We’re only two days away from the month of love, so let’s dig into those romantic releases, including series that are premiering or have new volumes coming out in February, like Bloody Sweet, See You in My 19th Life, and Gazing at the Star Next Door! Romance (or maybe a certain upcoming holiday) not your thing? Then read our reviews of other isekai, adventure, and fantasy series, too. We’ve got a little bit of everything for everyone!

Apparently, Disillusioned Adventurers Will Save the World (Vol. 4) • Bloody Sweet (Vol. 2) • Bride of the Barrier Master (Vol. 1) • Drifting Dragons (Vol. 3) • Gazing at the Star Next Door (Vol. 1) • Handyman Saitou in Another World (Vol. 3) • I May Be a Guild Receptionist, but I’ll Solo Any Boss to Clock Out on Time (Vol. 2) • Kingdom Hearts 358/2 Days (Vol. 1) • Oshi no Ko (Vol. 3) • See You in My 19th Life (Vol. 1) • What’s Wrong with Secretary Kim? (Vol. 3) • Words Bubble Up Like Soda Pop (Vol. 2)

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Bloody Sweet, Manhwa Vol. 2

Naerim is taking Fetechou’s words to heart as she takes the courage to stand up for herself against those who bully her. However, when things significantly get worse and the bullying escalates, the one person she needs the most isn’t there, and she wonders if it is better to not exist anymore. This is the second time I have read this volume (though the first time reading it physically), and it hits me just as powerfully as the first time I read it, maybe even more so this second time! I would say that it hit more strongly because I was able to appreciate how many layers are woven throughout this story. I have not read many stories with vampires, and most of the ones I have read are very romance-focused, but this one does not follow that same route. Am I definitely shipping our leads together? For sure! Do I want to see more of them romantically together? Oh yeah! But seeing Naerim come to realize that she isn’t alone as she thinks is so deeply moving. Fetechou has really shown her that someone is cheering for her, encouraging her, and loving her for who she is. As a result, this story becomes one of healing and forgiveness and finding joy in knowing that you are loved even if you feel you aren’t due to life circumstances—of standing up for yourself because you know you have worth and value and no one can define or take that away. Truly, this story has some heartbreaking moments, such as Naerim on the school roof and Fetechou’s backstory, but it is such an emotional and beautiful one that has resounding waves of impact. Definitely recommend checking out if you’re looking for a vampire story that isn’t focused on romance and a heroine who learns to stand up for herself and believe she has value. ~ Laura A. Grace

Bloody Sweet is published by Yen Press. Vol. 2 releases on February 6th.

READ Bloody Sweet Vol. 1 Review

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Bride of the Barrier Master, Manga Vol. 1

Hana was born into a reputable family that has slowly been losing its prestige due to the lack of presence of a strong “practitioner,” someone who helps uphold a magic barrier that protects Japan from “shades.” However, things quickly take a turn when Hana’s older sister shows exceptional magic that can boost their family’s standing! Sadly, though, Hana’s magic seems to be the weakest ever in the family—until Hana turns eighteen, when suddenly her power manifests much more strongly than her sister’s. Despite the fact that Hana has tried to hide her power ever since, the new clan leader has his eye on her and wants to even take her as a bride! This was one of my most anticipated manga releases from Yen Press, but it was a lot different than I expected. I felt the beginning with the sisters was very triggering for me, which honestly surprised me. It was like an instant flashback of reading My Happy Marriage because of how the family treated the sisters so differently. This had exactly the same kind of vibe, except that Hana has a…unique sense of humor. I was very angry at her parents for how crappy they treated Hana, but I couldn’t seem to laugh at how Hana sort of degraded herself. It’s like she really did take pride in being her sister’s “scraps,” which I think was meant to be funny, but I couldn’t muster the ability to laugh or smile alongside her. It hurts my heart that, just like Miyo, her parents’ words have become weapons that have shaped these young women’s views in a negative way. To say it was upsetting to read is an understatement. With that said, I am unsure if I want to keep reading this series—not because I disliked this volume per se, but because I felt sadder about Hana’s treatment and her way of viewing herself than I did happy about certain events taking place. I’m sure it “gets better” in the sense Hana will become happier, but I don’t know if I’m invested enough to keep reading so I can see that unfold. ~ Laura A. Grace

Bride of the Barrier Master is published by Yen Press.

