icfammpodcast

[icfammpodcast]

Henry Reader Review: KAIJU GIRL CARAMELISE VOL 5

KAIJU GIRL CARAMELISE

Written by: Spica Aoki

January 2022 marked the release of the fifth installment of the highly popular shojo manga, KAIJU GIRL CARAMELISE! The story continues as Kuroe continues to balance high school life and the fact that if she feels too much emotion, she will turn into the 100 meter tall giant monster (daikaiju) HARUGON! Before I go into this, I forgot to mention in our review for volume 4, Spica Aoki stated that she has been using the soundtrack of GODZILLA: KING OF THE MONSTERS (2019) as inspiration when working on this series, which is neat since Harugon's design has some influences from the design of Godzilla 2000. This volume is jammed back with world lore as well as high school turmoil that adds some stakes to Spica Aoki's characters in a way that keeps this series from stalling. So lets get into it with the volume's start off with a startling flashback....

We have a flashback showing younger days for Kuroe's mom and her "uncle" as they were biology students admiring the fossil remains of the earth shattering discovery that is: A Giant Monster. This eventually leads to Kuroe's mom finding the eggs that would later become Kuroe and as we soon find out...Kuroe's younger sister. The stakes get high though when Kuroe's uncle tries to alert the authorities about it but surprisingly...Kuroe's mother might have some strong feelings about being a mother to monsters.

Back on the mainland however, Kuroe deals with the fact that someone saw her use her "beam weapon" due to frustrations she is having with her current relationship with Arata strained due to his rising popularity in the media and her own insecurities about their relationship. This eventually leads to the the classic "shojo misunderstanding" with another man...but I gotta admit....the introduction of Daichi Yoneyama, who despite appearances...is a 5th grader.

While this does tread familiar ground with Shojo in general to allow the introduction of an "another interest", due to Daichi's age it creates a new "friend" for Kuroe. To be honest though, I understand that we need to get to the misunderstanding situation that leads to the insecurities of Kuroe and Arata's relationship coming to a head...its kind of uncomfortable the relationship betwen Daichi and Kuroe. While it is just "we are friends" and it showcases the conflicting misunderstanding for Arata....I am not sure if Daichi is the best way to create that conflict. I was almost thinking he was another "daikaiju child" but him being an...attractive 5th grader def has some issues when it crosses the ocean to English readers. I get that this is more for comic effect but it seems to somewhat derail the story a bit to get the classic "Shojo Misunderstanding Emotional Break Up".

I do note though that once this scene starts and Arata and Kuroe talk about their situation and Kuroe considers that they need to break up...its a very good and well written scene. Again I feel like Daichi kind of detracts from the situation, but Spica Aoki shines in showing the ups and downs of a relationship between a popular prince and a lonely monster.

After their break up, we get a fantastic sequence of Kuroe's friends Tomosato and Rairi who do a fantastic job of telling Kuroe that even though she may have a "monsters heart", it's not a bad thing. For their friendship is powerful cause of Kuroe's kindness, understanding, and willingness to be close to them. This though shatters a bit when Kuroe misunderstands a situation with Arata with his famous actor co-star (who might know Kuroe is a daikaiju) have an intimate scene for their movie. Kuroe reacts poorly to it though is surprised she hasn't turned into a monster. That is quickly interrupted as Kuroe finally meets her little sister...a giant monster that looks like Harugon and a bat and the manga ends for a to be continued as we now know that vol six will lead Kaiju Girl Caramelise to have its first GIANT MONSTER FIGHT! I also love that we now get a call back to the first words of the manga...LOVE IS NOTHING BUT TERROR!

I also want to note that Spica Aoki adds a really cute short story about Kuroe and Arata's first video chat date and not to spoil anything, but its super cute.

I throughly enjoyed this volume to be honest and its pacing continues to be its strength. While I'm not the biggest fan of Daichi, I do understand his role of having Kuroe be surrounded by folks who enjoy that she is "monster like", Daichi's age gimmick seems to me miss a beat to an otherwise compelling volume.

