The Knockout Makers is a lighthearted comedy with an edge of romance, starring three brush-wielding, dye-applying, fashion knowledgeable guys. Each chapter has a new story featuring a new girl going from drab to fab.

So how does a girl get a hold of the Knockout Makers? Well, at 12 o’clock sharp each night, their online site opens for just five minutes, and girls have a chance to apply for help from these fashion gurus. The guys then pick the girl they think would most benefit from their help and experience and go to work.

Kiyo is a member of her Jr. High School’s judo club. She’s the only girl in the club and a bit of a tomboy on top of that. The other members of the club, all guys, view her as one of them and not necessarily the girl she would like to be seen as. Kiyo wants to get her crush's attention and in her desperation contacts the Knockout Makers. Can they turn this tomboy into a beauty queen?

Misaki has just been dumped by her boyfriend when she contacts the Knockout Makers. Insecure about her extra weight and determined to get revenge, she is intimidated at first by the strenuous workout laid out before her. But when she realizes that eating healthy and just loving herself goes a long way toward being happy, she lets go of her need for revenge. But not before the ex gets a look at how great she looks.

Those are just two of my favorites from this volume. You also meet Ikuna, who thinks she is painfully ordinary and wants to look like her favorite pop star. Then there is Kouki, who is such a tomboy that she gets mistaken for a boy, and Emiko, with the unfortunate nickname of Bach, thanks to her frizzy hair. Can the Knockout Makers change these girls' lives for the better? Sure they can.

The Knockout Makers is rated 13+ for mild sexuality, some non-sexual nondescript nudity, violence, and gore. There isn’t anything risqué here though, even with the rating that is attached, and each chapter has a positive message about loving yourself for who you are. Tokyopop has this one outlined for three volumes, with volume two hitting shelves, May 13, 2008.