#Ryuu to Sairei

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Reader’s Corner: Fly Me to the Moon (Vol. 14), A Galaxy Next Door (Vol. 3), and Zom 100 (Vol. 8)

Do you like villainess isekai series? We’ve got it covered. Church intrigue involving priestess assassins? Yeah, we’ve got that, too. Alien romance? Sure. Thoughtful fantasy series? Double covered. Zombies? You guessed it—covered. Come join us this week for a most unusual mix of manga and light novel reviews, including the most recent releases of series that could be the new classics and the opening volumes of others, including a manga adaptation of a popular light novel series.

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Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End, Manga Vol. 6

Volume six of Frieren continues to demonstrate the gentleness, love, and care that makes this a remarkable series. Dwelling in the past less than previous volumes, this one still makes its brief travels to Frieren’s original adventure count by creating fulfilling connections between then and now. Frieren continues with the second stage of the mage certification exam, with the most challenging foe possible lying ahead, deep within the king’s tomb. While the quest and accompanying fights themselves are fascinating, the tenderness of the manga’s theme—we’re blessed and built by the friendships that grab ahold of us—continues to be the heart of Frieren, even in the midst of competition. I shouldn’t have been surprised, then, that Kanehito Yamada makes use of a specific spell in the text to weave a simple but heartfelt story within these chapters that brought tears to my eyes. But that’s just another volume for Frieren, the most magical and warm manga I think I’ve ever read. ~ Twwk

Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End is published by VIZ Media.

READ: Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End Reviews (Vol. 1 // Vol. 2 // Vol. 3 // Vol. 4 // Vol. 5)

Dragon and Ceremony (God’s Many Forms), Light Novel Vol. 3

Volume three of Dragon and Ceremony feels as if it’s a long, long way from book one. In fact, as it concludes, Yuui tells Ix that it seems far longer than a few months that the two have known each other. The paths of these two—the young woman with royal blood virtually held for ransom outside her home country, and the gifted wandmaker without an ounce of magic in his body—continue to cross. Book three moves further away from the naivete, romance, and fantasy adventures of book one and toward religion, with the former character caught up in a reform movement and the latter creating a magic staff at a monastery. There, Ix meets another apprentice wandmaker, Shuno, whose burst of authenticity and nervousness add much needed warmth and humor to this volume which otherwise is drawing Yuui and Ix further and further from each other, despite their proximity. I had felt that the greatest strengths of Dragon and Ceremony were the relationship between the protagonists and the heart that author Ichimei Tsukushi is able to express in the tale. Both are lacking somewhat here, which makes me wonder what Tsukushi is ultimately intending to do. But that’s not to say that volume three isn’t a fantastic read in its own right. There’s richness to the conversations about religion, and a critique, I think, regarding how authorities may manipulate it in a selfish but subtle way that could change the lives of many, particularly commoners and those that are vulnerable. Still, I wonder if Tsukushi will ever return to the dreamy loveliness of volume one, because while I appreciate the way he weaves a story and how each volume feels like an entirely different world (it’s much like Spice & Wolf in that manner), what I most like about Dragon and Ceremony are Yuui and Ix, and Yuui and Ix together, growing and caring for one another. I hope we return to that at some point, though foreshadowing indicates that it may be a rough and long road before it happens. ~ Twwk

Dragon and Ceremony is published by Yen Press.

READ: Dragon and Ceremony Reviews (Vol. 1 // Vol. 2)

I Was Reincarnated as the Villainess in an Otome Game but the Boys Love Me Anyway!, Manga Vol. 3

The first volume of this series was in my top ten favorites last year, but with this third volume, I am hugely disappointed with how this volume has unfolded. While it dives right back into the situation surrounding the student who was burned in the previous volume, Mystia meets a new character who is determined to see the villainess Mystia in action. As she deals with him attempting to make life more “interesting,” she is even more ardent in avoiding Raid and Eric so as not to trigger her own death flags. However, it seems the more she tries, the more these characters become less and less like their real selves. Truly, what in the world happened to these characters? I felt that both Raid and Eric had changed, which isn’t necessarily unexpected given the game is changing; but this was borderline psychopathic boyfriend syndrome, and I didn’t sign up for that. Maybe that sounds super harsh, but I have deeply enjoyed this series, and yet I couldn’t bring myself to get invested in the characters any longer with these vast differences in who they were in just the volume prior. To say I am extremely bummed and upset about the direction of this series is an understatement. I want the old Mystia back and not to have so much out-of-the-blue danger surrounding these characters who have been so wonderful thus far. While there are some new mysteries that have arisen (are other characters from the real world too?), and the art is fantastic as always, I’m just genuinely heartbroken I am no longer enjoying this series. ~ Laura A. Grace

I Was Reincarnated as the Villainess in an Otome Game but the Boys Love Me Anyway! is published by TokyoPop.

