fantasy graphic novel

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Lenni Reviews: “Spirited Away Film Comic: All-in-One Edition” by Hayao Miyazaki

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

This book is basically a printed version of the movie using the movie’s images. It’s done very well; if you’ve never seen the movie, you’d never know this was just put together from stills. It is a great way to experience the story but it still doesn’t compare to the experience of seeing the movie. Call is nostalgia goggles if you want but that’s how I felt reading this. However, it’s very cool to hold it in your hands as it’s a lovely book and fun to read. 4.5 out of 5.

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Lenni Reviews: “Mao” Vol. 19, by Rumiko Takahashi

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

Nanoka and Mao have to rescue a woman from being sacrificed to a water god, then go to investigate a gathering of ayakashi that may have been sent by Yurako, revealing a strange situation involving Daigo and Natsuno’s souls.

Every time I learn something about the Goku clan and the things they’ve done, the more I dislike them. They just do worse and worse things so maybe it’s for the best that Mao isn’t associated with them anymore. Other than that, good to see Nanoka getting more confident in her abilities. It can get stale having the one main character swoop in and do everything in one go like Fist of the North Star. I look forward to all of our cast using their abilities together in interesting ways. 4.5 out of 5.

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Lenni Reviews: “Steel of the Celestial Shadows” Vol. 5, by Daruma Matsuura

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

Konosuke finds out the extent of Lord Haretake’s plans to unseal the sessho-seki stones. Now he’s out to get the next stone first and rescue Tsuki.

The gambling turn was… Certainly a choice that was made. It takes up a lot of time after getting me invested in Lord Haraetake since we went through the long back story and the major threat in this story. Yes, I know such little jaunts introduce new characters and explore the personalities of the existing ones but it still felt odd. It wasn’t bad just odd. I do hope Takeyama is around more. He is awesome. 4 out of 5.

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Lenni Reviews: “After God” Vol. 2, by Sumi Eno

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

Now that Waka is at the Research Institute, They begin to test the abilities of the entity inside her.

So, the thing inside Waka is a god named Alura and has been imprisoned by the other gods in Waka’s body which is why the other gods are after Waka and Alura… Or many just after Alura? We’ll see. They’re being cryptic about what’s so great about Alura that everyone’s after Waka. The wild shit was what happened with Shion! I won’t spoil anything but WOW. Alura’s kind of a dick. Well, a lot of the gods and “blessed” humans are dicks. I like this series but this volume felt all over the place. I do love the way the gods are drawn. Very other worldly and Lovecraftian. 3 out of 5.

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Lenni Reviews: “Kagurabachi” Vol. 1, by Takeru Hokazono

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

Chihiro Rokuhira, son of the most famous swordsmith in the land, Kunishige . When Kunishige is killed and six of his enchanted swords stolen, Chihiro goes on a mission to recover the lost blades and avenge his father’s murder.

Not gonna lie, I was expecting a period piece like Steel of Celestial Shadows but the clothes are more modern and there are flip phones. This kicks off with some great battles and lore. A lot was unexpected and fresh; Kunishige is kind of a goof instead of a grumpy, vengeance driven sword master and I really like it. The art style give us some beautiful fights and abilities and in general has a fast pace with a wide variety of characters. I look forward to more. 4 out of 5.

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Lenni Reviews: “Colette Decides to Die” Vol. 1, by Alto Yukimura

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

Set in Ancient Greece, workaholic healer, Colette, feels overwhelmed so she jumps down a well that leads to another world where she ends up tending to the god Hades, who is suffering the consequences of an allergy and overworking himself.

With that title, I did NOT expect a fairly light-hearted romance. I thought I was in for more depression like Boy’s Abyss, but instead, I got a grump/sunshine dynamic that’s pretty fun! The love story is predictable but since the characters are interesting, it’s a decent read. The contrast between the detailed characters and simply designed spirits is amusing. You’d think such a huge difference would clash but it works. 3.9 out of 5.

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Lenni Reviews: “Steel of the Celestial Shadows” Vol. 4, by Daruma Matsuura

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

Konosuke and Aki are still on the journey to save his wife, Tsuki from the Tsuchimikado Clan. They meet Takayama, who used to work for the Tsuchimikado and shares the grim story of the reason behind Tsuki’s kidnapping.

This volume is mostly flashback but it’s a good story. It never quite went were I expected so I was hooked the whole time. I do wonder how this will factor in with Tsuki and why she was taken. But, I’m sure the next volume will connect the two. I’m dying to know how her powers and Lord Haretake’s powers will work together since the Lord is really damn powerful. 4 out of 5.

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Lenni Reviews: “Blade of the Moon Princess” Vol. 5, by Tatsuya Endo

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

Not that the truth behind the Matsu clan’s banishment is known, it’s time for Kaguya to return to the moon in order to stop a mass murder plot and save her kingdom from Izumiya.

Izumiya’s back story is sympathetic to a point. But I liked the battle with her even though it was a bit short. Same goes for the series in general. Dealing with Isumiya and rescuing Kaguya’s mother could have been two separate volumes; especially with how both events were built up. It’s like someone in charge said last minute “You got one volume left. Wrap it up. Good luck.” Like I said, I enjoyed it but it felt super rushed and stopped just when I was really enjoying the characters. 3 out of 5.

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Lenni Reviews: “Something is Killing the Children” Vol. 6, by James Tynion IV, Werther Dell’Edera & Miquel Muerto 

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Erica and Gabi are hiding out from the monsters and The Order. But there is no real respite for them as a dangerous hunter, Cutter, is after them and she does not care who ends up dead along the way.

While there isn’t much combat in this, it’s entertaining and has heartfelt moments with our characters and good humor elements. Cutter is so damn creepy and clearly unhinged (I don’t think anyone is ‘hinged’ in this organization, to be honest) and provides the usual conniving and bloodshed for this story. It’s a great setup for what’s next and I can’t wait to read it. 4 out of 5.

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Lenni Reviews: “Mao” Vol. 18, by Rumiko Takahashi

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

As the hunt for the Box of Monstrosity continues, tensions come to a head in the Hosho family due to a rivalry between Kagari and her older sister, Ayame. Their conflict draws in Mao and Nanoka to face Kagari and her poisoned needles.

The multiple adventures in this volume are cool. In addition to what’s in the summary, there’s also a cursed village suffering a drought caused by the Goku clan. I am loving the powers Nanoka is developing and her involvement in more battles. But, with so many stories going on, I wonder how or if all these people will factor in to the final battle against the Goku. Will Ayame assist in some form? That’d be cool She’s kind of a bitch but no nonsense. I like her. 4 out of 5.

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