A girl who feels like a failure in most aspects of life but loves ice skating, and a professional ice dancer who turns to coaching when he can't get aA girl who feels like a failure in most aspects of life but loves ice skating, and a professional ice dancer who turns to coaching when he can't get a job, spur each other on to great things.
You can't help but feel for Inori. She struggles in school, and her mom thinks she's a hopeless case (and says so to her face). She soaks up the praise that her new coach Tsukasa pours on her, and he finds himself with a new purpose in bringing out her full potential. They are both really good for each other. I don't know much about ice skating beyond what I picked up watching the Olympics back in the era of Kristi Yamaguchi, Nancy Kerrigan, and Katarina Witt, but if what this book portrays is true, it is intense! You can tell the author either knows skating or did a lot of research, because the book explains how to technically pull off different moves, and we're introduced to the whole system of how ice skaters in Japan are ranked and can move up in their standings, and how competitive it is. It is nice to be able to add another skating story to our shelves. I can only think of 2 others off the top of my head.
Notes on content: Language: About 8 minor swears. Sexual content: None Violence: Some falls during training but nothing serious. (A note at the front of the book says the author broke a leg skating just before the book was released.) Ethnic diversity: All of the characters are Japanese, but are from different regions of Japan. LGBTQ+ content: None specified Other: There's a bit of verbal bullying from kids and parents that Inori receives. The drive to succeed really skews some of the kids' perspectives of others....more
Shirayuki is preparing for the ball the kingdom of Tanbarun is hosting when she is kidnapped. Zen hears of the threat before the event and is on his wShirayuki is preparing for the ball the kingdom of Tanbarun is hosting when she is kidnapped. Zen hears of the threat before the event and is on his way with his guards to trail her soon after the event. But then Shirayuki and one of the kidnappers is kidnapped by another group. Who wants them so badly and why?
Well, that was a lot of twists and turns for one manga. Shirayuki manages to keep her head and even has compassion for her kidnappers when some are injured. That's why everyone loves her. Zen and the guards are the heroes we expect them to be. And the Prince of Tanbarun shows how far he's come in his character growth by how he responds to events.
Notes on content: Language: About 7 minor swears, 1 strong use of profanity, and 3 moderate swears. Sexual content: None Violence: There's 2 battles, but no one is fatally hurt and only minor wounds sustained. Ethnic diversity: Imaginary kingdom with made up cultures. LGBTQ+ content: None specified Other: Some objectifying of people for their looks. ...more
Akko is dieting under the misguided idea that she needs to for the upcoming physical. Jasminka is always eating, so Akko forces her to go on a diet toAkko is dieting under the misguided idea that she needs to for the upcoming physical. Jasminka is always eating, so Akko forces her to go on a diet too...not knowing there's a magical reason Jasminka needs to eat all the time. The other girls are hoping this will teach Akko a lesson. Akko then stumbles into Constanze's secret lab where she is fixing everything everyone gives her to fix...which is a bit much, and Akko tries to help with disastrous results. Beloved author Annabel Crumb is having horrible writer's block so she visits the school to try and get some inspiration. They inspire her alright, but not in the way they hoped to. And then the school enters a broom riding race against another magical school. Their best rider is down with a rare disease that needs a magical cure, so some of the girls are out looking for ingredients to heal her and meanwhile somehow Akko gets into the relay line up even though she can't ride at all.
Half of the time while I was reading this I was going, 'What is going on?' I think the book suffers a little in pacing because it was adapted from an anime and not the other way around as per usual. It took me a while to remember who was who as well. Flipping through it again a week later to try and write a coherent review, it made more sense, but it doesn't say much for the book that you have to read or skim through it 2x to get it to make sense. I also felt like there should have been a stronger message about dieting and body image in the first story; there were mild attempts but it was weak. This is a 2.5 for me.
Notes on content: Language: About 5 minor swears if I remember right. Sexual content: None Violence: There are some magical battles but everyone ends up ok. Ethnic diversity: Takes place in a fantasy world. Most characters appear to have pale skin, but not sure if that's just because it is in black and white? LGBTQ+ content: None Other: Girls worried about amount they are eating and being skinny enough for a physical, and not dieting in healthy ways. There's a mild attempt at saying this isn't wise....more
This volume continues the adventures of the Mandalorian and the child he's been tasked with collecting. Mando has found the child and now has to get oThis volume continues the adventures of the Mandalorian and the child he's been tasked with collecting. Mando has found the child and now has to get off Arvala-7 to get the bounty. But a bunch of Jawas have ransacked his ships and he has to find some special egg in order for them to give him the parts back. And then once he turns in the child he has some serious misgivings about what agents of the Empire are doing to him.
