graphic novel review

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Lenni Reviews: “Old-Fashioned Cupcake” by Sagan Sagan

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*This book was given to me in exchange for an honest review and is rated 18+

Nozue is feeling like he’s in a rut. He may be the oldest and most popular person in his office job but all he does is go to work and come home. When speaking with his coworker, Togawa, the younger man decides to help with what he calls “andropause” by helping Nozue experience more of life. Togawa’s intentions are kind but it is clear he has a crush on the older man.

This is a fun May/December romance. There are some intimate scenes but they’re not super graphic. Togawa is the stern type, doing a poor job at hiding his feelings, and Nozue is the oblivious one who needs a roadmap to see he’s the target of a crush. As they come together, we get some nice slice of life moments. It’s nice to see older characters – even though 40 is hardly “old” – and it’s a quick read that makes you smile. 4 out of 5.

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Lenni Reviews: “Tista” Vol. 2, by Tatsuya Endo

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*This book was given to me in exchange for an honest review. Trigger warning for child abuse.

FBI agent Snow is honing in on the assassin Tista and the organization backing her. As she persues her investigation, Brother Leone – who raised Tista – is realizing Tista is falling apart inside.

It’s a shame this is the last one because I would have liked to know more about how the “sight” is passed down, why it’s passed down, who was the first person to have it, etc. The story felt clipped, as if there was so much more to explore here but, ah well. There’s some great action and it’s really dark and bleak. Not a satisfying ending to such an intriguing world 3 out of 5.

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Lenni Reviews: “Wolf Girl and Black Prince” Vol. 2, by Ayuko Hatta

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

As Erica works through er developing feelings for Kyoya, Kyoya sits back and lets it happen without much obvious interest. Kyoya’s friend, Takeru, offers to help Erica win him over so they can be a real couple.

This series is cute but Kyoya is coming off less aloof and disinterested and more of a plain old jerk. He’s heading into red flag territory where even when he does something nice it doesn’t balance out how much of a dick he’s being. I’m starting to hope this all ends with Erica ending up with someone who’s better for her. 3 out of 5 because the side story included was nice.

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Lenni Reviews: “Kubo Won’t Let Me Be Invisible” Vol. 8, by Nene Yukimori

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

Everyone is studying for exams so they can enjoy their summer break. After wards, Kubo and her sister help out at their aunt’s beach shack but it turns out they need an extra pair of hands and Kubo knows just who to ask.

Getting back on track with Shiraishi’s story, it’s still great to see him settle in and get use to having friends and doing normal teenager things. If it makes any sense, I felt proud of him as a reader. The beach scene with the bathing suits was a little much for me since these characters are so young but an actual teenager probably wouldn’t be too bothered; especially if they’re familiar with this genre. It’s a common situation in manga like this. 4 out of 5.

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Lenni Reviews: “Kubo Won’t Let Me Be Invisible” Vol. 7, by Nene Yukimori

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

While Shiraishi has been doing well with his friends and finally being seen, he faces his biggest challenge yet; the school trip involving camping and hiking. But this time, it’s Kubo who needs his help.

Of course the trip doesn’t take up the entire volume but it was nice to see Shiraishi get a win and help out Kubo. The friend group is entertaining to watch and Shiraishi’s little brother is fucking adorable but I feel the series isn’t taking advantage of it’s original premise in this one, making it more like a regular slice of life manga. I like them, it’s nice to read, but I would like the original hook explored more. 3.9 out of 5.

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Lenni Reviews: “Kubo Won’t Let Me Be Invisible” Vol. 6, by Nene Yukimori

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

Due to his problem of blending into the background, Shiraishi is nervous about participating in Sports Day on a team. Of course, Kubo ensures he’s able to participate like a normal kid and he begins to see her in a new light.

It’s nice to see Shiraishi making more friends and being seen. The tone of this is similar to Komi in that it’s slowly unfolding the main character and giving them a proper group of friends. Aside for sports, there’s studying for their exams – a classic of these YA slice of life manga – and we get some development for Kubo as well. We spend some time with her friends, explore her relationship with her sister, and her cousin, and overall; it’s just adorable and sweet. 4 out of 5.

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Lenni Reviews: “She Loves to Cook, and She Loves to Eat: Vol. 2, by Sakaomi Yuzaki

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

As they make plans to spend Christmas and New Year’s together, Nomato starts to realize her feelings for Kasuga are blossoming into more than just friendship.

Much like volume one, most of this is Kasuga enjoying what Nomato cooks. It’s soothing and it’s adorable to see them interacting. But seeing Nomato really think about her feelings and research what it all could mean was great representation. I also got one of me my wishes; more back story for Kasuga. But still no recipes for all the delicious food featured in the book. But, I like both characters and look forward to the next one. 4.7 out of 5.

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Lenni Reviews: “Alice in Borderland” Vol. 6, by Haro Aso

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

This volume features the climactic ending of the King of Clubs game, then begins the Jack of Hearts game; where the players have to trust each other to read their assigned card suits on the back of their necks.

I like this section but I feel like the tension in the show for the Jack of Heats game was much higher than in this manga. It’s still amazing and a nail biter; providing the same thrills despite Arisu taking a breather for most of it. The Jack of Hearts game is less gruesome than others as in there is less on “screen” violence and it’s more implied. But as usual, there is plenty of death. 4 out of 5.

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Lenni Reviews: “Beast Complex” Vol. 3, by Paru Itagaki

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

This volume includes:

  • The Python and the Hyena
  • The Japanese Deer and the Snow Leopard
  • The Turtle and the Sheep
  • The Wolf and the Seal
  • The Lion and the Rabbit
  • The Alligator and the Cow

These stories are weird but interesting and in some cases very touching. Legoshi comes back The Wolf and the Seal and gives us some more insight into how the aquatic beasts are on an entirely different level from the land beasts. While there are plenty of new characters, its nice to see some from Beastars come back in (also in The Lion and the Rabbit). I do wonder if the new ones will be recurring in this series as there are plenty of dynamics I can see being explored further. 4 out of 5.

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Lenni Reviews: “Love’s in Sight!” Vol. 4, by Uoyama

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

As Morio and Yukiko spend more time together, Morio’s close friend Tono becomes jealous of Yukiko, as she became close to Morio due to childhood bullying. Yukiko decides the two need to have a good conversation.

This is such a great series to get an adorable little romance along with some education; weaving in some information about how people with visual impairments navigate through life. I also enjoyed the side stories and the origin behind Morio’s scar (not to spoil it but, what the fuck, my guy…). I am really interested in the stories of the other characters now. This is overall very enjoyable. 5 out of 5.

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