manga reviews

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Lenni Reviews: “Sensor” by Junji Ito

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

Kyoko Byakuya comes across a strange village almost as if it was calling to her. The Kiyokami village is covered in what they call heavenly hair or Amagami; which seems to have mystical properties. Made from volcanic glass, these hairs allow the villagers a type of cosmic sight but also herald dark and terrible events.

This was… Strange. Usually, I’m on board with Ito’s signature weirdness – which this is chock full of – but something about this story feels unfocused and incomplete. This is one of the first offerings from this author that I will say I would pass on it if you’re not a huge fan of the creator. It’s ok but nowhere near other Ito works I’ve read. 3 out of 5.

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Lenni Reviews: “Fist of the North Star” Vol 1 by Buronson & Tetsuo Hara

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

Ken wanders the post apocalyptic landscape in the year 199X, facing vicious marauders and desperate survivors.

Yup. Shun me. I’ve never read this manga or seen the original anime. So, now that this classic has been reprinted, I decided to check it out. And I am not disappointed. This is classic 90’s and feels nostalgic even though this is new to me. I’m glad I finally got around to reading this. It’s action packed, well drawn, and compelling to read. If you’re a fan or new to this series like me, I encourage you to check this out. 4.9 out of 5.

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Lenni Reviews: “Bad Boys, Happy Home” Vol. 1, by SHOOWA & Hiromasa Okujima

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

Akamatsu has energy to burn off so he picks fights with random people at the local park. One day, he comes across Kanzaki; who proceeds to kick his ass. Repeatedly. When it becomes clear to Akamatsu that Kanzaki is living in the park, he offers Kanzaki a place to stay until he finds his own place. 

I like this duo. Both of them are brash and standoffish; keeping their feelings bottled up and expressing themselves through fighting rather than talking. They have good chemistry together and while this is clearly a set up for a relationship of sorts and has some smexy times, this volume has just the right amount of humor to make me want to keep up with the series. 4 out of 5.

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Lenni Reviews: “Beastars” Vol. 13, by Paru Itagaki

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

After being arrested, Legoshi is no longer allowed to attend school. He finds a job in a noodle shop and is visited by his grandfather Gosha; a Komodo Dragon. There is also a new drug on the streets and Gosha has history with the current Beastar.

In this volume, we are also introduced to The Marines; water animals with even their own separate language and culture. Legoshi lives in the same apartment as a spotted seal who is trying to learn more about land animals. To be honest, I’d never given any thought to marine life. Incorporating them is cool and I like how Itagaki is using the fact Legoshi now lives on his own to introduce all these new concepts and characters. Legoshi’s neighbors are a trip. I love watching them interact and play off one another. And of course Legoshi is still the type to want to be a hero so he runs afoul of those drug dealers. I hope he never changes. 5 out of 5.

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Lenni Reviews: “Asadora!” Vol. 3, by Naoki Urasawa

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

Asadora meets a scientist who is studying large creatures like the one that caused such destruction when she was a child. The Japanese government wants her help as the Olympics will be held in Japan and they don’t want some monster causing trouble.

Asa is the glue that holds this all together. She’s just a great character and grounding force in what looks like is amping up to some craziness. I’d bet there’s gonna be some giant monster battles but I think I’m going to stop expecting things with this series and just go along for the ride because it’s cool! 5 out of 5.

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Lenni Reviews: “Call of the Night” Vol. 2, by Kotoyama

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

Ko is still roaming about at night and feeding his vampire friend, Nazuna in hopes of eventually being turned into a vampire himself. When a schoolmate of his, Akira Asai, also happens upon Nazuna, she makes Ko give more thought into his mission to fall in love so he can become a vampire. We also learn how Nazuna makes her money; as a professional cuddler.

For me it makes total sense for Nazuna to be a professional cuddler. She’s a go with the flow type person so it makes sense she would have a job where she can make money on her own terms without set hours and her clients wouldn’t want people to know they see her. And we also get to meet one of her clients; who has much the same feelings about being out at night and just being able to be alone with your thoughts. I like that Nazuna being a vampire isn’t really the main focus; it’s the freedom of being out at night with out the pressures of the day. It’s interesting. 3.5 out of 5.

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Lenni Reviews: “No Guns Life” Vol. 9, by Tasuku Karasuma

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

In an attempt to repair Juzo, he and Mary end up trapped in the weapons vault with May trying to save her brother as well a Juzo from the twisted horrors contained in the vault trying to destroy them.

Of all the characters, I find myself appreciating Olivia more each time she makes an appearance. She may be designed like a typical fan service character but, she is smart and capable; so you engage with her as a part of the story and not an ornament.

Overall, this volume left me satisfied in terms of dealing with Violet but unsatisfied in general. I feel like some plot points went by too fast. I liked it but not as much as previous ones. 3.5 out of 5.

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Lenni Reviews: “Ragna Crimson” Vol. 1, by Daiki Kobayashi

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Ragina wants to be a better dragon hunter in order to protect his friend, Leonica. Leonica is a master level dragon hunter; at only 12 she is the most respected and feared in the country. While others may mock her for keeping a ‘weakling’ like Ragina around, she’s more than happy to have him around. But when a new threat nearly kills Ragina and puts Leonica in danger, Ragina makes a dangerous choice with his newfound abilities.

There are some interesting time travel elements to this that I did not expect. In fact, there’s a lot done with this premise that I didn’t expect and it was a pleasant surprise! I’ve been looking for a new high fantasy manga to read and this is a great start to a series. It has some humor, great action, and an interesting twist. 4 out of 5.

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Lenni Reviews: “Komi Can’t Communicate” Vol. 13, by Tomohito Oda

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

In this volume, Komi and Rei spend some time together, forming a bond that breaks through Rei’s initial standoffishness. As it’s becoming easier for Komi to make friends, Tadano notices she doesn’t need to rely on him as much, making him wistful about her progress.

It’s nice to see the development between Komi and Rei and the closeness of the others in the group. This volume is on point with the humor and characterization making it really fun to read. I am wondering how new people will fit into the group but that remains to be seen. 5 out of 5.

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Lenni Reviews: “Zom 100: Bucket List of the Dead” Vol. 2 by Haro Aso & Kōtarō Takata

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

Akira and Kencho are now working on the bucket list together and in their quest for a new TV stumble upon a group of survivors.

I still love Akira’s positive energy in what is a dire situation (that usually goes the way most zombie stories go). I do hope Shizuka Mikazuki (who makes an appearance) joins our main pair permanently. The way they all interact would make for some great story telling. 4 out of 5.

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