Sarah Comic Reviews

Tackling issues such as self-doubt, frustration, and the struggle of maintaining interpersonal relationships when personal issues are overwhelming everything, Finding Molly is beautifully narrated, drawn, and presented. It comes off as being relatable, above all else, because even though not everyone is an art student or loves cats, the emotional tug that comes with this comic will have readers saying "hey, I've experienced that." Sometimes it's just nice to know that the struggle is shared, even if it's just with a character in a comic book.

Yuzu Tsubaki has set up several intriguing plot threads which will hopefully bear fruit in the next volume (and maybe beyond?), including Tatsumi bringing in the school art club to work on repairing the mural in the bathhouse. And as for the ‘over before it’s started’ relationship between Tatsumi and Shunpei, there are some amusing exchanges between the two in which sparks fly.

The Last Unicorn isan incredible adaptation of an already famous and well-known novel (not to mention the outstanding 1982 film) and a must read for anyone who has experienced the story. If you haven'texperienced the storyalready, then this comic is certainly a great way to do so. Despiteits adaptation acrossdifferent mediathroughout the years (including a soon-to-come Broadway play), The Last Unicorn isrequired for fantasy and comic fans everywhere.

Overall, this is definitely a comic to look forward to-the only downfall here is that we have to wait until October for the full volume, but if it's anything like the small sample presented in this issue it's going to absolutely be worth the wait. In the meantime, you can hold yourself over with the accompanying podcast and peruse the website. Prepare yourself, becauseLiberty is going to be awesome.

Gorou Kanbe is one of the new to English translation BL authors from MAG Gardens BL list that Tokyopop have been featuring in their new LGBT+ LOVE x LOVE list. All her three titles (Like Two Peas in a Pod, Dont Call Me Dirty and Dont Call Me Daddy) are unusual, entertaining and perceptive pieces of graphic fiction. Her characters are really engaging, flaws and all; shes skilled at creating genuinely funny moments and heart-breaking ones as well. Highly recommended.

Even though this is only Nagisa Furuyas second published manga, its an accomplished piece of story-telling, both graphically and in the way the story unfolds. Above all, its her depiction of Kais understandable and relatable confusion as he tries to make sense of his feelings that makes this manga stand out among so many other similar BL stories of first love.

Our Dreams at Dusk is only four volumes in length (and Seven Seas will bring all four out in 2019) but the mangakas considerable skills as a graphic storyteller are evident from the first page as we are plunged into the living hell of Tasuku's school life. Yet it's not a depressing read. There are some truly heart-wrenching moments but also some breathtaking images. The town of Onomichi is almost a character in its own right, depicted in loving detail. Above all, the story offers a compelling vision of hope for a future where we can be accepting of one another and welcome and celebrate difference. Tasuku has embarked on a journey of self-discovery and self-acceptance, thanks to the mysterious and elusive Someone-san - I can't wait to see where it will lead him.

It's been a while since Ive had the pleasure to read such an involving collection of linked short stories in manga; Tamaki & Amane is highly recommended!

This manga earns its Mature rating with some realistic and explicit scenes. However, unlike several recent BL titles, these encounters are always earned theyre there because they tell us about the shifting relationships between the characters and the power dynamics involved. And Setona Mizushiro who has a very distinctive and easily recognizable graphic style amplifies and intensifies the impact of these scenes with her skillful portrayal of the characters emotions in their facial expressions. The pictures speak even without the dialogue, but when enhanced by the dialogue (or the characters' thoughts) they convey so much more to the reader. Even though shes produced other engaging (though non-BL) work since this title (Black Rose Alice, Shitsuren Chocolatier) this is probably her most intense and compelling love story. Like 10 Dance by Inouesatoh, this is manga for grown-ups: nuanced, bitter-sweet (with more bitter than sweet here) and difficult to put down. There are so many subtl

It's stunning, beautiful, and interwoven with music and mythology. The Wicked + The Divine promises to be an incredible story, and I'm really looking forward to what creatorsKieron Gillen,Jamie McKelvie, andMatt Wilsonhave in store for us. With characters that pop off the page and seem to be larger than life, the seriesisexplosive and powerful, both in narrative and artwork. Only two issues in means that you have plenty of time to catch up on this stunning comic. Issues #3and #4of The Wicked + The Divine will be available on August 20th and September 17th, respectively.

Welcome to Showside will entice fans of the shows that it arereminiscent ofSteven Universe and Adventure Time, and readers will find themselves waiting eagerly to see what happens next, whether it be simply the next panel or if it's the next issue. It is an excellent feat in art and a great comic all-around, an awesome addition to anyone's collection.

Overall, Zenescope's Robyn Hood Holiday Special: Reprieve isentertaining, the characters and monsters alike pop off the page, and the issue is filled with heartwarming moments " even when Robyn's being a total badass while fighting ice monsters and Krampus himself. It goes to show that even someone like Robyn, a girl that's been faced with such hardship and firmly believes that Christmas is cursed, can see past the darkness and uncertainty that shrouds her life, even if just for an evening. The moral of the issue is sweet and genuine and the pages carry a little something for everyone " action! adventure! sarcasm! destruction! " a true holiday tale for even the grumpiest of readers.

This madcap gallop through a well-known Ancient Greek legend brings a refreshing new slant to the timeless tale of the changing seasons on earth, while introducing many characters from mythology and showing them in a new light. With such accomplished art and delightful storytelling, the first volume of Ueji Yuhos re-working of the legend of Hades and Persephone comes highly recommended.

If you enjoy Greek mythology, youll be thoroughly entertained by the second volume of Lord Hades Ruthless Marriage but even if youre a newcomer to the field, youll still have fun with this romcom romp through the pantheon of Greek gods and goddesses (and maybe be inspired to find out more for yourself).

I've really enjoyed my time with this beautifully drawn and cleverly re-imagined version of the Greek myth that explains the seasons of the year in terms of gods and goddesses and I recommend it to all who love revisiting the myths and legends of the Ancient Greeks, whether it be in graphic novel form (Lore Olympus, maybe?) or reimagined for younger readers (Rick Riordan's Percy Jackson).

We knew, as its reputation preceded it, that The Summer Hikaru Died was going to be one of the best manga reads of 2023 and this first volume proves to be a chilling page-turner. I prefer my horror to be subtle and this delivers exactly my kind of slow-burn narrative. The next volume is due out in October 2023 from Yen Press and the series is ongoing at four volumes in Japan.

As the stakes are slowly but inexorably raised and ominous warnings and weird happenings put Yoshikis nerves even more on edge, the chapters pass swiftly by, leaving the reader (this reader, anyway!) desperately eager to see what comes next and yet also, like Yoshiki, half-dreading to find out whats in store. The manga is up to five volumes in Japan and Volume 3 comes out in April 2024 from Yen Press, so not too long to wait!

Volume 3 of The Summer Hikaru Died is an absolute must-buy for readers who have been drawn into this addictive and unusual supernatural manga as new players enter the field and more tantalising mysteries are uncovered.

Kowloon Generic Romance is one of those rare manga that, while being hard to categorize, is a fascinating and captivating read. There are images which will give readers a genuine frisson and the ingenious way the mangaka is revealing the story will make them very eager to grab the next volume as soon as it comes out (November 2022)!

This is such a rich, layered and intriguing story that it repays several re-readings; Jun Mayuzuki is one of those rare mangaka who manages to combine a distinctive and detailed graphic style with the ability to create fascinating characters and keep the reader turning the pages. The good news is that Volume 3 is due out in April 2023 from Yen Press. Highly recommended!

This series goes from strength to strength, mixing intriguing yet sympathetic characters with a growing sense of unease and mystery, everything engagingly depicted in the bustling walled city that Jun Mayuzuki evokes so effectively. Is it a timeslip science fiction? Is it a murder mystery? Or is it just its own unique yet addictive self (the best kind of reading that defies categorization but makes you keep turning the pages)? Volume 4 is due out in July 2023, so dont miss it if youve become addicted too!

This fourth volume of Kowloon Generic Romance is filled with hints and clues that might be red herrings as to what is really going on in the Kowloon where Reiko Kujirai, Kudou and Maomay are living and what Dr. Hebinuma and his clinic might have been dabbling in. But tantalizingly, it poses more questions than it provides answers. In the meantime, it's impossible not to grow more attached to the cast of bewildered characters even to the smiling, fork-tongued doctor who conceals many secrets of his own.

This is a rich volume, full of significant little hints as well as some big, dramatic scenes and Jun Mayuzuki's skills in creating and developing wonderfully complex characters are seen here to the full, both in her intricately detailed art and in the way the story is unfolding.

Come for the bustling atmosphere and mystery of Generic Kowloon Walled City but stay to find out more about the characters whose stories will draw you in. The denouement is in sight but this manga has been very much about the journey and the people weve come to know along the way. Highly recommended.

Even if you enjoyed (as I did) the anime TV series, you wont want to miss this latest volume in English and if youve just been following the manga, this ones an absolute must-have! Its still one of the best mystery/psychological manga (alongside The Summer Hikaru Died) out there.

Witch Hat Atelier plunges the reader into Cocos world and enchants and alarms the reader in equal measure; this first volume blends inspiringly magical art with a fascinating story and comes highly recommended.

This accomplished second volume of Witch Hat Atelier continues to enthral and delight; its fascinating to watch Coco meet new challenges and new people. Shes one of the most engaging young heroines Ive met in fantasy for a while and I recommend this series for fantasy readers of all ages (Kodansha suggest 10 upward…)

One very small negative point: Im not sure I like the rhyming blurbs on the reverse covers. They dont quite work for me…although the final line but ignorance is innocences curse is very pertinent to Cocos dilemma. But it's a minor complaint. This third enthralling instalment of Kamome Shirahamas exquisitely drawn manga reveals just enough of the rapidly thickening plot to keep the reader impatient to read what happens next!

Another volume of this involving fantasy will keep Coco's fans on the edge of their seats - but also impatient to wait for Volume 5 (not due out until February 2020) to find what happens next!

This volume concludes with a rather cute page by the mangaka explaining more about the different hats of Witch Hat, followed by a double-spread trailer for Volume 6 in Summer 2020. I, for one, cant wait to discover what awaits Coco in the depths of the Great Hall upon the base of the deep sea.

(This July, Witch Hat Atelier was joint winner with Taiyo Matsumoto's Cats of the Louvre of the Will Eisner Best U.S. Edition of International Material -Asia award. And it's just been announced as winner of this year's Best Manga at the Harvey Awards!)

Winner of the Eisner and Harvey awards in the USA, Witch Hat Atelier is still one of the most readable and imaginative fantasy manga available in translation. Shirahama has become very skilled at balancing the humorous moments (Olruggios frustrations with wealthy client Lord Cladd at Mistcall Castle deliver some nice character moments for Olruggio fans) alongside the darker moments of pure horror, most significantly the revelations about the damage that has been done to Qifrey. After a revelatory conversation in the final chapter, the mood lightens as Coco and the girls gather to watch the passage (shooting) stars and Coco is excited as the others tell her about Silver Eve, the upcoming festival of magic.

As I look back over these three volumes of Witch Hat Atelier, an announcement/presentation is about to be made at AX 2024 about the long-awaited anime series (update: it's scheduled for 2025!). Im not sure how well an animated version will be able to bring out the intricacy and detail of Kamome Shirahamas storytelling and unique art, although the preview trailer looks very impressive. The anime version will be different, thats for sure but I suspect Ill still love the manga first and foremost; I really recommend reading it before watching the anime (whensoever it eventually airs)!

This volume provides some intriguing (and unexpected) resolutions to whats probably the darkest turn the story has taken for quite a while. But all is far from over and the volume concludes with an agonizing premonition that doesnt bode well for whats about to transpire in Volume 14. Weve come a long way with the people of Witch Hat Atelier and grown to like (and in some cases strongly dislike!) many of them, so the wait for the next volume (not yet on Kodanshas release calendar) is going to prove equally agonizing for us readers.

As early adopters of Witch Hat Atelier (2019) at Anime UK News, we’re very excited about the anime TV series which will be airing on Crunchyroll (April 6th) after a very long wait. But if the original manga hadn’t been such a rich and imaginative creation by Kamome Shirahama, I doubt there would have quite been the same buzz about the anime – and I’m here to encourage everyone to continue to read the manga!

As Tenyo discovers more about Kakezuki, Toka and the Azure North, new mysteries about the immortal vessels are revealed which only complicate the predicament Tenyo finds himself in and sharpen his resolve to try to restore Uru’s mind and soul to his physical body. This first volume is a captivating start to a Chinese-flavoured fantasy BL manga which is bound to appeal to danmei fans, especially because of its attractive art.

This first volume of Barbarities is all about setting the scene and establishing some fascinating characters in their world. The second volume (due out in April 2023) promises to hike up the tension and the political intrigue and then some!

Entertaining, amusing, even touching at times, Candy Color Paradox is a welcome addition to SuBLime Mangas Boys Love collection and is highly recommended.

