Arisa is the latest series by shoujo manga author Natsumi Andou. I really enjoyed some of her previous works (Zodiac P.I. and Kitchen Princess), so I went into this one with high expectations for innocent high school girls, sweet boys, and lots of endearing romantic situations. Never have I been so pleased to have my expectations crushed. Tsubasa and Arisa are twins sisters who were separated when they were very young. Tsubasa grew up to be a tough girl known in her school for being a delinquent. She wishes for the life of a normal high school girl, so when her twin sister Arisa suggests that they trade places for a day, she jumps on the offer. Tsubasa is delighted to spend a day with wonderful female friends, a boyfriend that any girl would be envious of, and a quiet school life. However, her happiness disappears when Arisa throws herself out the window after telling Tsubasa that she doesn't know what's really going on at her school. Determined to find out what's going on, Tsubasa disguises herself as Arisa and returns to the school to find out.
I haven't read a really good shoujo horror since Partner, so I have a lot of hopes for this one. Strangely enough, this one also involves twins. Who knew that twins would work so well as a device for shoujo horror? Going into Arisa, I expected a lot of identity switching hijinks, and possibly some romantic triangles. Instead, I got creepy chanting kids and a mystery that I hope will not disappoint. Arisa's classmates are disturbingly two-faced, acting as close friends one minute, and mentally torturing her the next. The mystery has a supernatural aura to it, which makes it all the more intriguing. Only three chapters are out so far, but I will definitely be keeping my eye on this one.
--Ou-bento
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