Alice in the Country of Hearts Volume 1
Story: Quinrose
Art: Soumei Hoshino
Rating: Older Teen
Alice in the Country of Hearts is yet another reimagining of the classic fable, “Alice in Wonderland”. This time Wonderland is more akin to an online dating simulation game, filled to the brim with dreamy, albeit partially psychotic, men who have each fallen head over heels in love with Alice. Ironically enough, this version is based on a Japanese game of the same name.
Alice Liddell is a fairly average girl living in her sister’s shadow when one day she is dragged down a rabbit hole Peter White, otherwise known as “the white rabbit”. Peter confesses his love for Alice and forces her to drink a mysterious potion that binds her to Wonderland. Peter’s obsession over Alice is so great that he is even willing to kill any who would threaten to take her away.
Surprisingly, Peter is one of the more sane characters as others such as the wicked Mad Hatter, Blood Dupre, and the gun toting Mary Gowland are also intrigued by Alice and wish for her to be theirs. Alice is later informed by the aptly named dream demon “Nightmare”, that every character in Wonderland is fascinated by her and though they are unaware of it, forced to love her. It is especially problematic when Alice discovers that most of the kingdoms of Wonderland are at war with each other, with Alice being the top prize.
The art is a mixed bag as character designs are detailed and the costumes elaborate and reminiscent of 19th century dress. Unfortunately the backgrounds are fairly pedestrian which is disappointing considering the world that is being depicted. It should also be noted that many of the male character’s faces are similar and almost interchangeable.
The plot is unconventional as almost none of the characters are meant to be likeable with the exception of Alice. Just about every member of Wonderland is sinister, with each one having an agenda of their own. This is hopefully indicative of Alice’s potential to grow into a strong lead character that can save herself from the growing menace that is Wonderland. Judging by this first outing, the series has the potential to be more than just a game to book adaption.
Alice in the Country of Hearts Volume 1 – B
Portrait of M@N
Story and Art: Tachibana Higuchi
Rating: Teen
What do you get when you pair a masochist with a narcissist? A predictable, if not off-putting read.
Mitsuru Abe is from an upper class family who, thanks to experiencing countless beatings, is overcome by an unhealthy ecstasy at the mere thought of being physically abused. Natsuhiko, due to his own upbringing is a narcissist with a penchant for ogling himself in front of the mirror. Both just want a happy normal life, but before they know it, they are forced to struggle against their true nature in order to prevent their classmates from learning their secrets.
From the get-go, you know the two are destined to wind up together. The characters themselves are so extreme it’s almost impossible for anyone else to like them. When Natsuhiko’s glasses fall off in front of a mirror, he becomes automatically obsessed with his reflection. The case is the same with Mitsuru who, after having a tooth chipped by a soccer ball, begs for more. The two run into each other and accidentally discover each other’s secret. From there, Mitsuru begins pining for Natsuhiko while all the other students watch on menacingly.
Portrait of M@N is marked as a romantic comedy but it rarely feels as such. Parts of the story are way to serious. Mitsuru’s mother beating her and her attempt to protect Natsuhiko from a rival all comes off as depressing. Rather than laughing at the character, you actually begin feeling for her.
This is an odd couple story that did not prove to be very fun. If the first volume accomplished anything, it demonstrated that love can hurt.
Portrait of M@N Volume 1 – D
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