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Dramacon #2
Dramacon - Έρωτας μετ' εμποδίων
Η Κρίστι επιστρέφει στο φεστιβάλ άνιμε κατά ένα χρόνο μεγαλύτερη και σοφότερη, αυτή τη φορά με νέο εικονογράφο, και ανυπομονεί να ξανασυναντηθεί με τον Ματ. Δυστυχώς, όμως, ο Ματ έχει φέρει κι αυτός κάποιον μαζί του στο φεστιβάλ: το κορίτσι του. Πολεμώντας τα αμοιβαία τους αισθήματα, που παρά την απόσταση είναι πιο δυνατά από ποτέ, ο Ματ και η Κρίστι κάνουν τα πάντα για να μη γίνει η σχέση τους πολύ μπερδεμένη και χαοτική. Αλλά τίποτα δεν είναι πιο χαοτικό από ένα φεστιβάλ άνιμε, και ό,τι λέει το μυαλό δεν είναι πάντα το καλύτερο για την καρδιά! Μια αστεία, ρομαντική ματιά στα παρασκήνια ενός φεστιβάλ άνιμε. . . εκεί όπου όλα είναι πιθανά! (ΑΠΟ ΤΗΝ ΠΑΡΟΥΣΙΑΣΗ ΣΤΟ ΟΠΙΣΘΟΦΥΛΛΟ ΤΟΥ ΒΙΒΛΙΟΥ)
208 pages, Paperback
First published October 10, 2006
40 people are currently reading
858 people want to read
About the author
Svetlana Chmakova
38 books1,611 followersSvetlana Chmakova (Russian: Светлана Шмакова) (born 1979 in Russia) is a comic creator. She is best known for Dramacon, an original English-language (OEL) manga spanning three volumes and published in North America by Tokyopop. Her other work includes the 2-page The Adventures of CG for CosmoGIRL! magazine and the webcomic Chasing Rainbows for Girlamatic. Though born in Russia, she immigrated to Canada, where she graduated from the Sheridan College Classical Animation program, in 2002. She then began to publish her manga on the Internet, where her works were found by CosmoGirl! magazine.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 110 reviews
April 26, 2015
GAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!! CHRISTIE IS DRESSED LIKE SANZO FROM Saiyuki ON THE COVER)!!!!!!! WOEIJFALDKFJAKLS;JFK;LAW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 23894732957493874093274892739532 BONUS POINTS TO SVETLANA FOR THAT!!!!!!!!!!
Okay, calming down.
This volume had too much of a Matt shortage for me! I need more Matt. Stat.
And I love Christie's new artist, Beth! She's fabulous!
This volume wasn't nearly as good as the first one. That's not to say it was bad, but it was pretty mellow compared to the first. A lot more stuff happened in the first one. But I still loved it! And it was still hilarious!! Christie's shoulder angel and devil are hysterical!
I don't have too many photos this time! But I, of course, have one of the stud muffin, Matt!
He's so sexy!! (and his sister, who is behind him, is damn adorable!!)
And this panel made me laugh!
Okay, calming down.
This volume had too much of a Matt shortage for me! I need more Matt. Stat.
And I love Christie's new artist, Beth! She's fabulous!
This volume wasn't nearly as good as the first one. That's not to say it was bad, but it was pretty mellow compared to the first. A lot more stuff happened in the first one. But I still loved it! And it was still hilarious!! Christie's shoulder angel and devil are hysterical!
I don't have too many photos this time! But I, of course, have one of the stud muffin, Matt!
He's so sexy!! (and his sister, who is behind him, is damn adorable!!)
And this panel made me laugh!
October 15, 2013
The awesomeness continues, as Christie and friends (except the jerk, Derek!) return to Yamacon for another year. This time around, Christie has a new artist, a pretty black girl named Bethany.
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And, Matt has a surprise as well, a bratty overly controlling and overly jealous/protective girlfriend named Emily. (Or, maybe, I just don't like her, because I ship Matt & Christie, like FedEx.)
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Luckily, the jerk Derek is completely out of the picture this time around. So, no more of his abuse or rape attenpts occur in this volume.
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And, Matt has a surprise as well, a bratty overly controlling and overly jealous/protective girlfriend named Emily. (Or, maybe, I just don't like her, because I ship Matt & Christie, like FedEx.)
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Luckily, the jerk Derek is completely out of the picture this time around. So, no more of his abuse or rape attenpts occur in this volume.
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August 30, 2014
The craziness gets cranked up to intense proportions in this volume of Dramacon where Christie returns to Yattacon and struggles with her feelings with Matt while he, surprisingly, now has an girlfriend and she & new partner-in-crime Bethany promote Wary City while dealing with rude new neighbors in the artist alley, the somewhat controversially subject of making manga when you're not even of Japanese descent and about Beth dealing with the fact that her ideal career is not in her mom's plans.
