What do you think?
Rate this book
Four Shojo Stories
From Booklist
Gr. 8^-12. These four graphic novels in one volume constitute a fascinating introduction to the world of shojo manga, comics created by Japanese women for Japanese girls and women. A brief introduction by translator Matt Thorn gives a history of the genre and information on the three artists in the collection: Keiko Nishi, Moto Hagio, and Shio Sato. The black-and-white illustrations are primarily pen and ink, although some cleverly incorporate watercolor-like techniques. Nishi, in particular, utilizes unusual angles and perspectives to emphasize a character's mood. The artistic styles of all three artists are clearly geared toward women, but the stories will appeal to both sexes, encompassing a wide range of subject matter--from an sf tale imbued with elements of philosophy and religion to a realistic story about a philandering husband who finally realizes where his loyalties lie. These are not lightweight comics. Even the straightforward "romance" tale offers thoughtful characterization and real poignancy. Highly recommended for any collection that includes graphic novels. Debbie Carton
Gr. 8^-12. These four graphic novels in one volume constitute a fascinating introduction to the world of shojo manga, comics created by Japanese women for Japanese girls and women. A brief introduction by translator Matt Thorn gives a history of the genre and information on the three artists in the collection: Keiko Nishi, Moto Hagio, and Shio Sato. The black-and-white illustrations are primarily pen and ink, although some cleverly incorporate watercolor-like techniques. Nishi, in particular, utilizes unusual angles and perspectives to emphasize a character's mood. The artistic styles of all three artists are clearly geared toward women, but the stories will appeal to both sexes, encompassing a wide range of subject matter--from an sf tale imbued with elements of philosophy and religion to a realistic story about a philandering husband who finally realizes where his loyalties lie. These are not lightweight comics. Even the straightforward "romance" tale offers thoughtful characterization and real poignancy. Highly recommended for any collection that includes graphic novels. Debbie Carton
262 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1996
66 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
June 13, 2010
I read this for an online friend's blog's 'mini-challenge,' getting my son to recommend something I might like. He suggested this one as it's more character-driven than other manga.
Though graphic novels are not something I normally read, I did find these interesting, even the two science-fiction stories -- "They Were 11" (a classic, according to the introduction) and "The Changeling" -- sci-fi being another genre I'm not usually drawn to. These stories provided food for thought, dealing as they do with other worlds' and beings' philosophies and lifestyles.
The first and last stories of the anthology ("Promise" and "Since You've Been Gone"), both by the same author, are 'realistic' (even considering a somewhat supernatural friend in the former), one having to do with a teenager dealing with her widowed mother and the other about a philandering husband's behavior in the aftermath of an earthquake, were more to my taste, as they are focused on the emotional lives of their characters in stories that are personal yet universal.
Though graphic novels are not something I normally read, I did find these interesting, even the two science-fiction stories -- "They Were 11" (a classic, according to the introduction) and "The Changeling" -- sci-fi being another genre I'm not usually drawn to. These stories provided food for thought, dealing as they do with other worlds' and beings' philosophies and lifestyles.
The first and last stories of the anthology ("Promise" and "Since You've Been Gone"), both by the same author, are 'realistic' (even considering a somewhat supernatural friend in the former), one having to do with a teenager dealing with her widowed mother and the other about a philandering husband's behavior in the aftermath of an earthquake, were more to my taste, as they are focused on the emotional lives of their characters in stories that are personal yet universal.
September 9, 2009
No book cover on hand! Does that mean we're out of the mainstream? Certainly not in Japan, but this is the English translation of 4 Mangas written by, and marketed to, women. Manga! Manga! The World of Japanese Comics (previously reviewed) makes clear the alternative career opportunities inherent in the Manga industry, how people with no previous background in art or graphic design created new Manga styles and genres, so it is that women have made significant contributions to Japanese Comics.
These four vary in length, with most incorporating Sci-Fi elements that feature highly androgynous characters, in fact some who have yet to develop a distinct gender. The stories content is far beyond mainstream American comics, with thoughtful and philosophical themes that address inter-species cooperation and inter-planetary imperialism.
