Manga Review: "Dawn of Arcana" Volume 1

The Loving Spoonful:  The first volume of this series is AWESOME!  Nakaba is my girl and Loki is scrumptious.   There's a good mix of action, romance, and biting insults.  Oh, and the pacing is great!  It doesn't get bogged down in explanations or forced sentiments.  This series, so far, has everything I love. 5/5
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It's been a long time since I've written a manga review, so forgive me if this one turns out to be crappy.  I really don't know where to start on this one.  Let's just say when I bought it, I didn't know what to expect.  Red-haired Princess, obviously brings to mind AnS.   It was a comparison I was ready to make as I read "Dawn of Arcana".  I'd say about 5 or 6 pages into it, I realized that this was no clone or relative of AnS (Actually, it's more along the lines "Zettai Heiwa Daisakusen").  This is a truly strong red-haired princess, and her prince, though weak now, is no puss.  After that, AnS flew out of my mind and I was swept away with "Dawn of Arcana".


First a short summary:   In order to bring peace between warring countries, Princess Nakaba of the northern country of Senan marries Prince Cesear of the Southern country of Belquat.  Princess Nakaba has red-hair, the mark of commoner, which has led her to live a life of ridicule.  Princess Nakaba is accompanied by her faithful servant Loki, a strong part dog, part man bishie.  Of course, the Nakaba and Cesear don't like each other at first and one of their fights, involving a knife and sword, degenerates into dangerous foreplay -- ahem... Heheheh...ah yeah...I don't want to give anymore away, because this is something you have to read and let yourself get carried away with.

What I like most about this manga is that characters have bite.  They fight and they insult each other and the princess and the prince have a wonderful red hot tension between them.  Cesear wants to be strong and supported and Nakaba has enough strength to share.  But she is vulnerable as well.  Her life hasn't been easy and some sad back-story is revealed in this first volume.  I have the feeling some interesting political intrigue is coming in future volumes.  Oh, and did I mention that Loki is friggin AWESOME! Needless to say, I look forward very much to next volume of this series. 5/5

Link to purchase "Dawn of Arcana" Volume 1 from the Omari's Sister Amazon store.
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Some parting thoughts:  I don't know whether this series opens the door for series like AnS and ZHD to get licensed.  I think in comparison, AnS is bland and I wouldn't put it out now because the comparison is too easy.  Reading something like "Dawn of Arcana" really highlights some of AnS's story and character weaknesses.  ZHD, on the other hand, is similar to "Dawn of Arcana" in premise and character strength, but with less bite.  ZHD has slapstick comedic elements that sets it apart and keep the story from going too dark.  I could see ZHD being a great companion to "Dawn of Arcana". 

As for AnS, I've been thinking a lot about it lately.  I'm glad the pirate arc is over.  I thought pirates would be cool, but it felt to me as though Sorata didn't have the same love of pirate romance as other mangaka.  AnS is much better when it sticks to character interactions and slice-of-life themes.  That said, I'm happy AnS has returned to the spirit of its earlier chapters, and I look forward to the deepening of Zen and Shirayuki's bond.

"Zettai Heiwa Daisakusen" Volume 4 Extra Story

Finally some cheer!  Here is the extra story and Ogura-sensei's thank you message from the fourth and final volume of "Zettai Heiwa Daisakusen".  Little Matias is so cute and Yuda is an insane mommy.  Poor little Matias!

Links to the "Zettai Heiwa Daisakusen" Volume 4 Extra story:  (Zip) (PDF)

Please support Ogura-sensei by purchasing volume 4!  Here are some links to follow if I want to purchase volume 4:

Amazon Japan
Yes Asia ($3.99 shipping!)
 
Next up is "Yukarism" chapter 3 followed by "The Ghost Apartment Manager" chapter 2!

Extras in "Zettai Heiwa Daisakusen" Volume 4

My gosh, that slow boat from Asia was EXTRA slow!

There are some cute extras included in the 4th volume of "Zettai Heiwa Daisakusen".  There's a thank you page with very nice drawing and a short omake about the baby prince!  So cute!  I love stories that end in marital and family bliss!  I'll try to get those out along with refreshed links to purchase your own copy of volume 4 in March.

Zettai Heiwa Daisakusen Volume 4 is Out!

"Zettai Heiwa Daisakusen" Volume 4 is out and available for purchase.  Please show Ogura-sensei some love by purchasing the book.  I just bought my copy from Yes Asia.  Here are some purchase links:

Amazon Japan
Yes Asia

Yes Asia only charges $3.99 shipping to the US and Canada.  Please see their website for information on shipping to other countries.

