Welcome to Reader’s Corner, your little cubby on the Internet where you can curl up with a manga or light novel and just get away from it all. Do you want to pick up one of the series we’ve been reviewing for months or even years? We’ve got a few of those, including Helck and Shadows House. How about a brand-new series? We’ve got you covered as well with manga like He’s Expecting and Tokyo These Days. Whatever your mood, we’ll make sure you’re all comfy and squared away!

A Bride’s Story (Vol. 14) • Cat on the Hero’s Lap (Vol. 1) • Dandadan (Vol. 6) • The Deer King: Yuna and the Promised Journey (Vol. 1) • The Eccentric Doctor of the Moon Flower Kingdom (Vol. 4) • He’s Expecting (Vol. 1) • Helck (Vol. 7) • Scribbles (Vol. 2) • Sengoku Youko (Vol. 6) • Shadows House (Vol. 5) • Steel of the Celestial Shadows (Vol. 1) • Tokyo These Days (Vol. 1)

He’s Expecting, Manga Vol. 1

“What’s their deal?! When a woman gets pregnant, it’s practically law that you start celebrating! But a man? No, he’s a laughingstock! I’m having the baby.” If someone were to tell me that I would read a manga on male pregnancy and enjoy reading it, I would have been surprised because I didn’t even know there was a manga on male pregnancy! Kentaro Hiyama is an up-and-coming manager in his company and is fully focused on growing in his career. When he very unexpectedly gets pregnant, he is beyond shocked. However, after much thought he decides to use his pregnancy to help introduce change to those who have been looked down upon due to being in a similar situation as well as create awareness of the need for positive change towards men who are pregnant. This was surprisingly a fun read! I say surprisingly because I really didn’t know what to expect when starting. Most of the reviews I had seen said “Turn off your brain” when it came to him physically having a child, but I found I didn’t have an issue. Kentaro makes an interesting protagonist because he is full out there telling people he’s pregnant. I can’t say that I ever hid any of my pregnancies, but this volume really captured the fears, the worries, and the joys of being pregnant. I thought the story would follow just Kentaro, but each chapter focused on someone new and their struggle of being pregnant or feeling the effects of someone being pregnant. Each person’s struggle was very compelling, and I loved how the story did have a happy ending because we saw how Kentaro really did make a difference during his pregnancy. Overall, I found this to be an insightful and fun read that I enjoyed reading! I would definitely be interested in reading volume two and seeing where the story goes! ~ Laura A. Grace

He’s Expecting is published by Kodansha.

---

The Eccentric Doctor of the Moon Flower Kingdom, Manga Vol. 4

“There’s nothing quite like following the medical texts and curing a person’s ailment. I can’t describe it any other way than thrilling!” Another super fun volume, especially with Koyou finding a decent buffet of brawn! Ha! When Koyou helps an establishment where a drunk old man “keeps causing trouble,” she never imagined that it would lead to an intriguing idea from the very man she was trying to “teach a lesson”: opening her own clinic! With help from Keiun, they embark to the artisan district because in order for her to open, she has to have the equipment needed to help her patients. But will anyone be able to make the tools when they don’t even know how to make them? While this volume seemed slightly slower-paced, it was also very interesting seeing how the tools were being made. I confess I haven’t thought about how needles were made at any time, so I felt very engaged in those moments, which surprised me because it wasn’t as action-packed as last volume. However, I can’t wait to see how Koyou’s clinic is going to help the country because I love how Keiun is gradually changing the kingdom’s view on medicine and healing. It’s a very different take for a fantasy story compared to other series I’ve read because you can feel all that is weighing on this change and just how powerful it will be. Though too bad that Koyou doesn’t know who Keiun actually is because I felt so bad that he was once again put in an awkward position because he wasn’t treated like royalty by her. I feel even worse because I laughed so much in that scene! Ha! I have no idea how Koyou is going to act when she finds out he is the crowned prince! Ha! Another very fun volume, and I’m eagerly looking forward to the next volume! ~ Laura A. Grace

The Eccentric Doctor of the Moon Flower Kingdom is published by Seven Seas.

