From the back cover: With one of their ace players injured, Nobara and the Crimson Field girls must fight harder than ever. Their challenge is the Newcomers' Tournament, and their performance in this venue will determine just how far the team can go. But Nobara's distracted when she learns that one of her not-so-secret admirers seeks to crush Yushin and destroy the boys' … [Read more...] about Crimson Hero 12 by Mitsuba Takanashi: B
Shojo Beat
Butterflies, Flowers 1 by Yuki Yoshihara: B+
The Kuze family used to be rich, with a retinue of servants ready to cater to their every whim. The daughter of the family, Choko, grew up experiencing the tender care of the chauffeur’s son, whom she called Cha-chan. Alas, after her father’s investments all tanked in an economic downturn, the family was forced to dismiss their household staff and open a soba … [Read more...] about Butterflies, Flowers 1 by Yuki Yoshihara: B+
Honey and Clover 8 by Chica Umino: A
After an excellent seventh volume focusing primarily on Takemoto and his journey of self-discovery, Chica Umino replicates the feat with another fantastic installment, this one centering on Yamada and the choice she faces: continue to torture herself by working alongside the long-time object of her affections, Mayama, and the woman he loves or accept the chance to move on … [Read more...] about Honey and Clover 8 by Chica Umino: A
Kaze Hikaru 6-8 by Taeko Watanabe: A-
Even though I've enjoyed the earlier volumes of Kaze Hikaru, it is these three volumes—which expertly combine romance, humor, character development, and historical events (with exciting bits of foreshadowing)—that have secured my undying love for the series. We begin in the summer of 1864. The Shinsengumi is waiting for the Bakufu government to take a stand regarding … [Read more...] about Kaze Hikaru 6-8 by Taeko Watanabe: A-
Honey and Clover 7 by Chica Umino: A
From the back cover: Takemoto's journey across Japan continues, and though he's sleeping in empty lots and subsisting on convenience store food, he seems to be getting closer to understanding what made him ride away from school and his friends. But with his money running out and his bike on its last legs, will he have to give up on his quest before he finds what he's looking … [Read more...] about Honey and Clover 7 by Chica Umino: A