ICFAMM GRADE:

Story: 5 out of 5

Human Characters: 4 out of 5

Creature Concept: 5 out of 5

Design and Execution: 5 out of 5

Enjoyment: 4.5 out of 5

Total: 23.5 out 5

SOLID A

Don't forget to follow Spica Aoki herself on Twitter at:

And if you want to pick up the manga itself, Volume Five (as well as the previous volumes) are available at the YEN PRESS website:

#spica aoki #kaiju girl caramaliese #kaiju girl #daikaiju #giant monster #shojo manga #henry reader #icfammpodcast #icfammpodtherevenge

[icfammpodcast]

HENRY READER: KAIJU GIRL CARAMELISE VOL ONE-FOUR -Part Three-

KAIJU GIRL CARAMELISE

By: Spica Aoki

So lets get into then shall we? First and fore most, lets take a look at how adorable our little Kuroe is being a metal head.

But now we go into Volume 3 and Volume 4. Which is rad cause this is when the story starts to advance to showcase character growth but also some really crucial plot development.

Volume 3 is one that focuses on Kuroe becoming friends with make up artist influence, Riairi!

VOLUME 3: THE GORILLA AND THE MONSTER

Riari is in a fun way, the "King Kong" to Kuroe's Harugon. While Rairi is super cute, an accident leads Kuroe to soon learn that Rairi has very....gorilla like features and we soon learn a story where Rairi had no confidence and thought someone she liked was her friend. She soon learned that he was actually a two-timing @$$ and while she moved on from that situation, she overcame the hate she had for herself and decided to work on her dream to make make up not to hide people, but give them the confidence to be there best self. In an effort to protect Rairi from the @$$ (who comes back), Kuroe becomes Harugon! Inspired by Rairi, Kuroe as Harguon takes the moment to express her love for Arata! By far this is my favorite issue. Spica Aoki knocks this story out of the park with volume.

ICFAMM GRADE:

Story: 5 out of 5

Human Characters: 5 out of 5

Creature Concept: 5 out of 5

Design and Execution: 5 out of 5

Enjoyment: 5 out of 5

Total: 25/25

SOLID A+

Volume 4: ISLAND ADVENTURES IN LOVE AND MONSTERS

The fourth volume starts to explore the the origins of the monsters but also the changing dynamic of Arata and Kuroe, as Harugon's kiss for Arata has made him a celebrity known as the "Kaiju Prince". With his new found fame, the two have some time apart. Manatsu takes Kuroe and Rairi to an island in the Ogaswara island change (which for those playing the home game is actually where Monster Island in the Godzilla franchise is located) where Manatsu uses Kuroe's "priestess powers" to try and summon her love...Harugon.

While Kuroe tries to put up to it, they eventually encounter some of the island's natives who turn out to GIANT KOMODO DRAGONS. But before we get to that situation, we learn that the reason why our Kaiju Sadist is so in love with Harugon is cause what Harugon represents: the world shouldn't have Harugon but Harugon exsists and adds a whole wide world of wonder that wasn't there before. If Harugon exists, what else can exist; and to be honest...that is beautiful. It is why I love giant monsters.

What also is spooky is that we soon learn that while the Komodo dragons are a surprise, what is an even bigger surprise is that Kuroe soon discovers egg fragments and a massive carving of a monster on a cave wall. A monster that looks very much like...Harugon!

The volume continues as Kuroe and Arata try and sort out their relationship but Kuroe soon starts to feel jealous of Arata's social life which reveals that she has a new power: A POWER BEAM! Whats more is that....her secret might not be so secret.

Especially when we find out that her mom might known more about her "condition" than we believe as it turns out the island where they found the Harugon cave drawings...is actually where Kuroe's mom found her....AS AN EGG!

ICFAMM Grade:

Story: 5 out of 5

Human Characters: 4.5 out of 5

Creature Features: 5 out of 5

Design and Execution: 5 out of 5

Enjoyment: 5 out of 5

Total: 24.5 out of 5

SOLID A

And there you have it! A series overview for Kaiju Girl Carmelise! Make sure to check out the in depth review for the latest volume, VOLUME 5 cause let me tell ya guys.....we got a monster fight a coming!

Make sure to follow Spica Aoki at:

And if you want the Manga itself check it out at YEN PRESS!

