I used to like Love*Com very much, but as I read these two volumes the main thought going through my mind was, “Just end, already!” End it eventually does, as volume sixteen sees the conclusion of the main story line (the seventeenth and final volume is comprised of short stories) , but before that can happen we must endure more chapters focusing on the supporting cast. … [Read more...] about Love*Com 15-16 by Aya Nakahara: B-
Manga
ZE 3 by Yuki Shimizu: C+
From the back cover: When a kotodama-sama dies, his or her kami-sama—a healer made of living paper—typically chooses to die as well, returning to a blank state as "hakushi." But when Himi's master passes away, a deep sense of obligation forces him to choose another path. Instead, Himi becomes kami-sama for his master's estranged son, Genma. Genma is everything Himi's former … [Read more...] about ZE 3 by Yuki Shimizu: C+
Banana Fish 2 by Akimi Yoshida: A-
From the back cover: When Dino arranges Ash's frame-up for the murder of a man he had motive to kill twenty times over, an "accident" behind bars is on the agenda. But in the same prison is Max Lobo, a journalist himself on the trail of the enigma code-named Banana Fish... Review: After reading more of Banana Fish, I wonder why I ever thought it was slow. The second volume is … [Read more...] about Banana Fish 2 by Akimi Yoshida: A-
Phantom Dream 5 by Natsuki Takaya: B
In this, the final volume of Phantom Dream, the millennium-long battle between the Gekka and Otoya families comes to a close. Before this can happen, we learn all about the villain’s painful background and what really happened 1000 years ago. Unfortunately, the authorial sidebars spoil one major plot twist (it would’ve been nice if there had been a spoiler warning), but luckily … [Read more...] about Phantom Dream 5 by Natsuki Takaya: B
Phantom Dream 4 by Natsuki Takaya: B-
From the back cover: Eiji's life hangs in the balance as factions once again shift and realign. Asahi struggles with her new powers and guilt over what happened in the past, while Tamaki strives to control the continuing outbreak of chaos in the present. And a mysterious new figure emerges to join the battle, but is he an ally or an enemy?! Fruits Basket creator Natsuki … [Read more...] about Phantom Dream 4 by Natsuki Takaya: B-