I reviewed Crimson Snow, a BL short story collection from BLU Manga, for this month's BL Bookrack column. Despite the yakuza connection, the three-part title story is quiet and compelling and well worth the price of admission all on its own. You can find that review here. … [Read more...] about Crimson Snow by Hori Tomoki
BLU Manga
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-
Tidbits: Four by Hinako Takanaga
This installment of Tidbits is devoted to the BL stories of Hinako Takanaga! Today I'm focusing on some shorter works, but look for Little Butterfly and Challengers in future columns. A trio of one-shots is up first—A Capable Man, CROQUIS, and Liberty Liberty!—followed by the second volume of You Will Drown in Love. That series is still ongoing in Japan, where the third volume … [Read more...] about Tidbits: Four by Hinako Takanaga
Let’s Get Visual: Duds
MICHELLE: After a few months of this column, I feel like I'm better able to think critically about the artistic aspect of manga. I expected to be able to better appreciate good art when I see it, but hadn't anticipated that I'd also more readily notice flaws. This month, MJ (of Manga Bookshelf) and I turn our attention to problematic pages or, as I like to call them, "duds." … [Read more...] about Let’s Get Visual: Duds
Scarlet by Hiro Madarame: B+
When I reviewed Madarame's Cute Devil, I mentioned that I wanted to see what she'd achieve with more likable characters. Well, Scarlet provides the answer. The title story is somewhat disturbing, but that makes it interesting, and I really liked the tale of a one night stand between two coworkers. You can find my full review in the latest BL Bookrack column at Manga … [Read more...] about Scarlet by Hiro Madarame: B+