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Princess Ai [プリンセス·アイ物語] #1
Принцеса Аі. Поневіряння. Книга 1
Вирушайте у захопливу подорож із таємничою дівчиною, яка шукає себе та порятунок у цьому світі й поза його межами. Аі притомніє на холодних, безжальних вулицях Токіо. Дівчина має з’ясувати, хто вона, що тут робить, і розкрити таємницю свого медальйона-серця. Загадковий юнак Кент пропонує Аі допомогу… і, можливо, дещо більше. Та сили кохання й хаосу обступають її…
196 pages, Paperback
First published July 1, 2004
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 150 reviews
February 2, 2015
A beautiful blonde in ripped fishnets and not much else finds herself in a strange city, a strange world. She has lost her memory. She can only remember her name, Princess Ai (Ai means Love) and that she can sing. She meets a shaggy-haired guitar-player who works in a library and is kind to cats and other strays. They share a "bond" and he lets her sleep in his bed while he takes the couch. A gentleman! Ai is also a "good girl" she doesn't let anyone touch her even though she immediately lands a job at a strip club -- just singing, because her voice is so special. Some of the strippers are jealous, and so is her new friend Kent's gay roommate, who has a major thing for him. Worse, there is some supernatural evil, Lilith, after Ai. She finds a mysterious book, sees a vision from her parents, still can't remember what happened.
I had mixed feelings about this manga. As a project it seemed pretty self-indulgent. The Princess is quite a Marysue. She is so talented, so beautiful, everyone loves her except jealous haters, because of her looks and some naive charm(?) even though she is never especially nice to anyone. She seems pretty oblivious and self-absorbed, frankly. It was boring to read about her. And she was a little slut-shaming. On the other hand, I appreciated her take on some other gender matters. A woman can dress however she likes without giving men the right to harass her. Although the portrayal of the strip club is negative, she doesn't condemn the women who work there. One of the most nuanced scenes is when her instinctive response is to hit a man who bothers her, but she refrains because she doesn't want to make trouble for the sex workers who are present.
So, a few interesting things. But overall I didn't find it very engrossing to read so I won't be picking up the next volume.
I had mixed feelings about this manga. As a project it seemed pretty self-indulgent. The Princess is quite a Marysue. She is so talented, so beautiful, everyone loves her except jealous haters, because of her looks and some naive charm(?) even though she is never especially nice to anyone. She seems pretty oblivious and self-absorbed, frankly. It was boring to read about her. And she was a little slut-shaming. On the other hand, I appreciated her take on some other gender matters. A woman can dress however she likes without giving men the right to harass her. Although the portrayal of the strip club is negative, she doesn't condemn the women who work there. One of the most nuanced scenes is when her instinctive response is to hit a man who bothers her, but she refrains because she doesn't want to make trouble for the sex workers who are present.
So, a few interesting things. But overall I didn't find it very engrossing to read so I won't be picking up the next volume.
May 27, 2012
The main character's name is Ai. Ai is a Japanese name meaning 'Love'. The author's name... is Courtney Love....
Oh sure, I'll be reading this--but for lulz and lulz alone.
--
So. I read it.
...I'm not impressed. The story revolves around Ai, a princess from Ai-Land (yeah...) wakes up in the middle of Toyko with no idea who she is or where she's from. The only clue as to her past is a strange mysterious heart shaped box.
While I got some significant red flags from Ai regarding whether or not she was a Mary Sue, I found myself conflicted. I did a few tests and they all agreed that she was teetering the line, but not quite there. I feel that way as well. She could be a Sue, I suppose, but she's just far away enough so that she's not.
And another thing. The tropes, people, the tropes. Aaargh. I don't know when I bashed my head into my keyboard the hardest, when the strange guy who had no idea who she was let her stay over at his house, when some random dude walked up to her on the street and offered her a job, when the evil lady in the scantily clad outfit laughed maliciously for the third time or when mysterious dude's roommate lashed out at her for seemingly no reason other than that he felt threatened by her presence because of her beauty. A person can only take so much.
