Vampire Game, Vol. 2

Customer Reviews:

Roaming vampire.......2006-11-06

The story expands further in the second volume of "Vampire Game," as the vampire-kitty Duzell continues to search for his ancient enemy. This volume introduces a new cast of oddball characters, cross-dressing comedy -- and a potential villain for future volumes of the series.

Ishtar and Duzell arrive in La Naan for the martial arts tournament, and end up bumping into Ishtar's enormous cousin Vord, who is defeated in combat by Duzell, and promptly gives the Ishtar-lookalike a smack on the lips. Things only get stranger when Ishtar meets her scheming aunt and her two other sons -- including Seilez, who turns up in drag. Oy.

But there are other problems in La Naan -- Duzell deduces that the princes are not in the same bloodline as Ishtar, and Darres soon finds that Ishtar has made a rash promise: She'll marry whoever wins the competition. And worst of all, a shadowy figure is appearing to the tormented Seiliez, promising to help him win Ishtar's hand...

The first volume of this series basically introduced the universe and characters, but the second volume really expands the action to La Naan. It also introduces some real villainous action in the mysterious Sharlen, and expands on the running joke about Duzell being virtually identical to Ishtar. Too bad he can't look more macho yet.

Judal has hit her groove now that the characters are in place. Her artwork is very sleek and stylized, with plenty of detail. And aside from the usual pretty-boys and flowing hair, she fills the stories with elaborate jewelry and swirling clothes, as well as some fairly funny dialogue ("I've got a funny feeling about Vord." "You did seem very into that kiss..." "Not like that, you moron!").

Duzell is proving to be a very nonstereotypical vampire: He's not seductive or enigmatic, and he gets easily upset by Ishtar's flakiness. Judal also does a great job of illustrating the strained relationship between Ramia's sons, and hinting at why she hates Seilez and adores his younger brothers.

The second volume of "Vampire Game" amps up the action and comedy, and promises more interesting developments in La Naan. Definitely worth reading.

Vampire Game.......2004-02-29

For those of you who might be new to the series, this manga is not for everyone, and probably for people who already like anime/manga. It has some downsides, like the super-feminine guys, which is kind of annoying, but that is totally made up for by the fact that this series is HYSTERICALLY funny. We have our wonderful anti-heroine princess-brat lead, Ishtar, who is doing everything in her power to help her family's arch-enemy just for the heck of the ride. There's a lot of teenage humor, and the artwork is definately geared towards girls, but is quite good. Definately a series worth buying if you're into swords, sorcery, comic mishaps, and vampires.

vol 2 of the best manga ever!.......2003-10-20

I can't help but write reviews for all of Judals work. She is absolutely the best, in my opinion, manga artist and writer. Ishtar is smart and a bit sly (with a hint of crazy!) and Duzell isn't just the typically brooding vampire, starting a war because he was board and Ishtar approves! Darres is still being the 'big brother' or sorts and fighting for Ishtar in the tournament so she doesn't have to marry any of her counsin?! I agree with Ishtar on her choice though, compaired to the other two ^^; I won't go to much into what happens but more of kitty cuteness ensues, plus, well you just have to buy and found out ^_^

Girls with swords and a guy in a dress.......2003-09-02

Isthar takes duzzel to see her aunt and meets her very starnge prince cousins. Isthar goes all bad girl and helps her duzie wuzzie to find her great grand father. At one time there are two princess Isthars as duisse gains the power to shape shift. Is dares gay????. We find out family secerts can't wait to read book three.

