I really wasn't sure how I would fare with Hetalia. I knew that its cast featured characters based on countries and that it had a rabid fan following, but that was about it. I expected a screwball gag comedy that would probably not amuse me much, so I was pleasantly surprised to discover that Hetalia is actually far more clever than that. Really, there isn't a plot here, or … [Read more...] about Hetalia Axis Powers 1-2 by Hidekaz Himaruya: B+
Manga
Tidbits: Sports Manga for the Win!
Welcome to another installment of Tidbits! This time I turn my attention to sports manga, a genre for which I nurture an inexplicable adoration. First up is Crimson Hero, a shoujo tale that attempts to balance volleyball and romance, followed by six early volumes of Eyeshield 21 and four later ones from The Prince of Tennis, in which the Seishun Academy tennis team finally … [Read more...] about Tidbits: Sports Manga for the Win!
Chi’s Sweet Home 4 by Konami Kanata: B+
From the back cover: Welcome to the neighborhood, Chi and family! Now in her new residence, Chi will be introduced to many friends of the furry and feathery kind. With so many fresh smells to investigate, endless adventures await. So settle in, because here pets will never be chased... unless they are chasing each other. Review: Chi's Sweet Home is one of those series that … [Read more...] about Chi’s Sweet Home 4 by Konami Kanata: B+
Kamisama Kiss 1 by Julietta Suzuki: B
From the back cover: Nanami Momozono is alone and homeless after her dad skips town to evade his gambling debts and the debt collectors kick her out of her apartment. So when a man she's just saved from a dog offers her his home, she jumps at the opportunity. But it turns out that his place is a shrine, and Nanami has unwittingly taken over his job as a local deity! Nanami has … [Read more...] about Kamisama Kiss 1 by Julietta Suzuki: B
The Stellar Six of Gingacho 1 by Yuuki Fujimoto: B+
From the back cover: Mike, Kuro, Iba, Q, Sato and Mamoru star as the Stellar Six, the children of various store owners of the Galaxy Street's shopping district. Once inseparable childhood friends, they find themselves falling out of touch. But when a store on their home turf falls victim to vandalism, the Stellar Six come together again to help out, remembering the roots they … [Read more...] about The Stellar Six of Gingacho 1 by Yuuki Fujimoto: B+