Category: Kodansha Comics

Manga Monday: Falling Drowning Vol. 2

Series: Falling Drowning
Author/Artist: Yuko Inari
Publisher: Kodansha Comics
Released: May 10, 2022
Received: Own

Summary:

Years ago, Honatsu woke up without her memories. All she knows is that her father is gone, and she’s lucky to have her best friend in her life. However, she may now be falling in love with said best friend. She’s not sure. Is this how love feels?

Toma has always been there for her. He keeps her safe, watches her back, and knows all about her history and quirks. Naturally, there’s a complication – Shun, the transfer student. At first, he seemed like just a guy who didn’t like Honatsu, but now something else is happening. Almost like he knows more than he’s letting on…

My Review:

So, I might have let too much time pass before reading Falling Drowning Vol. 2. It took me the whole first chapter to get back into the swing of things. So don’t make my mistake! Or reread volume one before diving in—either works.

That sweet feeling is still very much present in the second volume of this series, but a growing mystery is slowly overtaking it. What happened in Honatsu’s past? Why is everyone so protective (some would say overprotective) of Honatsu? And how do Toma and Shun work into this whole mix?

I enjoyed this volume, but honestly, I wish they had delved into these questions a little more. Instead, there’s lots of teasing and promising. On the bright side, other plots did progress, so I can’t complain too much!

This is the perfect read if you love gentle romances, potential love triangles, and a hint of mystery.

Highlights:

  • Slow burn romance
  • Potential Love Triangle
  • Quest for Answers
  • Friendship
  • Secrets

Trigger Warnings:

  • Memory loss

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Manga Monday: The Transcendent One-Sided Love of Yoshida the Catch, Vol. 2

Series: The Transcendent One-Sided Love of Yoshida the Catch
Writer/Artist: Shizuki Fujisawa
Publisher: Kodansha Comics
Released: June 7, 2022
Received: Own

Summary:

Hibiki Yoshida is what most people would call quite the catch. He’s passionate and caring and pretty determined to make the love of his life as happy as possible. The only catch is that his love has no idea how he feels.

The love in question is none other than Sena Shimakaze, a famous mangaka who desperately needs an assistant (or ten) in her life. That’s where Yoshida comes into play. He makes sure her series gets out on time, keeping her in line and, more importantly – healthy and alive.

Review:

So I enjoyed the first volume of this series and thus went into The Transcendent One-Sided Love of Yoshida the Catch, Vol. 2, with super high expectations. Those hopes were slightly dashed, sadly, as this volume just doesn’t hold up to the first.

I’m not sure if this is one of those things where the charm doesn’t hold up long-term or if it was the direction this volume took. I’m probably going to read the third volume to see how that goes. Maybe it’ll come back around?

I think the biggest problem with this volume is that it didn’t progress any of the core plot points. Sure, it showcased more fun and humorous antics, but that’s about it. Yoshida is no closer to revealing his feelings.

This volume introduced a new plot point right at the very end. I have no idea how that’s going to go. It’ll either enhance the series or destroy it. Only time will tell.

Highlights:

  • Quirky plot
  • Oblivious character is oblivious
  • One-Sided love (duh)
  • Potential Love Triangle

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Manga Monday: The Girl, the Shovel, and the Evil Eye, Vol. 1

Series: The Girl, the Shovel, and the Evil Eye, Vol. 1
Author: Chouchouhassha
Artist: Kayatamaru
Publisher: Kodansha Comics
Released: September 28, 2021
Received: NetGalley

Summary:

Tsuguto Sumihara is one of those people you would label nice but maybe a pushover. Unfortunately, Tsuguto’s demeanor directly resulted in his death, as he unwillingly gave up his bus seat, only for the following crash to kill him (and only him).

That should have been the end, but instead, Tsuguto woke up in a new world. It appears to be a mining camp buried beneath a tower of sorts. At least in this world, he was quick to make a friend – he will need all the help he can get!

Review:

The Girl, the Shovel, and the Evil Eye, Vol. 1 begins like many other Isekai/reincarnation stories – with a sad background followed almost immediately by death. That bit really shouldn’t be much of a surprise to anyone, though it did a good job of quickly setting the tone.

It also made the new world stand out in stark contrast, as it has nothing in common with Tsuguto’s old world. While it isn’t a video game world, it does have those vibes. If that’s something you enjoy, you should check this one out!
This series is perfect if you’re looking for an interesting but casual fantasy read. Oh! I should also mention that the story picks up the farther you get, so I bet the next volume will be even more interesting.

Highlights:

  • Isekai
  • Fantasy World
  • Team-Up

Trigger Warnings:

  • Character Death

Thanks to Kodansha Comics and #NetGalley for making this book available for review. All opinions expressed are my own.

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Manga Monday: My Maid, Miss Kishi, Vol. 1

Series: My Maid, Miss Kishi, Vol. 1
Author/Artist: Kano Kashiwagi
Publisher: Kodansha
Released: July 12, 2022
Received: NetGalley

Summary:

Kiichiro Hayase is extremely wealthy and successful, but he wouldn’t survive a day without his maid, Miss Kishi. The truth is that he is an exceptional klutz, so his maid must follow him around and clean up after him. It’s a perpetual problem.