SCRUMPTIOUS!!!!.......2003-08-31

this is a really wonderful manga. probably one of the best i've read so far (and i've read a lot). and its only just the beggining.
let me ennumerate the merits of this manga; first, i like the 'anti-hero' heroine. i dont know why but it is easy to relate to her. Ishtar is a not-so-typical teenager who has an attitude problem, but one can see that she is in fact a very good person (i liked the way she made it clear to seiliez that he will always be himself no matter his bloodline)and the fact that she conciously helps a villian, namely duzzel, to take revenge on her great ancestor phelios and in the process get her cousins hopefully killed (and did i mention how quick and calculating her mind is?). it will be a joy to see her develop further. then there is widdle duzzy wuzzy. he is just so so cute! i could eat him. i mean, ye, he is this great powerful vampire king, but now? he's just a blood sucking cutey kitten. then there's darres, *drool* even though he is dim-witted and foolish enough to have this teensy weensy crush on a lipstick-wearing prince, he still is a great bishounen. the three princes themselves are a mystery. what are their motives and when will the dark laphiji get his turn to shine?
this manga has it all, great story, twisty plotline, great characters, humour in bucketfuls, and a mystery which needs to be solved (but not before a lot of the plotlines and characters get twisted and turned til its unrecognisable). i cant wait to read the third volume, aparently this has already reached its 12th volume in japan, so the story still has a long way to go. i cant wait to read them all!
this is a great manga to try for begginers. its published manga style (which means it runs from right to left!) but dont worry, the panels are simply arranged so its quite easy to read. there are some awkward drawings (the necks are trademark with their overlongness and the action drawings tend to be somewhat..uh..awkward?) but it does have great artwork. judal, keep up the good work!

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Vampire Game, Vol. 4
Judal
Manufacturer: TokyoPop
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 1591825563

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Cross-dressing kittens
luv this manga!
omg this volume sucks!!

Vampire Game, Vol. 7
Judal
Manufacturer: TokyoPop
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 1591825598

Customer Reviews:

Cross-dressing kittens.......2006-11-21

One arc ends and another begins in the seventh volume of "Vampire Game," which also introduces some startling new facts about the characters. Judal's art has gotten a little rough around the edges, but her knack for humor and taut vampiric storylines is still in top form.

The secret of Illsaide's birth is revealed -- not only is he half-monster, but he's Jened's own son (and in love with his half-sister, yeech). But as Jened reveals his plan for Pheliosta, Illsaide turns on his father. When Jened flees seeking revenge on his traitorous son, a shocking killing leaves the battle with no victors at all.

As Ci Xeneth settles down, Ishtar receives the news that her Aunt Sonia is deathly ill -- only to discover Sir Keld tricked her. Her cousin Yuujel is nowhere to be found (although his past amours are everywhere), but his ex-girlfriend Leene (his best pal's wife) is very much there -- and determined to off Ishtar so that she can't marry Yuujel.

Volume Seven is a pretty packed little manga. One story arc concludes, there are some gory deaths, and another arc begins as Ishtar goes off to meet yet another branch of her family. But there's a twist in this branch of the family, as well as another vampiric presence that is playing with puppets.

Judal does stumble a little with the end of the Ci Xeneth arc -- everything wraps up just a little too quickly. Fortunately the new arc seems to be proceeding nicely, and Judal reverts to her previous art form -- lots of beautiful men, baubles and palace finery. Not to mention hilarious dialogue ("There are other people out there who care about you! And my guess is that only a few of them are cross-dressing kittens").

Judal also reveals some new information about the characters, especially some rather shocking info about Sir Keld's motives, and the mysterious past of Yuujin. It's obvious who he is, but interesting anyway. And fans of Duzell will be delighted that he now has enough power to shapeshift into his true form -- but Ishtar treats him just the same.

Fans of "Vampire Game" will want to have the eighth volume on hand, to find out what happens after the action-packed seventh volume. A solid entry.

luv this manga!.......2005-11-12

In this volume Duzie gains the ability to turn into his old self and the arc of Zi Alda starts! Judal's amazing, I hope they publish her other works!

omg this volume sucks!!.......2005-05-24

i admit the concept and story line is awesome, but somehow Judal's art deteoriates over time...the first book was AMAZING and the second one as well, i haven't seen the third one, but the art in vol. 7 and the plot line, pbbbttt...

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The vampire and the princess
Who doesn't like cats, vampires, & attractive protagonists?
It's Garfield meets Lestat
Interesting Story
Great first few books, then it all goes downhill

Vampire Game, Vol. 1
Judal
Manufacturer: TokyoPop
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 1591823692

Customer Reviews:

The vampire and the princess.......2006-09-26

Vampire manga are usually very angsty and gothically stylized, much like vampire fiction. But Judal tries a different tack in the entertaining, offbeat "Vampire Game," in which a legendary vampire king is reborn in a very, uh, unusual form. Humorous dialogue and amusing characters keep the plot moving, and promise more fun to come.

