The Record of a Fallen Vampire Vol. 1

Title: The Record of a Fallen Vampire (Vol. 1)

Story By: Kyo Shirodaira

Art By: Yuri Kimura

Publisher: Viz Media

Rating: T for Teen [Due to themes of Death and Violence]

Manga Synopsis: Thousands of years ago, Vampire King Akabara "Red Rose" Strauss lost both his kingdom and his queen. Since humans were unable to kill the queen, they sealed her away, erecting thousands of fake seals so that the king would never find her true location. Despite being pursued by relentless dhampires, Akabara continues to search for his queen to this day...

Volume One Plot: Akabara's quest takes a sinister turn when an entity called the Black Swan appears. The Black Swan inhabits the body of a young human girl every 50 years, giving her the power to destroy the Vampire King and his queen. With each incarnation the Black Swan grows stronger-- will the 49th Black Swan mean the end of Akabara?

To prevent confusion, let me clear up two main points.
As you read this manga, please note that this story does not center around the 49th Black Swan, but rather it focuses on the vampire king Akabara.

As I started reading Vol. 1 for the first time I was noticing how rushed the story seemed to be and so I couldn't really develop a connection to every character. At first I wrote it off as a flaw in Shirodaira's writing, but soon realized my mistake. Shirodaira rushed this segment of the story because the reader isn't supposed to focus on the 49th Black Swan, but on the Vampire King instead. This is his story, the Black Swan is just another character.

Also, these are not your conventional vampires. They are confined to only travel by night, yes, but they do not feed off humans, and they cannot be killed with a steak to the chest. These are magical beings whose powers are the real threat. To kill them you have to fatally wound them with magic and/or weapons.

Keep those two points in mind, and it'll be an easy read.

Record of a Fallen Vampire tells the story of vampire king Akabara who lost his kingdom and queen in one night. The Vampire Queen's magic had gone out of control and nearly destroyed the Earth and so a group of humans sealed her away forever. On top of that, they erected thousands of fake seals so that Akabara would never know the queen's true location -- In fact so many were created that the humans themselves have forgotten which is the real one. However, Akabara is determined to find her and so he searches for centuries, destroying thousands of seals, hoping the next will be the real one. 

In an effort to stop him, both humans and dhampires alike hunt after Akabara -- hoping to kill him before the queen is released. Dhampires are humans with vampire blood and so they also have magical abilities, including the ability to heal severe wounds. But their forces combined have still not been enough to kill the King.

To help in the battle, a magical entity called the Black Swan possesses a human girl every 50 years. Each generation of the Black Swan inherits the skills, memories, and abilities of her predecessor. So, in turn, each generation is stronger than the last.

I picked up this manga a couple of weeks ago when the storyline caught my eye. I fount it all makes for a very interesting plot and as I learned more details about the story I grew to enjoy it more and more. The quick progression in the beginning was necessary to move the story along appropriately, and then from there it continues at a normal pace. And just when you think it all might get repetitive with Akabara fighting against a dhampire from seal to seal, Shirodaira throws in a surprising twist! 

This is Shirodaira's first time writing a vampire story so I'm really impressed about how he made it his own. It's definitely different, but not necessarily bad. Some of the dialogue seems a bit... off by word choice but he was still able to establish a great foundation for all the characters. It allows the reader to be really stumped by the sudden twist in the story. Kudos to him because thanks to that cliffhanger I will definitely continue to read this series. 

Just like graphic novels, not all manga writers do their own art. In Fallen Vampire's case, the art is done by Yuri Kimura. Kimura's style of drawing reminds me of DN Angel, where the bodies are lean but the hands are slightly larger than they should be. Usually the disproportion annoys me and distracts me from the story, but in this case her style actually helps the story. With stories that use magic as the main focus it can be hard to follow the battle scenes. Most of the panels are filled with "moving wind" and symbols and since mangas don't have the advantage of color that American comics have, it can get confusing sometimes. I know I've been lost dozens of times while reading Juvenile Orion. 

However, in Fallen Vampire it's actually a lot easier to follow each magical blow because the source of all the magic is made easier to see. And with none of it being distracting I can safely say that Kimura's style is not a flaw. If that weren't enough, Kimura is very skilled at drawing expressive eyes and faces which brings the characters alive.

All in all this manga is definitely worth looking into. I've already started reading its second volume and I'm sure it wont be my last.

The Record of a Fallen Vampire 4 out of 5 stars.

Summer Begins, Blogspot Reborn

Alright. It is Summer my dear friends and I have made a self-promise to bring this place back. I'll be posting reviews of films and books again, starting with the book I'm currently reading, Pledged by Alexandra Robbins. There's a huge controversy going around about that book so it'll be fun to review and share that information with you guys.

