Showing posts with label manga. Show all posts
Showing posts with label manga. Show all posts

Book Review: She's My Knight (Volume 1) by Saisou

She's My Knight (Volume 1) by Saisou is a manga style graphic novel. Popular boy secretly falls for princely girl in this gleeful borderline-parody of high school shojo manga . Haruma Ichinose, 17, has been popular since he was born. So popular, in fact, that he figured no one could even come close, until he met Yuki Mogami. She's tall, cool, collected, and totally makes him crazy. He may just be in love. But can he deal with falling for someone even more dashing than himself?

She's My Knight is a fun tongue in cheek story that pokes fun at so many common tropes and storylines. The parody and humor is well done and balances well within the story. The only problem I had was that I feel like a read this story before- parody aspects and all- and wonder if it is just that similar to something that has already been done just as well or if I read this manga in a different format or edition at some point. In any rate, the manga does well in achieving its goal of telling a fun story while poking fun at the genre at the same time.

 

Book Review: Pass the Monster Meat, Milady! (Volume 1) by Chika Mizube

Pass the Monster Meat, Milady! (Volume 1) by Chika Mizube is a manga style graphic novel. It is a fantasy romance about a voracious lady who delights in monster meat and a mad-blooded duke who is swept off his feet by her curious charms. Like any proper noble lady, one must have certain acquired tastes. For Melphiera Marchalrayd, she just happens to crave a rather exotic protein -monsters! But do not judge! Despite its bad reputation, monster meat can be used in exquisite cuisine and Melphiera is determined to change the kingdom’s opinion of it! Unfortunately, since debuting in society, Melphiera has been struggling to find her perfect match, until she meets the fearless “Blood-Mad Duke” of Galbraith!


Pass the Monster Meat, Milady!  is a fun and well drawn graphic novel. I liked the art style and found the story to be entertaining and amusing. Melphiera's lack of awareness that the duke is interested in her for more than her cooking and interests is fun, and his fascination with her is adorable. This is not a hard hitting story that I would go hunting for, but it is a fun and entertaining read that I thing many readers will enjoy.

 

Early Book Review: unOrdinary (Volume 1) by uru-chan

unOrdinary (Volume 1) by uru-chan is currently scheduled for release on November 7 2023. From WEBTOON, the #1 digital comic platform, comes unOrdinary, the popular, action-packed series about John, an ordinary teen trying to survive high school in a world where superpowers dictate social status, and betrayal and conspiracies make up every turn. Nobody pays much attention to John – just a normal teenager at a high school where the social elite happen to possess unthinkable powers and abilities. John prefers it that way. The more he stays under the radar, and stays close to the Royal’s most powerful Ace, Seraphina, the safer he is in the halls of Wellston High. But John has a secret past that threatens to bring down the school’s whole social order—and much more. And when the other students start to suspect John has something to hide, he becomes their latest target. Suddenly, John is pulled into a world of turf wars, betrayals, and deadly conspiracies. 
unOrdinary is an enjoyable and engaging read. I liked that hints to the personalities and secrets of many characters were given, and there is clearly more going on in the background of the story than the author is sharing with readers thus far. John and those in the story are all so much more than they appear. There are several storylines and important characters that have been well developed, and while there is so much going on the strength of the writing and flow does not suffer for it- which sometimes happens when there are this many threads to follow. I feel like there is a great deal of foreshadowing, and I have many ideas where certain parts of the story might go next, but there are so many story threads that I am doubting myself. My only complaint with this volume is that it ends at the perfect spot. I felt like I had a decent handle on who everyone was and that something big was coming, and then it was over. Perfect way to leave me looking for the next volume- and to explore WEBTOON more. 