If youve read Dear Mr. Rain, youll be well aware that Ryou got himself mixed up with some very unpleasant Mafia business back in New York. His appearance on the catwalk in New York does not go unnoticed by certain sinister individuals. His life is almost certainly in danger. Everything builds to a climax in the second volume of Dear Hatter which you wont want to miss if youve fallen under the spell of ZAKKs compelling storytelling.

The TV series might have ended, but the Halliwell sisters and their foes live on in these well-drawn and surprisingly familiar comics. Charmed: Season 10 #1 gives me hope that this next season will continue what has long been a favorite show for a lot of people. Thebookis still able to surprise fanswith new characters, interesting plot lines, and wry humor. It's definitely a series to catch upwith if you haven't already and a great start to the new series if you're up-to-date with the Charmed Ones.

Descending Stories brings the world of a unique performance art and the complicated relationships of its performers to life through mangaka Haruko Kumotas distinctive art and engrossing story-telling.

This volume is a must-read for readers who already love Jun Mayuzukis work but also warmly recommended for anyone interested in discovering a collection of one-shots about women in present-day Japan, wittily written and drawn, yet leaving much to think about.

Flip, Flip Slowly is that relatively rare phenomenon, a BL that manages to be insightful, tender, and ultimately optimistic; Mame Ohtako is a mangaka to watch and I hope well get to see her first (ongoing) series Play After Call in English before too long!

This is a treat for all readers who already love The Ancient Magus Bride, revealing Kore Yamazaki to be a skilled writer of contemporary fantasy who just happens to have chosen to tell her stories through manga (thus adding a rich extra dimension to the telling).

Given is published by SuBLime, so yes, its Boys Love, but its main themes are about love and loss, and what it means to be in a relationship, enhanced by the powerful metaphor of communication through music and playing together. Its as much about discovering your own creativity as discovering your soul-mate. The translation by Junko Goda captures the idle banter between high schoolers (and university students) convincingly, as well as Mafuyus difficulties in expressing himself. The story benefits from the mangaka's subtle touches of dry humour (Uenoyama often 'sees' Mafuyu as a wide-eyed puppy) and the inclusion of her 4-koma pages at the end is a real bonus. This is one of the few manga that proves Boys' Love can tell a compelling story that will appeal to readers outside the usual target audience, creating memorable characters and illustrating them with accomplished and striking images.

Through Nakamura's heated imagination, Syundei manages to gently " yet affectionately " parody several of the over-used tropes of BL whilst at the same time creating a refreshingly believable and relatable central character. Highly recommended.

Fans of Zenescope's Grimm Fairy Tales will fall easily into the universe created in this issue, losing themselves in the fun (and sometimes borderline insane) characters, the hijinks, and the heist plot throughout. Beautifully drawn and well written, this steampunk edition of a favorite comic will draw readers both old and new. It's got guns, a vibe reminiscent of Borderlands and westerns, and it's all-around tons of fun-a definite read for anyone who was a fan ofGrimm initially and an easy story to fall into for readers that maybe aren't quite as familiar with Zenescope's series.

Guardians of the Far Frontier is another addition to KUMAs growing Boys Love list and KUMA (Denpa) are to be applauded for bringing such a wide range of titles and mangaka to the West. I imagine their best-selling titles are the definitely Mature-rated Harada ones such as YataMomo, Happy Crappy Life and The Song of Yoru and Asa alongside Wolf Pack by Billy Ballibaly (Fangs) and Qualia under the Snow by Kanna Kii (Seaside Stranger) although there are plenty of other good BL titles to choose from. The other plus with Kumas manga editions is the very lovely dust jackets (the one for Guardians of the Far Frontier is matte), good-quality paper and the addition of a colour image inside. The translation for KUMA is by Mike Wolfe and the lettering is by Andrea Donohue; both make this a good reading experience. This is definitely a title to read if you are looking for an engaging fantasy spiced with a dash of Boys Love!

A second volume has just been published in Japan so heres hoping that Kodansha will bring us that too in due course as readers will definitely want to follow Kouta and Miyanagi to find out what happens next!

The Omegaverse is a powerful metaphor for sexual attraction and obsession as well as a romantic wish-fulfilment fantasy. It’s not hard to see the appeal of the concept of encountering your fated mate: a partner designated only for you, and this series is well worth reading for a different and believable interpretation of the trope.

I Dont Know How to Love is one of those rare Boys Love manga that doesnt take the easy road yet delivers a compelling and sometimes painful depiction of two young men discovering what it takes to make a relationship work. If this sounds a bit heavy, its also incredibly cute at times and not in a saccharine way. Do read it! Its well worth your time.

Given the recent popularity of the anime film A Silent Voice, the sensitive topic of hearing impairment has been much to the fore. I Hear the Sunspot is a very different work but just as worthy of your time for its characterization and bitter-sweet depiction of a nascent relationship. And the artwork is gorgeous. Recommended.

Lets Go Karaoke! is a little gem; a really well-constructed story with fascinating chalk-and-cheese characters brought together by the desire to make music (or not have to endure being given a painful tattoo by an over-eager boss).

If you prefer your Boys Love manga to have the emotional depth and breadth of a novel, then Light of My Life is definitely one to add to your reading list. Its Takibas first manga to be published in English and, if you enjoy it, look out for Youre All Mine Tonight, due out in December (also from Kodansha).

Our review copy from Square Enix Manga was supplied by Turnaround Comics (Turnaround Publisher Services).

If you're looking for a heartfelt, involving Boys' Love story with believable characters and some memorably striking art, then you can't go wrong with choosing Love in the Palm of His Hand.

Considering everything that the four central characters go through, Loved Circus is surprisingly upbeat and by the end, delivers an unexpected yet emotionally satisfying conclusion. This title is not for everyone but it's one of those rare manga that repay reading several times because of the mangaka's skill in creating a story peopled by characters you really come to care about.

This volume ends on not one but two cliffhangers agonisingly so as, according to Baka-Updates Manga, the manga is currently on hiatus. Yuu Morikawa has been busy with Mr. Villains Day Off but one hopes that they will return to Luciole Has a Dream to unravel some of the mysteries introduced in this enigmatic and beautiful dystopian tale.

Theres a one-page amusing bonus comic at the end entitled: The Room Where You Cannot Leave Until You Say One Hundred Things You Like About Your Partner. Volume 2 is already available in e-book format, with Volume 3 following in December 2023; the series in ongoing in Japan, with Volume 4 already available. Recommended for fantasy fans and for BL fans who enjoy a slow-burn romance!

There are two brief bonus stories at the end (of a more light-hearted nature).The translation for Tokyopop is by Riley Keenan and again delivers a smooth reading experience. As usual with Tokyopop LoveLove releases, this appeared first in digital form in September 2023 and the paperback will follow in January 2024. Volume 3 is due out (digitally) in mid-December 2023 and hopefully, well get Volume 4 in 2024.

To some readers, the main revelation in this volume might be seen as a deal-breaker. Others might be looking for a spicier portrayal of the central relationship; in spite of what it says on the Amazon page, this is rated 16+ Older Teen, so any scenes of a sexual nature are portrayed in a way that leaves much to the reader's imagination. Nevertheless, as the intimate scenes are consensual and feel earned, they add to our understanding of the way Alto and Elva's relationship is deepening.

A clash of characters in the first issue seems to suggest further conflict will erupt in the future. It leaves the reader wondering, what happens if Mae disappears and goes off with Abbie? There're a lot of unanswered questions in the first issue, but I'm confident they'll be answered in the future. Gene Ha truly delivers with this imaginatively dark comic, leaving a lot open to interpretation and leaving readers wanting more. This one teems with mystery and intrigue at what exactly Abbie's been doing and how Mae is going to fit into this whole scheme.

It's a great title for anyone who's looking for a strange, scary read to pick up. It's filled with creatures that are familiar fare but are clearly more deadly than most media makes them out to be; characters that are intriguing and have their own (sometimesvery dark) pasts, and a great, cohesive storyline that isinformative and fun to follow.Midnight Society: The Black Lake is a fantastic read, great for the horror fan craving a little something new.

This is a must-read for Mob Psycho 100 fans " and newcomers to the series could happily read it as a standalone too.

The Kodansha print edition comes as a trade paperback with an attractive colour image at the front. Translation is by Kevin Steinbach who, aided by the lettering by Nicole Roderick, captures the naturalistic ebb and flow of the conversations really well. There are four helpful and interesting pages of translation notes at the end and Afterword, a sweet little bonus story. My Instructor Wont Yield is described by Kodansha as a one-shot and although Ive seen the occasional rumour that there will be a sequel, the mangaka seems to be busy with a new BL title (due out in Japan this month) so we can at least hope that Kodansha will pick up that one too in due course.

The sequel promises to tell us more about Wataru and Saeki, now university students, passing another summer vacation together. I can't wait to to see how Nagisa Furuya develops their relationship in the next (and final?) volume, due out in November 2021 from Kodansha.

My Summer of You delivers a second atmospheric volume charting a slowly evolving relationship taking place against another hot Japanese summer. Hoping we wont have too long to wait before the third volume comes along

If this volume looks chunkier than usual, its because Kodansha have included the first chapter as a preview of Nagisa Furuyas 2015 oneshot BL My Ultramarine Sky (currently due out in late December 2023). I really like this title (having already read it in French from Hana) and hope to be sharing my thoughts about the US edition here in a few weeks time.

I have to admit that when I first saw the cover (which is undoubtedly very pretty) my heart sank a little as I feared it was going to be one of 'those' stories with a passive, weepy uke. But I was wrong; the first chapter (or 'distance') plunges the reader straight into a tense high-school classroom situation.

If you're a Blue Period fan, this volume is a must-buy; if you're unfamiliar with Tsubasa Yamaguchi's work but are looking for a collection of adult-themed, distinctively drawn, and well-told stories with a sprinkling of sensuous horror, then this is also highly recommended.

It's really heartening to be able to welcome the relatively recent appearance of manga like Our Colors by openly gay mangaka such as Gengoroh Tagame and Okura (I Think Our Son is Gay) that reflect on their own experiences of coming out in the hope that their work will spread greater understanding and, above all, offer reassurance and understanding to young people wondering about their own sexuality.

This is a charming and lively travelogue, in which we follow the growth of a relationship against the backdrop of changing landscapes and cultures with all its ups and downs. Im really looking forward to the second volume (coming later this year) in which the travellers go to Finland, Germany and Italy!

So which country will Mitsuki and Asahi visit next? Surely theyll be making their way to the United Kingdom soon? You can keep up with the next chapters in Japanese at the Mag Comi website but lets hope that Volume 3 will appear before too long. (This review is of the digital edition but if you prefer a paper copy, that currently is scheduled to be released on February 22nd 2022.)

This is another fun-to-read volume in Mone Sorai's lively series, with plenty about the food of the countries visited as well as little snippets of history and culture. It also presents a realistic and believable portrait of a same-sex relationship navigating the ups and downs of living and travelling together and stands out from many other LGBTQIA+ manga in this respect. Recommended (and, given its Teen rating, accessible to younger readers).

Last but not least, given that this is a Boys Love series, the LGBT elements presented are all to do with making a single-sex relationship work and are explored in a realistic and convincing way. More Sonai is to be congratulated for presenting the problems that her likable and sympathetic couple encounter as they get to know each other better away from their home environment as well as the pleasures of travelling together and seeing the world.

Pawn Shop is beautiful in its storytelling, fascinating in its art, and excellent in its execution. It explores the human condition and kindness, love and loss, and is a refreshing change from what I've seen so much in comics lately. Not that superheroes and all aren't great; they are and always will be. But Pawn Shop tells a different kind of story in a familiar format, and I love it. I would recommend this to anyone who wants to get immersed in the story and spend an hour or two getting to know the characters. I'd also hope to see that others will see the relevancies of this in their own lives.

After all, with great power comes great responsibility, and that's one thing that doesn't change regardless of what world you're in.

Ran and the Gray World gets off to a terrifically energetic and exuberant start, with a likable (unquenchable) young heroine, an imaginative treatment of its fantasy elements and some exceptional artwork. I cant wait to see where it goes in the ensuing six volumes (the series is complete)!

Ran is a magical girl unlike any other and its going to be fascinating to see how Aki Irie makes her evolve and how this exciting mangaka nurtures and develops the seeds of several intertwining plots that shes cleverly planted in this volume.

Fans of this unlikely yet sympathetic couple wont want to miss the latest instalment of Semantic Error although it ends in a deeply unsettling place. Volume 5 (the final volume?) is due out in February/March so not too long to wait to find out how everything is resolved.

This story might seem quite ordinary on the surface; break-ups happen all the time. But it repays several readings as there's some subtle writing (and drawing) conveying the characters' complicated feelings and reactions. By the time you reach the bitter-sweet last chapter (and the bonus content) it's impossible not be moved. This is one of those rare Boys' Love manga where the sex scenes not only feel earned but are well drawn to reflect the characters' feelings. Recommended.

