These five volumes represent the emotional crux of the series and, as such, plot spoilers will be discussed. Proceed at your own risk. I'm always sorry when I fall far behind on a series that I love, but when it results in half a dozen volumes to read at once, the pleasure of catching up makes the wait worthwhile. These five volumes are the most important and emotionally … [Read more...] about Hikaru no Go 13-17 by Yumi Hotta and Takeshi Obata: A
Comics
Pandora Hearts 1 by Jun Mochizuki: B
From the back cover: The air of celebration surrounding fifteen-year-old Oz Vessalius's coming-of-age ceremony quickly turns to horror when he is condemned for a sin about which he knows nothing. Thrown into the Abyss—an eternal prison from which there is no escape—Oz meets a young girl named Alice, who is not what she seems. Now that the relentless cogs of fate have begun to … [Read more...] about Pandora Hearts 1 by Jun Mochizuki: B
Alice in the Country of Hearts 2 by QuinRose and Soumei Hoshino: B
From the back cover: As Alice grows accustomed to life in Wonderland, she begins to understand the inner workings of this mysterious world. Everyone desires to get close to her, and Alice's life lights up with little moments of happiness. But she soon discovers the truth behind all the bliss... and wasted lives. And how will Alice react when the greatest secret is revealed by … [Read more...] about Alice in the Country of Hearts 2 by QuinRose and Soumei Hoshino: B
Vampire Knight 9 by Matsuri Hino: C+
After the revelations in volume eight, the world of Vampire Knight goes—please pardon my indelicacy, but this is really the only way to put it—batshit crazy. Pureblood vampire Rido Kuran (our villain) completes his resurrection and summons his followers to him. Said followers feel no compunction about snacking on the day class students of Cross Academy, so the noble vampires … [Read more...] about Vampire Knight 9 by Matsuri Hino: C+
Angel: Long Night’s Journey by Brett Matthews and Joss Whedon: C-
From the back cover: An enemy from Angel's past has come to L.A., and enlisted three powerful supernatural creatures to break Angel's spirit before killing him. In one catastrophic night, Angel has to figure out who's after him, and then bring him down, in a climactic battle above the glittering Los Angeles skyline. Review: Wow, this is really lousy. It's written at least … [Read more...] about Angel: Long Night’s Journey by Brett Matthews and Joss Whedon: C-