slice of life comics

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Lenni Reviews: “Kubo Won’t Let Me Be Invisible” Vol. 11, by Nene Yukimori

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Kubo and Shiraishi both realize they have feelings for each other but Shiraishi is looking for the best way to tell Kubo. Luckily the class trip is coming up and Shiraishi hopes to get some alone time with Kubo to make his confession.

This volume is a lot of blushing glances and I gotta admit, it’s really sweet and wholesome. They’re super precious and the tone is very light and positive. Since it’s so very slice of life, don’t expect a ton of drama or angst; just these kids having a good time together. 4 out of 5.

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Lenni Reviews: “Komi Can’t Communicate” Vol. 28, by Tomohito Oda

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

As Tadano and Komi have been an official couple for awhile, Tadano is wondering how to manage his first kiss. Unfortunately, the first person he asks is Komi’s father. Meanwhile, Nanoda, Kire, and Kyono all want to be Komi’s friend but are having trouble approaching her.

Our main couple is just so damn sweet and wholesome. While they are the highlight of this volume, Komi’s parents are a close second. Her mom was a little creepy for a minute but the resulting shenanigans were funny. The other stories with the summer uniforms and studying in the library are funny as well but the relationship is where this volume is most enjoyable. 4.5 out of 5.

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Lenni Reviews: “Boy’s Abyss” Vol. 4, by Ryō Minenami

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*This book was given to me in exchange for an honest review and is recommended for mature readers.

Reiji’s friend, Gen, reveals a dark secret involving his mother and Reiji is even more determined to save her. Meanwhile Chako finds out about Reiji’s promise to Nagi and Ms. Shiba does her best to keep a hold on Reiji.

I really dislike the teacher. Ms. Shiba needs to leave Reiji alone and let that kid find his own way. All these people are so deeply miserable and stuck in bad situations that I do wonder how all this will shake out. Will this go towards Reiji and Chako living their dreams? Will it take a middle ground where they find happiness in another way? Will it all go down hill and they’re trapped in that little town? Will Ms. Shiba face any consequences for her inappropriate relationship with a student? There are a lot of threads here and I hope they don’t add any more without resolving the others. 4.5 out of 5.

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Lenni Reviews: “Tokyo These Days” Vol. 1, by Taiyo Matsumoto

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

After 30 years as a manga editor, Kazuo Shiozawa quits and hopes to relax in retirement. As he goes about his days still in contact with his colleagues, he goes from wanting to distance himself from his former profession to having the desire to create something new.

There’s something earnest yet sad about this manga. It’s clear Shiozawa has a love for creating manga and reading it but is feeling burnt out. It’s a strange mix of exhaustion and passion for their art that fills the characters. It’s a chill sort of read, not a lot of huge drama but it’s somber and pleasant to read. 4 out of 5.

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Lenni Reviews: “A Man & His Cat” Vol. 9, by Umi Sakurai

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While Hoshinari – Kanda’s son – decides quite dramatically to join Moriyama’s band, Fukumaru is jealous of all the attention the new kittens are getting.

I love this volume. It has everything I love about this series; people loving their pets and becoming better. I was surprised to see Teruaki come back, the kid who tricked Hashinari in the past. But I think the series is working to get all the characters in a good place and using the bonds with animals to do it. There are moments where people are unrealistically forgiving and nice but I’ll take it. The world sucks enough as it is. 4.7 out of 5.

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Lenni Reviews: “Kubo Won’t Let Me Be Invisible” Vol. 10, by Nene Yukimori

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

Summer is over and it’s time for the school festival where the students plan to take advantage of Junta’s invisibility and sets him up as a ghost in the haunted house they set up. Kubo is looking forward to spending some quality time with Junta at the festival but he does such a good job being invisible, she’s seeing Junta much less than she’d like.

Most of this volume is the school festival as Kubo wrestles with no longer being the only one Junta interacts with and it’s handled really well. It was low angst and pretty mature so if you’re looking for something light and sweet, this is perfect. It’s just cozy. 4.5 out of 5.

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Lenni Reviews: “Sakura, Saku” Vol. , by Io Sakisaka

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

After feeling sick on the train, Saku wakes to find herself safe with all her belongings and a note from the person who helped her. The number didn’t work but she vows to never ignore a person in need. Until she finds out a boy she goes to school with, Haruki,  has the same last name as the person who signed the note and this boy has an older brother who she believes is the one who helped her. She tries to get close to Haruki in order to give a thank you note to his older brother.

Ah, a classic young romance. It’s cute so far and Saku is a really sweet and earnest character. She’s just trying to be a good person and it doesn’t come off as fake or like she’s a pushover. Haruki is relatable as well; dealing with being in his popular brother’s shadow. We’re starting off strong with this series. 4 out of 5.

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Lenni Reviews: “Rainbow Days” Vol. 7, by Minami Mizuno

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

While Natsuki was sick, Anna took care of him, even getting a kiss. However, Natsuki doesn’t remember any of it. Meanwhile, Matsunaga has feelings or Mari but Mari is in love with her friend, Anna.

This volume is kinda slice of life with a little drama. It’s a calm coming of age type feel as the characters get their feelings in order and actually understand them. They don’t know how to deal with some feelings but they’re teenagers. I can see other teens reading this and having their (possible) feelings given some attention so they can try to understand themselves better. 3 out of 5.

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Lenni Reviews: “Insomniacs After School” Vol. 4, by Makoto Ojiro

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

Summer vacation as well as the photo contest and meteor shower party are on the horizon and the pressure is on for Magari and Nakami to make sure the event goes well and they are a properly recognized club.

These kids are just so earnest and I can’t help but root for them to have this club. Nakami and Magari are also helping each other manage their insomnia but getting the club to happen is the main focus. There is a budding romance between them and it’s sweet but I think I’m just as excited for the viewing party as the characters are. 4 out of 5.

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Lenni Reviews: “Love’s in Sight!” Vol. 5, by Uoyama

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

Yukiko is enjoying her new part time job but there’s something about her coworker, Kurisu, who is a very quiet person with a lot of fears.

Once again this series eaves in some insights about making accommodations so an employee can do their job. Just that little bit of help to ne independent and have a job that fulfills them. The manager’s little speech was on point: Everyone deserves the right to work and have a decent life.

When it comes to the rest of the cast, I admire Morio and Yukiko for being open and honest with their feelings. It’s important to listen to the person with the disability and Morio is such a sweetheart who’s doing his best. Just a pleasure to read. 4.5 out of 5.

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