Recent events have made Kiichiro painfully aware of how much he relies on Miss Kishi. He must do something quickly if he wants to keep her from walking away.

My Review:

When I call Kiichiro Hayase a klutz, I feel that doesn’t fully cover the depth of his situation. He can’t touch anything without finding a way to destroy it. He likewise can’t remember anything, including critical paperwork.

It’s easy to see why he may require a team of people to help him be a successful businessman. Enter Miss Kishi, his maid (the title probably gave that away!). Miss Kishi does everything a maid is expected and then some. She’s more like a personal assistant (with damage control skills) than a maid.

All things said and done, My Maid, Miss Kishi, Vol. 1 is a light and interesting read. I loved seeing Kiichiro realize the value of having Miss Kishi in his life, though he does a horrible job of ensuring her happiness. But hey, a for effort, right?

While I really enjoyed My Maid, Miss Kishi, Vol. 1, I feel it is pretty solidly summed up in one volume. That makes me curious to know how the story would continue. Will it continue with these little individual events, or will it find an overarching way to continue?

Highlights:

  • Cute
  • Chaos/klutz
  • Attempts to appreciate employee
  • Comedy/Romance

Thanks to Kodansha and #NetGalley for making this book available for review. All opinions expressed are my own.

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Manga Monday: My Wonderful World, Vol. 1

Series: My Wonderful World, Vol. 1
Author/Artist: Mizuho Aimoto
Publisher: Kodansha
Released: July 5, 2022
Received: NetGalley

Summary:

Shinobu Asakura has struggled to find a place where he fits. More accurately, he’s struggled to hold down a job. He blames this on his inability to read. When a prospective boss points out that he might be dyslexic, Shinobu realizes that he might have been too harsh on himself.

Having a name for his condition may not magically fix the world for him – but it can empower him to find new ways to navigate the world. He just has to try. Hopefully, he’s found just the person to help guide him.

Review:

Oh wow. I went into My Wonderful World, Vol. 1, not knowing anything about it (I like the occasional surprise, so going in knowing nothing can be fun), and wow! I was blown away. Poor Shinobu. It’s easy to empathize with this protagonist and all of his struggles.

It’s even easier to root for him! I loved seeing that light-bulb moment in his life. While it may seem like a relatively minor moment, it’s perfect for a slice-of-life series. Shinobu is the perfect character for this journey.

Overall, this first volume did a great job of summing up what dyslexia is, alongside what it may feel like to go through such a journey. It’s great to see more representative stories popping up, and I can’t wait to see more!

Highlights:

  • Slice of life
  • Dyslexic main character

Thanks to Kodansha and #NetGalley for making this book available for review. All opinions expressed are my own.

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Review: Hella Chill Monsters, Vol. 1

Series: Hella Chill Monsters, Vol. 1
Author/Artist: Shuji Takeya
Publisher: Kodansha
Released: July 19, 2022
Received: NetGalley

Summary:

We’ve heard hundreds of variations of what the afterlife can bring us. Now it’s time to see a new take on Limbo, aka Limbo City. To some, it’s a perfectly fine way to spend eternity. For others, like Bonzo Scalobania, it can get quite dull.

Bonzo wants to become a famous skeleton detective, which is rather hard in a place where no murders can occur. Not much of anything happens around here, and it’s starting to get to Bonzo. But he’s determined to find a case (and some thrills) no matter what!

Review:

I’ll confess, I picked up Hella Chill Monsters, Vol. 1 because I loved the cover. The colors and characters looked so cute; I couldn’t resist! However, the story inside really does hold up. It’s fun and a bit chaotic but in the best way possible.

Bonzo’s character steals the show, as to be expected. However, several other delightful characters help to flesh out this world (pun not intended, but very much appreciated). Without them, I don’t think the overall message would have been nearly so heartwarming.

If you get the chance to pick up and read Hella Chill Monsters, Vol. 1, I would strongly recommend doing so. It is cute, endearing, and heartwarming, with a side of paranormal chaos. In short, it’s pretty perfect.

Highlights:

  • Chill monsters
  • Humor
  • Paranormal
  • Fantastic character names
  • Undead
  • Heartwarming

Thanks to Kodansha and #NetGalley for making this book available for review. All opinions expressed are my own.

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Manga Monday: She, Her Camera, and Her Seasons, Vol. 1

Series: She, Her Camera, and Her Seasons, Vol. 1
Author/Artist: Tsukiko
Publisher: Kodansha
Released: August 16, 2022
Received: NetGalley

Summary:

We all know how it is in high school, the struggle to find a group of friends you connect with. In her third year, Akari doesn’t really stand out in her school. She’s okay with that, mostly.

But then she bumps into Yuki Sendo, and her world changes. Yuki is standoffish and obsessed with her camera, but the more Akari gets to know her, the more she finds the hidden dept of Yuki. There’s just something about her…

Review:

On the surface, She, Her Camera, and Her Seasons, Vol. 1 is a really sweet series about two teenage girls finding each other and slowly coming to terms with their feelings for one another. As such, there are a lot of light and fluffy moments sprinkled throughout, along with a couple of heavier moments that border on fan service.

