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

When Mikako wins the Grand Prix award, she is offered the chance to study in London for a year and a half, all expenses paid. She hesitates to accept because it will separate her from Tsutomu.

After Mikako makes her decision, we fast forward to our cast as adults and then transitions to the characters from Paradise Kiss; which is an interesting choice. I think it would have been better to use the time to see how (spoilers) Mikako’s studies in London affected her relationship with Tsutomu because that could be some good drama right there. It didn’t quite stick the landing for me. 3 out of 5.

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June 16, 2024August 27, 2024 atthequillsmercy

Lenni Reviews: “Neighborhood Story” Vol. 3, by Ai Yazawa

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

Mikako and her friends heat for Mariko’s family villa for the summer but Mariko’s first love, Shu, happens to be staying next door, causing conflict with her current boyfriend, Yuske. When they return to Yaza Arts, the upcoming school festival gives the chance for the students to show off their work.

Maybe I wasn’t in the right headspace when I read this but, (SPOILER) after Mikako flipped out on Tsutomu because he was so jealous of her new assistant, Seiji, I was checked out. He had every right to be more upset with her than he was, even if his jealousy was unfounded. Yes, she is hardworking, talented, and has big dreams; but the way she put him down stuck with me and I wasn’t rooting for their relationship so much anymore. 3 out of 5.

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March 31, 2024May 29, 2024 atthequillsmercy

Lenni Reviews: “Neighborhood Story” Vol. 2, by Ai Yazawa

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

Mikako is working with her friends to get their club going but Tsutomu brings in a new girl, Ayumi, and Mikako lets her jealousy get the better of her.

I’m on the fence about how quickly Mikako and Tsutomu worked things out. Was it too easy or am I glad the back and forth wasn’t needlessly drawn out with a bunch of contrivances to keep up the angst? Either way, it’s resolved so the rest of the volume is prepping for the flea market and some conflict with Mikako’s father making it a very dramatic volume. 3.9 out of 5.

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January 10, 2024January 10, 2024 atthequillsmercy

Lenni Reviews: “Neighborhood Story” Vol. 1, by Ai Yazawa

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

Mikako is an aspiring designer attending Yazawa Arts Academy and her childhood friend Tsumomu is attending the same school. Tsumomu happens to resemble a famous rock star and ends up being very popular, even getting a girlfriend; forcing Mikako to consider if her feelings for him are more than friendship.

While our main pair and the surrounding group are dynamic and interesting; for some reason I thought more of this would be about fashion and design. This manga is all about the drama and feelings and the forming relationships. I can’t blame the story for my assumptions so, as this is, it’s a breezy little school romance. Mikako is a high-energy character and the art style really allows for her highs and lows to be expressed beautifully. The story may not have fashion as the focus but the outfits the characters wear are fantastic. Very creatively done. 3.9 out of 5.

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