When last we left off, Ash was attempting to escape from a mental institution where the plan is to make him a Banana Fish test subject. Pages of escapey goodness ensue, and Ash has just gotten outside when he realizes that Max and Ibe have been caught trying to help him and has to go back in to save their troublesome butts (awesomely, the background in one panel during this … [Read more...] about Banana Fish 11-13 by Akimi Yoshida: A-
Shoujo
Eensy Weensy Monster 1 by Masami Tsuda: B
From the back cover: Nanoha Satsuki, an average, plain-Jane high school student, comfortably spends her time in the shadow of her two beautiful, popular friends. But new guy Hazuki Tokiwa, with his snobbish, arrogant demeanor, has a way of getting under Nanoha's skin, and releasing her inner monster! Is this the beginning of an ugly relationship, or does Hazuki have his own … [Read more...] about Eensy Weensy Monster 1 by Masami Tsuda: B
Immortal Rain 3-5 by Kaori Ozaki: A-
It's been a year since I read the first two volumes of Immortal Rain, and though I was initially somewhat lost when I started the third, the heartbreaking nature of Rain's backstory immediately pulled me back in. Hints had been sprinkled through the first two volumes, but here we get the whole, terrible story. We learn about Rain's relationship with Freya—the woman he once … [Read more...] about Immortal Rain 3-5 by Kaori Ozaki: A-
Tidbits: Catching Up with Shojo Beat
New and recent Shojo Beat releases are piling up, which means it's time for another Tidbits column! In this installment, you'll find reviews of three newer series—volume three of Dengeki Daisy, plus volumes five and six of Honey Hunt and Kimi ni Todoke: From Me to You—while two old favorites, Ouran High School Host Club and Skip Beat!, bring up the rear! Dengeki Daisy 3 by … [Read more...] about Tidbits: Catching Up with Shojo Beat
Karakuri Odette 4-5 by Julietta Suzuki: A-
When a manga’s back cover features the lines “She's a hot robot in high school! What's the worst that could happen?” one might be forgiven for expecting some sort of titillating romp to ensue. In reality, Karakuri Odette is about as far from that as it’s possible to get. Odette is the crowning achievement of her creator, the genius roboticist Professor Yoshizawa, and when she … [Read more...] about Karakuri Odette 4-5 by Julietta Suzuki: A-