If there’s one thing notorious criminal Zen can’t stand, it’s being controlled. At the end of the first volume, while he and his doctor companion, Hyakka, were liberating Amatan prisoners from a Galay Army facility, he fell into an involuntary trance after which he awoke with no memory of his violent actions. Now, he resolves to find the person responsible, which means finally … [Read more...] about Blank Slate 2 by Aya Kanno: B
Manga
Suppli 2-3 by Mari Okazaki: A-
Minami Fujii works in the planning department of an advertising agency. At twenty-eight, she’s still trying to make a name for herself and is known for pulling all-nighters and juggling multiple projects. Mostly, this can be attributed to genuine dedication, though Minami also uses work as a distraction from her turbulent romantic life. After her boyfriend of seven years … [Read more...] about Suppli 2-3 by Mari Okazaki: A-
Suppli 1 by Mari Okazaki: A-
From the back cover: The skies are always clearer after a storm... After her boyfriend of seven years dumps her, Minami realizes she's shut out everything else in her life. Now, at twenty-seven years old, ambitious Minami throws herself into her advertising job and experiences life—and love—for the first time. From Mari Okazaki, the edgy, provocative author of Sweat & … [Read more...] about Suppli 1 by Mari Okazaki: A-
Blade of the Immortal 1 by Hiroaki Samura: A
From the back cover: Manji, a ronin warrior of feudal Japan, has been cursed with immortality. To rid himself of this curse and end his life of misery, he must slay one thousand evil men! His quest begins when a young girl seeks his help in taking revenge on her parents' killers. His quest ends only after he has spilled the blood of a thousand! Review: Wow. I had no idea … [Read more...] about Blade of the Immortal 1 by Hiroaki Samura: A
Shinobi Life 1 by Shoko Conami: B+
Well, it’s happened again. I receive a review copy for a title with a premise that makes me expect the worst, only to end up liking it a great deal. Not only that, I’m willing to spend my own money to obtain subsequent volumes! It’s all an evil plot. Beni Fujiwara is the daughter of a rich and powerful man, and has grown accustomed to being kidnapped. She even gives pointers … [Read more...] about Shinobi Life 1 by Shoko Conami: B+