Happy 2024! Let us help you welcome you to the new year with a plethora of manga, manhwa, graphic novel, and light novel reviews, including those for a few key series we highly recommend!

Amy’s Big Brother • Dark Moon: The Blood Altar (Vol. 1) • I Got a Cheat Skill in Another World and Became Unrivaled in the Real World, Too (Vol. 4) • The Ice Guy and the Cool Girl (Vol. 2) • I’m Quitting Heroing (Vol. 4) • Kubo Won’t Let Me Be Invisible (Vol. 11) • Marriage Toxin (Vol. 1) • The Remarried Empress (Vol. 5) • Pass the Monster Meat, Milady! (Vol. 1) • Sengoku Youko (Vol. 5) • Tearmoon Empire (Vol. 3) • Try Again (Vol. 1)

Amy’s Big Brother, Manhwa

BonHyung Jeong, the artist behind the lovely and thoughtful Kyle’s Little Sister, goes back in time a couple of years and focuses on one of Kyle’s friends in this equally excellent one-volume manhwa. The titular character is Andrew, who is entering middle school and is focused on becoming the captain of the basketball team while rejoicing that he doesn’t have to attend the same school with his annoying little sister anymore. What he doesn’t expect is to fall for his classmate Hannah, who is also interested in him but isn’t really sure whether she wants a boyfriend, much less how to navigate a relationship. That storyline takes center stage in the work, which so warmly embraces both Andrew and Hannah, whose thoughts about relationships, friendships, and just life in general are so different. That’s part of what makes Amy’s Big Brother such a wondrous book for young people, showing them how different our perspectives can be and how hard it is to consider others’ points of view. I think many readers on the cusp of adolescence will find that some of the thoughts that Andrew and Hannah have may mirror their own, while others are quite different (and still reasonable); the result, I hope, will be that the same readers will find empathy for others who might think differently from them. Other topics touched upon are changing dynamics in friendships, adoption, disappointment, and of course, being a sibling—all handled with warmth and sensitivity. I highly recommend this book for children of late elementary school ages and into middle school, but as an adult and parent, I also found the work charming, creative, and spot-on, another triumph by BonHyung Jeong. ~ Twwk

Amy’s Big Brother is published by JY, an imprint of Yen Press.

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Try Again, Graphic Novel Vol. 1

Danielle Burroughs is a hitman for the mob until one day she accidentally kills a child and throws herself off a rooftop out of regret for her life choices. But the devil (or similar) is not going to let her off so easily! Now she must work as a spectral hitman taking out whoever she is directed to by the ghost of the girl she killed, who is also stuck in hell. Maybe. I think this is what is happening here? I’ll admit, I’m not a hundred percent. And therein lies the problem: I appreciate a good bit of non-linear storytelling; in fact, I revel in it! But there needs to be a pattern to the non-linearity, a set of rules, like in Memento or Inception, or at least cues that tell you when you enter a flashback and whose it is likely to be. There were points in this volume where I was convinced the little girl was actually twins, but that is not the case. I think. Meanwhile, the relationship(s) between Danielle and her hit (and that entire family) are not clear, and not in an “Oh hoh! Mystery and intrigue!” kind of way. Just in a “basic facts are missing here” way. There’s another highly capable mob woman wreaking violence here as well, and actually it seems like the series may be more about her, except for the elaborate lore around Danielle…sigh. I don’t know. I wanted to like it, but I’m lost. That said, it’s great to see Noir Caesar Entertainment bringing BIPOC into the world of manga and manga-inspired graphic novels, and I look forward to trying their other series. This one is just not for me. ~ claire

Try Again is published by TOKYOPOP.

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 Sengoku Youko, Manga Vol. 5

The strongest member of the corrupt Dangaishuu order, the Dragon Beast Master, is still hot on our team’s trail—er, that is, he’s meditating peacefully on a mountain nearby—but still, he has them in sight (details, details). Even with Jinka’s recent breakthrough in training and the acquisition of an extra tail when in his spirit transformation form, the dragon guy is still three to four times stronger than him. Shouldn’t they just run while he ohms? But Tama has a plan. The only problem is that it relies on manipulating a goddess, and everyone knows how tricksy divine beings can be, especially when it comes to payment. Is this really such a good idea, Tama? Well, things are really coming to a head now! All the big battles are lining up, and they’re pretty spectacular. Fisticuffs fly as cries naming new, fearsome moves split the skies; faces contort, limbs flail, and explosions rip across the pages. Shinsuke also has a confrontation on his hands, but this volume is mostly about Jinka—and not just because of the fights. He also finds himself the center of a certain shrine maiden’s attention, which may or may not be what inspires him to say some pretty surprising things in a quiet moment before battle—the kinds of things that point to a whole other set of underlying motivations fueling his eagerness to take on the Dangaishuu and their evil mastermind. Up until now, Jinka has been the most tight-lipped of the gang, and a little hard to pin down apart from his vehement hatred of humans (despite being one). But it looks like now things are about to get interesting with him—assuming he survives long enough, that is! (No, I’m not bitter about Shakugan’s death just as we were getting to know and love her so well, that’s not it at all…) Needless to say, looking forward to the next installment! ~ claire