My feelings, in an nutshell. As usual.
This volume felt pretty strong compared to the first one because there was an TON of things going on this year and believe me, the emotions were strong with this one. I liked how both Christie and Beth had their own arcs going on and I thought it was interesting how Svetlana brought up certain topics such as Cosplaying, How the comic business really is and The manga thing. I Also ADORED Raj, Monica and Hyu-Jeong, They were fun, amazing characters and Their scenes cracked me up, especially when Raj was nice to Beth and Christie but was always after Hyu-Jeong and Monica when they goofed or slacked off, I hope we see more of them in Volume 3, They were great neighbors.
On Christie.
She was an bit wiser but still her goofy self. I really like how she handled the whole thing with Matt through it was frustrating but understandable. I also like how supportive she was of Bethany, I adore their friendship.
On Bethany.
I really liked her! She was an great character and I'm glad she teamed up with Christie. It was interesting the conflict that she had with her mom not approving of her love of drawing/comics but she was very mature and realistic about it.
On Matt.
We got more in-depth with him in this volume and my heart seriously ached for him. I honestly felt for him so much even though he was driving me an bit crazy with his cynical-ism in this volume.
On Matt and Christie.
I saw this coming miles away but it still hurt. I'm not gonna lie, things got really complicated between these two. Their scenes together really tugged at the heartstrings and while an bit mortifying were written brilliantly. The emotions were into overload here.
The rain scene just about killed me but it was the right thing to do, and I loved how Matt and Christie were, despite their strong feelings for each other, respectful.
I'm not giving up on these two. Never.
On Matt's Girlfriend, Emily.
And no, it's not for the most obvious reason. I promise.
She's not a extremely bad girl but her insensitivity really kills me. When she found out that Matt and Christie are an bit close, she pretty much gives Christie the third degree.
It's also obvious that she doesn't know Matt like Christie does. Matt just doesn't click with her the way he does with Christie, even with their cute scenes. Plus I lost so much respect for her when she did the unthinkable (Yes, she did not think what-so-whatever) when that scene happened. You know what I'm talking about.
Pardon my rage but.....
I'm honestly surprised he didn't break up with her right after that.
The ending is, like the first volume, bittersweet (I think Svetlana is a fan or something, or maybe she likes torturing us) but more of an downer...
That being said, There's one more volume left so never say never, right?
My feelings, in an nutshell. As usual.
This volume felt pretty strong compared to the first one because there was an TON of things going on this year and believe me, the emotions were strong with this one. I liked how both Christie and Beth had their own arcs going on and I thought it was interesting how Svetlana brought up certain topics such as Cosplaying, How the comic business really is and The manga thing. I Also ADORED Raj, Monica and Hyu-Jeong, They were fun, amazing characters and Their scenes cracked me up, especially when Raj was nice to Beth and Christie but was always after Hyu-Jeong and Monica when they goofed or slacked off, I hope we see more of them in Volume 3, They were great neighbors.
On Christie.
She was an bit wiser but still her goofy self. I really like how she handled the whole thing with Matt through it was frustrating but understandable. I also like how supportive she was of Bethany, I adore their friendship.
On Bethany.
I really liked her! She was an great character and I'm glad she teamed up with Christie. It was interesting the conflict that she had with her mom not approving of her love of drawing/comics but she was very mature and realistic about it.
On Matt.
We got more in-depth with him in this volume and my heart seriously ached for him. I honestly felt for him so much even though he was driving me an bit crazy with his cynical-ism in this volume.
On Matt and Christie.
I saw this coming miles away but it still hurt. I'm not gonna lie, things got really complicated between these two. Their scenes together really tugged at the heartstrings and while an bit mortifying were written brilliantly. The emotions were into overload here.
The rain scene just about killed me but it was the right thing to do, and I loved how Matt and Christie were, despite their strong feelings for each other, respectful.
I'm not giving up on these two. Never.
On Matt's Girlfriend, Emily.
And no, it's not for the most obvious reason. I promise.
She's not a extremely bad girl but her insensitivity really kills me. When she found out that Matt and Christie are an bit close, she pretty much gives Christie the third degree.
It's also obvious that she doesn't know Matt like Christie does. Matt just doesn't click with her the way he does with Christie, even with their cute scenes. Plus I lost so much respect for her when she did the unthinkable (Yes, she did not think what-so-whatever) when that scene happened. You know what I'm talking about.
Pardon my rage but.....
I'm honestly surprised he didn't break up with her right after that.
The ending is, like the first volume, bittersweet (I think Svetlana is a fan or something, or maybe she likes torturing us) but more of an downer...
