Rating: 
Summary: Fun and quirky!
Review: I'm a big fan of shoujo manga, but I have to say that I was worried if Paradise Kiss would be good or not. The last manga I read, Love Story, was not quite my style, so I was wondering if the new surge in good titles (Marmalade Boy and Kodomo no Omocha [Kodocha]) would only be short-lived. However, Paradise Kiss was excellent! The storyline is unusual, but good: Yukari is an 18-year old girl who focuses a lot on school and academics, when all of a sudden she's swept up into a crazy situation of being the model for a group of students (at Yazawa's School for the Arts) who design clothes (very interesting clothes, too). At first she completely refuses it, but then she realizes that she sort've likes being around those people, and she likes how they value something other than school for once (fashion!).The characters are also quite interesting... Many people think face piercings are weird, but Arashi goes beyond that and has SAFETY PINS pierced into his lips and eyebrow. (Ouch!) Miwako has some crazy hair (so much and so curly!), and she keeps calling Yukari "Caroline" throughout the entire first book (and it's catchy... I keep thinking her name's actually Caroline and not Yukari, too). There's also the transvestite, Isabella, and of course, the boss Georgie! Also, a romance erupts between George and Yukari (George may look gay, but he's actually bi, so it all works out), as one might expect in a classic shoujo manga. There are also some other love triangles, although I won't get into those to prevent spoilers. So, if you like fun, crazy manga (with some romance thrown in), you'll definitely like Paradise Kiss. Yazawa Ai's art is also very distinctive, but it adds to the craziness and makes everything even more fun. I highly recommend Paradise Kiss. It's one of those mangas that makes me start to whine and pout that the next book won't be out for over two months, and nearly pushes me to buy the original Japanese version and translate it myself! (Yup, it was that enjoyable to read!)
Rating:
Summary: Hot, punkish, original new manga series! A MUST!!!
Review: If this book were nothing but pictures without a story, I would still buy it. Ai Yazawa has a unique style of drawing that is adorably gorgeous, not to mention her sense of style is nothing less than awe-inspiring!! I have to admit, I've gotten a few ideas on modifying my own wardrobe just from reading Paradise Kiss. The characters (especially my darling Miwako) all dress so awesomely FUNKY!
The story begins when Yukari, a level-headed student mostly concerned with her studies, meets the quirky group of design students who want to create their own clothing brand, called Paradise Kiss. What's more, they want HER to be their model for their school fashion show! Yukari is skeptical (not to mention downright RUDE) at first, but as she gets to know them (especially their leader, the head designer George), she begins to respect their dedication and actually wants to help out.
I found it hard to warm up to Yukari. There are just so many things I dislike about her; but on the other hand I do believe she's a pretty realistic rendition of a normal high school girl. I thought she would probably grow on me after a while, but I've finished volume 3 now and I still dislike her. She is a beautiful girl, but it's hard to remember that when she's acting so insecure and selfish and spineless.
On the other hand, Miwako stole my heart right from the first. She's a little angel, as well as having the coolest fashion sense I've ever seen! I only wish I had a friend like her! She really steals the show, I found myself wondering what was going on with her when I got bored reading about Yukari and her endless problems.
Despite my dislike for the main character, it's hard not to adore this manga. Everything in it seems so fresh and unusual and eye-poppingly cool! Besides the fashion styles, it's down-to-earth and deals with realistic issues like sex, homosexuality, and jealousy in a candid way that's unusual in most shoujo manga. It makes me burn to read Gokinjo Monogatori (Neighborhood Story), the series Yazawa did before ParaKiss came out. Everyone ought to get into this series!!
Rating:
Summary: Fashion Manga at its best
Review: In the series of Manga done the Right (to left) Way for Tokyopop This has to be my favorite. (Maramalade Boy and Inital D not withstanding) It is smart, funny, fresh and original. The artwork is not like that of the usual shojo manga. The comedy and romance go hand in hand. The characters are so original and so lovable. I can see why it is so popular in Japan. I am so glad that Tokyopop has done such a good job of translating it. I just can't wait for the next book to arrive.
