young adult LGBTQ

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Lenni Reviews: “Rainbows After Storms” Vol. 3, by Luka Kobachi

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

Nanoha and Chidori are heading into their first summer as a couple and their first official date at an aquarium.

We have our usual sort of episodic misadventures where we learn Chidori is great at cooking, Nanoha has a sleepover with all her friends, but her little sister, Kaede, figures out their secret. Still, something is brewing about Chidori’s past. I’d expected Kaede to be a little shit and cause trouble but nah, she was fine. I don’t anticipate this series going super dark and have everyone turn on them, but Chidori clearly went through something that’s really bothering her whenever it crops up. Everything is lighthearted and sweet so, while my guard is interested, it’s not at full attention yet. 4 out of 5. 

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Lenni Reviews: “Rainbows After Storms” Vol. 2, by Luka Kobachi

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

Nanoha and Chidori’s relationship is still a secret from their friends and Chidori thinks back on her past love.

This volume continues the very light, slice-of-life tone. Just a bunch of cute moments of their relationship as they study, hang out, etc. Since we still don’t have any particular stakes, it’s a cozy read where the reader can just enjoy seeing these girls be happy with each other and live life. I appreciate the positivity after some of the depressing stuff I’ve been reading (you’ll see those reviews soon) but it can get repetitive. Every chapter starts with how they’re keeping their relationship a secret; as if each one was serialized in separate issues so it could be picked up in any spot. It’s not as enjoyable when it’s all put together, though. 3.9 out of 5.

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Lenni Reviews: “Rainbows After Storms” Vol. 1, by Luka Kobachi

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

High school students Nanoha and Chidori are dating but they keep their relationship secret; only known to their classmates as best friends.

This is very slice of life, especially when compared to the same setting for yaoi manga. It’s just so cute and sweet. Not a bit of smut to be found. It gets repetitive because each little story starts out with “we’re dating and keeping it a secret” and there are no obvious stakes to them keeping their relationship a secret. It doesn’t seem like their friends are homophobic or anything. Everything is very lighthearted and calm; a lot of blushing and meaningful glances. It’s decent but maybe a little more depth to it would make me like it more. 3.5 out of 5.

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Lenni Reivews: “Is Love the Answer?” by Uta Isaki

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High schooler Chika believes something is wrong with her because she’s never fallen in love and has no desire for intimacy; unlike her peers who incessantly talk about it. In college, she finally realizes there is nothing wrong with her at all.

While I get the goal of this manga is to teach the reader about how sexuality is a spectrum and you don’t have to claim a label and live in it forever, it doesn’t do it quite as well as Love’s in Sight or Perfect World. It has a lot of exposition and I got the feeling of being talked at rather than going on the same journey as Chika. It’s not bad but I think it could have been smoother in that respect. It’s probably not really fair to compare a series that has a bunch of time to grow rather than this small collection, though. 3.9 out of 5.

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Lenni Reviews: “Brooms” by Jasmine Walls & Teo Duvall

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In 1930’s Mississippi, magic is common but either banned or severely restricted for people of color. Despite this, Billie Mae and Cheng Kwan introduce young Mattie and Emma broom racing in order to participate in underground broom racing to earn money to learn magic from a real school.

Despite the abundance of characters, it’s easy to empathize with their struggles and hopes. The racing is a lot of fun and while the representation is wide – there are participants of all races, ages, and ability – it doesn’t feel forced; more like all of these “outcasts” can come together to buck the system and cut loose. I would LOVE to see this as an animated movie. The flying scenes scream for it. Absolutely check this one out! 4.5 out of 5.

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Lenni Reviews: “Cuckoos Three” by Cassandra Jean & Mosskat

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Murry is a football star, hardworking, and obedient son, with a ton of friends. However the new kid, Jacob, is a small outcast and stands out as the quiet kid with piercings and a goth look. Despite being so different, they are drawn to each other. But, Jacob is hiding the reason why he moved with his family out to the small country town.

This is the sweetest story. Murry is so delightfully earnest and kind, Jacob is a darling, and they are precious together. It also contains some educational info on DID and how to help someone who switches. I wouldn’t mind a long running webcomic or something with these two since it’s so aggressively calm and heart warming. And the art is so colorful and soft, and it’s all young around friendly. 5 out of 5.

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Lenni Reviews: “My Love Mix-Up!” Vol. 9, by Wataru Hinekure & Aruko

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

Aoki and Ida are studying hard so they can get into the same college but Aoki is really struggling and graduation is just around the corner.

Yeeeaaahh, the super-deformed is back to it’s creepiness. I mean, look at this:

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I could easily see this exact panel in a Junji Ito manga. It is NOT something I would want to look at for very long.

Aside for that, I have to complain about a little spoilery type deal. There is an amnesia plot here that seems to only exist to cram in some final drama before tossing it aside as a dream before getting to the real ending. I would have MUCH rather had more time exploring how the characters feel, seeing them interact, getting more hints at their future… It was so sweet and clean aside for that aside. That was disappointing but at least the actual end is good. 3.9 out of 5.

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Lenni Reviews: “Komi Can’t Communicate” Vol. 26, by Tomohito Oda

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

In this volume, Tadano finally introduces Shoko to his mom and sister. Shosuke, Shoko’s brother, is going to school with Tadano’s little sister and Tadano and Shoko attend a college visit together.

While this one isn’t bad, I found myself skipping over the parts that didn’t move the plot along on my first read. I went back and those little stories were cute but I really wish there was more focus on Shoko and Tadano; especially since they’re going to graduate soon. 3.7 out of 5.

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Lenni Reviews: “My Love Mix-Up!” Vol. 8, by Wataru Hinekure

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

Ida is getting more interested in romance and Aoki is still having trouble even broaching the subject, worrying about his grades and finding the courage to take their relationship further.

Fuck it, Imma spoil it: They got their first kiss and it’s fucking adorable. I would like to see Aoki make more progress being physical with Ida (not in an explicit way and I would prefer if it didn’t) and act like a ‘proper’ couple. They clearly care a lot for each other and they deserve to be able to hold hands and such. This is still so sweet and I’m rooting for both of the couples in this series. 4 out of 5.

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Lenni Reviews: “My Love Mix-Up!” Vol. 7, by Wataru Hinekure & Aruko

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

As high school nears its end, Aoki puts more effort into being involved and supportive of Ida, who wants to go away to college.

I like this volume but I am wondering if we will get more progression as these stories play out. The young relationships are moving forward but it’s a little slow to read. At least Aoki and Ida are fun to read. We get the classic ‘only one bed in the hotel room’ plotline. Akkun and Hashimoto are a nice counterpoint to the others. It’s all sweet and worth reading if you’re looking for some YA romance. 4 out of 5.

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