slice of life manga

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Lenni Reviews: “Dogs and Punching Bags” by Kaori Ozaki

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

Nichiko returns from a complicated life in the city to her small hometown to see her dying father and meets Chimaki, a strange yet chipper guy who is obsessed with saving and/or helping to make up for a tragic mistake in his past.

This is just beautiful. It’s funny, sad, poignant, and amazing to experience. It’s sad and melancholic in the beginning, but it’s a story about finding a place where you can be your best self and be happy despite a sad past. This would be a perfect 5 out of 5 for me if not for my admittedly personal opinion that cheaters fucking suck and don’t deserve a happy ending without seeing some kind of justice. 4.5 out of 5.

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Lenni Reviews: “On and Off: Work-Life Imbalance” Vol. 2, by Shinnosuke Kanazawa

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

Aki and Kanade’s friendship is growing, unaware that they are coworkers. They run into Roku, an old friend of Aki’s who also leads a bit of a double life as a punk but a clean-cut teacher when he’s “off.” He gets a bit jealous of Aki’s new friend.

Most of this volume is just Aki and Kanade hanging out together, but Kanade is still hiding that not only is he a guy, but that he works with Aki. The secret is gonna have to come out at some point. While Aki can be brusque at work, I hope that doesn’t mean she’ll be cruel to Kanade. It’s nice to see them getting to be good friends and for Aki to loosen up a bit. I just like seeing them chilling. It’s so sweet. 3.9 out of 5.

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Lenni Reviews: “Komi Can’t Communicate” Vol. 37, by Tomohito Oda

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

It’s graduation time, and Komi reflects on how far she’s come and her plans for the future.

As a final volume, it encapsulates the tone of the entire series: wimsy, sweetness, comedy, and weird, quirky characters. I could have done without the Tadano and the boys in the bathhouse, and Yamai is still a fucking creep.

And of course, leave it to Tadano to deliver on the feels.

The end is so touching, gives positivity towards their future, and fits the journey we took. Congratulations Komi. It was so much fun to read your story. 4.5 out of 5.

 

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Lenni Reviews: “Tsumiki Ogami’s Not-So-Ordinary Life” Vol. 5, by Miyu Morishita

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

In an attempt to be more involved, Yutaka is considering clubs to join, and Tsumiki decides to do the same. Meanwhile, a succubus named Ako sets her sights on Yutaka.

This volume is just Tsumiki and Yutaka being adorable. The introduction of Axo may seem like there’d be all this drama and angst, but we’re still in jovial slice of life territory. Tsumiki is her usual supportive, quirky bestie to Yutaka, who is trying his best. I’m enjoying the introductions of new types of mythical beings and, as these are teenagers, I’m relieved at the way Ako was handled. She’s not hyper sexualized, she just craves to be wanted and basks in the attention. It’s a cute volume. 3.7 out of 5.

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Lenni Reviews: “Hirayasumi: Vol. 8, by Keigo Shinzō

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

Natsumi and her friends decide to go on a summer road trip and bring along a new person, Orui, who is a bit quirky and struggles to integrate with the activities.

It’s nice to see them all developing as the summer ends, but I didn’t expect such a sharp cliffhanger at the end of this. And not a silly one, it’s pretty serious. Uncharacteristically serious for this series so far. I mean, this has never felt like it would go to very dark places, but who knows? I’ve been blindsided by slice of life before. Hiroto’s maturity is still well balanced with his optimism, which keeps him as just a delight to read. 4 out of 5.

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Lenni Reviews: “Tsumiki Ogami’s Not-So-Ordinary Life” Vol. 4, by Miyu Morishita

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

It’s time for the Cultural Festival, and their class decides to do a cosplay cafe.

This volume has more of Tsumiki’s family, where we learn that while she’s upbeat and positive now, she hasn’t always had the easiest time of it. This is still a fun read; nothing is really dark. There’s some humor mixed in, some nice character moments with Mokuri, all in all, some very cozy slice of life antics that leave you with a smile and a curitosity to know more about all the different types of creatures. 4 out of 5.

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Lenni Reviews: “Insomniacs After School” Vol. 13, by Makoto Ojiro

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

Nakami and Magari go with their friends to Osaka to check out colleges. Energized by the trip, they both throw themselves into intense studying.

There is also a change in Magai’s condition, and we learn more about Nakami’s parents. It’s a bittersweet volume since now that we know about Magari’s illness, it’s possible this series will take that dark turn. I sincerely hope it doesn’t, since, while it is a realistic possibility, for me it doesn’t fit with the tone this series has had up to this point. Although it would fit with the message of living in the moment and treasuring them… 4 out of 5.

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Lenni Reveiws: “Hirayasumi” Vol. 7, by Keigo Shinzō

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

The Asagaya Festival is on the horizon, but Natsumi isn’t feeling as close to her friends as before. Hiroto has a fight with Hideki about their movie and what they want to do with it, finally showing it to the public.

It’s clear that as life goes on, Natsumi and Hiroto have to grapple with the inevitable changes, which they do with a comforting amount of grace. I say ‘comforting’ because there’s still no long, drawn-out, angst-filled conflict. If you’ve ever screamed at a manga or anime (or any entertainment medium, honestly) that the characters just need to fucking talk to each other, this is a series where not only does the talking happen, it’s cozy and heartwarming. 4.5 out of 5.

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Lenni Reviews: “Tsumiki Ogami’s Not-So-Ordinary Life” Vol. 3, by Miyu Morishita

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

After the Sports Festival, it’s time for midterms, and Tsumiki needs to buckle down and study. Yutaka offers to help her, but after the exams are over, he sees less of her and the rest of his friends. He fears they will forget him if they can’t hang out.

Most of this is the kids enjoying their summer, and it’s a genuinely fun slice of life read. The background details of the other students and their unique traits – the invisible boy has some great scenes – are used to create some fun visual gags and touching moments. I’m glad it didn’t linger too long on Yutaka’s dilemma because it fits Tsumiki’s character to intervene, so he can’t brood about this. She solves shit like that ASAP. Similar to Kubo Won’t Let Me Be Invisible or Komi Can’t Communicate, it’s nice to see the male lead come out of his shell. 4 out of 5.

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Lenni Reviews: “On and Off: Work-Life Imbalance” Vol. 1, by Shinnosuke Kanazawa

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

Sotaro Amata is popular in the office where he works, but in his off hours, he dresses up in Lolita fashion in beautiful lace and ruffles. Akira Hanku is less popular in the office, but in her off hours, she’s a punk girl in leather and spikes. They may butt heads at work, but when they run into each other off hours without recognizing each other, their relationship is entirely different.

This first volume is just setting up the vast differences between our main leads and getting them to meet up. They seem like two people who have been lonely, keeping up this mask at work, but can enjoy each other’s company once those masks are gone. In fact, Akira outright dislikes Sotaro at work but is smitten with him when he’s in the Lolita clothes. I made it a point to link to what I mean here since Lolita has an entirely different context in this case. I do wonder if this will get super dramatic and angsty once Akira finds out who she’s hanging out with, but I really hope it stays light and fun. 4 out of 5.

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