READ: I Was Reincarnated as the Villainess in an Otome Game but the Boys Love Me Anyway! Reviews (Vol. 1 // Vol. 2)

The Executioner and Her Way of Life, Manga Vol. 1

The primary strengths of the original The Executioner and Her Way of Life light novels are the beautiful character designs, the complicated and unusual magic system employed by the priests and their enemies, and the sometimes unnerving, often ethereal tone of the series. Volume one of the manga adaptation moves through the series’ initial events so quickly that it doesn’t have time to set the unique atmosphere from the light novels or show the wonders of the “scripture-based” magic from the series, resulting in a read that’s mildly entertaining but lacking in artistry. The opening is promising enough, introducing the hyperviolence of the series and relentlessness of its main character, the executioner Menou, through a surprising twist, before turning toward her “rescue” of an isekai’d “otherworlder,” Akari, whom she must guide to the church’s foremost city to execute. Along the way, readers are treated to fights in passenger trains, villains who transform into creatures after swallowing red magic stones, and a mistrust between royalty and the church—the standard stuff of fantasy manga, easily breezed through and quickly forgotten. The more unique characteristics of the original—the frightening tone that the author sets when detailing the power of otherworlders who have gone berserk, and the angelic, poetic, and procedural use of scriptures when calling forth magic—are what set the series apart; but they are forgotten here in volume one of the manga as the story moves briskly along. Meanwhile, the beautifully illustrated characters aren’t supported by equally artistic backgrounds, missing elements that are almost necessary for world-building in a fantasy manga and thus conspicuous in their absence. What’s left is an average read with none of the distinctive elements that make the light novel special, an unexpected disappointment for a manga that should be, if nothing else, a visual feast. ~ Twwk

The Executioner and Her Way of Life is published by Yen Press.

Tsubaki-chou Lonely Planet, Manga Vol. 1

I sometimes wish our moods wouldn’t affect our enjoyment–or lack of it–when it comes to reading. Unfortunately, I think that is what happened when I read Tsubaki-chou Lonely Planet. Fumi is a high school girl who finds out that her father is in debt to a loan shark, and as a result, they are going to be evicted from their home. Not only is she forced to leave her home, she has to start working right away and gets a job as a housekeeper for a popular novelist, Akatsuki Kibikino. While she’s thankful to have a roof over her head, his grumpy attitude makes her new living arrangements not the most enjoyable…for now. I’m still not sure why I didn’t fully love this story. There’s definitely nothing “bad” about it, and I can only think that maybe I wasn’t head over heels for the story simply because when I read this I had a horrible headache? I did, however, really enjoy the interactions between Fumi and Akatsuki! There was some great humor that comes out of their interactions that I definitely want to see more of in this series. However, my absolute favorite part of this story is the writing aspect! Akatsuki really captures the quirks of writers, and as a writer, I really appreciated seeing that represented in fiction! Overall, this was an easy-going story that I do plan to come back to and give a second chance because I am interested to see what happens next! ~ Laura A. Grace

Tsubaki-chou Lonely Planet is published by Yen Press.

Fly Me to the Moon, Manga Vol. 14

It’s Kaguya (the mysterious masked high school girl) versus Tsukasa! We pick up with the “haunted” house story where we learn the spookiness is all mechanical. The whole situation is a setup to create “authentic,” unscripted movie footage. But Tsukasa just won’t get scared, and even has a sword fight with a “ghost.” Meanwhile, Aya uses her strong grasp of video game logic to navigate the staged puzzles. Eventually, Kaguya challenges Tsukasa directly, and they fight. With swords. Yes, somehow this has become a fighting manga, at least for a little while. There’s also a rogue animatronic centipede that needs a little decapitation. Once the haunted house situation is sorted out, it’s back to our regularly scheduled cute and flirty Nasa-Tsukasa interactions. “They may already be married, but sitcom-style romantic tension persists!” as the narration unapologetically admits. I enjoyed this volume’s swerve in fighting manga territory, as well as the video game jokes. I was a little disappointed we didn’t get more meaningful interactions between Tsukasa and Kaguya, but this is a pretty slow burn manga, so I shouldn’t have expected any quick developments. ~ Jeskai

Fly Me to the Moon is published by VIZ Media.

