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Reviews
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Wednesday, 10 September 2008 |
 | | ▪ | RELEASED BY: | | DIGITAL MANGA PUBLISHING | | | ▪ | AUTHOR / ART: | | AKIRA SUGANO | | | ▪ | FORMAT: | | JAPANESE / B&W | | | ▪ | PAGES: | | 200 | | | ▪ | RATING: | | YA | | | ▪ | RELEASE DATE: | | 08/26/2008 | | | ▪ | REVIEW DATE: | | 09/10/2008 | | | ▪ | REVIEWED BY: | | HOLLY ELLINGWOOD |
Based on the lite novel, the first volume of Clear Skies covers the first half of the novel, reuniting the original writer and artist to give readers the manga version of this endearing and heartfelt story brimming with comedy. Taiga has a bit of an unusual family. He himself is a bit rough around the edges but works hard as an editor for a manga company to help his siblings and care for them ever since their wild eldest sister disappeared. He has one brother aspiring to be a boxer, another who is kind and soft spoken, and the youngest who prefers to dress up as girl. They’ve been without parents for a long time and so grew up a bit wild under their sister’s not so tender care. One day their daily lives are forever changed when Shuu, an old classmate of Taiga’s, arrives on their doorstep with a younger family member of his own, a boy who conducts himself like a scary thug, and an even more shocking proclamation – he’s married their sister and is now their new dad! Family matters have rarely been as funny as in this manga. The interactions in the tumultuous Obinata clan is a cannot miss for fans of romantic comedies. Each of the characters get a bit of development, but the story focuses primarily on Taiga and Shuu. Just what is their hidden past and what is really going on with Shuu’s sudden appearance in the household? Pretty soon though life is getting sweet, or at least sweeter than it was. Shuu has a calming and gentling influence on the wild Obinatas and soon everyone is settling into life as a family. An unusual family but a family to be sure. But when the truth starts to peek out regarding Shuu’s entry into their lives, the sanctuary that has become dear for them all is threatened and it’s up to the long pent up feelings of one very stubborn man to help keep his family together! The first of this two volume manga series covers almost exactly half of the novel, so expect a cliffhanger and some angst. Take the time to enjoy the well timed comedy, poignant moments, and wonderfully appealing drawing style that helps move the story along so beautifully.
IN SUMMARY:
Clear Skies the manga volume 1 is the first half of a short series that outlines what truly binds a family while showcasing the humor of an unusual situation and a house full of rambunctious characters and misunderstandings. |
