Book Description
Changes abound at Seika Academy this year... including new dorm arrangements! They say absence makes the heart grow fonder, but will this hold true for Izumi and Hikaru - especially when Ayase and Ukyo drop in for a surprise visit? Izumi's worried that Hikaru's feelings for her beloved sensei will rekindle, but poor Hikaru has other things on her mind! She's just been forced into competing in a pop star contest, and is chosen to act out a scene with Izumi - cast in the part of a desperate lover!
Customer Reviews:
Finally, the story is getting interesting again!.......2007-05-22
Warning: SPOILER ALERT; I am going to give a scatter-brained synopsis of the whole series up to and including volume 7.
I read the first book with high hopes of a funny romantic comedy. I wanted some light little shojo story that I wouldn't have to take too seriously. I really liked the first volume. It laid the foundation of the story; gave me surprisingly detailed background info on the main characters - but it wasn't that funny. In fact, it got pretty dark towards the end. But still, I wanted to give this series a chance. Even if it didn't turn out to be the Julia Roberts a la "Pretty Woman" type romp I had expected.
Volume 2 introduced the teacher-student love affair that gave me high hopes for the future. And the manga-ka milked the build-up of that storyline for everything that it was worth; not allowing Hikaru and Ayase-sensei to confess their feelings for each other until volume 3 (well, technically, Ayase didn't really confess his feelings until the beginning of volume 4). I didn't really care for that robbery storyline. I guess it was just a means for Ayase-sensei to find out Hikaru's feelings and to make the reader believe he doesn't feel the same way. In addition, it gave Izumi an opportunity to dress in drag (he wears girl's clothing so often; wearing men's clothing seems like cross-dressing to me) and be spotted and Hikaru has to cover up his identity - twice. Umm, I know Izumi is a guy; but why does he seem to have super-human strength? Plus, at the end of volume 3 it seems Izumi is going to be more aggressive about his feelings for Hikaru and, now, we have a full-fledged romantic triangle in the making (Ta-da!!!).
But the contrived way Ayase was ushered out of the story in volume 5 really irked me! Why waste the readers time and build-up my fragile hopes if you are going to crush them soo quickly?!! The little bits with Kurobe are always a welcome comic relief but, for the most part, volume 5 was a stinker for me. Kurobe overhears a conversation between Hikaru and Izumi and realizes Izumi is a man. Once again, they scramble to cover up Izumi's true identity and the high jinks ensue (blah-blah-blah...). I will mention that I liked getting to know Chisato a little better in this volume. I wonder about her feelings for Hikaru (Didn't Hikaru already reject her; is this turning into a Yuri manga?)
That brings us up to volume 6. Hikaru is now in love with whom?!!! Oh, how fickle the heart of a teenager girl... Whatever! I don't really care anymore. I know I read this whole volume but I've already forgotten most of it. But I'm pretty sure it went something like Hikaru just now realizes her feelings for our gender-confused main character who has been in love with her for ages. Hikaru's cross-dressing main squeeze is, once again, spotted in drag (meaning in men's clothing) and they have to rush to hide his identity. Kurobe and Habashi cause some little mischief that wasn't very interesting. Chisato secretly pines away for Hikaru (this IS turning into a Yuri story) and, FINALLY, Izumi and Hikaru confess their feelings for each other. I say "finally" but wasn't Hikaru in love with Ayase like one volume ago?
What appealed to me about volume 7 is that I received some well-deserved closure on the Hikaru-Ayase love affair. It bothered me that she could so quickly forget her love for Ayase and start seeing Izumi. I know one could argue that she probably always cared for Izumi to some extent but who cares about that crap?! Ayase was her first real love! Now, I don't see her as being fickle but more like she was being practical. She realized that Ayase would never be hers and she could either stay heart-broken or move on. She chose to move on and I'm okay with that. And I still really like Chisato. She is just such a likeable character. I can't stand the thought that she is going to get her heart shattered by Hikaru (but what can you do; this isn't a Yuri manga).
