In the late seventeenth century, orphaned Armeria sings with a traveling musical troupe. Luce, the nephew of the wealthy governor at whose estate she is performing, is the first aristocrat to treat her kindly, and when he is subsequently captured by pirates, the young girl resolves to find and rescue him. Eight years later, Armeria has finally found the ship of the pirate … [Read more...] about Wanted by Matsuri Hino: C+
Tsubasa RESERVoir CHRoNiCLE 18 by CLAMP: B+
There be spoilers here. From the back cover: In the world of Infinity, Princess Sakura has become a Chess Master and the other travelers are her pieces. But the Mafia is running the game, and they don't care if Sakura's opponents break the rules or murder Sakura's companions! Why is Sakura so determined to risk everything? Review: Although many an awesome thing transpired … [Read more...] about Tsubasa RESERVoir CHRoNiCLE 18 by CLAMP: B+
Bleach 24 by Tite Kubo: B-
From the back cover: Ichigo and the Soul Reapers wage a furious battle against the Arrancars who are attacking Karakura Town. But this enemy is unlike anything they have ever fought before, and these aren't even the strongest of the Arrancars! If Ichigo and his friends can barely face them, how can they hope to fight off the elite Arrancar warriors, the dreaded … [Read more...] about Bleach 24 by Tite Kubo: B-
Short Program by Mitsuru Adachi: A-
From the back cover: The comic-book short story is one of the most difficult areas of storytelling, but Adachi handles the challenge with deceptive ease. His low-key approach belies the power of the emotions his characters portray. The resolution of Adachi's stories are logical, dramatic, true-to-life, and completely unpredictable. Span the range of human relationships in … [Read more...] about Short Program by Mitsuru Adachi: A-
Nausicaä of the Valley of Wind 2 by Hayao Miyazaki: A+
From the back cover: Humanity, in its hubris, has precipitated a devastating environmental disaster. Armed with clumsy flying gunships, Princess Nausicaä and her allies battle over the last of the world's precious natural resources. Yet this is no war saga, but rather the story of the coming-of-age of a pacifist. As her troops advance, the gentle princess mourns both her own … [Read more...] about Nausicaä of the Valley of Wind 2 by Hayao Miyazaki: A+