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

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

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

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

Oresama Teacher: Volume I by Izumi Tsubaki

The new manga selection has been pretty crappy as of late, but this caught my eye so I decided to give it a try. It was worth it.

Summary: When Mafuyu, accidental leader of her high school gang, gets expelled, her mother sends her to a boarding school far off in the country. Determined to live a normal school-girl existence, Mafuyu decides to leave her delinquent past behind her. But the random guy she defends the night before school isn't so random - he's her teacher! And he's determined to make the most of Mafuyu's fighting spirit to clean up his school - by any delinquent means necessary...

Reality Check: Even with all the fighting it's a light and upbeat read, with lots of fun and funny while it's at it. (Super Bun to the rescue!!!) Interesting characters, an overall good plot and good chapter stories. The art is easy on the eyes, and the style is easy to follow.

Conclusion: A nice shojo read that shouldn't alienate the boys too much. I'll definitely be reading more.

Genre: Teen School Adventure

 out of 4 Paws Up

Blue Exorcist: Volume I by Kazue Kato

I read the sample chapter in Shonen Jump and was intrigued enough to get my hands on Volume 1. It didn't disappoint.

Summary: Raised by Father Fujimoto (and his younger twin brother Yukio), Rin never knew his real father. But one day a fateful argument reveals the terrible truth - Rin is the son of the demon lord Satan! His demonic powers released, Rin swears to defeat Satan and joins the mysterious True Cross Academy to become an exorcist. Can Rin fight demons and keep his infernal bloodline a secret?

Reality Check: The art can be a little more grotesque than I normally prefer, but it's a really good story so I put up with it. The plot is relatively original, characters are interesting and engaging, the emotions raw and gripping, and the action is packed and exciting. Boys will definitely love this manga, but girls shouldn't have any trouble getting into it as well.

My favorite part: Rin's tail! And what he does with it. XD

Conclusion: I would say if you like D. Gray-man and Naruto, give Blue Exorcist a try. I'll definitely be reading more.

Genre: Older Teen Paranormal Action Adventure

 out of 4 Paws Up