Latest Read: Ôoku by Yoshinaga Fumi
November 28, 2011 6 Comments
Ôoku Vol. 1-2, English release by Viz Media
There is a nice introductory post about the title here at the Iwanihana blog.
Probably the best Josei out there right now.
I was really much postively surprised. I have had expections ever since I read about it over at above mentioned blog, and they were even by far exceeded. In fact, it made me dwell a bit more than 3 hours on two volumes. That sure is the longest reading period for non-omnibus English Manga volumes ever.
The english translation by Viz surprised me a great deal as well. They used such old-styled English (Shakespear era?) and it was certainly a very nice transition.
The variety of facial expressions sure astonished me as well. It kind of reminded my of Naoki Urasawa’s style more than once.
The “parential adversatory” sticker made me frown at first before reading. I think I still do, but may understand it. There sure are some bloodstained deaths in it and there is also quite some… “bedding” in it, but it is neither overly brutal nor agressively perverted.
Yes, it is so cool! I’ve read up to volume 4 or 5.
I remember reading a review about the series Marginal that discussed how sometimes, a series does a fabulous job covering feminine issues by covering them from an all male cast. This is another example of one in the same mold.
I have yet to wait for the rest, the other columes up to 6 are ordered, but will take yet another month for them to arrive….
Ah, I didn’t know about “Marginal”. Through I had planned to read the Hagio Moto titles somewhen. Perhaps hasten that plan somewhen in the near future. Thanks for letting me know.
Unfortunately, the scanlation of that has paused in the middle of volume 3 of the 5 volumes. Pink Panzer picked interesting projects but they seem to have faded in activity.
Well, even if they were not, it should have ended in the same result, now that the title is licensed and released up to 6 volumes…
The comment about scanlating up to volume 3 applied to Marginal rather than Ooku. I suspect Ooku will continue to be licensed. Marginal is a much older series so it is only by having a scanlation group pick it up will others be able to appreciate it.
Ah, I see. My mistake. Perhaps it may get an English release? As far as I know, there are some Hagio Moto titles released already, through I don’t know about their sales being good or bad.