Long ago, the vampire king Duzell was destroyed by St. Phelios, by a spell that killed them both instantly -- and before Duzell died, he told Phelios that in a hundred years they would both be reborn, and then he would take his revenge.

Now, a hundred years have passed, and Phelios' reigning descendent is the irreverent, bratty Princess Ishtar. When news of vampiric attacks reach the castle, she disguises herself as a man and goes out to slay it, leaving her bodyguard Darres to chase after her. They find that a kyawl has been attacking people, seeking revenge for the death of her children -- and she can shapeshift.

Just before the kyawl dies, she gives birth to a single kitten, which Ishtar adopts and names Duzell -- not realizing that this is the reincarnated, shapeshifting vampire king, who is on the hunt for Phelios's reincarnation. What Duzell never expected was that Ishtar is not just a spoiled brat -- or that she would help him in his revenge.

The idea of a powerful vampire being reborn as a cuddly little kitten is hysterical enough, but Judal keeps the entertaining story going on more than one theme. Don't expect lots of sexy vampires gnawing on throats -- this is fantasy comedy, with mythical kingdoms, feuding royals, and a shapeshifting kitten in the middle of it all. No wonder Duzell's a bit confused.

Judal also knows how to keep things funny without making them slapstick, such as Duzell shapeshifting into a "perfect copy" of Ishtar and realizing that he can't change gender, or Ishtar's constant attempts to evade her tutor. Fans of action will get some taut swordplay scenes, and romantics will be rooting for Ishtar's chances with her handsome, long-suffering bodyguard Darres.

But Judal is also adept at making these characters likable. Ishtar seems annoying at first, until Judal reveals the treatment that has made her that way -- her relatives want her dead, and everyone else just sees her as a descendent of Phelios, not as her own person. Duzell is theoretically evil, but in this volume he seems more perplexed by Ishtar's odd behavior, as is the likable Darres.

An unusually solid start to a series, the first volme of "Vampire Game" introduces the characters and sets the stage for more strange, fantastical action to come.

Who doesn't like cats, vampires, & attractive protagonists?.......2006-03-14

No one I know, that's for sure. This is manga at its finest. The story has everything it should have: a wacky, humorous edge overlying a more serious and complex plot. The world's history is slowly being realized in this volume, and the characters are already showing glimpses of depth and genuineness. Those who love paranormal fiction/romance, gothic stuff, and urban fantasy will find pure bliss in this volume. And, of course, the stunning artwork is simply icing on the cake. Even if you didn't read a word, you'd be happy looking at the pictures. (Trust me, though--you'll be even happier if you do read it).

It's Garfield meets Lestat.......2006-03-07

If Garfield were a reincarnated vampire lord leaving in a midevil castle, I think it might go something like this. From shounen-ai expert Judal comes this tale of fun, intrigue, and fantasy with sparks of Samurai Deeper Kyo and Bastard.

Set in an alternate past, the Vampire King Duzell waged a war against the human kingdom of the great saint Phelios. Duzell was defeated by means of a spell that would kill the caster as well as the person it was used on, but he swore to be reborn a century later, and kill the reincarnation of Phelios.

A hundred years later, the great grandaughter of Phelios, Princess Ishtar, is now the regining head of the kingdom. She is constantly being lectured by her bodyguard and captain of the guard, Darres, as well as the court wizard, Keld. After hearing reports of a mad creature in a neighboring village, Ishtar heads out to confront it. Darres follows her and kills the beast which is a tiger-like animal called a kyawl, but not before it gives birth to its son. Ishtar takes the cub home with her as her pet cat and jokingly names it Duzell after her family's long dead enemy, What she or no one else knows, is that the cat houses the spirit of the actual Duzell, who has also used some of the blood he tasted from Ishtar in their first meeting to be able to take on a human form, looking like a male version of Ishtar.

Ishtar discovers her pets weird ability to assume her shape after he is confused with being an assassin, but she keeps it a secret, still unaware that it is still the reborn vampire king. Duzell continues to play the part of Ishtar's cat while he searches for King Phelio's reincarnation within the extended members of Ishtar's family.