Shout Loud, My Heart Youga Rayri/Ichijinsha Inc.Our review copy from Kodansha was supplied by Diamond Book Distributors UK.

Even though Since I Could Die Tomorrow has a forty-something woman as its protagonist (and why not!), this manga has much to say about growing older and the meaning of life but not in a heavy or depressing way; its surprisingly life-enhancing! It was the winner of the 23rd Japan Media Arts Festival Excellence Award, and nominated for the 2020 Manga Taisho Award. Whole-heartedly recommended and not just to forty-somethings.

With a few light-hearted Bonus pages at the end of the first volume and credits to the mangakas team, this entertaining and decidedly non-PC spy caper merits several re-readings, as theres plenty of neat little hints and touches that are worth looking out for. Ongoing at four volumes, its brought to the West by VIZ Media as part of their SHONEN JUMP list.

As well as the official bonus, theres also an extra story at the end of Volume 2. Extra Mission 1 turns out to be designed for readers unfamiliar with the manga from its run on Shonen Jump as an introduction to the series. The Forgers go on an outing to Aqualand (Loid is desperate to convince the nosy neighbours that they really are a normal family unit who enjoy trips together) but, of course, nothing goes according to plan. If you like penguins, youre in for a treat because penguins are involved

If you're an Anya fan, you won't be disappointed as the youngest member of the Forger family has plenty of opportunities to react in her splendidly idiosyncratic way " and, for once, her unique telepathic abilities prove an advantage, rather than leading to yet more misunderstandings.

Super! issues #1-3 are available in stores and on Comixology.

Will Suzuki-kun get to go to Mockey-Ds and hang out with his classmates? What happens when a middle-school classmate recognizes Suzuki and is determined to bring up unhappy memories in front of his new friends? What better time to find a copy of Suzuki-kuns Mindful Life and discover what happens next?

Until Volume 3 arrives, theres plenty to enjoy in Volume 2 as Suzuki-kun continues to pursue his mindful life and charm others with his cooking and gardening skills.

Please note Project-Nerd Publishing is a division of Project-Nerd, LLC. All reviews are handled in a professional manner with an honest and unbiased breakdown of the materials.

Volume 3 of The Contract between a Specter and a Servant continues to offer a delicious blend of supernatural horror and everyday life. However, the real strength of this latest instalment in the story of Masamichi and his spectral master Shino is in their conversations and daily interactions. Shino is slowly (its taken many centuries) beginning to understand human relationships and even perhaps?… develop some feelings of his own. Volume 4 is due out in May (digital) and June (paperback) and promises a trip to Kyoto and Shinos roots (Heian Kyo) I can't wait!

And we get to appreciate the wittiness of the writing, thanks to Jacqueline Fungs excellent translation for Kodansha which really brings the characters to life (but also check out nice little details like the food posters on the wall at the bar in Chapter 1). Helping to illustrate the characters conversations is Nicole Roderick with a wonderful variety of lettering. Theres an illustrated afterword from the mangaka at the end as well as a bonus chapter and a one-page poster promoting Volume 2 due out in July. Im really looking forward to it as Ive already become attached to the main characters in The Dashing Zaddy and His Icy Protg and I cant wait to see where Fumito will take them next. Recommended!

Just before the week at the factory, Itsuboshi holds its 'Summer Appreciation Sale' which is open to the public and at which Takanashi gives a cookery demonstration to display some of their clients' products. This causes quite a stir among staff and visitors alike! Little does he know that he's been filmed and shared on the internet and is trending… where will it all lead when he's described as 'DILF of the year'?! Maybe we'll find out in Volume 3…

The lively translation by Jacqueline Fung for Kodansha captures perfectly the racy tone of the humour and its all brought to life by Nicole Rodericks lettering (including all those SFX). Theres a really helpful two-page introduction with character profiles and the story so far, a smexy bonus story The Icy Princes Night, two 4-panel strips showcasing more of Nakaidos unfortunate ability to embarrass Hiwatari, an illustrated Afterword and a two-page preview for Volume 4. As this is due out in January, 2026, its not long to wait to find out what happens next

Fans of romance between men in suits will not be disappointed with the latest volume of Fumitos teasing Boys Love saga! Hiwataris dazzling new look (unmistakably a homage to his crush Takanashi) turns all the heads in the office but also fulfils his deepest desire: to turn Takanashi on. And as for Takanashi: is his erectile problem finally cured at last? Is the sight of the transformed Hiwatari enough to make him make a move on his younger colleague at last?

Kazuki Minamoto offers no easy answers to Takashis predicament and thats what makes this such an unusual and convincing read. Recommended.

The translation for Yen Press is by the ever-reliable Emma Schumacker with lettering by Chi Bui and contains a colour illustration at the front. This seems to be the first of the mangakas works to be published in an English translation; the second volume is due out in January 2024 and the series is ongoing in Asuka CIEL. And Im really interested in seeing where Lazysheep takes Pharm and Dean next (theres a cute 'original story special chapter adaptation' at the end of this volume called Nostalgic Times about In and Korn getting to know each other better at an amusement park). The Red Thread is a definite recommended new BL title from Yen Press!

The volume again concludes with a light-hearted extra chapter about the original pair of lovers, In and Korn, allowing us to see how different they were from Pharm and Dean but also delivering a truly bitter-sweet final page. Volumes 3 and 4 havent yet been given a publication date by Yen Press, although it looks as if they will be available in Japan from 1st March 2024.

Seeing Lara Croft translated to the page is neat and just as much of an adventure story-wise as the games have been, and fans of Tomb Raider shouldn't hesitate to pull it this week, as it'll pick up where the 2015 game left off. It's a quick read and the start of an intriguing storyline, with the promise of more action and adventure to come.

Jyanome skilfully captures the heady highs and lows of first love in Twilight Out of Focus as well as the genuine excitement generated when a group of like-minded young people work together on creating a film. The two threads mesh seamlessly together, delivering a story that repays several readings all brought to life by the mangakas sensuous, striking art.

This series is proving itself to be one of the best BL series around at the moment; beautifully drawn, with a believable, sympathetic (although far from flawless!) cast or characters, all bonding through a mutual love of making films.

Twilight Out of Focus is all about the characters and one of the most touching things about this volume is that Jyanome leaves you in no doubt as to how attached Mao has become to Hisashi and how vulnerable this makes him feel.

If you're looking for a perceptive (and often funny) look at high school romance in an all-boys school that's beautifully drawn, with appealing characters and some genuinely hot scenes, then Twilight Out of Focus is the BL series for you; why not give it a try?

Sometimes when an anime adaptation comes to an end, the manga peters out but luckily there are no worries here. Twilight Out of Focus #5 is a great continuation, bringing us new situations and dilemmas as the members of the film club face up to the challenges of becoming third years and facing the decisions that have to be made about the future. Recommended.

Our review copy from Kodansha (Vertical Books) was supplied by Turnaround Comics (Turnaround Publisher Services).

Starforce isn't 100% original in its content, but it has pulled together what looks to be a promising storyline with interesting characters, each distinct in their own personalities and motivations. I'm interested in seeing where this goes and will definitely be keeping up with it as the issues come out. It'll be a bright, happy addition to my comic collection.

Medalist from the very first pages draws the reader in and keeps you turning the pages. The blend of a lively, inventive art style and a very human story about wanting something so badly that youll give everything youve got and more to achieve your dreams is a real winner in manga terms. Recommended and not just for sports manga fans; Medalist has something important to say to everyone.

As Inori meets more young contestants, some friendly and supportive (others far less so) and becomes even more determined to pursue her goal, the tension mounts in this second volume. How far can Inori go, with Tsukasas guidance? Its fascinating to watch her grow in ability and self-confidence.

Medalist gives plenty of fascinating insights into ice skating, both on (and off) the ice but its the central characters that hold the readers attention. Its good to see warm-hearted Tsukasa growing in self-confidence as Inoris coach and determined, unquenchable Inori growing as a skater and wondering where her ambition will take her next.

The translation is again by Keven Gifford with lettering by Darren Smith and both contribute greatly to the enjoyment of reading the text and bringing the characters to life in another dynamic volume about pursuing a dream, and the tears and sheer hard work that goes into making figure skating look so effortless on the ice.

If youre enjoying the anime TV series (which is very faithful to the manga thus far) I really recommend reading the manga as well for all the little extras that dont always get adapted and plenty of background material. Volume 7 is out in March 2025 in the physical edition but the digital edition is all the way up to Volume 11.

Kevin Gifford continues to provide an excellent translation for Kodansha (there are no translation notes) and lettering for the print edition is by Scott OBrien. Volume 8 is due out in print in May but if you want to read ahead in digital, Volumes 8-11 are currently available.

This volume is, in some ways, just build-up to Inori taking to the ice to compete, but it lays a lot of important groundwork for whats still to come, while leaving us uncertain as to how Inori will react to Hikarus performance. The tension is palpable!

The print edition of Volume 9 of Medalist again comes without any colour plates (a shame, because this seems to be the pattern with Kodanshas series where later volumes lack colour inserts, even Blue Period). However, the trade paperback continues to showcase Tsurumaikadas art to great effect. The translation is again by Kevin Gifford with lettering by Scott OBrien for the print edition (the earlier digital edition lettering is by Darren Smith); everything works well and the vital conversations and verbal confrontations are very effectively conveyed. Even though the mangaka tells us theres no room this time for bonus material, there are three pages of thanks and extra bits and a trailer page about Volume 10. This reminds us that Inori has now moved on up to the Junior stage where Youre not making the choices people are picking you.

With the second season of Medalist the anime due out in 2026, this is a great way to keep ahead of the story if youre invested and to catch up on all the little details which dont always make it into the anime. Inori and Tsukasas unique relationship is very believable and relatable and its very difficult not to get involved in the challenges they both face on and off the ice. Still one of the best sports manga out there today.

The events at the end of Volume 12 leave us on a cliffhanger as Inori goes out onto the ice. She’s grown, not only in age, height and experience, but also in her attitude to performing. Can she deliver a life-changing performance? I can’t wait to find out…

Im looking forward to seeing where Yatoras new obsession with art takes him in the next volume. He makes a sympathetic protagonist and Yamaguchi has already introduced enough intriguing characters, some sympathetic, like Mori-senpai, others far less so, to show us that his way forward into the world of art is not going to be an easy one.

In the second volume of Blue Period Tsubasa Yamaguchi delves deeper into the mindset of Yatora as he struggles to find his voice and style as an artist. There are some painful realisations for the young would-be artist to face up to, as well as for two of his fellow students: Ryuji/Yuka and Yotasuke. Recommended.

Blue Period has some really important and meaningful things to say about expressing yourself in the creative arts and about the place of inspiration versus craft. If youre studying art or just making art for your own pleasure, many of Yatoras moments of soul-searching will ring true and inspire sympathy. Maybe some of the advice that hes given by his teachers will help unlock your talents?

The tensions and self-doubts plaguing Yatora and his fellow students in the lead-up to their first examination are nail-bitingly portrayed. But a whole volume dedicated to one single examination? Happily, theres humour and empathy as well, making this fourth volume of Blue Period an unexpectedly rewarding and inspiring read.

Looking back at Yatora in Volume 1, its fascinating to see now how hes changed. Yamaguchi portrays a very different young man at the beginning: his expression is self-confident but detached, hes rocking the bleached hair and pierced ears delinquent look. Making his own art strips away all those outer defences hes erected to protect himself; the Yatora in these chapters is vulnerable, filled with self-doubt yet able to talk honestly with Yuka for the first time. No wonder he says as he sits down to paint, My brush feels light today.

And so the Exam Arc comes to an end and its been quite a journey for Yatora and for the reader too. Yamaguchis unique graphic style has brought her characters to vibrant life and I, for one, cant wait to follow them into the University Arc that starts in Volume 7 (due at the end of May).

As Blue Period starts a new story arc, Tsubasa Yamaguchi explores the vital question: 'can creativity be taught?' through Yatora's experiences. It doesn't sound as if it's going to grab the attention, but thanks to Yamaguchi's storytelling, engaging characters and quirky approach, it makes for vivid reading. Don't skip this volume!

This eighth volume of Blue Period from Kodansha is again translated very ably by Ajani Oloye and reads well. No colour pictures, sadly, although the front and back cover art is superb and the mangakas splash pages are as witty and fun as in the other volumes. Volume 9 should already be out, although the delays continue with the physical editions. All in all, this volume delivers another fascinating look at the life of a group of young artists, trying to realize their dreams and become the best they can be in their chosen fields.

Volume 13 came out in Japan recently and instantly shot to no. 2 on the weekly manga sales; no mean feat when Tokyo Revengers was at no. 1! In the meantime, Kodansha are playing catch-up; volumes 10 and 11 are also available in digital print and volume 12 is due at the end of January, although here in the UK, weve had to wait longer for the physical volumes to make an appearance.