#Henry Reader #kaiju girl #spica aoki #monster movies #giant monsters #showa era

[icfammpodcast]

HENRY READER: KAIJU GIRL CARAMELISE VOL 1-4 -Part Two-

KAIJU GIRL CARAMELISE

By: Spica Aoki

So we now continue our Henry Reader review for Spica Aoki's top notch shojo manga where Kuroe, a high school student, learns that relationships are hard. And relationships are harder when if you feel too much emotion you turn into 100 meter tall giant monster!

But before I do some quick reviews for volumes two and four. I want to discuss this series most interesting character and best friend of our dear Kuroe....and that is Manatsu Tomosato aka the DAIKAIJU SADIST!

A classmate of Kuroe, Tomosato is wonderfully in love with Harugon to the point of being a really into the idea of being stepped on. While Tomosato seems like an odd duck, she is a character I relate to at least some of her emotions.

We soon learn that even as a kid she loved monsters and related to them. And to be honest, it's a story that I can relate to since monsters were somewhat the same as well. Also major points that she has a Gamera figure, who btw is my favorite giant monster of all time.

Honestly I could write a whole article about her but I'll just leave it to this thirsty high school girl who provides honestly one of the most beautiful sequences in this series that hits home on why one would love giant monsters. It should also be noted that this wonderful lovely character also firmly believes that Kuroe is Harugon's priestess (and makes some wonderful references of the fact.) It should also be noted that Tomosato had a great choice for Kuroe's dress for "Battle" aka "The First Date".

Volume 2: Volume Two explores Kuroe and Arata's first proper date at Destiny Land (which is Disney land) and its an adorable date. For me personally, Kuroe's plans for the date remind me of how it feels when I know I'm getting close to someone. In a sense, being a giant monster is very similar to being on the autistic spectrum. And when you see someone and realize that you might be too much, it's easier to break than deal with it.

Also depressed Kuroe reminded me of my own time when I was in the deep dark of my depression and went to Disney world. Lets just say......

I saw a lot of myself in this sequence.

As the story continues, we learn about friend of the family Hibino, a biologist who seems to have ties with the Japanese Defense force, who views himself as Kuroe's uncle. And is also the reason why Kuroe is the most adorable metalhead you've ever seen. As the concert goes, Kuroe looses control and becomes Harugon but cause of her feelings for Arata, she is starting to manage to control her more monstrous side.

ICFAMM Grade:

Story: 4 out of 5

Human Concept: 5 out of 5

Creature Concept: 5 out of 5

Design and Execution: 5 out of 5

Enjoyment: 4.5 out of 5

Total: 23.5/25

SOLID A

Looks like this will be a multi-part Over view Review! Check out Part 3 for the last two volumes! :D

Support Spica Aoki at:

And get the manga at:

#spica aoki #monster movies #giant monsters #daikaiju #kaiju girl #henry reader #creature features #icfammpodcast #icfammpodtherevenge

[icfammpodcast]

Today's the day! #icfammpodtherevenge

https://www.instagram.com/tv/CZo0t_FAD80/?utm_medium=copy_link

[icfammpodcast]

HENRY READER: KAIJU GIRL CARAMELISE VOL ONE-FOUR! -Part One-

KAIJU GIRL CARAMELISE

By: Spica Aoki

So I've been a reader of this series since June of 2019 and since than this series has been a "Must pick up" whenever I see the English volumes of this comic available for purchase. Kaiju Girl Caramelise is a Shojo manga about a young woman in high school who's challenges of high school life are further complicated due to a "genetic condition" that rapidly changes her body to a fearsome appearance when experiencing emotional extremes. She thought she had it all under until she started being the romantic interest to the most popular guy in school; which now reveals that she is actually a "daikiaju" or giant monster!

