High school student Asuka Masamune has a reputation as a cool and stoic guy. He’s ranked number one in the country for kendo, and has black belts in both judo and karate. His name alone inspires fear in the hearts of his would-be opponents. But Asuka has a secret. Beneath this carefully-crafted masculine exterior, he yearns to read shojo manga, make plushies, and fall in love. … [Read more...] about Otomen 1 by Aya Kanno: B+
Shoujo
High School Debut 7 by Kazune Kawahara: A-
This is a pretty episodic volume, but still manages to move things forward for the characters. In the first chapter, Yoh is sick, giving Haruna the opportunity to care for him overzealously. Next, Yoh’s sister Asa is feeling insecure in her relationship with Yoh’s friend, Fumi, since he seems to easily resist her seductive powers. She entertains the notion of cheating on him, … [Read more...] about High School Debut 7 by Kazune Kawahara: A-
Her Majesty’s Dog 1 by Mick Takeuchi: B+
From the back cover: Amane's not like other girls. With her ice queen demeanor and naiveté, she's become quite the misfit on campus. Even more unusual is her relationship with fellow transfer student Hyoue Inugami, the hottest guy in school. But the truth is that Amane is a powerful psychic and Hyoue is her guardian demon-dog, whose powers are fueled by her kiss! And when Amane … [Read more...] about Her Majesty’s Dog 1 by Mick Takeuchi: B+
Venus in Love 5 by Yuki Nakaji: B
Venus in Love is a cozy shojo romance that seems to firmly belong in the era of titles like Marmalade Boy, except without as much angst. College students Suzuna Ashihara and Eichi Uozumi have been friends and neighbors for couple of years now. They both started off liking the same guy, but have gradually begun to realize that they might actually fancy each other instead. And … [Read more...] about Venus in Love 5 by Yuki Nakaji: B
Venus in Love 4 by Yuki Nakaji: B+
From the back cover: Suzuna began her college career by competing with Eichi for Fukami's affection. Now that she's decided she might like Eichi in a special way, newcomer Yuki entangles them in another boy-girl-boy love triangle. Then family tensions come to the forefront; first Eichi's younger brother comes to town, then Hinako worries about keeping a secret from her … [Read more...] about Venus in Love 4 by Yuki Nakaji: B+