Get to know a [shojo] blogger

This is a new piece I'd like to focus on once a month. I love reading shojo/manga/anime blogs, as well as all sorts of other blogs as well. And once a month I'm going to try to interview a blogger to give you a taste of who they are, what they do, and hopefully have you want to check out their blog as well!


This week I'll be interviewing Laura from Heart of Manga!

Question 1. Tell us about yourself and your blog!

• "I'm a certified teacher, who minored in English in college. I have a passion for art, writing, and Japanese culture. Obviously, that's what draws me to manga. I read manga as a hobby and at times find it difficult to discover new titles that are a decent read. This is what inspired me to start blogging. My blog provides honest reviews of manga I've read, as well as some fun little features for those who enjoy reading shojo manga."

Question 2.a. What originally got you into manga/anime?

• "I originally got into anime due to video games. I think with one edition of .hack, there was an anime short that came with the game. It was my introduction to anime. I got hooked when what used to be TechTV had their anime block on some evenings."

Question 2.b. What was the first series you can remember feeling really invested in?

• My first anime that I connected with was "Crest of the Stars". The chemistry between Jinto and Lafiel as well as the sci-fi setting, had me watching every episode. In my blog profile I describe that it was the anime series "His and Hers Circumstances" that hooked me into manga, because the anime left out tons of story. I ended up reading all of "Kare Kano", and started looking for similar titles.

Question 3. What series do you think is really underrated and why?

• I've not seen a lot of Tokyopop advertising, which may be why I hadn't heard of "Shinobi Life" until I came across it on someone's reading list on Amazon. I think the story is sweet and the artwork is well done. Not a very well known title, but it certainly should get more attention.
  

Question 4. How many manga/anime series do you regularly follow?

• I'll say that I follow more than ten titles at this point. All of the current shojo beat titles, Kitchen Princess, Bride of the Water God, Skip Beat, Special A, Love Com, Fruits Basket, High School Debut, Gentleman's Alliance Cross, Nodame Cantabile, Red River, Ichigo 100%, Tsubasa Reservoir Chronicle, Xxxholic, Suzuka....how many is that? gosh...that's like over 20 different titles...and I'm sure I've forgotten some...

Question 5. Character you relate to most and why, and your favorite character. Are they different? Why or why not?

• I guess the character I most relate to is Mizuki Ashiya from Hana-Kimi. Not that I've ever cross dressed and pretended to be a guy, but I did have mostly guy friendships in high school. Guys are so less petty and bluntly honest. And I know in high school when I was sweet on a guy, I followed him and cheered him on, like Mizuki did for Sano. My favorite character is Syaoran from Card Captor Sakura. He's such a sweet hero. I think it's awesome to see him as an adult in Tsubasa Reservoir Chronicle. Yes, they're different; I think I just like guys better than girls.

If you'd like to be interviewed about your blog, please let me know! I'd be happy to hear from you :)