Overall, I would say that this is a pretty worthwhile read. It gets a bit annoying when Yuki keeps taking photos without permission – especially when Akari doesn’t call her out on it. There’s one scene in particular that I think should have resulted in a conversation about boundaries, but hey, this is fiction, right?

The secondary plots provided some surprisingly additional drama and depth. These subplots may help carry the story even further in the long run. Only time will tell!

Highlights:

  • Sapphic Romance
  • Seinen Yuri Romance
  • Romance
  • Photography obsessed lead

Trigger Warnings:

  • Photographs without consent
  • Family drama

Thanks to Kodansha and #NetGalley for making this book available for review. All opinions expressed are my own.

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Manga Monday: Boys Run the Riot, Vol. 1

Author/Artist: Keito Gaku
Translator: Leo McDonagh
Publisher: Kodansha Comics
Released: May 25, 2021
Received: NetGalley

Summary:

Ryo has known for most of his life that he’s transgender. However, life can be challenging when you have nobody you can talk to, especially about such an integral part of who you are. This is made all the more challenging by his crush on his best friend.

Really, the only solace Ryo can find in life is dressing up in his favorite clothes. When he finds that the new transfer student enjoys the same clothing as him, he finally finds the connection he’s been desperately searching for.

Review:

Oh wow. Boys Run the Riot, Vol. 1 is an emotional and powerful read. There are many parts of Ryo’s story that people will be able to relate to, regardless of how similar their life is to it all. We’ve all felt isolated and alone.

While it doesn’t take long for us to understand the foundation of this story, it does take a bit longer for everything to kick off. That’s pretty common for character-driven stories and slice-of-life tales, so there are no complaints here! It gives readers plenty of time to learn about Ryo, his crush, and Jin (the transfer student).

This is the perfect series if you’re looking for a slice-of-life story that breaks the mold and portrays a different protagonist. By that, I mean a transgender lead, as you don’t see that too often (which is such a shame).

Highlights:

  • Transgender main characters
  • Slice of Life

Trigger Warnings:

  • Bullying
  • Homomisia
  • Transmisia
  • Misgendering
  • Misogyny

Thanks to Kodansha Comics and #NetGalley for making this book available for review. All opinions expressed are my own.

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Manga Monday: The Witch and the Beast, Vol. 1

Series: The Witch and the Beast, Vol. 1
Author/Artist: Kousuke Satake
Publisher: Kodansha Comics
Released: October 27, 2020
Received: NetGalley

Summary:

The Witch and the Beast, Vol. 1, is a dark story involving two protagonists, Guideau and Ashaf. Guideau has a vendetta against witches – to put it lightly. As you might have guessed, is heavily associated with magic.

Together, these two are about to go hunting witches. Specifically, one witch. She’s taken over a town, and they intend to liberate it.

Review:

As much as I hate to admit it, I struggled to get into this one. I like the concept of The Witch and the Beast, Vol. 1, just fine, at least in theory. In practice, the series lacked anything to immediately grab my attention.

To be clear – it wasn’t bad! It wasn’t the compelling tale I had hoped it would be. On the bright side, the artwork is everything I could have hoped for. However, I did sometimes get lost during fight scenes (that may have been a “me” problem, though).

While I can’t say that I’m fully invested in the story of The Witch and the Beast yet, I could be tempted into reading the second volume. You never know when a series will kick into gear at a later point!

Thanks to Kodansha Comics and #NetGalley for making this book available for review. All opinions expressed are my own.

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Manga Monday: The Iceblade Sorcerer Shall Rule the World, Vol. 1

Series: The Iceblade Sorcerer Shall Rule the World
Author/Artist: Norihito Sasaki
Publisher: Kodansha Comics
Released: November 30, 2022
Received: NetGalley

Time to dive into a new fantasy manga! The Iceblade Sorcerer Shall Rule the World, Vol. 1, is the first in a brand new series created by Norihito Sasaki. This latest series leans heavily into the Shonen/magic world and has a lot of potential.

In a magical world, magical schools must exist; it’s practically a law. Enter The Arnold Academy of Magic, one of (if not the) most prestigious schools in the region. Only the elite are allowed to attend. Or rather, that had been the case until Ray White showed up.

Ray White is an ordinary guy. By all appearances, he’s a klutz that isn’t very good at magic, which begs the question – why on earth is he even attending the Arnold Academy of Magic? Only time (and a fair bit of drama) will tell.

Okay, let me start this review by saying that The Iceblade Sorcerer Shall Rule the World, Vol. 1 was a lot of fun to read. It wasn’t the deepest intro story I’ve ever read, but it is entertaining and approachable.

The series’s introduction is a whirlwind as we meet Ray and his primary friend group, but I didn’t mind the pacing. There are still so many questions that need to be answered, and I’m hoping we’ll dig deeper into that in the next volume.

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