This only brings us up to the equivalent of Episode 3 of Season 1 of the show. And it follows those very closely. So if you have seen the show, you know exactly how this is going to turn out and what they will say, the action is just condensed a little. It does make for a fast read since dialogue is minimal and action is high, that makes the pages fly by. A good way to recap if it has been a while since you've seen the show.
Notes on content: Language: 1 minor swear Sexual content: None Violence: There are a couple battles, it is implied some are killed in the battles (and Mando mentions vaporizing some Jawas) but only the death of a monstrous animal is shown on page. Ethnic diversity: Characters are mostly aliens, the few humans have a variety of skin tones. LGBTQ+ content: None specified Other: A person is being used for live scientific testing against their will....more
The Mandalorian turns in an easy bounty and asks for a more challenging job. He is sent to retrieve a person in hiding on Arvala-7. The payout is largThe Mandalorian turns in an easy bounty and asks for a more challenging job. He is sent to retrieve a person in hiding on Arvala-7. The payout is large and they want the target alive.
This is extremely close to the streaming series. The illustrator just adapted it to manga form, kept the same text, and condensed some of the action. This goes from the intro to Mando recovering the child on Arvala-7, not leaving yet. It was a super quick read as the action is high and dialogue is quick and minimal. This would be a good way to refresh your memory before watching the new season.
Notes on content: Language: None Sexual content: None Violence: There are a couple battles and it is assumed some are killed, but that isn't really shown. Ethnic diversity: Alien species and humans with a variety of skin tones. LGBTQ+ content: None specified Other: The main character is a bounty hunter. It isn't stated what the people he captures have done....more
In this volume, Mari and the Master go to an imagined world where they are jellyfish, then Mari finds an old locket and accidentally releases a somewhIn this volume, Mari and the Master go to an imagined world where they are jellyfish, then Mari finds an old locket and accidentally releases a somewhat malevolent being that was trapped inside, then Capri visits to pick up medicine that's not quite ready yet and plays imaginary adventures with Mari while he waits, Capri then helps Mari get a signature from her favorite author, left by herself for the day Mari does chores with the help of some of the shadows, and finally, the manservant to a wealthy family comes to request the Master to help the daughter of the family with an ailment.
The cleaning story helps show the progress Mari is making in her treatment, while the author story shows how she still struggles with her ailment, and the last story lets Mari use what she's learned to give someone else hope. Many of these were cute, but my favorite were the cleaning and the imaginary adventure (there's some stunning artwork included in that story). This is more lighthearted and hopeful than the last volume so I'll be continuing with the series.
Notes on content: Language: Maybe a couple minor swears, I don't remember any Sexual content: None Violence: None (there are magical threats in one story, but it ends peacefully) Ethnic diversity: Characters appear to be fantasy Europeanish. LGBTQ+ content: None specified Other: Mari's ailment is a mental health magical issue. She has trouble being around strangers and a darkness overwhelming her. The sick girl in the last story cannot go outside because of a condition. ...more
In this collection the penguins are trying to figure out how to sell their trading cards better and raise money for the zoo, which inadvertently stealIn this collection the penguins are trying to figure out how to sell their trading cards better and raise money for the zoo, which inadvertently steals attention away from the pandas so they are extra bored. Masaki decides he wants to be an apprentice coffee roaster and working with tree kangaroo and the squirrels learns all sorts of things about how to make the best coffee. And of course polar bear and friends have pun/rhyming trains of thought episodes.
This collection had the most plot so far of any of the Polar Bear Café books. The sections on the coffee roasting are both entertaining and educational (as a non coffee drinker I learned a lot about what different terms mean and how you get them). The penguins and pandas are fun, and this is just a nice way to while away some time.
