manga review

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Lenni Reviews: “Choujin X” Vol. 11. by Sui Ishida

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

As the Yamato Mori attacks the Tower of Mourning, Zora’s forces launch a powerful counterattack.

Continuing the battle, this volume has some cool art, especially as various characters show off new abilities. The splash pages are fantastic, and (no spoilers) what we learn about what it will mean if Zora is killed? Very interesting. It was a little disappointing that wasn’t the focus of the rest of the volume, but there is a LOT going on; plenty of enemies and some character work to get through. It’s alright that it doesn’t move forward much plot-wise since what we see is intriguing and entertaining. 3.5 out of 5.

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Lenni Reviews: “The Elusive Samurai” Vol. 18, by Yusei Matsui

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

Tokiyuki and his vassals fight Kono Morano while Akiie has to deal with ineffective nobles in order to win.

I do enjoy how Akiie treats his troops, making sure they can have celebrations to keep up morale. He’s a good leader, so it’s clear Tokiyuki can learn a lot from him. But as he’s still going through this learning process, this still feels kinda dry. I couldn’t even get it into the fight scenes. It all feels like that Simpsons meme:

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I honestly wonder if I should drop this series or succumb to the sunk cost fallacy and power through. 2.5 out of 5.

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Lenni Reviews: “I Wanna Be Your Girl” Vol. 2, by Umi Takase

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

As Akira struggles to be seen at school as a girl, Hime has a heart-to-heart with Yukka, who shares her backstory about her time in the track club.

This volume is very insightful. It not only addresses how Hime can be a better ally, but also how Akira perceives being a girl. Akira also talks to her father about presenting a girl, and Hime tells her parents why she’d started wearing a boy’s uniform to school. Spoilers, but I think it’s important for potential readers to know that the parents we’ve seen so far are pretty supportive. Akira’s dad is iffy, though. Overall, I like the growth we’re getting. 4 out of 5.

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Lenni Reviews: “Pink Candy Kiss” Vol. 4, by Ami Uozumi

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

As Ema fulfills her dream of opening a cafe, Takara is still struggling to hold in her romantic feelings for her friend. When Ema’s mother shows up, taking cruel digs at her, Takara takes Ema on a trip to cheer her up.

We get the “only one bed” trope, but it doesn’t lead to anything other than a cute moment, in case you’re looking to avoid anything explicit or stories with cheating. Other than that, these two are a bit of a mess, and I’m baffled as to how this will turn out still. So far, the only clear-cut villain is Ema’s mother, who is a verbally and mentally abusive fuckwad who I wouldn’t mind never hearing from again. But since this trip they went on had all internal revelations, we’re still in the same place in Takara and Ema’s relationship, and while I would want to see a jump forward, I think slow and easy is for the best here. 3.9 out of 5.

 

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Lenni Reveiws: “Hirayasumi” Vol. 7, by Keigo Shinzō

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

The Asagaya Festival is on the horizon, but Natsumi isn’t feeling as close to her friends as before. Hiroto has a fight with Hideki about their movie and what they want to do with it, finally showing it to the public.

It’s clear that as life goes on, Natsumi and Hiroto have to grapple with the inevitable changes, which they do with a comforting amount of grace. I say ‘comforting’ because there’s still no long, drawn-out, angst-filled conflict. If you’ve ever screamed at a manga or anime (or any entertainment medium, honestly) that the characters just need to fucking talk to each other, this is a series where not only does the talking happen, it’s cozy and heartwarming. 4.5 out of 5.

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Lenni Reviews: “My Name Is Shingo: The Perfect Edition” Vol. 6, by Kazuo Umezz

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

Shingo is still searching for Satoru and Marin. Shingo’s home life is very poor, so he ends up running away from home. 

I don’t get it. First, the robot is looking for the kids, then it’s kinda infecting bodies, then calling forth the consciousness of the dead on computer screens and TVs, and I seriously have no fucking clue that is happening. Then it just stops? I am thoroughly baffled. I actually feel stupid because I’m not getting it. We’re so far from where this started that I’m lost. 2 out of 5.

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Lenni Reviews: “Fool Night” Vol. 7, by Kasumi Yasuda

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

Toshiro and Hourai face Ivy and learn who Ivy was as a human, challenging Hourai’s firm belief in transfloration.

I am negative shocked that the doctor behind all this is a freakish mad scientist type. I do have to give credit to the creativity in this volume when it comes to the combat with Ivy and how Toshiro is able to see the thoughts of a transflorated person. Even though his life is shortened, he is determined to make a difference, and I do want to see what other things he can do and if these abilities will impact how or if transforation goes forward in the future. 4 out of 5.

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Lenni Reviews: “Beast Complex” Vol. 4, by Paru Itagaki

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

This volume contains:

  • Black Panther and the Sea Otter
  • The Zebra and the White Tiger
  • The Snake and the Mouse
  • The Wolf and the Dog
  • The Iguna and the Penguin
  • The Rabbit and the Wolf

This is a fun collection. I love seeing more of this world and the very unique issues that are impossible to avoid with this setup. We also get to see more species, and the sea creatures are really interesting. And of course, that last story is a chance to see Haru and Legoshi again. This series is just a great way to expand this world and the beautiful art. 4 out of 5.

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Lenni Reviews: “My Noons and Midnights Are for You” Vol. 1, by Luria

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

Mayu is a v-tuber who goes by “Mihiru” and while his online persona is outgoing, in real life, he is shy. His manager, Mr. Ogino, is under strict rules not to get involved with his client, and the company sets up same sex managers in order to maintain that, but that doesn’t work when Ogino develops feelings.

Okay, even the Goodreads entry references dubcon, kink, depression, self-harm, suicidal ideation, and alcohol use. I even felt blindsided by the first sex scene, which I thought was Mayu’s fantasy. He’s clearly depressed and anxious, isolated due to the nature of his job and past traumas. His relationship with Ogino is a bit toxic, but at least the manager is legit helping with some of Mayu’s depression behaviors, like taking care of himself and his living space. This is absolutely graphic smut with a plot that’s not your fluffy romance. It’s messy in multiple ways. Not for the faint of heart, but not super dark. 4 out of 5.

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Lenni Reviews: “Boyfriend, Sometimes Girlfriend” Vol. 1, by Musawo

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

Shishizaki is the prettiest and most popular girl in school, and while Akizuki feels he has no chance, he confesses to her. To his surprise, she accepts! But she is hiding a strange secret: her family is cursed.

Okay, soooo, this is some Ranma 1/2 shit going on here, only instead of using water, it’s a kiss that sparks the transformation. The tone swings from cutesy to “Kasane” levels of creepy (that’s a great comic, you should check it out). This smacks of YA romance, so I doubt it will get as dark as that series, but I can see Shishitaki’s ability used for some sick shit. Either way, this is a tepid opening and we’ll see if it gets better. 2.5 out of 5.

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