▪	RELEASED BY:		VIZ MEDIA
		▪	AUTHOR / ART:		MASAKAZU KATSURA
		▪	FORMAT:		JAPANESE / B&W
		▪	PAGES:		200
		▪	RATING:		OT
		▪	RELEASE DATE:		07/03/2007
		▪	REVIEW DATE:		10/04/2007
		▪	REVIEWED BY:		CHRISTOPHER SEAMAN

If love is hell, Masakazu Katsura populates it with some exquisitely beautiful women.  I”S Volume 14 is the latest in the series brought to you by the artist author who created other classics like VIDEO GIRL AI.  It has many elements in common with the other series, namely a male protagonist who is in love with an attractive but elusive woman, and whose love is complicated by outside interference from friends and foes alike.  There is nothing of the magical, supernatural narrative elements in this story.  It is grounded firmly in the here and now.  However, if you have read AI, you will find a certain familiarity with I”S. 

Ichitaka, our hapless hero, and Iori, an up and coming actress, have been secretly dating for some time.  Secretly is the operative word because if news of her romantic attachments gets out among her fans, the mystique around her that has been the foundation of her success in the media would be shattered.  Her agent has been less than supportive of the whole affair, and has tried to undermine it at every turn.  But, as the 14th volume opens, she appears to be fighting a losing battle.

Or is she?  While understanding Ichitaka and Iori’s need to see each other, she is making it harder for them to do so, especially since Iori landed a role in a popular television drama.  Ichitaka is frustrated when a date ends up being little more than a study session for Iori.  Walking out on her, his feelings of alienation increase when her agent tells him he can't see her for the duration of the filming schedule for the new series.  Meanwhile, Ichitaka gets to know his new next-door neighbor, Aiko Aso as he spends less time with Iori.  She reminds him a lot of Iori- the resemblance is startling- and she becomes a kind of substitute for her as the days pass and he slowly finds himself growing more attracted to her.  However, she has a boyfriend of her own, and Ichitaka backs off.  Being a Katsura manga, however, you know this will not be the end of it.  Things begin to heat up when Aiko is abandoned by her old boyfriend, and as she becomes more available, and Iori drifts further away, Ichitaka has to decide whether or not to hold on to what seems to be a frustrating fantasy of a love life.

Katsura-san remains a master of beautiful art and design in this manga, and his narrative style has matured as this series progresses.  Ichtitaka is less of the repressed soul that tortured us in earlier volumes.  There is more dynamism about him now and when combined with those beautiful women, who look like manga characters, but have a naturally Japanese feel to them, you are left with a story that is satisfying to both the mind and the eye.

Only one further item of note, however, and that is about the Mature Content advisory on the cover.  As in past volumes, please remember this is a romantic comedy about young adults, and is written accordingly.  There is some nudity and mature situations- no sex, mind you- that may make those people who still think manga (comics) are just for kids think twice before going any further with this story. 

EXTRA:
There are few extras in this manga beyond advertising for other Viz titles.  There is a gallery of Katsura’s girl art, done just for this work.  As always, the images are wonderful, further showcasing this talented artist’s abilities.

IN SUMMARY:
The idol and the adoring boyfriend.  A secret love.  The girl next door.  Passion and frustration by the boatload.  I”S Volume 14 is a romantic manga that matches a compelling story with breathtakingly gorgeous artwork.  Fans of VIDEO GIRL AI will find a worthy successor in this tale of love under the lights of stardom.