Back in the late ’90s, Viz dabbled in this weird thing called “shojo manga” and released a few one-shot volumes. A, A’ (A, A Prime), a collection of science fiction stories, was among these, and (lamentably) represents the largest chunk of material from Moto Hagio available in this country. Hagio, along with many other women who were pioneers of shojo manga, was born in 1949. … [Read more...] about A, A’ by Moto Hagio: B+
VIZ
We Were There 2 by Yuki Obata: A-
Nanami Takahashi has fallen in love with her classmate, Yano, and confessed her feelings, but he said he didn’t know whether he liked her or not. They continue on as friends, and have some sweet moments now and then, but Yano remains aloof. It seems like every time they momentarily get closer, he slips away again, occasionally saying mean things to her. Yano is still … [Read more...] about We Were There 2 by Yuki Obata: A-
Otomen 1 by Aya Kanno: B+
High school student Asuka Masamune has a reputation as a cool and stoic guy. He’s ranked number one in the country for kendo, and has black belts in both judo and karate. His name alone inspires fear in the hearts of his would-be opponents. But Asuka has a secret. Beneath this carefully-crafted masculine exterior, he yearns to read shojo manga, make plushies, and fall in love. … [Read more...] about Otomen 1 by Aya Kanno: B+
High School Debut 7 by Kazune Kawahara: A-
This is a pretty episodic volume, but still manages to move things forward for the characters. In the first chapter, Yoh is sick, giving Haruna the opportunity to care for him overzealously. Next, Yoh’s sister Asa is feeling insecure in her relationship with Yoh’s friend, Fumi, since he seems to easily resist her seductive powers. She entertains the notion of cheating on him, … [Read more...] about High School Debut 7 by Kazune Kawahara: A-
Monster 18 by Naoki Urasawa: A
After eighteen action-packed volumes of murders, secret organizations, suppressed memories, and the most exciting book donation ceremony known to man, Naoki Urasawa’s Monster has come to a close. With its multitudes of well-developed characters, unique setting, expressive art, and interwoven plot threads, the tale of Dr. Kenzo Tenma, a gifted surgeon who is out to stop a … [Read more...] about Monster 18 by Naoki Urasawa: A