slice of life manga

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Lenni Reviews: “A Man and His Cat” Vol. 11, by Umi Sakurai

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Mr. Kanda pays a visit to his father-in-law and also sees his mother while Hoshinari deals with Teruki and his deception.

The flashback to where we meet Kanda’s wife, Suzune and the whole volume (except for the evil mom) is so damn emotional and adorable! Given how horrid his mother was, it’s so gratifying to see how much light was and is in Kanda’s life. When this series does get dark, it instantly balances it with so much love. Even the cats are learning lessons. I will admit, I teared up a bit. It’s a shame we don’t get more about Kanda’s mother other than she’s one of those Tiger Moms who puts too much pressure on her child. I wonder if the series will take time to redeem her or let a character stay shitty for once. 4.9 out of 5.Th

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Lenni Reviews: “Insomniacs After School” Vol. 11, by Makoto Ojiro

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

As winter passes and spring arrives, Magari fills the photo album Nakami gave her with pictures of her own. As Nakami’s birthday comes and the second year of high school begins, their relationship changes in unexpected ways.

As they’re making college plans, Magari has to take her heart condition into account when considering what or where she wants to study. Bit of a spoiler, but it looks like this probably won’t lean into her dying young since the comic makes a point to say that with treatment and surgery, she could live to 50. That’s something of a relief, but it’s entirely possible the plot will take a nose-dive off the tragedy cliff. Nakami gets some development as well, and it’s nice to see him opening up to the new club members and within the friend group. This series is so good at conveying so much without words, unease as much as joy. 4 out of 5.

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Lenni Reviews: “Insomniacs After School” Vol. 10, by Makoto Ojiro

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

Magari is well enough to come back to school and as the new semester starts, they hope to get more members in the astronomy club.

I am legit shocked at how fast I read through the volumes in this series, excited to see what happens, even though it’s very slice of life so I don’t expect anything super dramatic or action-packed. It flows smoothly and is compelling enough that I am totally fine with pages of these two taking photos or watching other characters cook and eat crab for New Year’s. Even though, again, there is that looming shadow of Magari’s illness, on the whole, this is so cozy. 4 out of 5.

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Lenni Reviews: “Insomniacs After School” Vol. 9, by Makoto Ojiro

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

Nakami and Magari cram for finals before they can prepare for the meteor shower party. Nakami also visits Magari while she’s home sick.

I swear, if this series pulls a ‘Your Lie In April‘ on me, I will flip a table. Because it’s clear Magai isn’t well and it’s just this shadow lurking over the success of the party and them having a good time taking pictures. They are so cute together, whether they date or not, and I really hope this series doesn’t get that dark. I like the simple joy of them managing their insomnia and enjoying photography. 4 out of 5.

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Lenni Reviews: “Tsumiki Ogami’s Not-So-Ordinary Life” Vol. 2, by Miyu Morishita

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

In this volume, Tsumiki tried baking, helps a Medusa find her glasses, spend a rainy day with Tsumiki and Mirei, have an interview, and showcases different abilities from more creatures.

Most of the volume is the sports festival, where we also get the most development for Yutaka. We learn why he came to this new school and who he was in his old school. It’s still light-hearted, poignant but not dark, so if you need something with good characters and a bit of fun, this series has it so far. It’s a nice mix of fantasy and slice of life and putting the unique ways the mythical creatures adapt to more modern living is fun to watch. 4 out of 5.

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Lenni Reviews: “Komi Can’t Communicate” Vol. 35, by Tomohito Oda

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

As Komi’s friend group has increased (only three left till she hits one hundred) she branches out more, going to karaoke where she’s brave enough to pick the first song, and plays silly couple games at a festival. Perspective shifts to Shousuke as his classmates try to get him to laugh and then to Manbagi, as she makes progress in her relationship with Wakai.

This blows through stories, but it’s done well. The pacing allows each one to feel natural, they’re all interesting, and get resolved in the same positive tone this series has maintained throughout. Komi has come such a long way, and it’s so damn satisfying to see her come out of her shell so successfully. 4 out of 5.

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Lenni Reviews: “You Can’t Live All on Your Own!” Volume 1, by Mizoko Tsuno

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

A group of 30-somethings are all roommates. Shuuko is feeling the pressure to get married, Eika has been devoted to her career and is wondering if she made the right choice, Misaki is unsure about her relationship with her boyfriend, and Shio is quite comfortable with her work-from-home freelance job.

This is a very chill slice of life that’s so sweet and calming. It touches on real concerns for young women in each character in a very real way. All four leads are easy to like and empathize with, even with very different wants and ambitions. I love how close they are, supporting one another. It’s always fun to follow a good set of besties on a journey. 4 out of 5.

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Lenni Reviews: “The Way of the Househusband” Vol. 14, by Kousuke Oono

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

In this volume, Ms. Tori is searching for a new companion, Tatsu takes Masa to clean the tombstone of his mentor, Takeyama, and he goes to an antique store. Miku goes to a cooking class.

I would have liked to see more of the cooking class since it was kinda short, and Miku is a fun character. We don’t get a lot of her on her own, and while Tatsu is a barrel and a half, the rest of the cast has some hilarious moments. Especially now that there’s more pets in the mix. I love it. 4.5 out of 5.

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Lenni Reviews: “Hirayasumi” Vol. 6, by Keigo Shinzō

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

After collapsing due to overwork, Hiroto decides to fulfill an old childhood dream with his friend Hideki. Meanwhile, Akarin and Yamada are having relationship issues, Yomogi is also pushing herself too hard, and Natsumi is in a drawing slump.

This volume is a whirlwind. There are a lot of plot threads going on with all the different characters working through their personal lives. Hiroto did find the resolve to do something with his life, but he’s still the easy-going guy we’ve enjoyed so far in this series. He’s so into his passion project, and it’s as inspiring in the comic as out; even got my dead heart rooting for him. Every so often, I have something on my radar get me to keep going with my own dreams. And Granny makes another appearance in some flashbacks. Never stop that. I love her. 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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