Manga Review: Horimiya, Volume 9, by Hero and Daisuke Hagiwara

Rating (Out of 5): ~4

Publisher: Yen Press

Release Date: October 2017

Volumes: 11+

Spoilers?: Light.

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Volume: 1. 8. 10.

Goodreads Synopsis:

The sweet "aww"-inspiring tale of school life continues!!

Winter's here, and with it comes scarves and coats, snow, Christmas...and year-end blues? Love (and heartbreak) is still in the air, but Hori's thoughts turn to the future and what it holds for her and Miyamura. Will Hori's anxiety prove contagious, or will Miyamura be able to put her at ease?

Review:

I just re-read this volume when I started to skim to refresh my memory. It's just too good.

Winter is here, and Christmas is on the way as this volume starts. Hori's family already has the kotatsu out, and it starts quite a bit of hilarity. There are some funny, and some sweet, scenes around it. Aside from that, we get to see Yuki struggling with her natural reaction of stepping aside when she wants Yoshikawa. There's some light drama between that triangle, but it seems to be hinting toward progress for Yuki.

We get some fun regarding Sengoku, both his relationship with Remi, and then for his childhood friendship with Hori. Hori also questions Miyamura's close friendship with the guys, in a lot of hilarity.

And then Christmas arrives in the last chapter, and everyone in Hori's house wants to see Miyamura. Miyramura is everyone's. And then we end on an adorable declaration between the two. It seems like two kids oblivious, impulsive decision, but it also seems like it'll work, to me. I love it, honestly.

I just need more of this series. These volumes need to come faster.

Manga Review: Waiting for Spring, Volume 3, by Anashin

Rating (Out of 5): ~4

Publisher: Kodansha Comics

Release Date: November 2017

Volumes: 8+

Spoilers?: No.

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Volume: 1. 2. 4.

Goodreads Synopsis:

COURTING ON THE COURT Mitsuki overcomes some hiccups in her friendship with Towa, and the two grow even closer! But before Mitsuki can celebrate, her old friend Aya is on the offense, vying for her attention. Mitsuki meets a new rival as well, and every day is as busy as every play. Meanwhile, with the Inter-High prelims just around the corner, Towa and his team must train hard to go up against the prestigious Hōjō High School’s star-player: Aya!

Review:

I don't understand how it's still so early in this series. It feels like I've read way more than three volumes, and I'm already pretty much in love with it. I keep thinking I'm further in the series than this.

I feel like we're really starting to get to know the side characters. The boys are all becoming more unique and interesting, and I enjoy their guy friendship. Reina is still a good girl friend to Mitsuki and adds some fun BL humor. We're getting more of a feel of Aya, though I don't particularly care for him.

Aya is definitely pushing things on between Mitsuki and Asakura. Aya keeps challenging Asakura, as he's clearly his only other competition for Mitsuki. I like how Mitsuki handles it in this volume. She still freaks out a little bit, but she also doesn't let them just compete it out between men, and I appreciated that. How Asakura goes along with it as well is nice. Then later, Mitsuki makes a new girl friend at school, though it's likely there could be more drama there later.

Even though this series is technically still getting started, I'm hooked. The budding romance between Mitsuki and Asakura just gets to me, and I love it already. I can't wait to read the next one.

Manga Review: Takane & Hana, Volume 1, by Yuki Shiwasu

Rating (Out of 5): ~3.5

Publisher: Shojo Beat (VIZ Media)

Release Date: February 6, 2018

Volumes: 10+

Spoilers?: No.

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Volume: 2.

Goodreads Synopsis:

A strong-willed high school girl and a hot, young scion of a business empire can’t help trying to outwit each other every chance they get… But could these opposites be conning themselves out of the perfect match?!

After her older sister refuses to go to an arranged marriage meeting with Takane Saibara, the heir to a vast business fortune, high schooler Hana Nonomura agrees to be her stand-in to save face for the family. But what happens when Hana meets Takane is an unexpected pairing of utter opposites!

The meeting between Takane and Hana ends in an explosive manner, and Hana is convinced that she’ll never have to see that awful Takane again. But Takane actually seems interested in Hana! Exasperated by Takane’s immature attitude, yet amused and intrigued despite herself, Hana embarks on a hilarious journey with Takane that just might lead to love!

Review:

Hana agrees, kind of, to attend a marriage meeting in place of her sister, who refuses to go. It does not go well, and yet Takane starts to pursue Hana afterward.

He's about ten years older than her, but it works because he doesn't act it. Hana is rather straightforward and enjoys pushing and teasing Takane. In return, while Takane is cocky and rich and pampered, he's also easily embarrassed and doesn't really know how to handle a girl. I think they balance each other out because of it, and I enjoy the twist in their personalities from the norm.