^{READ: Reviews of The Eccentric Doctor of the Moon Flower Kingdom Vol. 1 // Vol. 2 // Vol. 3}

---

Cat on the Hero’s Lap, Manga Vol. 1

Cat manga lovers unite! There is a new manga just for you! Red is a hero and is part of a group that fights goblins and, eventually, the Demon King that is terrorizing the land. As Red and his two friends go out on their adventures, one day they come upon a cat who just so happens to love to sleep on Red’s lap. When that happens, well, how can Red move if a cat is sleeping on his lap? This was a fun and cute read! I really liked the premise of a hero’s party not doing well because a cat simply keeps sitting on the hero’s lap anytime he sits down! Not only that, once the cat sits, Red doesn’t have the heart to move him! Ha! Lots of fun running gags with that idea in mind, and I had a great time reading this first volume! Unsure if I’ll get the next volume right away, but it’s one I wouldn’t mind picking up more of on a whim because I had such an enjoyable time reading this one! I would recommend it if you’re looking for a slice-of-life manga with cats, but in a fantasy setting that has RPG vibes! ~ Laura A. Grace

Cat on the Hero’s Lap is published by Seven Seas.

---

Sengoku Youko, Manga Vol. 6

There’s still one last Beast Master standing between our trusty gang and the goal they’ve been striving towards, namely taking out the evil mastermind behind the Dangaishuu and ending his despicable experiments with humans and katawara. It’s all down to Jinka, in his now seven-tailed form. But wait, the Dangaishuu leader can spirit transform too, and he has nine tails?! But if Jinka pushes himself to level up even more, will he be able to control the power unleashing the beast inside himself? The thrilling finale to part one packs a few surprises along with the punches! Let’s just say I’m glad that this is the end of a part and not the entire series because, hoowee, that would not be the ending I’m looking for! It’s not just a cliffhanger, but rather a giant step off the cliff, leaving everything suspended in air, satisfying resolution nowhere in sight. Thankfully, the volume includes some bonus material that softens the blow and soothes our heart rates down from the danger zone, easing into a bit of backstory. It’s time to learn how Tama and Jinka met! These two have always been a delight, carrying the series deftly with their mixture of deadpan humor, enthusiastic optimism, and scowling pessimism. But recent revelations of potential emotions hiding in Jinka’s chest have made me far more curious about their relationship and where it’s going. Could it be that romance is in the air of this fantastical adventure series?!? The latest news on the anime notes that it will consist of three cours, which means it will cover this entire arc and beyond, perhaps giving me my answer before the manga releases. Regardless, this is one I’ll keep reading too, even with the anime on the horizon! ~ claire

Sengoku Youko is published by TOKYOPOP.

^{READ: Reviews of Sengoku Youko Vol. 1 // Vol. 2 // Vol. 3 // Vol. 4 // Vol. 5}

---

A Bride’s Story, Manga (hardback) Vol. 14

The Russians are coming! And rather than await their arrival, resigned to their fate, the clans of the Central Asian steppes are taking action, seeking common ground upon which to unite their disparate peoples, town-dwellers and nomads alike. And what firmer ground can there be than marriage? And so, a competition is planned, a horse race to decide the fate of the men and women who participate. Can young Chief Azel and his right-hand men outrace the talented horsewomen of the grasslands’ Jandiq clan and earn themselves brides and allies alike? Full disclosure: I’ve jumped into this series having never read a single preceding volume, purely on the strength of mangaka Kaoru Mori’s graceful linework. And oh boy, was it ever a good move on my part! Not only does the art not disappoint—for instance, there are literally thousands of fully realized horses in this volume alone, with its profusion of expansive yet highly detailed two-page spreads—but it’s actually a really approachable series, easy to slip into and catch up on the characters and plot, even this late in the run, which is a real testament to Mori’s writing abilities. But back to the art. It is stunning—no, really, I mean STUNNING. I can’t say that I’ve ever read a manga or comic book more beautiful than this. I found myself simply staring at the panels for minutes at a time, losing myself in the scenes, particularly during the race. As a former horse rider, I must also add that the anatomy, movement, and other tiny details on the literally hundreds of horse illustrations are spot on. This in itself sets this work in a class of its own, and it’s no wonder Yen Press decided to release this series in hardback. Ok, that’s it for now because I need to go scour the online marketplace now for copies of the first 13 volumes… ~ claire

