manga: The Empty Empire Vol 2-3

[meganbmoore]

I have to say, this seems to be surprisingly fast paced for a shoujo. Not that I’m complaining.

I don’t know what I think about the whole “Idea loved Ririka” thing, but Rose’s angst over whether or not that’s the only reason he loves Ririka is quite entertaining. I’m going with “not,” as the other clone, Idem, seems to be upset that he isn’t in love with her because it makes him different from Idea. Though really, I think that aspect is also saved by Ririka chewing Rose out over his angsting about it, and telling him that girls don’t exist to make guys happy.

And there is another clone! An evil clone! Who apparently has odd narcissistic tendencies, as he kisses Rose and says it’s because so very few people have a chance to kiss themselves, and then he throws Rose off the balcony and into the ocean. At least he has style? He also dresses kinda preppy.

And Migime, the guy who created the evil clone, was Eiri and Idea’s friend, but he went blind (from grief?) when his lover, one of Idea’s bodyguards, was killed? And he demanded one of Eiri’s eyes as payment for it, and Eiri gave it? Somebody notify Clamp! They haven’t used that one yet!

And there is a labyrinth! And a treasure hunt! And temperamental cute little girl artifical fairies!

There are some nice themes and commentaries about being who you really are and whether experience/nurture or genetics determines that, but I get distracted by things like clones and artificial fairies and girls with whips and eye exchanges. That, and I figure I should wait to see how that plays out before I start having strong opinions about it.

Also, Ayako needs to keep Kid on a leash before he goes and really gets Rose into trouble. Though braining him for having a plot to turn Rose over to Idem after Idem steals the throne so he can get the ransom money is a start.