I was a bit surprised by how fun this volume was. The artwork is pretty, and the characters are a lot of fun. The humor is good, too. This was a very fun first volume, and I'm looking forward to reading the next one.

A review copy was provided by the publisher, VIZ Media, for an honest review. Thank you so, so much!

Manga Review: So Cute It Hurts!!, Volume 15, by Go Ikeyamada

Rating (Out of 5): ~3

Publisher: Shojo Beat (VIZ Media)

Release Date: October 2017

Volumes: 15.

Spoilers?: Yes.

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Volume: 1. 14.

Goodreads Synopsis:

The Kobayashi twins discover that cross-dressing as each other leads to trouble and true love!

The Kobayashi twins, Megumu and Mitsuru, were named after historical figures, but only Megumu has grown up with a taste for history. So when Mitsuru is in danger of losing his weekends to extra history classes, he convinces his sister to swap clothes with him and ace his tests! After all, how hard can it be for them to play each other?

The Tohoku earthquake devastated Sendai and the surrounding region, but life must go on. Time is passing, recovery is ongoing, and Megumu and Mitsuru are building their new lives. But Megumu struggles with the idea that healing from tragedy must mean forgetting. Can she find a way to use her new success as a manga artist to honor all that was lost?

Review:

Mego and Aoi finally get married. And they have kids, and Mitsuru and Azusa get married, and Shino and her boyfriend get married. Mego finally gets to write a book with Shino, and of course it's based on her and Aoi.

I actually don't mind most of this, and it fits the story. I just don't care for these characters. It's all very cheesy and cliché and expected. Blech.

After that, we get to see a little one-shot about a boy band, when one of the members bumps into a casual fan in town. I didn't mind this story, but again, it was very cheesy and over-the-top.

I just don't care for this author, I don't think. The art is okay most of the time, but the humor is not for me, and the romance is way too childish and exaggerated.

This series was just not my kind.

 A review copy was provided by the publisher, VIZ Media, for an honest review. Thank you so, so much!

Manga Review: Haikyu!!, Volume 17, by Haruichi Furudate

Rating (Out of 5): ~4

Publisher: Shonen Jump (VIZ Media)

Release Date: November 2017

Volumes: 30+

Spoilers?: No.

Buy it here: Amazon. Barnes and Noble. Book Depository. RightStuf.

Volume: 1. 16. 18.

Goodreads Synopsis:

Shoyo Hinata is out to prove that in volleyball you don't need to be tall to fly!

Ever since he saw the legendary player known as “the Little Giant” compete at the national volleyball finals, Shoyo Hinata has been aiming to be the best volleyball player ever! Who says you need to be tall to play volleyball when you can jump higher than anyone else?

It’s the final set of the Spring Tournament Qualifier semifinals, and Aoba Johsai has game point! With their backs against the wall yet again, Karasuno digs deep and throws their greatest efforts into one final rally. Will they be able to take the set and overcome the Great King?!

Review:

We finally get to the end of the game with Aoba Johsai. It's intense, it's high-stakes, and then it's over. It's a really good game, for all of them, and then it's on to Shiratorizawa.

In between games, we get a tiny reprieve, mostly where we get to see the third years when they first started. It's neat seeing Sawamura, Sugawara, and Azumane as younger kids, and how they decided to push to get better. We also get one page to see the Nekoma guys. I was surprised by how little of a break we get, though, cause then it's straight into a new game in the next chapter.

We get to see who's shown up to cheer them on, and it's a nice crowd this time. It's sweet, and I do love getting excited with their fans/families.

And then we're right back in, this time with Shiratorizawa. While they've never played against this school before, they've also not put as much thought into it until it was happening. Aoba Johsai had been their main rivals for so long, that now they've had to move beyond that to bigger, actual goals.

And Shiratorizawa is a whole other league. They're really making Karasuno strain and stress and worry. It's obvious that Tsukkishima is letting his pessimism take over, and is already giving in to the loss of at least one set. That's contrasted with his other teammates, though, who will fight until the very end, especially the intensity of Nishinoya in this game.

This was so good, and I was literally grinning while reading it. I can't wait to start the next one.

A review copy was provided by the publisher, VIZ Media, for an honest review. Thank you so, so much!

Manga Review: Kiss Him, Not Me!, Volume 9, by Junko

Rating (Out of 5): ~3.5

Publisher: Kodansha Comics

Release Date: February 2017

Volumes: 14.

Spoilers?: No.

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Volume: 1. 8. 10.

