I think I must be a Momoko Tenzen fan, because this is the second time I’ve been impressed by her ability to create compelling characters in a short story format (the first being Unsophisticated and Rude). Not only that, she’s able to write stories about romance between middle schoolers and teachers that aren’t completely icky (only mildly icky). There are five stories in this … [Read more...] about Ciao Ciao Bambino by Momoko Tenzen: B
Juné
Unsophisticated and Rude by Momoko Tenzen: B+
Unsophisticated and Rude is a collection of five boys’ love tales from Momoko Tenzen. Unlike most compilations in this format, all of the stories are enjoyable and demonstrate an impressive ability to establish unique and compelling characters within a limited number of pages. The first two stories—“Unsophisticated and Rude” and “Pretender”—are the best, offering additional … [Read more...] about Unsophisticated and Rude by Momoko Tenzen: B+
A Strange and Mystifying Story 2 by Tsuta Suzuki: C+
Akio’s family is cursed with illness, but they also have a protective guardian beast who will appear if summoned and grant a wish. Akio summons the beast—an amorous, wolfish sort whom he names Setsu—and wishes to be cured. After Setsu accomplishes this with his own brand of sexual healing, Akio finds he doesn’t want Setsu to disappear, so wishes for him to stick around. Now … [Read more...] about A Strange and Mystifying Story 2 by Tsuta Suzuki: C+
A Strange and Mystifying Story 1 by Tsuta Suzuki: B-
From the back cover: Akio's family is tragically cursed. His bloodline has fallen prey to a mysterious, fatal disease. When Akio's own health starts failing, he desperately summons the spirit of a strange, protective beast... or is he a ravenous wolf-man? In order to survive, Akio must trust his very life to a monster who enjoys nothing more than feasting on poisoned blood... … [Read more...] about A Strange and Mystifying Story 1 by Tsuta Suzuki: B-
Il Gatto Sul G. 3 by Tooko Miyagi: B+
Ever since taking in the wounded boy he found on his doorstep, nice guy Atsushi Ikeda has been emotionally involved with Riya Narukawa, a high school student and genius violinist who suffers from multiple personality disorder brought on by childhood abuse. One personality, called White, is in love with a cruel upperclassman while the other, dubbed Black, is attached to Atsushi. … [Read more...] about Il Gatto Sul G. 3 by Tooko Miyagi: B+