Notes on content: Language: About 7 minor swears when the predators show up. Sexual content: None Violence: None Ethnic diversity: Humans are Japanese LGBTQ+ content: None Other: The zoo is struggling financially....more
Mitsumi is adjusting to being at her new school in the big city. She's gotten to see more of Tokyo with her aunt, and she's making more friends. She sMitsumi is adjusting to being at her new school in the big city. She's gotten to see more of Tokyo with her aunt, and she's making more friends. She shadows the student body president to see how she's so efficient and learns to just be herself. She also learns about Shimakun's past as a child star and is recruited by the drama club to ask him if he would join them. Both of them participate in a school sports day, Mitsumi plays volleyball and Shimakun plays basketball. Mitsumi brought snacks for her friends, but after seeing how popular Shimakun is she wonders if she should give him snacks or not.
This is a chill slice of life high school manga. I like how the drama is kept low, the humor is just right, and the problems they face seem realistic, everyday things. It's a relaxing and entertaining read.
Notes on content: Language: I think just 2 minor swears. Sexual content: None Violence: None Ethnic diversity: The characters are from different regions of Japan (some have lived outside of Japan for a time too, which makes them distinct to the others). LGBTQ+ content: The drama club leader cross dresses a little. Other: Overfilling schedules is a temptation....more
A slice of life manga about a tiger and wolf who are unlikely friends and bonded over ramen.
I don't understand the appeal of this manga. Mita Jiro andA slice of life manga about a tiger and wolf who are unlikely friends and bonded over ramen.
I don't understand the appeal of this manga. Mita Jiro and Yanagi Kagetora seem like 2 guys who need to get a life. They go to work, occasionally do things like go to the beach, but their lives revolve around food. It was also confusing about whether Yanagi was the doctor or if that was his brother??? Either way, I didn't like that he's constantly smoking on page (and especially if he is the doctor). They also have friends who go to the beach to ogle women and seem rather shallow. Not my cup of tea. I won't be reading any more in this series.
Notes on content: Language: A handful of minor swears. Sexual content: As mentioned, the guys ogle some female characters in bikinis at the beach. Violence: None Ethnic diversity: Humans are Japanese LGBTQ+ content: There's speculation about whether the tiger and wolf (both male) are a couple or not. Other: Lots of smoking on page....more
A collection of short adventures with various members of the secret society of cats slowly taking over the world and recruiting humans to their side tA collection of short adventures with various members of the secret society of cats slowly taking over the world and recruiting humans to their side through what appears to be normal cute kitty activities. This volume also explores some of Doggoman and his sister's adventures, and the hamsters' society efforts as well.
Anything Pandania puts out promises to be a feel good, cozy, delightfully diverting read. The humorous twist on typical situations with pets never gets old. And the illustrations are adorably cute.
Notes on content: Language: None Sexual content: None Violence: None (unless you're anti-cat toy destruction) Ethnic diversity: People are Japanese. LGBTQ+ content: None specified Other: Cuteness overload....more
Yuna has rid Mileela of their bandit problem, and now it is time to tackle the kraken and get this town back on their feet again.
I love how people keeYuna has rid Mileela of their bandit problem, and now it is time to tackle the kraken and get this town back on their feet again.
I love how people keep trying to tell Yuna 'that's too big a job for you' and then she turns around and hands them a dead kraken in reply. Or just drills a tunnel through a mountain in a day. And she feels a touch guilty because she's half doing it so she can have a steady supply of seafood. ...more
Kikuzato has access to the new running blade attachment for his prosthesis, but he's not very good at using it. In an effort to improve, he agrees to Kikuzato has access to the new running blade attachment for his prosthesis, but he's not very good at using it. In an effort to improve, he agrees to go to track and field club with Usami for some pointers. But will the rest of the club accept him? And when his Mom gets wind of this stranger providing a blade for Kikuzato, will she forbid him from using it?
I like how unique this manga is, focusing not just on high school life, but what high school life would be like for a kid who came to that high school for sports and then suffered a horrible accident. Kikuzato is not just learning to run again, he is figuring out his identity apart from being a soccer star. He pushed some people away after the accident and was a bit lonely, but now he's slowly letting others in again. I look forward to seeing how things develop fro Kikuzato and his friends.
Notes on content: Language: I don't remember any, but there might have been a couple minor swears. Sexual content: None Violence: None Ethnic diversity: All Japanese characters LGBTQ+ content: None specified Other: Kikuzato understandably has some grief over losing his leg and the future he thought was his.
Souichiro and his wife retired to the countryside, fulfilling her dream of a quiet life. But she died soon afterwards. At that time, their cat transfoSouichiro and his wife retired to the countryside, fulfilling her dream of a quiet life. But she died soon afterwards. At that time, their cat transformed into a much larger, mythical, two-tailed cat to better keep Souichiro company. They make food together, venture to new places, and enjoy a slower pace in the country.