Volume 11 is already available in digital (and should be available in the UK in print) and takes a rather different turn which is foreshadowed right at the end of this volume as Yatora, desperate for cash, looks for a temporary job.

Weve now almost caught up with Japan; Volume 14 came out in July (2023) but wont be available in English until March 2024. Disappointingly, this volume has no colour pages (the mangakas colour work is always a treat) but theres a fun extra comic at the end: The Daily Routine of the TAs. This takes the reader inside the world of the TUA Teaching Assistants and the sometimes difficult path they have to tread between the students and the professors. Ajani Oloye is the translator again and, as always, provides a very readable translation as well as useful and interesting translation notes at the end.

It's a cause for celebration that Kodansha are still bringing us Blue Period (which has to be one of the most original and life-enhancing manga around today exploring art, life, discovering yourself and so much more) but nevertheless, it's disappointing to note that there are still no colour pages in Volumes 14 and 15. Tsubasa Yamaguchi's vibrant colour work can still be enjoyed on the cover art but this is a series about art and artists, and deserves to showcase the mangaka's dazzling and inspiring work in colour as well as black-and-white. But this series has so much to share with us about growing up, life and making art that it can be enjoyed on many different levels and is still as highly recommended as when it first made its debut in 2017.

Blue Period continues to go from strength to strength; you can read it as a slice-of-life for the character growth and interaction alone but its the way Yamaguchi weaves the art into the narrative, as viewpoint character Yatora is learning and growing as an artist, that makes this such a fascinating and deep dive into its subject matter. And the art? Gorgeous and eye-catching, as ever. Highly recommended.

The Other World's Books Depend on the Bean Counter is a refreshing breath of fresh air in the ubiquitous isekai genre, brought to vivid life by Kazuki Irodoris attractive and accomplished artwork. Recommended!

Theres only a third volume out in Japan in this ongoing series and thus far Yen Press havent yet given us a date for it so one can only hope we wont have to wait too long as this volume ends abruptly on a dramatic cliffhanger!

There are only three novels in the isekai series by Yatsuki Wakatsu that the manga is based on, so with Volume 4 of the manga already out in Japan (no date yet given by Yen Press), we may well be reaching the end of the story soon. (Given the popularity of the manga, I cant help wondering if Yen Press is going to bring us the light novels too)

The excellent translation is once again by Emma Schumacker with lettering by DK. Volume 5 is available in Japan but not yet showing on Yen Presss release schedule.

I realize this might not be the case for some other readers but the way Irodori has focused on streamlining the story and bringing the characters to vivid life with such a wonderful variety of expressions will be I fervently hope the template for the upcoming TV anime.

Events are building up to the unmasking of the wrongdoers at the Church, with all its attendant dangers for Seiichirou (and Yua too). Volume 7 is already out in Japan but whether the manga will go on to bring us the storyline from the third light novel or not is unknown at this stage. However, by the time this review goes live, the anime TV series of this title will have started airing and the first BL isekai to become widely known in translation, thanks to Yen Press, will be reaching an even wider audience. Well be discussing the anime in our Winter Preview and Volume 6-7ish is probably about as far as the anime will go.

A genuinely intriguing, amusing first volume of this new ongoing manga series from Tokyopop which will appeal to anyone whos ever been involved in acting, amateur or professional and to all who are keen to know what goes on in the filming of a drama TV series.

The second volume of Double confirms that this is a unique and mature exploration of the insecure world of acting with fascinating glimpses of life on a film set seen from the actors point of view. Tokyopop are to be applauded for bringing us a seinen series that makes for compelling reading through believable and flawed characters trying to stay true to their art.

Even though these chapters are crammed full of events as we watch Takaras struggles to adjust to the major developments in his life, this feels like a transitional volume and its not until the final image that we sense that something has changed. Itll be a wait, though, until the fourth volume (due out in summer 2022) to discover exactly what that is and how it will impact everyone close to Takara including Yuujin.

This is a rich and rewarding volume, full of revelations about the characters and the art of theatre itself. The rehearsal scenes where the cast and director discuss the process of bringing the play to life and how they approach their roles make for utterly compelling reading, even though probably not many of us in the West are familiar with the play theyre working on. Sadly, were all caught up with Japan now when it comes to the release of complete volumes and as a live action series has recently been announced, its quite possible that the mangaka will be involved in the script process. So, it could be a while until we find out what happens when Hiryuuden opens to the general public!

Kei x Yaku: Bound by Law comes highly recommended; if you enjoy mystery/thriller manga told with a light but incisive touch, in which the art is skilfully used to serve the characterization and advancement of the plot, this is definitely one to try!

The translation for Kodansha is again by Leo McDonagh who provides a helpful page of translation notes and the lettering is Dietrich Premier; their work means that readers have an effortless, enjoyable read. The series is still ongoing in Japan at ten volumes, so its good to learn that Volume 3 will be available from early September so we can find out what happens next to the (maybe not so) ill-matched pair!

If youre enjoying this slick-paced thriller/mystery with the two chalk-and-cheese, will they, wont they? heroes, you wont want to miss this latest volume!

Kei X Yaku Bound By Law continues to bowl along at an agreeably slick pace, perfectly suited to a fast-moving thriller while not forgetting to include some cute (and believable) moments for the BL fans. Mangaka Yoshie Kaoruhara is very skilful in getting the balance right and this slow-burn relationship never gets in the way of the action. Having said that, fans keen to see Ichiro x Shiro become an actual relationship instead of just for show won't be disappointed as even though it's little by little, each volume brings them a little closer together. And they argue! A lot! (Always a good indicator in BL/romcoms of growing mutual attraction and understanding.)

Translation for Kodansha is, as before by Kevin Steinbach and includes two helpful pages of translation notes; the lettering is by Dietrich Premier and both translation and lettering work really well together to convey the story. Volume 7 is due out in July (and #8 in September) so theres not long to wait between volumes with this two-monthly release schedule. Its worth noting that, given the Older Teen rating, this volume contains one especially disturbing scene; notwithstanding the cute bonus comics that lighten the mood between chapters, the main story has turned both grim and dark and the villains take no prisoners.

If youve been following the building tensions in the Tetra Building saga, you wont want to miss this thrilling volume which really delivers. And the excitement is far from over just as well its not too long to wait to read Volume 8 to find out what happens next!

This is another well-drawn, well-paced and exciting volume in this readable series and one that shows the way Shiro and Ichiro work together is evolving as they get to understand each other better. That image on the front cover and the scattered crimson rose petals tells us everything we need to know, maybe more…

This engaging thriller with its playful hints of BL and appealing, relatable protagonists knows when to turn up the heat and doesnt shy away from portraying some brutal fight scenes. Yoshie Kaoruhara has got the balance just about right and the new investigation into the Green Seed promises to bring plenty of intriguing twists and turns!

Whether you've watched the TV anime series or not, Shadows House makes for a fascinating read. It reminds me a little of the tales of Green Knowe by Lucy M. Boston, set in an old house of great character in which time sometimes has no meaning. Shadows House is imaginatively conceived and manages to exude a sinister and compelling atmosphere that draws the reader in while at the same time, charming us with the growing friendship between Emilico and her mistress Miss Kate.

Shadows House is a compelling read for those who love a 19th c. gothic mystery with a chilling touch of the supernatural: it will appeal to fans of Black Butler, Pandora Hearts and The Duke of Death and his Maid. I cant wait for Volume 3, due out in March 2023!

The attractive Yen Press edition again contains eight detailed colour pages, four at the front and four at the back. The translation is again by Taylor Engel who provides a clear and very readable version, capturing the different voices well, helped by Lys Blakeslees lettering. Volume 4 is due out from Yen Press in July 2023.

As the faces and their Shadows begin their integration process into the ways of Shadows House, tutored by the older Star-Bearers, Kate determines that she and Emilico will become Star-Bearers too. Shes already under suspicion but, given her superior soot abilities, she might just be able to outwit those that are watching her. John and Shaun are potential allies but the others might not be so easy to persuade to join her. Volume 5 is due out in November 2023 so readers (like me) who are very eager to find out what happens next will have to be patient until then!

This volume offers a bewildering amount of story development and new information for its main protagonists to absorb. Its laying the groundwork for revelations to come, and the sense of growing menace makes some sections an uncomfortable but fascinating read. Theres also a revealing chapter at the end in which Shaun and Emilico escape up onto the roof and gaze up at the stars. There they feel free enough to discuss the extraordinary facts theyve learned about themselves as living dolls and to wonder what their futures may hold, given that they cant remember anything about their past lives.

The series is up to Volume 16 in Japan but Yen Press wont be bringing us Volume 7 until September which is quite a long time to wait to find out what happens next!

Weve almost reached the end of the chapters brought to life in the two seasons of the excellent TV anime adaptation (still available on Crunchyroll) and by Volume 8 (due out in January 2025 from Yen Press) the story will enter new territory that hasnt been adapted to anime (the ongoing manga has reached 18 volumes in Japan). The translation by Taylor Engel continues, as before, to make for an engaging read, enhanced by Lys Blakeslees excellent and clear range of lettering. The Yen Press edition again has the benefit of beautiful colour pages and the really helpful character pages at front and back; these volumes are attractively produced and suit the fairy tale/nineteenth century atmosphere of the story really well.

If youre interested in all kinds of creatures, youll be attracted to this for the factual side as well as the underlying story but if youre just looking for a new manga series, this fast-moving, funny and imaginative re-working of the creation myth is definitely recommended!

If, like me, you enjoyed the first volume of Heavens Design Team, Im happy to report that theres no falling-off of quality in the second; the level of craziness is ramped up and theres some fascinating information about why fire-breathing, flying dragons wouldnt actually work.

Praise yet again to translator/letterer JM Iitomi Crandall for their fluent translation, both of the lively conversations between the designers and all the factual material in the encyclopedia. The cover illustration (like the others in the print versions) uses a fluorescent orange (to match the bright neon green and yellow of the earlier volumes) and the catalogue cover illustration featured here doesn't really do it justice! This print edition originally appeared in Kodanshas digital-first range, so you can read ahead digitally, if you dont want to wait for the next print volume (six volumes, ongoing) to find out what the designers get up to next!

The ongoing theme underlying these stories is that of Kohei's loss of hearing and by extension, how having to adapt to living with a disability feels.

Volume 3 of Four Seasons has just been released in Japan so I hope One Peace Books will continue to bring us this sensitive, engaging slice-of-life series especially as a new TV drama series is currently airing (and seems to have found favour with viewers and the mangaka alike)!

And yes, this is still the slowest of slow-burns, with the mangaka still promising that 'I do plan to let things get a little spicier in the next volume' in the 'Thanks' page at the end, We shall see

A great new series for supernatural manga fans not just for the quality of the art but also by the way the story unfolds. Im looking forward to seeing the second volume of this ongoing supernatural series (which, sadly, isnt due out until February 2025). Recommended!

My Noisy Roommate is ably translated again by Jacqueline Fung with lettering by Dietrich Premier, and there are several useful translation notes, as before. With the engaging story-telling, the cast of good-looking men and the supernatural encounters that add a suitably chilling note to each case (but nothing too scary so far!), the series still makes for an enjoyable supernatural read.

A new volume of My Noisy Roommate has rapidly become something to look forward to as Kaho Ozaki's supernatural BL series has proved itself to be a delicious tease of a treat. The mangaka's art is always a pleasure to look at and she knows how to tell a page-turning story. The supernatural elements are not too scary and the peril is mostly mild but the dynamics between the four undeniably hot main characters (and the cute little zashiki-warashi) are always entertaining.

In spite of the short chapter format which can sometimes not work well over a whole volume for some mangaka, this is dare I say it? a charming introduction to the potential destroyer of the world as we know it and his disarming passion for pandas. The delightful little sketches between chapters and the splash pages are an added bonus, as are the two colour pages.

If youre looking for an escape from reality for a little while in these difficult times, then this is the ideal tonic and its not too long to wait for Volume 3 which is due out in February 2024.

This is the first time that we get to learn about who the Rangers really are and how they've become Rangers especially the little twins, Mugi and Sora. For the first time, the story turns to the serious side which it's only hinted at before, especially given that the current team of Rangers except for Black are all young.

If you are looking for a linear plot development in this relaxed yet sometimes poignant series with its humorous take on the secret life of a supervillain, then you'll be disappointed. After four volumes, though, it feels as if something needs to happen as the Dawn Red Ranger and Mr. Villain continue to bump into each other, with Mr. Villain constantly insisting that as it's his day off, he's not interested in fighting.

And so Mr. Villain's Day Off reaches its fifth volume and we're moving beyond the chapters animated for the TV version, always an interesting moment for readers and viewers alike. Does it still have its original charm? Certain established story/character threads are still ongoing (the boy and girl tree spirits who use Mr. Villain as their intermediary in their touching but awkward attempts at establishing a relationship) but the new material introducing three new Evil League members gives this volume some extra and welcome pizzazz!

