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classic Japanese, tr Corman ... Read more

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Everyone is after the legendary Girl of Water, whose blood can unlock the trans-dimensional prison that holds the fabled 88 beasts...and unleash them unto our world! The only problem is that no one knows where the Girl of Water is, nor do they know if the power she wields has awakened in whatever body she has chosen to possess.Intent on tracking her down, a host of supernatural warriors descends upon Tokyo, all thirsting for the imminent destruction of mankind. All, that is, except one rogue swordsman, who is inexplicably duty-bound to protecting the Girl of Water at all costs.The hugely popular Japanese blood-and-guts manga series has finally arrived in the U.S.! ... Read more

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TEEN HERO

Akira has an awesome destiny: he’s the Shinra, a magical hero who can control the very forces of nature. He’s still learning to use his gifts, but this apprentice had better become a master soon: a band of villains has a plan to use Akira to destroy all of humanity. Can Akira grow up to be the hero the world needs? ... Read more

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Customer Reviews (2)

Peaceful essence of haiku
This book is beautiful beyong words. The book comprises two parts: first is the intrduction of the four most celebrated haiku masters: Basho, Buson, Issa and shiki and second part is the representative works by each haiku poets plus many ohters. The introduction is illuminating and informative and the translation and the selection of haiku is among the best. The entire book is also a collections of amazing photographs of nature done by John Cleare. This is a book that has captured the essence of peaceful and elegant haiku.

Lovely
Lovely edition.....very reasonable price; as with all good poetry, and especially with a collection so handsomely
produced....."priceless." ... Read more

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In a world facing looming war, Kamuro descends into the horrific memories of his childhood. He must learn from the past in order to survive the ominous present. Meanwhile, Misao shares her true mission with Higa concerning the Kegai no Tami. Are the Kegai no Tami as wicked as everyone believes? The answer is hidden deep within a shrine... "The heart of the manga lies in its excellent fight scenes." â€"Newtype"Must Read" -IGN.com ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

Self-Mutilation, an important topic

Ayumu and Shinozuka are best friends studying to get into the high school of their choice. They have decided to study together because Ayumu's grades are so poor and Shinozuka's are so good. Soon Ayumu's grades start to improve but it's because she has discovered a very odd thing about herself. If she inflicts pain on herself she can study longer. Pain not only deflates her nerves but it seems to improve her focus.

When she pulls ahead of Shinozuka and gets into Nishidate, the high school they both wanted to go to,Shinozuka gets upset with her and stops talking to her. Ayumu begins to hurt herself in earnest, now carrying an exacto knife with her wherever she goes for comfort. She remains quiet and removed from her classmates until two people assert themselves in Ayumu's life; Manami, a bubbly outgoing girl, and Hatori, a girl who seems very comfortable alone. Will a friendship be enough to stop Ayumu's self -injury?

This is a very important topic for any book series to be tackling. I'm happy to see that a manga artist has taken the task up, seeing that manga is a steadily increasing book market. Self-mutilation is a hard thing to talk about, but so many people do it (or at some point have done it) that it is a good thing to see people shining a spot light on it. It's not the easiest series to read but perhaps that is what makes it a worthwhile read. Jealousy, envy, self doubt, and contempt all run rampant in this series. It's a good one.

The Pain of a Cutter
I have read `Life' volumes 1 - 8.
Its story has always seemed to me to be an extended chapter taken from the pages of `Confidential Confessions'--another drama series a la manga which dissects the problems of the youth--only much better.

The story of `Life' follows that of Ayumu Shiiba, a confused & emotionally isolated high school freshman who has lost her best friend to exams & is tortured by the belief that it is all her fault for their separation. In an emotional eruption of unfathomable pain & violent guilt Ayumu slices her wrists for the first time, punishing her feeble body & soul, yet only to find herself disgusted, ashamed, & hating herself even more than she already does. But it's too late... this box cutter has already become her Eden...
In a world where the practice of cutting has been exposed, the practice of cutting has been exploited. So many authors, comic & novel alike, toss a cutter-character into their works for the sake of cheap shock value or artificial tear shed, without a single clue as to how cutters truly feel & just go about guessing everything. But this is not so in the case of `Life'. The scenes of Ayumu injuring herself are raw & heavy. For her, this is the only way she can find to relieve her wrathful, blurry guilt. This author, Suenobu, she isn't pretending. This pain that Ayumu suffers is genuine, & that pain spills over the panels like the warm blood over Ayumu's wrists.

But something to keep in mind is that the issue of self-injury is only prevalent within the first 5 volumes of Life--throughout them Ayumu steadily learns to overcome her `sin'--& after that Ayumu finds herself facing several other harsh obstacles that drag her to the brink & back. Ayumu's metamorphous is a genuine one, from fearful wallflower to headstrong heroine, as are her new challenges of stalking & social abuse.

This was the first ever book that I've purchased that was writhed in plastic (its 6th & onward volumes). But unlike the typical low-brow pornography that this wrapping-paper usually symbolizes, Life is a very adult book in a very adult way. Personally I do not find the [M] rating necessary. Though the content in theory is highly mature, it all remains fairly ungraphic in the sense that all the naughty bits are blocked by heavy shadowing. I've seen worse in [OT] titles.

