Although Saiyuki's sequels and prequel ran/run in magazines aimed at a female audience, the original was serialized in GFantasy, which, as MJ pointed out in her Black Butler review, features many shounen series created by and appealing to women. Therefore, while I associate Saiyuki with intense female fandom, it still technically qualifies for inclusion in the Shounen Sundays … [Read more...] about Saiyuki 1-3 by Kazuya Minekura: B
TOKYOPOP
Happy Cafe 3 by Kou Matsuzuki: B
From the back cover: Romance abounds as Uru's life becomes entangled with all the men around her. A visit to the Takamura house by Shindo and Ichiro has Uru's step-dad worried their lack of visible emotions may cause undue anxiety for his lovely daughter. But is that all he has to worry about? Later, a run-in with Uru has Sou Abekawa reevaluating his feelings for her, and … [Read more...] about Happy Cafe 3 by Kou Matsuzuki: B
Neko Ramen 1 by Kenji Sonishi: A-
Book description: Taisho was a former kitten model who ran away from home and had a hard life on the streets until the day he was saved by a kind ramen shop owner who later served as his mentor. Now Taisho takes pride in his noodles... and is easily angered when customers are dissatisfied! So step aside, Soup Nazi—there's a new cat in town! Review: I readily admit that I … [Read more...] about Neko Ramen 1 by Kenji Sonishi: A-
Happy Cafe 2 by Kou Matsuzuki: C+
From the back cover: When two mysterious young men walk into the café to declare war, Uru's passion gets the best of everyone, and they accept the challenge—with one condition: the loser will have to quit the industry for good. However, just before the contest, Shindo sprains his wrist! And when Uru's mother shows up at Bonheur, will she convince Uru to go back home? Café … [Read more...] about Happy Cafe 2 by Kou Matsuzuki: C+
Phantom Dream 5 by Natsuki Takaya: B
In this, the final volume of Phantom Dream, the millennium-long battle between the Gekka and Otoya families comes to a close. Before this can happen, we learn all about the villain’s painful background and what really happened 1000 years ago. Unfortunately, the authorial sidebars spoil one major plot twist (it would’ve been nice if there had been a spoiler warning), but luckily … [Read more...] about Phantom Dream 5 by Natsuki Takaya: B