Otomen, Vol. 9

Sometimes Kanno starts a plotline in the second half of a volume - such as Asuka going to the book signing by Jewel Sachihana at the end of volume 8 - which presents a cliffhanger-type book ending - and in the next volume this plot is either forgotten or dismissed cheaply in a few pages. (The previous one I remember was the 'security guard' (who looked vaguely like the silhouette of a musketeer) showing up to prevent the rockabilly boys from exposing Asuka's Hanamasa disguise. This security guard was never referred to after that.) But back to this. At the end of volume 8, Asuka's at the book signing, and he wants Jewel to autograph something to cheer up his, Asuka's, friend Juta. Jewel signs the paper. Asuka thinks, "This looks like Juta's handwriting." Jewel then jumps up and runs away, crying, "Asuka-chan!" (which is what Juta calls him). Asuka thinks, "Asuka-chan?" And that's the end of that particular plot line in volume 8. So I was almost certain that something was going to be done about this in the opener of volume 9, but no. They are all back at school in the middle of the harsh reforms.We learn why Kasuga is so anti-Asuka (and yeah, it's a doozy). There is a showdown of sorts between Kasuga and Juta - Kasuga believes that Juta is Jewel Sachihana and is determined to not only expose him to the world, but to expel him from Ginyuri High (because drawing manga is a sign of otomen-ness). Lastly, one of the goofy new teachers they had introduced finally gets some page time. She's a bit of an idiot, but of course Yamato falls for her...Anyway, there were some good laugh moments in the book. Overall I liked it a lot, except for the non-conclusion about Asuka at the book signing. The little bonus "Otomanga" at the end were very funny. Am I the only person who thinks Mira Jonouchi is going to turn out to be Asuka's dad?

This series is all about stereotypes of what is male and what is female in terms of behaviors and interests. In Japanese society, there are definite ideas about what constitutes masculine and feminine interest and roles, even in today's world.The characters are charming, and Asuka's blushing romance with his lady-love Ryo, who is very much a tomboy, is sweet. However, this series has been running since 2006, and like most manga, is drawn and stretched into many volumes before the plot ties itself up.That means that some plot-lines are not explored, or the continuity of them is dropped, sometimes never to be picked up. It also means that some plot devices are re-used over and over, and that the major conflict is the exposure of Asuka and company's feminine interests and the resulting social censure. This doesn't make as much sense to Westerners, who would wonder why it's such a problem to like manga, flowers, makeup and sewing if you're a guy. (As there are many famous male makeup artists, fashion designers, and comic book artists) And be bad at cooking, cleaning and enjoy athletics if you're a girl.Still, it's an enjoyable read, and I'll probably continue with this until the end. Kanno-san's drawings are well-done, and sometimes very funny.This series is as light and fluffy as one of Asuka's souffles, and about as sweet. Enjoy it as dessert, if not a main course.

Came in really good condition. Just a little hard to get the stickers off and a little dirty but awesome none the less

I liked the series but sometimes it gets boring

Once again, the artwork is lovely as is the story captivating. Otomen is a series I recommend on everyone's bookshelf. You won't be disappointed.

It came in very good conditions just as they said. I received it before Xmas. It was just as I had ordered.

This whole volume is about a single story line. We get to see why Asuk'a cousin is going all out against him and all otomen. He misgendered Asuka when they were children and get his heart broken because of it. Juta is being targeted because his story line notebook is discovered. But with some quick work by his friends and manga mentor, he is saved but just barely. But Ryo has come under the attention of one of the teacher's who only wants to ruin boys and men. She had her heart broken by a selfish boy and now she lives to manipulate the boys she teaches. But Asuka only has eyes for Ryo and makes the teacher angry. She is now planning his downfall. But will true love win over gender expectations or will Asuka fall before the campaign?I give this volume at Five out of Five stars. I get nothing for my review and I bought this manga with my own money.