Vampire Game is visually a great manga. The character designs rival those of Clamp, and has very interesting sequential movement. Better make room on your bookshelf!

Interesting Story.......2006-02-26

The Vampire Game: the title conjures up images of secret covens competing for power. Not so - this story takes place in a magical fantasy kingdom. The only vampire in this story has been reincarnated as a wildcat kitten.

Ishtar is the great-grandaughter of the deceased King Phelios, and princess of the Kingdom of Pheliosta. She is beautiful, but bored with all her royal duties and the restrictions of her lifestyle. She is forever escaping dull tutors, to the dismay of her handsome guardian Darres Keld.

But Ishtar also has a keen sense of justice to go with her love for adventure. In this volume, she disguises herself as a holy knight and investigates an attack on villagers. This leads her to adopt a fuzzy type of wild cat called a kyawl.

She names the kitten Duzell. Unbeknownst to her, the spirit of a vampire king who was vanquished by Phelios has contrived to be reborn as this kitten. Duzell's goal is to infiltrate the royal family and find the reincarnation of his nemesis, Phelios, so he can slay him. However, Duzell finds himself liking and protecting Ishtar, as she is poisoned by an unknown enemy.

The art is lovely, but the panels and drawings are a little too big. I would have liked to see smaller drawings of characters so as to include more background details.

The mysterious Japanese author of this fourteen-volume manga goes by the single name of Judal.

Great first few books, then it all goes downhill.......2005-05-16

When I finished the first book, I wanted more. The art was really unique, it almost seemed to have a CLAMP-like touch. Not only was the art good, but the story was a cute, magical story (which I like), and the characters were great as well. This pattern followed up to about book 5. You can tell that the author was doing a rush job. The animation just went downhill, and things that should have taken about 5 pages took a whole book to complete. The humor starts out great, but as you go on, it just seems to get drier, but I can't complain since it's rated T. It's not horrid, but I wouldn't reccommend it. I got up to volume 8, then I just started reading it in the store.

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Secrets and princes
more, yeah!
A wonderful Continuation

Vampire Game Vol. 3
Judal
Manufacturer: TokyoPop
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 1591823714

Customer Reviews:

Secrets and princes.......2007-04-11

Things are getting nasty in La Naan in the third volume of "Vampire Game," which reveals plenty of new mysteries and dirty secrets. While one of the developments is a bit weird, Judal's sumptuous art and twisting plots keep things interesting -- and they promise to keep getting that way.

The Martial Arts Tournament is getting under way, with Darres tearing through most of his opponents, as are the three princess of La Naan. But no one knows that prettyboy Seilez is getting some vampiric help, which gives him immense strength -- and almost leads him to kill his brother Laphiji (who has more-than-brotherly feelings towards Seilez).

Meanwhile, Yujinn has set Darres on the hunt for the princes' real birthrights -- and a hunch takes him to the real birth mother of Seilez, who may be the only legitimate heir to La Naan's throne. But when a bunch of undead monsters attack, Darres must live long enough to save Pheliosta from a vampire plot -- and without Duzell, who's been abandoned with a family of kyawls!

It only really comes home in the third volume of "Vampire Game" just how messed up the royal families all are, with all these little plots and counterplots. It doesn't advance the actual plot much, but it gives us some new insights into the characters, although the revelation that Laphiji is in love with his "brother" is a bit too icky.

It's more or less split between action scenes and plot twists, with lots of rapid-fire fights in the competition, including a nasty magic-sword duel between Laphiji and Seilez. But Judal also provides some new twists in the story of the La Naan princes, as well as lots of opulant artwork -- ornate jewelry, flowing gowns and pretty men with earrings.

Duzell gets somewhat less attention in this volume. But Judal reveals some new dimensions to Ishtar -- she may be ditzy and sometimes oblivious, but she also rushes into a magical whirlwind to be with Darres. Additionally, she is the only one to show real, unpitying kindness to Seilez, who begins desperately falling in love with her because of it.

