fantasy

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Lenni Reviews: “Kagurabachi” Vol. 5, by Takeru Hokazono

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

As Chihiro descends into the storehouse of the Rakusaichi auction, he encounters the leader of the Hishaku.

The space warping abilities Kyora has make for some interesting battles and great art. It really showcases how powerful and terrifying these swords can be. There are some beautiful two-page spreads and some great maturity from Chihiro. His father didn’t really let him know the details about what these swords can do, and realizing he can’t do this on his own was surprising. I thought he’d go full lone protagonist, but nope. I have the feeling he’s going to learn a great deal about his father that was hidden from him as this story goes on. 4 out of 5

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Lenni Reviews: “Mao” Vol. 22, by Rumiko Takahashi

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

After dealing with the doll maker, Nanoka encounters a possessed woman whom she tries to deal with on her own, but is helped by Yurako, sparking jealousy. Meanwhile, Byoki reveals more about Sana’s death.

Nanoka isn’t just a bit jealous; she’s pushing too hard to be as strong as Yurako and putting herself in danger to do so. And again, the more we learn about the Goku Clan, the more awful they are. What they put Yurako and Sana through is so sad. It’s genuinely getting to the point where I’m wondering if they did any decent things. They’re almost comically evil and I don’t really care to learn anymore about them. It’s for the best if we get to the endgame and defeat them for good. 3 out of 5.

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Lenni Reviews: “Tsumiki Ogami’s Not-So-Ordinary Life” Vol. 3, by Miyu Morishita

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

After the Sports Festival, it’s time for midterms, and Tsumiki needs to buckle down and study. Yutaka offers to help her, but after the exams are over, he sees less of her and the rest of his friends. He fears they will forget him if they can’t hang out.

Most of this is the kids enjoying their summer, and it’s a genuinely fun slice of life read. The background details of the other students and their unique traits – the invisible boy has some great scenes – are used to create some fun visual gags and touching moments. I’m glad it didn’t linger too long on Yutaka’s dilemma because it fits Tsumiki’s character to intervene, so he can’t brood about this. She solves shit like that ASAP. Similar to Kubo Won’t Let Me Be Invisible or Komi Can’t Communicate, it’s nice to see the male lead come out of his shell. 4 out of 5.

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Lenni Reviews: “Jungle Juice” Vol. 6, by Hyeong & Eun Juder

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

NEST is crippled, their supply of Cinderella is gone, but with some intel from Junhyeong, Suchan and the other students plot to take the fight to Breeder’s location.

While another action-packed volume, this one does take the time to slow down for a moment to take in the big changes that happen as a result of them going up against Breeder. No spoilers, but Suchan is altered by the end of it, and it’s something that I can see either being a huge threat later or a chance to see him cleverly turn things to his advantage. He seems to be the type of protagonist to do the latter. I’d rather see that than the ole ‘power of friendship’ angle. The threat is ramping up, and I am really intrigued to see where this goes. 4 out of 5.

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Lenni Reviews: “Jungle Juice” Vol. 5, by Juder & Hyeong Eun

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

The Pet Shop attacks Nest, spreading their forces to distract the students long enough to target Professor J.

These kids are powerful, and the action is top-notch, but this was a brutal volume. Each time it looks like one side has the advantage, something turns the tide. It bordered on tedious, I just wanted some kind of resolution at some points but in the end it was worth it. It barely slows down before we’re launching into the next plot point. I was turning the pages so fast and I’m so glad I had the next volume ready next to me because I wasn’t ready to stop. 4 out of 5.

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Lenni Reviews: “Red and the Wolves: A Graphic Novel” by Cherry Zong

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

Red is a talented hunter tasked with protecting her Grandmother and helping to exorcize the Nawa in the dying forest around them. On a hunt, she meets Sil, a wolf girl who got caught in a trap. They become friends, but the threat of the rot spreading through the land still looms, and Red is plunged into a more serious threat than she could have imagined.

Far be it from me to turn town a witch fantasy comic. This one is beautiful and fun with some exciting moments, but as an avid reader, the twist wasn’t as shocking to me as it would be to someone less experienced in the genre. The lore and characters are so well done, and I am SO happy this was towards 400 pages. The story had plenty of time to breathe and is so well paced. The art style handles action, sprawling fantasy settings, and quiet moments with ease, and I highly recommend it. 4.8 out of 5.

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Lenni Reviews: “Colette Decides to Die” Vol. 3, by Alto Yukimura

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

Dionysus makes an appearance as he’s one of many afflicted with a cold that’s going around. As thanks for treatment, he invites Hades and Colette to a banquet to get closer.

In addition to the banquet, we see more of Colette being an amazing apocathary and how deep her connection to the vilage goes. Again, this is one of those series where the romance and fantasy are great but Colette’s pure hearted and earnest dedication drives this story and is a pleasure to read. Seriously, the budding romance between Hades and Colette is such an afterthought in my mind. I could have the whole series just be about her and be totally fine with it. 4.5 out of 5.

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Lenni Reviews: “I’m the Grim Reaper” Vol. 3, by Graveweaver

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

As a result of interrupting an attempted robbery, Scarlet is revealed to be a reaper in order to save Chase’s life. They cut a deal, but Satan – as he says – always gets what he wants.

This volume dives heavily into the morals of what makes a sinner worthy of reaping, which kinda shows why Chase is marked. Even with his backstory, he’s a bit too keen on knocking people off. No wonder his ass got fired. This brought to mind The Good Place and what standards send souls where they need to go. Yeah, Scarlet has to kill at least one sinner to save herself from being sent to hell, but Chase’s “we’re gonna cleanse the world of evil” spiel is dangerous. They still make a great team and the battles are well done. 4 out of 5.

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Lenni Reviews: “Otaku Vampire’s Love Bite” Vol. 2, by Julietta Suzuki

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

Victor is sent by Hina’s father as a new bodyguard, and he inserts himself into her life and invades Amanatsu’s space. Meanwhile, Hina helps with a school club at the school festival, where a creepy guy shows up who can resist Hina’s commands.

It’s interesting that this series keeps this weird levity along with some danger. But, you don’t need vampires to make some creep putting his hands on Hina and becoming obsessed with her, and I don’t think the levity offsets just how off-putting that was for me. The guy is a powerful stalker who doesn’t like the word no, the type of person that features in a lot of true crime stories too often to carry the fun parts of the comic with me when I finished it. 3 out of 5.

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Lenni Reviews: “Colette Decides to Die” Vol. 2, by Alto Yukimura

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

When Apollo decides to go on vacation, Colette volunteers to fill in as healer to the gods in his absence.

In this volume, we also get Charon’s backstory, which is so sad. For all its whimsy, this series gets dark sometimes. I have to admit, I’m totally about the hardworking, sweet characters that are super genuine and are actually rewarded for their efforts. I’m not even into the possible romance. I can watch Colette just do her thing: healing people and expanding her apothecary skills. It’s also a way to learn about the world they live in and the unique take on the Greek Gods, even if some of them just kinda drop in and vanish within a few pages. I feel like if we’re going to include them, just go for it and give them some real “screen” time. 4 out of 5.

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