Book Description
Hikaru's over Ayase-sensei but just when she thinks the drama's over, she finds herself in danger of having to quit school! Between dodging Habashi-san's advances and suffering at the hands of a jealous rival, Hikaru still has to deal with the newest development in her relationship with Izumi!
Customer Reviews:
tenshi ja nai 6.......2007-04-11
This was a great follow up to volume 5. Can't wait for volume 7 to come out!
im no angel.......2007-04-09
good story. i love the gender bender stuff. mainly cuz american body types couldn't pull it off. the story is getting good here. enjoy.
Book Description
Ever since a brief stint as a child model, Hikaru has been tormented by jealous classmates. All she wanted was to blend in, but things get worse when she transfers to an elite school for girls because her new roommate, Izumi, is a super-popular TV idol! But Izumi is far from the perfect girlfriend that is her onscreen persona. When Hikaru learns the truth - that Izumi is actually a guy - Izumi and his bodyguard will resort to any means to keep her silent. Wherever Izumi goes, scandal follows, and now Hikaru's along for the ride! From brand-new publisher Go! Comi, an imprint of Go! Media Entertainment.
Customer Reviews:
A Real Page Turner!.......2006-12-29
While browsing in the book store, reflecting sadly on how they still do NOT have the new Hana-Kimi I stumbled upon this nugget of gold. TJN is one of the best mangas I have read in a long time. The story is a common one, a cross dressing protagonist meets a member of the opposite sex and chaos ensues.
This time, sort of in the strand of W Juliet, the cross dresser is a guy. And his alter ego, Izumi Kido, is a teen idol. He comes off somewhat ruthless, but he's definitely strong and smart. I have already read volume 2 and 3 so I can honestly say that he fleshes out a little more and becomes more human. Also, his reasons are explained a little more in depth which makes you start to like him more. As a girl Izumi may be beautiful but when he puts on his `disguises' and masquerades as a guy he is gorgeous! Bishounen are always a plus in my book!
The main female is also a treat; Hikaru is a great foil for Izumi's coldness, because she is so warm and sweet. Even though she says she just wants to blend in with the scenery; she stands out of the crowd whether she wants to or not. She's great at sports and she becomes a loyal friend to Izumi although she is sort of forced into it.
I can't wait to see where this series goes, from what I have already seen it has Romance, Intrigue, Scandal and Fun, all wrapped up in a gender-bender comedy.
The Verdict:
Anyone who is looking for a manga that can be romantic, funny and serious all at the same time, pick up Tenshi Ja Nai!! A+
Same Television, different channel........2006-04-30
Hikaru just wanted a normal life. She didn't wish to stand out or be noticed in any way, shape or form. But now she is roommates with a female pop star, Izumi Kido, a true TV idol and everybody notices her. Then she finds out that the TV idol everybody loves and worships is NOT a girl. And things go downhill from there. Blackmail, lies and photographs!
Interesting idea but between Ramna 1/2 and W Juliet there are already tons of stories about boys being girls for one reason or another. There are a few twists and turns but I found Hikaru quick willingness to give in to Izumi a tad too weird. Or too plot driven?
A good story but not a great one. I plan to follow the next few volumes and see what happens from there.
He's No Angel.......2006-03-08
After glancing through this book I thought it might be a rip-off of 'W Juliet' but I still went ahead and bought it. The two leads look a bit like the leads from that story but that's about where the resemblance ends as their personalities are totally different. Hikaru Takabayashi seems determined to pursue wallflower status but fails miserably when her roommate at her new school turns out to be TV idol Izumi Kido. Hikaru was a nice change from the overly spunky heroines I've seen in manga lately. Izumi was a little more difficult to like (blackmail and intimidation seem to come so naturally to him)but by the end of the book you can understand him better. They don't really explain WHY he's dressing up as a female pop idol when he seems hot enough as a guy but maybe they'll get into that eventually. The plot is more light-hearted and less emotionally gripping than 'W Juliet' but it was a pleasurable read and I've already ordered the next book in the series!