Early Book Review: Tying the Knot with an Amagami Sister (Volume 1) by Marcey Naito

Tying the Knot with an Amagami Sister (Volume 1) by Marcey Naito is a manga style graphic novel currently scheduled for release on October 17 2023. Uryu Kamihate has had a rough start to life, but plans to forget it all by achieving his dream -- matriculating into medical school. But when he arrives at his new foster home, a working shrine, his dream of a quiet place to study goes up in smoke. Not only will he be living with three beautiful, lively Amagami sisters -- but he learns that he must marry one of them and take over the shrine!
Tying the Knot with an Amagami Sister is a fun story. It is very well drawn, and I think the artwork and the story work together well. I had a few moments when reading that I was confused. I have watched a decent amount of anime and read a good deal of manga, and I had trouble figuring out what direction this story was going to go in- and honestly I still do not know. I thought the basics of the characters are all developed and there, same with several layers of set up. There are a lot of ways this story can go. It can get in to the spiritual aspects of shrines and beliefs, into Uryu finding his own path and succeeding, or a very complicated romance with one or three girls. In fact the story had all of these elements in it, and it could take all, one, or none of these paths. I enjoyed the book while reading, and this it will be interesting to see what happens next.

Book Review: Otherworldly Izakaya Nobu (Volume 1) by Natsuya Semikawa, Virginia Nitouhei

Otherworldly Izakaya Nobu (Volume 1) is a manga style graphic novel written by Natsuya Semikawa, with art by Virginia Nitouhei. A Japanese style pub called “Nobu” exists in a back alley of the fictional medieval European city of Eiteriach. Its customers? A pair of slacker soldiers, a spoiled heiress, an uptight tax collector, and more. When the citizens of this strange world sit down to enjoy some unfamiliar Japanese cuisine, their troubles simply melt away. The curtain rises on this otherworldly eatery and the gourmet fantasy about to unfold within!
Otherworldly Izakaya Nobu is a well drawn and fun read. It is light hearted and quick to read. There was a good variety of characters, and I liked the undercurrent of mystery. Just where did this shop come from, and how do they get their ingredients? There is good character description and development for the each member of the rotating cast. We get deep insights into a cast of very different characters, more than you might expect in such short chapters.  I look forward to more from this series, because I want to know more about the pub, its two person staff, and its regular patrons. 

Book Review: Welcome to Demon School! Iruma-kun (Volume 1) by Osamu Nishi

Welcome to Demon School! Iruma-kun (Volume 1) by Osamu Nishi is a manga format graphic novel. Hopeless pushover Iruma Suzuki has found himself in a devil of a predicament. His trashy parents have sold off his soul, and he now has to live and attend school in the Netherworld. But with his unique survival skills and doting demon grandfather’s support, Iruma will surely make it through this hellish experience. He’ll just need to subjugate rival classmates, summon familiars, and more, all while never revealing that he’s human. Easy as aleph, bet, gimel, right?
Welcome to Demon School! Iruma-kun is a fun read. I liked the set up and the twists of humor that run through the story. It does have some aspects that felt familiar, but anyone that reads enough manga or watches enough anime is likely to find some of the same aspect familiar. I honestly got a kick out of how innocent and bumbling our hero is, and watching things turn out well for him against all odds and common sense was highly entertaining. I look forward to reading the second volume of this story and think a wide range of readers will agree. 

Book Review: The Abandoned Reincarnation Sage, Volume 1, by Miraijin A and Kurikaramaru

The Abandoned Reincarnation Sage, Volume 1, written by Miraijin A and drawn by Kurikaramaru is a manga style graphic novel. Belamus was once a great sage with the power of reincarnation...but as all lives must pass, so did his. He reincarnated with his memories, but was suddenly abandoned as a newborn child! Luckily for him, he was adopted by the nearby goblin tribe, but this moment of kindness may mean more for both the Goblins and Belamus than either of them know!
The Abandoned Reincarnation Sage is a charming and well drawn story. I enjoyed the world and character building and thought everything moved at a good pace. I have read a few other reincarnation manga, and I thought that this did a good job with the trope. I liked the village and the collection of characters in it. The growing understanding in Belamus of the similarities of all intelligent creatures is pretty subtle, but the point bis likely to be more obvious as the story continues in future volumes. It was a fun and interesting read, which I enjoyed. I feel like there are many options as to where the story can go next and am interested to see which paths the plot takes us.

