Vampire Game Volume 2

The story expands further in the second volume of "Vampire Game," as the vampire-kitty Duzell continues to search for his ancient enemy. This volume introduces a new cast of oddball characters, cross-dressing comedy -- and a potential villain for future volumes of the series. Ishtar and Duzell arrive in La Naan for the martial arts tournament, and end up bumping into Ishtar's enormous cousin Vord, who is defeated in combat by Duzell, and promptly gives the Ishtar-lookalike a smack on the lips. Things only get stranger when Ishtar meets her scheming aunt and her two other sons -- including Seilez, who turns up in drag. Oy. But there are other problems in La Naan -- Duzell deduces that the princes are not in the same bloodline as Ishtar, and Darres soon finds that Ishtar has made a rash promise: She'll marry whoever wins the competition. And worst of all, a shadowy figure is appearing to the tormented Seiliez, promising to help him win Ishtar's hand... The first volume of this series basically introduced the universe and characters, but the second volume really expands the action to La Naan. It also introduces some real villainous action in the mysterious Sharlen, and expands on the running joke about Duzell being virtually identical to Ishtar. Too bad he can't look more macho yet. Judal has hit her groove now that the characters are in place. Her artwork is very sleek and stylized, with plenty of detail. And aside from the usual pretty-boys and flowing hair, she fills the stories with elaborate jewelry and swirling clothes, as well as some fairly funny dialogue ("I've got a funny feeling about Vord." "You did seem very into that kiss..." "Not like that, you moron!"). Duzell is proving to be a very nonstereotypical vampire: He's not seductive or enigmatic, and he gets easily upset by Ishtar's flakiness. Judal also does a great job of illustrating the strained relationship between Ramia's sons, and hinting at why she hates Seilez and adores his younger brothers. The second volume of "Vampire Game" amps up the action and comedy, and promises more interesting developments in La Naan. Definitely worth reading.

For those of you who might be new to the series, this manga is not for everyone, and probably for people who already like anime/manga. It has some downsides, like the super-feminine guys, which is kind of annoying, but that is totally made up for by the fact that this series is HYSTERICALLY funny. We have our wonderful anti-heroine princess-brat lead, Ishtar, who is doing everything in her power to help her family's arch-enemy just for the heck of the ride. There's a lot of teenage humor, and the artwork is definately geared towards girls, but is quite good. Definately a series worth buying if you're into swords, sorcery, comic mishaps, and vampires.

I can't help but write reviews for all of Judals work. She is absolutely the best, in my opinion, manga artist and writer. Ishtar is smart and a bit sly (with a hint of crazy!) and Duzell isn't just the typically brooding vampire, starting a war because he was board and Ishtar approves! Darres is still being the 'big brother' or sorts and fighting for Ishtar in the tournament so she doesn't have to marry any of her counsin?! I agree with Ishtar on her choice though, compaired to the other two ^^; I won't go to much into what happens but more of kitty cuteness ensues, plus, well you just have to buy and found out ^_^

this is a really wonderful manga. probably one of the best i've read so far (and i've read a lot). and its only just the beggining. let me ennumerate the merits of this manga; first, i like the 'anti-hero' heroine. i dont know why but it is easy to relate to her. Ishtar is a not-so-typical teenager who has an attitude problem, but one can see that she is in fact a very good person (i liked the way she made it clear to seiliez that he will always be himself no matter his bloodline)and the fact that she conciously helps a villian, namely duzzel, to take revenge on her great ancestor phelios and in the process get her cousins hopefully killed (and did i mention how quick and calculating her mind is?). it will be a joy to see her develop further. then there is widdle duzzy wuzzy. he is just so so cute! i could eat him. i mean, ye, he is this great powerful vampire king, but now? he's just a blood sucking cutey kitten. then there's darres, *drool* even though he is dim-witted and foolish enough to have this teensy weensy crush on a lipstick-wearing prince, he still is a great bishounen. the three princes themselves are a mystery. what are their motives and when will the dark laphiji get his turn to shine? this manga has it all, great story, twisty plotline, great characters, humour in bucketfuls, and a mystery which needs to be solved (but not before a lot of the plotlines and characters get twisted and turned til its unrecognisable). i cant wait to read the third volume, aparently this has already reached its 12th volume in japan, so the story still has a long way to go. i cant wait to read them all!this is a great manga to try for begginers. its published manga style (which means it runs from right to left!) but dont worry, the panels are simply arranged so its quite easy to read. there are some awkward drawings (the necks are trademark with their overlongness and the action drawings tend to be somewhat..uh..awkward?) but it does have great artwork. judal, keep up the good work!

When Ishtar mentions having three cousins (whom she wouldn't mind Duzell taking a bite out of) in the first Vampire Game Manga, I was expecting bothersome, bratty... children.Vold, Seiliez, and Laphiji are anything but children. Vold, who as the youngest prince of La Naan, is three years older than Ishtar and aspires to dominate the world. Starting with Ishtar's Pheliosta. (Apparently, Ishtar foolishly agreed to marry the Prince who won the swordsman tournament.) Seiliez is the oldest Prince, and a stunningly beautiful man. At first he appears simpering and weak, a character to consider with some distaste, but by the end of the volume, he is able to round up some sympathy and understanding for himself. Laphiji is the silent, brooding, mysterious Prince. He does a good deed when he naively pledges to win the tournament and become king so that Seiliez and his brothel prostitute can finally be together, but he is so very quiet and stoic that one can't help but distrust him at least a little.And let's not forget poor Sir Darres, who is driven up the wall with frustration caused by Ishtar's usual antics. He must fight in the tournament and face the three Princes of La Naan, to save Ishtar from her own foolishness. Three Princes fighting to win Ishtar's hand, but not all of them wanting her love. The poor knight with the responsibility of Ishtar's well-being. A vampire who is bullied into parading as the Princess Ishtar when not in his cat form.You can't help but laugh when Ishtar does something outrageous, and you can't help but smile when Ishtar let's her spoiled, but sweet demeanor shine.