READ: Fly Me to the Moon Reviews (Vol. 1 // Vol. 2 // Vol. 3 // Vol. 5 // Vol. 6 // Vol. 7 // Vol. 8 // Vol. 9 // Vol. 10 // Vol. 11 // Vols. 12-13)

A Galaxy Next Door, Manga Vol. 3

When I reviewed volume two of A Galaxy Next Door, I wondered where the conflict in this series, which has been so light and fluffy, would come from. Well, here it is, presented in two ways—the more dramatic kind that readers may come to expect from a piece of fiction, and the more subtle, relationship-centered type that feeds well into this absolutely charming series. But first, the former! Volume three begins with Goshiki’s parents coming to take her home, away from what they fear are the vile clutches of a womanizing man. Of course, Ichiro is far from that, but the meeting is nonetheless a tense one; and though resolved for the time being, the dispute promises real troubles for the future of Goshiki and Ichiro’s relationship. Those chapters are followed by the unusual storyline of Goshiki’s needle being removed from Ichiro, thus annulling their pact, a decision that leads the two to consider how they’ll care for each other without being compelled by an alien force. What results is more beautiful scenes of commitment, love, and friendship, which work so well in part because the central characters are fully realized, adorable, and admirable. We want to root for them because of who they are individually, and what they can be together. I’m so glad to be reading about their journey—much like Frieren, my other favorite series of these past couple of years, A Galaxy Next Door makes me laugh, brings me to the edge of tears, and makes me consider what type of person I want to be. It’s everything I could ask for in a manga romance, and so much more. ~ Twwk

A Galaxy Next Door is published by Kodansha.

READ: A Galaxy Next Door Reviews (Vol. 1 // Vol. 2)

Zom 100: Bucket List of the Dead, Manga Vol. 8

How do you one-up a zombie invasion? Why, add dinosaurs into the mix, of course! With its frequent action, humorous dialogue, and quick but emotional mini-arcs, Zom 100 continues to read as “the shonen manga most likely to become a beloved anime that hasn’t already.” Some chapters feature the group stumbling into a dinosaur museum and engaging a zombie horde there, which is a lot of fun. They even include a two-page spread that’s a callback to the original Jurassic Park film. The following chapter doesn’t let up on the creativity, focusing on a notable philosopher and mathematician zombies while dwelling on the nature of boredom. What a weird and fun ride this manga is. Zom 100 is an absolute joy to read—the zombie series I never knew I needed. ~ Twwk

Zom 100: Bucket List of the Dead is published by VIZ Media.

READ: Zom 100: Bucket List of the Dead Reviews (Vol. 1 // Vol. 2 // Vol. 3 // Vol. 4 // Vol. 5 // Vol. 6 // Vol. 7)

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“Reader’s Corner” is our way of embracing the wonderful world of manga, light novels, and visual novels, creative works intimately related to anime but with a magic all their own. Each week, our writers provide their thoughts on the works they’re reading—both those recently released as we keep you informed of newly published works, and those older titles that you might find as magical (or in some cases, reprehensible) as we do.

[beneaththetangles]

Reader’s Corner: A Sign of Affection, Dragon and Ceremony, and My Next Life as a Villainess Side Story