Curiousity paid off!.......2005-12-02
I too pick up this book while browsing the manga at a book store, actually it was in the wrong section and I was moving it to the right one and the the cover attracted me. After reading the first few pages (I'm very picky with books I buy)I decided it passed the test and I bought it. It turned out to be very entertaining.
Hikaru was once featured in a famous commercial in grade school and after that her life became a nightmare, the kids took torture to a whole new level. Now years later Hikaru transferred to a super elite girls school, with the goal of being a tree, part of the scenery but still unnoticed, but poor Hikaru won't be getting her hearts desire, because her new roommate is not only the most beautiful and popular girl in school but famous teen idol Izumi! Hikaru is mortified when the girls swarm her everyday wanting to know more about Izumi and handing her gifts to deliver to the idol. But just when things couldn't get any worse, Hikaru shows kindness to the idol in need and finds out the she...is a he!
Determined to keep his real identity a secret, Izumi and his personal body-guard will do what it takes to keep Hikaru quiet. Blackmail, death threats with a Samurai sword, and keeping her in their sights 24/7! All Hikaru wanted was a quiet school year, but now she's the center of attention both positive and negative, and the deeper she gets the more she learns of Izumi's life and why he would go so far as to pretend to be a female idol. What secrets is Izumi hiding?
I'm looking forward to reading vol. 2 this book has a great start and I'd like to see where it goes. Go Comi has caught my attention and now I'm gonna check out their other books.
I recommend Tenshi Ja Nai it's humorous and you can't help but love the characters, especially Hikaru!
Much better than I expected! :).......2005-11-22
I actually really enjoyed this manga. I picked it up out of curiousity because the gender-bender angle can be fun. It's irritating that so many of the girls in manga aren't sympathetic or interesting characters. However, I really liked the main female character in this story. I felt that she was a rounded, human individual that I could care about. This manga doesn't focus on some pre-ordained relationship, either, which is nice. The main male character is fun too. He's definitely got his own agenda and he isn't weak or constantly protecting the main female character. There are also a couple of other interesting characters, and I feel like the story is going somewhere, unlike the standard high school fare, which basically consists of some relationship that's always hinted at but never changes. I think there is slashy potential, which is nice, but since I like the main girl character, it doesn't much matter either way.
Book Description
Perennial wallflower Hikaru Takabayashi is finally starting to bloom. Thanks to her working with pop star roommate Izumi (who's secretly a guy!), Hikaru has newfound confidence in herself. And best of all, Ayase-sensei, the hunky teacher she's head-over-heels in love with, has returned her feelings! Meanwhile Izumi feels the burn of unrequited love. The more he helps Hikaru find her happiness, the farther away from him she goes. Will Hikaru realize that the one who loves her most is just across the room?
Customer Reviews:
things are heating up! .......2007-01-20
There's alot of angst in volume five and the relationship between Hikaru and Sensei developes a painful glitch. Izumi sees how upset she is and kisses Hikaru to get her mind off her troubles only to discover that he really LIKES her...and he is not happy about it!
There's some intense scenes at a public bath house and skuldugery afoot with reporters and that pain-in-the-hiney actor, Kurobe. He makes a very scary discovery about Izumi. I really enjoyed this book. It kept my attention completely from beginning to end.
Once You start you can't stop!.......2007-01-05
This is your typical gender bending story. An all girls' school with a boy in disguise. He is working as a female model/actress to make money for his dad who is in the hospital. He is placed in the same dorm room as a girl who is trying to stay anonymous. She gets caught up in his crazy life of trying to hide his identity. It is Hana Kimi in reverse, just with hotter chemistry between the two main characters. This is one of the best manga I have read in ages!
