This is the first portrait I drew. The model was a 17 year-old boy. I titled it "Mars." Mars signifies two things- one is the planet, The other is a soldier- The GOD of WAR By mangaka artist Fuyumi Soryo, Mars is a 15 volume manga currently being released by TOKYOPOP. The story has a very fluffy, warm, and gooey shoujo essence that we all know and love. In some ways, the story is very similar to that of Hana Yori Dango (i.e. high school kids, romance, drama, drama, drama). However while there was plenty of comic relief with the constant bickering between Doumyouji and Tsukushi, the humor in Mars is much lighter. Dark pasts, burning jealousy, love polygons, passionate romance, and tormenting betrayal all rolled into one, the lives of these chracters and how they develop make Mars well worth reading. In volume 1, we first meet the shy and quiet Kira drawing a picture of a mother and child in a park, only to be interrupted by the rebellious Rei for directions to the university hospital. In a rush, Kira absent-mindely draws Rei a map to the hospital on the back of her drawing and quickly leaves. However, Rei soon discovers the drawing and is amazed with the artistic talent that went into it. The next day, Kira finds that Rei is in her class. Not seeking attention, Kira tries to keep a low profile. But, to her dismay, Rei sits right next to her and remembers her! He tries to grab her attention with no success until he mentions the drawing she did. Soon afterward, the two begin to talk about her art, drawing in negative attention from Harumi who's been in love with Rei since freshman year. When the bell rings, Kira begins to head towards the art studio with Rei following closely behind her. He asks to borrow her hair tie and money saying he'll double it for her. He then runs off to play basketball. (did I mention that he's 5"11 and he plays basketball really well?) Somewhat stunned, she finds herself becoming more accepting of Rei's personality and heads to the art studio. Mr. Yoshioka walks in to check on her telling her she should head on home soon, but asks her to wait as he shuts the door. Then the pervert (you can tell I don't really like this guy) starts putting moves on Kira! (dirty pervert!) Unable to speak or move, Kira is helpless to stop him. Just then, Rei walks in. (YAY! OUR HERO!!!) He inadvertently scares Mr. Yoshioka by playing with a knife saying cooly "Relax. I just thought I would sharpen this pencil. It's not like I was thinking about cutting your face up or anything." With that, Mr. Yoshioka quickly walks away in embarassment and fear. Rei then tells Kira that if she's always scared like that, people will always take advantage of her. He then makes his way towards a statue that Kira made of MARS, the god of war. Admiring its gentle face he goes in to kiss it (ha ha ha shounen ai! *cough*) His best friend Tatsuya then calls for him. Rei bids Kira goodbye giving her her doubled money tied up with her hair tie. ~* Review *~ However, everything from here isn't all chocolates, flowers, and kisses. Of course not...what wouldn't be the fun in that right? Someone has to die of cancer right?? right??!! j/m j/m Like all couples in love, Kira and Rei face hardships too. In volume 1, Harumi threatens Kira's life out of bitter jealousy. She even tries to smash her fingers to disable her from drawing. Of course, Rei comes to her rescue. *swoon* Plus there are many other dark and painful secrets which will unravel in later volumes; some dealing with issues today's teens face in life and other issues which are kind of disturbing... Overall, Mars isn't your average, run of the mill, mushy, happy, shoujo manga. The drama runs far too deep, perhaps even deeper than Hana Yori Dango and dare I say Peach Girl *don't flame me I know what I'm talking about I started to spoil both...* In fact, Mars actually deals with more "adult" issues than any other manga I know. The artwork is somewhat simplistic in a way - the lines are clean and neat, everything is set into its own frame, etc. etc. But the way Fuyumi Soryo draws her facial expressions is just awesome. The way she captures emotion gives the reader a clear visual into the character's feelings and soul. With only 15 volumes, great artwork, and captivating plot, Mars is a well writtnen shoujo manga worth investing in. Come on! Only one manga out every other month! Go buy it!!! Support manga in the U.S. dammit!! Now go shoo and read it!!
~* Introduction *~:
~* Summary *~: ~* Volume I *~:
Then next day, Rei approaches Kira with the drawing of the mother and child from the park. He tries to give it back to her, but Kira insists that she doesn't need it anymore and allows him to keep it and promises him an oil painting of it when she's done. Feeling obliged to give Kira something in return, he tells her that he'll protect her and lend him her body anytime if she feels like fooling around. (heh heh sure anytime sexy boy *wink wink* oh lord where did that come from just now....) Rei goes to leave, when Kira suddenly asks "WILL YOU LEND ME YOUR BODY!" Rei stumbles down a flight of stairs dumbfounded. But no no...it's nothing like that... (the manga is rated pg 13 guys). What Kira really meant was she wanted Rei to model for her (clothed). Thus with this akward arrangement, the friendship between Kira and Rei blossoms into one of those rare romances that you know will probably never ever happen, but dammit it's good to read about it!