Rating:
Summary: Reluctant to review ParaKiss:
Review: My reason for that is, 30 reviews already for Vol. 1, and I've ONLY read Vol. 1 because where I live EVERY SINGLE book store has been out of ALL the volumes since Christmas, except now they have Vol. 5, like that helps!!! Despite that, however, I think I can write a helpful review, so here go's. Paradise Kiss is one of those mangas, or books, that will IMMEDIATELY catch your eye. When I had got a manga sampler book(before I was into manga) for my brother, as a prize from a summer reading club, I read through it as well. There were two mangas that caught my attention: 1. Mars and 2. Paradise Kiss
The reason Paradise Kiss caught my eye was because of the drawing style, it is very unique to Ai Yazawa alone, I've never seen anyone with a style that comes close(and I read a lot of manga, liscenced and unliscenced). So, finally over a year after reading a sample of ParaKiss and having read countless praises for the series, I got the first Volume for Christmas last year. Since recieving it, I have read it about 5x's(as well as started reading Gokinjo). Why would I do this? Well let me start with a synopsis of the story: The story goes: Yukari is a high school student who's parents have placed a lot of pressure on her, as well as people in her school, that she HAS TO get into a good college, or basically she's worthless. She hasn't thought about what else she might do besides that, so basically she just goes with it even though she hates it. But one day she is walking and thinking, and a weird guy with piercings all over his face(Arashi), sees her and asked her to be a model, she tries to run away, but she is snatched by drag queen(Isabella). She passes out and is taken to their hang out where she also meets Miwako, a tiny and cute girl who she mistakes for an angel at first. ;P They ask her to model, she refuses, and so it goes for a while.
I wont give anything else away about the story. Its not really the story that makes Paradise Kiss so great, its not exactly anything special. What makes ParaKiss so great is the great humor, great characters, and OF COURSE.... THE FASHION!!!! If I had to say my favorite thing about Paradise Kiss, well it would be the characters, but after that its the fashion.! I *Love* the fashion, in fact I *love* it so much, I got the first Volume of Gothic and Lolita Bible for my birthday. If you like it too, I suggest checking them out. You can order them at susugabooks.com along with many other Japanese mangas or items. :D Well, anyways, ParaKiss, in my opinion, is something anyone can anyone, and should enjoy. I understand in the later volumes there is some sex, so I guess its not for the under 16 set, but besides that, I would reccomend it to anyone.! Get Volume 1 today!!! God Bless & *enjoy* ~Amy
Rating:
Summary: Reluctant to review ParaKiss:
Review: My reason for that is, 30 reviews already for Vol. 1, and I've ONLY read Vol. 1 because where I live EVERY SINGLE book store has been out of ALL the volumes since Christmas, except now they have Vol. 5, like that helps!!! Despite that, however, I think I can write a helpful review, so here go's. Paradise Kiss is one of those mangas, or books, that will IMMEDIATELY catch your eye. When I had got a manga sampler book(before I was into manga) for my brother, as a prize from a summer reading club, I read through it as well. There were two mangas that caught my attention: 1. Mars and 2. Paradise Kiss
The reason Paradise Kiss caught my eye was because of the drawing style, it is very unique to Ai Yazawa alone, I've never seen anyone with a style that comes close(and I read a lot of manga, liscenced and unliscenced). So, finally over a year after reading a sample of ParaKiss and having read countless praises for the series, I got the first Volume for Christmas last year. Since recieving it, I have read it about 5x's(as well as started reading Gokinjo). Why would I do this? Well let me start with a synopsis of the story: The story goes: Yukari is a high school student who's parents have placed a lot of pressure on her, as well as people in her school, that she HAS TO get into a good college, or basically she's worthless. She hasn't thought about what else she might do besides that, so basically she just goes with it even though she hates it. But one day she is walking and thinking, and a weird guy with piercings all over his face(Arashi), sees her and asked her to be a model, she tries to run away, but she is snatched by drag queen(Isabella). She passes out and is taken to their hang out where she also meets Miwako, a tiny and cute girl who she mistakes for an angel at first. ;P They ask her to model, she refuses, and so it goes for a while.