Our review copy from Square Enix Manga was supplied by Turnaround Comics (Turnaround Publisher Services).

Square Enix Manga bring us Mr. Villain’s latest exploits in another attractive trade paperback to match the others, with a splendidly brooding colour page portrait at the front. The excellent translation is again by Julie Gonwich with a wonderfully apt range of lettering from Kelsey Denton. The mangaka is currently working on the next volume but there’s no date yet in Japan, so I expect it’ll be a while before we see it. Meanwhile, there’s plenty to enjoy here, with a few one-page stories, inventive splash pages, and an undeniably cute little minion of the General’s that needs reviving after a soy sauce-based episode.

Cherry Magic! is a pleasant surprise, a gentle and cute romantic comedy told with a light touch; theres something rather endearing about two 30-something salarymens mundane lives being transformed by a sprinkle of magic.

The translation is again by Taylor Engel and brings out the differences between the main pair well. There are also helpful translation notes. The lettering by Bianca Pistillo is vital for conveying when Adachi (and Tsuge) are hearing the inner thoughts of other people, rather than their voices. Square Enix's edition is, like the earlier volumes, printed on good quality paper and has a cute 'cherrygram' colour page at the front. Hopefully we won't have too long to wait for Volume 5 as it's currently scheduled for July 2022!

So theres much to like in this charming, amusing and sometimes touching story of two salarymen unexpectedly finding love at the office although theres a development at the end of the volume thats going to cause big problems for Adachi and Kurosawa. Well just have to wait till January 2023 to find out in Volume 6 what happens next!

This is an important volume in the development of the relationship of Adachi and Kurosawa and it makes for a sympathetic and believable (in spite of the cherry magic) portrayal of a same-sex couple realizing how much they mean to each other.

Square Enix Manga brings us another attractively presented volume in this feelgood Boys Love series, well translated by Taylor Engel and lettered by Bianca Pistillo. As in previous volumes, theres a colour page at the beginning, a preview and an extract from the first chapter of the next volume due out in August 2023, although as this volume was a little delayed, that date might change as well as a 2-page Bonus manga about Adachi and Kurosawas New Year.

Even though the characteristic humour is absent from this volume, Yuu Toyota's portrayal of Adachi and Kurosawa's relationship is becoming much more insightful and it's nice to see the character growth in both men who have genuinely endeared themselves to readers over the course of the series. We're rooting for all to go well for them!

In spite of the lack of development for the main characters, readers have come to know the cast well enough now to enjoy learning more about their daily lives. The chapter in which Adachi and Kurosawa start looking for somewhere to live together after they're married is rather endearing as they imagine themselves in different types of accommodation from an old-style traditional house to a high-rise condo.

Fans of Tsuge and Minato won't be disappointed either as we get to learn a little more about the way their relationship is progressing ('it's magically complicated' as it says in the blurb).

Cherry Magic! remains one of the most sympathetic and positive portrayals of contemporary gay relationships in Boys' Love available in translation at the moment, largely thanks to the mangaka's story-telling skills and distinctive character portrayals.

Until then, it's always good to spend time with both couples in this gently humorous but realistic (apart from the 'Cherry Magic') look at life and relationships for gay men in contemporary Japan.

Volume 13 is something of a transitional volume, as although half of it is devoted to Tsuge and Minato, the other half is fun but peripheral material. But sometimes it's agreeable in a long-running series to take a step away from the main plot and indulge in some light-hearted fantasies.

Fans of shy novelist Tsuge and his dancer boyfriend Minato (and their cat Udon who kind-of played matchmaker) only get a single chapter here but it's a cute one that shows their relationship is still slowly, awkwardly evolving and deepening. It looks from the upcoming cover that they might get the spotlight in Volume 15 (due out in January 2026). There's a sneak peak at Volume 15 at the end of this volume but it continues to explore the dilemma that dominates Volume 14.

This is a must-read volume for fans of Adachi and Kurosawa (and also those have been rooting for Tsuge and Minato) as Adachi's cherished first solo project runs into yet more problems and President Matsura makes an unexpected and unwelcome return.

10 Dance is a must-read for anyone whos enjoyed manga and anime about competitive dance (on or off the ice!) and the lives of the artists who devote themselves to being the very best.

The pleasure in reading 10 Dance is that this is definitely manga for grown-ups. Theres a ve-ery slow burn going on in the nascent relationship between Suzuki and Sugiki and even though Inouesatohs love for dance shines through on every page, the interest doesnt lie in whether the protagonists are winning their way to the top from contest to contest but in the way they value their art. In so many other Boys Love manga, they would have fallen into bed together by now…but the mangaka's interests lie in portraying a relationship that grows from both men's burning need to dance, where the holds and steps act as a metaphor for feelings yet to be articulated or acknowledged. I can't wait to see where Inouesatoh will take Suzuki and Sugiki next.

While its good to see the flamboyant Suzuki and the cool prince of ballroom Sugiki dancing together once more (as well as with their partners) its hard not to feel that the onward momentum of the story (10 Dance!) has been lost under a wealth of details, many of which are, frankly, irrelevant. The mangaka seems to be marking time and not picking up on which storylines need foregrounding. I can only hope that the next volume will get back in the groove and bring us what was promised.

10 Dance is quite unique and worth treasuring for that fact alone, worth reading just for the art and the mangakas illuminating thoughts about what makes a dancer exceptionally gifted when interpreting the music. But the on-off relationship between the two leads will either convince you - or not - and the amount of 'noise' (the endless comments from all the other characters, no matter how minor, as they observe or interfere) ultimately acts as a distraction rather than moving the story on.

There are some yonkoma at the end of the book as well as a small extra chapter: Popsicle and the mangakas Afterword which says, "I'd be so happy if we could meet again in Volume 2." Luckily for us, Yen Press have this scheduled to be released in June (2021).

I Cannot Reach You is a slow burn of a story, taking its time to depict the agonies of indecision, jealousy and self-doubt that both its protagonists are experiencing as they struggle to make sense of their changing emotions.

BL readers who want to see the main pair get together and are impatient with a slow burn might lose interest in I Cannot Reach You. However, for readers who are invested in the characters (and theyre really well drawn, both graphically and in the way the story unfolds) this reaches a level of painful intensity that demands some kind of resolution or confession. Then, darn it, this volume ends on yet another nail-biting cliffhanger so I, for one, cant wait to see what happens next in Volume 4 (due out in April from Yen Press)!

All in all, this makes for another engaging, heartfelt volume in which we get to know Yamato and Kakeru better (even as they get to know each other more) as well as the people around them. Where it spins it wheels a little is that were really not very much further on at the end than we were at the beginning. Bring on Volume 5, please, Yen Press!

Still Teen-Rated (13 upwards),I Cannot Reach You continues to offer an engaging and sympathetic view of the pitfalls of crushing on your best friend yet doesnt delve too deeply into the problems that can arise when that friend is the same sex as you.

If youre looking for a hot and steamy BL romance, this isnt the title for you but for a heartfelt and beautifully observed manga about ordinary young people finding their way in life (with some genuinely touching insights) this cant be bettered at the moment (except, possibly, by the equally charming yet moving Skip and Loafer).

If youve been following Yamato and Kakeru since the first volume, this latest release is an absolute must-read!

Volume 8 has been translated again for Yen Press by Jan Mitsuko Cash with lettering by Alexis Eckerman; the translation reads very smoothly as before, helped by the lettering choices. There are four attractive colour pages at the front and translation notes at the back as well as a brief afterword from the mangaka about the TV show (this volume came out in Japan at the time when the TV series had just been confirmed). Weve caught up with Japan in that Volume 9 has not yet been released; we can but hope it will be published in 2025.

I can see Omega Megaera becoming an addiction; Ive yet to read any manga by Maki Marukido that I didnt find fascinating, affecting, and thought-provoking. This is off to a very strong start and I cant wait to see where the mangaka takes Saimon and young Mamiya next!

Translation for Kodansha is by Kevin Steinbach who offers two pages of helpful translation notes and the lettering is by Madeleine Jose; both make this another page-turning volume. There’s an illustrated afterword from the mangaka and a page preview of the next volume which is due out in March (they’re coming out every two months at the moment which is a commendable release schedule!).

The series is ongoing at six volumes in Japan and the next volume from Kodansha is due out in May. If only we could access K Manga in the UK, wed be able to read ahead but as that isnt currently an option, well just have to wait. And as this volume ends on an ominous (and perplexing) pronouncement from Lord Reito, its lucky we dont have to wait too long to find out what the future holds in store for Nanao, the 'tainted bride'.

This volume ends on a cliffhanger, leaving the readers to wonder what the outcome will be (not good, thats for sure) but then there are plenty of extras at the end to enjoy: a bonus prose chapter by Midori Yuma with illustrations Yako on What is Cute About Nanao? and Character Concept Art by Mamenosuke Fujimaru, ending up with a cute scene with Nanao, Yako and Goki about Nanaos clothes after two very brief afterwords from the writer and mangaka. We wont have to wait too long to find out what happens next, though, as Volume 3 is due out from Kodansha at the end of July, and Volume 4 in October (Japan is up to seven volumes). Its early days yet in terms of plot development but Nanao makes a sympathetic heroine to root for and its to be hoped that the supernatural elements hovering in the shadows begin to play a much greater part as the story develops.

At the end, we are promised that Volume 2 of A tranquil fairy tale about those human and inhuman is coming soon. But this volume ends on a nail-biting cliffhanger which is far from tranquil. The Girl from the Other Side is an unsettling yet strangely beautiful manga that will haunt you long after youve finished reading.

An engaging follow-up to the exquisitely drawn first volume which even though not quite so successful still manages to enchant and chill in equal measure.

This is a great debut and I cant wait to see what happens in Volume 2; warmly recommended!

While its great to have the second volume of this manga (from Yen Press) so soon after the first, there are a couple of very minor niggles. Im not sure why the blurbs for this series are all in capitals this is a pain as they're not easy to read, given the chosen font! Also, even though theres a page of helpful translation notes at the end, I could find no mention of translator Minna Lin or letterer R. Gupta in my physical copy - but both have done a great job, as in Volume 1. As well as the translation notes, theres a cute bonus A Day in the Hitman Stans told through smartphone screen captures, one from each of the members of Rosaceae and a two-page preview for Volume 3 which is already out in Japan in this ongoing series but with, as yet, no publication date announced from Yen Press.

The Yakuzas Bias comes to the West in a handsome trade paperback edition from Kodansha with a splendidly embossed, metallic cover. The translation is by Max Greenway and deals expertly with the fan-based terminology and the sinister yakuza exchanges equally well; the four pages of translation notes at the end are especially welcome. Nicole Rodericks lettering covers the many different exchanges seamlessly, from smartphone texts to song lyrics, not to mention the dialogue between different groups (again, yakuza). Theres also a nice mangakas afterword/thank you. Volume 2 is due out in mid-August 2023. For a 'gag' manga that began in a very modest way online, this has grown into a work that is so much more (without losing its sense of affectionate parody).

Max Greenway delivers another excellent translation for Kodansha and the translation notes at the end are really helpful, especially in explaining terms from K and J-pop fandom. Theres a colour page at the front and the cover art has metallic embossing again to enhance the snazzy showbiz look (a great cover design for Kodansha from Phil Balsman). Volume 3 is tentatively scheduled for January 2024.

Sasaki and Miyano is very much an episodic, slice-of-life school story but after a slightly predictable start in which BL fanboy is in constant denial about being in a BL relationship (this joke can get old very quickly) it settles down into a better rhythm and starts to develop its characters in a very engaging way. But dont believe the BL means Boys Life label that was attached to it in some quarters this is very much about relationships as well as day-to-day life.

Now that weve reached the third volume of Sasaki and Miyano the series is revealing itself as a slow-burn, with no promises as to whether this senpai/kohai friendship will develop any further or not. But slow-burn, when handled with skill by the author, is much more rewarding for readers as it allows time to get to know the central characters really well.

Sasaki and Miyano is ongoing in Japan at seven volumes so far however, with the TV anime series imminent in early 2022, senpai Sasaki and his kouhai Miyano will soon become even more widely known (the TV anime effect!). Im hoping that this likable series will get as sympathetic an anime adaptation as Memeco Arii's Hitorijime My Hero and Kanna Kiis Seaside Stranger.

Volume 9 is launching in July in Japan. Volume 6 is scheduled for August 2022 from Yen Press, so hopefully, we won't have to wait too long to see a special image promised by the mangaka in her afterword!

Were going to have to wait till February 2023 to find out what happens in Volume 7 but fans of Sasaki and Miyano need not despair as Yen Press are bringing us the first volume of the spin-off Hirano and Kagiura in November 2022, followed by the novel in February. Yen Press, youre spoiling us!