Book Review: Would You Like To Be A Family? by Koyama

Would You Like To Be A Family? by Koyama is a collection of three very different relationships in this intimate collection of short Boys Love stories in manga graphic novel format. 

Families come in many shapes and sizes, and these three are no different! Takemura is a loner with little interest in socializing with others. Bullied in high school for being gay, he prefers to spend time by himself so he won't get hurt again. When he runs into his bright, friendly coworker Natsui in the supermarket, he's surprised to find out that he's a single father... and even more surprised to be invited to dinner, with no room to decline! Kuma is a good guy, but due to his constant scowl and rough appearance is often dismissed as a deadbeat. When he oversees his friend's older brother break up with his boyfriend, Yagi, Kuma becomes intrigued with this attractive stranger and slowly, his curiosity begins to blossom into a crush. Kodama is a reserved psychology major who is approached by the loud, outgoing Harada when he falls ill on his way home. It turns out the two of them study at the same university, and Harada insists the two become friends. But as they spend more time with one another, Kodama begins to question how he truly feels.

Would You Like To Be A Family? is a graphic novel about love and family that is heartfelt and well written. I thought the artwork was well done and did a great job of capturing the emotion and mood of each character and scene. I will say that because of the fact that the manga was one larger love story with two related tales, I did have some trouble connecting with the characters and getting fully invested in the story. However, I think there more positives than negatives here. The stories are told well in the short format, I just prefer a little more depth to even insta love stories. That being said, I think there are many readers that will really enjoy this read. 

Book Review: When Will Ayumu Make His Move? Volume 1, by Soichiro Yamamoto

When Will Ayumu Make His Move? Volume 1, by Soichiro Yamamoto is a manga style graphic novel. Yaotome's the president of the shogi club at her high school, and she's pretty sure that Ayumu, an underclassman and the only other member of the club, has a huge crush on her. They get together to play shogi every day after school, but no matter what she does, she can't seem to get him to confess his feelings! What she doesn't know is that Ayumu has made a pact with himself to reveal his love only after he's beaten Yaotome at shogi for the first time. 

When Will Ayumu Make His Move? is a cute 'will they won't they' story. Yaotome and Ayumu are fun to watch as they talk and flirt, but never really admit out loud that they like each other. The nerves, embarrassment, and awkwardness is well displayed in the artwork and the text. I could feel the frustration along with Yaotome, but still was annoyed that she never took the initiative and said that she liked him or asked him out first. I liked getting to learn a bit about he game shogi, which I have seen before but still do not get- but I am horrible with chess too so that is not a surprise. I would love to see this series continue, and have the cast of characters and locations grow a bit. The heart of the story will always be this couple, but other friends and activities could add some depth and drama to the story instead of just recycling the same basic conversation. I still liked the story, and want to know how they finally get together, but I feel like there could be some more twists in future installments for added interest.

Book Review: You're My Cutie, Volume 1, by Nakaba Harufuji

You're My Cutie, Volume 1, by Nakaba Harufuji is a manga style graphic novel. Madoka is obsessed with shojo manga—specifically manga that features younger, innocent guys who fall for their Sempai. So she should be thrilled when a gorgeous kohai comes to work at her father's restaurant. Except that he is rude and standoffish and wants nothing to do with her. But when she protects him from some extra-pushy fans, he finds that maybe he's found someone letting his walls down for. 

You're My Cutie is a fun and entertaining read. There was not a great deal of character development, although there are hints about more detail coming in future volumes. There was not much outside of Modaka's thoughts and ideas to the story, leaving readers with a fairly one dimensional look at just about everyone and everything around her. There are brief moments with her family and friends, hints that they could play a bigger role in the story, but it never happens. I liked the artwork, and thought the story as a whole was cute with some potential for more growth and depth in the future.  

You're My Cutie is a quick, fun read with potential.

Book Review: A Gentle Noble's Vacation Recommendation, Volume 4, by Misaki, Momochi, Sando

A Gentle Noble's Vacation Recommendation, Volume 4, by Misaki, Momochi, Sando is the latest volume being adapted from Misaki's  is original A Gentle Noble's Vacation Recommendation light novel series by Momochi and Sando , who helped bring the series to life as a manga with their character designs and artwork.