As for movies that will come as I'm able to see them. Money is tight at the moment so I don't know how often that will be, but I do have some anime DVDs I haven't seen yet and Netflix always allows for cheap renting. So hopefully I'll be able to get reviews out to you guys even if it's not on new titles per se. 

Concerning Faellynn, I would love to write more Quest Logs for her -- in fact i think I have enough notes for two more entries, I just have to find them ^^;; -- but because of my monetary concerns I had to cancell my WoW account temporarily. Hopefully I can make enough to play for another month or two this Summer but I don't think I'll be able to reactive my account permanently. *crosses fingers* Here's hoping I'm wrong and WoW becomes available again ^-^

So to launch off my homecoming to the blogspot I gave the place a new look =) I haven't decided on my profile picture yet, I might keep this one or I might switch it out with the Ah! My Goddess image I used in this entry. So far I'm thinking of doing the switch =P

So, my few but valued readers, I have some special news. My brother, known online as The A-Train, has his Pullbox for his reviews and articles over comics, movies, and shows. One subject he's never touched, however, was anime/manga. So guess what kiddies? I've been asked to write possibly-weekly articles on anime or mangas because, while he himself isn't a huge fan, the subjects still belong on the site. Afterall, anime geeks are one helluva crowd ;)

So, yes, very exciting ^_^ I, of course, will post the articles here as well but still feel free to visit the Pullbox and enjoy the articles. 

Oh, speaking of the Pullbox, The A-Train has just launched the pilot episode to his new Pullbox Podcast. =D You may find it on iTunes soon, but for now you can download it (or live-stream it) from The Pullbox Podcast official website. =) In this pilot episode, A-Train and his co-host Adrian discuss the film, Batman Begins. Another fun feature about the Podcast is that on the main page of its official website the A-Train will post polls were YOU, the listeners, get to vote on which film will be discussed in the next episode!! =D So stop on by and watch them grow as they review film after film. And in the future I myself might make an "appearance" if ever/whenever we do a special treat to the anime fans ;D Good stuff all around!!

Well my friends, I do believe I'm done with my newsreel for tonight. =) Thanks for reading, it's much appreciated. I'll see you soon!!

Faellynn's Quest Log 48.4

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QUEST LOG 48.4

My stay here in Stranglethorn Vale is coming close to an end. I have fought countless of trolls who have sided with the Alliance and have taken many remains and stolen treasures back to Grom'gol camp. These poor trolls... to have their own kin betray them in such ways is heartbreaking. They tell me there is not much else I can do, and they thank me for giving so much. I pray they see better days after this.

           Algar's training is troubling. He doesn't seem to really strive in his battles as Mayne does. After facing so many enemies, he still hasn't grown much in strength or skill; he is growing increasingly reluctant to do much of anything, really. I have been trying to push him a little harder because while I have always been there to save him whenever he was overpowered, I cannot guarentee I will always be able to. I need to be able to trust that he can stand on his own if things got too serious. His actions grow reckless to the point where he rushes after an enemy we never needed (or weren't ready to) face.

           I love Algar, he has a strong spirit and is a very wise creature; but if he refuses to learn how to survive against the Alliance with me then I will be forced to return him to Thousand Needles and leave him in his old nesting grounds. At least there he would be safe and I would never have to worry about him. I hope it doesn't come to that... I would love for him to stay.

           While on one of my quests, I came across a fascinating creature. It was a female Bangalash Tiger, a truly rare breed. Soon as I was able, I returned Algar to the stables at Grom'gol and returned to where I saw the feline prowling. I confronted her and tamed her, and now she seems willing to be my companion along with Mayne and Algar. I have decided to name her Rana, which means "eye catching." I find the name suits her perfectly because when she is stalking a target she has the ability fade into her sorroundings so well that you could swear she just disappeared before your eyes. She has such power in her claws that I suspect she may be even more powerful than Mayne. I trust she will do amazingly in any danger we face.

           After my last task here, I will move on to a new area known as the Hinterlands. I have been told more trolls reside in a village there, and that they are in desperate need of assistance. It sounds like the perfect place to begin Rana's training. 

---Faellynn

"Criticism Wanted"

This is a piece I wrote back in 2006 and posted into my LiveJournal. I was skimming the old 'Journal recently and came across it. I never named it and the title of the entry was simply "Criticism Wanted", but the truth is: I don't think I've written anything that tops this yet. (Which is sad when you think about it. I'm supposed to get better with time)

I thought I'd repost it here since even I think it's awesome. Might skim old entries of my Xanga to find stories there and do the same. 

Enjoy.