This is a quiet little slice of life manga with a touch of fantasy. It's a very calm and relaxing read with everyday little adventures. I like the artwork of the Japanese countryside. There's a lot of focus on the meals they make, so you probably don't want to read this one hungry.
Notes on content: Language: None that I remember Sexual content: None Violence: One death from non-violent causes in flashbacks. Ethnic diversity: People are Japanese LGBTQ+ content: None Other: Some exploration of grief after the death of a loved one. ...more
In this volume, Pen does a fashion show, gets a fancy coffee maker, Pen and Hayakawa and friends stay at a haunted hot spring inn, he teaches one of HIn this volume, Pen does a fashion show, gets a fancy coffee maker, Pen and Hayakawa and friends stay at a haunted hot spring inn, he teaches one of Hayakawa's friends how to do laundry, does some home improvement projects, saves some chicks, visits the aquarium, babysits for a neighbor, goes to the vet, runs down a mountain and back to get money, hangs out with another penguin, fixes a dye job, makes bento and has little side adventures.
This was a cute collection of adventures, though some may find the haunted inn story a bit creepy. I'm sad this is the last volume in this series. :(
Notes on content: Language: Maybe a couple minor swears, but I don't remember any. Sexual content: None Violence: None. Deaths of some relatives in the past of a friend are related. Ethnic diversity: People are Japanese LGBTQ+ content: None specified. Other: Pen can see ghosts at the inn....more
The kids at school are dealing with the aftermath of the kidnapping (mostly fawning over those who were so cool during the crisis), and the 2nd StellaThe kids at school are dealing with the aftermath of the kidnapping (mostly fawning over those who were so cool during the crisis), and the 2nd Stella is going to Anya's head a bit. One of the teachers involved isn't doing well and decides to see Loid for treatment, but is his problem really PTSD from the kidnapping? Handler meets Loid at the park with her dog to give him a message and Anya decides Bond and Handler's dog must compete. Yor hangs out with some coworkers and is concerned that she has nothing to complain about in her marriage. And then Twilight must intercept a double agent who knows about Operation Strix, but has he met his match?
I saved this until after the huge event I was leading at school was done. It was a great read for unwinding except that last story! How can we leave Twilight like that! I loved Anya's line about breakfast at home. It made me laugh.
Notes on content: Language: About 10 minor swears. Sexual content: Nothing beyond talking about husbands and wives kissing. Violence: There's a serious battle in the last story with some people getting pretty beat up. Ethnic diversity: Fake European-ish cultures. LGBTQ+ content: None specified. Other: Yor gets drunk with her coworkers....more
Yuna and the group of friends she has gathered help the orphanage get the bear-themed bakery open. Once that is running smoothly she decides to go expYuna and the group of friends she has gathered help the orphanage get the bear-themed bakery open. Once that is running smoothly she decides to go exploring and see what is on the other side of the mountain range.
I just love how Yuna is nonplussed by people who tell her she can't do something because she's young and then she just quietly keeps going and blows their minds. It's also great to see how all the people she has set up in better conditions are working together now to make the new bakery a success. Heartwarming stuff.
Notes on content: Language: Maybe 1-3 minor swears. I don't remember for sure. Sexual content: Nothing per se. The head of the adventurer's guild in a new town is wearing a rather skimpy outfit. And she meets a group of adventurers she calls a harem (1 guy with a bunch of girls) it isn't clear what their relationship is exactly. Violence: You know Yuna dispatches some bad creatures and has a fist fight with some bad guys, mostly it is blurred or you only see things with xs on their eyes and the aftermath. Ethnic diversity: Yuna is Japanese, the other people appear to be mostly European-ish. LGBTQ+ content: None Other: They have to hire security for the bakery because some people are either unkind to the orphans or too interested (it doesn't get gross or anything)....more
The ongoing adventures of office worker Hinata-kun and his rather unusual but also oh-so-typical cat, Kyuu-chan. In this volume they do things like trThe ongoing adventures of office worker Hinata-kun and his rather unusual but also oh-so-typical cat, Kyuu-chan. In this volume they do things like try to keep cool, find bugs, realize how many friends Kyuu-chan has made in the neighborhood, Kyuu-chan meets a friendly ghost, they celebrate Halloween, and they finally take that trip to the aquarium.