This premise alone was apparently, from Spica Aoki's own account, something that was spitballed when after working in 8 years in magna, didn't know what to do for their editor. The editor loved the idea and despite this being released into a "boy's magna" this Shojo (young woman manga)'s success is due to the belief of the editor, Spica's own talent and some success on the Twitter platform. KAIJU GIRL CARAMELISE has been running since 2018 in the Seinen manga publication Monthly Comic Alive (2019 in English by Yen Press). It has become a popular magna and for those who enjoy giant monsters / daikaiju genre aka "Kaiju" . One familiar with the genre might find this as a high school relative to the 2016 film COLOSSAL which starred Anne Hathaway who was linked to a giant monster in Seoul. The differences is why Anne Hathaway and the monster existed at the same time, while in this comic, our lead is the monster.

So lets get into it shall we! Unlike my previous Henry Reader Review, this is a series overview with a more focused review for the recently released Volume 5 (Jan 2022).

VOLUME ONE: "Today I learned that I'm a teenage giant monster?!"

"LOVE IS NOTHING BUT TERROR" is how we are introduced into this story as we witness a flashback of our lead, Kuroe Akaishi, have her first love confession that reveals not just her first taste of rejection, but reveals to the reader the extent of of Akaishi's "condition".

In high school, Kuroe, now a social outcast, prefers to avoid social situations incase her "condition" advances. As the story progresses, Kuroe begins to have an unlikely bond with the most popular guy in school, Arata Minami. As the two retreat away from folks (Kuroe doesn't want to deal with people and Arata being Mr.Popular wants some space where he isn't overwhelmed.) As their bond grows and Kuroe meets someone who actually cares about her despite her quirks, she also learns that her heart isn't as closed as she once thought.....

The first volume hits the normal beats you would find in a classic Shojo manga where the outcast girl is trying to process her feelings while also dealing with the good ol' classic teenage problem: Body dysphoria. I gotta say, Aoki does a great job of presenting the teenage dread of their ever changing body and using the plot device for Kuroe's genetic condition makes it doubly fun and oddly more relatable.

Eventually and unexpectedly (to Kuroe at least) Arata takes her out to eat the exclusive pancakes at the famous "Cafe Serizawa" . Which of course is a fantastic easter egg for the first volume, since Professor Serizawa was the man with the plan in the classic 1954 giant monster film, GOJIRA.

Eventually, the date goes surprisingly well and because of this...in the tune of one of my favorite Nickelodeon cartoons: "There was a great big flash, everything just changed, her molecules got rearranged! When she first woke up, she realized, she was a hundred meters high and glowing red spines!"

And thus, HARUGON IS BORN! After Harugon's first appearance, Kuroe tries to learn more about what exactly is going on with her but with little success. As she tries to navigate and distance herself from Arata, she soon learns its going to be a little harder than she thought when Arata just up and outs asks her out much to her surprise which then summons her Harugon form once more!

To end this overview I want to just introduce...well I would say favorite character but honestly I love the characters in this series and while at present the characters are hitting the normal beats of a Shojo manga, I gotta admit...Aoki brought to life one of my favorite things about this manga: Manatsu Tomosato aka "THE KAIJU SADIST"!

We'll get more into her and more as this review continues but just letting you know that volume 1 has an ICFAMMPod Grade as such:

Story: 5/5

Human Characters: 4.5/5

Creature Concept: 5/5

Creature Design+Execution: 5/5

Enjoyment: 5/5

Overall Grade: 24.5/25

SOLID A

Make sure to check Part 2 for info on the other volumes. Wanted to give one a bit of a focus! Also make sure to check out the following links to learn more about the creator of this fantastic series Spica Aoki and where to purchase this manga and check out the series yourself!

Spica Aoki's Twitter:

Yen Press Kaiju Girl Caramaliese Page:

#icfammpodcast #icfammpod #icfammpodtherevenge #giantmonsters #creature feature #shojo manga #henryreaderreviews #spicaaoki #kaiju girl caramaliese

[icfammpodcast]

shadows

[icfammpodcast]

scorch x magic

(prints available, link in bio)

[icfammpodcast]

APRIL IS FOR REVENGE!

The highly anticipated sequel series, ICFAMMPOD! THE REVENGE, rises from the depths of the podcast graveyard as Henry the Host now leads a team of co-hosts through new guests, segments, and of course monster movies as we do creature feature double features and more for the listeners curious about the menagerie of film that is THE CREATURE FEATURE!