But I have to say, it wasn't like it was THAT bad, I mean I gave it three stars. At least from what I've read it wasn't THAT bad, anyway. Whatever the case I don't intend on going back and finishing it. It's just not for me.
Oh sure, I'll be reading this--but for lulz and lulz alone.
--
So. I read it.
...I'm not impressed. The story revolves around Ai, a princess from Ai-Land (yeah...) wakes up in the middle of Toyko with no idea who she is or where she's from. The only clue as to her past is a strange mysterious heart shaped box.
While I got some significant red flags from Ai regarding whether or not she was a Mary Sue, I found myself conflicted. I did a few tests and they all agreed that she was teetering the line, but not quite there. I feel that way as well. She could be a Sue, I suppose, but she's just far away enough so that she's not.
And another thing. The tropes, people, the tropes. Aaargh. I don't know when I bashed my head into my keyboard the hardest, when the strange guy who had no idea who she was let her stay over at his house, when some random dude walked up to her on the street and offered her a job, when the evil lady in the scantily clad outfit laughed maliciously for the third time or when mysterious dude's roommate lashed out at her for seemingly no reason other than that he felt threatened by her presence because of her beauty. A person can only take so much.
But I have to say, it wasn't like it was THAT bad, I mean I gave it three stars. At least from what I've read it wasn't THAT bad, anyway. Whatever the case I don't intend on going back and finishing it. It's just not for me.
September 16, 2011
A mediocre story. The story is very typical teenage girl day dream stuff. Had some funny moments and some really fantastic art in the way of fashion design but I've read better manga. The end leaves you confused. You may like it as a beginner manga though.
July 16, 2015
This was fairly disapointing. The only reason I gave it 2 stars is because the art is absolutely georgous.
Otherwise this is just another attempt to create a flawless character who is oh so great and everybody loves them. A typical MarySue story.
Ai wakes up in Tokyo with no memory of who she is and where she is from. She gets a job singing and everyone immediately falls in love with her and she becomes famous pretty quickly. She mets the ˝perfect˝ guy called Kent who plays guitar.
Ai has an ˝amazing˝ sense of style and later on, she grows wings. She is also extrodinarily beautiful.
All of a sudden, some evil people from her world start to follow her and try to kill her. Because she is a princess from anoher dimension.
Otherwise this is just another attempt to create a flawless character who is oh so great and everybody loves them. A typical MarySue story.
Ai wakes up in Tokyo with no memory of who she is and where she is from. She gets a job singing and everyone immediately falls in love with her and she becomes famous pretty quickly. She mets the ˝perfect˝ guy called Kent who plays guitar.
Ai has an ˝amazing˝ sense of style and later on, she grows wings. She is also extrodinarily beautiful.
All of a sudden, some evil people from her world start to follow her and try to kill her. Because she is a princess from anoher dimension.
December 10, 2013
The artwork is very, very, very, very lovely. Even though the story is a bit of a huge cliche, I still enjoy reading this trilogy.^_^
January 8, 2022
Princess Ai, Vol. 1 (My Kindle Review)
Ai is definitely no fairy tale princess. Her story begins when she wakes up in Tokyo, Japan and all she has are the clothes on her back and a heart-shaped chest that might hold the answers to how she here. Her first of many surprises is meeting young college student Kent and she slowly becomes more and more infatuated with him. She unexpectedly becomes a singer at an gentleman’s club and grabs the attention of some shady people. Meanwhile, she is unaware that a dark figure from her world is attempting to find and capture her for other purposes.
It’s a beautiful stylish manga that loves to stay darkly fashionable while telling it’s slowly unfolding story with a captivating heroine. Ai’s story is certainly a mix of a “fish of a water” story while having a bit of an “Alice in Wonderland” feel. Also by the looks of it, there’s a interesting romance slowly budding. This princess is about to go places. A- (91%/Excellent)
Ai is definitely no fairy tale princess. Her story begins when she wakes up in Tokyo, Japan and all she has are the clothes on her back and a heart-shaped chest that might hold the answers to how she here. Her first of many surprises is meeting young college student Kent and she slowly becomes more and more infatuated with him. She unexpectedly becomes a singer at an gentleman’s club and grabs the attention of some shady people. Meanwhile, she is unaware that a dark figure from her world is attempting to find and capture her for other purposes.