That being said, There's one more volume left so never say never, right?
February 11, 2016
Wow! It's getting better and better. Why didn't I read it before?
I mean, I haven't read that many OEL manga in my life; I just read some volumes of the Manga Shakespeare series and a couple of anthologies but they weren't that impressive. I do specialize in German manga, to be honest. Nonetheless, thanks to Telling Tales I discovered Svetlana Čmakova.
The first volume of Dramacon was surprisingly good and the second one keeps up with my expectations.
One year has passed since Christie made her debut at a comic convention. This time she presents a brand-new artist, Beth, and a fairly successful web-comics. During the past year she tried to contact Matt but the only time she call him a girl voice answered and she didn't dare to call him again. Of course, all her feelings are still there and they come back as strong as ever as soon as she enters the convention.
I like this manga because it shows what it means to be a comic artist in the States. And also because I've never been to a con and I'm not sure I want to go because I don't like crowds that much. I also like the art with all the funny situations and chibi characters. Even the romance part is quite interesting and makes me want to read further.
Off to volume 3.
I mean, I haven't read that many OEL manga in my life; I just read some volumes of the Manga Shakespeare series and a couple of anthologies but they weren't that impressive. I do specialize in German manga, to be honest. Nonetheless, thanks to Telling Tales I discovered Svetlana Čmakova.
The first volume of Dramacon was surprisingly good and the second one keeps up with my expectations.
One year has passed since Christie made her debut at a comic convention. This time she presents a brand-new artist, Beth, and a fairly successful web-comics. During the past year she tried to contact Matt but the only time she call him a girl voice answered and she didn't dare to call him again. Of course, all her feelings are still there and they come back as strong as ever as soon as she enters the convention.
I like this manga because it shows what it means to be a comic artist in the States. And also because I've never been to a con and I'm not sure I want to go because I don't like crowds that much. I also like the art with all the funny situations and chibi characters. Even the romance part is quite interesting and makes me want to read further.
Off to volume 3.
August 12, 2019
If you've read the first Dramacon, then you won't be surprised that this volume takes place at the same convention one year later under similar circumstances; Christie Leroux, as a writer for a graphic novel, is running a booth at the same convention, where she runs into Matt again - however, unlike her last partner, the new artist is her friend, Beth (thank goodness). Christie is now older and wiser to the ways of the Anime community, and now knows some of what to expect at the convention, meaning she is also able to actually enjoy herself more. And due to a miscommunication earlier in the year, (spoiler) Matt and Christie are not actually together as the events of the last book will have you believe.
This is meant to be read as an Americanized shoujo manga, as well as a "how to not behave at an anime convention" series. A lot can happen - life gets in the way, misunderstandings happen, and, yes, drama is unavoidable at a place like this, but there ARE a set of unspoken rules fans should follow, and that's actually pretty well outlined in this series. We get to see Beth struggle with wanting to be both what she wants and what her mother wants her to be, and the growth from what Christie used to be in volume 1 to volume 2 where she's more confident and unapologetic. The friendship between these two and their new friendship with their booth neighbors are adorable. There is a scene that felt a little bit forced, but the reactions are all pretty realistic.
I remember reading this series when I was 12 and relating to it quite a bit. Conventions are an otherworldly place, and not having something tangible to tell you what to expect is hard. Back before youtube was a thing, books like these were a blessing in disguise. Yes the romance is a little pushy, and it has that feeling of a cheesy romance novel or soap opera, but this was kind of what conventions were like back in the early to mid 2000's. Some people you didn't get to see for a year change dramatically or not at all, a famous person you got to meet and you remember fondly won't remember you again due to the fact that, yes, they ALWAYS go to conventions and meet people all the time. Not to mention there are people who take their cosplays or manga as a whole a little TOO seriously (there's a scene I cringe at every time I read it, and yes you will probably get it immediately), but there will always be people who have your back. New friends are easy to make, if you're willing to open up to them.
Rereading this series now, there are a few things that have actually been banned from conventions that I find hilarious to look back on in comic form, but the series does hold up.
Give this one a try if you like conventions, romance, and having your feelings punched a few times. There are only 3 of these books, and I wish there were more. It's definitely not for everyone, but it's a good one for me.
~Bailey
This is meant to be read as an Americanized shoujo manga, as well as a "how to not behave at an anime convention" series. A lot can happen - life gets in the way, misunderstandings happen, and, yes, drama is unavoidable at a place like this, but there ARE a set of unspoken rules fans should follow, and that's actually pretty well outlined in this series. We get to see Beth struggle with wanting to be both what she wants and what her mother wants her to be, and the growth from what Christie used to be in volume 1 to volume 2 where she's more confident and unapologetic. The friendship between these two and their new friendship with their booth neighbors are adorable. There is a scene that felt a little bit forced, but the reactions are all pretty realistic.
