From the back cover: Ren's acting test is about to begin, with his entire future hanging in the balance, and he's managed to make his leading lady Itsumi mad at him. Rather than confront him directly, Itsumi decides to hit him where it hurts. Will she sabotage his test, or will Ren be able to get it together and use his legendary acting ability to lead her through the … [Read more...] about Skip Beat! 13 by Yoshiki Nakamura: B+
Shoujo
Fruits Basket 20 by Natsuki Takaya: A
From the back cover: Kagura and Kazuma hotly discuss Tohru liking Kyou. With Kagura's forceful encouragement, will Tohru be able to muster up the courage to tell Kyou how she feels? Meanwhile, Ren is determined to get her hands on Akito's mystery box—even if it means killing for it! Review: I got a pleasant surprise on Wednesday when I discovered this had been released on … [Read more...] about Fruits Basket 20 by Natsuki Takaya: A
Venus in Love 3 by Yuki Nakaji: B
From the back cover: Suzuna's had her heart set on Fukami but she's been afraid to tell him her true feelings. Now Fukami's out with another girl, and they seem to be turning into a steady couple. Suzuna finds herself spending more time with their mutual friend Eichi and a surprising development leaves the two of them with confused feelings about each other. Just when Suzuna … [Read more...] about Venus in Love 3 by Yuki Nakaji: B
Sand Chronicles 2 by Hinako Ashihara: A
From the back cover: Just when Ann has adjusted to life in the countryside—and even has a boyfriend!—her father invites her to live with him in Tokyo. Now she must choose between a father she hardly knows and a young man she is just beginning to know. But she soon discovers that they aren't the only ones vying for her affections! Review: In a recent post on his blog, David … [Read more...] about Sand Chronicles 2 by Hinako Ashihara: A
Four Shōjo Stories by Keiko Nishi, Moto Hagio, and Shio Sato: B+
From the back cover: An unprecedented collection of stories by the greatest shōjo manga (girls' comics) artists of our time! In shōjo manga, a uniquely literary genre of Japanese comics, the relationships between characters are as meticulously crafted as the story's action. Shōjo artists are renowned for their visual innovations, as well. Experimenting with page layouts, … [Read more...] about Four Shōjo Stories by Keiko Nishi, Moto Hagio, and Shio Sato: B+