It’s a beautiful stylish manga that loves to stay darkly fashionable while telling it’s slowly unfolding story with a captivating heroine. Ai’s story is certainly a mix of a “fish of a water” story while having a bit of an “Alice in Wonderland” feel. Also by the looks of it, there’s a interesting romance slowly budding. This princess is about to go places. A- (91%/Excellent)
February 4, 2012
I really enjoyed this book, yes the references to Courtney herself and her life are very blatant but it didn't really bother me as I'm a Courtney fan. I think that maybe the references could have been a little bit more subtly added I don't think it really detracts from the story as I think if Courtney wasn't credited as a creator you may not think that it's linked to her. I recommend it and I'm excited to start the second.
April 14, 2018
When I learned that Courtney Love - one of my favorite musicians & inspirational people of all-time - co-created this manga - which I also enjoy reading (such as Cardcaptor Sakura and Soul Eater) - I became so excited!
The story is so mysterious and interesting -- it makes me want to continue reading the next two volumes, in order to find out more about Ai's past and all that! The art looks beautiful, the characters are likable, it has music, good humor, and Gothic Lolita-like fashion.
Some of you might think that the romance is redundant, but to me, it doesn't seem like a cheesy romance at all when you get into Ai's mind about Kent (and vice versa).
Speaking of which, if you know about Courtney Love, it's easy to see who's supposed to represent whom in this story:
That's right...
And here's another fun fact: "Ai" means "love" in Japanese. I also learned that earlier on, before she became a musician, Courtney, with no money or family support, worked as a stripper in Japan (thank goodness she didn't stick to that!).
Anyway, facts aside, if you love whimsical stories that involve mystery, humor, romance, music, big towns, and danger, pick Princess Ai up!
The story is so mysterious and interesting -- it makes me want to continue reading the next two volumes, in order to find out more about Ai's past and all that! The art looks beautiful, the characters are likable, it has music, good humor, and Gothic Lolita-like fashion.
Some of you might think that the romance is redundant, but to me, it doesn't seem like a cheesy romance at all when you get into Ai's mind about Kent (and vice versa).
Speaking of which, if you know about Courtney Love, it's easy to see who's supposed to represent whom in this story:
That's right...
And here's another fun fact: "Ai" means "love" in Japanese. I also learned that earlier on, before she became a musician, Courtney, with no money or family support, worked as a stripper in Japan (thank goodness she didn't stick to that!).
Anyway, facts aside, if you love whimsical stories that involve mystery, humor, romance, music, big towns, and danger, pick Princess Ai up!
May 5, 2021
Egészen véletlenül találtam, és egyébként nem sok fantasy-t fogyasztok (a keleti világból sem). Nem is ragadott olyan nagyon magával, de pláne úgy, hogy ez egy rövid sorozat, érdekel, hogy mi lesz még ebből.
Ai hercegnő egy másik világból jött A személyisége mondjuk kicsit irritáló, de elég tipikus mangákat-animéket tekintve.
Kicsit kusza, egészen valószerűtlen. De a japánokat ismerve ebből még ki lehet hozni legalább egy félig epic fantasy-t. Én mindenesetre drukkolok.
November 23, 2025
The art is absolute stunning! But unfortunately, the story is a bit meh for me. It's about Princess Ai who has lost her memory and finds her in a strange city. Thankfully she meets a nice guitar-player who works at a library and let's her sleep at his place - to the dismay of his roommate. Ai gets a job at a club because she is an incredible singer as she tries to figure out who she is and where she came from....
December 28, 2018
Interesting tale. Obviously Courtney Love and Kurt Cobain are heavy artistic influences. Cursing and trashy clothing, plus where she initially works are irritating though.
