Manga Review: Given, Volume 3, by Natsuki Kizu

Rating (Out of 5): ~4

Publisher: SuBLime (VIZ Media)

Release Date: August 2020

Volumes: 6+

Spoilers?: No.

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

Volume: 1. 2. 4.

Goodreads Synopsis:

Love of music unites the four members of the band Given: hotheaded guitarist Uenoyama, playboy drummer Akihiko, gentle bassist Haruki, and Mafuyu, a singer gifted with great talent and burdened by past tragedy. Their struggles and conflicts may drive them apart, but their bond to the music—and to one another—always brings them back together again.

Uenoyama realizes he’s in love with Mafuyu and steals a kiss from him backstage at their first live performance. But now he’s even more confused—he hasn’t shared his feelings with Mafuyu and has no idea how Mafuyu feels about him. In contrast to their naive romance, Haruki has been harboring a secret desire for bandmate Akihiko, who’s already entangled in an intense, conflicted relationship with someone else.

Review:

 

Now that their first concert is over with, they get to deal with the aftermath. Uenoyama gets to recover from his confession and then how to proceed with his feelings for Mafuyu. This actually comes in the form of a surprise for him, since Mafuyu is so honest about his feelings.

I think it's cute how they consider the other bandmates' feelings, but that's all rather easily handled. It was pretty obvious to everyone where that was heading.

We finally get some real backstory for Haruki regarding his feelings, and then Akihiko with his roommate. I was actually a little surprised with the ending of the volume, though I really shouldn't have been. It makes sense.

It's a little sad, but it makes sense.

I'm interested to see where the side characters' stories are going from here, but I'm still 100% in this for Mafuyu. He's the sweetest, best boy, and I seriously just love him so much.

Manga Review: Karneval, Volume 10, by Touya Mikanagi

Rating (Out of 5): ~3.5

Publisher: Yen Press

Release Date: May 2020

Volumes: 26+

Spoilers?: No.

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

Volume: 1. 2. 11.

Goodreads Synopsis:

Yogi reclaims control over his body and returns to Circus's ship, along with his long-lost sister Mieux-Marie, but many difficult choices await the two of them. And Karoku's memories of the time he and his mother spent in the Rainbow Forest after fleeing their hometown of Karasuna provide insight into Nai's origins...

Review:

 

I stopped following this series a while back, but it's still one that I enjoyed. The artwork is seriously so pretty, and I love the color pages at the beginning. The artwork is gorgeous, in a cute and intricate and colorful way.

While some of this volume concludes what's appears to be happening with Yogi and Manai, there's also a lot of backstory. We get to see some depth to Yogi's characters, with his sister Manai. I think that's a cute story, with a relatively nice ending.

Aside from that, we get a surprising history with Nai and Karoku. I wasn't sure who Karoku was at first, and it definitely seems like he's up to something bad. But the backstory for him and Nai makes me think differently of him. I'm still not sure what he's up to in the present, but in the past, there's a lot of good intentions and painful losses. It also makes me even more intrigued in Nai, who's a sweetie all on his own.

I still think I would like to catch up with this series at some point. The artwork, as I said, is gorgeous. But I also really like the characters. They're a lot of fun, and I would like to get to know them better.

 

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

Manga Review: Ao Haru Ride, Volume 13, by Io Sakisaka

Rating (Out of 5): ~4

Publisher: Shojo Beat (VIZ Media)

Release Date: October 2020

Volumes: 13.

Spoilers?: No.

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

Volume: 1. 12.

 

Goodreads Synopsis:

 

Futaba Yoshioka has encountered her first love again in high school, but he seems different from the boy she once knew. The hearts of Futaba and Kou have aligned, but are more of their friends pairing off? The journey of youth concludes.

 

Review:

 

The final volume, so we get to see everything conclude. Futaba and Kou are finally an actual couple, so they get to settle into that sweetness together. There's some unsureness between them, but they get to sort that out rather nicely. There are several really sweet scenes between them in this final volume.

