The Kuze family used to be rich, with a retinue of servants ready to cater to their every whim. The daughter of the family, Choko, grew up experiencing the tender care of the chauffeur’s son, whom she called Cha-chan. Alas, after her father’s investments all tanked in an economic downturn, the family was forced to dismiss their household staff and open a soba … [Read more...] about Butterflies, Flowers 1 by Yuki Yoshihara: B+
Honey and Clover 8 by Chica Umino: A
After an excellent seventh volume focusing primarily on Takemoto and his journey of self-discovery, Chica Umino replicates the feat with another fantastic installment, this one centering on Yamada and the choice she faces: continue to torture herself by working alongside the long-time object of her affections, Mayama, and the woman he loves or accept the chance to move on … [Read more...] about Honey and Clover 8 by Chica Umino: A
Our Favorite Manga of 2009
Over at Manga Recon, we've posted the annual Our Favorite Manga of 2009 roundup. In addition to standard categories like "Best New Series" or "Best Continuing Series," we also discuss guilty pleasures, biggest disappointments, and the worst manga of the year. Unsurprisingly, the excellent Pluto: Urasawa x Tezuka walks away with the most kudos, but there are some surprises, as … [Read more...] about Our Favorite Manga of 2009
Kaze Hikaru 6-8 by Taeko Watanabe: A-
Even though I've enjoyed the earlier volumes of Kaze Hikaru, it is these three volumes—which expertly combine romance, humor, character development, and historical events (with exciting bits of foreshadowing)—that have secured my undying love for the series. We begin in the summer of 1864. The Shinsengumi is waiting for the Bakufu government to take a stand regarding … [Read more...] about Kaze Hikaru 6-8 by Taeko Watanabe: A-
Matilda by Roald Dahl: A
From the back cover: Matilda is a genius. Before she was three years old she was reading the newspaper. By the age of four, Matilda was reading classics by Jane Austen and Charles Dickens. By the time Matilda becomes a student at Crunchem Hall, she's bored stiff. When Matilda's teacher, Miss Honey, tries to get her moved up a few grades she runs up against the Headmistress, … [Read more...] about Matilda by Roald Dahl: A