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Princess Ai: Volume 2 Lumination
Posted 04 Aug 2008
Writer: Courtney Love and D.J. Milky (creators), Misaho Kujiradou and D.J. Milky (writers)
Artist: Misaho Kujiradou, Matt Alford (cover)
Publisher: Tokyopop
5.00 out of 5 Stars
Reviewed by Sara Michelle Kowalczyk
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Princess Ai is a beautiful, conflicted rock star from another
world. When she fell to Earth from Ai-Land, “The Kingdom for
which she was named,” Princess Ai had no recollection of her
past. Piece by piece, she mended her tattered memories. Princess
Ai’s homeland is in chaos. The Dougen are leading a Revolution
against the humans. Princess Ai fell in love with a handsome angel
Dougen named Nora. He sent her to Earth to save her from the war. On
Earth, Princess Ai falls for Kent, a young musician. Her heart is
broken when Tess, a dragon-winged Furie summoned from Ai-Land, attacks
them. Princess Ai signs a contract with H.T.A. Records to protect
Kent and keep him away from her. However, as Princess Ai’s fame
increases, so does her loneliness. The punk diva rocking Tokyo feels
completely alone.
“Misaho Kujiradou and D.J.
Milky’s writing is charming and heartfelt.”
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Princess Ai has the ability to move people with her music. When she
sings, she feels a soothing warmth come over her. Although Princess
Ai is a human, she has sprouted angel wings that seem to grow fluffier
each time her lyrics affect someone. This detail makes the reader
wonder if Princess Ai’s mother is an angel Dougen? So far, the
book has kept her mother’s identity a secret. The strange part
is, Princess Ai’s red feathers are uncharacteristic of any
Dougen.
Princess Ai is an emotional, headstrong character. She’s not
afraid to speak her mind. She is torn from Kent, so she sings about
her heartache and pain. Princess Ai loves music and her fans, but she
also wants to be with Kent. She possesses an enchanting heart shaped
box and pendant. The pendant, which used to hold a photo of Nora,
magically converts Nora’s picture into Kent’s. While
Princess Ai struggles with the notion of returning to Ai-Land, she
also dreams of being with Kent. In the end, her dream comes true.
After reuniting with Kent, Princess Ai vows to save Ai-Land, but will
a new Furie stop her in her tracks?
Princess Ai: Volume 2 -
Lumination is a modern day fairy tale. Courtney Love
“collaborated with D.J. Milky to help create Princess Ai’s
character.” She is Courtney’s “fantasy alter
ego.” Misaho Kujiradou and D.J. Milky’s writing is
charming and heartfelt. I really enjoyed the fantasy aspect of Lumination . I thought the conflict
between the humans and Dougen was very well written. Fashionwise,
Princess Ai’s outfits could not have been cuter! I loved the
Harajuku fashions Misaho used. She draws Princess Ai in several
styles, but she favors Gothic Lolita and Punk. Misaho’s
illustrations are breathtaking, especially her ethereal angel
depictions of Princess Ai.
Princess Ai is definitely
my favorite manga. I recommend not just this book, but any book in the
series. The first volume is Destitution and the third and final
volume is Evolution . There
are rumors of a new Princess
Ai manga hitting the shelves this fall as well as a Princess Ai anime. I love Princess
Ai, and I think you’ll love her too!
—CCdC—
Cover image used without explicit permission in accordance with the "Fair Use" provision of US copyright law.
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