A Bride’s Story is published by Yen Press.

^{READ: A Bride’s Story Vol. 1 Review}

---

Shadows House, Manga Vol. 5

Coffee and coagles and contraptions, oh my! This volume has it all! When we last saw the debutants, Emilico was the only one not in thrall to Shadows House and able to think for herself, thanks to Miss Kate’s intervention when she figured out the dire effects of the coffee that is rationed out as a reward every week. The canny shadow girl also alerted John to these effects, and it’s with him that this volume begins, as he seeks to bring his “living doll“ and face, Shaun, back to his senses—with his fists, in typical John style. Can the two pairs recruit more allies before it’s too late? And when exactly will it be too late? What is August Grandfather’s plan with all this?! We really start getting into the nitty gritty of Shadows House and the systems and loyalties and factions that sustain it, keeping the Lord of the Manor insulated from insurrection. For anime viewers, the opening chapter contains pivotal details missing from the adaptation that put a whole new spin on the relationship between shadow masters and their faces, and questions who is truly the master of the two. This gets at the grander, real-world question of the power of influence, to what extent we can ward against it, and to what extent we are, nevertheless, fundamentally shaped by the things (and people) that fill our days. Really interesting stuff! There are a lot of fun moments in this one too, paired with some gorgeous illustrations as writer and artist duo Somato explores the widening cast of characters, bringing each individual’s unique features to the fore. For readers who already know where things are headed, I will also add that this volume clears up a few niggling questions I had around a certain missed opportunity for Miss Kate and a particular potential ally…it’s really frustrating to see this playing out, panel by panel, but that frustration is a testament to the immersive quality of the storytelling—so, well done, Somato! Y’all know what you’re doing. ~ claire

Shadows House is published by Yen Press.

^{READ: Reviews of Shadows House Vol. 1 // Vol. 2 // Vol. 3 // Vol. 4}

---

Dandadan, Manga Vol. 6

The Jiji/giant worm arc comes to an overstuffed if not passable conclusion in volume six of Dandadan. When last we left Okarun and Momo, they were fighting a possessed Jiji after being sunk into an interdimensional “wormhole.” How do you get out of such a predicament? Well, one way is by reintroducing a bunch of characters you thought were one-offs. Kind of sounds like cheating, right? Well, it is and it isn’t. Dandadan feels a little listless in volume six, with fight scenes that drag a little, so using characters from former arcs (and one that was just briefly introduced) feels like a too-convenient way to solve the problem of a lack of energy. Then again, these characters were given enough of a backstory that seeing them again doesn’t feel totally out of place; it’s also tonally on-point for this kind of randomness to happen in Dandadan. Still, I think the humor and unpredictability pull what was an excellent arc away from its emotional core. The climax made less of Jiji’s predicament, decreased worries about Okarun’s safety, and made an emotional reunion feel staid. What should have been a high point for Dandadan wasn’t, keeping this series from breaking out of the realm of “respectable” and into a higher category of manga. I still enjoy the series’ humor and artistry, as well as the chemistry between Momo and Okarun, but by this point, I’m ready to adjust my expectations—Dandadan is a fun series, but I don’t think it will ever be great. ~ Twwk

Dandadan is published by VIZ Media.

