Takashi Natsume has been able to see yokai ever since he was little, an oddity that resulted in the boy being shuffled from one relative to the next after the death of his parents. Lately, though, the yokai are getting more insistent, mistaking Natsume for his grandmother, Reiko, and pestering him relentlessly. After an encounter with a yokai residing in a ceramic cat, Natsume … [Read more...] about Natsume’s Book of Friends 1 by Yuki Midorikawa: B+
Shojo Beat
Monkey High! 8 by Shouko Akira: B
Beginning with volume seven, the age rating of Monkey High! was changed from Teen to Older Teen to reflect the leads’ growing interest in consummating their relationship. They finally achieve their goal in the first chapter of this final volume, but thereafter are kept busy with studying for exams and preparing for their final school festival. An irksome last-minute rival … [Read more...] about Monkey High! 8 by Shouko Akira: B
Monkey High! 7 by Shouko Akira: B
From the back cover: Different classes, college preparations, and a disapproving father all make it hard for Macharu and Haruna to be together. So when they win tickets for an overnight stay at a resort, it seems like a great chance for them to take their relationship to the next level... Review: Although I liked this volume of Monkey High! somewhat less than the others, it … [Read more...] about Monkey High! 7 by Shouko Akira: B
High School Debut 13 by Kazune Kawahara: A-
VIZ sent this (the series finale!) over a month early! What a great Christmas present! From the back cover: Yoh faces a difficult choice: should he go to university all the way in Tokyo or stay near Haruna? Haruna wants to support Yoh's decision no matter what, but will her high school romance end with his graduation? Review: Is it considered bad form to write a review … [Read more...] about High School Debut 13 by Kazune Kawahara: A-
Beast Master 1 by Kyousuke Motomi: B+
From the back cover: Leo Aoi looks like a crazy animal with wild eyes—and no one at his new high school will go near him! He does seem to have a special connection with animals, though, which intrigues overzealous animal lover Yuiko Kubozuka. In reality, Leo isn't as frightening as he appears, but Yuiko finds out that he goes berserk whenever he sees blood! Will Yuiko be able … [Read more...] about Beast Master 1 by Kyousuke Motomi: B+