Tag: Kodansha

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: Beauty and the Beast of Paradise Lost, Vol. 1

Series: Beauty and the Beast of Paradise Lost, Vol. 1
Author/Artist: Kaori Yuki
Publisher: Kodansha Comics
Released: August 17, 2021
Received: NetGalley

Summary:

Some versions of Beauty and the Beast show a darker side of humanity. This is one such story. Belle has spent most of her life hidden away by her father, who blames her violet hair as reason enough to keep her away from the rest of society. But it has always felt like there was a darker reason for her isolation.

Meanwhile, there’s a beast in the woods that kidnaps beautiful women. It kills others. Belle’s mother was one of the latter victims, and with the beast once again wandering near the borders of her town, Belle is determined to get to the truth of what happened.

ARE YOU BEAUTIFUL?

Review:

I went into Beauty and the Beast of Paradise Lost, Vol. 1, with fairly high expectations. I adore Beauty and the Beast retellings, so it doesn’t take much to get me excited for a new one! Overall, I would have to say that this is a pretty solid retelling, though probably not my favorite.

Unsurprisingly, this manga starts off pretty dark. We have a monster kidnapping and killing young women, and Belle is somehow in the center of it. This kicks off some sort of dark mystery, and I still don’t have all the answers to what is happening. I’m sure further volumes will provide answers, and I’m looking forward to finding out!

Highlights:

  • Beauty and the Beast retelling
  • Horror
  • Fantasy

Trigger Warnings:

  • Violence
  • Death of a parent

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: 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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Manga Monday: Lightning and Romance, Vol. 1

Series: Lightning and Romance
Author/Artist: Rin Mikimoto
Publisher: Kodansha Comics
Released: February 1, 2022
Received: NetGalley

Has anybody else been searching for a sweet new romantic manga to dive into? My latest search brought me to Lightning and Romance, Vol. 1, written and illustrated by Rin Mikimoto (the creator who brought readers Kiss Me at the Stroke of Midnight and Kira-Kun Today).

Like many high-school students, Sumire can’t stop thinking about romance. More specifically, she wants to find herself in the center of a romantic story. Yet she’s never had the chance, and her latest seatmate seems to have made this possibility even less likely if that is possible.

Leo Ninomiya is currently back in high school. A fact that shouldn’t seem all that out of the ordinary, except that he’s twenty years old and rumored to be connected to a criminal organization. The scar doesn’t help.

Um. Hrm. Okay, so we have a budding romance between a high-school teen and a twenty-year-old guy? The age difference isn’t huge, but it is still pretty uncomfortable. I just couldn’t shake that feeling, even though I did try really hard to enjoy Lightning and Romance, Vol. 1.

Part of the problem is that Leo’s arc felt so moody and serious, while Sumire’s story arc felt so light and fluffy, very much following a traditional high-school girl story. The two don’t mesh, so seeing them as romantic partners was challenging.

Perhaps Lightning and Romance, Vol. 1 would have been a bit more enjoyable had half the story not been intentionally obfuscated from the reader’s view. I know it was meant to build drama, but all it did was distance us from the characters.

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: With You and the Rain Vol. 1

Series: With You and the Rain
Author/Artist: Ko Kidaido
Publisher: Kodansha
Released: November 23, 2021
Received: NetGalley

I was immediately drawn to With You and the Rain Vol. 1, as the art style, subject, and title all seemed endearing and cute. You guys know how much of a sucker I am for emotional manga reads!

How does the saying go? “If it looks like a duck, and quacks like a duck, then it’s a duck.” Well, that may be true now and then, but sometimes that duck is a goose. Err… we should probably take a few steps back here.

A woman comes across a strange little creature and decides it is a stray dog that needs rescuing. Despite all signs to the contrary, she continues to believe that this cutie is a dog. What follows is a strange and humorous series of events.

Okay, so the core concept for With You and the Rain Vol. 1 is actually really cute and funny. An oblivious woman owning a pet that is very much not a dog – hilarious, right? And for the most part, it is.

With You and the Rain Vol. 1 is mostly a collection of short stories based on this foundation. There are lots of little vignettes and interactions, none of which are really connected to each other. While entertaining, it made for a rather shallow read. There was so much potential here, and we barely scraped the surface.

I still think With You and the Rain Vol. 1 is worth reading, especially if you enjoy the art style or sense of humor.

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

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