With school over, some of us have more than enough time to waste. And what better than to use all that extra time catching up on some great manga? The manga I prefer to read are usually something anyone can enjoy — no “War and Peace” or Kafka here (not that there’s anything wrong with either, of course). Here is a small review on the three manga that have caught my attention recently:

Otomen by Kanno Aya. Published by Viz’s Shojo Beat, Otomen is a manga that has taken off with much success and has even become a drama in Japan. If you haven’t at least heard of it, you’re probably living under a proverbial rock. Otomen follows the story of Asuka, a brave and stalwart type of guy who also has an obsession with cute and girly things. There’s really nothing bad about it though: he’s gorgeous, he cooks, he’ll defend you from thugs and then sew up any scuffs in your jeans. And what’s better, he’s desperately in love with clumsy but thankfully not annoying Ryo, a girl who can kick butt but is disasterous with anything girly. The life and times of Asuka is chronicled by his friend and local ladies man Juta, who is secretly a mangaka and makes Asuka his lead heroine. A gentle shojo that is as funny as it is sweet, read this if you want beautiful art along with a low-drama love story. Although it’s rated teen, it’s most likely appropriate for most ages. Vol. 6 is now available domestically.

Kimi ni Todoke by Shiina Karuho. Another Viz Shojo Beat manga, this story is a much for realistic love story. Following Sadako look-alike (from “Ringu“) who’s name unfortunately happens to be Sawako. With long dark hair and an overall creepy appearance, Sawako is a perfect example of not judging a book by it’s cover. Kind and generous, all Sawako wants are friends. And she finds her first friend in one of the most popular boys in school, Kazehaya. With Kazehaya’s help, Sawako begins to come out of her shell and make friends, and of course develop a crush on Mr. Popular himself. The art is very simple, the characters are well drawn and realistic: no superheroes or vampires here. It’s appropriate for most ages, and is a combination of a school-life story and a romance. Vol. 4 is available domestically.

Zone-00 by Kiyo QJO. If romance isn’t entirely your thing and you love great art, Zone-00 is definately for you. Released by Tokyopop, written and drawn by the same artist for the Trinity Blood manga, Kiyo QJO story weaves urban drug warfare with demons and witches, as well as lots of beautiful people. The story focuses around exorcist Ango Shima and his strange fellow classmate Saburo Kujo. Kujo has a dark secret as well, but you’ll have to read to find out. There is also no shortage of voluptous girls and beautiful men. Be warned, there is a B&B warning (ie: blood and boobies). This is a violent manga that doesn’t pull any punches, contains drug use, and there is nudity and sex. The rating of 16+ is very appropriate but for a mature reader this manga has a great original storyline and very interesting characters. Vol. 4 is available domestically.

After giving one or more of these manga a shot, let me know what you think! And by the way, what are you reading this summer?