Lizel and Gil finally flush out their mysterious attacker and settle the score with him, but it seems the assailant isn't quite the threat they initially believed him to be.Is it possible this former foe could actually be a new ally? Maybe so... but first he'll have to convince them to give him the chance he knows he deserves! Until he's able to find a way home, Lizel figures this is a perfect opportunity to explore a new way of life adventuring as part of a guild. After all, he's sure he'll go home eventually so he might as well enjoy the otherworldly vacation for now.

The forth volume of A Gentle Noble's Vacation Recommendation is a solid continuation of the story. Relationships continue to grow and characters get to grow quite a bit in the process. Fans of the previous volumes will want to read this and continue the tale, but this is very much a series that needs to be read in order. In fact, a reread of previous installments might serve readers well depending on how long it has been since they read the previous part. As someone that has read some of the light novel series, it took me a bit to figure out where I was in the story, which was made more challenging by some formatting issues in my digital galley- which I fully expect are fixed in the final version.  

Book Review: In the Clear Moonlit Dusk, Volume 1, by Mika Yamamori

In the Clear Moonlit Dusk, Volume 1, by Mika Yamamori is a manga style graphic novel. Yoi Takiguchi has long legs, a deep voice, and a handsome face. In other words, Yoi is such a good-looking guy that most people don't notice or care that she is, in fact, a girl. Indeed, she's had the nickname "Prince" as long as she can remember. That is, until she met Ichimura-senpai, the only person who's really seemed to see her for herself. To her surprise, she's not sure how to handle this new relationship, especially when her newfound friend is a prince himself (and a guy prince, at that). The story of the two high school princes starts here!

In the Clear Moonlit Dusk is a well written and drawn graphic novel. I liked that even though Yoi is cast as a prince, she really does not do anything that marks her as different or masculine. People are just judging her on looks and how she carries herself rather than any actual 'I'm different from other girls' action. She is just trying to get through life being successful in school and with her family's restaurant. Because oft his she has no dating experience and has no idea how to react to Ichimura- which most awkward teens and adult can relate to. Many of us have trouble with compliments and whatnot, which makes the whole awkward dance between the two so relatable and fun. I would have liked a little more of them developing a friendship, or more interaction with friend groups, but I think that the book did give enough that will keep many readers interested and looking for the next volume.  


Book Review: I Was Reincarnated as the 7th Prince so I Can Take My Time Perfecting My Magical Ability, Volume 1, by Kenkyo na Circle, Yosuke Kokuzawa

I Was Reincarnated as the 7th Prince so I Can Take My Time Perfecting My Magical Ability, Volume 1, by Kenkyo na Circle, Yosuke Kokuzawa is a manga style graphic novel. Prince Lloyd wasn't always a prince...in fact, his previous life is one he remembers perfectly: he was a sorcerer, of sorts. So when he was forced to reincarnate, he decided to continue his studies, prince of the realm or no! But his new life has its own sets of challenges...including being a 10-year-old! What's the 7th prince/sorcerer to do?!

I Was Reincarnated as the 7th Prince so I Can Take My Time Perfecting My Magical Ability is an interesting read. I liked the premise and the track the story is taking. I liked the juxtaposition of Llyod's age and innocent appearance with his power, and the way other people respond to him. I liked his hunt for knowledge, eagerness to experiment, and disregard for things that do not interest him. I think all of that makes him an interesting character and his story engaging and interesting to read. I am more that a little annoyed with the unnecessary and irrelevant scenes that felt like they were only included to get boobs on the page. It just felt very odd and out of place to have those moments in the story- never mind the outfit that a female adventurer is drawn in. It was disappointing that something I enjoyed otherwise fell flat because they just had to have a few moments of ogling the female form in a way that was not relevant to the plot at all. 