Joshua's Wife Explained

I went back and checked on the origins of Anna, Joshua's wife.  Well I confused "anna-sama" -- that high society person way over there which I took to mean Josuha (a complete brain fart -- it truly makes no sense that way) -- with Anna-sama -- a high society women named Anna.  UGH!!!!  I'm so sorry!!!  And I'm terribly embarrassed!  So... with one confused word, Anna's whole back-story disappeared.  Anyhow...I corrected it and uploaded a new version of chapter 15. 

Here's the important page explaining Anna (Click on image to see full-sized):

Updated ZHD Chp 15 (Link)

Zettai Heiwa Daisakusen Chp 19 (Final)

Here's the final chapter of "Zettai Heiwa Daisakusen."  Thanks for sticking with me on this one.  I started translating this series at chapter 4.  Back then I was just doing summaries.  I'm sad to see this series end, but at the same time, this is great ending.  I'm looking forward to Ogura-sensei's next series!  There's contact address on the volume 3 thank you page if you want to write a letter.  If you do send thanks to Ogura-sensei, make sure you buy at least volume of the manga in Japanese.  It would be rude to thank someone for something you didn't pay for.  Purchase information is here.   I will be getting volume 4 and if there's any extra material I will translate it.

(Update 10/14/10 -- a small change was made to the translation on page 40)
Links to "Zettai Heiwa Daisakusen" Chapter 19 + volume 3 Omake (Zip - High Quality) (PDF -- convenient)

Next up is Pika Ichi chapter 3!

Ordering Information for "Zettai Heiwa Daisakusen"

As I promised in reply to an anonymous commenter, here is some information so you can support the author by purchasing volumes of "Zettai Heiwa Daisakusen."  First of all some cover images so you can make sure you get the right thing.

Volume 1

Volume 2

Volume 3

Links:

• Amazon Japan
• Yes Asia
• Kinokuniya (I know of locations in the US and Singapore)
• Sanseido Bookstores US Locations

Be aware that Amazon Japan charges $30 shipping for the first item and them $3 each item after for International shipping.  Yes, it's expensive, but it's gets to you within two days.  You can also purchase through a　third-party seller on Amazon for $12 shipping per item.  Yes Asia offers free shipping in the US for purchases totaling over $40 dollars.  In light of this, it's best to purchase multiple items if you decide to buy from these sources.  Also, if you have a Japanese bookstore in you area, you can try purchasing it or ordering it through them. Depending on the chain, you may not have to pay for shipping.

I have the books and there are some nice extra color images on the cover flaps.  I will post information for purchasing volume 4 when it is released.

Kuroneko003's ZHD Ending Predictions

Here are my random predictions for the end of "Zettai Heiwa Daisakusen."  I really have no idea what's going to happen, but it's fun to speculate.

1. Johanne is saved at the last moment either by Joshua, the citizens, or military coup.  I put my money, though, on a Joshua redemption at which point he can get pneumonia and die in the arms of his personal assistant.
2. If Joshua saves Johanne it will be because Yuda has a "good talk" with him (personally, I'd crack up if Yuda starts the conversation by first laying down that little pistol she hides in her robe on Joshua's desk.)
3. Yuda's knocked up and gives birth to a girl who marries Daniel (That would make me super happy)
4. Claspel and his cronies are rounded up and tried for treason after Joshua spills about the entire conspiracy (and Claspel's final words, "I would have gotten away with it if it weren't for those darned kids!")
5. Joshua enters the "spanking machine" and at the end is greeted with smack and then a hug from his mother, the Queen.
6. Joshua abdicates the throne after giving up Claspel, Yuda's Dad gives up Canaan to be under the administrative control of Meteora (Canaan is broke and in debt to Judecca) and Jeremiah reveals himself to be a good guy.  Johanne eventually becomes the benevolent ruler of Canaan, Judecca, and Meteora and under unification there's finally peace and a railroad to Judecca and Canaan.

I was really looking forward to conmmando-Yuda, but chapter 18 put that hope to rest.  There will be no valiant Yuda led escape.  That would have been so like the beginning of "Return of the Jedi."  *boo-hoo*

Either way, I think we all want this ending (peek -- it's from here -- Ogura-sensei's blog)

What are your predictions?