I remember reading this series when I was 12 and relating to it quite a bit. Conventions are an otherworldly place, and not having something tangible to tell you what to expect is hard. Back before youtube was a thing, books like these were a blessing in disguise. Yes the romance is a little pushy, and it has that feeling of a cheesy romance novel or soap opera, but this was kind of what conventions were like back in the early to mid 2000's. Some people you didn't get to see for a year change dramatically or not at all, a famous person you got to meet and you remember fondly won't remember you again due to the fact that, yes, they ALWAYS go to conventions and meet people all the time. Not to mention there are people who take their cosplays or manga as a whole a little TOO seriously (there's a scene I cringe at every time I read it, and yes you will probably get it immediately), but there will always be people who have your back. New friends are easy to make, if you're willing to open up to them.
Rereading this series now, there are a few things that have actually been banned from conventions that I find hilarious to look back on in comic form, but the series does hold up.
Give this one a try if you like conventions, romance, and having your feelings punched a few times. There are only 3 of these books, and I wish there were more. It's definitely not for everyone, but it's a good one for me.
~Bailey
August 5, 2020
Depois de um 1.º volume que me deixou incerta quanto ao meu gosto por este tipo de histórias, confesso-me rendida ao 2.º livro de Dramacon.
Christie está mais crescida e, embora não tenha esquecido Matt, seguiu com a sua vida. No entanto, de regresso ao festival de anime de Lakeside, apercebe-se que ficou com sentimentos por resolver e as peripécias parecem-me multiplicar-se durante três dias muito intensos.
Adorei as novas personagens secundárias, em particular Bethany, a nova desenhadora parceira da protagonista, que além de muito divertida (e linda) vem enriquecer o enredo com temáticas pertinentes, como o racismo e dificuldades familiares.
Para ser sincera, acho que gostei de todos os intervenientes introduzidos, da suposta vilã aos artistas da mesa ao lado, que trazem leveza à narrativa e encanto ao desenho.
Sim, continua a haver uma boa dose de drama, mas foi nas questões curiosas e pertinentes sobre este universo que Svetlana Chmakova me prendeu. Gostei de saber mais sobre os bastidores destes eventos, dos conflitos que existem dentro da comunidade – puristas, bullies, etc. – e dos problemas desta profissão (guionistas e desenhadores), das dificuldades em se viver da arte.
Não esperava ter gostado tanto, de todo. Tive que pegar logo no terceiro volume.
Christie está mais crescida e, embora não tenha esquecido Matt, seguiu com a sua vida. No entanto, de regresso ao festival de anime de Lakeside, apercebe-se que ficou com sentimentos por resolver e as peripécias parecem-me multiplicar-se durante três dias muito intensos.
Adorei as novas personagens secundárias, em particular Bethany, a nova desenhadora parceira da protagonista, que além de muito divertida (e linda) vem enriquecer o enredo com temáticas pertinentes, como o racismo e dificuldades familiares.
Para ser sincera, acho que gostei de todos os intervenientes introduzidos, da suposta vilã aos artistas da mesa ao lado, que trazem leveza à narrativa e encanto ao desenho.
Sim, continua a haver uma boa dose de drama, mas foi nas questões curiosas e pertinentes sobre este universo que Svetlana Chmakova me prendeu. Gostei de saber mais sobre os bastidores destes eventos, dos conflitos que existem dentro da comunidade – puristas, bullies, etc. – e dos problemas desta profissão (guionistas e desenhadores), das dificuldades em se viver da arte.
Não esperava ter gostado tanto, de todo. Tive que pegar logo no terceiro volume.
October 28, 2020
Ez a kötet nem szippantott annyira magába, mint az első, itt a romantika háttérbe szorult kicsit, és az ízlésemnek egy hangyányit túl volt dramatizálva. Viszont az egyéb történések is érdekesek és szórakoztatók voltak. A conon kialakult új barátságok kis gyönyszemek. Komolyabb téma a tehetséges rajzolólány dilemmája, mert megélhetést tekintve nem a világ legjobb szakmája ez, megspékelve persze némi családi ellenérzéssel is. És nem utolsó sorban a mi számít mangának témakör: mert bár japán művészeti ág, de ettől csak japánok csinálhatják? Egy orosz származású kanadai például már nem, és annak más nevet kellene adni?
May 23, 2012
I am fangirling this book...SO MUCH. My family had to tell me to be quiet X) But yes, I am on a frenzy with this series.
Two Stars for Art Style Again...because it really is the right mixture of crazy, funny, and beautiful. Not as much funny moments as the first volume, but it was alright--hilarious anyway.