- - semi-spoiler - -
Each & every character is three-dimensional, whether friend or foe. From Miki's hidden needs to Manami's naïveness with handling her fresh sorrows & understanding the outside world to Katsumi. Katsumi is probably the greatest example of them all. He is Ayumu's stalker. Someone the author demonizes through dramatic lighting & bizarre panel angles, albeit too exaggerated. There's absolutely nothing admirable about him at all. & yet rather than hatred you feel a sort of soft pity for him. He knows what he's doing is wrong but at the end of the day he just doesn't care. Underneath his sickly skin there's something vulnerable about him & you realize that his torturing of Ayumu is actually his only means of finding control over anything in his binded life. Not that that excuses any piece of this disturbed behavior, but he's very similar to Alex from A Clockwork Orange. Cruel, unforgivable, unfathomable, but you just can't find hate for him.
So whom do I hate? Perhaps the most disgusting, hateable character I have ever met is Manami along with all her shallow drone friends. All the [...] they drag Ayumu through--& it's [...]--without an ounce of humanity left within their hollow shells & all the while they're stuck in the delusion that they're somehow justified for their grotesque behavior. I literally clinch my fists as I watch what they do to this girl. I grind my teeth. I hate them. I want Ayumu to beat them. I need Ayumu to beat them. She is me in junior high.
By the end of the 6th volume Life has gotten very tangled & complicated. For every bright event that occurs another shadow seems to appear. As Ayumu strengthens so do her glassy hardships. Everybody's motives are becoming twisted & stretched. People are beginning to act desperate. & Manami's targeting has become unpredictable as she too begins to lose control. These stakes & emotions are plunged intensely & in naked rawness, but they always remain rooted in reality. Nothing feels phony, this is true human reaction & true human emotion. Life is kind of like life. A path unknown where uncoordinating feelings run & blur together.

- - spoiler - -
On another note that may interest potential readers, while Life has always remained firmly planted in the better half of my comic collection even despite what I'm about to say, the secret reason I first purchased Life: there were hints of a heartfelt yuri, between Ayumu & her enigmatic protector Miki. It was the comments Ayumu made in her head. 'I wonder why my heart is pounding.' 'That outfit really looked good on her.' But then within the 6th volume a male character was introduced & it seemed as so many other manga do that he was to become Ayumu's lover, so I dashed my lame hopes...
Well, it turns out I shouldn't have dashed them...

My last comment will be on the artwork itself. There are many dialogless panels, ones where it's the eyes of the characters that say everything. I've always loved comics that utilize dialogless panels, expression is why I read comics. While hardly 'pretty,' the characters are drawn in a very unpolished look which I find to match the atmosphere pitch perfect.

Awesome
Its been a long time since I found a manga title that really grabbed me in a way that I found myself rushing out to buy the next volume, and LIFE did just that. I bought this simply because I had some cash burning a hole in my pocket and for once, I'm glad I have a weakness with money.

Alright, so LIFE is all about Ayumu Shiiba a girl about to enter high school and facing the tough entrance exams. Luckily, she has her best friend Shi-chan to help her out. Not wanting high school to seperate them, Ayumu decides to try and get into Nishidate too (it is Shi-chan's dream school). It looks like things are going well as Ayumu's grades start improving, but come the exams, everything collapses for Ayumu. She does get into Nishidate, but Shi-chan doesn't which causes the end of their friendship and the beginning of Ayumu's cutting. Time skips ahead a little as we see Ayumu start school alone and friendless. Things start to look up (or do they?) when she befriends Manami, a bubbly cute girl in her class who likes Ayumu because she's 'pretty'.

As I mentioned Ayumu does cut her wrists, creating some of the rawest, most emotional scenes I ever seen in manga. From that it's easy to tell that LIFE is a dramatic series that deals with a lot of tough issues that are present in real life such as self-injury, peer pressure, bullying, and sexual harassment. Yet despite the dark overtones, LIFE manages to keep a strange sense of hope which kept me from getting overly depressed. I've read the first three volumes now and I'm addicted to this series.

The bottom line is buy this. Honestly. If you're looking for a high school story that creates a more realistic setting and deals with real life tough issues then this is for you. I'm writing this as a review for volume 1 and I'm sorry if it ends up on a different page (as it probably will)and saying that I also want to add that things get even darker from her on so be ready!

On a side note: I'm really happy with the product itself. For once Tokyopop doesn't have the binding to tight. yeah!

Pretty decent thus far
I picked up this series after wanting to try a different genre.Being a fan of comical romance, I wanted something more angsty and this did it for me.I am not big on the art but the storyline and characters are very well done.Overall, this is a pretty good series. ... Read more

Product Description
The original book about Reiki -- a practical students'workbook and essential reference manual for all Reiki practitioners,and acclaimed teaching aide for Reiki Masters of the Usui Shiko Ryohosystem of healing. The only Reiki manual reviewed and approved byVirginia Samdahl, the first Occidental to attain ReikiMastership. Jam-packed with invaluable information about Reiki, andrenown for its extensive section devoted to Reiki therapy ofanimals. (NOTE: each copy via AMAZON.COM will be personally signed bythe authors.) ... Read more

Customer Reviews (14)

Reiki Handbook
This is a great book for beginners. I use this book as a teaching guide for my Reiki 1 classes. It gives great information and has helpful pictures and a reference section in the back of the book to help with specific conditions.

