In these two volumes, Ash largely leaves the follow-up concerning Banana Fish to reporter Max Lobo and his colleague, Steve, and instead sets his sights on exacting bloody vengeance against Arthur, a former member of Ash's gang who betrayed him. At first, it seems like two major events are going to complicate things for Ash—namely, that he's the prime suspect in the arson at … [Read more...] about Banana Fish 7-8 by Akimi Yoshida: A
When the Heavens Smile by Aki Senoo: B+
Book description: Takagi, a rather cute and innocent guy, is best friends and classmates with Kumoi, a tall, intellectual guy. One day, Takagi is stunned to find a pencil sketch of a man between Kumoi's notebook pages that resembles his older brother... who passed away six years ago! Could Kumoi have possibly known his brother? Review: I'll admit that what initially appealed … [Read more...] about When the Heavens Smile by Aki Senoo: B+
Cakes and Ale by W. Somerset Maugham: A
From the back cover: Lionized by literary society, Edward Driffield is married to his second wife, a woman of iron will, indisputable rectitude and great charm. Her request to Alroy Kear, lightweight novelist, to write a biography of her husband seems both flattering and agreeable. But on delving into Driffield's past Kear revives the spectre of his first wife, Rosie, … [Read more...] about Cakes and Ale by W. Somerset Maugham: A
Bakuman。1 by Tsugumi Ohba and Takeshi Obata: B+
Moritaka Mashiro is bored. For his fourteen years of life he’s merely gone along with the flow, a path which is destined to end with him becoming a normal white-collar worker. He doesn’t want this, but sees no alternative until Akito Takagi, the top student in class, notices Moritaka’s artistic skills and proposes that the two team up to create a manga. Moritaka is resistant at … [Read more...] about Bakuman。1 by Tsugumi Ohba and Takeshi Obata: B+
Yotsuba&! 2-8 by Kiyohiko Azuma: A
The theme of this month's Manga Moveable Feast is a Kids' Table featuring discussion of Yotsuba&! and other kid-friendly manga. Here is my take on the former; be sure to check out this week's Off the Shelf where MJ and I will talk about the latter! My opinions on these seven delightful volumes of Yotsuba&! can be summed up as: "Yep, still awesome!" I really don't have … [Read more...] about Yotsuba&! 2-8 by Kiyohiko Azuma: A