Great art! But weak story!

오! 나의 여신님 1
KOSUKE FUJISHIMA 지음 / 대원씨아이(만화) / 1999년 12월

The story of a call for takeout changes the whole life of Keiichi. A call which was supposed to reach the local takeout store instead reached the relief goddess office. What he summoned then was goddess, Belldandy, ever so elegant and beautiful. But Keiichi thought it was some sort of pranks by his fellow seniors, so he made a wish for a girl like Belldandy to stay with him forever. Thus, Belldandy agreed as she will be the one staying with him forever(what a lucky guy). Thus, the story enfolds into a web of love and passion which Belldandy starts growing for Keiichi.

A story of love and passion which intrigues anyone. Thus starts the story which revolves around Belldandy and Keiichi's daily life, exploring each others feelings and emotions. However, of course, there will be some obstacles, like Keiichi's indecisiveness and not to mention clumsiness. Then out of a sudden popped out two other goddess namely Urd and Skuld who are Belldandy's sisters. With them, chaos and slapsticks keep flooding the show as laughters are heard here and there.

Great!

3*3 아이즈 1
YUZO TAKADA 지음 / 서울미디어코믹스(서울문화사) / 1998년 10월

It all started when Yakumo's father went in search of the legendary Triclops clan. The Triclops clan are supposed to be a legendary clan who possess near godlike powers. However his search only revealed that a girl named Pai, a descendant of the Triclops. He then died and send Pai to search for his son, Yakumo with his skull to convince him to fulfill her destiny, to become a human. When Pai found Yakumo, he was working in a supposedly gay joint. Later he realised that Pai is no ordinary girl as her staff released a giant birdlike creature, Takuhi which then killed Yakumo who thought it was going to kill Pai and protected her. Using her powers, Pai resurrected Yakumo and made him into her Wu.

Thus, Yakumo became an immortal servant to Pai. After being convinced of his destiny, he agreed to helped Pai search for her humanity. However, little do they know that the objects critical to Pai's transformation is wanted by many creatures to summon their DemonLord, Kaiyanwang. Many dangers lie awaiting their journey through the world. In the meantime, Yakumo has to put up with Pai's double personality, one who is naive, warm and caring, the other(her triclops persona) cold, ruthless and uncaring. Will Pai's dream come true?

Worth reading!

동경 바빌론 5
CLAMP 지음 / 대원씨아이(만화) / 1999년 1월

CLAMP shows us with Tokyo Babylon a fantastic panoram of the capital city of dazzling Japan. A scenario in which cement only hides a fertile ground full of legends of spirits and demons. A background in which magical spells mingle with everyday´s life and gives place to some of the most fascinating (and also moving, don´t forget we´re dealing with Shoujo Manga) adventures.

This manga is well worth reading even for those who haven't heard of Tokyo Babylon. The relationship between Subaru and Seishirou is a thing to watch out and the constant annoying Hokuto adds to the lack of humor in the anime. The plot in the anime are quite typical though but nevertheless entertaining and thrilling. Also, this anime have a very mild Yaoi touch to it so becareful those who don't like this stuff.

Amazing!

엑스 X 1
CLAMP 지음 / 서울미디어코믹스(서울문화사) / 1998년 9월

It has been foretold that Kamui, a mysterious young man with psionic powers, holds the key to the world's fate. Kamui can choose either be the world's savior, or the world's destroyer. After being away for several years, Kamui goes back to Tokyo to rejoin his childhood sweetheart Kotori, and her older brother Fuma. Kamui swears to protect the two no matter what happens. But a strange twist of fate condemns Kamui and Fuma to a destiny of bloodshed... all because Fuma is Kamui's twin star -- existing to play the role opposite of Kamui. If Kamui chooses the side of good, Fuma would automatically belong to the side of evil. If Kamui falls to the evil side, Fuma would be on the good side... which side will Kamui take and what will become of the world's future? And what about Fuma and Kotori? Like that Highlander line says -- 'In the end there can only be one...'.

Excellent!

1파운드의 복음 1
Takahashi Rumiko 지음 / 서울미디어코믹스(서울문화사) / 1999년 3월

One Pound Gospel is a nice series. It's got the usual Rumiko Takahashi touch of fun and wit. I didn't find it as striking as her other works, though. But then again maybe it's because I'm not really into boxing. The plot is quite daring. It explores the potentials of a relationship that's considered taboo. We do have a novice nun as our female lead here, and this is a romantic comedy. Sister Angela is remarkably characterized. She feels all the things a girl her age should, and she doesn't act holier-than-thou. Her sense of duty to the church conflicts with what her heart tells her. OPG definitely has its golden moments.

My fave scene is when Sis Angela goes off to the local bar and unwittingly drinks her frustrations away. That was really funny. The art is charming, but seems like it's in a transitional phase. It seems drawn at a time when Rumiko was in the middle of refining her illustration style. It looks better than her older works but it's not as polished as her latest works. Still, it does get everything across.