Nanami Takahashi has fallen in love with her classmate, Yano, and confessed her feelings, but he said he didn’t know whether he liked her or not. They continue on as friends, and have some sweet moments now and then, but Yano remains aloof. It seems like every time they momentarily get closer, he slips away again, occasionally saying mean things to her. Yano is still … [Read more...] about We Were There 2 by Yuki Obata: A-
Comics
Otomen 1 by Aya Kanno: B+
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+
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-
With the Light 2 by Keiko Tobe: B+
With the Light: Raising an Autistic Child is the story of the Azuma family. Eldest son Hikaru has autism, and the series chronicles the struggles and satisfactions that his parents and teachers experience as Hikaru gradually learns to function in the world. This chunky volume from Yen Press, equivalent to volumes three and four of the original Japanese release, focuses on … [Read more...] about With the Light 2 by Keiko Tobe: B+
FreshMen by Yuuya: C+
In the title story, Takeyuki Saito and Hitoshi Sato are both studying art at the same university. At the entrance ceremony, Saito, who’d been up drinking the night before, momentarily slumps into Sato’s arms, giving the impression that he’s weak and needs looking after. In the weeks that follow, Saito takes advantage of Sato’s kindness to some degree, and eventually realizes … [Read more...] about FreshMen by Yuuya: C+