Fans of InuYasha have long been resigned to the fact that nothing much seems to happen to further the main plot of the series along. Imagine my surprise, therefore, when several very major things happen in the 38th volume of the series. Afterwards, alas, we plunge back into more episodic fare, but it's definitely starting to feel like the beginning of the end. Volume 38 is a … [Read more...] about InuYasha 38-40 by Rumiko Takahashi: B
Shounen
One Piece 13-15 by Eiichiro Oda: B
Ah, shounen. It's always somewhat of a relief to take a break with some shounen because things tend to be blissfully uncomplicated. Encounter a bad guy? Fight him. When he whips out a backstory that suddenly makes him your ally? Befriend him. That’s the central idea behind these three volumes. We begin on Cactus Island in a town called Whiskey Peak, where the residents—who, … [Read more...] about One Piece 13-15 by Eiichiro Oda: B
RIN-NE 1 by Rumiko Takahashi: B+
From the back cover: As a child, Sakura Mamiya mysteriously disappeared in the woods behind her grandma's home. She returned whole and healthy, but since then she has had the power to see ghosts. Now a teenager, she just wishes the ghosts would leave her alone! At school, the desk next to Sakura's has been empty since the start of the school year. Then one day her always-absent … [Read more...] about RIN-NE 1 by Rumiko Takahashi: B+
Summer Fun with Shonen Jump
I reviewed four summer releases from VIZ's Shonen Jump imprint for a post over at Comics Should Be Good. On the agenda are: Tegami Bachi: Letter Bee 1 by Hiroyuki Asada: B- It's very pretty and atmospheric, but some aspects of the story are rather cheesy. I will probably still check out volume two, though. Gin Tama 13 by Hideaki Sorachi: D I know some find this series … [Read more...] about Summer Fun with Shonen Jump
Animal Academy 2 by Moyamu Fujino: C+
The second volume of Animal Academy is much the same as the first. Neko Fukuta and her shapeshifting animal classmates engage in low-key adventures like searching for a lost camera or deciding which club to join. There’s one chapter entitled “Hunt for the Hair Clip,” which should give you an idea of what kind of stories to expect. Some imparting of lessons about friendship is … [Read more...] about Animal Academy 2 by Moyamu Fujino: C+