= = = = = = 

I kept my eyes open for her. The hall was flooded with people but I knew she was here somewhere.
There. She was sitting at the table alone, everyone else must've gone to dance.
I headed for her, but someone else stood in my way. It was the brunette from my sixth period.
"C'mon let's dance! I love this song!"
"Actually I was--" but I was already being dragged to the dance floor. The song was fast enough so I decided to humor her.
Wasn't long until I regretted it.
She was dancing way too close and 'wild' for my taste. It seemed pretty clear she wanted all my attention on her. 
The song ended and I gratefully left the dance floor while she was placing in a request.
She was still sitting there. Her fork idly playing with the napkin. She looked up at me as I sat beside her. She quickly directed her gaze back at her fork. "Hey."
"Hey.." I had never seen her in a dress before. The black gown wrapped around her perfectly, her hair down well past her shoulders. She never wore any make-up, which I had always loved since it left her face unmasked, allowing her natural beauty to shine through. Her skin was smooth and clear, and her full lips were a little rosy, she must've been bitting them recently. I could see the flames from the center-piece candles reflected in her dark eyes. "You look beautiful."
She rolled her eyes, her grip on her fork tightening.
"You do."
Her eyes narrowed at me. "Stop it."
I sighed. She never believed any compliment I gave her. She had started playing with her fork again. "We need to talk--"
"Here comes your little friend."
I turn my head to see the brunette heading towards me. She latched onto my arm. "C'mon they're playing my favorite next!" 
"Have fun." She dropped her fork and stood, quickly making her way outside to the balcony.
"Wait!" I shake the brunette off my arm, then rush after her.
She was leaning against the railing, her back turned to me. I stopped a few feet behind her.
"It's not what you think. She just asked me to dance, I'm not--"
"Oh I'm sure that's all it was."
"That is all it was! I got away as fast as I could."
"Oh, I'm sure you did. It's not like you ever had trouble turning away from attractive girls."
My shoulders fell with the weight of her words. I had to swallow hard before I could speak again. "I know I screwed up...but I promise I won't ever make that mistake again...."
She turned with a fierce look in her eyes."You promised never to make it in the first place! How can you be so sure you wouldn't make it again?"
"Do you really think I'd do that again after knowing how much it hurt to lose you?!"
"Oh, I'm sure it hurt alot, what with your ability to endure pain. If you dislocated a shoulder you'd just pop it back in without a single wince!"
"It's not the same thing and you know it!"
"Just do me a favor and spare me the stories." She walked passed me but I grabbed her wrist before she could get away. 
"Would you just listen to me, I--" I must've pulled harder than I thought because she was suddenly against my chest and my arms were around her. She had stiffened, but didn't move. I could smell her shampoo in her hair, and I found myself pulling her closer. She was warm despite the slight chill outside. I hadn't held her in so long... Her soft voice broke through my thoughts.
"You..what?"
I realized I had forgotten what I was going to say. I tried to remember, but I couldn't concentrate on anything but the feeling of her body against mine, the feeling of my arms around her waist. "I don't remember..."
"Oh..." She was slowly relaxing, and soon I felt her arms wrap around me tightly. I felt relief flood my senses as I tightened my hold on her. God how I've missed her touch...
"I love you..." I hugged her as tight as I could. "I love you so much.." I felt my shirt grow wet and I reluctantly pulled back a little. I placed a hand under her chin and gently lifted her face. Her cheeks and nose were pink, and wet from her tears. I wiped her eyes with my thumb as she bit her lip, most likely to fight back more tears.
"I love you too..." Her voice was so quiet I almost didn't hear it. Before I could stop myself I lowered my head and kissed her. It was quick, but it was enough to send my mind spiraling through every moment I had with her... Everything I had lost.
I felt her pull me close and I kissed her again, and this time she responded.
God I had forgotten how soft her lips were. 
She held me tight as we stood there, our lips meeting again and again. I couldn't believe this was happening. That she was here with me after so long.
We pulled away, and I was drawn to those dark eyes I had always lost myself in. She seemed to be as lost in the past as I was.
Suddenly, something sparked in those dark pupils, and she stiffened.
No...No not now.. Please don't remember...
She pulled away, her gaze turned away from mine. Please, no..
"I have to go."
"Wait-" I reached for her hand but missed, and she rushed back through the doors. I went after her, but the doors had closed, blocking my view of her. I threw them open, the noise of thundering music and laughter ripped through the once quiet balcony. No one has had their fill of the night and the hall was filled with hundreds of bodies.
I looked around frantically trying to catch a glipse of her among the masses. I hadn't seen which direction she had gone and felt a sense of panic. I had to find her before--
There! She was closing in on the exit doors at the far end of the hall. I called out to her but my voice was drawn out by the music. My blood ran cold as she opened the doors and ran out. 
I pushed and shoved my way through the crowd, trying to get to her as fast as I could. Then finally I bolted through the doors, my eyes frantically searching the parking lot for her car. She had to have reached it by now.
I kept calling for her, hoping, praying that she'd wait.
To my far right I heard a car roar to life. I ran towards the row of cars where the sound originated, I could see her blue Toyota pulling out of a spot. "Stop!!"
She was accelerating, I called out her name again but she was soon out of my reach. I stood there, breathing hard, as she drove out of the lot.
My chest clenched. I let out a yell and punched the trunk of the nearest car. The car alarm went off, its loud whines ringing through the air, making my heart pound against my ribs. I ran both my hands over my face. 
I lost her... I lost her all over again...

