High school student Asuka Masamune has a reputation as a cool and stoic guy. He’s ranked number one in the country for kendo, and has black belts in both judo and karate. His name alone inspires fear in the hearts of his would-be opponents. But Asuka has a secret. Beneath this carefully-crafted masculine exterior, he yearns to read shojo manga, make plushies, and fall in love. … [Read more...] about Otomen 1 by Aya Kanno: B+
Shojo Beat
High School Debut 7 by Kazune Kawahara: A-
This is a pretty episodic volume, but still manages to move things forward for the characters. In the first chapter, Yoh is sick, giving Haruna the opportunity to care for him overzealously. Next, Yoh’s sister Asa is feeling insecure in her relationship with Yoh’s friend, Fumi, since he seems to easily resist her seductive powers. She entertains the notion of cheating on him, … [Read more...] about High School Debut 7 by Kazune Kawahara: A-
Time Stranger Kyoko 3 by Arina Tanemura: C
From the back cover: Kyoko Suomi is the princess of Earth in the 30th century. She lives among the commoners, unwilling to reveal her true identity and ascend the throne. The king will allow Kyoko to live as she pleases if she can revive her twin sister Ui, who has been trapped in time since birth. Kyoko has found all but one telepath and is near awakening her sister. However, … [Read more...] about Time Stranger Kyoko 3 by Arina Tanemura: C
Gaba Kawa by Rie Takada: B-
Rara is a demon who has come to the mortal world for the first time. She’d told everyone back home that her goal was to drag human souls into darkness, but really she just wants to meet the celebrity demon du jour, Hiroshi Akusawa, and become his girlfriend. When a dashing boy called Aku saves her from falling off a building, she’s convinced she’s met Akusawa. That is, until … [Read more...] about Gaba Kawa by Rie Takada: B-
Blank Slate 2 by Aya Kanno: B
If there’s one thing notorious criminal Zen can’t stand, it’s being controlled. At the end of the first volume, while he and his doctor companion, Hyakka, were liberating Amatan prisoners from a Galay Army facility, he fell into an involuntary trance after which he awoke with no memory of his violent actions. Now, he resolves to find the person responsible, which means finally … [Read more...] about Blank Slate 2 by Aya Kanno: B