This is the kind of stuff one just doesn't spoil. From the back cover: Nana's band Blast is taking off in a big way—from sold-out club dates to a record label waving a contract at them. But the Trapnest menace still lurks, stealing away everything she cares for. Trapnest took her boyfriend, and even though Ren is back in her life, his band still comes first. And now her … [Read more...] about NANA 6 by Ai Yazawa: A
Shojo Beat
NANA 5 by Ai Yazawa: A
From the back cover: Nana K. is going home—for an awesome Trapnest concert! She drags Nana O. along, convinced that somehow Ren will sense his ex-flame in the audience. But life is never that easy, and Nana O. isn't sure if she even wants Ren back. As for Nana K., is she prepared for Trapnest to come down off the stage and into her life, or will her fangirl attitude land her … [Read more...] about NANA 5 by Ai Yazawa: A
Time Stranger Kyoko 1 by Arina Tanemura: B-
I'm thrilled to announce that I've been invited to contribute reviews to the Manga Recon section of PopCultureShock. This is my first review for them, and it was originally published here. Carlos Santos from ANN has also written a review of this title, and brings up some points left out of mine, so you may want to check his out, as well. It’s the 30th century and all of the … [Read more...] about Time Stranger Kyoko 1 by Arina Tanemura: B-
I.O.N by Arina Tanemura: B-
From the back cover: Ion Tsuburagi chants the letters of her first name as a charm to bring good luck when she needs it. Then she meets Mikado Hourai, the president of the Psychic Powers Research Society at school, and touches a mysterious substance he's been developing. Now chanting 'I-O-N' gives her telekinetic powers! Review: I don't normally comment on covers, but I.O.N … [Read more...] about I.O.N by Arina Tanemura: B-
Honey and Clover 2 by Chica Umino: A
From the back cover: Love is never easy for our heroes. Takemoto is forced to confront his resentment of his stepfather and his own feelings of being cast adrift, while Mayama and Ayu flounder in their unrequited loves and Morita faces the prospect of being held back another year. Review: Reading Honey and Clover for me is similar to reading Sand Chronicles in that it induces … [Read more...] about Honey and Clover 2 by Chica Umino: A