Shouko Akira

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

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

Volume six of Monkey High! builds on issues between reserved Haruna and her cheerful boyfriend, Macharu, that began to develop in the previous volume. Macharu, in his optimism, keeps trying to help bring about reconciliation between Haruna and her distant politician father while the mere thought of her family woes is sufficient to ruin any fun Haruna might be having. Macharu’s … [Read more...] about Monkey High! 6 by Shouko Akira: B+

When reserved, intelligent Haruna transferred into a new high school, she never expected to fall for the most chipper and scrawny guy in her class. That’s exactly what happened, though, and she and Macharu have now been dating for a year. In this volume, some difficulties arise in the lead characters’ relationship. It’s not as if they fight in dramatic fashion, but because … [Read more...] about Monkey High! 5 by Shouko Akira: B+

From the back cover: Macharu's best friend Atsu is really starting to fall for Haruna, especially since she's been working at the same place he works and they've been spending more and more time together. With a jealous Macharu waiting and a persistent Atsu pursuing, who is Haruna going to choose in this bizarre love triangle? Review: I think I'm just gonna have to resign … [Read more...] about Monkey High! 4 by Shouko Akira: B+