These seven volumes leading up to the conclusion of Boys Over Flowers, which now has the distinction of being the longest shoujo series I've read, feature some pretty drastic reversals of fortune. Through spontaneous trips to New York City, love confessions from unexpected sources, kidnappings, deserted islands, stabbings, and amnesia, Tsukushi and Tsukasa endure a whirlwind of … [Read more...] about Boys Over Flowers 29-35 by Yoko Kamio: B
Manga
Summer Fun with Shonen Jump
I reviewed four summer releases from VIZ's Shonen Jump imprint for a post over at Comics Should Be Good. On the agenda are: Tegami Bachi: Letter Bee 1 by Hiroyuki Asada: B- It's very pretty and atmospheric, but some aspects of the story are rather cheesy. I will probably still check out volume two, though. Gin Tama 13 by Hideaki Sorachi: D I know some find this series … [Read more...] about Summer Fun with Shonen Jump
Animal Academy 2 by Moyamu Fujino: C+
The second volume of Animal Academy is much the same as the first. Neko Fukuta and her shapeshifting animal classmates engage in low-key adventures like searching for a lost camera or deciding which club to join. There’s one chapter entitled “Hunt for the Hair Clip,” which should give you an idea of what kind of stories to expect. Some imparting of lessons about friendship is … [Read more...] about Animal Academy 2 by Moyamu Fujino: C+
Black Bird 1 by Kanoko Sakurakoji: B-
Misao Harada has always been able to see spirits, but when she turns sixteen, things suddenly get a lot worse. Kyo Usui, her childhood friend and first love, returns after a ten-year absence just in time to inform her that she is “the bride of prophecy,” and that now that she is sixteen, all sorts of demons are going to want to drink her blood, eat her flesh, and/or marry … [Read more...] about Black Bird 1 by Kanoko Sakurakoji: B-
Crimson Hero 11 by Mitsuba Takanashi: B
The Crimson High girls’ volleyball team has made it to the third round of the Newcomers’ Tournament and is facing its first serious challenge. Things are going well and they win the first set, but when the opposing team intentionally wounds Crimson High’s star setter, there’s no one who can fill in. Instead, the Crimson High girls rearrange their strategy to protect their … [Read more...] about Crimson Hero 11 by Mitsuba Takanashi: B