Shugo Chara! 1
by Peach-Pit
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Book Summary Information
Author: Peach-PitEdition: Paperback
Audio: English (Unknown); English (Original Language); English (Published)
Published: 2007-03-27
ISBN: 0345497457
Number of pages: 208
Publisher: Del Rey
Book Reviews of Shugo Chara! 1
Book Review: A highly charming manga that spawned an equally excellent anime
Summary: 5 Stars
It's been awhile since a strong magical girl title has come around (at least one that doesn't blatantly knock off the magical-items-plus-monster-of-the-day Sailor Moon formula). Peach-Pit's `Shugo Chara' more or less fits into the magical girl category, but it isn't nearly as one-dimensional as one might think.
The story centers around Amu Hinamori, a shy and introverted girl who creates an outer persona that's aloof and flippant to remain well-liked at her school. Progressively exhausted by keeping up this façade, Amu one day wishes for the ability to be more herself, and the next day finds three brightly colored eggs in her bed. These eggs hatch into three tiny fairylike figures, Guardian Characters (`Shugo Chara'), born from Amu's wishes. Ran, Miki and Su are these three Characters, each representing one side of Amu's would-be self.
Through the Guardian Characters, Amu gains the ability to Character Change, or swap personality traits at the drop of a hat; Ran allows her to become free-spirited and athletic, Miki makes her level-headed and artistic, and Su makes her feminine and domestic.
Amu soon discovers that the Guardians, a highly popular club of kids at her school led by her secret crush, the princely Tadase, all have their own Guardian Characters. They eventually invite Amu to join them as the `Joker' chair of the group, and Amu begins to learn the secrets of the world of Shugo Chara.
As the manga goes on, there are mysterious appearances of `X Eggs,' Guardian Character eggs which failed to hatch properly due to some sort of character defect or overpowering doubt within their owner. The responsibility of cleansing the tainted X Eggs is thrust upon Amu, whom eventually learns to Character Transform, or merge with one of her Guardian Characters to make use of their magical abilities.
The first manga focuses primarily on core character development and introducing Amu's three Guardian Characters, but things go at a steady enough pace to stay interesting and fun, even at the story's beginning. With the progressive introduction of far more alluring characters, such as the mysterious and questionably villainous Ikuto and Utau, `Shugo Chara' develops a strongly appealing cast to keep readers interested in what happens next.
Shugo Chara is percolating with a saccharine charm that's hard to resist, and although it does progressively develop into something of a usual maho-shojo romp, it doesn't ever feel like a typical magical girl title. It's a shame the delightful anime version hasn't been brought to America yet; it's a sprightly, colorful, heartfelt adaptation that should be enjoyed by any fan of the manga.
A more in-depth examination of its themes explore the pros and cons of what it means to be someone you're not, and what a person could do if they could access varying sides and capabilities of themselves at opportune times in life. The Character Changes represent abilities and traits that sleep within the owner of the Guardian Character, but are ordinarily kept hidden or understated in daily life; `Shugo Chara' is a fun and fairly fascinating exploration of the human character, seen through beautifully innocent eyes.
Summary of Shugo Chara! 1
WHO DO YOU WANT TO BE?Everybody at Seiyo Elementary thinks that stylish and super cool Amu has it all: But nobody knows the real Amu, a shy girl who wishes she had the courage to truly be herself. Changing Amu?s life is going to take more than wishes and dreams?it?s going to take a little magic! One morning, Amu finds a surprise in her bed: three strange little eggs. Each egg contains a Guardian Character, an angel-like being who can give her the power to be someone new. With the help of her Guardian Characters, Amu is about to discover that her true self is even more amazing than she ever dreamed.
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