Mikansei: Volume 1    by Majikoi Order:  USA  Can TOKYOPOP, 2009 (2009) Paperback     Reviewed by Ricki Marking-Camuto Mikansei, Majikoi's newest manga, is an odd amalgamation of sci-fi, comedy, and the entertainment industry. Neo is from the 23rd century and feels like she belongs in the 21st. When the precocious student touches an object that sends her back in time, she is overjoyed to have landed in the 21st century – and ready to debut as a singer. After a semi-successful fill-in spot on a TV show, Neo and her new partner Saya are given three months to fill a park for their first contest. Bubbly Neo cannot see anything going wrong, but Saya is less than enthusiastic to be stuck with the chronically late, average-looking Neo. Can these two find a way to work together? Will Neo every be able to get back in touch with the 23rd century? And what is with the guy who looks just like her missing best friend? Neo's wish may have come true, but that is not always a good thing. Majikoi excels at creating cute, likable characters, which is good because the characters drive Mikansei. The story itself is a little confusing, and I am still not quite sure what time travelling and breaking into the music industry have to do with each other, but maybe future volumes will connect these two plot devices more. Mikansei is definitely an escapist manga, meant to be enjoyed but not thought about too deeply. Note: Opinions expressed in reviews and articles on this site are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of BookLoons. Find more Teens books on our Shelves or in our book Reviews