January 12, 2019
I absolutely love this! A.I has so much spunk and doesn't let others get to her too much! She knows what she wants and can stand up for herself.
I look forward to reading more :).
I look forward to reading more :).
November 8, 2021
I haven't read this since high school, haha. Found my old copy and wow! The art is still stunning.
September 4, 2024
mi novia me regaló esta mangaaaa, creo que sale una referencia a kurt en este manga, está bueno, me gustó esta insano
January 18, 2018
Pretty art, but ok series based on Courtney Love and Kurt Cobain.
March 15, 2020
This is so uninspired and awful, it made me question life. However, the art style is beautiful, kudos to the illustrator, I hope that she at least got some money for having to draw out this awful story.
June 22, 2025
não foi maravilhoso, também não foi horrível. A história é confusa e muito rápida, mas foi suficiente para poder apreciar a ai yazawa e a courtney mais um bocado. Não voltava a ler e não recomendava a ninguém que gostasse só de anime ou que gostasse só da courtney. Também não considero uma perda de tempo, é só muito niche.
October 18, 2008
I really wanted to hate this short manga series...on a couple of occassions, I've asked fellow manga-fans whether its wrong that I love Princess Ai. The story is written by three authors, one including Courtney Love, who isn't exactly as popular as she is famous, and I really did believe that this would be an incredibly weak story made just to make some extra bucks. I'm not exactly a fan of Love, and it just seemed like a money-making gimmick, jumping on the cult trend for Japanese manga in the west.
But I ended up really liking it. Ai is a princess from another world, who is sent to Earth for her safety, but loses her memories on the way. In Japan, she sets about trying to discover herself, and becomes a massive rock diva along the way. The series is only 3 books long, and it's not the cleverest of plots, but it was definately a pleasure to read, and the art is something to delight over. Many of Ai's outfits seem to revolve around Gothic/Punk/Lolita styles and are very creative.
I think that Love has tried to have Ai modeled on herself- or rather, the person she wishes she is. Ai's character isn't particularly indepth, but likeable- sassy, bright and talented, with a fantastic singing voice that emotionally affects everyone who hears her (and the word "Ai" in Japanese means "love"...coincidence?). The character Kent seems to be loosely modelled on Kurt Cobain, and the involvement of a not-too-subtly named "Heart-Shaped Box" indicates that Love may well have wanted to put a bit of heart into this story, and not just make it for money.
The artwork is better than the story line, but the characters are funny and interesting...don't expect a masterpeice, but pick up and know that you can at least enjoy the read.
But I ended up really liking it. Ai is a princess from another world, who is sent to Earth for her safety, but loses her memories on the way. In Japan, she sets about trying to discover herself, and becomes a massive rock diva along the way. The series is only 3 books long, and it's not the cleverest of plots, but it was definately a pleasure to read, and the art is something to delight over. Many of Ai's outfits seem to revolve around Gothic/Punk/Lolita styles and are very creative.
I think that Love has tried to have Ai modeled on herself- or rather, the person she wishes she is. Ai's character isn't particularly indepth, but likeable- sassy, bright and talented, with a fantastic singing voice that emotionally affects everyone who hears her (and the word "Ai" in Japanese means "love"...coincidence?). The character Kent seems to be loosely modelled on Kurt Cobain, and the involvement of a not-too-subtly named "Heart-Shaped Box" indicates that Love may well have wanted to put a bit of heart into this story, and not just make it for money.
The artwork is better than the story line, but the characters are funny and interesting...don't expect a masterpeice, but pick up and know that you can at least enjoy the read.
July 6, 2017
~3/5
(This review is for the whole series.)
I was really hoping to love this series, but was oddly not too impressed.
Ai is a princess from another world, and she shows up on Earth with no memory, and slowly starts gaining it back by the end of the series, when she has to go back to her own world to save it. The ending was a bit cheesy, and a little open-ended, but it was okay. The character development was just okay—I did like the main romance, but otherwise we didn’t get enough complexity.
