I ever read, since I finished it within 3-4 hours. It’s however, a sad drawback, since the story is so good. It’s like reading half of a true light novel.

However, the book is undeniably enjoyable and a wonderfully exciting read. You will not be bored and you will enjoy it.

I hate however the NEW cover TokyoPop gave the book. They should stop trying to market the books for a broader audience and just keep the original covers, which look way better.

So, my recommendation? Go and buy the book. However, if this will be your FIRST light novel, do not buy it. I do not recommend this book as anybody’s FIRST. Go choose Kino no Tabi, Ballad of a Shinigami, or Full Metal Panic for your first light novel, not this.

However, if this isn’t your first light novel, go ahead and get it, you’ll enjoy adding this book to your collection.

Until book 2, which is staring at me on the table, sayonara!

My grade for this light novel: B+

Anime Yokoso, a new website for anime and light novel news and reviews has opened recently.

The site currently features three reviews of 3 light novel series:

"GOSICK" light novel series
"SHI-NO" light novel series
"Gakkou no Kaidan" light novel series

Title: Ballad of a Shinigami momo: the god girl of death
Author: K-Ske Hasegawa
Illustrator: Nanakusa
Licensed by: Seven Seas Entertainment
Price: $7.95

Reviewed by: Matt122004

This past March, Seven Sea's joined the new number of publishers putting out light novels. However, unlike all others before, they are coming out with lines of light novel series and are not editing them in the slightest. In fact, their light novels are even the same size as they are in Japan!

Out of the first three releases to launch their new LIGHT NOVEL imprint, Ballad of a Shinigami (Shinigami no Ballad) stuck out to me as being the best choice. So when the day came, I had already pre-ordered the book and picked it up. However, I only now had time to read and finish it.

Ballad of a Shinigami is Seven Sea's equivalent to Kino no Tabi. In fact, I wouldnt be a bit surprised if Ballad copied somewhat off of Kino. Ballad of a Shingami follows a young 12 year old looking shinigami named Momo who has white hair and is dressed in white and wears red shoes. She also carries a nice looking scythe and has a servant cat named Daniel that can talk and fly. Ballad of a Shinigami follows her travels in the human world and how she enteracts with different humans who may or may not be on her list of people ready to leave this world.

One word to describe this series: BRILLIANT! This is by far Seven Sea's best release yet! The translation was seemless! The art was magnificent! The writing style was gallant! And lastly, the storys were stupendous!

Yes, there are alot of big words up there, but its true. Balld of a Shinigami is a masterpiece of a story, with every chapters being a different story with different characters, similarly to Kino no Tabi.

The first chapter was my favorite, the third was my second favorite, the fourth was my third favoirte. The book is an amazing read and you just simply should get the book.

The book is printed in its original japanese size with all the colored pics and afterwords and even translation notes included. Seven Sea's has definitely become my favorite light novel publisher.

On one note, the back of the book rates it 16+ because of the subject matter regarding a boy thinking of commiting suicide and his encounter with Momo. I'd say you should be between 14-15 and depending on your maturity, the book will be fine.

So dont waste a single minute, go and get Ballad of a Shinigami right now! If you liked Kino no Tabi, you'll probably find this series very enjoyable, and if you haven't read Kino or didn't like it (which I find impossible), I still believe you'll find Ballad of a Shinigami an enjoyable read that was well worth your time to read.

My Grade for this light novel: A

Title: Shakugan no Shana: The Girl With Fire In Her Eyes
Author: Yashichiro Takahashi
Illustrator: Noizi Ito
Licensed by: VIZ Media
Price: $9.99

Reviewed by: Matt122004

Besides TokyoPop, Viz has also gotten on the scene with light novel publishing. One of their projects, Shakugan no Shana, is the subject of this review.

For what seems like awhile, I have been told by various people about the anime of Shakugan no Shana being great. Since I like to read the original novels instead of an adaptation, I finally decided to buy a copy of the first book and see what all the buzz about this series was about. I had no idea what I was getting into.

The story centers around Yuji who on a normal day has his life brutally interupted when his existence is taken out of him and he is told by a beautiful girl with flaming red hair named Shana that he will eventually dissapear and nobody will remember him. However, circumstance and fate are weaving a different scenario and Shana along with Alastor ends up having to protect Yuji from power hungry other worldly threats seeking the unknown treasure that he possesses in him. What follows is both action packed and comical as we follow Yuji and Shana's growing releationship.

