By Yui Sakuma | Published by Kodansha Comics Twenty-six-year-old Nagisa Kataura is a perfectionist when it comes to cosplay. As a result, she has a tendency to critique the subpar efforts of others, but when she overhears a critical comment at an event that might be directed at her, she is suddenly plunged into self-doubt. Self-conscious of her height and age, she’s … [Read more...] about Complex Age, Vol. 1
Comics
Haikyu!!, Vol. 1
By Haruichi Furudate | Published by VIZ Media It’s been a good year so far for sports manga! Competitive cycling is represented in Yen’s Yowamushi Pedal, August brings the first two-in-one omnibus edition of Kuroko’s Basketball, and volleyball-centric Haikyu!! is on shelves now. I am just about in heaven! (If someone would just license Mitsuru Adachi’s Rough, that would … [Read more...] about Haikyu!!, Vol. 1
Everyone’s Getting Married, Vol. 1
By Izumi Miyazono | Published by VIZ Media I’ve grown a bit wary of josei romances. I’d prefer them not to be smutty, or to derive much of their drama from misunderstandings, or to feature a controlling male lead. Happily, Everyone’s Getting Married avoids all of those things! Twenty-four-year-old Asuka Takanashi enjoys a successful career as a real estate broker, but … [Read more...] about Everyone’s Getting Married, Vol. 1
Nichijou: My Ordinary Life, Vols. 1-2
By Keiichi Awari | Published by Vertical Comics I wasn’t sure I was going to like Nichijou. Gag manga aren’t really my thing, even when created by mangaka whose other works I enjoy. However, the back cover promised character growth and a take on the school genre that it was “just surreal enough,” so that compelled me to give it a shot. The manga so far focuses on a … [Read more...] about Nichijou: My Ordinary Life, Vols. 1-2
The Gods Lie.
By Kaori Ozaki | Published by Vertical, Inc. The Gods Lie is a seinen one-shot by Kaori Ozaki, who also brought us Immortal Rain, which I liked very much. Even though it was released recently, Ozaki’s clean and clear artwork somehow conveys a more vintage feeling, a bit like a Miyazaki movie. Natsuru Nanao is in sixth grade and dreams of becoming a soccer star. The girls … [Read more...] about The Gods Lie.