Perhaps its no coincidence that the double-page image of Sasaki and the third years at graduation includes bouquets of flowers and Sasaki and Miyano are together at the centre, looking more like a bridal couple than two high school students. Is this a dearly wished-for fantasy, perhaps? Because now that Sasaki has graduated, hell be off to university and his life will be very different. Will the nascent relationship survive the inevitable changes that lie ahead? Well just have to wait for the next volume to find out

Eight volumes in and still a Teen rating but if the mangaka carries out her tease in the afterword, will the college years volumes achieve a Mature rating and some steamier scenes? Whatever happens, well be rooting for a happy outcome for these two that weve grown to know and love.

Leighann Harvey continues to provide a sound and convincing translation (including a short page of translation notes) and Carolina Hernandez delivers a wide variety of lettering to bring out all the different forms of communication, including texts, Line etc. As weve caught up with Japan, theres no indication of when Volume 10 will be out yet. Has it run its course? It depends on what mangaka Shou Harusono wants to do next, I imagine

Sasaki and Miyano #10 has been translated for Yen Press by Leighann Harvey and has not one but two helpful pages of translation notes, the first after the first three chapters, the second, two chapters later, before the extra chapter and the bonus material. Theres a brief afterword by the mangaka inside the back cover alongside sketches of the two new characters and the main couple. Lettering is again by Carolina Hdz and shows all the variety necessary for the lively exchanges, inner thoughts and text messages, even handwriting. There are two attractive colour pages at the front of the volume. It could be some time, though, I imagine, until we see Volume 11 which might be the beginning of the college arc which Shou Harusono has promised.

Lost Lad London will appeal to all readers who enjoy a taut and twisty murder mystery with an art style that looks more like a Western graphic novel (appropriate for a story set in 21st century London?) and compelling characters. Volume 2 is scheduled for August 2022 and I cant wait to see what Shima Shinya has up her sleeve as the plot thickens!

Theres sadly only one more volume to go (January 2023) in this well-written and stylishly drawn mystery but I hope that Yen Press will bring us more from this gifted mangaka. Shima Shinya is definitely a talent to watch!

In spite of the (minor) reservations Ive mentioned, this is still a gripping read and Id have loved for it to have continued for another volume; the characters Shima Shinya has created feel very real and I wonder if she might consider returning at some stage with another London-based case for Detective Inspector Ellis to solve Id definitely want to read that! (Failing that, I'd be really keen to read GLITCH, her latest series - big hint.)

All in all, this is a heartfelt BL that stands out from the crowd and art that makes its two protagonists come vividly alive on the page (and not just when Kaido is in Super Sentai mode!).

The translation for Kodansha is again by Andria McKnight and works well as does the lettering by EK Weaver. Theres a colour page at the front, showcasing Kara Aomiyas exuberant art; the energy fizzing off the page is so right for this story!

The edition benefits from a beautiful blue colour page at the front and there are two pages of illustrated afterword from the mangaka at the end in which she refers to her first Boys Love manga Okama Box (theres crossover between the two) and I wonder whether, after Volume 4 of Super Morning Star is published (due in June 2024), Kodansha will bring us that title as well?

To be honest, Super Morning Star really didn't need another volume from a plot point of view. Volume 4 is very sweet and sexy but it's very much the cherry on the cake because all the angst, the drama and character development took place in the first three volumes, culminating in the realistic (and emotionally bruising) depiction of the break-up and the homophobic bullying Kaido was enduring at the studio from some of the other performers.

The good-hearted, much put-upon, world-weary Mr. Sasaki comes across as rather endearing whereas Manager Goto and Miss Yamada/Tayama are maybe a little too fond of teasing their loyal customer. This series will definitely appeal to those who enjoy a slice-of-life comedy with a will-he, won't-he? vibe that finds plenty of involving human interest down at the local supermarket.

Our review copy from Square Enix Manga was supplied by Turnaround Comics (Turnaround Publisher Services).

Jinushi's manga continues to entertain and to deliver some heart-warming (as well as humorous) moments. It's impossible not to root for this May-September couple to confess that they like each other and watch out for the moment when Miss Yamada almost gives the game away!

Our review copy from Square Enix Manga was supplied by Turnaround Comics (Turnaround Publisher Services).

Our review copy from Square Enix Manga was supplied by Turnaround Comics (Turnaround Publisher Services).

The anime TV series is promised for July this year and I'm really looking forward to seeing these characters brought to animated life. However, nothing beats reading the original manga first-hand, especially in a slice-of-life manga with such a flawed but likeable cast of characters as this one.

23.45 turns out to be a thoughtful and touching Boys' Love story, attractively illustrated and an excellent introduction to Ohana's works for English readers.

Read the first pages of A Man & His Cat #1 at the publisher's website here.

As with the first volume, Square Enix have used good quality paper and included four colour images at front and back, including one very cute 4-koma page of the cats owner in cosplay. The translation by Taylor Engel continues to give us Fukumarus meowy voice very convincingly: Fukumaru Furry Flurry P-P-P-P-Punch!!!(attacking his own reflection in the mirror, because). Its another nicely produced volume which any cat owner or enthusiast will be happy to own and dip into! I can only hope that in subsequent volumes Umi Sakurai can keep the delicate balance between gentle humour and sentiment just right. Fukumarus personality (more than a little tsundere) will probably go a long way to ensuring his story stays the right side of the line.

A Man & His Cat delves deeper into Fuyuki Handas past as a concert pianist as his life with Fukumaru continues and the focus of the story shifts onto another man and his mother's cat.

I imagine that by now, Fukumaru and his gentle, kind-hearted 'daddy' have found many fans in the English-reading manga community and, like me, they'll be looking forward to the next volume which is due out in December 2021. The cover art suggests that that black Maine coon is going to play a larger role in Fukumaru's life…

Bubbling under is the music-related story of young Moriyamas problems with the group he plays guitar with hopefully that will bear fruit in the next volume from Square Enix Manga (which is due out in June 2022).

There's never a dull moment in this latest instalment of the adventures of M. Kanda and his beloved cat Fukumaru if youre enjoying these delightful tales of music, musicians and their pets, then you wont want to miss this one!

The volume ends with another unexpected arrival: a somewhat dishevelled and strange young woman. Who is she and what does she want?

Our review copy from Square Enix Manga was supplied by Turnaround Comics (Turnaround Publisher Services).

Our review copy from Square Enix Mangawas supplied by Turnaround Comics (Turnaround Publisher Services).

Our review copy from Square Enix Mangawas supplied by Turnaround Comics (Turnaround Publisher Services).

As in all the previous volumes, A Man & His Cat is all about feelings and having come this far with Mr. Kanda, it's good to learn more about how he and Suzune first met, as well as the pressure imposed on him as a gifted child by his terrifyingly ambitious mother which, Umi Sakurai now suggests, is probably a major factor in causing his current inability to perform in public.

Twelve volumes in and A Man & His Cat has lost none of its charm and energy. If you're especially fond of the chapters dedicated to the cats' antics, you won't be disappointed as there's plenty of action and feelings here.

Another very enjoyable volume in this saga of pianists and their feline pets has been translated for us as before by Taylor Engel, who still excels at rendering Japanese catspeak into English. "I want mew to eat mewr fill, Sis, Fukumaru says to Marin. "If mewr's tummy's full, mew'll cheer up. And all the different cat and human dialogues are expertly conveyed again throughout by Lys Blakeslee's lettering.

More of the same? Well, yes but Umi Sakurai manages to keep it fresh and involving. She continues to manage her increasingly large cast of musicians and their cats with ease, delivering more moments of feline hi-jinks combined with touching human dilemmas.

The translation for Yen Press is in the very capable hands of Amanda Haley with lettering by Aila Nagamine that ably conveys when people are speaking different languages, as well as adding explanatory notes in the text between panels in a small but readable font such as Ordo = Mongolian court (there are no translation notes). At the end theres a helpful map, a simplified family tree for Genghis Khan, a guide to the members of Mistress Fatimas household and a couple of paragraphs about slavery in the Islamic world at the time. A two-page preview/trailer for Volume 2 brings the book to an end; the second volume (of five so far) is due out in November.

5 volumes and ongoing in Japan, however, we dont yet have a date for Volume 3 from Yen Press! However, with Khan gedei planning to build a capital city while his brother Tolui is raring to go to war against the Jin (roughly northern China) the path ahead for Fatima is not going to be an easy one.

After We Gazed at the Starry Sky delivers a sympathetic story of two very different people brought together by their love of the night sky. However, theres obviously a lot more to their story than these first chapters, so Yen Press will hopefully bring us the sequel in due course.

The second volume of Bisco Kidas heart-warming and life-affirming BL series makes a welcome addition to Yen Presss LGBTQIA+ list in Pride Month. As the third and final volume is due out in Japan this month, we have to hope that it wont be too long before its available in English translation.

Bisco Kidas art is as attractive as in the previous volumes, with attention paid to portraying the wild landscapes and starry skies (especially in Okinawa) that reinforce our view of Tougo as a gifted nature photographer. The soft choice of colours on the cover art is echoed in a colour page inside of the couple. The translation for Yen Press is again by Kei Coffman with lettering by Aila Nagamine this time and both work well to convey the story and conversations clearly. This volume (showing a rosy dawn sky on the cover, a neat visual metaphor) makes a satisfying ending to the earlier two volumes.

Its early days in this twelve-volume series, but if Imamuras story continues in this vein, it will make for an engaging read.

Allen: Son of Hellcock is a great, fun read. The characters come to life and seem to pop off the page through beautiful, expressive art, and the imaginative storyline and silly characters are full of life and sarcasm;these things fill theHellcockworld.It's a bizarre combination of past and present, modernity and medieval, and that is a central part of what makes this particular comic so fascinating.

All the ingredients that go into making Gunnma/Alita such a successful, gritty and exciting piece of cyberpunk storytelling are here: the rusting industrial landscapes; the merging of human brains and machines; the massive mecha and the lawless Wild West-style atmosphere that permeates this future society.

Battle Angel Alita: Mars Chronicle has obvious appeal to all Alita fans as it delivers a fascinating revelation of her early life. Told in a gritty but compelling way, this dystopian SF tale of the red planet makes a great page-turner that will also appeal to readers who are new to the series.

These are questions that I'm sure will be answered in future issues. Billy the Pyro is definitely a series to pick up and read and I'm hoping that future issues will be just as well done as this one.

Dark Horse Manga describe Cthulhu Cat as 'a one-shot, full-color gag manga collection that is a charming tribute both to Lovecraft's stories and Lovecraft the cat lover' and that just about sums it up, although 'charming' is probably used ironically.

The manga has been translated for Tokyopops LOVE x LOVE LGBT+ list by the ever-dependable Christine Dashiell; theres a nice little extra couple of pages Undercover Story by the mangaka (and, of course, she represents herself as a koala). The e-book is available now and the physical edition will follow in April 2023.

Dead for Hire is an interesting, cool comic with a good basis for a story and some great artwork. I liked the dark, snarky feel that Ike gave off and the overall feel of the story and am looking forward to following along with the mystery in upcoming issues.

The first volume Deko-Boko Sugar Days delivered a charming, feel-good story of the blossoming love between two childhood friends, enlivened by many cute chibi panels and amusing expressions.

Emma Dreams of Stars is an intriguing and entertaining account of a woman determined to make her way in a masculine-dominated profession. It's bound to appeal to fans of French and Japanese food!

It will be fun to see where Shirahama takes her quarrelling winged heroines next and whether over-keen exorcist Donovan is hot on their trail again in the next collection of stories, due out in February 2021. It looks as if theyll be paying a visit to London and Big Ben . Is nothing sacred? I cant wait to find out!

The cute cover art is a very good advertisement for Fox-Colored Jealousy which is just the kind of light, readable and well-constructed fantasy Boys Love to pleasantly while away a couple of hours. Fox boys? Whats not to like?!

The cute cover art is a very good advertisement for Fox-Colored Jealousy which is just the kind of light, readable and well-constructed fantasy Boys Love to pleasantly while away a couple of hours. Fox boys? Whats not to like?!

Given the age rating (Teen) this would make a great addition to a secondary school library, especially as it taps into the 'young cast investigate a local mystery' genre very effectively. Also, for those interested in the depiction of non-binary characters, Minato, the elder sibling uses 'they' and 'their' pronouns; early on, their mother says to them, "If you don't like the new school, you don't have to go which sets up questions in the reader's mind, suggesting without saying that Minato has maybe encountered prejudice in an earlier school. But the main issue Minato currently faces is their lack of a sense of direction!

In spite of my reservations, Glitch is definitely worth picking up if youre looking for something thats taking manga in a new direction on the art front, with an intriguing mystery story that might be science fiction or urban legend.

It's good to have revelations in this third of four volumes as theres been much set-up but little explanation up till now as to what the glitches might be and why theyre happening in Touka-cho. But the last pages make up for lost time and the two-page trailer at the end sets the scene for what could be (I hope) an exciting finale. Volume 4 is due out in August, so not too long to wait!