Two and a Half Stars for Characters/ Plot: OMGGGG HOW CAN I SAY I LOVE THESE CHARACTERS MORE THAN I ALREADY DO?!?! I love how the main character matured but she's still a teenager, and she really shows it. I think Bethany is a great replacement for Derek, she's obviously the perfect best-friend character, and she's likable! There wasn't as much of Matt's sister and Greta (unfortunately) as Matt's new girlfriend, whom, is not SO bad. She obviously cares for Matt and even if she does stupid things sometimes, she doesn't mean to. She just has an insensitive-streak to her. I don't ship her and Matt, but I can see why they got together. The new neighbors in this con aren't bad either. They're odd, they're cute when they argue, aghhh! I really don't think there are many characters in this book who aren't multi-personalitied and just so realistic. Matt...oh Matt...how I love thee and ship thee so hard with...Christie...notice how I totally forgot her name and so I never mentioned it before this line, when I actually had to look her up. Oh! And the manga-creator/mentor/awesome person, she's just hilarious. What I want to be when I grow up ^.^ A fun person, good with teenagers, and just, so down-to-earth and funny.
GAH!! I danced around the room with this book! It wasn't as plot-filled and action-packed as the first book, since we had Derek to make things interesting, but we had a nice portrayal of life in this one, and that SCENE with MATT in the RAIN made me want to scream--it was SO DARN DARN CUTE! OMGGGG! I can't wait to read the third one!!! I JUST CAN'T!!!! *Runs back to library to check it out* :D
Two Stars for Art Style Again...because it really is the right mixture of crazy, funny, and beautiful. Not as much funny moments as the first volume, but it was alright--hilarious anyway.
Two and a Half Stars for Characters/ Plot: OMGGGG HOW CAN I SAY I LOVE THESE CHARACTERS MORE THAN I ALREADY DO?!?! I love how the main character matured but she's still a teenager, and she really shows it. I think Bethany is a great replacement for Derek, she's obviously the perfect best-friend character, and she's likable! There wasn't as much of Matt's sister and Greta (unfortunately) as Matt's new girlfriend, whom, is not SO bad. She obviously cares for Matt and even if she does stupid things sometimes, she doesn't mean to. She just has an insensitive-streak to her. I don't ship her and Matt, but I can see why they got together. The new neighbors in this con aren't bad either. They're odd, they're cute when they argue, aghhh! I really don't think there are many characters in this book who aren't multi-personalitied and just so realistic. Matt...oh Matt...how I love thee and ship thee so hard with...Christie...notice how I totally forgot her name and so I never mentioned it before this line, when I actually had to look her up. Oh! And the manga-creator/mentor/awesome person, she's just hilarious. What I want to be when I grow up ^.^ A fun person, good with teenagers, and just, so down-to-earth and funny.
GAH!! I danced around the room with this book! It wasn't as plot-filled and action-packed as the first book, since we had Derek to make things interesting, but we had a nice portrayal of life in this one, and that SCENE with MATT in the RAIN made me want to scream--it was SO DARN DARN CUTE! OMGGGG! I can't wait to read the third one!!! I JUST CAN'T!!!! *Runs back to library to check it out* :D
December 4, 2007
So, another year at the con. I like the idea of each volume being a different con weekend. Here we find all our characters a little more grown up, a little more realistic, and a little more interesting. So, it's an improvement all around. And, again, it does not have a predictable ending and in my opinion, a manga that's not formulaic, and manages to be suprising, is always a winner. Plus, it retains the delightful charm and humor of the first volume. Aces!
June 4, 2008
Crazy fangirls with cat ears, grumpy boys with sunglasses and floppy hair, and lots and lots of glomping. And it's a YALSA Great Graphic Novels for Teens pick. What's not to love?
November 7, 2010
Ugh. Why did he have to have a girlfriend? Not. Cool.
But I liked Bethany, so I guess I forgive the author.
But I liked Bethany, so I guess I forgive the author.
June 11, 2012
The first one was GREAT! But this one I was not fond of. It had better have a good finale and .
August 9, 2007
This was a bit of a disappointment. I liked the first volume so much more.
July 7, 2020
Having adored the Berrybrook series by Chmakova, a friend recommended I read her earlier work Dramacon. So I did. And here goes.
Dramacon centers around Christie, an aspiring manga author, and her experiences at a major comic convention over three years. Volume 2 has her attending with a new artist and friend at her side, meeting new friends and rivals, and encountering old ones. Things don't work as smoothly as she'd like though, either personally or professionally.
