The Rising Stars of Manga, Volume 4

The "Rising Stars of Manga" contest is an excellent idea from Tokyopop...comic artists all over the US get to submit short comics, entering the comic world...(and personally, I prefer OEL manga to Japanese comics, since it doesn't need to be translated, and I already understand the culture) My favorite stories in this volume of RSOM: "Down" by Dave Iseri-Wow. I really like this one. The art is very messy and the lines are all over the place, but the artist makes it work...and the kissing scene is amazing...the ending is ironic, and makes you wonder, but gives you a good feeling. "The Hopeless Romantic and the Hapless Girl" by Amy Kim Ganter-This was another awesome entry-the art is nice and clean, and the story is funny and charming. The characters are believable, and the ending is once again, ironic, but it fits the overall mood of the story. "Work Bites" by Jess Stoncius-the art is ok, but the writing is just hilarious. A vampire working at a coffee shop at the mall...what more do you need? "Le Masque" by Karen Ramsen-the art looks slightly amateurish, but the story is interesting and is well paced. Definitely read this compilation if you're into manga, OEL manga, or just comics or good short stories. You won't regret it. :)