I've heard a lot about the Skypiea arc of One Piece, though I actually knew zero specifics about what Luffy and his crew would encounter once they reached the legendary island in the sky. More, I seemed to absorb the general idea that this arc is really awesome and everyone loves it. Alas, I don't love it yet, but there are some things I do really like about how the story is … [Read more...] about One Piece 25-27 by Eiichiro Oda: B
Comics
Scarlet by Hiro Madarame: B+
When I reviewed Madarame's Cute Devil, I mentioned that I wanted to see what she'd achieve with more likable characters. Well, Scarlet provides the answer. The title story is somewhat disturbing, but that makes it interesting, and I really liked the tale of a one night stand between two coworkers. You can find my full review in the latest BL Bookrack column at Manga … [Read more...] about Scarlet by Hiro Madarame: B+
Midnight Bloom by Rico Fukiyama: C-
What a disappointment! I usually like books in DMP's DokiDoki imprint, but aside from a blandly cute title story, this one's full of shallow stories and off-putting relationships, including a particularly ick-inducing student-teacher romance. You can find that review here. Review copy provided by the publisher. … [Read more...] about Midnight Bloom by Rico Fukiyama: C-
There’s Something About Sunyool 2-3 by Youngran Lee: B+
Sunyool Lee’s life is full of disreputable accomplishments. If only she had something to show for them! Volume two picks up four years after the dissolution of Sunyool’s six-month marriage to Sihyun Park, a wonderful guy with whom she was perfectly compatible. After a two-year stay in Paris, where she attempted to forget her pain and honed her pastry chef skills, she returned … [Read more...] about There’s Something About Sunyool 2-3 by Youngran Lee: B+
Black Lagoon 1-3 by Rei Hiroe: A-
If asked for a one-word description of Rei Hiroe's seinen action series, Black Lagoon, my response would be “kick-ass.” I'd quickly follow that up, however, with “and a lot more intelligent than one might assume.” Black Lagoon is the story of the Lagoon Traders, a group of seafaring couriers based out of the fictional city of Roanapur, Thailand. African-American Dutch, an … [Read more...] about Black Lagoon 1-3 by Rei Hiroe: A-