Kotoko Aihara has loved the brilliant and handsome Naoki Irie from afar ever since she saw him give a speech at their high school entrance ceremony two years ago. Because their school groups students by academic performance, however, the not-so-bright Kotoko has never had the opportunity to actually talk to Naoki. Even though she realizes it’s probably a lost cause, she … [Read more...] about Itazura Na Kiss 1 by Kaoru Tada: B+
Shoujo
Millennium Prime Minister 2 by Eiki Eiki: C
The tenor of Millennium Prime Minister is best summed up by a line on the back cover that reads, “A confused love triangle is messing up the politics of Japan!” High school student Minori Nagashima is living with Japan’s young Prime Minister, Kanata Okazaki, who wants her to be his bride. Everyone’s in a tizzy because Sai, Kanata’s 18-year-old senior aide who happens to be in … [Read more...] about Millennium Prime Minister 2 by Eiki Eiki: C
High School Debut 13 by Kazune Kawahara: A-
VIZ sent this (the series finale!) over a month early! What a great Christmas present! From the back cover: Yoh faces a difficult choice: should he go to university all the way in Tokyo or stay near Haruna? Haruna wants to support Yoh's decision no matter what, but will her high school romance end with his graduation? Review: Is it considered bad form to write a review … [Read more...] about High School Debut 13 by Kazune Kawahara: A-
Beast Master 1 by Kyousuke Motomi: B+
From the back cover: Leo Aoi looks like a crazy animal with wild eyes—and no one at his new high school will go near him! He does seem to have a special connection with animals, though, which intrigues overzealous animal lover Yuiko Kubozuka. In reality, Leo isn't as frightening as he appears, but Yuiko finds out that he goes berserk whenever he sees blood! Will Yuiko be able … [Read more...] about Beast Master 1 by Kyousuke Motomi: B+
Crimson Hero 12 by Mitsuba Takanashi: B
From the back cover: With one of their ace players injured, Nobara and the Crimson Field girls must fight harder than ever. Their challenge is the Newcomers' Tournament, and their performance in this venue will determine just how far the team can go. But Nobara's distracted when she learns that one of her not-so-secret admirers seeks to crush Yushin and destroy the boys' … [Read more...] about Crimson Hero 12 by Mitsuba Takanashi: B