My Youth Romantic Comedy is Wrong, As I Expected @ comic, Vol. 17

The final arc of Oregairu (this is the 17th of 19 manga volumes) shifts heavily toward the dramatic, immediately evident ipn the cover which makes Hachiman, commonly memified as Batman-like hero, 8-man (“Hachi-man”), look like he’s in an action manga, while Yukino and Yui look on sorrowfully. Yes, it’s a bit overdramatic, but so, too, is the material from the light novels upon which this manga is based. I’ve been critical of the too-long, overserious final arc of what’s otherwise a remarkably witty and wonderfully thoughtful series. But the manga takes a slightly and surprisingly different beat. Volume 17, in which little happens on the surface (Yukino continues to struggle with impending cancellation of the prom while Hachiman wonders whether or not he should help) but where all the main characters are hitting the climax of their feelings and considering how to move forward, is a satisfying and lovely read. And it’s all because of the mangaka. As all works are apt to do, My Youth Romantic Comedy is Wrong, As I Expected @ comic has developed over time, from the rougher artwork and writing trying to find a voice early on to a beautifully developed piece that now stands on its own, as Ponkan⑧ and Naomichi use the strengths available in manga format to take light novel writer Wataru Watari’s wordiness (both his greatest strength and weakness) and make emphasis where necessary, using panels drawn as metaphors to explain or break up confusing and long passages, and incredible artwork every few pages (ex. a shot of Yui in the future as a housewife) to do the same. They also avoid having the heavy drama overwhelm the general tone of the story by including cutesy, kawaii, and romantic panels, creating a nice balance to an arc that is and needs to be dramatic, but not overly so. I should also note that even though I can’t describe myself as a Yui stan, I’m happy to see the opportunity she receives to shine in these chapters, most surprisingly through Haruno’s perfect description of her character, a nice moment in the midst of emotional chaos. And there’s no doubt, chaos is the center of this volume, an untangling of complex emotions by teenagers who are struggling to do so, and if that sounds rather dull, well, in Ponkan⑧ and Naomichi’s hands, it’s not—it’s thrilling. I cannot wait to see how these two conclude this masterful series in the final two volumes. ~ Twwk

My Youth Romantic Comedy is Wrong, As I Expected @ comic is published by Yen Press.* Volume 17 releases on January 25th.

Visions 2021 Illustrators Book

You may follow artists who illustrate in anime-style art on Instagram, Twitter, or deviantArt, but are you familiar with Pixiv? The Japanese site has exploded in recent years, and mostly feature Asian artists who illustrate in styles familiar to anime fans. The Visions 2021 book captures the art of many of Pixiv’s most notable artists, including Lack, Kawacy, and 江戸屋犬八, with each receiving a two-page spread in this several hundred-page artbook in which almost every single piece that is featured (mostly somewhere between 3-7 per artist) is breathtaking, worthy of examination and admiration. I’ve long held an account at Pixiv and frequently talk to artists about featuring their work here on our blog and on other sites, and so am absolutely thrilled to see many of their original works (there are very few fanart pieces in Visions 2021—I saw just one, in fact, for Spice and Wolf) in a physical copy. Landscapes, especially, sparkle in a way they don’t on a digital screen. Fans of Pixiv will also be excited to see the caption material for artists, which include profiles and both English and Japanese (or Chinese or Korean) translations of their names. The profiles also often explain their what kind of work they do, with some having reached the heights of the industry, including two of our favorites, Loundraw and Yoshitoshi ABe, and Ponkan⑧, who we praised in the review above. Those unfamiliar with Pixiv will marvel at how insanely detailed and powerful these illustrations of mainly anime girls can be, and how they run a gamut of different styles and genres, made all the more evident by a lack of thematic order (pages are ordered alphabetically by artist name). There is some gore, body horror, and fanservice, but the works aren’t explicit, and veer toward what I might describe as “tasteful ecchi,” if there is such a thing. ~ Twwk

Visions 2021 Illustrators Book is published by Yen Press.*

A Sign of Affection, Vol. 4

The next volume of A Sign of Affection is here and it is precious as always! This continues to be a manga that doesn’t languish on my stacks; I start it shortly after it arrives because I love it so much. This trend continues as I was already squealing within the first few pages! While Yuki continues to be amazing and sweet as ever, Itsuomi really shines in this volume. He’s more relaxed then ever before. Yuki really sees him in his element and much of what takes place in this volume reminds me of a certain scene from Kimi ni Todoke when Kazehaya tells Sawako he wants to “feel his future” with her. I don’t know if that is what Itsuomi is thinking or not (because yeah, I agree with Yuki that he is still a mystery), but gosh, I love how he is just so respectful of Yuki! And his thoughtfulness! Both him and Kyouya bring the swoon-worthy vibes! There’s lots and lots of wholesomeness in this volume and with an ending that had a good turn of events. I’m not sure if I would say there’s a plot twist, as well, but now I am super curious to know what will happen next because I wasn’t expecting that! 5 out of 5 stars, and as always, a desperation for the next volume! ~ Laura A. Grace

A Sign of Affection is published by Kodansha.

