Creative Staff
Writer/Artist: Hiroyuki Tamakoshi
Translated by: David Ury
Adapted by: David Ury
What They Say
Single guys everywhere dread Valentine’s Day. Just when Akira is about to abandon all hope of receiving cards or presents, Yurika surprises him with a homemade chocolate bar. Inside the treat is a redeemable golden ticket that promises Akira a Valentine’s Day to remember!
Content: (please note that content portions of a review may contain spoilers):
First, I want to address this volumes cover. Owners of the Japanese release know that Akira-chan’s blouse is pulled up far enough to show the bottom of her breasts and the Del Rey cover shows a modified version. According to Del Rey, they did this with the creator’s permission, like a number of other U.S. publishers have done in the past. What sets Del Rey apart from those other guys, is the fact that they included a color version of the original Japanese cover art inside the book. This is just a great example of a manga publisher that gets it. They understand both what the fan wants and how brick and mortar stores will perceive it. Del Rey then gives both groups what they want. BRAVO DEL REY!
Now, for the story in this volume. Unlike the rough storytelling at the end of volume 6, this volume gets back to what it does well, fanservice! This volume doesn’t tread any new ground as it revolves around pics of girl’s underwear and some great costume service. Not only the usual trio of Yurika, Anju, and Haruna dressed in sexy Santa outfits, but also Yurika and Anju’s ridiculously hot mom shows the girls the right way to use sex to sell your product. Can anyone say M.I.L.F.?
With Christmas come on gone, it is once again Valentine’s Day. This year, Akira-kun actually receives chocolates from three girls. Now the question is, are any of these more than just a friendly exchange? Well, Yurika’s chocolate came with a coupon for a free all-day rubdown. Obviously, Akira-kun thinks there must be some kind of mistake. To his surprise, Yurika admits that the coupon means exactly what it says. What!? You will just have to read this chapter to see how things go after Akira-kun gets himself a mighty fistful of Yurika boobage.
In Summary:
This series isn’t for every manga fan, but for those of us who like cheesecake art combined with harem-style comedy, this series is a direct hit to the gro-, I mean heart.
Content Grade: B
Art Grade: A-
Packaging Grade: A
Text/Translation Grade: B
Age Rating: 18+
Released By: Del Rey Manga
Release Date: July 22nd, 2008
MSRP: $12.95
