Morikawa Kumi 森川久美

Nankin road ni hana fubuki
published by Hakusensha,
bunko 3 volumes @ Y562
[ 01:____| 02:____| 03:____]

Sequel to "Soshuu yakyoku". Story takes place in China, beginning of Shouwa era, where there are Japanese & Chinese & other nations, pro-Japan and anti-Japan, and there's a drama between a Japanese and a Chinese, both trying to be who they are, trying to live what they believe. {018}

Sofia no Uta
serialized on Asuka,
deluxe 1 volume @ Y476
[ 01:____]

No Synopsis.

Burubon no Fuuin [The Seal of the Bourbons]
Original Story by Fujimoto Hitomi,
serialized on Misuterii Zoukan,
3 volumes @ Y505
[ 01:9411| 02:9505| 03:9512]

Serialized on serialized on Misuterii Zoukan, "Rekishi Roman DX". I picked this series up after a reviewer in Comic Box (1994-1995 Soukessan) said it brought snatches of Verdi's opera Don Carlo(s) to mind. To _my_ mind it brought images from film versions of Barbara Cartland's romances, book covers of women in bursting bodices fainting in Fabio's arms, and Ikeda Riyoko's 'Rose of Versailles' - not quite the production of Don Carlos I saw on TV.

This spin on the legend behind Alexandre Dumas' 'Man in the Iron Mask' is heavy on the costumes and romance, and light on the adventure and politics. Essentially a story of a girl's coming-of-age a la 'Candy Candy', it revolves around the lonely, insecure, and temperamental Louis XIV, his brilliant, exiled older twin James, and the woman they both love - the angelic, spunky Marielle. The infant Marielle was rescued by James as a child and brought to the island of Jersey. Now, Marielle travels to France in pursuit of James who intends to reclaim his throne, as well to uncover the secret of her birth. Meanwhile, her unscrupulous stepsister Manon schemes to keep James to herself.

The comic is well-drawn, the historical representation adequate, and the male characters with their shampoo-ad manes and strong necks are heartthrobs. But if you're expecting the intrigue and swashbuckling adventure of Dumas, you might want to stick with the French gentleman. This is very much a throwback to the shoujo manga of the '70s, and not an especially brilliant one. For lace, hair and tears, we already have the classics of the '70s. And for cloak and dagger stories, we have Dumas' bloody-minded and delicately misogynistic heroes with dirt under their nails. {SEK}