Cipher

    (CMX, 2005-2006)
™ and ©1984 Minako Narita

Anise goes to high school with former child star Siva and accidentally stumbles on his secret: Every other day, he switches places with his twin brother, Cipher, so one can attend classes while the other works as an actor. The three make a wager: If, in two weeks, she can’t tell them apart, she has to keep quiet—but, if she wins, they’ll explain why they’re doing it.

Naturally, with no explanation, her dad allows the painfully naive Anise to move into the pretty boys’ apartment in a bad neighborhood so she can spend more time discerning which twin is which. She professes only a desire to make friends with Siva/Cipher, who find her annoying, but you can almost see their hearts fluttering in this “historical” fairy tale. (The back-cover copy claims it takes place in modern New York City, but, from the musical references and Anise’s knickknacks, it obviously takes place in the ’80s.)

Although girlie beyond all reason and staggeringly unrealistic, it’s also well told and not without its charms, including attractive characters and art.

— S. A. Bennett

From the Publisher:

Anise can’t believe her luck when she finds herself in the same high school as the famous former child star Siva. Although the cool and handsome Siva seems unapproachable, Anise manages to become his friend. But her happiness is replaced with surprise as she discovers Siva’s secret: for years, he’s been switching identities with his twin brother, Cipher!
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