The third volume of "Vampire Game" eis mostly made up of background info and detective work, but ends on a taut cliffhanger. So have the fourth volume on hand.

more, yeah!.......2003-10-20

In this volume it tells alot about the princes of La Naan, expecially Seiliez. What I love most about this series is that even in the midst of danger there is still a bit of comedy (and the extra mini-mangas in back are hillarious!) I just absolutely love this series! If you love comedy, vampires and a bit of yaoi then this is definatly for you! I hope they translate Carbuncle, another of Judals work ;.; (I requested it at Tokyopop lets hope they do! if you like Vampire Game then you should too ^_^)

A wonderful Continuation.......2003-10-04

I only picked up the first book of this series on a whim, and I'm glad I did! The antics of Duzell and Ishtar continue in this volume as our favorite reincarnated vampire tries to find out who Phelios has reincarnated as. Things get even more confusing when the princes aren't who they seem to be, and Duzell runs into a few problems. The only downside is it seems volume four won't be out till January, which is quite a wait to see what happens!

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Amazing yet Overlooked Manga

Vampire Game, Vol. 9
Judal
Manufacturer: TokyoPop
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 159182561X

Customer Reviews:

Amazing yet Overlooked Manga.......2005-04-06

Vampire Game is undoubtedly my favorite manga yet one that doesn't seem to have risen to the fame it deserves. The plot is engaging and moves quickly with endearing characters. People glancing at the manga probably expect the usual neck-biting, blood-sucking cliche but Vampire Game has a rather uncommon plot. The dialogue is witty and the drawings are beautiful. The author manages to maintain the delicate balance between humor and drama.

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Nani of the Year!

Vampire Game, Vol. 5
Judal
Manufacturer: TokyoPop
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 1591825571

Customer Reviews:

Nani of the Year!.......2005-09-24

My granddaughter loves these books and, apparently, this one was special! I'm so proud!

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The prison explodes

Vampire Game, Vol. 6
Judal
Manufacturer: TokyoPop
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ASIN: 159182558X

Book Description

When the disguised Duzell and Ishtar visit the kingdom of Ci Xeneth and discover an unusual collection of love affairs, plots for war, hidden identities and the inhumane treatment of monsters, they must temporarily put aside their mission to find Phelios. In the mayhem that ensues will Duzell say, "I do" to Illsaide? Included in this volume is a bonus comic, "The Sun and the Moon," in which we learn about Darres' background.

Customer Reviews:

The prison explodes.......2006-11-06

Dark and devious dealings are in the works in the sixth volume of "Vampire Game," with Ishtar and Duzell still going undercover in the desolate kingdom of Ci Xeneth. This volume is not quite as strong as the ones before it, but it comes close with the story of magics being used cruelly.

Everyone connected to Ishtar is in trouble -- Darres is desperately searching for her, and Duzell has the male knight Ilsaide proposing to him. And worst of all, the vampire Sharlen is worming his way into King Jened's confidences -- and his bed, very tastefully -- which puts him in a position of power over everyone in Ci Xeneth.

Duzell tries to fend of Ilsaide, and Darres tries to deal with the news that Ishtar may be in love. But Ishtar has her own mission -- the monsters in the cellar will be made into magically ruelles, and so she sets them all free. But the jailbreak coincides with a massive invasion of sea monsters -- and a shocking revelation about Ilsaide's true heritage.

The storyline of "Vampire Game" gets a lot darker with this arc, especially after Judal revealed that magical rings, swords and so on are actually made with the souls of monsters -- including vampires. Perhaps its only flaw is that the whole Ilsaide-Duzell involvement feels superfluous, since nothing really comes of it.

Even the humor is a bit darker in this one, such as poor confused Duzell's thoughts when Ilsaide tries to seduce him: "I'm a vampire with a woman's face and a man's body, and sometimes, in my more humble moments, I turn into a cat." Appropriately enough, Judal's art is starker and more ominous here, with fewer baubles and more blood.

Jened is a far nastier piece of work than Ishtar's aunt, but even he is basically a puppet working for Sharlen. This vampire seems to be much more power-hungry than Duzell used to be. And Ishtar may be flaky, but her good heart comes out as she tries to set the monsters free from captivity, and also greets Darres with tears and hugs.

The sixth volume of "Vampire Game" is a bit more fragmented than its predecessors, but promises more action to come. But have the seventh volume on hand, for that cliffhanger.

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