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Gazing at the Star Next Door, Manga Vol. 1

Normally, I’m not one to fall for the childhood friends-turned-lovers trope, but Ammitsu’s storytelling has me rooting for them to be together forever! Get ready to swoon! We open with Chiaki on a mission to wake up the stunning and sleepy Subaru. These two have been close since they were little, but now Subaru’s career as a fashion and acting superstar is taking off, which is making Chi feel like she’s stranded on another planet. Chi tries to keep her feelings under wraps, but let’s be real, that’s going to be impossible against Subaru’s charm. Their back-and-forth is pure entertainment, and I was hooked from start to finish! And that blushing finale? Let’s just say, I was squealing with delight! Bring on the next volume—I’m already counting down the seconds! If you didn’t know, this mangaka is also creator of the digital series Ran the Peerless Beauty, which I still adore to this day. If you are a fan of that series too, you will definitely want to pick up this volume because there is a special surprise featuring Ran and Akira at the end! Maybe one day we will get this amazing series in print as well. ~ Marg

Gazing at the Star Next Door is published by Kodansha. Volume one releases on Feb. 6th.

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I May Be a Guild Receptionist, but I’ll Solo Any Boss to Clock Out on Time, Light Novel Vol. 2

This series about an OP guild receptionist who just wants to live a peaceful life in which she doesn’t have to work overtime, but become entangled in death-defying adventurers anyway, is really solid, a fun and moving read. But there’s a tension between what it is and what it could be, in both volume one and two. I’ll get to that in a second, but first a quick rundown on volume two. Alina has her eyes set on celebrating her town’s annual Centennial Festival. She’s made plans to avoid overtime and enjoy the festivities. But wrenches are thrown into her plans. The first is that Jade, the leader from the Silver Sword who continues to harbor a crush on her, manages to finagle his way into her celebratory plans. The second is a little more concerning, as the threat that showed itself in volume one—the dark gods—are encroaching on the village (and thus the festival). What results is a similar balance to volume one—a more general, comedic first half to the volume focused on Alina’s work and desire to escape overtime and a second half that’s full of action. Both are strongly written, though in both volumes the action elements are more memorable. It feels like the characters are in real danger and fighting against impossible odds. The conclusions to both volumes are also heartfelt. But the story itself is lacking, both in the bigger elements (there’s not much to this story of the dark gods, at least not so far) and in characterization, with the focus on Lululee in this book feeling uninspired. Worse is how several of the characters power up later in a way that will leave you wondering, “Why hasn’t anyone, or everyone, else in this world, already tried that?” Even so, Alina remains a fun character, and I like Jade too. And with such exciting conclusions, author Mato Kousaka is building a winner here. Let’s just hope he can continue growing as a writer as he continues his tale. ~ Twwk

I May Be a Guild Receptionist, but I’ll Solo Any Boss to Clock Out on Time is published by Yen Press.

READ I May Be a Guild Receptionist, but I’ll Solo Any Boss to Clock Out on Time Vol. 1 Review

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Apparently, Disillusioned Adventurers Will Save the World, Manga Vol. 4

I’ll be direct: there’s nothing “special” or noteworthy about Apparently, Disillusioned Adventurers Will Save the World. It’s a pretty typical fantasy series with storylines that are either the same as you’ve seen in a multitude of other works or which are a bit head-scratching or both, like the one in volume four which focuses on Nick’s growth through a mild revenge story (derivative) that pivots on Karen’s lack of brainpower and a math duel (really). And yet…I like the series. I’m deeply involved in the characters and want to see them continue to move past their hurt. I like reading their inner monologues, when we’re made privy to them (as we are little with the gambling mage, Tiana, in this volume), because I like each of the main party members. They’re a good mix of personalities as well. I guess what this series is, most of all, is a fantasy manga (adapted from the light novel) that embraces the tropes of the series to give us what we want. There’s nothing groundbreaking in the series, but it’s what I’ve come to expect for this type delivered in a satisfying way. And apparently, that’s more than enough for me. ~ Twwk

Apparently, Disillusioned Adventurers Will Save the World is published by Yen Press.

READ Reviews of Apparently, Disillusioned Adventurers Will Save the World: Vol. 1 // Vol. 2 // Vol. 3

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Oshi no Ko, Manga Vol. 3

It’s time for the “Show Business” arc! Aqua has conceded to smarmy producer Kaburagi’s bargain that Aqua participate in the teen reality dating program, We’re About to Fall in Love for Real, in exchange for dirt on his mother, Ai. Meanwhile, Ruby and Kana get started on a grueling training regime for idols, led by a super-buff guy in a duck head mask? Anyhow, the twins are fully in the entertainment business now! This volume really underlines the polar opposite approaches that the two reincarnated teens take to the entertainment industry: while Aqua lies through his teeth, Ruby is determined not to lie in her YouTube premiere. I missed this juxtaposition in the anime, but it comes out very sharply and clearly here—one might even say, in black and white (sorry)—right from the first chapter. The subsequent one then opens with a third approach, taken by Yuki Sumi, one of Aqua’s costars. Her tack is not to lie exactly, but to exaggerate reality for the sake of drama. This is the volume where we must mention trigger warnings for bullying and suicidal ideation, and there are also some chilling statistics about the possible correlation between reality dating shows and mental health crises and suicide among cast members worldwide. This material is even harder to read than it was to watch in the anime, and I’ll admit that I skipped most of the panels with horrible messages to Akane from haters. There were also many lighthearted details to revel in among these chapters, though, particularly Kana’s reading material—it seems she’s a bit of an entomophile! The pacing of this series really is spot on: Aka Akasaka and Mengo Yokoyari pack in an absolute ton of plot, social commentary, and character moments, with enough humor to keep the series from becoming too dark for too long, yet without blinking away the brutality and exploitation that color the industry they’ve set out to explore. Another strong volume! ~ claire

