Yotsuba&! Volume 10 by Kiyohiko Azuma

I adore the Yotsuba&! series and always look forward to a new volume.

Summary: The story follows young Yotsuba, a little girl who goes on all sorts of wacky yet everyday adventures. In this volume she makes pancakes, goes to the electronics store, learns about lying, and meets up with an old robot friend.

Reality Check: The art is cute and funny, as is the story and the characters. It's a bit off-the-wall at times, but it's so much fun reading about Yotsuba's exploits. She is an odd child to see the world through, but that makes the story enjoyable.

Conclusion: Give all the volumes a try. You don't necessarily have to read them in order, but it helps you understand who she's met and how the relationships have progressed.

 out of 4 Paws Up

Genre: All Ages Child Fiction

Eat-Man Volume 1 by Akihito Yoshitomi

Found this on the shelf at the library and was intrigued. I usually don’t go near "classic" manga, but I thought it might be worth a try.

Summary: Bolt Clank is an Explorer able to ingest a weapon or object and subsequently transform the flesh of his arm into it. With the help of many beautiful women he goes in search of rare items – for a price, of course. With the exception of a two-parter, each chapter is a stand-alone story.

Reality Check: This is a very original and fun story that I quite enjoyed. As a classic old manga, the art is classic old-school in my opinion – simple yet detailed – but not rough on the eyes.

Conclusion: I definitely recommend it as a light, fun read, and would love to get my hands on more volumes someday.

out of 4 Paws Up

Genre: Young Adult Adventure

Natsume’s Book of Friends Volume 1 by Yuki Midorikawa

Anything with the word “book” in the title always attracts me, and Japanese spirits (yokai) are one of my fascinations. Nothing like a combination to peak my interest!

Summary: Takashi Natsume can see spirits and demons, a gift passed down from his mysterious grandmother, Reiko. When he accidentally breaks the seal on a powerful spirit, he learns that Reiko kept a book with all the names of the demons and spirits she defeated, binding them to her will. Now the owner of the book, Takashi finds himself hounded and threatened by these otherworldly creatures as they try to get their names back – or take control of the book itself. So Takashi sets out on a journey to return each and every name to its rightful owner.

Reality Check: The art is soft but dark – just the right balance for a tale about yokai. The characters are interesting, and the story enjoyable to follow. Each chapter pretty much stands by itself, with the central characters and plot woven through. I always enjoy manga like this because you can return to read random chapters over and over again without feeling that you need to read all the volumes in order.

Favorite Character: Nyanko-Sensei – in his small form he resides in a lucky cat statue, and in his large form he is a magnificent and beautiful cat/dog creature. He had me at “cat.” ;)

Conclusion: A pretty good read – this was my second time actually, and I enjoyed it as much as the first. I would read more volumes if the library purchased them. Definitely a good read for stormy days, with its melancholy mood.

out of 4 Paws Up

Genre: Young Adult Urban Fantasy

Will Supervillains Be On the Final? by Naomi Novik

Volume 1 of the Liberty Vocational series, illustrated by Yishan Li. Found this at the library. I’m always willing to give American manga a chance.
 

Summary: Sixteen-year-old Leah Taymore, able to manipulate atoms, is admitted to Liberty Vocational, a private college for budding superheroes to learn their craft. But it seems that no matter what she tries her hand at, disaster is the only result, from turning the lawn to cement or flooding the campus bathrooms. Is something wrong with her powers – or is she being sabotaged? After a project goes wrong and injuries a friend, Leah wonders if she can ever do anything right. She is sidelined by the school, even when a river threatens to flood the area – but there’s nothing like lives at stake to bring out the best in anyone.

Reality Check: It was a light and enjoyable read. The art is simple and pleasant, the story interesting, and the characters are fun to follow. It reminded me of Amy Reeder’s Fool’s Gold (although the stories have nothing in common).

Conclusion: I would recommend it, and if the library gets any more volumes I will definitely read them.

out of 4 Paws Up

Genre: Young Adult Superhero

Her Majesty's Dog Series by Mick Takeuchi

Decided to re-read one of my favorite series. 11 volumes in all.

Summary: Amane isn't your normal teenage girl - she is a Manatsukai, able to use kotodama and control things with their name. Hyoue is her indentured demon dog guardian, who feeds on her life force in exchange for his services. To get away from her oppressive and secretive people, Amane and Hyoue move from their remote island home to her estranged Uncle's house in the city to attend regular school. But her ability to see spirits puts her in constant danger, and the secrets that her people have been hiding are even darker than she could ever imagine. And can Hyoue ever pursue his forbidden love for his oblivious master?

Reality Check: The art is soft for the face but sharp for the demons - as it should be. It's an interesting story with likeable characters. Lots of action and lots of humor, but it has its serious moments as well.

Favorite Part: The story of how Amane and Hyoue found each other. So bittersweet. *sniffle*

Conclusion: I always have a soft spot for stories with ancient themes - demons and powers all that. And forbidden love - not being able to be together is so much more romantic. I definitely recommend it.

Genre: Young Adult Paranormal

 out of 4 Paws Up

Kamisama Kiss: Volume 4 by Julietta Suzuki

One of my favorite series by one of my favorite authors! I read each volume several times after I get it.

Summary: Homeless Nanami unwittingly takes over a deity's position and now lives at a local shrine with fox spirit Tomoe, her protector and love interest. On a friend's advice she takes him on a date, but he wants nothing to do with her affections.  Brokenhearted she goes to the beach, where Tomoe is captured by the ruler of the sea for past grievances! Now Nanami must go back in time to find the water spirit's eye as ransom to rescue her shinshi - or does she?

