In this low-key, dystopic sci-fi story, a boy named Mitsu takes up his missing father’s occupation as a window washer in the hopes that it will yield answers about his disappearance, or maybe just life in general. Humanity has vacated Earth. They were not, however, willing to move too far away from their former home, now declared a vast nature preserve, and have instead … [Read more...] about Saturn Apartments 1 by Hisae Iwaoka: B+
Manga
Banana Fish 5-6 by Akimi Yoshida: A-
I've always been intrigued by Ash Lynx, the lead character in Banana Fish, but suddenly I feel like I understand him so much better after reading these two volumes. We begin with Ash and friends still in Los Angeles at the home of Dr. Alexis Dawson, one of the creators of Banana Fish. When Ash and Max are drawn away by a threat against Max’s family, Chinese mafia member … [Read more...] about Banana Fish 5-6 by Akimi Yoshida: A-
Portrait of M & N 1-2 by Tachibana Higuchi: B-
Much as with Natsuki Takaya's Tsubasa: Those with Wings, I had been looking forward to the English release of Portrait of M & N by Tachibana Higuchi only because I enjoy later work, Gakuen Alice. Aaaand, much as with Tsubasa: Those with Wings, I ended up somewhat disappointed. Portrait of M & N is a love story starring a beautiful girl named Mitsuru Abe and a handsome … [Read more...] about Portrait of M & N 1-2 by Tachibana Higuchi: B-
Saiyuki 1-3 by Kazuya Minekura: B
Although Saiyuki's sequels and prequel ran/run in magazines aimed at a female audience, the original was serialized in GFantasy, which, as MJ pointed out in her Black Butler review, features many shounen series created by and appealing to women. Therefore, while I associate Saiyuki with intense female fandom, it still technically qualifies for inclusion in the Shounen Sundays … [Read more...] about Saiyuki 1-3 by Kazuya Minekura: B
Chi’s Sweet Home 1 by Konami Kanata: A-
From the back cover: TAKE THIS KITTY HOME Chi is a mischievous newborn American shorthair who, while on a leisurely stroll with her family, found herself lost. When we found Chi it was clear to us she was completely distraught as she longed for the warmth and protection of her mother. Feeling sympathy for the little furball, we quietly whisked her away, inviting her into our … [Read more...] about Chi’s Sweet Home 1 by Konami Kanata: A-