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Lenni Reviews: “Rainbows After Storms” Vol. 10, by Luka Kobachi

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

While Nanoha has decided to attend confectionary school in Tokyo, Chidori is still unsure. She is only certain she wants to follow Nanoha to Tokyo.

If Chidori isn’t able to get into a school close to Nanoha, it brings the possibility of having to be in a long distance relationship. I have to say, they’re being very mature for a YA manga. I suppose since this has been a fairly cozy slice of life so far, it’s not going to make a pivot to big dramatics. Which is great! It’s a healthy relationship and they’re adorable together. 4 out of 5.

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Lenni Reviews: “I’m No Angel” Vol. 2, by Ai Yazawa

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

Now that Midori and Akira are dating, elements of Akira’s past come up to cause strain on their relationship.

This series reminds me of how BIG things seemed to be in high school. Since I’m so much older, I’m having trouble relating to this or really enjoying it. I’ve been very honest about how much I enjoy other slice of life media but this? It’s so bland to me… 3 out of 5.

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Lenni Reviews: “Not Your Idol” Vol. 3, by Aoi Makino

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Kamiyama ponders what being an idol means to her while Miku askes Hikaru to guard her after she was assaulted.

Miku is just the worst and I mean that in a couple ways. First, she’s just a manipulative jerk plotting to turn people against Kamiyama because profit? I have no idea. Then the book goes back and forth as to whether or not she’s lying about her assault. And spoilers but I am NOT happy about Miyu’s suicide fake out. Those two things make whatever message this story is trying to say about how women and girls are used and perceived as objects really muddled. Exploring the way exploitation can impact people, victim blaming, and objectification is important but this doesn’t seem focused on that and just wants drama. 3 out of 5.

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Lenni Reviews: “Not Your Idol” Vol. 2, by Aoi Makino

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Karen/Nina has allowed Hikaru to be closer to her, making their classmate, Miku, jealous.

I’m gonna call her Kamiyama for now since going back and forth between Karen and Nina is confusing. Again, trigger warning for more victim blaming and sexual assault. I was pretty spot on in that this comic is about Kamiyama struggling to feel safe again but there’s also the questionable things she was pressured to do when she was an idol. She was absolutely taken advantage of by an industry that would sexualize her EVEN AS A MINOR. Remember, she’s in high school at the time this series begins, meaning she was even younger doing racy pictures before she was attacked and quit. Just gross. And Miku… It bothers me that we’re going back and forth about if her assault happened. It’s so weird. I’m in this more for Kamaiyama’s journey. 4 out of 5.

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Lenni Reviews: “Magical Girl Dandelion” Vol. 3, by Kaeru Mizuho

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

While Tanpopo and Peony are on a mission to protect Peony’s friend, Karakusa, Ice goes to great lengths to get back his old friend, Shade.

Prima and Stella are frightening. They have some amazing character designs. There isn’t much down time in this volume. Once Peony asks Tanpopo to help with Karakusa, the fiends show up and the action goes full throttle. I’m not happy about the cliffhanger but other than that, this was a lot of fun. 4 out of 5.

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Lenni Reviews: “Rainbows After Storms” Vol. 11, by Luka Kobachi

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

Chidori helps Nanoha study but when Nanoha makes a new friend, Minami, Chidori get jealous of her taking up Nanoha’s time.

Minami is the vehicle used to fine out how Chidori and Nanoha met. They also have a date for Chidori’s birthday and head into Summer break. As with other volumes, this is just a sweet slice of life with very little drama. I like that the addition of Minami was just adding another nice person to the group. It’s just sweet to see this couple together in a fairly healthy relationship. 4 out of 5.

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Lenni Reviews: “Not Your Idol” Vol. 1 by Aoi Makino

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

Former member of the idol group Pure Club, Nina Kamiyama, now dresses as a boy after being assaulted at a fan event. She now lives as a normal student, having retired from the group until one of her classmates, Hikaru, finds out who she is.

If you’re triggered by victim blaming, maybe skip this one. While this isn’t exactly subtle when talking about harassment or assault, it works fine. This is also critiquing idol culture, but I get the feeling that this will be more about Nina dealing with her trauma and eventually finding out who attacked her. Because not only is he still at large, but he is still stalking her. 3.9 out of 5.

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Lenni Reviews: “Otaku Vampire’s Love Bite” Vol. 8, by Julietta Suzuki

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

Amanatsu rushes to find Rinya’s show, where Rinya is trying to convince Hina to finally bite Amanatsu, but to practice on him first.

Now that all the feelings are out there, Hina does need to decide if she will have Victor break his contract with Amanatsu and replace it with her own to protect him and cement their relationship. This is such a big deal that her father decides to get involved. This would have been super interesting if some other person hadn’t shown up instead. Kinda took the wind out of that reveal for me. Its like when a joke is funny but not in the right place and sucks the energy out of a scene. Not terrible, but very meh. 3 out of 5.

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Lenni Reviews: “I’m No Angel” Vol. 1, by Ai Yazawa

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

Modori is a first year high school student, excited to run for a spot on the Student Council. Her classmate, Akira, is also running, putting Midori in close quarters with her crush.

This was just not for me. Sometimes, slice of life doesn’t quite hit that sweet spot of mundane but still interesting enough to read. It felt too mundane for me, if that makes any sense. I think the characters aren’t engaging me like other slice of life series I’m reading right now. It’s not bad but I didn’t like it as much as I like other series by this creator. 3 out of 5.

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Lenni Reviews: “Let’s Do It Already!” Vol. 9 by Aki Kusaka

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

Keiichiro is given an ultimatum and is disowned for one year. While Yuri is happy they can live together, it is a major adjustment.

I’m sure at this point, being disowned temporarily doesn’t really matter because clearly, these two are so in love, these punishments are not really punishments. The family is trying to enforce their rules while also being pulled into the orbit of this lovey-dovey couple. As this is the last volume, it wraps up on a happy note, and I’m glad it ended here. There are only so many times the dance of “we have to abide by the rules, we didn’t, fallout, resolution” can only go on so long before it gets old. This is a cute series. If you like YA romance, it’s not a bad one to pick up, especially if you like it silly. 3 out of 5.

 

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