Manga Dogs Vol. 3

And so the series ends, with more of the same. For me, Manga Dogs volume 3 demonstrates that the gag — of a school-age manga author bedeviled by three pretty boys who want to make manga but are woefully misinformed about what it takes — has run its course.I’m glad this is the last book, since I found getting through it a bit tiring. My attention is waning. I still like the random bits of industry information, but they seem increasingly disconnected from what the characters are doing. For instance, when Kanna gives the three guys gifts, they’re useful tools for artists, but the guys misinterpret them, and the story moves on, leaving the gifts as just a one-page joke.It’s a tricky situation. If the characters become more realistic, as we learn more about their real hopes and dreams, then it’s tough to continue on with stupid gags. If they don’t, then it’s wearying to keep reading joke after joke without it going anywhere. That kind of setup is better suited for serialization, where the chapters are parceled out, instead of collected up in one volume.In one chapter, Kanna lists out the aches and pains she suffers as an artist, topping it off with tendonitis from all her hours drawing. This was a topic I wanted to hear more about, but it’s all resolved within four pages, as it must be. I guess, in my case, I know that illustrators can really risk back and neck injuries, eye strain, and the like, so it was hard for me to think it was funny.Other chapters include suffering a slump, freaking out over being asked to draw the magazine cover, attending a manga publisher party, and a new student considering joining the class. Of course, the book ends with the threat of the course being canceled. Plus, there’s a bonus short crossover with Ema Toyama’s other series, Missions of Love. (Review originally posted at ComicsWorthReading.com.)

Boring

The book was in perfect condition and fast, too! The art is the typical shoujo type but there's something addicting about it. It's really funny and enjoyable as a slice of life manga. Just don't expect a fast paced romance manga.

good book

Loved it

~4/5I will admit to being a little disappointed about the lack of romance in this series. I wanted more, but I’m not surprised. There were possibilities, but no real hints.This is mostly comedy, and it’s good comedy. The group deal with possible cancelation of both Kanna’s manga and their class, they have a contest, they have a school festival, they help a potential student (badly), the boys try to motivate Kanna. A lot of hilarity, with the boys being absolutely useless, pretty much.There wasn’t really an ongoing plot line here for there to be a conclusion, but I think it ends pretty well nonetheless. The artwork is gorgeous, of course. The characters are hilarious, and I did enjoy all of them. And really, you’re reading this for the comedy, the parody of being a mangaka (or trying to), because that’s what this is about, and it’s done really well.Overall a very enjoyable series by Toyama. I hope more of her series are picked up, and continue to enjoy Missions of Love.[More of my reviews are available on my blog, Geeky Reading, to which there's a link on my profile.]