Lay's OHP Diary
vol
2
Now to introduce you to the latest manga, the one I read whenever
I feel tired: "KISSxxxx" by Maki Kusumoto. It's a better
manga (laughs) because it's de-stressing.
I really like Maki Kusumoto's work; for example, "K no souretsu*"
and "chishiryou doorisu**," which are druggy-ish, but good;
though, this KISS manga is from a rock point of view, and has that
80s-mindset (Laughs).
This was the first manga I've read of Maki Kusumoto's. I've read manga
about bands before, in them they've dealt with much of the same things
(becoming major, things like that), and that was the story. But, this
manga doesn't have any of that. It's a heartwarming yet everyday life
(somewhat downer-ish) depiction of a single-minded main character
Kanon, and this girl Kameno. Kanon happens to meet Kameno, and it's
love at first sight, and possibly the meaning of and reason to keep
living. They need one another, and desire such an identity. Though
pure, it is decadent reason. As for the quality of the manga, things
like the guy's authentically constructed band are very different in
comparison.
For example, the band is new wave (it is a manga, so you can't actually
hear it, but you can feel it). Like Glam, Punk, Positive Punk, Goth,
New Acoustic, New Psychedelic.... Because they're a little underground,
they'd be an artist that appears in an old Fool's Mate. The aesthetics,
the peril, they're stimulating. It's superb! The cosmetics are not
visual kei. They're very different. It isn't wholesome, like now.
Wholesome rock is rock, right?
Doing the new wave thing is being experimental. Hisashi Imai (BUCKTICK
guitarist), someone who I admire, once said: "As far as I'm concerned,
I've been experimental when doing things like rock." So clever!
So cool!!
That's how it is for me as well. I also approach things like rock
in an experimental manner, namely, from what I've done, I've constantly
experimented, and produced new things. It's characteristic of my work.
I've produced the sensual aspect of glam rock, punk's spirit, and
techno; and recently, I've produced grunge (not kurt cobain-ish) that
wipes out industrial rock. Experiments, and characteristic heresy,
things like that, rock to a certain degree is worth such, or at least
that's what I think.
To get back to talking about the manga, it is about rock. But rather
than it being the main characters in the band, the author herself
is experimental when it comes to thinking about rock. The volume titled
"Kanon's crab" is one instance that she expressed such in
the manga. The author said she wrote it for the sake of "KISSxxxx."
And what I got from it, I think I liked it. Practicality is good.
Still, after, I didn't understand the real intention of the author.
Is was strange addition in the order of volumes. Naturally you should
start from volume one, and read on to volume two as it would be expected
you could somewhat understand, but really it's difficult...because
of its experimentalism. Yes, that feeling (Laughs). Because of that,
I suggest reading in the following order: 2 , 1 , 3 , 4 , 5.
Just now, my favorite edition is available, though I don't understand
what's to become of it. I think this manga is incoherent, and something
like a waking a dream, though it suits My Bloody Valentine well. It's
too beautiful, but strangely desolate. To you incoherent love is,
but isn't that good? Being human is illogical.
*K's
Funeral Procession
**Lethal Dose Doris
[For more information on KISSxxxx: http://www.kissxxxx.cjb.net/]
vol
1
You should know vol 1 of “Jojo’s bizarre adventure by:
Hirohiko, Araki.” This work is memorable, there will be no others
alike it; so, since elementary school I read this, and contemplated
such, thus it is my FAVORITE manga.
The fated history of the Joestar and Dio families takes place
over one century. All of this is in six installments; part
one (vol1~vol5) takes place at the end of the nineteenth century;
the setting is the United Kingdom; the main character
is Jonathan Joestar. In short, that’s where “Jojo”
comes from (laugh). With that, the main antagonist is Dio
Brando. This is a boy’s manga, so, well… there’s
a lot of fighting (laugh).
And so, the second part (vol5~vol12) the main character is Johnathan’s
grandson, Joseph Joestar. Nicknamed “Jojo.”
This time the story takes place in mid-20th century in the United
States, and the Nazi’s are somehow involved.
The third installment (vol 12~vol28) takes place in 20th C. Japan
(After a their journey to Egypt). The main character is Kujoh
Jotaroh, Joseph’s grandson. From him “provision”
and “acceptance” are continued; Dio surpassing time
is revived! Joseph also participates as an older man. Maybe installment
three is the most famous, huh? After this installment 4, 5 (a
little bit), and 6, Johtaroh appears.
The fourth installment’s (vol29 ~ vol47) main character is a
little difficult, it is Joseph’s son, but he is younger than
Johtaroh. The top blood relative is Higashikata / Jousuke,
the equivalent to Johtaroh’s uncle. Jousuke -->Jojo.
Japan, 1999: the stage is now the common town Moriou (incidentally,
this is the author’s hometown, it’s seemingly modeled
after Sendai). A little heartwarming. The story is developed uniquely
in the writing.
The fifth installment (vol47~vol63) it is Italy 2001. The main character
is Shiobana Haruno, a half Japanese. However, in
Italy he is called “Joeruno Jobaana”*
Gradually things become difficult (laugh) The father is surprised!
Could it be Dio? This is where the story is somewhat of an enigma…,
too bad. Well then, he has an eye on Gyangu Sutaa. Only in Italy.
(Laugh)
And so, the final installment (#6) (vol64~vol80) takes place in America,
2011. The main character is Johtaroh’s daughter, Kuujoh
Johriin. The first half is in a rather interesting place,
a prison. Vol 80 though! Greatly composed! A magnificent spectacleeeeeeeeeeeeee!!
···THE BEST. Well, I’ve
told you everything you need to know; I want you to read this (for
me)! I hope people who read this feel the same way: touched.
*the
kanjis for both Shiobana & Haruno are alike, they just differ
in pronounciation
