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
Hiro Mashima
Fairy Tail 8-9 by Hiro Mashima: B
The battle between Fairy Tail and rival guild Phantom Lord rages on. Two of Phantom Lord's elite group, Element 4, have been defeated, but Gray must finish off his opponent (Juvia, a lovelorn lady possessed of rain magic) while a wounded Erza summons the strength to achieve a victory of her own. Though they've foiled part of Phantom Lord's plans, however, Lucy still ends up … [Read more...] about Fairy Tail 8-9 by Hiro Mashima: B
Fairy Tail 7 by Hiro Mashima: B+
From the back cover: Fairy Tail's rival guild, Phantom Lord, has taken the competition to dangerous levels by smashing the Fairy Tail building and nearly killing three wizards. What is Fairy Tail's response? A full-frontal assault on Phantom Lord! But this clash is all part of the Phantom Lord's evil plot to capture a coveted prize. Review: Volume seven of Fairy Tail is a lot … [Read more...] about Fairy Tail 7 by Hiro Mashima: B+
Fairy Tail 6 by Hiro Mashima: B
From the back cover: Hotshot Natsu and his cool rival Gray are fighting to stop a calamity demon from being revived by Gray's fellow disciple Lyon and Zalty, a master of lost magic. But while they try to defeat the bad guys, the magical ice binding the demon keeps melting. Then a grudge between Fairy Tail and a rival guild turns to all-out war! Review: In the Author's Note at … [Read more...] about Fairy Tail 6 by Hiro Mashima: B
Fairy Tail 5 by Hiro Mashima: B
From the back cover: Gray's old training companion Reitei Lyon is trying to revive a calamity demon, but doing so will make their former master's sacrifice meaningless! What's the secret of Gray's past, and why does he keep taking off his clothing? Gray is revealed (metaphorically speaking) in this pivotal volume! Review: You know, there are things one sees in Fairy Tail that … [Read more...] about Fairy Tail 5 by Hiro Mashima: B