Book Review: Peach Boy Riverside, Volume 1, by Coolkyousinnjya

Peach Boy Riverside, Volume 1, by Coolkyousinnjya is a manga style graphic novel. Saltherine, princess of the Kingdom of Aldarake, dreams of traveling the world, a dangerous dream in a land where monsters roam the countryside! A chance meeting with a wanderer named Mikoto gives her hope that she might still find excitement in her life. But then she discovers the wanderer’s true identity: Momotaro the Peach Boy, demon slayer of legend! Though terrified by his bloody profession, Sally feels driven to follow Momotaro and learn more. But is this curiosity, or a magical connection that goes deeper than either of them realize?

Peach Boy Riverside is an interesting and entertaining graphic novel. I liked the introduction to the characters and the way world building was woven through the story without feeling overwhelming or like it was missing something. I thought the art style matched the story ad mood very well, and that everything came together quite nicely. I really enjoyed getting to know Saltherne and the characters around her, and I felt like I got a good amount of action and character development in this volume while still wanting more. There was a good balance here- leaving me very eager to figure out how everything will all be revealed and what the next adventure will look like. 


Early Book Review: Glass Syndrome by Eiko Ariki


Glass Syndrome 
by Eiko Ariki is a graphic novel currently scheduled for release on August 10 2021. Class president Nijou is a talented athlete, popular honor student... and a total people-pleaser who can't stop living up to others' smothering expectations of him. When his teacher asks him to check on Toomi, a classmate who's stopped coming to school, that chance meeting leads to an unexpected connection that neither young man expects. Toomi sees right through his diligent facade, and Nijou can't forget the cool comfort of Toomi's undemanding touch. But when Nijou discovers the reason behind Toomi's frequent absences — that he's been working as an online cam "girl" — he doesn't know how to react. How can he bring up what he knows? And how will it change their relationship?

Glass Syndrome is a nice romance, with a second story included in the volume. I thought it was well done in terms of story, text, and art. I felt for Nijou and Toomi as they face their individual struggles. I kind of wanted a bit more oft hem actually figuring the relationship thing out- it felt more like they just decided that they would be together without ever saying anything. Then the switch to the second romance confused me for a bit- I knew they were different people from the first couple but could not figure out how everyone related only to decide that it was a completely unrelated story. It was also good in its way, but was short. I think I would have liked it more if I could have connected the two stories and the main story was expanded on a bit more. However, I did enjoy the read and think it is a quick, fun read.


Book Review: Chéri, My Destiny! by Okoge Mochino

Chéri, My Destiny! by Okoge Mochino is a manga style graphic novel. Kaoru is brimming with confidence. After all, he opened a patisserie after studying in France, and is the head chef of his own store. But there’s one small problem; his customers are enamored with a local Japanese sweet shop and Soujirou, the attractive and reserved craftsman who makes the treats on offer. Convinced that stuffy old Japanese confections could never compete with his modern, Western style creations, he decides the only way forward is to prove to Soujirou that his chocolates are the best. But when Soujirou accepts his gift gracefully and even compliments him on his skills, Kaoru’s intense feelings take a sudden turn in the opposite direction.

Chéri, My Destiny! is a cute romance between two confection makers. I have always been a fan of the grumpy hero, and I got that here. I liked getting to see Kaoru and Soujitou get to know each other and start their relationship. I think the art was well done, and the style matched the story and offered details and emotion. I did think the ending was a little off. I liked that it surprised me a little, but thought a conversation or something added to the end would have wrapped things up a little better and felt more satisfying. I did like the little day in the life bonuses at the end, but they could have been before the ending and still fit quite well into the story and the book. Please be aware, there is some on page sex. Just so no one is caught by surprise reading in public.

Chéri, My Destiny! is a cute, fun, and enjoyable read.


Book Review: A Gentle Noble's Vacation Recommendation, Volume 3, by Misaki

A Gentle Noble's Vacation Recommendation, Volume 3, by Misaki continues the tale of a noble's unintentional trip. After defeating the underground dragon and finishing up their business in the mercantile city of Marcade, Lizel and Gil resume their journey, having promised Judge's grandfather to protect Judge along the way. But danger soon catches up to them when a strange group of bandits called the Forky Gang attacks in the middle of the night! It quickly becomes clear that someone is targeting Lizel, but who could it be, and for what reason?
A Gentle Noble's Vacation Recommendation's third volume picks up right where the previous volume left off, and then takes off running. I really enjoyed this volume and thought it moved the story along and introduced or fleshed out some of the previously introduced characters really well. I was great to see some of where Lizel came from, and how he reacts to the other characters and the possibility of being the target of a bandit gang. The art was consistent in style and quality with the previous volumes, and I thought the detail and line work was very well done. I enjoyed this read a great deal. My biggest complaint is that the volume ended way too soon for me, and I am ready for more. 