YAY! VOLUME 5!.......2006-12-20
I have been eagerly awaiting this really exciting volume of Tenshi Ja Nai. In this volume you pick off wear Ayase-sensei is reading a letter from Sakon Sempei's parents on how her recovery from the heart operation had come. What will happen? Izumi's love for Hikaru is not being hidden and he kissed her! Also lately Hikaru has been making friends at the academy. Life is just as complicated for Hikaru and Kurobe almost found out about Izumi's secret!!!
Book Description
There's a new music teacher at Seika Academy, and all the girls are talking about him. When Ayase-sensei's fingers caress the piano keys, it's like magic, and if Hikaru's daydreams would come true, those fingers would caress her! Taboo though it may be, teacher seems interested in Hikaru, as well. But there's no time for forbidden romance when Hikaru's being dragged around to photo shoots with Izumi. The idol's latest project takes the pair to the seashore for a TV special with hot new actor Kurobe-kun. Turns out Kurobe's feelings for his co-star, Izumi, are less than professional - if only he knew the truth! From brand-new publisher Go! Comi, an imprint of Go! Media Entertainment.
Customer Reviews:
One of the best manga!!.......2006-06-13
Tenshi Ja Nai is one of my favorite manga that I am always looking forward to the next volume. The characters are so beautiful. Izumi is a boy who is blending in an all-girls school and by coincidence,the heroine Hikaru ended up being his roommate. It is the same as in Hana Kimi, where Mizuki Ashiya is sharing the same room with her idol, Izumi Sano. I really wonder how can they keep their disguise :D. It is fun.
Go! Comi did a good job in publishing this book. I am also a big fan of Crossroad :D. So those of you who loved Tenshi Ja Nai, you can give Crossroad a shot and you will never regret it.
Recommended for fans of Hana Kimi, and W Juliet.
OMG OMG OMG.......2006-06-05
Only ONE person has reviewed this book?!?!?!?!?! OMG PEOPLE! This is an AWESOME book. The whole SERIES is!
I've loved it since day one. Please read it. You'll understand fairly quickly what I mean.
Okay, okay..........2006-05-01
I admit, in all honesty, that this is one of those same stories that's told over and over. It's like W Juliet, in that there's a guy dressing as a girl. It's like Hana-Kimi in that the guy is dressing like a girl and infiltrating a girl school. Except, I'm going to rate this book like I would if I didn't read both of those stories and didn't think that it was nearly the same plot (because things do differ, as always. Especially since Hikaru is one of the few weak-willed heroines I've ever seen.)
Anyway, here in the second book (here goes the shortest synopsis ever so SPOILERS SPOILERS SPOILERS SPOILERS)we get to meet Ayase-sensei, a new teacher at the Seika Academy. Hikaru gets a major crush on him. Hikaru and Izumi head to a summer house where Izumi is starring in a short horror flick. Hijinks happen, including but not limited to: Hikaru falling more in love with Ayase-sensei, Sensei possibly showing love interest in Hikaru, Izumi getting jealous, Izumi getting stalked by fanboy and fellow actor, and Fanboy and Fellow Actor deciding that Hikaru and Izumi are lesbians together.
And actually, it was really funny, and really great, and I blushed when Hikaru blushed and felt pangs for poor Izumi who is obviously desperately in love with Hikaru. And the art is great. I've yet to see it falter. I cannot wait until I get the next book. One of my guy friends, who has never read a manga in his life and really isn't into the lovey-dovey stuff, randomly started the series out of boredom and has continued reading it he liked it so much; it's one of those manga that's good like that. I can say that about both books so far.
This second book far surpasses the first in ways of character development and love-interest-development. I especially recomend it for any people who like: W Juliet, Hana-Kimi, Girl Got Game, Your and My Secret, or any other gender-defying books. It really is awesome.
Book Description
Can Hikaru find storybook love on the stage? It's time for the Seika Academy school play, and this year the girls will be putting on Beauty and the Beast. Of course the ever-popular Izumi gets cast in the role of Belle, but that leaves poor Hikaru in the role of the Beast! The last thing Hikaru wants is to step into the spotlight with such a high-profile (and embarrassing) role, but since the dreamy Ayase-sensei is overseeing the production, she can't let him down! But in life, as in fairy tales, not everyone is who they appear to be, and Izumi's scandalous life is about to rock Hikaru's world once more. Can Hikaru find her real prince charming before she winds up like one of Bluebeard's wives?