I do think the artwork is very pretty.
I also am interested in the character of Ai. As a person, she’s kind of annoying. Very stubborn and a bit of a spoiled brat, with no care for anyone but herself and a select few. Even after she signs a contract to be an idol, she doesn’t give a shit about all the agreements she’s made or the shows she’s agreed to do, and hates when they want her to do her job. She’s a pain in the ass.
But on the other hand, she’s a strong female character. She doesn’t stand for people bullying her or trying to take advantage of her, she can fight anyone if she wants to. I particularly like that with all the revealing clothes she wears, she wears them because she likes them, and doesn’t stand for it when people try to act like she’s easy because of the way she looks. I was impressed with that.
Overall, it was an okay series. Not amazing, not horrible. It didn’t keep me glued to the pages, but I might pick up the spin-off.
[Read more at my blog, Geeky Reading!]
(This review is for the whole series.)
I was really hoping to love this series, but was oddly not too impressed.
Ai is a princess from another world, and she shows up on Earth with no memory, and slowly starts gaining it back by the end of the series, when she has to go back to her own world to save it. The ending was a bit cheesy, and a little open-ended, but it was okay. The character development was just okay—I did like the main romance, but otherwise we didn’t get enough complexity.
I do think the artwork is very pretty.
I also am interested in the character of Ai. As a person, she’s kind of annoying. Very stubborn and a bit of a spoiled brat, with no care for anyone but herself and a select few. Even after she signs a contract to be an idol, she doesn’t give a shit about all the agreements she’s made or the shows she’s agreed to do, and hates when they want her to do her job. She’s a pain in the ass.
But on the other hand, she’s a strong female character. She doesn’t stand for people bullying her or trying to take advantage of her, she can fight anyone if she wants to. I particularly like that with all the revealing clothes she wears, she wears them because she likes them, and doesn’t stand for it when people try to act like she’s easy because of the way she looks. I was impressed with that.
Overall, it was an okay series. Not amazing, not horrible. It didn’t keep me glued to the pages, but I might pick up the spin-off.
[Read more at my blog, Geeky Reading!]
June 1, 2010
Manga and anime can promote something and still be decent. For instance, I like Yugioh despite the fact that it only exists to promote the card game because the story works for me. This book seems to be a medium for Courtney Love to promote her song writing and clothing style (neither of which is completely impressive to me). There are numerous parts to the story that are either weird or just corny (Ai-Land?). The biggest thing I dislike is the story element that seems to be appearing more lately: the gay friend/roommate who doesn't realize/care that their crush is completely unrequited but still tries to drive off any competitors. If I hadn't seen it in more than one story lately, it wouldn't bother me as much (although this roommate has other reasons to dislike Ai that aren't what he chooses to focus on (i for one would be more upset about the clothes...)). There isn't much violence or language at all. There is a kiss and some implications of sexual situations including the fact that Ai basically works as a modern-day geisha.
March 29, 2018
I didn't finish this book, but stopped somewhere in the second chapter. I'm always nervous about picking up teen manga, as I'm never sure how adult it's going to be. This one is rated for 13+, but it should have been at least 16+. There wasn't any language that I can recall, but the main character goes around in a skimpy outfit and there's quite a few sexual references (including her getting a job at a strip club, though she herself isn't stripping). Also, there a little bit of homosexuality, in that Kent's roommate is gay for him.
Aside from content issues, the story and the characters were just... meh. Ai's personality seems to be all over the place, and she acts rather well-put-together for somebody who wakes up without much of a memory. Also, the whole memory thing was odd, as she just kind of lucked into finding the place where she's probably going to find some clues.
So, this book has content issues I'm not comfortable with, and the story/characters just didn't interest me. The art was alright.
Aside from content issues, the story and the characters were just... meh. Ai's personality seems to be all over the place, and she acts rather well-put-together for somebody who wakes up without much of a memory. Also, the whole memory thing was odd, as she just kind of lucked into finding the place where she's probably going to find some clues.