The combination of beguilingly attractive art and an intriguing story concept will appeal to readers in search of something truly 'different'. Recommended.

Regardless, the series does look promising and I do look forward to reading the next installments to see where it goes. Issue 0 and issue 01 were both well-thought out, interesting, and engaging, and that's something that I always look for in anything that I'm reading. Plus, the art is beautiful and I think that, especially for independent comics, it's hard to come by anything that has all of those qualities these days. I'm looking forward to the next issue and definitely plan to keep on reading.

Silly, in the best sense of the word and to quote the late, great Kenny Everett, Its all done in the best possible taste!.

I Think Our Son Is Gay delivers an entertaining and feel-good read and the Teen rating means it will make a good addition to the LGBTQIA+ shelf in senior libraries.

Perhaps, most touching of all is the mangakas afterword in which he reveals that he came out to his own mother between the publication of the first and second volumes of the manga. It seems to have gone all right!

Even though I still have some reservations about the way OKURA is conveying his story, its good to have LGBT+ manga from mangaka who identify as gay and this series would make a very useful addition to a secondary school library, alongside the currently best-sellingHeartstopperby Alice Oseman.

Square Enix Manga again brings us a very attractive trade paperback edition with good quality paper and a colour page at the front. The translation is again by Leighann Harvey and with Lor Prescotts lively and varied lettering, both make an excellent job of putting the humour of the series across. Weve caught up now with Japan at four volumes, although new chapters can be read online in Japanese.

It's good to see this likable and approachable LGBTQIA+ series come to an upbeat and forward-looking conclusion without outstaying its welcome. Recommended.

There's nothing here that we haven't seen before in slice-of-life Boys' Love (or romance in general) but nevertheless, there's a lightness of touch about Maru Kobato's depiction of Amane and Ryuuji getting to know each other better that's refreshing but also rings true. The mangaka's art is done with a light touch but her characters are expressive and the island of Enoshima is portrayed in an attractive way (some readers will remember it from cult favourite fishing anime tsuritama).

If Its You, I Might Try Falling in Love is developing into a likable and sympathetic Boys Love series; its very pleasing to see the hints laid down in the first volume being developed in a believable and touching way. So if you like slow-burn Boys Love relationship stories where the emphasis is on the feels rather than the sex, this is a definite must-read! (Oh, and we do see a little more of Tarusuke the cat who brings about the boys' first meeting…)

Like Sasaki and Miyano and I Cannot Reach You, this is a BL rated suitable for the Teen age range (13+) and it’s still a likable read, recommended for its realistic look at the perils and pleasures of embarking on a first serious relationship.

If you're looking for a Boys' Love manga that explores the feelings of two adults in a believable and sympathetic way, then this could be your next favourite read!

I'm looking forward to seeing how this story develops. It was an excellent first issue, not too cluttered and not too sparse, a great balance of story via a narrator and interaction via character voice. The art was beautiful as well, and I think that it could develop into something really awesome. Keeping this on my to-read list for future issues!

Kodansha gives us a handsome trade paperback edition with a colour plate and an excellent translation (as always!) from Alethea and Athena Nibley, as well as two pages of helpful translators notes at the back.The second volume which is due out in October and I, for one, can't wait.

So, if you enjoy the world of competitive ice skating (and loved Yuri!!! On Ice, which, incidentally, this predates by four years) youre going to love this, even if it has a hetero couple at the centre of the narrative. Theres a need for entertaining, grown-up josei manga like this and Yayoi Ogawa is just the right mangaka to deliver an amusing and endearing story, which bowls along at a lively pace, yet takes enough time to develop the characters in a satisfying way. Theres ten more volumes to look forward to.

The first volume of Living-Room Matsunaga-San ends tantalisingly, tempting us to read on and find out what happens next for Meeko. If you cant wait for the next print volume, you can, of course, go digital and carry on reading straight away!

Our review copy from Kodansha (Vertical Books) was supplied by Turnaround Comics UK.

Volume 2 is slated for March 2024 from Yen Press, so its not long to wait to see where Yuzu Tsubaki takes Minato and Shin next. I have hopes that the tantalizing glimpses that were afforded in the last chapter are signs of interesting developments in their friendship.

So, all in all, a volume that moves the plot along rather more smoothly and effectively than the first or maybe were just getting to know the main cast better? If youve enjoyed slice-of-life BL manga set in small towns, like Cocomis Restart After Coming Back Home (Seven Seas) or Dont Call Me Dirty by Gorou Kanbe (Tokyopop) then youll love this one.

Our review copy from Square Enix Manga was supplied by Turnaround Comics (Turnaround Publisher Services).

A rom-com with yakuza was always going to tread a very slender tightrope between delivering lovable rogues who, given the strict code of honour of the yakuza families, are criminals in the eye of the law. Mangaka Chiyoko Origami pulls off the tonal shifts by endearing us to Aki and his unrequited love for his seemingly oblivious boss (although the hints keep coming that maybe Sawatari might not be as oblivious as he pretends to be and maybe Aki's feelings have not gone unnoticed).

The third and final volume of Chiyoko Origami's first manga series to be published in English reaches its climax here with some nail-biting moments for readers who have come to know and root for the two protagonists. With the mangaka's attractive character designs (especially so if you're a fan of 'old man yaoi' or older protagonists in your BL) it's a page-turning read and tough Aki and his slightly oblivious boss Sawatari make a sympathetic will-they, won't-they? pair.

Sometimes amusing (Liam really is a cad!) sometimes touching, Renji has caught my attention with this different and attractively drawn take on the classic trope. The first volume ends on a tantalising cliff-hanger and I cant wait to find out what happens next when the second volume is released in the autumn.

Yen Presss print edition matches the earlier three volumes well and is translated again by Taylor Engel with lettering by Chi Bui. There is a glossy colour illustration at the beginning and two little bonus stories: Someday in the Future and One Steamy Night.

An unconventional friendship develops between two lonely individuals.My Boydelivers in its first volume a sensitive and beautifully drawn story that will make readers think about the pressures of modern life on adults and children alike.

Takano weaves a compelling but disturbing narrative in which none of the adults motives can be seen as wholly selfless. Mashuu is particularly well observed, although, perhaps a little young and unworldly for twelve in the way he is depicted. But by making him (and his classmates) children in the final year of grade school, poised between childhood and the coming of puberty and the teenage years, the mangaka is underlining the fleeting beauty that fades and changes as children grow into their adult selves.

The translation for Vertical Comics is again by Kumar Sivasubramanian and does an excellent job of conveying the dialogue very naturalistically (although I, personally, would prefer Japanese honorifics to be preserved).

My Boy continues to intrigue and beguile as the two-year gap in the narrative and change of point-of-view character provide a welcome change of focus. But the underlying question remains: why is Satoko so attached to a boy eighteen years her junior? The friendship is evidently important to both of them but can it be allowed to continue within the constraints of contemporary Japanese society?

Kumar Sivasubramanian continues to deliver a very readable, flowing translation for Vertical Comics which suits the mangakas style well as there are plenty of interior monologues for the three main protagonists of this volume. And the cover is lightly dusted with glitter which is a delightful and appropriate touch; are the warmer shades of amber and gold in the artwork indicative of happier moments to come, perhaps…? Or an impossible dream? This volume confirms how compelling this story is turning out to be and I'm now impatient to see where the mangaka takes the story in Volume 6.

If youve been following this unusual slice-of-life story, you wont be disappointed by the latest instalment to be translated into English. Even though it seems at first glance that this volume is just a series of meetings, theres a great deal going on below the surface of these ordinary peoples lives and Hitomi Takanos skill is in making them so relatable through her art and her portrayal of her flawed but fascinating characters.

It's Volume 7 and My Boy is still very readable, with not a panel wasted in pushing the story forward and keeping readers eagerly turning the pages. There's a constant sense of awareness now that it's treading a very narrow line between what's acceptable and not acceptable in society " as the fact that Satoko turns to Shoji for legal advice demonstrates.

The ninth volume (due out in March 2022) will be the last and it will be fascinating to see what kind of resolution Takano will offer her readers. The implications throughout the volumes have been that certain people are soul-mates, no matter what difference there might be in age between them, and like Platos incomplete, divided humans, they will search for their other halves so they can become whole. But will the mangaka allow her characters a happy ending?

And so, My Boy brings its main characters to a place of resolution from which, its implied, they can move forward in a positive and life-enhancing way. This was, maybe, not the ending we were hoping for and its open-ended final chapters imply the possibility of a sequel. However, at present, Hitomi Takano is writing a josei manga (not yet available in translation) with the intriguing title Gene Bride, so I dont envisage that happening any time soon.

All in all, My Clueless First Friend deals with a difficult subject bullying in an ingenious yet sensitive way. Takada and Nishimura are realistically portrayed and its difficult not to empathize with them. Its good to find another of those rare titles thats judged suitable for all ages, so this would make an excellent addition to a primary (or elementary) school library.

N.B. The 2003 date in the copyright line refers to the later Hakuensha 2-in-1 edition, not the original version from c. 1995.

The sharp swerve away from LGBT+ slice-of-life in late 20th century New York in Volume 1 into serial killer cop drama in Volume 2 may prove too great a tonal shift for some readers. Others will relish the skilful plotting and exciting yet disturbing drama that plays out in this volume. Either way, New York, New York delivers a fascinating glimpse into the range of shojo manga at the end of the last century; it was published in Hana to Yume which also brought out Fruits Basket, Angel Sanctuary and Descendants of Darkness (amongst other popular other 90s titles).

Nukozuke! is a charming read for cat-lovers and readers looking for a touch of slice-of-life (or slow-life) to dip into. And dipping in, reading two or three of the short chat-purrs at a time is probably the best way to enjoy this short-format series.

If youve watched the recent anime TV series (HIDIVE Summer 2022) youll know that its based on these two volumes with some overlap into Volume 3 which is due out now-ish, and will also (I hope) introduce new material and develop the story of this likable idol duo thats really a trio. Id recommend the manga over the anime series which, although good in parts, lets itself down with not enough budget for the 3D versions of the songs and peters out at 10 episodes. But the manga (already up to six volumes in Japan) delivers believable and relatable characters in a wry and entertaining look at the world of idol culture that will appeal to readers who enjoy stories (like IDOLiSH7) set in the hothouse world of popular music.

Even though this is the mangakas debut series, the standard is consistently high; even if some of the panels are rather over-busy, Hijiki Isoflavone really delivers on the characters expressions, bringing the whole cast to life in an involving way for the reader. Isoflavone is good at story-telling too and is not afraid to shine a rather harsh and sometimes unforgiving light on the fickle world of showbusiness for aspiring idols. But if that makes the series sound rather too serious, it manages to weave in genuinely funny moments (no easy thing) without unbalancing the narrative. Judging by this volume, Phantom of the Idol is going from strength to strength and I looking forward to reading Volume 4 (due out on February 14th).

Phantom of the Idol continues to deliver a different and entertaining look at the world of the idol on (but mostly off) stage. Niyodo, probably the most apathetic and unmotivated idol ever depicted in manga, is a constant joy to watch as he muddles through and the cookery show with Setouichi is genuinely funny.

Weve almost caught up with Japan now as Volume 7 came out this summer and isnt scheduled by Kodansha until April 2024. But theres plenty to enjoy in these two volumes of one of the most likable manga about the entertainment industry around at the moment and also theres the splendid sight of Niyodo in a suit for fans of the reluctant star!

Volume 7 is ably translated by Max Greenway and lettered by Michael Martin for Kodansha as before. There are lots of extras: a bonus chapter entitled Exclusive! High Schooler Niyodo Lullaby and a generous helping of bonus 4-koma, as well as Afterflavone, the mangakas distinctive take on the usual afterword, fully illustrated. Add in two pages of helpful translation notes and the mangakas promise that Volume 8 will follow (not yet out in Japan but maybe this summer?) to complete the package and theres lots of fun and drama to be had in this volume.

The translation for Kodansha is, as before, by Max Greenway and works well, including two pages of useful translation notes and the whole volume is ably lettered by Michael Martin. Its been great to see the mangakas drawing style mature since the early volumes; the pacing of the storytelling and the layout of panels flow very effectively now (its their first published series). Isoflavone is good at showing us when Niyodo is possessed by Asahi, especially the way his expressions change, even in conversation, let alone on-stage. There are also several amusing 4-panel extra bonus manga, and a generously illustrated afterword Afterflavone. Fans of the special relationship between Niyodo and Asahi wont want to miss this latest volume, especially as there are some very cherishable visual moments (not least the touching mother/son encounters?!).

The first volume of this story of a student and his dragon roommate is a quirky, enjoyable read which will appeal to all those who enjoy manga where the everyday and the supernatural quietly overlap.