READ: Reviews of Dandadan Vol. 1 // Vol. 2 // Vol. 3 // Vol. 4 // Vol. 5

---

Helck, Manga Vol. 7

For six volumes, Helck has been slowly building—a flashback here, some story reveals there, and character development all around—and now in volume seven, the walls are put up and the house is complete. While the series isn’t over yet, not nearly (it appears that the rather the “first half” is done), the manga has made its major revelations, we’ve embraced Helck as just about the most loveable manga character of all time, and he, along with Azudra and Vermilio, are facing the villains head-on. But most exciting of all is that the series fully shows how much heart it has at a critical moment in the volume. The climax of volume seven not only delivers on this front, but it kind of hits readers with a “oh yeah” moment, as in, “Oh yeah…that’s what this series had to really be about all along.” In masterful strokes, mangaka Nanaki Nanao has built a humorous, engaging adventure tale without really leading us to question motivations and how it could lead to a good ending until now, when the time is ripe. What a terrific, well-crafted story! I can’t wait to see what happens with Helck and the rest in the next arc. ~ Twwk

Helck is published by VIZ Media.

READ: Reviews of Helck Vol. 1 // Vol. 2 // Vol. 3 // Vol. 4 // Vol. 5 // Vol. 6

---

Steel of the Celestial Shadows, Manga Vol. 1

Steel of the Celestial Shadows features unique and compelling artwork, and volume one introduces intriguing characters, but I wonder if the manga will end up distinguishing itself from Hell’s Paradise and other samurai series with heavy fantasy elements. The opening, at least, is intriguing: Ryudo Konusuke is a destitute samurai who is unable to gain employment because he has a supposed fear of blades. We discover, however, that there’s more to the story than that—swords, and in fact all metal, reject Konosuke, bending into odd shapes when near him, as if he’s a powerful magnet repelling the items. With no prospects, a haunted past, and a desperation to live by the code of the samurai, Konosuke seeks death, but instead finds marriage with the mysterious and beautiful Otsuki. The pairing of the pathetic but likable Konosuke and enigmatic Otsuki makes for vibrant reading, helped along by very particular character designs featuring wide faces and deep-set eyes that are entrancing. Unfortunately, the final pages of volume one culminate in a battle that feels like typical samurai shonen fare, while much of the mystery of the plot is clarified through revelations. A series that seemed absolutely unique 80% of the way through the first volume suddenly feels very ordinary. My hope is that there’s still much to be revealed about this world that’s unique among manga that take place in the Edo period. If so, Steel of the Celestial Shadows could be very special. But if not, I don’t think there’ll be enough here for me to keep up with the series. ~ Twwk

Steel of the Celestial Shadows is published by VIZ Media. Volume one releases on January 16th.

---

Tokyo These Days, Manga Vol. 1

It’s Shiozawa’s last day as a manga editor for the publisher he’s worked for the last 30 years. But as he makes his way home and then begins daily life without a job, he can’t help but be drawn back to the world of manga—its creators, editors, and the form itself. As I followed Shiozawa’s mundane life (all except his real back-and-forth conversations with his pet bird, that is), I was quickly absorbed into his life and those of the people he cares about as he meets (or avoids) them, including his junior editor Hayase and several manga artists who are all struggling to capture the qualities of the art they were able to convey in the past, or who have left manga altogether. If this sounds a bit lowkey and boring, it isn’t at all; there’s so much life to this story. I feel like I know six or seven characters intimately already through their quiet existence, relationships with one another, and struggles personally and professionally. They all sparkle, even if their work no longer does. What a thoughtful, remarkable work, punctuated by Taiyo Matsumoto’s unique art style. While Matsumoto’s reputation precedes him and I’ve seen bits and pieces of anime adaptations of his work, this is the first volume of his that I’ve read. And after reading it, I’m kicking myself for having avoided his work for many years. But with Tokyo These Days hovering on the theme of regret, and perhaps the act of moving forward, it somehow seems appropriate for me to start from here. ~ Twwk

Tokyo These Days is published by VIZ Media. Volume one releases on January 16th.

