Thank You

If any of you see Miranda at school next week, make sure you tell her thank-you for volunteering her time during Christmas break and covering graphic novels so we can get them into circulation. She did a lot of work last Thursday. We'll try to get the rest covered and on the shelves as soon as possible. Volunteers are always greatly appreciated, and it counts towards any hours you high schoolers need for graduation.

Trivia Time

• In the movie, Vision of Escaflowne, we see two close ups on Hitomi's watch. What dates does it show?
• In Fruits Basket what order did the 12 animals arrive at the banquet (ie what is the proper order for the Chinese zodiac)?
• When Kiki in Kiki's Delivery Service first arrives in town she almost flies headlong into a bus. What does the sign read on the bus?
• At the very beginning of the first episode of Neon Genesis Evangelion, we see UN tanks lined up along a mountain road. What's "wrong" with the tanks?

If you don't know the answers, check them out from the library (you'll need to place holds on some of them).

Speaking of Novels

I almost forgot to tell you that we have the first Fullmetal Alchemist novel as well. It's called The Land of Sand. I haven't had the time to read it, so you'll have to tell me if it's any good.

Novel vs. Graphic Novel

Among the most recent additions to our graphic novel collection is the manga adaptation of Socrates in Love (pictured at right). We also own the English translation of the novel (pictured left).

There are some significant differences between the two. When Aki is in the hospital, Saku says it is the first time he sees her cry (in the novel). In the manga he says it is the third time he sees her cry (the first time being a teachers funeral, and the second during their camping trip).

This change alters the personality of Aki (in my opinion) as well as the progression of their relationship.

I also think that the novel gives a better feel for Japanese culture than the manga does. What do you think?

P.S. Here's your copyright lesson for today. It is OK to use images or quotations when writing a review of the work (or writing a paper). It is called Fair Use.