B.B. Explosion

    (Viz, 2004-2005)
™ and © 2004 Yasue Imai
Graphic novel; Reads right to left; b&w.

Although the unholy specter of American Idol is invoked in the back-cover copy, happily this is more along the lines of Fame, as readers follow personable lead Airi as she survives the pitfalls and pressures (from a dad that just doesn’t understand to overly competitive classmates) of a year in a school for the performing arts.

It’s a fairly realistic look at the subject, except for the lone fantasy element: Ceasar, Airi’s mascot and guardian angel in the form of a ceramic fu dog that appears alive only for those who have a future in showbiz. Being a girl’s manga, it’s not relentless hard work and practice that make her dreams come true so much as her feelings; it’s only when Airi feels the pure joy of performing that she really excels. Solid in every respect, it especially benefits from a sharp translation from Trina Robbins. This one should do well with its intended audience of teen girls.

— S.A. Bennett
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#3

September, 2004
Cover Price: $10.00
1 copy available for $14.99 		Yasue ImaiYasue Imai
#5

March, 2005
Cover Price: $10.00
1 copy available for $19.99 		Yasue ImaiYasue Imai