Spirited Away is a film released by Japanese animation film director, Hayao Miyazaki, and Studio Ghibli. It's the story of a young girl named Chihiro who finds herself working at a bath house for spirits after her parents are turned into pigs. She is quickly befriended by Haku, a boy/Yubaba's apprentice (Yubaba is a witch who runs the place) who can't remember his name, but seems to know Chihiro from somewhere in her distant past. It is a wonderful movie with great visuals and music. One of my all-time favorites. Go see it, right now! TITLE: Aburayakusako GENRE: Romance
CIRCLE: Unknown
SUMMARY: A snowstorm causes Chihiro to worry about her parents, and she leaves the safety of the bathhouse to deliver a blanket. Deeply worried, Haku goes after her. In another story, Chihiro's little brother runs away, forcing her to confront the bathhouse once again. Will Chihiro see Haku again as a result?
THOUGHTS: With such soft artwork, you can't help but feel relaxed as you look at the pictures. Spirited Away fans should add this to their collection if they get the chance.
TITLE: Anthology GENRE: General, Gag, Romance CIRCLE: Various circles
SUMMARY: A collection of stories from different Spirited Away doujinshi. There are so many stories it would be difficult to sum up.
THOUGHTS: My largest doujinshi yet at over 140 pages. It's hard for me to say just what I feel about it. Some stories are downright strange (like a grownup Haku getting changed [for some reason] and the other boys see he's wearing a loincloth), some are cute (like Haku comforting a crying Chihiro). So, it's a mixed bag.
TITLE: Bath House Diary
GENRE: Romance, Chihiro x Haku
CIRCLE: Takeya
SUMMARY: When Chihiro gets a little roughhousing from Rin, Haku is there to save her! Then, after hurting her leg, a seemingly cold-hearted Haku shows he doesn't tolerate slacking... only to heal her leg and give her a piggyback ride!
THOUGHTS: I had to smile at the delightful scene where Haku is flying along and realizes Chihiro is "in danger," making it to her side in 0.3 seconds demanding to know if she is OK. The second big story portrays Haku as a cold-hearted and stern servant of Yuubaba, only to show kindness and gentleness to Chihiro when nobody else is around. It just makes me so sad that they eventually had to part in the movie. At least, with doujinshi, the story can live on.
TITLE: Keep Out
GENRE: Romance, Chihiro x Haku
CIRCLE: ??
SUMMARY: Features a few comedy shorts (including Haku spotting Yubaba taking off her huge head of hair... to reveal a small head of hair underneath) along with a sweet story of Chihiro and Haku sneaking off to gaze at the stars.
THOUGHTS: Hmmm.... I'm noticing something with the whole "Haku, Chihiro, and stars" theme. But this is so cute, I love Chihiro's enthusiasm and excitement when they get to the hill. Chihiro falls asleep while they are talking and Haku takes this opportunity to steal a kiss. That alone makes this doujinshi worth the buy. I love this one.
TITLE: Sachi
GENRE: Romance, Chihiro x Haku
CIRCLE: ZIP
SUMMARY: Basically a few small stories in which Chihiro and Haku sneak off to eat or talk. There is one story where it is revealed that No Face has a crush on Chihiro, and tries to pass himself off as Haku, but Chihiro catches on immediately as it is painfully obvious.
THOUGHTS: There's nothing terribly exciting or unique that this doujinshi has to offer. It's charming and would be a good read to pass the time, but otherwise I wouldn't go out of my way to collect it. I do like the art, though.
TITLE: Shifuku 1000 nen
GENRE: Romance, Chihiro x Haku
CIRCLE: Amanoya
SUMMARY: In one story, Haku and Chihiro share an unexpected kiss. In another, they talk in the woods under a starry night. A little "side story" includes Haku eating Yubaba's 3 bouncing head guys (what were they called? Can't remember) instead of rice balls and Chihiro is horrified.
THOUGHTS: The cover art is the sweetest thing, but the inside art really isn't as good. I still think it's a nice doujinshi for Haku x Chihiro fans.
TITLE: Kamikushi no Mori
GENRE: Romance, Chihiro x Haku
CIRCLE: Rins Brand
SUMMARY: Chihiro is hiding in the bushes, eating candy and daydreaming about Haku. Haku finds her and she offers to share, but he doesn't take the opportunity without a little flirting. Later, Kumagi is on break, getting drunk, when Haku comes in with more alcohol. As Kumagi enjoys the gift, Chihiro is brought up, but I'm not sure why she is discussed or what about, only that at the end, Haku reveals that he loves Chihiro.
THOUGHTS: I have to wonder how many romantic spots you can find in a bathhouse, as most of my doujinshi only feature certain areas. Surely Haku has his own quarters? Maybe that house with the laundry line surrounded by water? I bought this for the cover alone and was pleasantly happy with the stories within. Recommended.
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