Sengoku Youko is published by TOKYOPOP.

^{READ: Reviews of Sengoku Youko Vol. 1 // Vol. 2 // Vol. 3 // Vol. 4}

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I’m Quitting Heroing, Manga Vol. 4

Volume three of I’m Quitting Heroing ended in such an epic, surprising, and conclusive way that I would have been satisfied with it being the finale to the series. But the show goes on, and after volume four, which introduces a new major character (and perhaps antagonist), it remains to be seen whether continuing the story was the right option after all. Here, Leo is adjusting to life in the kingdom as an official part of Echidna’s army, with duties including clearing out a dungeon created by Shutina’s disciple and doing wyvern hunting with Edvard and Lili. These more slice-of-life style stories end up being the conduits to the actual tale, which involves one of Leo’s “brothers” whose core has found it way to the aforementioned mage that works for Shutina. We don’t know a whole lot at this point about his motivations or the host’s, so the reveals in the next volume could go a number of ways; in the meantime, volume four spends most of its time helping us learn more about the main characters, in effective ways (the hunt with Edvard and Lili) and less interesting ones (the dungeon crawling with Shutina). All in all, this is the least engaging volume in the series, but the next volume, which presumably will conclude the story (or least carry it toward the climax), will go a long way in determining the value of this arc and in extending the tale overall. ~ Twwk

I’m Quitting Heroing is published by Yen Press.

READ: Reviews of I’m Quitting Heroing Reviews Vol. 1 // Vol. 2 // Vol. 3

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Pass the Monster Meat, Milady!, Manga Vol. 1

This new first volume of a brand-new series was so much fun! Melphiera absolutely loves monster meat! Grilled, roasted, stewed, it doesn’t matter how it’s cooked, she will gladly eat it! So much so that she has been given the nickname “The Voracious Villainess”! Not the best nickname to have since she is looking for a match and everyone else hates monster meat. Thankfully that didn’t deter the “Blood-Mad Duke” because he has taken a keen interest in her and the monster meat she loves to eat! This volume definitely lived up to my expectations of being something super enjoyable to read, but I never expected the romance to be so fun and heavy in this volume! The bonding over monster meat is such a unique and wonderful touch, and these two are a perfect match! I really liked that part of the story and how often Melphiera completely forgot herself as she would excitedly talk about the different food one can cook from monster meat and her excitement for monsters in general. Then to have Aristide actively listen to her and engage in conversation with his own excitement made me deeply happy for our main girl! With that said, I think the romance wasn’t too rushed? Everything does happen fast, but I think given both of their backstories and how they have been mistreated by society (or at least ostracized), it didn’t seem so weird that it couldn’t be love at first sight. And not only that, but just how they both were able to share their passions together after they weren’t able to do that with other people. This really made it something special, and I was very happy about later developments when it came to the romance! I will be preordering volume two as soon as I can! I need to see more of this romance bloom—and more of what monster meat Melphiera will be cooking up next! ~ Laura A. Grace

Pass the Monster Meat, Milady! is published by Kodansha.

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Dark Moon: The Blood Altar, Manhwa Vol. 1

“If you think you’re not like everyone else, you become afraid of facing them.” Okay, I loved this! Sooha has been accused of being a vampire since as far back as she can remember. However, she had one friend who didn’t think she was one and trusted her with her “weird powers,” but unfortunately he passed away from a real vampire. With fierce hatred in her heart towards vampires, Sooha enrolls at Decelis Academy where she is sure that she’ll never face or see a vampire again. What she doesn’t know is that the seven guys she has befriended are secretly vampires. I hardly ever read vampire stories, but this one sounded very interesting, especially since there were supposed to be werewolves. I feel like werewolves are hardly ever represented in manhwa/manga, so I wanted to branch out of my typical genres I read and give it a try. Again let me just say, I super super super enjoyed this! Sure, it has some cliche and insta-love kinds of things, but I have no qualms because the guy Sooha seems to be in love with is so sweet! I am hardcore shipping them both and loved all their interactions because they are super cute, and I was just like please let them be endgame! I feel bad because I am not familiar with HYBE or their music, but I really loved all the characters in this story! Each person is unique and has their own personality that is distinctive to them, making it easy to know who everyone is. Heli is hands down my favorite, but I also really like Jaan! I am extremely excited about the second volume and can’t wait to see what happens, especially after seeing the preview panels of volume two! Like what!? I have no idea what to expect but I know it will be awesome because Sooha is a fantastic heroine and the guys are all fun! ~ Laura A. Grace

Dark Moon: The Blood Altar is published by IZE Press, an imprint of Yen Press.