Shakugan no Shana is a mix of action, adventure, comedy, and hints of romance. It'll keep you locked in a suspense of reading from beginning till end, and leave you craving for the next installment. The author does an amazingly good job at keeping the story flowing, and on that note, the story itself is great too! The characters are vivid, and the action is plenty. But when it comes down to it, the best part of the book is watching Shana's and Yuji's relationship develop.

This book surpassed all my expectations and more. The artwork is cute, the translation was good, and the writing style of the author is splendid.

On one note, I was angry at Viz for editing the novel. One of the opeing color pictures of Shana and Yuji in bed by accident was cropped. This is very maddening, I have seen the original and it's much longer. Viz censored something that didn't need to be, and I don't approve of them doing such a thing, especially since they publish the manga and it had a much more risque picture. Thankfully I heard they didn't edit anything in the second volume.

Dont wait like I did, go and get the first volume of Shakugan no Shana as soon as possible. It'll be an enjoyable read that you soon won't forget!

Till volume two, sayonara!

My grade for this light novel: A

Title: Full Metal Panic! One Night Stand
Author: Shouji Gatou
Illustrator: Shikidouji
Licensed by: Tokyopop
Price: $7.99

Reviewed by: Matt122004

Just as quickly as I had finished the first in this amazing series, I got to start the second. How long did it take me to finish the second volume in this light novel series? Around two days cause I was lazy at reading it faster.

The second novel doesn’t disappoint and delivers a powerful and action packed story to the reader who is sure to have a smile cross his face as he watches all his favorite characters back in action again. The translation was just as good as the first, and the artwork was great, as usual.

The book was just about as thick as the first and definitely kept me pressing my face against the pages as I turned each with great anticipation. The big question that almost all of you are wondering, “Is the second as good as the first?” The answer is a simple, yes! I did however feel that the second novel was one tiny notch less than the first, but that is to be expected in a three novel story arc. I also already knew the characters, so unlike the first, I kind of knew how to predict the characters actions somewhat. However, I definitely enjoyed this book just as much as I did the first. Also on that same note, I would like to thank Shouji Gatou, the amazing author of Full Metal Panic, for the comedic opening to this second installment. The beginning had me laughing, and so did the end.

So what’s the story this time around? Well, Sagara is handling things pretty well. Fighting in giant mech’s in other countries, fighting terrorists in Japan, and going to school. Yep, life is normal for this abnormal teen, but even for him, things get……out of the ordinary. This intrudence into his daily schedule all starts when Tessa, his sixteen year old superior colonel, begins to have feelings for the overly adrenaline pumped Sagara. This combined with the detaining of a child terrorist who is being chased down by his terrorist organization and the fact that Kaname finds Tessa coming out of the shower as she tries to apologize to Sagara, creates problems galore for our favorite characters. Besides all this, something called “Behometh”, yea I didn’t like the sound of it either, is being readied to be launched by the A-21 terrorist group. What is the child terrorist’s connection and could he be a “Whispered”?

Filled with twists and turns, laughs and comedic events, and amazing plot turning revelations, this is most definitely not a book to miss!

Now……three more months till the third novel, which will complete this first story arc. I don’t know if I can hold on till then, but I will try!

My Grade for this Light Novel: A

Title: Full Metal Panic! Fighting Boy Meets Girl
Author: Shouji Gatou
Illustrator: Shikidouji
Licensed by: Tokyopop
Price: $7.99

Reviewed by: Matt122004

Alright, so after reading Kino no Tabi by TokyoPop, I entered this book thinking, “Will I like it as much?” To help you understand, I have ‘not’ seen the anime or read the manga’s of Full Metal Panic. I entered this novel completely unaware of the storyline whatsoever. I had decided I would read the novels first since they were the original story. I am so glad I did.

This marks TokyoPop’s second best series they brought out. Is it better than Kino no Tabi? Well, you can’t really compare the two since they each have different objectives in their writings. However both Kino no Tabi and Full Metal Panic are the best series of their genre’s I have read.

It took me two days to read it, mainly because I began it a little before I was going to sleep, and ended it the following day. To say the least, the book was amazing. I was reading each page with immense interest, and holding my breath through the climaxes that continued to pile up one by one. I have not seen the anime, but I can say that the first novel was a hit.

The artwork is great, and is placed at the right parts so as to help the reader visualize key or more or less interesting scenery.