While it is still very enjoyable, it's definitely her earlier piece. The art, especially in vol. 1, is much busier, like a lot of manga artists in their early works. Much more background, more panels on a page, more chibi reactions... just more. There are some cliches stuck in, and the pacing can be a little rushed. It calms down as the series progresses, as Chmakova gains experience, and makes for a bit easier read. That isn't to say the art or the story is bad - not at any rate! There are some great funny moments, some good visual gags, and Christie's interactions with Matt carry a lot of emotion. Christie grows up a lot at her cons, becoming a lot more assured in what she's aiming for. It's just not quite as polished a read as the Berrybrook series. Still definitely worth the read though!
That being aid, you start to see Chmakova develop her skills a lot here. The art mellows, as I said, but you also start seeing shades of Berrybrook. While the first volume was a little more superficial, here we start getting into ideas of growing up - what we want versus what's expected, of race, and of relationships - not everything goes smoothly or according to our hopes and sometimes we have to make choices about what we really want (yes, this one's a love triangle volume).
You really need to read all 3 to get the whole story. Volume 1 can kinda stand on its own, but it's not the most satisfying of endings - more 'coming of age and first potential step for the future' than an actual closure. Over the next two years (volumes 2-3), you see Christie grow, figure out what she wants with both her professional and personal lives (i.e. her comics and her relationship with cosplayer Matt). By the time volume 3 closes, while it's still not a concrete ending, its a much more satisfying one.
I've called this shoujo manga, because overall it's a lighter tone. But the characters are all older HS to college age. They talk about sex (some implied offscreen), there's an attempted assault, and some steamy-sweet kisses with Christie and Matt (especially volume 3). So, yes, a clean read, but still some topics in there.
4 stars. A good growing up story with some more realistic romantic story threads. I think I'm not as gushing about it because I just loved Berrybrook so much and had my bar set so high. Still definitely worth the read.
Dramacon centers around Christie, an aspiring manga author, and her experiences at a major comic convention over three years. Volume 2 has her attending with a new artist and friend at her side, meeting new friends and rivals, and encountering old ones. Things don't work as smoothly as she'd like though, either personally or professionally.
While it is still very enjoyable, it's definitely her earlier piece. The art, especially in vol. 1, is much busier, like a lot of manga artists in their early works. Much more background, more panels on a page, more chibi reactions... just more. There are some cliches stuck in, and the pacing can be a little rushed. It calms down as the series progresses, as Chmakova gains experience, and makes for a bit easier read. That isn't to say the art or the story is bad - not at any rate! There are some great funny moments, some good visual gags, and Christie's interactions with Matt carry a lot of emotion. Christie grows up a lot at her cons, becoming a lot more assured in what she's aiming for. It's just not quite as polished a read as the Berrybrook series. Still definitely worth the read though!
That being aid, you start to see Chmakova develop her skills a lot here. The art mellows, as I said, but you also start seeing shades of Berrybrook. While the first volume was a little more superficial, here we start getting into ideas of growing up - what we want versus what's expected, of race, and of relationships - not everything goes smoothly or according to our hopes and sometimes we have to make choices about what we really want (yes, this one's a love triangle volume).
You really need to read all 3 to get the whole story. Volume 1 can kinda stand on its own, but it's not the most satisfying of endings - more 'coming of age and first potential step for the future' than an actual closure. Over the next two years (volumes 2-3), you see Christie grow, figure out what she wants with both her professional and personal lives (i.e. her comics and her relationship with cosplayer Matt). By the time volume 3 closes, while it's still not a concrete ending, its a much more satisfying one.
I've called this shoujo manga, because overall it's a lighter tone. But the characters are all older HS to college age. They talk about sex (some implied offscreen), there's an attempted assault, and some steamy-sweet kisses with Christie and Matt (especially volume 3). So, yes, a clean read, but still some topics in there.
4 stars. A good growing up story with some more realistic romantic story threads. I think I'm not as gushing about it because I just loved Berrybrook so much and had my bar set so high. Still definitely worth the read.
July 6, 2023
I AM SO INVESTED IN THIS STORY WHY IS IT ONLY 3 VOLUMES AHHHHHHHHHHH
…
OK so this volume was pretty good too but it goes more into Christie’s work/professional life than the romance building which was featured more prominently in the first volume. And guess what? I was okay with the lack of Matt x Christie because the friends Christie made this year were so nice and I love Bethany! She’s just so cool and the bestest friend you could ask for! I was sad we didn’t see Sandra that much this time.
Anyway love the story so far and onto the next volume and no sleep for the next hour 🥲😅
…
OK so this volume was pretty good too but it goes more into Christie’s work/professional life than the romance building which was featured more prominently in the first volume. And guess what? I was okay with the lack of Matt x Christie because the friends Christie made this year were so nice and I love Bethany! She’s just so cool and the bestest friend you could ask for! I was sad we didn’t see Sandra that much this time.
