While I do my best to appreciate manga art, I generally do not choose to read a particular series solely because of it. The exception to this is BLAME!, a ten-volume series by Tsutomu Nihei that boasts “an endless labyrinth of cyberdungeons filled with concrete and steel.” Thinking that sounded pretty durn awesome, and prepared to encounter an occasionally incomprehensible … [Read more...] about BLAME! 1-10 by Tsutomu Nihei: B+
Seinen
K-ON! 1 by Kakifly: C-
From the back cover: When their high school's pop-music club is about to be disbanded due to lack of interest, four girls step up to fill the membership quota. Unfortunately, lead guitarist Yui Hirasawa has never played an instrument in her life. Ever. And although she likes the idea of being in a band, standing in front of the mirror posing with her guitar is a lot easier than … [Read more...] about K-ON! 1 by Kakifly: C-
Two by Natsume Ono
For my latest column at Comics Should Be Good, I reviewed the debut volumes of two (relatively) new Natsume Ono series: House of Five Leaves and Gente: The People of Ristorante Paradiso. I really loved House of Five Leaves, with its story of a hapless samurai drawn into the schemes of a fascinating criminal. Gente is more a collection of low-key short stories than a single … [Read more...] about Two by Natsume Ono
Gyo 1-2 by Junji Ito: B+
Walking fish aren't the usual sort of monsters one associates with Halloween, but their invasion makes for creepy reading nonetheless! Tadashi and his high-maintenance girlfriend, Kaori, are vacationing in Okinawa when Kaori begins complaining of putrid smells. Soon after, a chase ensues between Tadashi and a barely glimpsed, fast-moving creature, culminating with the … [Read more...] about Gyo 1-2 by Junji Ito: B+
Chi’s Sweet Home 3 by Konami Kanata: A-
From the back cover: Kitten-rearing is something, but raising a street-smart feline in a building with a strict no-pets policy is another story altogether. When mentoring a curious kitty, tactful tabbies must teach with patience and a firm paw. Remember, cats are a special breed. While we can survive well enough on instinct, those same feline responses can lead to unwanted … [Read more...] about Chi’s Sweet Home 3 by Konami Kanata: A-