From the back cover: When Dino arranges Ash's frame-up for the murder of a man he had motive to kill twenty times over, an "accident" behind bars is on the agenda. But in the same prison is Max Lobo, a journalist himself on the trail of the enigma code-named Banana Fish... Review: After reading more of Banana Fish, I wonder why I ever thought it was slow. The second volume is … [Read more...] about Banana Fish 2 by Akimi Yoshida: A-
Comics
Sarasah 2-3 by Ryu Ryang: B-
Sarasah, which starts off as the story of Ji-Hae and the romantic obsession for an aloof and decidedly disinterested classmate that compels her to travel back in time to put right a misstep from their past lives (while disguised as a boy, naturally), widens its scope in these two volumes to include hidden motivations and political agendas. The incorporation of these elements … [Read more...] about Sarasah 2-3 by Ryu Ryang: B-
Phantom Dream 5 by Natsuki Takaya: B
In this, the final volume of Phantom Dream, the millennium-long battle between the Gekka and Otoya families comes to a close. Before this can happen, we learn all about the villain’s painful background and what really happened 1000 years ago. Unfortunately, the authorial sidebars spoil one major plot twist (it would’ve been nice if there had been a spoiler warning), but luckily … [Read more...] about Phantom Dream 5 by Natsuki Takaya: B
Phantom Dream 4 by Natsuki Takaya: B-
From the back cover: Eiji's life hangs in the balance as factions once again shift and realign. Asahi struggles with her new powers and guilt over what happened in the past, while Tamaki strives to control the continuing outbreak of chaos in the present. And a mysterious new figure emerges to join the battle, but is he an ally or an enemy?! Fruits Basket creator Natsuki … [Read more...] about Phantom Dream 4 by Natsuki Takaya: B-
One Piece 16-18 by Eiichiro Oda: B+
If there remains anyone who doubts that One Piece is something special in the world of shounen manga, they need only read these three volumes to be convinced. Volume sixteen begins with Luffy and Sanji on their way up a treacherous, snowy mountain to deliver a feverish Nami to the only doctor (Kureha) left on Drum Island. They're waylaid by some giant killer bunnies, but an … [Read more...] about One Piece 16-18 by Eiichiro Oda: B+