Anyway love the story so far and onto the next volume and no sleep for the next hour 🥲😅
August 21, 2017
Well, this volume didn't appeal to me near as much as the first volume. But, that's likely only because I just didn't read it during the most perfect time in my life to read it, like I did with the first volume. I just can't relate to this one as much, but I'm still lapping it up. It still has a special and unique charm to it that I quite like, but I really didn't see enough or any Matt X Chriss! Come oonnnn! It was just some steamy talk and held back feelings, some chasing in the rain, that's all. I want them to kiss again. He needs to get rid of karate girl and just go after Chriss for an LDR. Obviously, they love each other a lot. And that love didn't diminish at all during a whole year, on either side. They've only been distracting themselves with others. Ah, but yeah. This was all still very true to life while still being funny and crazy. I really enjoyed it and I can't wait to read the last volume next.
November 26, 2018
I'm a sucker for books told in a compressed time frame, so I do enjoy that all the drama is on one day. I also like how easily Chmakova fills us in on what's been happening with the characters since the last book. It's an interested way to structure a series, for sure, and I am here for it.
I don't have much to say about the book except it's a pleasant (and fast) read. I only have two quibbles: (1) There's a racist character, and I wish more was done to push back against what he says, especially because it's so exceptionally stupid. (2) Chmakova almost seems to want to confront issues of appropriation when it comes to writing manga as a non-Japanese person, but, again, that issue is given surface treatment at best.
These aren't major complaints as I think Chmakova leaves enough space for readers to question/push against the ideas themselves, but I noticed it, so I'm pointing it out.
I don't have much to say about the book except it's a pleasant (and fast) read. I only have two quibbles: (1) There's a racist character, and I wish more was done to push back against what he says, especially because it's so exceptionally stupid. (2) Chmakova almost seems to want to confront issues of appropriation when it comes to writing manga as a non-Japanese person, but, again, that issue is given surface treatment at best.
These aren't major complaints as I think Chmakova leaves enough space for readers to question/push against the ideas themselves, but I noticed it, so I'm pointing it out.
September 12, 2025
Christie returns to the con a year later with a new, and better, artist, Bethany. She hopes to meet Matt again (her one attempt to call him ended up with a woman picking up) only to discover that he now has a girlfriend. So she tries to keep that from her mind as she navigates some picky, opinionated manga fans. The conflict repeats itself when she steps away from the booth leaving Bethany in the line of fire as a snot-nosed brat squares up against a popular manga artist and pulls the racists card out of his tiny back pocket (Bethany is African American I do believe). Thank god his mother is there to threaten a life long grounding and insists on making some sort of amends.
Despite everything Christie is still drawn to Matt and accidentally confesses her continued attraction to him. We also get into Bethany's mother's disapproval of her drawing....
Despite everything Christie is still drawn to Matt and accidentally confesses her continued attraction to him. We also get into Bethany's mother's disapproval of her drawing....
September 16, 2020
arc provided by the publisher via edelweiss in exchange for an honest review
Okayyyyy so this was a major improvement from the first volume and I had a blast with this one. The angst!!!! I’m usually not a fan of it but the amount of angst in this volume has me so excited for the next!
I liked the plot twist of Matt having a girlfriend and Christie having to deal with it which I think she did very well! I did not like Matt’s girlfriend which I hope was the intended purpose because she was awful to him.
I really loved the friendship aspect that we saw throughout this volume too, it was super sweet and had me feeling so much joy for them and their accomplishments!
Overall, I had a blast reading this volume and will be continuing on with this series immediately.
4/5 🌟
Okayyyyy so this was a major improvement from the first volume and I had a blast with this one. The angst!!!! I’m usually not a fan of it but the amount of angst in this volume has me so excited for the next!
I liked the plot twist of Matt having a girlfriend and Christie having to deal with it which I think she did very well! I did not like Matt’s girlfriend which I hope was the intended purpose because she was awful to him.
I really loved the friendship aspect that we saw throughout this volume too, it was super sweet and had me feeling so much joy for them and their accomplishments!
Overall, I had a blast reading this volume and will be continuing on with this series immediately.
4/5 🌟
April 15, 2024
Christie is back at the comic convention again: this time with her new friend and artist, Bethany. She runs into Matt again… but he has a girlfriend… who gets up close and personal with Chriss, and this new girlfriend claims that she and Matthew have been together for three months and can’t pick a movie to watch together without it turning into a fight… yep we’re at Dramacon. Drama ensues, lots of drama.. and we’re left the loose ends to tie up in the last volume. A lot less action happens in this comic versus book one and I was actually surprised when the book ended because it felt kind of random and like it was forced to wrap up quickly.
