slice of life manga

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Lenni Reviews: “The Way of the Househusband” Vol. 16, by Kousuke Oono

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

In this volume, Tatsu:

  • Compares different types of rice
  • Tries a new robot cleaner
  • Goes to a bean and mochi throwing ceremony
  • Helps take care of his friend’s dog
  • Gives Miku a pick-me-up after a hard day of work
  • Helps clean up a friend’s bathroom
  • Helps An learn to ride a two-wheeler
  • Goes to have a BBQ with his friends
  • Takes Miku with him to the gym

There’s also a recipe for pig’s feet stew at the end, which is a nice addition, but this is more of the same antics as the other volumes. And it just makes me smile. Except for one thing that was off in tone from the comedy that I won’t spoil. 4 out of 5.

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Lenni Reviews: “Daydream Darling” Vol. 2, by Io Sakisaka

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

Iroha and Sou are spending more time together, practicing so Iroha can gain more confidence in talking. As a result, Iroha builds up the courage to attend a festival.

In addition to the festival, we get to learn more about them, as Iroha lost her parents young and doesn’t remember them, and Sou had brain surgery that messed with his memories and emotions. I like that it’s not just Sou helping Iroha; they’re helping each other. A lot of these types of stories lean heavily into the trauma, but this guy has an actual medical issue, one that may never be fixed. And part of Iroha’s issue is that people expect her to be more upset than she is. I think it would be interesting for Sou to never be “fixed,” but since this is a shoujo manga, it’ll probably lean in that direction. 3.7 out of 5.

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Lenni Reviews: “A Man and His Cat” Vol. 15, by Umi Sakurai

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Fukumaru tries to get Kanda to understand that the reason why he desperately needs to go outside is that he’d spotted his long-lost brother.

A good chunk of this is Kobayashi getting his grumpy father-in-law to warm up to him by just refusing to be anything other than cheerful and friendly. What’s great about this series is it stays upbeat and cozy, even when it broaches darker subjects; meaning that it’s inevitable that the father-in-law will face the immutable fact of this universe: a cat will find you and it will make you love it. 4 out of 5.

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Lenni Reviews: “A Man and His Cat” Vol. 14, by Umi Sakurai

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Kanda is still pushing himself to be more comfortable playing in front of a crowd when his old teacher appears, the legendary Margarethe Dressel. Meanwhile, Fukumaru’s older brother appears as a stray and little Fuku vows to find him.

Margarethe is awesome and her interactions with Kanda are fun and inspiring in her own unique way. I think she’s the first figure from his past that didn’t trigger some sort of anxiety as while she was odd, she was supportive and taught him a lot. Getting things from Fukumaru’s perspective is so adorable and innocent. It really tugs at your heartstrings when he tries to understand crossing the rainbow bridge. And his little plans to find his brother? So cute! While this is very quick since the stories more so fast, it’s just a pure, lovely time. 4.5 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: “Daydream Darling” Vol. 1, by Io Sakisaka

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

Iroha Hosho avoids chatting with her classmates and spends her time daydreaming outside with her only confidant, Sou Akutsu. One day, another student sees her outside, revealing the secret Iroha had been keeping.

This can be like Komi, but Iroha is very different. And so far, the cast is kinda fun! Nobody’s being a bully or weird at all. They’re pretty mature, actually. For a second, I thought this would have a darker vibe but it’s a nice slice of life with a clear budding romance in the works.

As for why I thought this was gonna get dark. *SPOILERS* the reason is that at the start the Sou Iroha is talking to is in her head. He’s the daydream. I thought we were gonna go full on psychosis but nah. Iroha is just an awkward people pleaser who needs to be more confident. 3.7 out of 5.

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Lenni Reviews: “Tsumiki Ogami’s Not-So-Ordinary Life” Vol. 7, by Miyu Morishita

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

Yutaka is doing a lot if inner work on his feelings and making friends; including his student council duties and helping Tsumiki make Valentine’s Day treats.

Much like with Komi, Tsumiki’s earnest and positive attitude is so refreshing and nice to read. I would like to know more about other beings – Raizen’s portion was interesting – but our main two are adorable. You can tell Tsumiki is working slyly to help Yutaka. 4 out of 5.

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Lenni Reviews: “Mobu’s Diary: Earning Your Paté” by Kathy Lam

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

3-year-old calico, Mobu, is tired of being a pampered cat and wants a job to earn her own food. Despite being an introvert, she decides to work at a cat cafe.

If you like chill comics where cute animals do cute things, this is the comic for you. There are a few little side stories with other animals, but the main stars are Mobu and the other cats at the cafe. Unlike, say, A Man and His Cat, the human characters are not as involved in the plot. It’s a simple little romp with adorable characters. Perfect if you need a breath of fresh air. 4 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: “Insomniacs After School” Vol. 14, by Makoto Ojiro

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

As Isaki checked into the hospital for her surgery, Ganta deals with the stress from that and exams by closing himself off from the whole friend group.

Yup, gonna spoil it: Isaki gets to graduate with all her friends and is still dating Ganta in this final volume. For those who prefer their media to have a happily ever after, you’ll get one here. I’m left with just this happy feeling, knowing a brighter future awaits for most of the cast; not counting the ones we don’t know much about. While I’d love to know more about their adult lives, I’m satisfied with this ending. 4 out of 5.

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