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The Remarried Empress, Manwha Vol. 5

The gears are in motion for what was shown at the beginning: the Emperor divorcing Navier. While she isn’t supposed to find out about his plans, Navier is completely blindsided when she does. Thankfully, a surprise and secret meeting with Heinrey leaves Navier making her own plan of action that would result in her standing by his side. This volume was infuriating just as much as the last one simply because of the focus on the Emperor and how much of a low-life this man is. Ugh! I forgot how calculating he was about the divorce and how he knew exactly what he was doing. He didn’t think of Navier in any of his decisions and really just stomped all over her feelings without care. I knew that from when I read the series on Webtoons, but it was just as angering now as it was then. Truly, the audacity of this man! He is like,  “I’ll be divorced to Navier for a year and then bring her back as empress.” Do you really think she is going to want to come back to you?! Moving on though, I loved seeing Heinrey again! He loves Navier so much, and I’m thankful that she has someone like him who wants her and will not turn her away or choose some other woman over her. He cares so deeply for her! My heart continues to break for Navier because she is so strong yet is hurting so much. She needs a long hug and then some special time with Heinrey! Ha! Always rooting for her happiness, and I feel that was especially true in this volume because of how she found out about what the Emperor plans to do. Overall, this was another fantastic volume that had me super angry but also super happy for certain moments that are boldly hinting at change coming! ~ Laura A. Grace

The Remarried Empress is published by IZE Press, an imprint of Yen Press.

^{READ: Reviews of The Remarried Empress Vol. 1 // Vol. 2 // Vol. 3 // Vol. 4}

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I Got a Cheat Skill in Another World and Became Unrivaled in the Real World, Too, Manga Vol. 4

I Got a Cheat Skill is one of the most comforting series in recent memory. The dangers in the series, which in volume four include a new potential enemy in the fantasy world and a building fire in the real world, are never too precarious; instead, they function as events that draw friends (and a budding harem) closer to Yuuya, who is humble enough that he absolutely, 100% stays a “nice guy,” thus making it easy for readers to root for him when he finishes first in every situation. For instance, the aforementioned enemy is, naturally, a super cute ninja assassin, but because of Yuuya’s friendliness and his purity (he doesn’t even sneak a peek when the mysterious girl is fully naked), she comes to trust him. Meanwhile, Yuuya develops more and more friendships in the real world as a class trip comes into view. All of this contributes to a really warm tone; friendships, pure romances, and growth (both in muscle and mind) are what it’s all about. This is the first volume of the manga I’ve read, and I think it may be the best way to go through this series. It’s a quick read, perfect for a franchise that isn’t deep or contemplative, and avoids some of the problems in the other media, namely boring bits in the anime and the straight-up terrible writing in the original light novel. I strongly recommend the manga if you’re up for a happy, wish-fulfillment fantasy, and absolutely okay with not getting much else. ~ Twwk

I Got a Cheat Skill in Another World and Became Unrivaled in the Real World, Too is published by Yen Press.

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The Ice Guy and the Cool Girl, Manga Vol. 2

I stand behind the statement that this is one of the most wholesome josei series because this second volume leaves you feeling so very happy! Definitely no surprise that I felt the same way because of how much I loved volume one, but there are even more fun shenanigans this time around! Himoru and Fuyutsuki slowly continue to have deeper feelings for each other with every kind word and favor they both do for one another. So much so that they even go on their first unintentional date! However, these two still are rather clueless about each other’s feelings. Will one of them take the bold step to maybe confess to the other? With that said, thankfully, we did almost get a confession! I felt myself holding my breath and leaning in towards the manga only for me to be so bummed that the confession was interrupted! I very much hope in the next volume that there will be another confession attempt because these two are one of the cutest couples I have read! I continue to love seeing their awkward interactions but also how they are getting more and more comfortable in each other’s presence. You can definitely tell that they may not be a couple, but they certainly aren’t just coworkers any longer! Squeals! Now while I confess I love our main “couple,” Himuro and Fuyutstuki, I loved the side “couple,” Komori and Saejima, in this volume too! They brought such fun humor! They are more open and a little more straightforward, but that definitely doesn’t mean they don’t have their own “misunderstandings”! Ha! Very very very excited to continue reading this series! Definitely going to be my “happy manga” going forward! ~ Laura A. Grace

The Ice Guy and the Cool Girl is published by Square Enix.

