Swan, Volume 8

Swan #8

by Kyoko Ariyoshi

The trials and triumphs of hopeful prima ballerina Hijiri Masumi continue in the CMX version of this beloved international hit. When the naturally talented Kyogoku Sayoko injured her ankle, the chance of a lifetime fell into Masumis lap. Shes now faced with the challenge of representing Japan in a competition in Russia, far from home. Masumi is up against two of the finest Russian dance prodigies, but the tremendous stress and fear cause her to lose her hearing. Can Masumi dance the finest performance of her life without music to inspire her?

Genres: Manga, Komik, Comics, Shojo, Romance

200 pages, Paperback

First published March 1, 1992

About the author

Kyoko Ariyoshi (有吉 京子 Ariyoshi Kyōko, born September 14, 1950) is a Japanese shōjo manga artist. She was born in Kumamoto City, Kumamoto Prefecture. She debuted by publishing her work Kitty and a Girl (Koneko to Shōjo) in Shukan Margaret in 1971.

Ariyoshi is well known for her works of the ballet stories. Swan (Part 1, 1977 – 1980, and Part 2, 1980 – 1981),[1] Swan -The Prayer of Swan- (1982–1983) and Applause are the representative works. These are all stories of ballet and ballerinas.

See also: 有吉 京子

Reviews

[Alison (AlisonCanRead) · Rating 3 out of 5]

The first half of this volume is a ballet. Hijiri and Kusakabe are performing the lead roles in a ballet and the pages show their movements and emotions for basically ever second of the show. I can't decide what I think about this. One on hand, this focus on the minutia of every ballet performance distracts from the plot, which I see as the backstage life of the dances. On the other hand, ballet is a central character in this manga, just as much as the individuals. And having such a large focus on ballet performance makes the manga different from others that I've read.

There is a subplot in the first half with Kaoru and her "dance mom." Kaoru's mother notice's that Hijiri is not holding herself correctly in her lifts, which means that Kusakabe is straining to support her weight. She takes pleasure in the fact that they will crash and burn during the performance. Luckily, Kaoru saves the day. She stands up to her mother and rushes back to tell Hijiri to do something different as she's going into the lifts.

The rest of the volume is set up for the next few volumes, the Tokyo World Ballet Competition. All the competitors are coming into town. We get reacquainted with Lilliana Maximova, the Russian prodigy. Poor Hijiri is really intimidated by her talent. We'll see if that's enough to throw Hijiri off her game.

[Scottsdale Public Library]

The Swan series, about a lovely dancer named Masumi, continue to grow on me. The author/illustrator captures not only the movement of dance in her captivating graphics, but the spirit as well. She teaches the young reader about the history of ballet, specific ballets, and dancers and choreographers that have influenced the art.
In this volume, Masumi portrays Makva, a forest sprite who falls in love with a human. Tragedy and triumph are woven into a tale all told through the expressive medium of ballet.

-Tiffany J.-

[Dana Al-Basha | دانة الباشا · Rating 5 out of 5]

I NEED volume 9 NOW!! This part was wonderful like all the rest! I LOVE this series!

Everyone has confidence in Masumi. Now she only has to believe in herself!

Masumi dazzled through her debut performance, winning over the hearts of critics and fans alike, along with capturing a spot to compete in the Tokyo World Ballet Competition. Top dancers from all over the world have traveled to compete, including the Russian prodigies. Masumi will have to put her shaky confidence to the test and hope that all her training and hard work pays off.

[scarlettraces · Rating 5 out of 5]

rapturous as ever, and some particularly nice double spreads.