My Next Life as a Villainess Side Story: On the Verge of Doom!, Vol. 1

This spinoff manga of the My Next Life as a Villainess: All Routes Lead to Doom! light novel series asks a fun what-if question: What if Katarina didn’t regain memories of her past life—and thus the knowledge of Fortune Lover and her impending doom—until she was already in the academy? This presents quite a few problems for her: Not only does she have to somehow reverse all the bullying against protagonist Maria that she had started (while everyone around is confused why her personality changed so much), but she now also only has one year before her supposed Bad Ends! This is a very enjoyable spinoff that twists the story just enough to make some interesting changes. For example, one of game!Katarina’s lackeys becomes a significant character as Katarina tries to convince her to stop bullying Maria. At the same time, this spinoff works because Katarina is still her same ditzy self, and her bumbling around to find ways to prepare for her Bad Ends are both familiar and just different enough to still be funny. Much of the original main cast is also here, though it is worth noting that here, they have not been influenced by a younger reincarnated Katarina, which again provides all sorts of interesting differences and similarities as Katarina interacts with them. Overall, this was a really fun spinoff and one I definitely recommend for Bakarina fans, although it’s best to be familiar with the original series (whether through the light novel, manga, or anime) to get the most out of it. ~ stardf29

My Next Life as a Villainess Side Story: On the Verge of Doom! is published by Seven Seas.

Dragon and Ceremony, Vol. 1

Wandmaking apprentice Ix is at a crossroads, figuratively and literally—his master has died, he lacks the credentials to become a full-fledged craftsman on his own, and stand at the road, unsure where to go. There he meets Yuui, a young woman hiding beneath a hood who approaches him with a wand in need of repair. Their serendipitous meeting sets off an unexpected journey which by the end of volume one of Dragon and Ceremony leads to most satisfying and beautiful conclusion. This is a well-written novel. Though it relies on a very standard fantasy setting and wandmaking conventions that will be familiar to Harry Potter fans, there’s a subtlety and strength in how author Ichimei Tsukushi guides the story. He mixes humor, mystery, and fantastical elements, but the main object for us as readers is to enjoy the dual leads as we get to know them and see how they grow over the course of the novel. Tsukushi also makes wonderful use of religion in his story. Too often presented as an almost comical villain in other similar series, without much depth, here religion is presented more broadly and deeply, and it plays a significant role in the wondrous conclusion to the tale. Speaking of the ending, volume one concludes in such a way that readers will long for more, to see in what direction this story will develop. It feels a lot like the early volumes of Spice and Wolf in that the series feels as if it can go in a variety of directions, and that its main characters could come together or stay apart, which adds to the magic of an already magical volume. I, for one, am entranced. ~ Twwk

Dragon and Ceremony is published by Yen Press.*

Bottom-Tier Character Tomozaki, Vol. 4

I’ve been addicted to Bottom-Tier Character Tomozaki lately, finding the series about the titular nerd receiving to become a normie to be highly engaging and surprising in the best of ways. Volume four, however, is a slight step back from the heights of volume three, which ended with Hinami being challenged for the first time for her world view, the way she approaches life, and just generally in how she treats others. In this follow-up, Tomozaki is now given what amounts to a volume-long assignment of trying to get the horrible, terrible, no-good Konno to actually want to participate in the upcoming school sports festival. I like how this volume, more than previous ones, feels very video game-like, not just by the constant analogies made, but by how the author structures the plot to make it feel as if Tomozaki is in an RPG and planning to fight a tough boss. However, some of the flaws of the series are getting tiring by this point, including a complaint I have about many shonen / harem works: The MC is a character whom we’re supposed to like and buy into, even though he’s actually leading several girls on (but it’s okay because he has no idea they like him!). Tomozaki as narrator is far too smart to not realize, or simply take the time to think about, whether Fuuka (and may others?) likes him. Also, the turn that happens near the end of volume four, a veering toward the importance of another character in volume five, feels a bit forced and isn’t terribly compelling (at least not yet). Still, for all its flaws, I finished the book in about two days. I remain addicted, and imagine I’ll stay that way unless the low points grow more prominent than the engaging remaining elements of the series. ~ Twwk

Bottom-Tier Character Tomozaki is published by Yen Press.*

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Reader’s Corner is our way of embracing the wonderful world of manga, light novels, and visual novels, creative works intimately related to anime but with a magic all their own. Each week, our writers provide their thoughts on the works their reading—both those recently released as we keep you informed of newly published works and older titles that you might find as magical (or in some cases, reprehensible) as we do.