Fashion and Passion All The Way     Jan 02, 2008     reviewed by DamageCtrl    

Ai Yazawa’s successor to her earlier manga plows forward as struggling elite high school student Yukari “Caroline” bumps into an eccentric group of students from an art and design school who want her to be their model at an upcoming fashion show. It’s a seemingly ideal way to get famous; being ‘discovered’ and all, but when you’re discovered by George and his group of fellow designers, you wonder if it’s really that great.

What stands out most to me is the contrast Yukari realizes between her bland existence and the lives of her new friends. George and the others all have goals they want to reach and are working towards it. Yukari's life is made up of her elite private school, which she's doing badly in, and her domineering mother. Slowly, but surely, Yukari finds her own life through much drama and inner turmoil.

The manga is addicting, in that you want to see what choices Yukari makes. The supporting characters are intriguing, and you grow attached to them, especially Miwako and Arashi. You get drawn into their lives, want them to succeed, and remain hooked throughout the five volumes of the manga. The only downside that got to me about the book was that it got too dramatic and somewhat irritating at times. There were some things I felt weren’t necessary and were a bit much, such as Yukari’s little outbursts, George's overall attitude, Miwako needing to learn to deal with things. Despite that, the story was a nice read. You get drawn in easily and remained interested until the ending, which wraps up the story nicely. While not as mature and engaging as Yazawa’s “Nana”, this story is a good, engaging read, and can be used as a gateway to more mature manga.

DamageCtrl also recommended: Nana,
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ParaKiss of Poison     Nov 02, 2007     reviewed by machina    

I admit that the ending of this series stunned me, it was as another stated to me once, seeming as though Yazawa was in a hurry to finish it. The main storyline is interesting and kept my attention, as the characters were fun and had their own flair about them. Though, I do have to say that some of them pissed me off at times, due to their arrogant nature [hack. hack. George.]

I also noticed that the anime follows the manga quite well, which is a rarity these days and I loved how it did so. There were a few differences in the endings, which I won't point out for those of you who have yet to experience both of them. I would highly recommend seeing them for yourself; because this series is amazing.

My only complaint, the ending; though understandable it a bit heartbreaking.

machina also recommended: NaNa, Gokinjo Monogatari, MARS,
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Blue Haired Boy of my Dreams!     Sep 25, 2007     reviewed by Brittany Moo    

This series at first I'll admit seems a little dull but trust me IT GETS SO GOOD! Definitley worth the wait! The manga follows the life of Yukari (or Caroline) as she shoves off the shackles of her meaningless life and enters the glamourous world of fashion and an equally glamorous relationship. But it's not all sequins and lace as Carolyn must make important descisions and sacrifices.

A tantalising drama hidden under a layer of svelt!

Brittany Moo also recommended: Nana, Boys over Flowers, Can't Lose You, Hot Gimmick, Ouran High School Host Club, Kare First Love,
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Very intresting     Jul 05, 2007     reviewed by manga-freak    

Also I have only read the first volume it had been very good. So one day if our bored (or even if you arne't) I highly recommned you to read it

manga-freak also recommended: Othello, Cafe' Kichijouji,
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