These four vary in length, with most incorporating Sci-Fi elements that feature highly androgynous characters, in fact some who have yet to develop a distinct gender. The stories content is far beyond mainstream American comics, with thoughtful and philosophical themes that address inter-species cooperation and inter-planetary imperialism.
October 19, 2009
Worth reading as an introduction to girls' manga by some biggies of the 90s (Moto Hagio, Keiko Nishi, Shio Sato) and intriguing as a sociological document. There is something in these comics that even goes beyond the surface weirdness--a marriage of androgyny and new aginess--that is kind of mysterious. Yet, at the same time, they seem a bit pedestrian and plodding. Moto Hagio's 'They Were 11' is a perfect example, a science fiction tale of students tested by their ability to cooperate and survive on an antiquated spaceship that features two hermaphrodites (and nine other 'men' who often look like women) speaking in the clunkiest style imaginable. It all left me feeling confused and uncomfortable...maybe that's good.
December 1, 2018
I don’t know if the fact that I was so sleepy while reading this collection has to do with my understanding of it, or if it was just different from what I’ve expected.
I’ve always wanted to read something by Moto Hagio but to my disappointment her story was the longest and the one that made me confused the most.
I do want to reread this manga when I’m fully awake and in the right mood, I have a feeling that I’d enjoy it more, but for now it’s just a 2 star read for me.
I’ve always wanted to read something by Moto Hagio but to my disappointment her story was the longest and the one that made me confused the most.
I do want to reread this manga when I’m fully awake and in the right mood, I have a feeling that I’d enjoy it more, but for now it’s just a 2 star read for me.
October 18, 2017
I tracked this book down in a sudden desire to read They were Eleven (I had seen the anime a long, long time ago - like sometime mid 1990s - and thought it amazing) but the other three stories are also really good.
May 15, 2017
Four one shots.
February 22, 2016
This manga consists of four separate stories. The first story, "Promise", is a really, really good story about a girl who ends up being a friend to a guy. Normally that type of thing is not unusual, but there is a paranormal/spiritual aspect to the story that makes it stand out.
The second story is "They Were Eleven" is about a group of space cadet recruits who go on a training mission. There are to be ten students and the mission is to see how they get along with each other and under stress. The first sign of stress is that fact that there are eleven people present, not ten, so they have to try and figure out who the imposter is and why he or she is there. Add to that a major threat to the ship that they are on and you have another really good story.
The third story is "The Changeling", where an Earth astronaut visits one of the colonies and discovers its secret. The story is ok, but not as good as the first two stories.
The fourth story is "Since You've Been Gone" which is basically about a guy who is cheating on his wife. The guy is a jerk, big time. His wife seems a little out-of-it, and there is not really a clear cut conclusion to the problem of his cheating. It's the weakest of the four stories.
Even though the last two stories are weak compared to the first two, it's worth getting this manga for the sake of the first two stories alone.<
The second story is "They Were Eleven" is about a group of space cadet recruits who go on a training mission. There are to be ten students and the mission is to see how they get along with each other and under stress. The first sign of stress is that fact that there are eleven people present, not ten, so they have to try and figure out who the imposter is and why he or she is there. Add to that a major threat to the ship that they are on and you have another really good story.
The third story is "The Changeling", where an Earth astronaut visits one of the colonies and discovers its secret. The story is ok, but not as good as the first two stories.
The fourth story is "Since You've Been Gone" which is basically about a guy who is cheating on his wife. The guy is a jerk, big time. His wife seems a little out-of-it, and there is not really a clear cut conclusion to the problem of his cheating. It's the weakest of the four stories.
Even though the last two stories are weak compared to the first two, it's worth getting this manga for the sake of the first two stories alone.<
April 23, 2013
Loved the art work in this GN-manga from Viz.It's always interesting to see some new talent come through to English from Japan.(***Keiko Nishi's work especially stood out for me,had to buy another release from her through viz comics).
June 21, 2017
They Were 11 is by far my favorite of this group, but I thoroughly enjoyed the others as well.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews