Seinen

By Masaya Tsunamoto and Tsujitomo | Published digitally by Kodansha Comics Although I genuinely, deeply love shounen sports manga, I can't deny that most follow similar story beats. I knew going in that Giant Killing is actually seinen, but wasn't prepared for what a breath of fresh air it would be. Instead of some first-year joining his high-school team, the protagonist … [Read more...] about Giant Killing, Vol. 1

By Hiroaki Samura | Published digitally by Kodansha Comics In the opening scene of Wave, Listen to Me! we meet Minare Koda, an attractive twenty-something drinking too much and pouring her heart out to a guy she just met forty minutes prior. She’s ranting about her ex, Mitsuo, and after a certain point, she has no recollection of events. To her surprise, when she’s at work … [Read more...] about Wave, Listen to Me!, Vols. 1-2

By Gido Amagakure | Published by Kodansha Comics Widowed math teacher Kohei Inuzuka wants to do his best when it comes to raising his daughter, Tsumugi. It’s been six months since his wife passed away, and because he has never had much of an appetite and hasn’t fared well with cooking in the past, he mostly relies on store-bought fare for Tsumugi. However, after they run … [Read more...] about Sweetness & Lightning, Vols. 1-3

By Mengo Yokoyari | Published by Yen Press I admit that I initially judged this book by its cover, assuming that it was on the smutty side and aimed at a decidedly male audience. While it is true that Scum's Wish is seinen, the mangaka (Mengo Yokoyari) is female, and the end result (for me, at least) feels more like dark shoujo. Hanabi Yasuraoka has been in love with … [Read more...] about Scum’s Wish, Vol. 1