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-
Shoujo
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-
Skip Beat! 20 by Yoshiki Nakamura: B
Kyoko takes a break from acting jobs in this volume to focus on throwing a fabulous non-birthday birthday party for the boss’s granddaughter, Maria, who refuses to celebrate the occasion since it’s also the date of her mother’s death, for which she feels responsible. What follows is possibly the most shojotastic volume of manga ever, filled with warm expressions, bright smiles, … [Read more...] about Skip Beat! 20 by Yoshiki Nakamura: B
Alice in the Country of Hearts 2 by QuinRose and Soumei Hoshino: B
From the back cover: As Alice grows accustomed to life in Wonderland, she begins to understand the inner workings of this mysterious world. Everyone desires to get close to her, and Alice's life lights up with little moments of happiness. But she soon discovers the truth behind all the bliss... and wasted lives. And how will Alice react when the greatest secret is revealed by … [Read more...] about Alice in the Country of Hearts 2 by QuinRose and Soumei Hoshino: B