science fiction manga

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Lenni Reviews: “Parasyte Paperback Collection” Vol. 1, by Hitoshi Iwaaki

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

In a world where humanity is slowly being taken over by alien parasites, Shinichi ends up infected. While he manages to contain the being to his arm, he is thrust into a dangerous life with the alien Migi as an ally.

This is another series that I’ve gone so long without interacting with up until now. Finally getting to it, I can see why it’s such a classic. It has horror elements I enjoy, the clueless but well-meaning protagonist, a greater threat looming in the future… I can see where Ajin got its inspiration, while this is, of course, very different. Since it is an older series, the tone and art are very nostalgic, and maybe younger readers will be affected by that, as it’s a completely different vibe from more modern titles. As for me, I like it, and I’m glad I’m able to experience it. 4 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: “Choujin X” Vol. 10, by Sui Ishida

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

After the raid on the poppy fields, Yamato Mori has a chance for a final showdown with Zora, but it is in her tower, giving her the advantage.

Seeing the fruits of all this training is so well done. The fight scenes are well done, and the use of the various abilities on both sides are so awesome. Since a good chunk of this is set up and hitting a few emotional beats before the battle begins, it’s all just getting started by the time the volume ends. I hope all this buildup pays off, especially after the last volume of Dark Gathering impressed me so much. 3 out of 5.

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Lenni Reviews: “Jungle Juice” Vol. 6, by Hyeong & Eun Juder

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

NEST is crippled, their supply of Cinderella is gone, but with some intel from Junhyeong, Suchan and the other students plot to take the fight to Breeder’s location.

While another action-packed volume, this one does take the time to slow down for a moment to take in the big changes that happen as a result of them going up against Breeder. No spoilers, but Suchan is altered by the end of it, and it’s something that I can see either being a huge threat later or a chance to see him cleverly turn things to his advantage. He seems to be the type of protagonist to do the latter. I’d rather see that than the ole ‘power of friendship’ angle. The threat is ramping up, and I am really intrigued to see where this goes. 4 out of 5.

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Lenni Reviews: “Jungle Juice” Vol. 5, by Juder & Hyeong Eun

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

The Pet Shop attacks Nest, spreading their forces to distract the students long enough to target Professor J.

These kids are powerful, and the action is top-notch, but this was a brutal volume. Each time it looks like one side has the advantage, something turns the tide. It bordered on tedious, I just wanted some kind of resolution at some points but in the end it was worth it. It barely slows down before we’re launching into the next plot point. I was turning the pages so fast and I’m so glad I had the next volume ready next to me because I wasn’t ready to stop. 4 out of 5.

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Lenni Reviews: “Tokyo Fears Rhapsody” Vol. 2, by Akira Sugito

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

Hachiro is as enamored with the human world as ever and is trying to make a human friend.

Okay, it was way more entertaining for me to see Hachiro and Kosuke showing a bunch of elderly tourists around than is probably should have been. Even though this can get dark with bloody fights and such but the calm and funny moments are so endearing. I guess I have a weakness for lovable goodballs like Hachiro. While there is absolutely a bigger threat – not like in Villain’s Day Off where the invasion doesn’t seem to be taken very seriously – the parts with Hachiro are so much fun! Overall, it’s well balanced and I can’t wait to read more. 5 out of 5.

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Lenni Reviews: “Fool Night” Vol. 6, by Kasumi Yasuda

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

Those against transfloration are attacking Transflora Medical while Hourai sets a trap for the antitransfloration movement.

I’d read an entire side series where Kanaeno is just being a badass. The absolute highlight of this volume. The plan was to lure out Dr. Kodai in order to clear the name of the company since everyone thinks they made Ivy. While that may seem simple, this volume turns it into bloody carnage. The fight scenes are so well done and while the art for Ivy’s killings always has an impact, it really shines here. Things are ramping up and I can see why; with all the rampant exploitation built into this system. 4 out of 5.

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Lenni Reviews: “Tokyo Alien Bros.” Vol. 3 Keigo Shinzō

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

Fuyunosuke and Natsutaro are still studying humanity when their command suddenly cancels the plan to colonize Earth. Now, they need to decide if they will leave for another assignment or remain on our planet.

This is my favorite volume in the series. It hits some emotional beats and has some humor along with the mature bits (trigger warning for attempted rape when they try being women for a day). This really shows the connection between the brothers better than previous volumes. They actually seem like family here. I think this is the last volume so, way to end this on a high note! 4 out of 5.

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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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