Black Cat is the story of Train Heartnet, who used to work as an assassin for a powerful organization called Chronos. After an encounter with a female bounty hunter (a.k.a. sweeper) named Saya (whom we only glimpse near the end of volume two), his outlook changed and he gave up that life. Now it’s two years later and Train has become a sweeper himself, collecting bounties on … [Read more...] about Black Cat 1-2 by Kentaro Yabuki: B+
Comics
Monkey High! 6 by Shouko Akira: B+
Volume six of Monkey High! builds on issues between reserved Haruna and her cheerful boyfriend, Macharu, that began to develop in the previous volume. Macharu, in his optimism, keeps trying to help bring about reconciliation between Haruna and her distant politician father while the mere thought of her family woes is sufficient to ruin any fun Haruna might be having. Macharu’s … [Read more...] about Monkey High! 6 by Shouko Akira: B+
ChocoMimi, Vol. 1 by Konami Sonoda: C
Choco and Mimi are in the eighth grade and they are best friends, despite the fact that Choco is serious, mature, and tolerable and Mimi is spoiled, ridiculous, and irksome. The cast also includes their stern teacher, Mr. Take; Ando and Mumu, a couple of boys in their class; and several pets, who are easily the best thing about ChocoMimi. There’s not much story to this manga, … [Read more...] about ChocoMimi, Vol. 1 by Konami Sonoda: C
Kurohime 12 by Masanori • Ookamigumi • Katakura: C+
Kurohime is a witch-gunslinger, which essentially means that she can shoot magic out of a gun to heal injuries, beef up her own physical defenses, or conjure “witch-beasts” to fight opponents. As the volume begins, she is fighting the Kurohime Punishment Squad, a band of scantily-clad women with a grudge against her. A common enemy forces the women to work together and the … [Read more...] about Kurohime 12 by Masanori • Ookamigumi • Katakura: C+
Brilliant Blue 1 by Saemi Yorita: B+
Shouzo Mita had no intention of going home to the rural town where he grew up, but when his father is hospitalized with a back injury, he returns to temporarily helm the family construction business and “fix things” with his family. Shouzo’s stay is extended when his father manages to reinjure himself, and he gradually relinquishes ties to his life in Tokyo while renewing some … [Read more...] about Brilliant Blue 1 by Saemi Yorita: B+