#creature features #monster movies #icfammpod #icfammpodcast #icfammpodtherevenge #godzillasrevenge #jawstherevenge #Youtube

[icfammpodcast]

MAGIC TAVERN

[icfammpodcast]

New episode is out guys! Henry's Henorium welcomes back ICFAMMPodcast returns in the sequel series, ICFAMMPOD THE REVENGE , with Henry's Henorium LUNAR NEW YEAR Special! #lunarnewyear #yearofthetiger #champawattiger #henryshenorium #icfammtherevenge

[icfammpodcast]

Get ready for a new HENRY READER blog post as I do a series overview and in depth review of Volume Five, they latest entry for Spica Aoki's Fantastic and unique Daikaiju / giant monster series!

#kaijugirl

[icfammpodcast]

HENRY READER: CHICACABRA (2014)

So first and foremost introductions.

Hello new readers and possibly those who know who is behind these words, its me Henry the Host! Since for those who haven't heard the news, I'm coming out of content creator retirement to create the upcoming sequel podcast series, ICFAMMPOD: THE REVENGE as well as the original webcomic series APEX: A GIANT MONSTER STORY! As we get ready for the release of these projects, I've decided to bring back a segment of ICFAMM I started in season 2 but somewhat faded out. Monster stories in literary work reviews.

So I recently was visiting my local comic book store here in the Asheville area very own Nerd Sanctuary, https://morganscomics.com/ . I've been selling some of my nerd stuff to try and start off 2022 on the right foot and I've come to really enjoy there store and this little didde caught my eye in there selection. So with my most recent visit at Morgan's, I purchased this copy of the IDW Graphic Novel, CHICABRA by Tom Beland.

Why purchase this graphic novel? Well when I first grabbed it and did a flip through, I was already hooked on the premise from what I've gathered from the images: A girl suddenly learns she can turn into the legendary cryptid: THE CHUPACABRA!

I've now sat down and in one sitting; devoured this graphic novel.

I am honestly surprised that this has passed my radar for so long. I mean granted when it came out I was living in Korea at the time so like...I missed a few American publications but like...HOW IS THIS NOT MORE OF A THING!

Anyways, lets get to chit chatting.

Story: 4.5 out of 5

Almost flawless, this story had me hooked by page three. It features a teenage girl named Izzy as she tries to navigate life post the tragic death of her father and the lost of mind with her mother. While she tries to move on from her feelings and actions from her parent's missing, Izzy gets adventourous and while exploring lost caverns under the Puerto Rican landmark of "El Morro", Izzy finds kinship and literally creates a bond with none other than Puerto Rico's most famous urban legend, El Chupacabra!

From there, the story goes through refreshing twists and turns as Izzy learns to live with the supernatural side of herself that is now CHICACABRA!

The story telling Tom Beland presents in this comic is delightfully organic and compelling. Nothing truly misses a beat as Tom introduces us and the world that Izzy is involved in. While it walks familiar tropes of "teenage youth gains a supernatural side of themselves", those tropes are seen in ways that make one feel like it's the first time seeing it. Tom has to be applauded for telling a tale that explores grief and loss in a way that is real and relatable. The characters react to their situations that make some so life like that you can hear the voices like they are in the room with you. My one true issues with it is the introduction of the Vejigantes, since it feels like their introduction makes me wonder if this is a world of science fiction or one of paranormal supernatural. I will say when I get my hands on the second volume that is "Chicabra: Monster Island", I feel like I will know.

Characters: 5 out of 5

The characters in this story are real. Which is in this day and age surprisingly hard to do as writers tend to lean in harder on their tropes so they can "tell the story". But with Chicacabra, the world isn't forcing the characters, the characters are forcing the world. The "real world" is one that grounds the characters to not be "special" but relatable. The real highlight is Izzy and Tio Tony navigating their loss while also dealing with the fact Izzy is now a cryptid. I honestly could write for days about the strengths of the characters and how Beland is able to explore these character arch-types in such a way where there are no beats that feel inorganic or overplayed. Big props to introducing a mad scientist character bent to track down the legendary creature not to kill it, but to ask for forgiveness from it.

