Taki Reizen and Claus von Wolfstadt should be enemies since their countries are at war. But a bond forged at school abroad leads Taki, a nobleman, to make Claus his knight, fighting by his side while Taki takes the role of division commander, marshalling his humble subjects as they seek to defend against the enemy’s advances. Many view Claus with suspicion, despite his apparent … [Read more...] about Maiden Rose 1 by Fusanosuke Inariya: B
Manga
Claymore 1-2 by Norihigo Yago: B+
With the ability to take over human bodies and blend in with ordinary people, monsters known as yoma have a (relatively) easy time finding humans to feed upon. The only weapons humans have against them are the “Claymores,” humans who have taken yoma flesh and blood into their own bodies in order to gain the power to defeat the monsters. Only females are able to successfully … [Read more...] about Claymore 1-2 by Norihigo Yago: B+
Adolf 5: 1945 and All That Remains by Osamu Tezuka: B+
From the back cover: As American B-29s mercilessly bombard the city of Kobe, childhood friends Adolf Kaufmann and Adolf Kamil are finally reunited. But their love for the same woman threatens to break the last tenuous thread of friendship between them. While Hitler spends his final days in Berlin, far away in Japan, the fate of the documents revealing the secret of his … [Read more...] about Adolf 5: 1945 and All That Remains by Osamu Tezuka: B+
Cheeky Angel 19-20 by Hiroyuki Nishimori: B-
With these two volumes, Cheeky Angel comes to a close. Although it's a bit rushed, the conclusion is ultimately fitting. Warning: spoilers ahead. Earlier in the series, the gang thwarted plans to marry Miki off to a slimy family associate by pretending that she and Genzo are in love. The rejected suitor, eager to solidify ties with Miki's rich family, holds a grudge and … [Read more...] about Cheeky Angel 19-20 by Hiroyuki Nishimori: B-
Happy Cafe 3 by Kou Matsuzuki: B
From the back cover: Romance abounds as Uru's life becomes entangled with all the men around her. A visit to the Takamura house by Shindo and Ichiro has Uru's step-dad worried their lack of visible emotions may cause undue anxiety for his lovely daughter. But is that all he has to worry about? Later, a run-in with Uru has Sou Abekawa reevaluating his feelings for her, and … [Read more...] about Happy Cafe 3 by Kou Matsuzuki: B