When last we left off, Ash was attempting to escape from a mental institution where the plan is to make him a Banana Fish test subject. Pages of escapey goodness ensue, and Ash has just gotten outside when he realizes that Max and Ibe have been caught trying to help him and has to go back in to save their troublesome butts (awesomely, the background in one panel during this … [Read more...] about Banana Fish 11-13 by Akimi Yoshida: A-
The Man Who Loved Books Too Much by Allison Hoover Bartlett: B
From the back cover: Unrepentant book thief John Charles Gilkey has stolen a fortune in rare books from around the country. Yet unlike most thieves, who steal for profit, Gilkey steals for love—the love of books. Perhaps equally obsessive, though, is Ken Sanders, the self-appointed "bibliodick" driven to catch him. Sanders, a lifelong rare book collector and dealer turned … [Read more...] about The Man Who Loved Books Too Much by Allison Hoover Bartlett: B
Eensy Weensy Monster 1 by Masami Tsuda: B
From the back cover: Nanoha Satsuki, an average, plain-Jane high school student, comfortably spends her time in the shadow of her two beautiful, popular friends. But new guy Hazuki Tokiwa, with his snobbish, arrogant demeanor, has a way of getting under Nanoha's skin, and releasing her inner monster! Is this the beginning of an ugly relationship, or does Hazuki have his own … [Read more...] about Eensy Weensy Monster 1 by Masami Tsuda: B
Let’s Get Visual: Tricks of the Trade
MICHELLE: It's time for another installment of Let's Get Visual, a monthly feature in which Manga Bookshelf's MJ and I work to expand our artistic horizons! This month's column is inspired by a recent TOKYOPOP release, How to Draw Shojo Manga. Instead of simply offering tips on drawing faces, poses, or cute little animals, this book surprised and impressed me by its wealth … [Read more...] about Let’s Get Visual: Tricks of the Trade
You & Me, Etc. by Kyugo: A-
What a pleasant surprise! The stories collected in You & Me, Etc. are all very strong, and my only real complaint is that they're over too quickly! You can find my review here, as part of Manga Bookshelf's monthly BL Bookrack column. Review copy provided by the publisher. … [Read more...] about You & Me, Etc. by Kyugo: A-