The story? Well, it follows the tale of Sagara, a high school military soldier who is sent with three other soldiers to secretly protect a girl named Kaname (without her knowing) from the Soviets who are wishing to kidnap her for some unknown reason. Sagara doesn’t know the word COVERT and comes off more like a stalker as he jumps out of moving trains through their windows to catch up to Kaname. To say the least, Kaname and her friends do not take this lightly and what follows is comedic events, and bruises for Sagara. The real plot begins when terrorists intercept a plane and all the governments of the world are thrown into a panic. The only one’s who can save them is Sagara’s organization, a non-national affiliated military group with advanced technology ten years ahead of the rest of the world’s. Filled with mech’s, fighting, romance, comedy, and the occasional dumb luck, Full Metal Panic creates a read that you won’t soon forget.

That is another thing to note. This was my first time reading a novel featuring Mech’s (giant robots that men pilot in combat), and I must say, it flowed perfectly. I almost believed it more on the paper than in most anime. The writer’s ability to flow the words and sentences is flawless. I kept turning the page every chance I got.

Now, as for TokyoPop’s translation? Very well done. The only problem to mention was an occasional typo (I spotted two major one’s in the whole book), but then again, all books have these usually. As for changes, I am glad to say that TokyoPop kept the original cover art, which made me very happy.

I was smart enough to see the strong possibility I would like the novel, so I had also taken the liberty of getting the second book, which I am anticipating reading greatly.

This is definitely not a light novel you want to miss out on reading, you’d be sorry if you did. So do yourself a favor, and go and read Full Metal Panic and become apart of one of the best selling light novel series in Japan!

My Grade for This Light Novel: A

Title: Kino no Tabi (Volume 1)
Author: Keiichi Sigsawa
Illustrator: Kouhaku Kuroboshi
Licensed by: Tokyopop
Price: $7.99

Reviewed by: Matt122004

With this new craze of light novels coming to the US market, it can only be a good thing for fans. TokyoPop is one of only a couple publishing companies that have decided to release entire lines of light novels from Japan.

One of TokyoPop’s newest light novel releases was book 1 of the Kino no Tabi (Kino’s Journey) series of books. I had had my eyes on this book for awhile and finally decided to give into my interest and take a shot at reading it.

The story is about a young girl who lives in the land of adults. She is almost ready to turn 12 and take on a job where at that time, she will do the job she hates and live her life in misery, as is expected. However when a traveler named Kino visits the city and makes friends with the girl, he tells her that she can still lead a happy life and not be forced to do a job she hates. However when the girl tells her parents her revelation, the parents perceive this as the most defiant behavior ever, and the father prepares to kill his daughter to save his family from disgrace. And thus her journey begins with a valiant escape, the death of a friend, and the hijacking of a friendly talking motorcycle. The chapters afterwards are really a collection of short story’s that take place at different times during her journey. The story’s themselves are meant to make the reader question the situation and see the errors in this world of hers. Each of Kino no Tabi’s chapters are meant to transmit a value or thought. However, this does not mean the story is boring or slow, far from it, the pages practically turn themselves and the story continues to build till its climax.

Kino no Tabi starts out profoundly, and ends with you gripping the edges of the book. There is nothing I can say badly about this book. It is purely amazing and goes down as the best light novel release TokyoPop has given us. The translation by Andrew Cunningham is amazing and the book itself is one of the most enjoyable reads I have had in a long time. I would recommend this book to anyone, no really, anyone. In fact, I would go as far as to say that everybody should be required to read this book. I’m not kidding, when I say it is profound, I mean it. It’s simplistic appeal and profound message draws the reader in fast and doesn’t let go by any means. The author also has a an amazing way of writing, keeping the reader drawn into the story at all times. And each story is amazing unique and well thought out.

On two notes, the cover of the novel WAS changed from the Japanese release, however, the cover they used was thankfully a beautifully blown up illustration from within the book itself. On the second note, the chapters were changed. However, this change in my opinion was expertly done. The beginning of her journey is put at the beginning of the book instead of the end and the major chapter “Collosium” was placed as the chapter next to the Epilogue.

The only sad thing I can mention is that this book was released over a year ago and the second in this currently 11 book series still isn’t out. TokyoPop has said that this is because of licensing issues. I can only hope that this is resolved soon as I am literally on the edge of my seat to read the second in this stupendous series.

My advice to you is to not wait a single second and go out and buy this book and maybe a few extra copies for your friends and family.

My Grade for this light novel: A