Kamikaze Girls Novel, Volume 1

Book Description

Meet Momoko, a "Lolita" decked out to the nines in the finest (and frilliest) of Victorian haute couture. The only scion of a drunken interlude between a cowardly yakuza and an inebriated bar-hostess, Momoko's mom has since split the scene, and, after various ill-fated scams that involve imitation brand name merchandise, Momoko's dad relocates them to the boondocks of rural Ibaraki prefecture. To escape her humdrum existence, Momoko fanaticizes about French rococo, dreams of living in the palace of Versailles, and buys all her extremely lacy clothes from an expensive Tokyo boutique.

Meet Ichiko, a tough-talking motorcycle grrrl (on a tricked-out moped) who leads a ladies-only biker gang known as the Ponytails. Together, this unlikeliest of duos strike out on a quest to find a legendary embroiderer, a journey on which they encounter conniving pachinko parlor managers, legendary street-punks, and anemic costumers. Who knows, they might just make it big...if only Ichiko would stop head butting Momoko in the forehead. Novala Takemoto's break-though novel KAMIKAZE GIRLS, already a cult-classic in Japan, is more than a wry coming-of-age picaresque, it's a new way of life.

Customer Reviews:

girls girls girls.......2007-10-03

awesome book. one of those books u can finish in one sitting cos its just so entertaining! definitely a one of a kind story. i wish there were more books like this one.

a empowering book.......2007-08-21

okay probably not words you think of when you think of a Japanese novel about a Yanki and a Elegant Gothic Lolita. Probably few if anyone that reads manga would probably even think to pick up the book. Yet I say EVERY girl should read it.
Because, its about the bonds that are the very beginning of any life long friendship. The friendships that actually last and will stand the tests of what ever is thrown at one during life, and what you'll throw back at life to keep that friendship.

Its just a wonderful book, that every girl should read. Even if its about two wildly different Japanese girls and neither is really a 'mainstream underground' in America, everyone LUVS a E.G.L. and who doesn't want to be a big bad Yanki sometimes?

word of warning, there is some cussing. artfully and tastefully done. and yes I apply those types of words to cussing.

Awsome Book.......2007-04-15

I love this book. The art work is OKAY, not the best, but it fits the story well. Momoko is a sweet lolita, not a gothic lolita. There is a BIG difference. Ichigo(AKA Ichiko) is a yanki, who seems a bit clueless at times. There are some pretty big differences between the movie, then novel, and the manga, so try not to get too confused if you own all three! This book also includes 2 bonus stories, "The Pinky Finger Princess", and "The Middle Finger Princess". My favortie of the two is "The Middle Finger Princess", which might not be suitable for younger readers. There's some cursing in this book, but probably not as much as there is in the origional novel, so I reccomend this book for younger readers, as a substitute until they can handle the language.

i wanted to dislike this book, i really did........2006-10-04

but fourtunately i was unable to. the book is better than the movie, because the characters are clearer. in the end of the movie, i didn't really understand momoko's desicion not to (thing she decided not to do because i don't want to spoil it for others)but in the book i understood it better.

like another reviewer said: it would help you to know a bit about japanese pop culture, but most of the time important things are explained pretty clearly.
so read the book, even if you aren't interested in lolita fashion, you'll laugh, worry, feel sad, w00t... and come away feeling good about being different, which is not something i can say for a lot of books written for brokemold teengirls these days.

This novel-inspired manga is an engaging read!.......2006-04-04

Based on the cult-classic novel by Novala Takemoto, Kamikaze Girls is a story about two girls on different ends of a fashion/culture spectrum: a yanki, (slang for a bad boy or girl, often members of a gang) and a Lolita (a.k.a. Gothic Lolita because the style comes from Gothic, Victorian era). Ichigo, the yanki, is an impulsive member of a local yanki girl’s-only biker gang. Momoko, the Lolita, will stick to her “Gothic Lolita” code of conduct even if it means walking everywhere, and travelling three hours by train to get to Tokyo instead of by motor bike, which only takes one hour, because the wind might mess up her headdress or clothes. These two girls form a friendship based, at first, on a common ground for most girls their age: clothes, or rather, their passion for fashion. They later discover that they want to be friends because they really like the person inside the clothes. They are soon comforting, supporting, and saving one another as they start to spend all their time together as best friends. These girls protect their friendship to one another so recklessly, some might say they’re suicidal!

The continuation of Ichigo and Momoko’s misadventures, written by the manga artist, Yukio Kanesada (with Novala Takemoto’s approval), are sweet, romantic, and fun! There are two other extra stories, “Pinky Ring Princess” and “Middle Finger Princess” that are also a treat to read (although due to some adult/sexual situations in them, they're not for anyone younger than 16—which is the rating VIZ Media gives this manga, anyway).