I wont give anything else away about the story. Its not really the story that makes Paradise Kiss so great, its not exactly anything special. What makes ParaKiss so great is the great humor, great characters, and OF COURSE.... THE FASHION!!!! If I had to say my favorite thing about Paradise Kiss, well it would be the characters, but after that its the fashion.! I *Love* the fashion, in fact I *love* it so much, I got the first Volume of Gothic and Lolita Bible for my birthday. If you like it too, I suggest checking them out. You can order them at susugabooks.com along with many other Japanese mangas or items. :D Well, anyways, ParaKiss, in my opinion, is something anyone can anyone, and should enjoy. I understand in the later volumes there is some sex, so I guess its not for the under 16 set, but besides that, I would reccomend it to anyone.! Get Volume 1 today!!! God Bless & *enjoy* ~Amy
Rating: 
Summary: Overated
Review: OK, I saw the add for "Paradise Kiss" and it said, "Tired of the same old shoujo? Try something refreshingly different". First of all, this is the "same old shoujo". Just with elements about fashion in it. It's about a girl named Yukari who is very into her studies and then she meets these people (a punk named Arashi, a drag queen named Isabella, and a sweetheart named Miwako) at a studio and they want her to become their model for Paradise Kiss. At first Yukari rejects this oppurtunity, then the manager of Paradise, George, tracks Yukari down and brings her to a school where she gets a make-over, brings her back to the studio, and Miwako brings Yukari to the bathroom to get her dressed in some modeling clothes. Miwako explains everything about their job and such to Yukari and all that. But here's what I didn't like about it. 1)No huge connections with any of the characters. I didn't see why Yukari loved being those people (who wanted her to model) so much. All she did was try on an outfit, hear a girl talk about the job, and suddenly she likes the studio. And I still don't see what's so wonderful about modeling and such. 2)Original? Not really. I don't see why people are hyping over how "original" this manga is. It has the same type of elements as a typical shoujo manga does. Girl falls in love with a boy, learns about the relationships of other people, etc. The only thing added was the subject on fashion. Umm...cool? 3)What's so great about the artwork? It isn't "beautiful" or "has its own style". It's bland and boring. All the characters have skinny legs and big feet. The most originally-drawn character was Isabellea (you can guess why). 4)Boring... Usually, it takes me about a day or two to read a manga. This one took me 2 weeks. I couldn't find the plot gripping or suspensful at all and as soon as I was finished with it I wasn't "begging for more". 5)Not even close to being considered "romantic". The relationship with Yukari and George seems like it's TRYING to be romantic. I couldn't see what Yukari could see in George that was oh-so-special. Yet in the end they kiss. It's not even close to achieving the words "cute" or "touching". Overall, did I like it? No. Do I recommend it? No. If you'd like a shoujo that's a bit more romantic, amusing, and/or something you can relate to, I'd recommend Marmalade Boy or Kodocha.
Rating:
Summary: Wow...
Review: Okay, I'm not a teenager, but I love this manga. There is something profoundly "real" about Paradise Kiss, while it maintains its ability to stay, well, manga. Yukari is an engaging character, going through the trauma that is adolescence. And, although she tries to change and get stronger, she can't help her feelings for George, the leader and main designer for Paradise Kiss, and the primary tormentor in her adolescent life, right next to her mother. Her relationship with George is painful and pleasurable, since he is a perverse individual and an admitted "tri-sexual" (He'll try anything!), and it makes her feelings for him all the more confusing. This is one of those manga, however, that I have reservations about giving to kids under the age of 16, simply because, by book 3, there is a LOT of sex. The tension is always there, but it is open in book 3, and, frankly, kinda graphic. As a long time reader of shojo manga, I was flatly surprised. I LOVE the designer wear and costumes, the characters are fun and interesting, the problems are quirky and real (some of them I STILL haven't figured), and I just love it. Not only is the drawing style beautiful and detailed, but the characters are FUN, just FUN. I wish there had been a high school like that when I was going through it!! I highly recommend this for adolescent humor and just good time!
Rating:
Summary: Wow.
Review: Okay, so I have to admit... I have a huge collection of manga and they have all struck me in different ways... I was kinda stunned when it came to Battle Angel Alita, sad when it ended... Confused at the ending of Magic Knight Rayearth, laughed at Ranma 1/2, awwww'ed at Chobits, giggled at Wish... but none have struck me in the same was Paradise Kiss did. The art is completely heart-stopping... Anyone who read ParaKiss should, without doubt, look into NaNa (another manga by Yazawa Ai). ParaKiss is by far the best manga I have read... not only does it have amazing clothing designs, wonderful art, very kawaii, genki characters, but it also has extremely hot guys (need I say Arashi?). This manga is definitely for those who have a creative side, for those who love cute guys and pretty girls, and for those with a great sense of humor. I can assure you that you will absolutely fall in love with all the characters. This manga is completely worth buying.
Rating: 
Summary: Spotlight, Fashion, and Weridos
Review: Paradise Kiss is a fun but odd read. All the characters have certain loveable weird qualities to them. The manga full of emotion and load of crazy hijinks. This manga is fresh and just in time. It has an unique art style with unique characters to back it up. Paradise Kiss isn't for everyone but it's a fun journey into fashion for those who are interested.
Rating:
Summary: READ THIS MANGA!!! *_*
Review: Paradise Kiss is my favorite manga yet. The story is wonderful! The Romance between Yukari and George is played out just right. The rest of the characters are really easy to fall in love with. A lot of people say the art style is hard to get used to but I think it's great to see something a little bit different from the typical manga style that still works really well. If you're just getting into manga or looking for something new, you need to read Paradise Kiss! That's all there is to it. :D
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