Book Reviews

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Lenni Reviews: “And Then There Were None” Vol. 1, by Aya Nikaido & Agatha Christie

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

In this adaptation of Agatha Christie’s novel, ten people are invited to a secluded island only to fine the offers they were given were a ruse to disguise more sinister intentions.

It’s cool to see Christie’s book in this format. I’ve never been one for mysteries. I always feel dumb if I can’t guess the answer. But I love stories with intrigue and this is great! The art is fairly standard but it works. The designs help make each character unique, has no problem with darker elements of the story, and overall this was just a fun experience. I’ve never read the original book so I can’t attest to whether or not the manga does it justice, but I liked it. 4 out of 5.

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Lenni Reviews: “A Man and His Cat” Vol. 14, by Umi Sakurai

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Kanda is still pushing himself to be more comfortable playing in front of a crowd when his old teacher appears, the legendary Margarethe Dressel. Meanwhile, Fukumaru’s older brother appears as a stray and little Fuku vows to find him.

Margarethe is awesome and her interactions with Kanda are fun and inspiring in her own unique way. I think she’s the first figure from his past that didn’t trigger some sort of anxiety as while she was odd, she was supportive and taught him a lot. Getting things from Fukumaru’s perspective is so adorable and innocent. It really tugs at your heartstrings when he tries to understand crossing the rainbow bridge. And his little plans to find his brother? So cute! While this is very quick since the stories more so fast, it’s just a pure, lovely time. 4.5 out of 5.

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Lenni Reviews: “Hima-Ten!” Vol. 2, by Genki Ono

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

Tenichi is still cleaning for Himari, but as he has a crush on Honoka, he goes on a date with her.

Even though Tenichi is crushing on Honoka, the dating pool is heading into harem territory. I don’t know if I like that as it doesn’t seem to quite fit the tone we’re established, but we shall see. We introduce Kanna, a model Tenichi runs into who happens to be friends with Himari. And when I say model, this HIGH SCHOOLER does sexy pinup work. They could have picked something more appropriate for Kanna like maybe a regular model? Another business owner like Himari? Hell, make her a secret gaming v-tuber or something. It’s a sizable stain on this previously silly, fun series. 3 out of 5.

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Lenni Reviews: “I’m No Angel” Vol. 2, by Ai Yazawa

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

Now that Midori and Akira are dating, elements of Akira’s past come up to cause strain on their relationship.

This series reminds me of how BIG things seemed to be in high school. Since I’m so much older, I’m having trouble relating to this or really enjoying it. I’ve been very honest about how much I enjoy other slice of life media but this? It’s so bland to me… 3 out of 5.

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Lenni Reviews: “Not Your Idol” Vol. 3, by Aoi Makino

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Kamiyama ponders what being an idol means to her while Miku askes Hikaru to guard her after she was assaulted.

Miku is just the worst and I mean that in a couple ways. First, she’s just a manipulative jerk plotting to turn people against Kamiyama because profit? I have no idea. Then the book goes back and forth as to whether or not she’s lying about her assault. And spoilers but I am NOT happy about Miyu’s suicide fake out. Those two things make whatever message this story is trying to say about how women and girls are used and perceived as objects really muddled. Exploring the way exploitation can impact people, victim blaming, and objectification is important but this doesn’t seem focused on that and just wants drama. 3 out of 5.

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Lenni Reviews: “Not Your Idol” Vol. 2, by Aoi Makino

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Karen/Nina has allowed Hikaru to be closer to her, making their classmate, Miku, jealous.

I’m gonna call her Kamiyama for now since going back and forth between Karen and Nina is confusing. Again, trigger warning for more victim blaming and sexual assault. I was pretty spot on in that this comic is about Kamiyama struggling to feel safe again but there’s also the questionable things she was pressured to do when she was an idol. She was absolutely taken advantage of by an industry that would sexualize her EVEN AS A MINOR. Remember, she’s in high school at the time this series begins, meaning she was even younger doing racy pictures before she was attacked and quit. Just gross. And Miku… It bothers me that we’re going back and forth about if her assault happened. It’s so weird. I’m in this more for Kamaiyama’s journey. 4 out of 5.

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Lenni Reviews: “The Tumor in the Clay” by Nick Francis

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

And elderly surgeon living in squalor and despair attempts to perform a procedure on himself. What follows is a descent in to psychedelic delusion.

This book is nearly wordless, so it’s up to the art to shoulder the burden of storytelling. And it is amazing at it. The use of color and line work are amazing. I cringed at the gore and the mess, the spreads are beautiful and so well done. However, if you’re not into these high concept artsy-fartsy type books, you might get bored. This isn’t full of action and magic, just a man’s mind as he deals with grief. 5 out of 5.

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Lenni Reviews: “Colette Decides to Die” Vol. 8, by Alto Yukimura

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

Since Hades’ mirror has cracked causing a storm, Colette is working at a shelter while it gets repaired.

Aphrodite is in this volume and I dunno how I feel about how she’s represented. She’s got the silly with the serious undercurrent going on, which is a bit predictable. I think I would have liked to see more serious sides of her but she’s ok. I to enjoy how all the dead are just shades, a nice way to depict how in death everyone is equal. Baby Lord Chronos can get annoying when he’s throwing his tantrums but when he’s joined with the cast, he’s much better. The series still shines when Colette is being an amazing apothecary. Even being so skilled, she is still learning and I enjoy those parts the best. 4 out of 5.

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Lenni Reviews: “Return to Sleepy Hollow” by Casey Gilly & Savanna Mayer

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

After 15 years, Ichabod Crane returns to Sleepy Hollow after some gruesome deaths occur in the small town.

While I can appreciate the gothic style in the art, there are some places where the perspective is wonky and there’s too much texture. It works great for the otherworldly or gruesome elements but off-putting for the more mundane moments. Also, this is a continuation of the 1999 movie, not the original work. While I liked that movie, I had to adjust my perspective since I thought it was based on the original. My assumptions are not the books’ fault. It’s not bad if you’re looking for a gothic horror that continues a nostalgic classic. 3 out of 5.

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Lenni Reviews: “Soft Targets: Guns in America and the Kids Caught in the Crossfire” by Camila Kerwin

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

In this combination of reporting, personal stories, and research, this graphic novel explores the lives of four kids killed by gun violence and the role of guns in American culture.

While sad because these are real lives lost, this is a well researched and respectful look into America’s love affair with guns. If you’re interested in a very digestible and personal look into this topic, this is a great way to get into it without being overwhelmed, hyperbolic, or exploitative. Camila is so respectful to the families and even handed with this book. 5 out of 5.

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