Media Information Box
    Title: Wild Act

Creator: Rie Takada

Volumes: 10

Publisher: Tokyopop

Genre: Shojo, Action

Age Rating: 16+

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Review by: Toni

  Review Type: MANGA    
 
Description:


Yuniko is the ultimate groupie. She worships celebrities, and it's her goal in life to snag at least one piece of memorabilia from each of her favorite stars. Sure, some would say she's a thief or a stalker, but she simply considers herself a dedicated fan. In her quest for these tabloid treasures, she meets many non-celebs who try to steal her heart. Welcome to the decidedly off-beat world of Wild Act!

Review:

Yuniko is Japanese for Unicorn, and Ryu is Japanese for Dragon. The two main characters are locked in a hot romance in the midst of turmoil. Secrets need to be uncovered and mysteries need to be revealed. Every volume of Wild Act is engaging and leaves you wanting more.

Drama, romance, and lots of comedy! Wild Act is one of my favorite shojo series because it’s more unique than the average manga. Aimed at older audiences, the drama-rama storyline is mature at times and explicit at others.

The plot focuses on Yuniko's obsession for a certain actor, the late Akira Nanae. But it’s far more than that. It’s difficult to talk about this title without revealing spoilers, but some of the mysteries involve: Who is Yuniko’s father? Who is Ryu’s father? And there’s another Ryu? It may sound convoluted but it is never difficult to keep up with the pacing. There are no boring pan shots or silent moments of contemplation. Wild Act is fast and furious.

Wild Act creates an addictive and intense atmosphere by enticing the reader with many questions and few answers. Well, there are answers, but they are revealed painstakingly slow. At times, the mysterious elements take a back burner to the action and comedy. Often, a new problem is introduced when several old problems have not yet been resolved.

This shojo features awesome character designs (Ryu was modeled after James Dean), delicious screen tones, plenty of Chibi-goodness, and a variety of jokes that translate well into English. Clean and logical panel layouts aid the continuity of the storyline.

My boyfriend read pieces of this series and enjoyed it quite a bit as well. Wild Act is meant for older readers, which is also refreshing. Yuniko and Ryu enjoy an active sex life and truly feel like a genuine couple. Ryu will certainly remind most women of their own boyfriends (at times he can be immature, jealous, childish, perverted, etc).

One of the very best shojo titles on the shelves. Provocative and intriguing, Wild Act will have you hooked instantly. Go get it now!

Pros: Delicious and naughty fun. Hilarious and completely original.

Cons: The slow resolution to whether or not Yuniko and Ryu are actually related. The dramatic plot of questioning their possible relation by blood is a typical convention of live Japanese soap operas.

Try: Peach Girl, Paradise Kiss, Hot Gimmick, and Snow Drop.

 
   
Final Grade: A-
 


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