We also get to see Murao and Kominato settle things between them. They're kind of the opposite couple to Futaba and Kou, but I like them, too. Murao was a really good side character.

We get a surprise conclusion with Kou's older brother, and then we also get a side story for Strobe Edge that I wasn't expecting. It's been so long since I read that one, though, that I might need to re-read it at some point.

This was a really good end to this series, and I'm really happy with how it all wrapped up. Now I'm looking forward to getting more into Love Me, Love Me Not.

Manga Review: Waiting for Spring, Volume 13, by Anashin

Rating (Out of 5): ~4

Publisher: Kodansha Comics

Release Date: September 2020

Volumes: 14.

Spoilers?: No.

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

Volume: 1. 12. 14.

 

Goodreads Synopsis:

 

Towa and Mitsuki are finally a couple, but Mitsuki feels like she needs to step up her game to make his heart race. She goes to the ever-composed Kyōsuke for help, and he suggests a surprise birthday party for Towa. However, when she brings her boyfriend to the party venue, she finds an even bigger surprise waiting for them both!

 

Review:

 

Now that our main couple is finally together, we're getting to see them settle into a relationship together. Taking some steps toward being closer, and particularly we see how far Mitsuki has grown, as she gets to make a speech for the new class.

A good part of this volume also shows Ryuji officially making his feelings known to Nana, and her response. The initial response was a surprise, but I'm really happy with how it concludes. I had high hopes for them as a couple, and I want to be optimistic for how it'll go.

I definitely thought this was the final volume, but it looks like we're getting one more to conclude everything. I'm happy to see where the group ends up as the series ends.

Manga Review: Given, Volume 2, by Natsuki Kizu

Rating (Out of 5): ~4

Publisher: SuBLime (VIZ Media)

Release Date: May 2020

Volumes: 6+

Spoilers?: No.

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

Volume: 1. 3.

 

Goodreads Synopsis:

 

Love of music unites the four members of the band Given: hotheaded guitarist Uenoyama, playboy drummer Akihiko, gentle bassist Haruki, and Mafuyu, a singer gifted with great talent and burdened by past tragedy. Their struggles and conflicts may drive them apart, but their bond to the music—and to each other—always brings them back together again.

As the band races toward their first live concert, Mafuyu struggles to write lyrics for their new song but can’t find the words to express the emotions burning within him. Meanwhile, Uenoyama hears rumors about Mafuyu’s past and is bewildered by his own feelings. The tension builds until the night of the show, when the band explodes into a raging, life-changing performance.

 

Review:

This volume reaches the penultimate moment in the anime—the concert.

The pacing is a little different in the manga versus the anime, so we're introduced to the two band mates slower, only given some insight into Kaji and his roommate in this volume. But we've also been getting more information regarding Mafuyu's past in this version. So while we're anxiously waiting to see the performance, we have some ideas.

I will admit that the anime hits hard, particularly because you get to hear the music and Mafuyu's voice. It's a little unclear how much of this he's planned ahead of time, but it's obvious where the song is coming from. It's also clear that Mafuyu finally feels like he can express what he's been feeling, and can try to move forward.

Mafuyu's struggle here is intense, and it's heartbreaking.

And then there's where the volume ends, which is adorable. Uenoyama realizes just how important of a moment that was for Mafuyu, though not quite what an impact he's made.

I'm pretty sure the next volume will go further than the manga did, and I am extremely excited to read more. I am utterly in love with this series at this point.

Manga Review: Snow White with the Red Hair, Volume 7, by Sorata Akiduki

Rating (Out of 5): ~4

Publisher: Shojo Beat (VIZ Media)

Release Date: May 2020

Volumes: 22.

Spoilers?: No.

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

Volume: 1. 6. 8.