Senpai, This Cant Be Love! Brush up is a cute but relatively superficial look at an M/M relationship in the workplace; Id describe this as BL Lite. This doesnt mean its not an enjoyable read, it just doesnt delve very deeply into the relationship. However, we dont need all our love stories to be angst-ridden, either and could be just the thing if youre looking for a longer BL romance with some ups and downs but none of the heartache or homophobia so often encountered by the protagonists in other Boys Love manga.

The very readable translation for Yen Press is by Leo McDonagh, nicely delivered through Dietrich Premiers lettering. There are some cute chibi images between chapters and a colour page at the front. It would be good to see Yen Press bring us the two sequel volumes to this likable first volume to find out how the relationship develops.

This manga offers a relatable introduction to BL and its examination of what it means to be in a relationship unfolds in a sweet yet thoughtful way.

The translation for Yen Press is by Caleb David Cook and reads well. Informative translation notes at the back explain many of the dishes and their ingredients that Nomoto prepares; some, like miso, potstickers (gyoza) and daikon radish will already be familiar to most readers, whereas it's helpful to know more about others such as ganmodoki ('a fried tofu fritter made with vegetables') and traditional New Year's Day foods.

This charming and warm-hearted Boys Love romance, set against the snowy landscapes of the far north of Japan, makes just the right kind of comforting reading for winter. The digital edition is available now, with the paperback to follow in April 2023.

If youre looking for a light-hearted and fun gender-swap manga, then youll enjoy Star-Crossed!! Junkos experience in writing same sex and shojo romcoms, coupled with her attractive* character designs makes this an undemanding but amusing read.

In the first volume of Tales of the Kingdom, the mangakas spare, elegant graphic style brings grace and beauty to her evocation of a far-distant fantasy land. Seeds of wonders and tragedies to come have been sown but it's too early to tell how they will develop although, given the artwork, it will be a pleasure to turn the pages!

Are the feelings Noshiro is developing for Sanada stronger than friendship? Why are they so painful? It will be interesting to see where Okura takes Noshiro, Sanada and Ayumi in the second volume (not due out from VIZ until Spring 2019).

This is quiet, realistic slice-of-life fiction about growing up with an aptly straightforward translation from Jocelyne Allen that suits the authors style really well.

The ability of the vampire story to enthrall us is as potent today as when Bram Stoker first published Dracula. However, beautiful as the artwork is, I would argue that the storytelling, which flits from one viewpoint to another, never settling for long enough to establish a connection with the reader, has dated. As has the rather awkward juxtaposition of old-fashioned comedy caricatures (mostly the servants and lower-class criminals) with the beautiful, immortal boys and girls, even in the swinging London sections. (I'd guess this influence might have come from British media exports of the late 1960s and early 1970s: Bond films, The Prisoner, etc.). All in all, though, this is a fascinating glimpse into the origins of some of the shojo tropes still current today (though far less, I would argue, the shonen-ai side, defined here by the publisher's blurb as young men in love). Its good to be able to note that Moto Hagio has recently been inducted into The Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Ra

Even though this is a story of an inter-species relationship, it has a timeless feel, like a Japanese folktale and the relationship between Shirat and Komazu is touchingly portrayed, showing us that people from very different backgrounds can learn to understand one another and even fall in love, with a little give and take on both sides.

Even though this is a story of an inter-species relationship, it has a timeless feel, like a Japanese folktale and the relationship between Shirat and Komazu is touchingly portrayed, showing us that people from very different backgrounds can learn to understand one another and even fall in love, with a little give and take on both sides.

However, its Kiyuhikos drawings of the island, especially the lighthouse that plays such a significant role in the young mens lives, that are so effective in giving this one-shot its unique marine atmosphere.

The first volume of Toritan is a fun read and a good introduction to Kotetsuko Yamamotos work, showcasing her sense of humour and her gift to create attractive yet believable characters.

Victorie Cityis created and written byKeith Carmack and illustrated by Vincent Nappi

Wandance is an ongoing series currently at eight volumes in Japan; the second volume is already out from Kodansha, with the third due in October 2022. After such a lively beginning, itll be fascinating to see where Coffee takes his two protagonists in the world of freestyle dance.

Theres plenty to like in this second volume which presents a sympathetic portrait of a high school student trying not to let his stutter dominate his life as, inspired by his pink-haired classmates moves, he makes his first foray into the world of dance. The next volume takes us to the competition and ramps up the tension!

The star of the show is definitely Coffees striking dance art which goes from strength to strength and will appeal to anyone whos a dance fan but Kabo is a sympathetic and relatable protagonist (just as Yatora is in Blue Period) and much of the appeal of the story is watching him grow in self-confidence through expressing himself through dance.

Wandance continues to dazzle with its street art-style and the impressive way Coffee captures the atmosphere of the dance battles. Volume 5 is not currently on Kodanshas website but Amazon have a date of 23rd May 2023 so we shall see

This quiet and well-observed manga falls more into the slice-of-life category than romance; even the mangaka herself says in the afterword, Thank you for letting me write a slow and steady love story with too-few love scenes. So if you were hoping for something spicier, the Teen (13+) rating means this just isnt that kind of Boys Love. But its a sympathetic and touching portrait of a childhood friendship that has the potential to mature into something far more enduring; the final chapter is called Two Years Later and keeps the reader guessing until the final page.

This quiet and well-observed manga falls more into the slice-of-life category than romance; even the mangaka herself says in the afterword, Thank you for letting me write a slow and steady love story with too-few love scenes. So if you were hoping for something spicier, the Teen (13+) rating means this just isnt that kind of Boys Love. But its a sympathetic and touching portrait of a childhood friendship that has the potential to mature into something far more enduring; the final chapter is called Two Years Later and keeps the reader guessing until the final page.

This manga is a charming but hectic account of the days (and nights) in Matsumotos household that will appeal to pet-lovers everywhere who are bound to recognize the antics of their own pets in some of the behaviours lovingly recorded by the mangaka. An anime TV series starts in October 2020. This series began (and continues) on Twitter New Chapters Every Sunday (details given at the end of the volume).

In all senses of the word, this is a sweet BL romcom about a promising young ptissier with an attitude problem and the classmate who sees his potential very much a feelgood read to cheer dark winter evenings.

Inevitably, as in Pet Shop of Horrors and xxxHOLIC (CLAMP), two earlier manga series dealing with supernatural shops, theres a slight danger of he/she got what they asked for when it comes to granting the customers wishes and thats where the twist in each tale comes, because, as with CLAMP, the customers are not always the victims they perceive themselves to be but may be harbouring secret desires and feelings that could prove to be their downfall. If you like either of these series (as I do), youll enjoy Yokai Rental Shop even though its very much its own story; theres none of CLAMPs evasive (and sometimes downright frustrating) hinting and lack of closure. Shin Mashiba moves the story along at a satisfyingly swift pace, each chapter delivering another surprising reveal. The series is only four volumes in length (unlike her earlier popular supernatural series Nightmare Inspector which runs to nine) so expect everything to proceed at a brisk pace!

Translation for Kodanshas trade paperback edition (which does the drawings full justice) is by Kevin Steinbach with lettering by Dietrich Premier. There are two attractive colour pages at the front (for some reason, my copy has them twice!) and there are bonus comics at the end as well as a side story The Best Boyfriend. If you are a fan of relationship dramas involving older protagonists, then youll definitely want to pick up this bitter-sweet BL manga which captures the pains and pleasures of looking for love later in life.

My Oh My, Atami-kun is the kind of manga that repays several readings. The relaxed art style might lead the reader to assume theyre in for a different kind of story, maybe a more in-your-face high school comedy, but the character interactions are quietly infused with observations on life and relationships (of all kinds) and the humour is subtle, though understated. Recommended!

The second volume of My Oh My, Atami-kun! will not appeal to all readers but, taken in small doses, maybe a chapter at a time, it has some wise observations to make about life, growing up and finding out what makes other people tick.

Translation for Yen Press is again by Amanda Haley with lettering by Elena Pizarro and both work well to convey the everyday interactions of the high school students in a very naturalistic, convincing way. There are some helpful translation notes at the end too. Volume 4 has only recently come out in Japan, so its not yet slated for publication in the US by Yen Press.

Leighann Harvey again delivers a very readable translation of a text thats almost exclusively the day-to-day banter of high school boys. Yen Press has delivered an attractive volume that matches the others in the ongoing Sasaki and Miyano series with four colour pictures at the start, showcasing Harusonos skilful use of radiant colour. This is a delightful first volume thats bound to please the fans of her main series but also makes a good starting point for new readers; it certainly pleased me!

Nothing is resolved at the end of this volume and there just seem to be even more obstacles put in Kagi-kuns way. As for Hirano, Hanzawa and Sasaki, they have final exams and their futures to worry about as they move into the third year. This beautifully drawn spin-off series continues to prove itself both an amusing yet touching look at everyday life in an all-boys high school.

Volume 3 is another nicely produced volume from Yen Press which will sit well alongside the others in the series, with Shou Harusonos attractive cover art and four inspiring colour pages inside. The translation is again by Leighann Harvey who offers, as usual, helpful translation notes and the lettering is by Carolina Hernandez. Weve almost caught up with Japan now (the fourth volume is already out and appears to be due out from Yen Press in December 2023).

If you're a fan of Miyano and Sasaki, there are a few brief glimpses of the two (and a couple of good Sasaki reaction faces) as well as several encounters with Hanzawa and his inscrutable smile, who's as unpredictable as ever. Yet, overall, I feel the main pair (that's not yet a pair) makes for a sometimes-uncomfortable read, as if the mangaka is insisting 'it's fine for Kagiura to wear down his room-mate's resistance because possibly Hirano wants a relationship even though he says he doesn't feel that way'.

Hitorijime My Hero is a welcome addition to the (slowly growing) range of BL manga available in English translation. Its laid-back tone of voice and distinctive graphic style make it a fun read but there are some dramatic and emotional moments as well. Its only the first of eight volumes in an ongoing series and if youve watched the (excellent) anime series on HIDIVE, youll be aware that there are dark clouds massing on the horizon. Setty is a really endearing main character and youll be rooting for him as the problems start to build up.

The Translation Notes from Anne Lee are again not only helpful to explain cultural references but fun to read as well. The opening colour page is attractively painted in muted pastel shades that complement the palette used on the cover. And the mangakas Thrilling and Suspenseful Afterword will amuse anyone whos ever had been under pressure to make a deadline.

The translation is by the ever-dependable Kevin Gifford with lettering is by Michael Martin and includes a page of helpful translation notes. No date yet for Volume 16 so we have to hope that sensei has recovered from injuring her shoulder and that shes managing without assistants

Any good love story starts at the beginning: Where and how did the lovebirds meet? Was it love at first sight? And most importantly, was there a spark? For Yuriko and Gakurouta, their initial meeting was nothing to write home aboutafter all, matchmaking services arent unheard of. But a chance second encounter on the street revealed that as an asexual woman and gay man, they might have much more in common than they initially assumed. And in that moment, they felt not a spark but something better: the seed of a friendship, ready to take root and bloom.

We've had longer to get to know Yuriko and Gakurouta and understand them better as they embark together on their marriage of convenience. And Honami Shirono brings some interesting and valuable insights into what being asexual means for Yuriko. However, with a disturbing development right at the end of this volume, we're left on a cliffhanger, wondering if everything's going to be all right.

This short series has proved to be a different and at times moving portrayal of two people who dont fit the societal norms as they set out to find a long-term solution to the way they live their lives. It doesnt offer any answers but its an interesting exploration of the way people can find fulfilment and companionship together, even if its not in conventional terms.

The way the story unfolds in this first volume of SOTUS sometimes feels a little forced but that might come from it being adapted to manga-form from its origins as a novel. In spite of these awkward moments, it makes for an interesting read - but I hope it will develop the nascent relationship between the two main characters because otherwise, there's not much to hold the attention.

As a reader who hasnt watched the Thai TV series this is based on (or read the original novel by BitterSweet) and who finds the whole hazing plot bizarre, I like the second volume much more than the first. The Boys Love theme underlying the action is still understated (it gets an OT rating) but the attractive art by Kei helps to convey whats really going on in the characters hearts and minds.

I haven't watched the TV series, but this implies it offers a completely different view of Kongpob to the one presented in the manga! If you're looking for relentless seduction, you might be disappointed.

The Witch and the Beast - Kodansha Comics - read a free extract here!

The Witch and the Beast is not a comfortable read but to say so is to compliment mangaka Kousuke Satake on the genuine chills that their story generates in the reader. This time theres a real sense of the otherness of the world through which Ashaf and Guideau move. Magic and necromancy are a powerful and compelling combination in the hands of the right storyteller and the questions raised: When does love turn to obsession? What does necromancy really involve? are explored in unexpected ways that will linger in the reader's mind long after they've reached the end of the book.

And now I cant wait to see what happens to Helga and Guideau in Volume 4. Will Helga change Guideaus deeply entrenched hatred of witches? This third volume is proof that Kousuke Satakes dark fantasy is going from strength to strength, delivering a supernatural tale that is quite different from the others.