Izzy by the by, is a fantastic lead character. She talks and walks as one would do in the situation that she is in. And for me personally, her relationship with Chicacabra hits home for me, as she has to learn to be responsible for not just her own actions, but the actions of the chupacabra that now lives within her.

Honestly the most amazing sequence in in Chapter One, when a classmate kills her pet rhinoceros beetle. Her reaction is real where she throws a garbage can at him. Once more is her words while beating the living day lights out of her classmate. One that is just so layered that you can honestly hear Izzy's real honest to goodness voice that shows the character that she has a large heart and a lot of damage she needs to work through.

" To end a life like it was nothing. It was something. It was something."

Monster Concept: 4 out of 5

I honestly love how the Chupacabra is presented in this. As one of my favorite Cryptids, seeing the Chupacabra be outside their traditional murderous blood sucker is nice. And to be honest, it was kind of exciting that Izzy finds Chicacabra in a lab...not too far from someone else who is locked up in a lab for an upcoming giant monster series that you can read on Webtoon.....

The reason why this isn't a solid five is due to I'm still trying to figure out if this is a science fiction story with magic or a fantasy series with science.

Monster Design and Execution: 5 out of 5

Chicacabra's design and how she is portrayed as an almost symbiote like character is fantastic. Its elegant and dangerous and I loved the first panel showing the left overs of Chicacabra's first appearance in the modern world. I like that Chicacabra's bond with Izzy helps not just Izzy overcome her grief, but Chicacabras. The kindredness, especially when we learn about Izzy's true reaction to the loss of her parents, between her and Chicacabra is captivating. This monster is a fantastic mirror and I'm looking forward to seeing how this is explored in later stories.

Overall Enjoyment: 5 out of 5

I already have messaged a few friends while writing this that they need to pick it up. This is by far one of the best stories I've read in recent times and to be frank, I am truly surprised this has taken so long to come across my radar. My hat off to you Tom for writing such a fantastic story. To be honest, the inspiration for the story, Lily Garcia is quoted in saying how she feels about this story as: " Its the greatest comic I've ever read. And I've read the Bible."

Grade: "A"

If you like good characters, cryptids, and fantastic art, go check out this series. To be honest I feel like it could easily be brought to life via animation in the style of works like Craig McCraken's Netflix series "KID COSMIC".

CHICABRA Vol One has been a refreshing graphic novel read and something that I want to hold very close to my heart. This was a graphic novel that I plan to return to, share, and feel inspired by. Its a perfect story for positive feelings and a great way to not feel alone if you have negative ones.

To check out more of Tom Beland's work, make sure to check him out via these links:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tommybeland/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/ChicacabroTom

Tumblr: https://tombelandart.tumblr.com/

CHICABRA VOL ONE: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/21814129-chicacabra

-------------------------------------------------------------------------

Hope you enjoyed this Henry Reader entry. Expect more to come to discuss other entries into the literary worlds of the classic "Creature Features". If you enjoyed this and want to support my own works, make sure to follow us here on tumblr and check out other exciting projects via the link below. Till next readers, catch you on the flip!

https://linktr.ee/icfammpodcast

#henryreader #chicacabra #el chupacabra #cryptids #book reviews #skeletons #monster stories #tom beland #puerto rico #female leads #highly recommend

[icfammpodcast]

So APEX, a story I’ve been writing since Middle School (before Tumblr was even a thing) is finally coming to life. With help with fantastic artists and other creators, this original take on the giant monster genre should be a classic. 

Check out the webtoon links and find out more! 

#apexagiantmonsterstory #apexorganism #giantmonsters #daikaiju #originalseries #original monsters #webtoonz #icfammtumblr

[icfammpodcast]

Wow what is this? 2010?

I guess we are are now on Tumblr to do some random content and promotions for the Henorium brand and the upcoming return of the ICFAMMPodcast with ICFAMMPODCAST! THE REVENGE and the Webtoon comic “APEX: A GIANT MONSTER STORY” 

Here is being enjoying. 

~Henry the Host

#icfammpodcast #henoriumtumblr #giantmonsters #originalcontent #monstermovies #icfammtumblr