So, this book has content issues I'm not comfortable with, and the story/characters just didn't interest me. The art was alright.
September 14, 2018
This is my first manga book. Got me really quick read.
It is about Princess Ai that comes from another world to Earth. She has no memory, only her name. Ai is on the Tokyo street, she does not know anything there. On her way she met a nice boy named Kent. With feeling that they are somehow connected. She does not have a place to stay, so he takes her to his apartment.
Ai is really gorgeous girl, with charming voice and singing talent. She definitely stands out in the crowd of people. She is independent and honest, has her opinion, so she can protect herself from jealous bitches. Ai is doing everything to find answers, about her world she comes from and parents. Also she got the feeling that someone is watching her.
Overall, art is really beautiful, and story is interesting too. I enjoyed everything about it.
It is about Princess Ai that comes from another world to Earth. She has no memory, only her name. Ai is on the Tokyo street, she does not know anything there. On her way she met a nice boy named Kent. With feeling that they are somehow connected. She does not have a place to stay, so he takes her to his apartment.
Ai is really gorgeous girl, with charming voice and singing talent. She definitely stands out in the crowd of people. She is independent and honest, has her opinion, so she can protect herself from jealous bitches. Ai is doing everything to find answers, about her world she comes from and parents. Also she got the feeling that someone is watching her.
Overall, art is really beautiful, and story is interesting too. I enjoyed everything about it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 25, 2014
When I found out it was created by America's Sweetheart Courtney Love, I had to have this. Who doesn't love this bitch!?
Ai wakes up in a garbage dump (you can imagine Courtney doing the same) and she can't remember a thing. She carries around this heart shaped box necklace and its locked. Hmm? She tries to figure out who she is and where she came from. Will this Courtney Love character figure anything out while selling herself?
This is a little jumpy and bizarre but I love it. Complete genius.
Ai wakes up in a garbage dump (you can imagine Courtney doing the same) and she can't remember a thing. She carries around this heart shaped box necklace and its locked. Hmm? She tries to figure out who she is and where she came from. Will this Courtney Love character figure anything out while selling herself?
This is a little jumpy and bizarre but I love it. Complete genius.
September 19, 2022
Ok so rereading this off Kindle Unlimited. Haven’t read this since probably middle school? Which I have the first two in physical copy form, remember greatly enjoying and now thrilled to randomly stumble on it on kindle unlimited to finish and find there’s a couple more after?! The art style is gorgeous, it’s got fantasy, mystery, fashion, and music performance. There’s a smidge of a romantic interest but this far hasn’t developed or had anything happen, excited to reread and re fall in love with this little series.
August 11, 2020
P.S.: Any winners on the third book of Chronicles of Ai-Land? Not since TokyoPop went bust have I heard any news ugh!
Absolutely LOVE LOVE LOVE this series! I am a die-hard fan of Princess Ai. Off to a good start, this small three-part series has music, adventure, danger and morals to the story. Great characters! I think Hikaru the gay roommate is hilarious.
Absolutely LOVE LOVE LOVE this series! I am a die-hard fan of Princess Ai. Off to a good start, this small three-part series has music, adventure, danger and morals to the story. Great characters! I think Hikaru the gay roommate is hilarious.
September 16, 2017
This story is romantic and about new discoveries. Princess Ai has a angelic appearance, sometimes has a fierce temper but has a sweet, caring heart. She meets sweet, friendly Kent. Ai discovers about her family and her wings.
February 21, 2010
SOoooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo SICK!! I LOVE this manga! The action, the romance, the fantasy, the culio fashion sense, the wicked graphic scene! JUST TOOOO MUCH!!
September 9, 2012
It was a great manga book! Its Courtney's life in fiction who finding her real identity in this planet.
September 3, 2015
I liked this book. The characters are okay but I don't think any are remarkable. The art work is nice but I don't think I'll be rushing to buy book 2.
February 3, 2014
Trying so hard...to be edgy!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 150 reviews