^{READ: The Ice Guy and the Cool Girl Vol. 1 Review}

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Kubo Won’t Let Me Be Invisible, Manga Vol. 11

There’s cute, and then there’s volume eleven of Kubo Won’t Let Me Be Invisible. The kawaiiness of an already adorable series punches into overdrive as Kubo and Shiraishi (who finally gets his first cover!) admit to themselves that they like each other. As wonderful as that is, volume eleven goes even further as each makes overtures that seem relatively small on the surface but which are really brave steps toward admitting their feelings to each other. Squee! I think what’s best of all is that as unexpected as it may seem for these two to start down that path, it really isn’t; they’ve each grown throughout the course of the series (especially Shiraishi) and they’re more ready than they think to admit their feelings. Will they? As usual, this series provides opportunities for special moments, and it seems like volume twelve will line one up. Whether they’re quite ready yet for that big a leap remains to be seen, but you bet I’ll be tuning in to see them get closer and closer to what will surely be the most adorable of confessions! ~ Twwk

Kubo Won’t Let Me Be Invisible is published by VIZ Media.

^{READ: Reviews of Kubo Won’t Let Me Be Invisible Vol. 1 // Vol. 2 // Vol. 3 // Vol. 4 // Vol. 5 // Vol. 6 // Vol. 7 // Vol. 8 // Vol. 9 // Vol. 10}

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Marriage Toxin, Manga Vol. 1

Geto is a solitary soul. After all, it’s hard to meet someone when you’re an assassin—not that Geto desires marriage. It’s just not for him, despite his family’s intentions to get him hitched and continue the legacy of their family. But when he discovers that his precious sister will need to enter a marriage of convenience to continue the family line, Geto has a change of heart, and his latest target, a swindler by the name of Kinosaki, might just be the key to turning this awkward killer into charming husband material. I’m not usually much for “assassin love” stories, with their mix of crude violence and sentimentality that rarely works for me, but Marriage Toxin has a number of things going for it. Geto is a fun protagonist, sincere and socially awkward. He’s easy to root for, as is Kinosaki (though it should be noted that a revelation involving this character is very likely to affect the route this story ultimately takes). The moments of trying to turn Geto into a ladies man are genuinely funny, while the action scenes (there were three or four in just this volume) are excellent; Geto’s poison expertise is a neat angle, and I imagine will open a lot of possibilities for future fights. All in all, a pleasant surprise and an excellent start to a series with great potential. ~ Twwk

Marriage Toxin is published by VIZ Media.

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Tearmoon Empire, Manga Vol. 3

This volume was the perfect read to end 2023 with! The school dance has wrapped up, and in its wake Mia addresses the kidnapping that took place. Much to her dismay, with the actions that she makes, it will lead to her making a new friend that she would have never expected! Not only that, Mia will soon find herself making a few different friends as she joins a school club and attempts to cook for the first time! I had forgotten just how funny Mia is with her misunderstandings and how she is doing things for the wrong reasons, but somehow they work out making her look like a saint! Ha! I laughed so much when reading because of this, making this volume an absolute gem to read! My favorite part, however, was meeting characters that have different ethnicities! Maybe that sounds odd to say, but I feel it is so rare in the fantasy manga I’ve read that I was absolutely delighted to see it in this series! Not only that, but both characters are amazing, and I very much hope to see them again in the next volume! Many thanks to the artist for including Rania when she was originally introduced in a bonus story that was part of one of the light novel volumes! So cool! I really enjoyed the cooking chapters because it’s fun seeing everyone together, even if Mia is a little bit horrified! I also very much enjoyed the part where Mia makes a new friend as well as the time she had with Abel! I agree with the narrator that Mia doesn’t realize how close her feelings match Abel’s! Hehe! Also, her new friend is wonderful! Truly, I enjoyed every moment and had such a fun time! I’m eagerly anticipating the next volume’s release to see what happens in regard to the tournament! ~ Laura A. Grace

Tearmoon Empire is published by J-Novel Club.

^{READ: Reviews of Tearmoon Empire Vol. 1 // Vol. 2}

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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.