Reality Check: The art is sweet, the characters amusing and cute (especially the boys), and the story is romantic and fun. Definitely a girl's manga.

Conclusion: If you like sweet stories about average girls and Japanese deities/spirits, this is for you! I highly recommend it!

Genre: Young Adult Shojo Fantasy

 out of 4 Paws Up

Kobato: Volume 4 by CLAMP

FINALLY got my hands on Volume 4! The latest CLAMP series running in the US. 

Summary: To have her wish fulfilled, Kobato must fill up a special jar to the brim with wounded hearts. But a curious emotion concerning a co-worker is proving an unwanted distraction. And a heavenly messenger delivers a disconcerting message to Ioryogi: Kobato has only two more seasons to fill the jar, or her wish - and Ioryogi's original form - will no longer be attainable! Some familiar faces visit, and some of the mysteries are finally revealed as we begin to discover just who Ioryogi is.

Reality Check: The art is soft and beautiful (except for Ioryogi-san and his friends - they scare me). The story is different, mysterious, and fascinating. And it's impossible not to instantly fall in love with Kobato-chan, the compassionate, innocent soul that she is. As usual, CLAMP shows their mastery of art & storytelling.

Conclusion: A great fantasy series - don't miss out!

Genre: Young Adult Fantasy

 out of 4 Paws Up

Mamotte! Lollipop by Michiyo Kikuta

Complete series Volumes 1-7. Another "if the library collects, I will read."

Summary: After accidentally swallowing a mysterious candy, Nina learns that it was in fact the Crystal Pearl, an object that the many Magic Examinees are trying to obtain to pass their exams and become Wizards in the Magic World. When it turns out it cannot be removed, Ichi and Zero, Examinees 1 & 2, swear to protect her for the six months of the exam and move into a magical space in her closet. As they are "attacked" by more and more Examinees, hijinks and romance ensue. And when the six months are up, things only get more complicated as Nina discovers her friends aren't the only ones with magical powers! And with two cute guys (and more!) up for grabs, who is her true love?

Reality Check: A light, fun story. Pleasant art, quirky characters, enough action and romance to accommodate everyone. And the backstories have some meat to them.

Conclusion: A good read if you're looking for something light and fun.

Genre: Middle Grade Fantasy

 out of 4 Paws Up

Kitchen Princess by Natsumi Ando & Miyuki Kobayashi

Complete series Volumes 1-10. Since it was at the library, I had to read it. And I'm glad I did.

Summary: Orphaned Najika gets into Seika Academy to search for her Flan Prince, a boy who inspired her to follow her dreams of becoming a great pastry chef like her parents. She befriends (and falls in love with) two brothers - complete opposites - who help her on her way to fulfilling her dream, and picks up a good friend and a rival along the way. Through it all she discovers - and teaches - her true dream of making tasty things to eat and having people enjoy them.

Reality Check: Pleasant art and a good story. It deals with some heavy life issues at times - bullying, cheating, abandonment, parental expectations, eating disorders, death - but overall it's a feel-good manga.

Conclusion: It inspired me to start experimenting with recipes again! Definitely worth the read.

Genre: Young Adult Self-Discovery/Romance

 out of 4 Paws Up

Blue Exorcist: Volume 3 by Kazue Kato

It's been two months - time for another volume of Blue Exorcist!

Summary: Rin finds that he relies too heavily on his flame and strives to become powerful without it, but it isn't easy as he works to rise through the Exorcist ranks. Now an Exwire, he must prove himself to go on real missions. But with his gate sword being "held for safekeeping" by a new teacher watching his every move, and the demon king Amaimon popping in to "play," Rin has his work cut out for him.

Favorite Part: Cat demon familiar added! Can this series get any better?

Reality Check: A little more risqué with the new teacher, but it usually comes with the territory. The story continues to entertain!

Conclusion: I have to wait another two months for Volume 4? *Sigh*

Genre: Older Teen Paranormal Action Adventure

 out of 4 Paws Up

Fairy Cube Trilogy by Kaori Yuki

A 3-volume series from Kaori Yuki about conspiratorial fairies and the power of love. Kaori is known for her rather creepy supernatural manga series, and this one is no different. She is quite good at tortured, interesting characters in gothic settings.

Summary: Ian has always been able to see fairies, including the creepy Tokage who haunts him. When Tokage causes Ian's father to kill him and takes over Ian's body - and his life - Ian will stop at nothing to get it back and save Rin, the girl he loves, from Tokage's evil plans. But there is more going on - people are dying, their backs exploding with blood wings. Ian discovers they harbored fairies, like his Tokage, but when the fairies tried to take over the bodies they died. Why are these fairies dying now, and what does it have to do with the Gotoh Group's plans for "a better world"?

Reality Check: Beautiful art, interesting characters, original story. And even with the dark content Kaori manages to add some humor. This was my second read, and it was just as good.

Conclusion: A nice, if slightly creepy, read. If that's your thing, definitely give it a try.

Genre: Older Young Adult Supernatural Fantasy

 out of 4 Paws Up

Blue Exorcist: Volume 2 by Kazue Kato

Got my hands on Volume 2!!!

Summary: Rin, son of Satan, and his classmates work hard to rise in the ranks and become full Exorcists. But as Rin comes into his powers, he starts discovering just how many enemies he will have to face - and just how many people want him dead.

Reality Check: When this finally came yesterday I couldn't wait to read it, and now that I've finished I'm already flipping back through to re-read my favorite parts. The art doesn't even bother me anymore. Great action, engaging characters, exciting story! One of the best manga series ever!!!

My favorite part: Still what he does with his tail! XD

Conclusion: Will be collecting the entire series. If you haven't read it, start!

Genre: Older Teen Paranormal Action Adventure

 out of 4 Paws Up