Oshi no Ko is published by Yen Press.

READ Reviews of Oshi no Ko: Vol. 1 // Vol. 2

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Handyman Saitou in Another World, Manga Vol. 3

The world of manga is so full of stories that rely on crude jokes and fanservice to draw in readers that it becomes totally unexpected when a series featuring both, like Handyman Saitou in Another World, proves to also legitimately be a great piece of fiction. But it is, and in volume three, the series uses its unusual format and content to its utmost, leading to an emotional and creative fulfilling tale. It begins with Morlock’s injury from volume two and, as the series does throughout, takes it somewhere unexpected—namely this major character’s death. But as Saitou exclaims, in this world, death is not the end. And thus the rest of the party embarks on a strange and often funny journey (common to this series) to revive him. Meanwhile, a side story about a wolflike demon and a human-world wolf is told. However, even more directly than in past volumes, the secondary tale in this one crosses over into the main one. Meanwhile, characters and bits and bobbles from this sometimes anthology-like series bubble up in volume three as the action hits a fever pitch, leading to a powerful and exciting conclusion. Mangaka Kazutomo Ichitomo leads us to expect the unexpected by continually defying our expectations for a fantasy manga in volumes one and two, and then pressing that even further by making it all make sense in volume three, while masterfully weaving a mesmerizing tale. It’s powerful, moving, and sometimes frightening stuff. What a volume, and what a manga! ~ Twwk

Handyman Saitou in Another World is published by Yen Press.

READ Reviews of Handyman Saitou in Another World: Vol. 1 // Vol. 2

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See You in My 19th Life, Manhwa Vol. 1

I’m going to come right out and say it: this book was amazing! Juwon is a twelve-year-old girl who loves to tease her mom’s friend’s son, Seoha, and who also happens to be very mature for her age. What no one around her knows is that her “maturity” stems from remembering her seventeen previous lives! However, her eighteenth life is cut short when she gets into a tragic accident. She is reincarnated as Jieum in her nineteenth life and is determined to find Seoha once again and stand by his side. Wow! It’s hard for me to pinpoint what exactly gripped me about this story because I really, really loved everything! I thought the leads were super engaging as children and felt my heart totally stop when tragedy struck because I was not expecting that! And then following our female lead doing all she could to be on his “level” when she was born into a much different family compared to her previous life was deeply investing. She worked hard and when the moment arrived when she met him, I loved it all, especially the banter! Jieum is an extremely fun character to follow because she is pretty straightforward but also likes to “joke” around a little bit too. I can’t tell what she is going to do next, but I know it will have me on edge or smiling either way! I’m very excited to read the next volume! In fact, this is one time I was super bummed that I read it all so quickly because I simply wanted to keep reading more! Highly recommend it if you’re looking for a bantery reincarnation story with a touch of mystery! Also, shoutout to our editor Claire and another friend whose love for this series also made me pick it up because I would have been seriously missing out otherwise! ~ Laura A. Grace

See You in My 19th Life is published by Yen Press. Volume one releases on February 6th.

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What’s Wrong with Secretary Kim?, Manhwa Vol. 3

Once again I am reminded of how much I love reading this series! Having read it last year digitally, I’m thrilled to continue to enjoy it physically! Miso is still fairly determined to resign from her position as secretary for Youngjun, but he is even more determined to “woo” her and make her stay! He wasn’t prepared, however, for Miso to meet one of her favorite authors and unexpectedly want to get to know him more. With the author’s autobiographical debut being eerily similar to the kidnapping event Miso went through as a child, could this author be the boy she has been looking for all this time? I really enjoyed this volume for a few different reasons, but the greatest would be how the leads are finally expressing their feelings for one another! Granted, it’s not in a conventional or in-your-face kind of way, but they still are expressing them. Not only that, Miso is starting to untangle the confusion and wonder she’s had about the young boy she knew as a kid. However, the person claiming to be that boy is…questionable. The mystery part of this story is one of my favorites, but I really don’t like this guy and personally think he is very two-faced. I know we all deal with trauma differently, but I think it’s an obvious setup just so he can get closer to Miso romantically. Definitely trust your gut, Miso! Another great volume, and I appreciate how we’re getting deeper into the mystery of Miso’s childhood—and also that there was so much more romance too! Definitely hoping we get even more next volume! Ha! ~ Laura A. Grace

What’s Wrong With Secretary Kim? is published by Yen Press. Volume three releases on February 6th.