The Currents

I have been doing a pretty bad job of keeping up with this place, I know. So here's a few News Reels to clarify:

1. School is crazy. It's been hard keeping up with life, school work, the BlogSpot, and my reading.

2. Yes, I am still reading This is All, but the before-mentioned reasons keep me from reading at my normal, quick pace. 
3. Yes, I still watch movies and I have seen a few recently. I'm sorry I haven't reviewed any in a long while. The realization that the only 2-3 people that read this I know in real life has given me the "Well they can just ASK me if I liked it" attitude. I plan to resume reviews again, but time is always being crunched these days. Stay tuned.

4. I will continue to write Quest Logs for Faellynn and I will continue to write story excerpts of my characters. It's just a matter of time, inspiration, and literary mechanics.

For those who read this, Thank You for doing so. I only wish more would do the same.

Faellynn's Quest Log 46.3

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QUEST LOG 46.3

Stranglethorn Vale is such a beautiful place! It looks as if I've stepped onto a forgotten island. Mayne loves the area, but when we arrived she was clearly in need of rest. After accompanying me on quest after quest with barely any rest, then to take a zeppelin such a long way down to Stranglethorn, she was exhausted. The ride itself was peaceful enough for me, but Mayne is very anxious of heights. It's strange that a misbat of all creatures would be afraid, but she has never been more than a few feet off the ground so the altitude frightens her a bit.

          So I spoke with the local Stable Master and fortunately he had enough room for her and little Noah, an orphan blizzard bear cub I found in Undercity. I decided to take him with me, as he didn't seem to enjoy the company of the Undead. I decided to keep him stabled with Mayne, as he is still much too young to accompany me on quests. In a stable he will at least stay safe from any harm, and every moment I can I shall take him out to exercise.
          Mayne was grateful for a rest, and she seemed amused by the small cub's antics. They've grown quite fond of each other through these past few weeks. Meanwhile, I took Algar with me on my adventures in order to train and hone his skills further.
          The trolls here had asked for my assistance against certain groups of their kin that have sided with the Alliance (a fact that they, understandably, seemed very upset to share). The battles have proven to be most profitable for Algar and I. He's grown in strength, not as fast as Mayne, but at his own pace. However, he still has much to learn before he can handle the opponents Mayne can. 

---Faellynn

Faellynn's Quest Log 43.2

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QUEST LOG 43.2

Today was a fine day. Mayne and I have grown stronger over the past few nights, and so I led us into Stromgarde to find Prince Galen Trollbane and retrieve the last Sigil we needed. The prince was well protected as I imagined, but they could no longer intimidate us. I sent Mayne after the soldiers and syndicates while I took on Galen. It wasn't long at all before they fell before us, and the Sigil was ours. 

          We returned to Hammerfall and delivered our prize to Zengu, who then fused all four sigils into one. He told us we were now ready to open the tomb. Mayne and I hurried back to where the Prince once stood, and followed the path to the tomb. More soldiers stood guard, but they were weaker than the Prince and so our battles did not last long.

          I am happy to report that Mayne and I did indeed enter the tomb, and we retrieved the sword Trol'Kalar successfully. Zengu was overjoyed that the weapon that once slew so many of his kin, would know be the means to avenge them. I was honored that Mayne and I were of aid. 

          I'm also pleased to announce that I have finally heard back from Holku. He has decided to come and stay here at Hammerfall and do what he can to help the trolls as well. Once he arrived I took him about the Highlands so that he may be more familiarized with Arathi. His pet, Doomsday, has grown much stronger since the last time I'd seen him and I believe he will be a fine companion to Holku as Mayne is to me.

          It feels strange to leave, but I said my goodbyes to all of the trolls here. Tonight Mayne and I will travel back to Undercity, and tomorrow we shall board the zeppelin and travel to a new land called Stranglethorn Vale. I have been told I would find Ogres, Trolls, and other Blood Elves there that could use my assistance, and now that Holku can aid those in Hammerfall, I must continue my journey to help all that I can against the Alliance.

---Faellynn