 

Goodreads Synopsis:

 

Shirayuki is an herbalist famous for her naturally bright-red hair, and the prince of Tanbarun wants her all to himself! The prince from the neighboring kingdom, Zen, rescues her from her plight, and thus begins their love story.

Finally rid of the Claw of the Sea, Shirayuki and company return to Clarines—just in time for Palace Exhibition Day, the one day the palace is open to the public. But as Zen, bedecked in fancy garb, performs his princely duties, Shirayuki realizes how wide the gap between them truly is.

 

Review:

 

Now that all the chaos of being kidnapped and then kidnapped from the kidnapping has concluded, things finally start to calm down for the group. Shirayuki gets a surprise reunion, which is actually really sweet. And then they get to go back home, back to their somewhat normal routine.

Shirayuki has gathered a nice group of friends now, including pirates and prince Raj. And, of course, she always has Zen there for her.

There's some nice easy chapters for most of this volume. They finally get to have the banquet, and they get to go home. Shirayuki is reminded, though, that Zen is a real prince, and that's a much higher status than her, and yet she wants to stay by his side. They get to have a conversation about their relationship regarding that, and unsurprisingly, it's all very sweet and mature. Because this couple definitely has that mature, pushing each other to be better and loving each other for it, kind of relationship. It's really nice to see that growing, too.

Manga Review: Sweat and Soap, Volume 2, by Kintetsu Yamada

Rating (Out of 5): ~4

Publisher: Kodansha Comics

Release Date: April 2020

Volumes: 8+

Spoilers?: No.

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

Volume: 1. 3.

 

Goodreads Synopsis:

 

In an office romance, there's a fine line between sexy and awkward... and that line is where Asako -- a woman who sweats copiusly -- met Koutarou -- a perfume developer who can't get enough of Asako's, er, scent. Don't miss a romcom manga like no other!

Asako's living her dream, working at the toiletry maker Lilia Drop. Little do her coworkers know, the reason she loves the company so much is that she's ashamed of her body odor, and their soap is the only thing that does the trick. So when the company's lead product developer, a perfuming genius, approaches her in the lobby and wonders what "that smell" is, she's terrified... but could it be... that he likes it? And, even more surprising to Asako... does she like him?

The hilarious ups and downs of an office romance at a personal care products company are the subject of this sexy, strange romp. Sweat and Soap combines the odd-couple chemistry of Wotakoi, the "too real!" workplace comedy of Aggretsuko, and a heavy dollop of office steaminess!

 

Review:

 

Asako is faced with a potential rival, and she has to decide whether she's willing to fight for herself here or not. She's always been a rather quiet and shy girl, unwilling to put herself out there or defend herself, or even ask for what she wants. But when she realizes just how much she wants Natori, she starts putting herself out there a bit more at a time.

I relate a lot to Asako, and I understand her struggle. Which is why it's also really nice to see her making the effort, putting herself in new situations in order to be closer to Natori.

While they're still keeping their relationship a secret at work, they're still finding time to be together as much as possible. And when Asako visits her family, she decides to share the news. The second half of the volume features Natori meeting Asako's brother, and while it felt very shojo here, it was still handled relatively well. Natori is tested, but he handles it well, and I think it even helps him want to be as good as he can be for Asako.

While there is some drama brewing, I think the themes are being handled rather maturely. And I do love Asako and Natori's relationship and how it's progressing. I'm excited for more.

Manga Review: Jealousy, Volume 1, by Scarlet Beriko

Rating (Out of 5): ~3

Publisher: SuBLime (VIZ Media)

Release Date: July 2020

Volumes: 4+

Spoilers?: No.

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

Volume: 2.

 

Goodreads Synopsis:

 

The prequel to the popular yakuza rom-com Fourth Generation Head: Tatsuyuki Oyamato!

A yakuza head finds himself ensnared in the unwavering attentions of a sometimes impetuous but always cunning schemer. If being yakuza doesn’t get him killed, his new lover just might!