Zettai Heiwa Daisakusen Chapter 18

Here it is!  "Zetta Heiwa Daisakusen" chapter 18!  This is the second to last chapter.  The final chapter releases in Japanese on October 9th and will be a whopping 50-pages!  I'm very excited for it and I'm hoping for a satisfying ending.

Link to "Zettai Heiwa Daisakusen" Chp 18
Link to ZHD Chp 18 PDF

So what are your predictions for the end?  I still predict babies ;p.  I'm also hoping for a Joshua to sacrifice himself.  I don't necessarily want Joshua's death, but I want him to give of himself to save his brother and I want him to do it out of the goodness of his heart.  I will be a little let down if he sacrifices himself after realizing that he's been Claspel's tool.  I wonder, though, what action Yuda will take?  It seems so far, that Johanne has been the one actively changing things.  Maybe Yuda will talk to Joshua...hmm...Well...if anything, at least Johanne got some...heh-heh-heh...

I Finally Have Lala DX 9!

I finally have Lala DX 9!  Yay! AnS chapter 20 is 40 pages long and according to the preview chapter 21 will be 45-pages long.  ZHD chapter 18 is also 40-pages long.  I expect this chapter to bring fans much joy :).  Chapter 19 will be the final chapter of ZHD and will run 50-pages.

And now to get to work on AnS 20!

Poll Results: Joshua's Punishment

• 21 Sack Beatings
• 17 Sack Full of Nickels Beatings
• 13 Hugs
• 26 Convenient Disney Deaths

I'm actually quite surprised by the number of people with sympathy for Joshua.  Well...I guess we'll see what will become of Joshua in a chapter or two.  I still maintain that he will be sacrificed.

On the matter of "Zettai Heiwa Daisakusen," I did read that chapter 17 was the climax of the story.  I suppose this means the series is ending soon.  I don't know how many chapters are left, but chapter 18 or 19 will be the end of the fourth volume.

Check Out Ogura Akane's Website

Here's a link to Ogura Akane's (ZHD) website.

Link

She has a wonderful gallery full of images inspired by her manga works :).

New Poll: What to do with Joshua?

First of all:
DAMN YOU, JOSHUA!!!!

He's definitely earned the "boo-boo" face from me ;p.

I honestly never though Joshua could be so despicable.   Yet, he's so pathetic that I can't completely hate him.  It's like, "There, there little monkey.  What happened?  Not enough hugs?"  And, yet, I want to leap into the pages and beat Joshua senseless when I think about poor Johanne who is now imprisoned in a comfy jail awaiting execution or rescue or the perfect time to escape in order to, perhaps, finish what he started at the end of chapter 14.  (I'm having popcorn while translating if Johanne flies the coop.  Personally, I was looking forward to commando-style Yuda -- eep! That came out wrong...)  Anyhow...I'm a nice person who doesn't condone fictional murder, but believes in a good fictional sack beating for those characters who deserve it.  However, I want to know how you all feel.  Does Joshua need a sack beating (2 varieties to choose from), a hug, or to die a convenient "Disney Death?"  Take the poll!  Leave comments if you want to talk about Joshua or anything ZHD chp 17.

Zettai Heiwa Daisakusen Chp 17

Here is "Zettai Heiwa Daisakusen" chapter 17.

Link to ZHD Chp 17

Hopefully, this is the lowest emotional point in the story. If it isn't, I don't know if I could handle any more bad befalling these characters I like so much.  From the way the chapter ends, it looks like the next chapter will be a flashback chapter -- or so I hope, because I would really like to see how Yuda and Johanne met during the war.

Read beyond here after you've read the chapter because what I ramble, may contain spoilers.

On the topic of Joshua, I want him dead, but at the same time I feel a lot of pity for him and I want him to understand that his father loves him.  I don't know, though, how he can salvage matters between him and Johanne unless he sacrifices himself for Johanne.

Anyhow, I'm not all that worried about Johanne getting executed for what happens in this chapter.  The King is awake and will surely put an end to the nonsense.  It could be fun, though, for some folks to rescue Johanne and stage a military coup in dramatic fashion.  They just need to get rid of Joshua and make Claspel go away.  After that, the angry former ruler of Judecca is the only bad guy left (that we know of) to neutralize.

Needless to say, I'm looking forward to chapter 18 :).

Next up after this is the Hana-Kimi omake.  I'm going to do a very quick editing job, so the quality won't be all that great.  In a way, there's not much I can do about that anyway because the print quality of the source magazine is CRAPPY.  Hopefully, I can finish that up by sometime tomorrow.  After that we will start working on Orange Chocolate chapter 14.