It was through this manga that I really got to see the non-stereotypical aspects of being a yanki and Gothic Lolita, and where I got to learn more about their culture. While the yanki community often attracts delinquents, Ichigo’s sense of loyalty, honor, and fighting for what you believe in is almost samurai-like. Ichigo shows you don’t even think twice about doing something contrary to your style if your motivation is for love. Momoko teaches that Gothic Lolita isn’t about young girls calling themselves "Lolitas" and behaving like the famous Lolita (having sex with adults to become “adult” yourself). Gothic Lolita according to Momoko is about being frilly, pretty, feminine and going back to a more innocent, romantic time of history: the Victorian era. To Momoko, being a Lolita means being radiant, graceful, elegant, calm and always beautiful. But also Momoko shows that if it’s for a best friend, a Lolita, “must, even if she can’t be elegant, even if it’s a losing fight, must join the battle” and be tough enough to scare the wits out of a gang of yanki biker-chicks! This is a great manga. I recommend it to anyone who thinks the stereotypical things about yankis or Lolitas as a really delightful re-thinking of "those types of people". I plan on buying the novel that the manga was based on as soon as I earn up the funds to do so.

Kamikaze Kaito Jeanne: Volume 2 (Kamikaze Kaito Jeanne)

Average customer rating:

Well...OK
Good, not as good as the first.
Jeane Volume 2

Kamikaze Kaito Jeanne: Volume 2 (Kamikaze Kaito Jeanne)
Arina Tanemura
Manufacturer: CMX
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 1401205569

Book Description

The battle continues against demon-possessed paintingsas the competition between Kaito Jeanne and Sinbad heats up! Meanwhile, life at school grows complicated for Maron, as she must deal with her growing feelings for Chiaki and her guilt over being kissed by Sinbadnot realizing theyre one and the same! And Chiaki hides a dark secret that could shatter everything.

Customer Reviews:

Well...OK.......2006-08-20

This book was somehow a let down, but still very good. Chiaki's secret is revealed, while a little more of Maron's parent's story is revealed. After finding Chiaki's secret, Maron disowns Chiaki, convincing herself that she hates him, but in the end, after Chiaki helps Maron get through some troubling news, maron realizes that she doesn't hate him. In fact, it's the exact opposite.

Good, not as good as the first........2006-04-21

I somehow thought that the secret about Maron not knowing that Chiaki is Sinbad should have stayed unrevealed through the second volume. It doesn't leave a hanging ending as good as the first one, at the end of volume one you're just so hung that you MUST buy the second one to see what Jeanne's response to Sinbad's requested promise. I knew Jeanne would say no but I was hoping for something a little more exciting. It's good and I really want to continue reading the series but I really hope it get's a bit better because I sort of lost the feeling of REALLY wanting to purchase the next volume.

Jeane Volume 2.......2006-03-02

The Book was great really made me want to get the third book when it comes out.

Kamikaze Kaito Jeanne: Volume 3 (Kamikaze Kaito Jeanne)

Average customer rating:

Maron rocks!!!!

Kamikaze Kaito Jeanne: Volume 3 (Kamikaze Kaito Jeanne)
Arina Tanemura
Manufacturer: CMX
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 1401205577

Book Description

In volume 3 of the internationally best-selling fan favorite, Maron races to save a friendwho's also an enemy! When Chiaki's kidnapped by his demon-possessed father, Maron transforms into Kaito Jeanne to save him. But the demon dad is ready for Jeanne and has a space reserved just for her in his collection of living mannequins! And it doesn't help matters when the imprisoned Chiaki refuses to move back home, even if Jeanne can set him free.

Customer Reviews:

Maron rocks!!!!.......2006-07-28

This is my favorite out of all of them. This book is also the funniest of all, but also very sweet. this book includes Maron and Chiaki's little romance, and even a little bit of Acess' and Finn's(although it's one sided love). this book takes you through valentines day and other adventures by Maron and Chiaki.
And there's a new character, a mysterious Shkaidou, who knows Maron's secret!!! If you buy this book, you definitely won't regret it. every page is full of humor, adventure, and a little romance.

Kamikaze Kaito Jeanne: Volume 6 (Kamikaze Kaito Jeanne)

Average customer rating:

Kamikaze Kaito Jeanne: Volume 6 (Kamikaze Kaito Jeanne)
Arina Tanemura
Manufacturer: CMX
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 1401208428

Kamikaze Kaito Jeanne: Volume 5 (Kamikaze Kaito Jeanne)

Average customer rating:

It's really good.
GO JEANNE!

Kamikaze Kaito Jeanne: Volume 5 (Kamikaze Kaito Jeanne)
Arina Tanemura
Manufacturer: CMX
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback