Machika Balfaltin’s grandfather, Zol, was a renowned bounty hunter/assassin, but there was one man he could never catch: Methuselah, an immortal with a price on his head. Machika, like your typical fourteen-year-old, is convinced that she can do anything and is determined to settle her grandfather’s unfinished business. Her attempt to capture Methuselah goes wrong, however, … [Read more...] about Immortal Rain 1-2 by Kaori Ozaki: A-
Shoujo
Natsume’s Book of Friends 1 by Yuki Midorikawa: B+
Takashi Natsume has been able to see yokai ever since he was little, an oddity that resulted in the boy being shuffled from one relative to the next after the death of his parents. Lately, though, the yokai are getting more insistent, mistaking Natsume for his grandmother, Reiko, and pestering him relentlessly. After an encounter with a yokai residing in a ceramic cat, Natsume … [Read more...] about Natsume’s Book of Friends 1 by Yuki Midorikawa: B+
Monkey High! 8 by Shouko Akira: B
Beginning with volume seven, the age rating of Monkey High! was changed from Teen to Older Teen to reflect the leads’ growing interest in consummating their relationship. They finally achieve their goal in the first chapter of this final volume, but thereafter are kept busy with studying for exams and preparing for their final school festival. An irksome last-minute rival … [Read more...] about Monkey High! 8 by Shouko Akira: B
Monkey High! 7 by Shouko Akira: B
From the back cover: Different classes, college preparations, and a disapproving father all make it hard for Macharu and Haruna to be together. So when they win tickets for an overnight stay at a resort, it seems like a great chance for them to take their relationship to the next level... Review: Although I liked this volume of Monkey High! somewhat less than the others, it … [Read more...] about Monkey High! 7 by Shouko Akira: B
Happy Cafe 1 by Kou Matsuzuki: B
From the back cover: Meet Uru: she's a little short, a bit disorganized, often is mistaken for an elementary school kid, and lives by herself after her mother gets remarried. When she decides to pay the bills by working part-time at the Happy Cafe, she meets Ichiro and Shindo, two of the most unsociable guys she's ever had to contend with! And to make matters worse, it turns … [Read more...] about Happy Cafe 1 by Kou Matsuzuki: B