READ Reviews of What’s Wrong With Secretary Kim?: Vol. 1 // Vol. 2

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Words Bubble Up Like Soda Pop, Manga Vol. 2

Volume two of the film adaptation continues the character and relationship development phase of the story, or the sho act of the traditional four-stage ki-sho-ten-ketsu Asian narrative structure, and brings us right up to the ten point where the twist is revealed. In this case, the twist is simply that nothing quite works out as it should! Cherry and Smile’s hard work searching for Mr. Fujiyama’s missing LP seems to pay off…until it doesn’t. Meanwhile, Cherry is so close to expressing himself and his growing feelings for Smile…until he doesn’t. Ah, the letdown! What made the film so appealing was more the richness of the storytelling than its melodrama, though, and to be honest it doesn’t quite work as well in manga form. Don’t get me wrong, I will always love these two and the world built around them, but where the gentleness and hesitancy of their romance is summertime sweet in the film, the long delay between manga volumes means that the pace is a little too gentle to make for a terribly engaging read. What’s more, whereas the first volume was enriched by a few new scenes and details, volume two has stripped moments with the wider cast down to the bare bones, as both Fujiyama’s family and Smile’s delightful sisters get less page time than they did screen time. As a result, I didn’t feel the emotional buy-in from Fujiyama’s family here during the quest for the record, or the tension around Cherry’s impending move. The character development in both Cherry and Smile is also underplayed, and Cherry’s decision to leave his headphones behind barely makes a ripple, while Smile’s failure to remove her mask is easy to miss. Perhaps the film needed a four-volume adaptation instead to mine some of these beautiful character moments more fully. Even so, Words Bubble Up remains a sweet, bright story (despite the greyscale), and a pleasant read for fans of the film. But if you’re not already familiar with it, go check out the film instead. You won’t regret it! ~ claire

Words Bubble Up Like Soda Pop is published by Yen Press.

READ Words Bubble Up Like Soda Pop Vol. 1 Review

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Drifting Dragons, Manga Vol. 3

With the city of Quon saved, the airship Quin Zaza and her crew of misfits return to the sky. Heroes or not, even a small ship and crew pile up bills quickly, so hi-ho-hi-ho, it’s back to work they go. In a rare stroke of good luck, the ship crosses the path of an entire herd of migrating dragons. But even good luck goes bad when a wounded dragon pulls Takita overboard. While her shipmates frantically conduct a search and rescue operation, Takita is surprised to find herself very much alive at the bottom of a canyon. But an even bigger surprise (and a moral conundrum) occurs when she finds herself caring for…a baby dragon?! This book concludes what I consider to be the “origin story/early chapters” of Drifting Dragons. And since Takita is the closest thing Drifting Dragons has to a main character at this point, it makes sense to end the beginning with her journey to fully embracing the path of the Draker. That path requires a person to simultaneously respect dragons and their place in the sky while also hunting and butchering them without remorse. Without spoiling too much, this ideology is going to be challenged by other worldviews later in the series’ run—so pay attention, it will be on the test. And while this volume is good and maintains the standard set by volumes one and two, the biggest payoff is that with the foundations properly laid, the manga is on solid footing to go into bigger, longer storylines starting in volume four. ~ WacOtaku

Drifting Dragons is published by Kodansha.

READ Reviews of Drifting Dragons: Vol. 1// Vol. 2

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Kingdom Hearts 358/2 Days, Manga Vol. 1

Before Kingdom Hearts 2 was released, there was a prequel that gave us a glimpse into the mysterious Organization XIII and the story of Roxas. He played a main role in KH2, and Kingdom Hearts 358/2 Days goes over his backstory and friendship with Axel, a fellow member of the organization that Roxas is a part of. As it did with Kingdom Hearts: Final Mix, this manga gives the characters more dialogue and funny moments than the game did. Xion, Axel, and Roxas have more conversations as well with the other members of the organization. The manga goes through quite a bit of the game through the first volume and fans, you’ll appreciate this title more than readers who have never played the game or are not familiar with the series. This manga certainly was made for fans of Kingdom Hearts, and Shiro Amano did a fantastic job on the artwork and at giving the game a complimentary perspective. ~ Samuru

Kingdom Hearts 358/2 Days 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 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.