This volume isn’t nearly as sexually explicit in words, but it has a random bought of racism.
This volume isn’t nearly as sexually explicit in words, but it has a random bought of racism.
June 17, 2021
I didn't mind jumping into the middle of this series; the author made sure that I knew who the recurring characters were and their relationships. But it was hard for me to jump into manga style comics -- apparently there's this thing, that I've seen a little bit in other mangas, where the style changes and people are rendered more cartoonish to show an emotional beat. This often made me unable to recognize them. And there are some stylized faces people make that I find discordant, like when their jaws literally drop.
So this was sometimes a bit of a slog for me for the very reasons that I bet people who enjoy manga would like it.
So this was sometimes a bit of a slog for me for the very reasons that I bet people who enjoy manga would like it.
August 30, 2020
A great second volume that I definitely recommend
This second volume was almost better than the first one. It was a bit les cute in that there was less romance in this volume than in the first one but the main character got more developed I think. The story had a bit more depth too, talking about the career of mangaka, manga and the struggle with making it. I enjoyed Bethany a lot, she was so mature and passionate, and this manga is still full of humour. I don’t have much to say about that one, except that you should read it.
5/5
This second volume was almost better than the first one. It was a bit les cute in that there was less romance in this volume than in the first one but the main character got more developed I think. The story had a bit more depth too, talking about the career of mangaka, manga and the struggle with making it. I enjoyed Bethany a lot, she was so mature and passionate, and this manga is still full of humour. I don’t have much to say about that one, except that you should read it.
5/5
April 28, 2023
Christie's back at the anime convention with a new artist, Beth. Matt is also back with a girlfriend which surprises and deflates Christie. Beth's mom doesn't know she is at the convention or that she draws anime. Beth is so good that she gets a great offer. Lila, who liked the work Christie was doing the year before gets to know the girls a bit better. Things are busy and chaotic as usual creating drama at the convention. This is a good book with a great story about ambitious young adults who care about each other.
February 17, 2018
The second did not disappoint. LOVED IT. Still, no matter how many cliches are utilized, there's still that balance between conformism and subversion that makes for a great story.
July 31, 2023
Fun fact, I had the honour of meeting the author and bought all three volumes of Dramacon from her and she signed them all and even drew a picture on each book!
These may not be the best manga series I ever read but they had a cute charm and they hit me hard with nostalgia every time I re-read them.
I also liked the story better in the second volume—mostly the new characters in Bethany's storyline. As a former animator who went to an art school, I understand her struggles.
These may not be the best manga series I ever read but they had a cute charm and they hit me hard with nostalgia every time I re-read them.
I also liked the story better in the second volume—mostly the new characters in Bethany's storyline. As a former animator who went to an art school, I understand her struggles.
December 28, 2019
Not as big a fan of this one as I am the first one. But I still love this book. The new artist, Beth, has so much going for her. The romance from the first book didn't carry over as well into the second book.
Because I have it I lend this one out as well, but it doesn't have the punch that the first one did. The issues in this book get much more serious.
Because I have it I lend this one out as well, but it doesn't have the punch that the first one did. The issues in this book get much more serious.
July 21, 2020
Hihetetlenül szeretem ezt a sorozatot! :3
Én azt hittem, hogy az első rész után sok újat nem tud mutatni, elvégre egy animecon nem sokat tud változni, pláne, hogy ugyanúgy eladónak mennek, meg ilyenek… de aztán, hogy ilyen jófej az új rajzolója – és szerencsétlen sem bonyodalommentes – minden adott, hogy feje tetejére álljon a bál. A harmadik részt várom, már beszerzés alatt! :)
Én azt hittem, hogy az első rész után sok újat nem tud mutatni, elvégre egy animecon nem sokat tud változni, pláne, hogy ugyanúgy eladónak mennek, meg ilyenek… de aztán, hogy ilyen jófej az új rajzolója – és szerencsétlen sem bonyodalommentes – minden adott, hogy feje tetejére álljon a bál. A harmadik részt várom, már beszerzés alatt! :)
December 23, 2020
Oh wow. Another year passes and we are back at the anime convention. But.... this isn’t a good time for Christie. Matt has a girlfriend.... *heart breaks* *shrieks*
Even though Christie didn’t have the best time, this was still a good volume. I love these characters! I wish I had friends like these!
Even though Christie didn’t have the best time, this was still a good volume. I love these characters! I wish I had friends like these!
March 20, 2021
This is a reread. I appreciate how this second volume discusses racial issues with manga and difficulties of being a comic artist. It’s missing the fun con vibes from the first volume I enjoyed but this one tried to play it more serious. I love the addition of Beth. I’m also relieved there was cheating in this. 3.6/5
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