Goodreads Synopsis:

Once again, it's me, Kae! It's so great that the whole group is staying together, and even Shinomiya-kun is opening up more.

These friend are more than I could ask for, but if I had to say what I want for my birthday...I'm sure there's plenty of exclusive anime merch worth wishing for. It looks like the whole gang is fired up to throw the otaku party of my dreams! But the birthday festivities lead to a heartfelt confession from Igarashi-kun, and it's too big to ignore! Things are also spurred on by the arrival of a gorgeous senpai from the boys' past...

...This cool beauty, Kotoha-senpai, has some blunt words for me about dealing with everyone's feelings. Everyone puts their heart into making me feel special, so I can't leave them hanging. But can I figure out how to deal with 3D love?!

Review:

At first, we get some fun episodic chapters. Shinomiya is living alone and being stalked, then afterward, it's Serinuma's birthday and everyone is working hard to find the perfect presents. Of course, Igarashi wins, in my opinion.

Afterward, Igarashi's possible-ex shows up. She's a nice girl, and she gives Serinuma a reality check. It's a much needed reminder for her, but it ends in a battle that doesn't really solve anything. It gives me possible hope that something might be decided soon? But it might be misguided, if that cliffhanger just leads to another harem member.

This series is fun, and I do enjoy it. But, to be honest, I don't love all of the characters, and sometime the focus on certain ones makes me disinterested. I would also like to see a conclusion at some point, which I didn't see coming any time soon--but after checking that it has, I might have to catch up with this series.

Manga Review: Liselotte & The Witch's Forest, Volume 4, by Natsuki Takaya

Rating (Out of 5): ~4

Publisher: Yen Press

Release Date: April 2017

Volumes: 5 (Hiatus)

Spoilers?: No.

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Volume: 1. 3. 5.

Goodreads Synopsis:

Liselotte's house has become even livelier with the additions of the witch Hilde and her familiar, Myrte. But one day, Vergue, a witch who hates all humans, attacks the household to drive Lise and the others away! Why is it so difficult to live a peaceful life?

Review:

We get a few new things here. We get some new information regarding Vergue, who has been bullying the other witch's in the house. Nothing is really resolved here, but I'm curious about where this will lead. He's a bit of a petty jerk, but it seems obvious that he has reasons that will be explored. I really like seeing how good-hearted Liselotte is during this—even though someone's awful to her, she still tries to see the good and convince them otherwise.

Aside from that, we also got a bit of insight into what happened with Liselotte before all this, and what her brother and his people are up to. It's only feeling like hints so far, and I'm curious but wary about it. I like Lise, and I don't want them to be awful to her. I still don't quite understand what they want or why yet, but seeing their confrontation before she was banished was quite emotional. It was powerful, and honestly only made me appreciate Lise more.

I'm really intrigued by this series. It's odd and captures me every time, and I don't really know where it's going, but I want more.

Manga Review: Yona of the Dawn, Volume 9, by Mizuho Kusanagi

Rating (Out of 5): ~4

Publisher: Shojo Beat (VIZ Media)

Release Date: December 2017

Volumes: 25+

Spoilers?: No.

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Volume: 1. 8. 10.

Goodreads Synopsis:

A red-haired princess loses her family and her kingdom… Now she must rise and fight for her throne!

Princess Yona lives an ideal life as the only princess of her kingdom. Doted on by her father, the king, and protected by her faithful guard Hak, she cherishes the time spent with the man she loves, Su-won. But everything changes on her 16th birthday when tragedy strikes her family!

Zeno, the Yellow Dragon, joins Yona’s party, and now the Four Dragons are finally assembled! Yona and her friends head to Yun’s birthplace in the land of the Fire Tribe. The people in the area not only have to deal with famine, but are forced into poverty by heavy taxes. What measures will Yona and her friends take to protect the town from oppressive government officials?

Review:

Finally, some fully new content! Ooh, man, I love it.

The gang is hanging out with Ik-su, and the village that Yun lived in before. We get to see what Yun really did to help everyone there, and the gang of course decides to help him. When some officials come to collect money and start roughing people up, Yona and the group can't help but step in. And thus, the Dark Dragon and the Happy Hungry Bunch, a gang taking control of the village, are created.

Mid-way through the volume, Yona finally makes a break through with Sinha, the Blue Dragon. When she's attacked, he's forced to step in, and she finally sees his powers. It has a big effect on them both, but it's really great to see the Blue Dragon starting to accept himself and his powers, and gaining some self-worth. If I wasn't already committed to Yona and Hak, the Blue Dragon would be winning. Just seeing him makes me infinitely happy, every time.

