Ai Yazawa

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Lenni Reviews: “Last Quarter” Vol. 2, by Ai Yazawa

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*This book was given to me in exchange for an honest review.

The kids have found the ghost’s identity, Eve, who is in a coma at a hospital. But the spirit doesn’t want to return to her body. As the kids try to find out more, it’s clear Eve’s memories are not reliable.

All of this is getting more complicated and it doesn’t feel overly contrived; it’s just really sad. It’s all very different from Yazawa’s other works but it’s a beautiful love story. Things seem to be wrapped up for me but I see there’s three volumes. I wonder what will come next. 5 out of 5.

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Lenni Reviews: “Neighborhood Story” Vol. 3, by Ai Yazawa

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*This book was given to me in exchange for an honest review.

Mikako and her friends heat for Mariko’s family villa for the summer but Mariko’s first love, Shu, happens to be staying next door, causing conflict with her current boyfriend, Yuske. When they return to Yaza Arts, the upcoming school festival gives the chance for the students to show off their work.

Maybe I wasn’t in the right headspace when I read this but, (SPOILER) after Mikako flipped out on Tsutomu because he was so jealous of her new assistant, Seiji, I was checked out. He had every right to be more upset with her than he was, even if his jealousy was unfounded. Yes, she is hardworking, talented, and has big dreams; but the way she put him down stuck with me and I wasn’t rooting for their relationship so much anymore. 3 out of 5.

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Lenni Reviews: “Last Quarter” Vol. 1, by Ai Yazawa

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*This book was given to me in exchange for an honest review.

After running away from home at 17, Mizuki has a terrible accident. The same day, little Hotaru also suffers an accident. After she recovers, she meets Mizuki again looking for her cat and Hotaru decides to make friends with Mizuki. But Hotaru is the only one who can see Mizuki.

This is a different story than I’m used to from Yazawa. Spoiler (?) alert but this is a ghost romance lost love sort of story. While I wanted a great ending for Mizuki, the guy she ran away for – Adam – was a dick and a creep because Mizuki was 16-17 when she wanted to be with him and as far as I am aware, he is a full ass adult. My version of a happy ending would be for her to put Adam behind her and find someone who doesn’t decide to randomly choke you. Hotaru and her classmates are cute though; going on their mission to help Mizuki. Their earnestness is endearing and refreshing. 3 out of 5.

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Lenni Reviews: “Neighborhood Story” Vol. 2, by Ai Yazawa

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*This book was given to me in exchange for an honest review.

Mikako is working with her friends to get their club going but Tsutomu brings in a new girl, Ayumi, and Mikako lets her jealousy get the better of her.

I’m on the fence about how quickly Mikako and Tsutomu worked things out. Was it too easy or am I glad the back and forth wasn’t needlessly drawn out with a bunch of contrivances to keep up the angst? Either way, it’s resolved so the rest of the volume is prepping for the flea market and some conflict with Mikako’s father making it a very dramatic volume. 3.9 out of 5.

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Lenni Reviews: “Neighborhood Story” Vol. 1, by Ai Yazawa

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*This book was given to me in exchange for an honest review.

Mikako is an aspiring designer attending Yazawa Arts Academy and her childhood friend Tsumomu is attending the same school. Tsumomu happens to resemble a famous rock star and ends up being very popular, even getting a girlfriend; forcing Mikako to consider if her feelings for him are more than friendship.

While our main pair and the surrounding group are dynamic and interesting; for some reason I thought more of this would be about fashion and design. This manga is all about the drama and feelings and the forming relationships. I can’t blame the story for my assumptions so, as this is, it’s a breezy little school romance. Mikako is a high-energy character and the art style really allows for her highs and lows to be expressed beautifully. The story may not have fashion as the focus but the outfits the characters wear are fantastic. Very creatively done. 3.9 out of 5.

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