From the back cover: As American B-29s mercilessly bombard the city of Kobe, childhood friends Adolf Kaufmann and Adolf Kamil are finally reunited. But their love for the same woman threatens to break the last tenuous thread of friendship between them. While Hitler spends his final days in Berlin, far away in Japan, the fate of the documents revealing the secret of his … [Read more...] about Adolf 5: 1945 and All That Remains by Osamu Tezuka: B+
VIZ
Cheeky Angel 19-20 by Hiroyuki Nishimori: B-
With these two volumes, Cheeky Angel comes to a close. Although it's a bit rushed, the conclusion is ultimately fitting. Warning: spoilers ahead. Earlier in the series, the gang thwarted plans to marry Miki off to a slimy family associate by pretending that she and Genzo are in love. The rejected suitor, eager to solidify ties with Miki's rich family, holds a grudge and … [Read more...] about Cheeky Angel 19-20 by Hiroyuki Nishimori: B-
The Gentlemen’s Alliance Cross 11 by Arina Tanemura: C+
When this series was wrapping up in Japan, I heard rumors about how it ended. Word was fans were peeved because, in the end, the heroine does not make a decision between the twin brothers for whom she has feelings. It turns out that this isn’t true, though author’s notes from Tanemura indicate that her original intention was for Haine to marry both boys and not just one. And … [Read more...] about The Gentlemen’s Alliance Cross 11 by Arina Tanemura: C+
Library Wars: Love & War 1 by Hiro Arikawa and Kiiro Yumi: B
At some point in the near future, the national government of Japan passes the Media Betterment Act, which “seeks to exercise censorship over all media, including restricting offensive books.” Libraries are the only institutions able to oppose them, and so local governments build up armed forces to defend their libraries, which continue to preserve banned works in their … [Read more...] about Library Wars: Love & War 1 by Hiro Arikawa and Kiiro Yumi: B
Fullmetal Alchemist 1-2 by Hiromu Arakawa: B+
I've been hoarding volumes of Fullmetal Alchemist for several years. Having heard it praised for its impressive storytelling, I decided to wait until it was nearer to being finished in Japan before starting it, with the idea that I might be spared some of the long waits between volumes that other fans have endured. But now, word is that the end is nigh, and with MJ recommending … [Read more...] about Fullmetal Alchemist 1-2 by Hiromu Arakawa: B+