Book Review: And Yet, You Are So Sweet by Kujira Anan

And Yet, You Are So Sweet (Volume 1) by Kujira Anan is a manga style graphic novel. Maaya Kisaragi, 16 years old, finally confessed to her crush...only to be flatly rejected and ridiculed on social media after. To make matters worse, the most popular guy in her grade, Chigira-kun, overheard her despondent muttering about the whole thing. But instead of making fun of her, he comforts her...and proposes an odd solution to her heartbreak!
And Yet, You Are So Sweet is a sweet graphic novel about crushes and figuring out what you really want. Maaya usually has a crush, and does the stalker like actions to find out more about them and get to see them more. Being a fan of another is fairly low risk, and that is how she likes it. Chigira is popular, with his share of girls crushing on him, but he seems to have no interest in them, but plenty in Maaya. I love romance when both characters are good people, but clueless about how the other feels about them. I enjoyed getting to know both characters, and seeing them dance around their feelings as they struggle to come to terms with them. I really enjoyed the story, and will be on the look out for volume two. 

Book Review: She's My Knight, Volume 1, by Saisou

She's My Knight, Volume 1, by Saisou is a manga style graphic novel. Haruma Ichinose, 17, has been popular since he was born. So popular, in fact, that he figured no one could even come close, until he met Yuki Mogami. She's tall, cool, collected, and totally makes him crazy. He may just be in love, but can he deal with falling for someone even more dashing than himself?
She's My Knight is a cute middle school to young adult manga, while other age groups can enjoy it as well. On the surface this is simply the story of two popular kids getting to know each other, and coming to like each other, while dealing with the idea that they have unconventional prince/princess roles with each other. Sometimes that role reversal comes off as completely misogynistic and off putting, but I felt like it was done here with a nod to all the other anime and manga that have made use of this idea. I thought the various nods to different tropes often used in romantic  manga was well done and fun. I would have liked to have seen more of Mogami's thoughts- as we seem to get more from even the secondary characters than from her.  I liked the story and art, and would certainly pick up the next volume if I found it- but I would not go hunting for it. 

Book Review: Those Not-So-Sweet Boys, Volume 1, by Yoko Nogiri

Those Not-So-Sweet Boys, Volume 1, by Yoko Nogiri is a manga style graphic novel. Midori drops her wallet on her first day of high school, but her new classmate Ichijo swoops in to help. She wants to thank him, but he’s part of a tight-knit trio and none of them are ever in class! Rumor has it that they all got expelled for acting up, and studious Midori’s actually at risk of expulsion, too. In order to help support her family, she has a part-time job, which is against the school rules. When the chairman of the school board catches her leaving work, he says he’ll let it go—but only if she’s up to the task of bringing the three boys back to school. Well, why not? It’ll be a piece of cake…right?

Those Not-So-Sweet Boys is a fun and engaging graphic novel. I liked the dynamic of innocent and hardworking Midori and the fairly mysterious boys that helped her out but getting her wallet for her. Her sweetness and determination in getting the boys to school, and integrated with their peers,  is fun to watch as the guys try to balance their tough guy images and desire to be seen as not caring about school or their reputations. The story really works, and leaves readers looking for more details about how things came to be like this, and what might happen next. I will be continuing this series, because I want to see Mirori's brother have more page time, and I want to learn more about all of the characters.

I liked the story, although I do think that I had previously read the digital version of the manga- because it was all very familiar to me. Since I subscribe to a couple manga websites, this is not overly surprising. It was fun, with an underlying mystery and interesting development of characters and friendship.