Customer Reviews:
Just another typical insallment in the life of Hikaru Takabayshi!.......2006-11-05
In the third installement of this really awesome manga series! Hikaru decides to start acting on her feelings towards Ayase-sensei. Izumi is also starting to get really jelous but still as the great friend he is he helps her to get her way. Also shy Hikaru is going to be in the school play where she meets Ukyo-Sempei and a new character Sakon. She also catches Sakon with Ayase, so does that mean straight laced Ayase is having an affair with another one of his students?! Find out in this great volume of Tenshi Ja Nai!
Tenshi Ja Nai!! One of the best mangas ever!!.......2006-06-22
I just finished reading volume (3) and I am telling you, it is just getting better and better. The Go! Team is just doing a great job and I extend all my thanks and appreciation for their hard work to bring out the best. Thank you, Go! Team :D. Please keep it up.
Hikaru's feelings for Ayase-sensei is growing and it is showing more in this volume. She was so upset when she saw him so close and intimate with Sakon-sempai, the President of the Seika Academy Student Council. Sakon-sempai has been in love with Ayase-sensei for thirteen years but he doesn't see her as more than a sister but she is determined to win his love as a woman. This started the battle between Hikaru Takabayashi and Minori Sakon to win Ayase-sensei's heart.
I cannot forget to mention Izumi Kido, the cross-dresser student and Hikaru's roommate. Izumi is in love with Hikaru but she seems oblivious to his feelings because she is blind by her love for Ayase-sensei. At the end of the book, he kinda showed his feelings to her when Ayase-sensei interrupted the intimate moment and confessed his hidden feelings to Hikaru.
I cannot say more, so you have to go and read it yourself. Believe me this book is worth every penny. I am a big spender when it comes to anime and manga.
A big thanks again for the Go! Team.
Recommended for fans of Hana Kimi.
Book Description
In the play of life, all Hikaru Takabayashi wanted was to be part of the scenery. But ever since she transferred to the prestigious all-girls' Seika Academy, Hikaru has been living life in the spotlight with scandal on every side! Hikaru's crush on her sexy teacher Ayase is getting steamier, but there's more to the older man than meets the eye. When her roommate Izumi, the cross-dressing model, intervenes, is it in Hikaru's interest or romantic jealousy?
Customer Reviews:
Tenshi Ja Nai!!.......2006-09-28
For all of Tenshi Ja Nai fans, I warn you, it is getting juicier and sexier with each volume and in this volume, you will see how the plot is developing.
Hikaru Takabayashi has always had a crush on her teacher, Ayase-sensei and her dream has come true in this volume. Their relationship is getting intimate and steamier, which makes Izumi Kido jealous. Izumi's friendship with Takabayashi will deterioriate at the beginning of the volume because of her relationship with Ayase-sensei.
An old rival of Takabayashi will make an appearance in this volume. Yuuka Nagahara-san has been bullying Takabayashi since they were kids and it is all out of jealousy because Takabayashi has made it to the TV by landing a big commercial gig. Now she wants to beat her by getting a role in TV but will she succeed? Nagahara-san will do anything to get what she wants even if it comes to endanger Takabayashi's life but Izumi will always be watching out for her.
By the end of the volume, Takabayashi is confused about her feelings for Izumi and Ayase-sensei that she doesn't know what to make of her feelings or the awkward feelings she get whenever she is close to Izumi. She is trying to convince herself that Ayase-sensei is the one she loves but is it really true? I guess we have to wait for the upcoming volumes to find out.
For those of you who didn't buy this volume yet, what are you waiting for? Go and get it and you will never regret it. As for those who never got a chance to read Tenshi Ja Nai, I highly recommend it. It is worth every penny. All in all, I recommend all of Go! Comi books. I can say that I am trying to buy all of Go! Comi books. Crossroad, Cantarella, and Tenshi Ja Nai are my favorites.