Uichi Rogi is in a bind, both literally and figuratively, when he meets Akitora Oyamato, the yakuza head who’s come to collect a debt from Uichi’s lover. Instantly smitten, Uichi schemes dubious and often dangerous ways of getting closer to the man, but his lies come at a heavy price—one he may regret having to pay for Akitora’s affections.

 

Review:

 

This is a spin-off of the one-shot Fourth Generation Head, featuring the stoic bodyguard of the yakuza with his little daughter.

I will say I'm intrigued by these two characters, and I find his daughter to be quite smart and cute. But most of this volume centers on Uichi and his past, what led to him being where he is today. Once upon a time, he was a young man, who had a hard time really connecting with people and feeling emotions, and he grasped onto the yakuza head at the time. He does several questionable things in order to get closer to him, leading him to very odd and sticky situations.

Uichi's obsession with the yakuza head is definitely dangerous and unhealthy. I'm curious where it's going, but I'm also very wary. Mostly, though, I would like to know more about his present situation, and I'm not sure when we'll get that.

Same as with the previous story, though, I tend to like the characters and relationships, more than the main, yakuza plot line.

Manga Review: Ao Haru Ride, Volume 12, by Io Sakisaka

Rating (Out of 5): ~4

Publisher: Shojo Beat (VIZ Media)

Release Date: August 2020

Volumes: 13.

Spoilers?: No.

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

Volume: 1. 11. 13.

 

Goodreads Synopsis:

 

Futaba Yoshioka has encountered her first love again in high school, but he seems different from the boy she once knew. Kou no longer wants to hold back how he feels about Futaba. He’s determined to keep trying as long as he has even a sliver of a chance with her. Meanwhile, Futaba has decided to be more honest in her relationship with Toma, but is her heart still in it?

 

Review:

 

I definitely thought that this triangle was going to take longer to resolve than this.

In the first part of the volume, Kou finally gets to find some closure with Narumi. She was avoiding it, but he definitely wanted it to help them both move on. And given how honest each of the characters tends to be with themselves and then each other, I suppose it's not surprising how quickly it moves from there.

There's a bit of a surprising, and dramatic, event afterward, but it all ends rather heartwarming and sweet. It's sad for some of the characters, but they all take it rather well. I think it affects everyone in a certain, but good, way.

The next volume is the last, but I think it'll mostly be fluff, and tying up the rest of the loose ends. This volume had a really nice conclusion for the main couple, so far.

Manga Review: Secret XXX by Meguru Hinohara

Rating (Out of 5): ~4

Publisher: SuBLime (VIZ Media)

Release Date: April 2020

Volumes: 1.

Spoilers?: No.

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

Goodreads Synopsis:

 

Shohei’s just trying to find love in a pet shop, so why are all these bunnies making it so difficult?

Shohei loves bunnies! He loves them so much he’s even taken to volunteering at a local pet shop. Store owner Mito is as sweet and kind as the fuzzy critters he cares for, and it’s not long before Shohei finds himself wanting to cuddle with him as much as the bunnies! But Shohei is hiding a dangerous secret, one that makes this dream an unlikely reality.

 

Review:

 

Even though Shohei appears to be allergic to bunnies, he's started volunteering at a bunny pet shop, where coincidentally, there's also this really cute guy who runs it. When Shohei accidentally over exposes himself to the bunnies, his secret is revealed, and his real relationship with Mito starts.

This was a really cute one-shot. The full volume is taken up with the main couple, which I appreciate, but we also get to meet the main characters for the spin-off series. Shohei is inexperienced, but he's sweet and has good intentions, and he wants to take care of Mito. Mito is a little older and more mature, but he's also got some surprises for Shohei. In the end, they were kind of like a newlywed couple, including some drama with Shohei's parents. It was all really cute, though, with some very hot steamy scenes, as well.

I'm definitely going to pick up the spin-off.