The ghost character provides an explanation for why cats seem to stare at walls and corners for seemingly no reason. It tries to scare Kyuu-chan and Hinata-kun but it is too friendly to succeed, and its suggestions for how Kyuu-chan could be scary for Halloween backfires hilariously. I found it funny that Hinata-kun buys a pumpkin not to make a jack-o-lantern for Halloween, but to make a pumpkin pie (something Americans don't associate with Halloween but Thanksgiving). This was a cute and relaxing read and I look forward to more time with Hinata-kun and Kyuu-chan in the future.
Notes on content: Language: None Sexual content: None Violence: None Ethnic diversity: Characters appear to be Japanese LGBTQ+ content: None Other: There is a ghost character, but as mentioned, he is friendly. At one point the ghost tells Kyuu-chan he should dress up like a devil for Halloween to scare him, but Kyuu-chan totally misunderstands it and ends up super cute looking.
Coco and her 3 fellow apprentices are stuck in an alternate dimension, trapped in a maze with a dragon. The girls have to work out their feelings abouCoco and her 3 fellow apprentices are stuck in an alternate dimension, trapped in a maze with a dragon. The girls have to work out their feelings about Coco joining their group, their own insecurities, and find a way to work together to escape. And once that challenge is overcome, there are more in store for them.
I am quite enjoying this magical apprenticeship group. We get a little bit more background on Agott and it helps you better understand why she is the way she is. We also meet the atelier's 2nd adult who serves in the protector role. A natural disaster brings all of them out to help and the book ends on a bit of a cliffhanger as Coco's magic to help...well, it didn't work like expected. The artwork in this is stunning, a much higher caliber than the average manga.
Notes on content: Language: None Sexual content: None Violence: A flood/cliff collapse threatens some lives as does a dragon, but no serious injuries incurred (or none that magic can't cure). Ethnic diversity: Everyone appears to be of European-ish descent, but it is a fantasy world. LGBTQ+ content: None specified Other: Memory wipe of some people threatened. Agott puts a lot of pressure on herself. There's a magical battle over Coco....more
Inspired by the kindness of a stranger when she was ill on a train once, Saku has vowed to never ignore someone else in need. She is kind to everyone Inspired by the kindness of a stranger when she was ill on a train once, Saku has vowed to never ignore someone else in need. She is kind to everyone and super helpful. And she's always hunting for the stranger who helped her so she can thank him. When she meets a boy at her high school whose older brother has the same name as her helper, she starts following him everywhere in hopes he'll deliver a letter for her to his brother.
This sounds cringier in description than it comes off in the manga. It's sweet, Saku is a lovely person who inspires kindness in others herself, and the end of this volume has a twist. I liked Haruki. He's a good brother (trying to protect him from fawning girls), but also isn't mean to Saku. They are kind of cute together. I liked the background illustrations, the artist does beautiful landscapes.
Notes on content: Language: Maybe 1-2, but I don't remember any. Sexual content: None Violence: None Ethnic diversity: Japanese LGBTQ+ content: None specified Other: Saku is feeling faint on the train and needing help....more
Mitsumi is a country girl from a tiny town where she knew everyone. Now her grades have allowed her to transfer to a prestigious high school in Tokyo Mitsumi is a country girl from a tiny town where she knew everyone. Now her grades have allowed her to transfer to a prestigious high school in Tokyo and she'll be staying with her aunt. She's determined to work hard and do well. But can she fit in? Shimakun is a popular guy who takes things easy. Everyone vies for his attention, but he seems to be interested in the new girl. Could he be interested in Mitsumi or does she just not understand Tokyo culture?
This is a cute slice of life high school story so far. Mitsumi is very likable and through her eyes we also get introduced to some areas of Tokyo. Since she's top of the class all the school clubs are trying to recruit her and it is funny to see her overwhelmed with it all. Shimakun is a bit of a mystery; there are hints he may have been a child star. We also get to know several of their classmates as they form friendships. I'm looking forward to the next volume with this group of teens.
Notes on content: Language: I don't remember any swearing, if there were and I forgot in the last week, it was just a couple minor ones. Sexual content: None Violence: None Ethnic diversity: From different regions of Japan LGBTQ+ content: The drama club leader is a guy who wears high heals to get in character for a female character (it is unclear if he does this often or just for this play). Other: One instance of vomiting on page. ...more
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