From the back cover: The second semester has begun and everyone’s busy with tests, practices, and activities. It’s time to prepare for the culture festival and Yukino has been asked to perform in a futuristic sci-fi play. There’s instant drama when Tonami, a transfer student and old friend of Soichiro, comes back on the scene after three years. Tempers flare and competitive … [Read more...] about Kare Kano 7 by Masami Tsuda: B
Comics
Kare Kano 6 by Masami Tsuda: B
From the back cover: It's not long before Soichiro's back from a very successful tournament, much to Yukino's delight. Now they can spend some time with each other before school starts again. Yukino notices that Soichiro's matured a lot, which stirs up new feelings in her and makes her fall in love with him even more. Soichiro's feelings for Yukino deepen as well, and he has … [Read more...] about Kare Kano 6 by Masami Tsuda: B
Very! Very! Sweet 1 by JiSang Shin and Geo: B
If you had stripped this book of all identifying marks and given it to me to read, I never would’ve guessed it was from the same creative team behind Rolling. It’s got solid characterization for one thing, and a plot that looks like it’ll actually go somewhere! Both of the main characters are likable in their own way. Be-Ri is an animal-lover who’s raising money to protect … [Read more...] about Very! Very! Sweet 1 by JiSang Shin and Geo: B
Azumanga Daioh 2 by Kiyohiko Azuma: B-
From the back cover: The second hilarious volume of Azumanga Daioh takes Chiyo and the girls from end-of-first-year hijinks into the general silliness of their second year. Includes two special edition comic segments: "Osaka's Half Day" and "A Day in the Life of Chiyo-chan!" Review: This volume was pretty much exactly the same as the first volume, except some of the cuteness … [Read more...] about Azumanga Daioh 2 by Kiyohiko Azuma: B-
Rolling 1 by Ji-Sang Sin and Geo: C
It’s not difficult to get admitted to Bright Free High School. They’ll take anyone, even other schools’ rejects, and theoretically whip them into shape with strict rules that exceed even the military’s notions of discipline. This volume introduces the four students and one freeloader who are sharing a dorm room. Episodic adventures ensue. I’ve seen this kind of premise before, … [Read more...] about Rolling 1 by Ji-Sang Sin and Geo: C