In the latter half of the volume, we see Yona try to get better with a knife, and the guy that Yona ruined by falling off the cliff shows up. The officials are starting to get suspicious that people are having such a hard time with such a small, weak village.

This series is always great. I love it to pieces, and I would love if they made these releases monthly. I can't get enough.

 A review copy was provided by the publisher, VIZ Media, for an honest review. Thank you so, so much!

Manga Review: Haikyu!!, Volume 16, by Haruichi Furudate

Rating (Out of 5): ~4

Publisher: Shonen Jump (VIZ Media)

Release Date: October 2017

Volumes: 30+

Spoilers?: Some.

Buy it here: Amazon. Barnes and Noble. Book Depository. RightStuf.

Volume: 1. 15. 17.

Goodreads Synopsis:

Shoyo Hinata is out to prove that in volleyball you don't need to be tall to fly!

Ever since he saw the legendary player known as “the Little Giant” compete at the national volleyball finals, Shoyo Hinata has been aiming to be the best volleyball player ever! Who says you need to be tall to play volleyball when you can jump higher than anyone else?

It’s Karasuno versus Aoba Johsai in the Spring Tournament Qualifier semifinals, and Aoba Johsai has the upper hand at the end of the second set. Tadashi Yamaguchi is sent out as a pinch server to throw a wrench in the momentum of the game. Can he get past the painful memory of his past failures and close out the set for Karasuno?!

Review:

This game with Aoba Johsai is a long one. They win the first set, and then give it a really good shot in the second one—they really give Aoba Johsai a run for their money. Which leads into the third and final set, and we're left with yet another cliffhanger.

It doesn't seem like I should have much to say with each volume, and yet I do. So much happens, even if they're only in one game with one other school the entire time.

Yamaguchi finally gets some redemption for his last game, and gets put in to serve. He plays for quite a while, actually, and it's obvious that he's different now. He's not as timid, and he's clearly practiced a lot. I like seeing Yamaguchi pushing himself to be on the same level as the others; he's more of an average guy, and he's surrounded by really good players who keep pushing themselves, and he wants to be one of them. It's obvious that the other players notice, too, and that they're happy pushing each other and cheering each other on.

After Yamaguchi, we get to know Kentaro on the other team a bit more. He's fierce and angry, and competing with Ryunosuke. He lets his anger get the better of him for a while, and we get to see his struggle with wanting to play volleyball and yet not working well in a team.

I just love this series. It always takes me a while to start the next volume, because I know it's going to take me longer to read—but once I start, I just don't want to stop. I love it so much.

A review copy was provided by the publisher, VIZ Media, for an honest review. Thank you so, so much!

Manga Review: Wake Up, Sleeping Beauty, Volume 1, by Megumi Morino

Rating (Out of 5): ~3.5

Publisher: Kodansha Comics

Release Date: December 2017

Volumes: 6.

Spoilers?: No.

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Volume: 2.

Goodreads Synopsis:

This funny and heartrending romantic manga set in modern Tokyo is not the fairy tale you remember! This time, Prince Charming is a teenage janitor, and Sleeping Beauty's curse is a supernatural, gender-bending dream that threatens to pull them both into a deeper and deeper slumber...

THE AWAKENING

High schooler Tetsu Misato is hardworking, frugal, and easily scared, but he commits to a part-time job at the mansion on the hill—the one that’s rumored to be haunted. As he toils away, he notices a building separate from the estate, and the mysterious girl who lives within it: Shizu Karasawa. Tetsu slowly becomes enchanted by Shizu’s lonely smile, but by their second encounter, he quickly finds himself in over his head. There’s an unsettling feeling he can’t quite shake, but there’s love there, too.

Review:

In the first half of this volume, I was a little iffy, and wasn't even sure if I would read more. But by the end of the volume, I was intrigued and wanted the next one.

Tetsu starts working at this mansion where his father works, as a deal instead of going to school. He's doing his best, but he knows the rules about no one going to the house in the back. But then he stumbles upon Shizu on accident, and it starts up an interesting friendship. The Shizu we first see is fun and energetic. But later, Tetsu meets Shizu, and she's a completely different person.

We get some scenes from Shizu's point of view, so we get to see her interacting with the other people inside her. It's a very interesting dynamic, and it's done really well so far. It's a little unclear how it works exactly, but I believe that's intentional. I like the different personalities we've met so far, but it's hinted there's another. And then, when Shizu goes out with Tetsu, something else happens.

Each personality is very different, shown differently, and the atmosphere can completely change. Tetsu struggled with his own feelings on it, and he's not sure how to handle it or whether he wants to deal with it.

I'm so intrigued by this, and I really want to read more and see what happens next.