A special thanks for the Go! Team again and again. Please continue the good work and we will always be waiting for your new.
YES!!!.......2006-09-22
FINALLY the fourth volume of Tenshi Ja Nai has arrive! I have waited MONTHS this latest installment to come out. Just for you fellow readers things are getting steamier between Hikaru and Ayase Sensei! And Izumi is getting pretty jealous! Enjoy this as much as I did!!!
Customer Reviews:
wow. gokinjyo monogatari on amazon?.......2004-12-08
I don't know Japanese, but I still have this manga and am very surprised to see it here. Ai Yazawa is one of, or the, best manga artists out there for girls' manga. She's not only an extremely talented artist, but also has a very distinct and original style. Her art kind of looks like it's from the '70's, almost, but she dresses her characters with clothes from all different eras. The story is rather simple: It's about a girl named Mikako who goes to a fashion high school, and her brand of clothes that she designs called Happy Berry. Mikako is supposed to be the older sister of Miwako, from Paradise Kiss, Ai Yazawa's more popular manga. You can get it in English, so it's easier to find.
If you like Ai Yazawa's style and would like to find more fashion manga, you can look for a magazine called 'bessatsu margaret' at Japanese bookstores. Artists like Aiji Yamakawa, Yuka Oohashi, and Ichigo Takano all occationally have stories running in it, but are virtually unknown in the States. Also, George Asakura has lovely artwork, and his manga 'A perfect day for love letters' is being translated to English, and is due to be out in June 2005.
Books:
- The Adventures of Tintin: The Broken Ear / The Black Island / King Ottokar's Sceptre (3 Complete Adventures in 1 Volume, Vol. 2)
- The Ascent of Man
- The Audacity of Hope: Thoughts on Reclaiming the American Dream
- The Collected Stories of Amy Hempel
- The Complete Anne of Green Gables Boxed Set (Anne of Green Gables, Anne of Avonlea, Anne of the Island, Anne of Windy Poplars, Anne's House of Dreams, ... Rainbow Valley, Rilla of Ingleside)
- The Complete Calvin and Hobbes (Calvin & Hobbes)
- The Complete Calvin and Hobbes (Calvin & Hobbes)
- The Complete Visual Dictionary of Star Wars: The Ultimate Guide to Characters and Creatures from the Entire Star Wars Saga
- The Fall of Freddie the Leaf: A Story Of Life For All Ages
- The Good Guy
Books Index
Books Home
Recommended Books
- Sex with Kings: 500 Years of Adultery, Power, Rivalry, and Revenge
- Jewish Book of Why - Boxed Set with The Jewish Book of Why and The Second Jewish book of Why
- I Hate To See That Evening Sun Go Down: Collected Stories
- Fabulosity: What It Is and How to Get It
- Generation to Generation: Family Process in Church and Synagogue
- History: Fiction or Science
- Hiroshima's Shadow
- Nikola and Milena, King and Queen of the Black Mountain: The Rise and Fall of Montenegro's Royal Fam
- Income Property Appraisal and Analysis
- Sun Yat-Sen, Frustrated Patriot
General
| Graphic Novels
| Comics & Graphic Novels
| Subjects
| Books
Tenshi Ja Nai!! (I'm No Angel) Volume 6 (Tenshi Ja Nai (I'm No Angel) (Graphic Novels))
Tenshi Ja Nai!! (I'm No Angel) Volume 5 (Tenshi Ja Nai (I'm No Angel) (Graphic Novels))
Tenshi Ja Nai!! (I'm No Angel) Volume 4 (Tenshi Ja Nai (I'm No Angel) (Graphic Novels))
Crossroad Volume 7 (Crossroad)
Tenshi Ja Nai!! (I'm No Angel) Volume 8 (Tenshi Ja Nai (I'm No Angel) (Graphic Novels))