A historical view into early western Reiki
For what it is, this is a nice little guide. Although we now know the historical information to be incorrect, and despite some misspellings of names (such as "Hyashi" in lieu of "Hayashi"), this is one of the earliest books published on the Usui System of Healing in the US. Both authors were students of Virginia Samdahl, the very first person to be acknowledged as having received master training from Takata. That alone makes this book interesting to all who seek further insight into those early days.

Although I would reccomend taking some of the stories shared with a grain of salt, there are a few nice illustrations of the effectiveness of Reiki in various situations.

There are illustrations of hand positions, space for personal commentary and journaling, and techniques that Takata taught her students, such as the "Reiki Finish." While such a technique really is not intended for use in all situations or by everyone (since it does come too close to massage and may also intrude upon clients' personal space), it is an adaptation that Takata made to Hayashi-sensei's ketsueki kokan ho (literally "bloood exchange method"), a coporal manipulation intended to restore proper circulation of not only ki, or life force, but also blood.

Since Mrs. Samdahl never published her own works, it is nice to delve into the works of her students to see how the first western Reiki teacher practiced. Given this context, as well as an understanding of the revelations about Reiki's factual history, this is a great book.

Review of Reiki Book
The Reiki Handbook is a very imformative book about Reiki.
The illustrations are great and easy to understand.
My first Reiki Handbook was purchased about 21 years ago,
and I'm still using them. This should tell you something about the book.
Thank you

Reiki Handbook 101
Excellent basics for anyone wanting use Reiki either on themselves or others.Good hand positions and general tips for the new practitioner or review for those in practice.

A foundation book for all the falsehoods of Reiki
This book starts with misconceptions and lies about Usui Mikao and goes downhill from there. It has managed to sift through all facts on Reiki keeping only the legends, myths and lies of both Usui (NOT "Dr. Usui") and the schools that arose from his teachings. It is beyond comprehension that this fabrication is still in print. The Reiki truth is free, not buried under extortional fees. Read Diane Stein and learn the truth Essential Reiki: A Complete Guide to an Ancient Healing Art ... Read more

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A MAGE IN THE MAKING

Akira is a Shiki Tsukai–a warrior who magically manipulates seasons. Protected by his friends and a beautiful, mysterious Kijyuu named Koyomi, Akira must wake the powerful Shinra inside him and defeat those intent on destroying humanity. But first, he has to survive the crazy Christmas party Satsuki has planned! ... Read more

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Good penning and inking comes with knowledge and practice, and this book enlists famous pros to share their wisdom. Includes step-by-step instructions by these industry giants to help budding artists master their craft. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (6)

Great inking book, exactly what I needed!!!
I was always reticent about inking my drawings, since I bought this book I have much more confidence in inking. I always loved the effects of a great inking and here, in this book, you can found the missing tips needed. I'm having much less problems of scratching paper and breaking nibs. It has lots of exercises to increase your inking skills, you just need patience and hard work. I really recommend this book.

An insightful and complete look to the world of manga creation.
I have read many "how to draw manga" books in the past, but this one has a mature approach. Not only does it contain interviews along with the creative process of manga authors (mangaka) such as Yasuhiro Nightow (Trigun) and Oh Great! (Air Gear); but also includes tips and tricks from other industry professionals,and the tools you need to create a professional looking manga.
Also this book covers a four week program so you can draw in ink using pen nibs; a truly recommended book.

A great book.
It's not really a how to book, because it most definitely doesn't teach you the basics of inking. It's more of a book for intermediate artists who want to know more about certain supplies, the creative process, and other artists' techniques. If you're stuck and want to improve your inking, most defintely a good buy. It's not only informative, but it's a good book to read for enjoyment's sake only.

Worth having
Buy any how to art book and you will find much the same information in each book. There will always be some good illustrations and tips. Each writer will have pointers that will be helpfull and different. If you have one buy another by a different artist. The methods may be the same but sometimes the explanation will be better for you. Also, consider the art style when collecting books.
This book is for manga and cartoon artists. It is a good guide to pen and ink techniques of this art style.

Pen and Ink Manga Start-up Guide
this is an excellent instructional how to book not only for manga but for anything regarding pen and ink.
it is jam packed with how to techniques, materials and supplies. must have for anyone interested in working with pen and ink! ... Read more

Product Description
Shikone, one of the great Beasts, has been sent by Otoroshi to attack Tokyo Bay. Otoroshi seems to have been resurrected by the Kegai no Tami--but his powers have not fully returned. Human weapons are no match for him as he ventures out into the city...and with this, the worst is yet to come!"The heart of the manga lies in its excellent fight scenes." â€"Newtype"Must Read" -IGN.com ... Read more