Princess, Princess

Toru Kouno's new school is a little strange. He receives an overly enthusiastic welcome from the all-male student body and is quickly swept up in the secret Princess system. Boys at this school annually select a group of attractive first-year students to dress up as princesses at school events—and Toru is one of their new chosen Princesses! Lured in by the promise of princess perks, Toru willingly submits to wigs, frilly skirts and even a nurse's outfit. From learning to give service to his adoring fans, to dealing with the Western and Eastern Princesses Yujiro and Mikoto, and fending off an overzealous costume designer, it's certainly going to be one wild year. Tsuda's vividly imagined tale of adolescent frustration showcases a sharp blend of style and humor. Her artwork flirts with the edgy gothic Lolita fashion scene that has exploded in recent years. The dialogue refuses to descend into humor that is either strictly male or strictly female and smartly comments on issues in a way that hits everyone. A funky blend between of the yaoi and shojo genres, Princess Princess is a fun and flirty title. (Nov.)