---

Scribbles, Sketchbook Vol. 2

It’s safe to say that mangaka Kaoru Mori is just the tiniest bit obsessed with 19th-century maids. Addicted, even: “If I don’t ink and add tone to a maid drawing every so often, I start having issues with my blood circulation. And every so often, if I don’t color a maid dress, I can’t sleep at night.” Although volume two of this skillful artist’s sketchbook series starts out like it could be subtitled The Maid Edition, the art quickly diversifies to offer a stunning array of beautiful young women who are not maids too! And yet, although the subjects of her penmanship are all of a similar demographic, they are actually strikingly diverse, as each lovely sketch sparkles with personality thanks to the way in which Mori’s splendid linework breathes vivid life into each one. Alongside an unpublished maid manga drawn “for the desk drawer” (as the Soviets used to say), there are some hilariously cunning maids in the mix, plus a Gundam-inspired maid, Beyoncé’s backup singers, and a glancing reference to the pandemic in the form of a goddess of toilet paper. This volume also collects many of Mori’s fashion studies, particularly traditional ethnic dress from across Europe and Asia (a sight to behold), as well as coiffures down through the ages. But the highlight is the charmingly witty commentary on every page (how she can recall what was going through her mind at the time of drawing is one of the seven great mysteries of Kaoru Mori, another being her capacity for drawing hundreds of horses at a go—see the review above). The commentary is not without subtext though, and she can be rather cheeky: “When all I want to do is simply draw a pose, it’s a pain to come up with clothes, so I just go ahead and draw the figure nude. Happens all the time.” Yet mysteriously they wear heels… All in all, another delight for the established fan of Mori, and a rich resource for the aspiring artist! Looking forward to the next one, where perhaps we will finally get to the horses. ~ claire

Scribbles is published in hardback by Yen Press.

^{READ: Review of Scribbles Vol. 1}

---

The Deer King: Yuna and the Promised Journey, Manga Vol. 1

The former Kingdom of Aquafa was defeated in battle by the Zolian Empire a decade ago, leaving its people to bear the collar of slavery and impoverishment. When a disease of mythic origins breaks out among the colonizers, leaving the Aquafaese untouched, the situation is set to become explosive. One man carries the potential for a cure in his blood, while another harbors the intelligence and ingenuity to develop that cure. Between them stands an Empire on the verge of chaos as royals, politicians, and military officials scheme, tales of fearsome black wolves leave the population shaken, and the bodies ravaged by illness pile up. Will their paths cross in time? And when they do, will they be able to work together? This may be a tale of epic proportions, but at its heart, it is about an adoptive father and daughter. You see, the man with the disease-defying blood? He escaped death with one other person in tow: a little girl, barely weaned from her mother’s milk. It is this little girl, Yuna, who now gives our hero, Van, purpose and direction. Although the setup and metanarrative are full of action and intrigue, we spend just as much time with Yuna and Van in their quiet moments, as they first make their way to a remote herding village and then begin the slow, patient work of integrating into the community. These more leisurely stretches are just as rewarding as the more political aspects of the story, fitting in all sorts of little details that the film adaptation of this novel by Naoko Uehashi was unable to include. In this sense, it is reminiscent of Moribito: Guardian of the Spirit, which likewise manages to defy the norms of action-adventure pacing and still work. The artwork at times feels quite simple, but this gives it a clean feel, and there are some beautifully detailed larger panels and two-page spreads. The first volume leaves off right before there is an important reveal that will take the story in a new direction and even add a new genre tag, which feels like a missed opportunity, but perhaps not. We’ll have to wait and see with volume two! ~ claire

The Deer King is published by Yen Press.

---

“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.