*This book was given to me in exchange for an honest review and is suggested for mature readers.

Mai and Tenko face off, and we learn more about Ubeme. Juno is thinking of becoming a Mujina to escape the 9-5.

It’s sad that people care so little that it takes three months for a Mujina to be located after being killed. Yes, I get that they’re no longer legally people, but sheesh… It looks like there’s a big plot point here that has to deal with Ubeme’s past, as she was trafficked as a minor by a prostitution ring that was broken a long time ago, yet still being investigated. On top of that, it’s implied she’s losing her edge because she’s too attached to other people. That’s a pretty standard trope, but if it means that it wouldn’t take three months to find out if something happened to her, then go for it. She’s an awesome fighter, and seeing her in action is amazing. It’s a shame there wasn’t more of that from her in this volume. 3 out of 5.

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June 18, 2025July 29, 2025 atthequillsmercy

Lenni Reviews: “Mujina into the Deep” Vol. 2, by Inio Asano

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*This book was given to me in exchange for an honest review and is recommended for mature readers.

After getting wounded, Ubume is looking to maintain her reputation as an assassin. The opportunity arises when someone orders a hit on The Megidos; a couple who abuse children under the guise of training them to be stars.

Of course the government has a special task force to monitor specific mujina. They’re non-citizens until it’s inconvenient for them. The mujina could blow up a city block filled with blind orphans and puppies but if they target the wrong politician? Round up the troops! Anyways, this volume feels like we’re setting everything up to start making our main cast miserable and even though the fights in it were cool, this has the feeling of waiting for the next volume for the actual pay off. 3 out of 5.

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February 5, 2025February 4, 2025 atthequillsmercy

Lenni Reviews: “Mujina into the Deep” Vol. 1, by Inio Asano

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*This book was given to me in exchange for an honest review and is suggested for mature readers.

In this dystopian world, there exists a class of people called Mujina, who have given up their human rights, live off the grid, and usually end up as assassins. Terumi Morgan is coasting through life as a middle-aged man who just wants to watch his smut in his spare time. When he ends up with COVID, he sees an off the books doctor where he ends up involved with a Mujina called Ubume.

So… This is wild. Human rights are not a given in this world; they can be abdicated or revoked based on certain criteria and violence is rampant. I so appreciate the creativity but a lot of information was thrown at me and I feel like I need to know more before I decide if the world building is good or now. My main interest is in Ubeme and her story; not so much in Terumi. Terumi seems tangential at this point but we’ll see if he gets more involved later. 3.5 out of 5.

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January 30, 2020 atthequillsmercy

Lenni Reviews: “Downfall” by Inio Asano

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

Kaoru Fukazawa has just finished his manga series and hit it big. With his fans and publisher begging for his next work, he finds himself unable to create anything. With no ideas and running out of time and money, Fukazawa quickly runs out of anyone who has faith in him, least of all himself.

This is an intensely depressing tale of a man who attained big success and feels that even if he lives up to it, he will still never feel like he loves his work. While well drawn, Fukazawa is not a likable main character. He’s a miserable creature who I’m not even sure I want to succeed. You’re not so much rooting for him as watching in morbid fascination as the conclusion nears. Not a fun read but an interesting story. 3.9 out of 5.

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February 11, 2017April 24, 2017 atthequillsmercy

Lenni Reviews: “A Girl on the Shore” by Inio Asano

*This book is rated 18+

Ok, first off: this manga is pretty damn graphic and I am SO squicked out by that given that these are high school kids.

Sato has a crush on Misaki; the class playboy. When he offers to hang out with her, Misaki uses her and tosses her aside. Obviously hurt, Sato hooks up with Isobe; who actually likes her. Isobe offers himself up to her so use him so they have a purely sexual relationship but the longer it goes on, the more serious and complicated it becomes.

This is a pretty nihilistic book about kids trying to learn who they are in a sleepy town where nothing much really happens. They meander and float through life just like floating on a sea current and not having any plan where to go. It is absolutely a downer and can get gross in some parts but… OMFG they are so young and the graphic nature of this made me REALLY uncomfortable. I know the legal age in Japan is different (thirteen) but ew, ew, EW! I could have gone along in life quite happily without this burned into my eyes. I give this a 3 out of 5 and please pass the Brain Bleach.

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