The breeze is blowing, birds are chirping, and it seems that all of nature of coming alive. Yes, spring has sprung, and with it, stories of love are in full bloom as well—at least if the manhwa, manga, and light novels we’re reviewing are any measure! We have plenty of romantic tales to tell you about—as well as a few that trend toward other directions a little more heavily, including gaming, mystery, survival game, and fantasy stories. So come join us and let us know, too, what you recommend!
Alice in Borderland (Vol. 9) • Dark Moon: The Blood Altar (Vol. 2) • Disney Twisted-Wonderland: The Manga: Books of Heartslabyul (Vol. 3) • The Eminence in Shadow (Vol. 9) • The Ephemeral Scenes of Setsuna’s Journey (Vol. 2) • I’m Giving the Disgraced Noble Lady I Rescued a Crash Course in Naughtiness (Vol. 4) • Ima Koi: Now I’m in Love (Vol. 9) • Insomniacs After School (Vol. 5) • Like a Butterfly (Vol. 5) • A Returner’s Magic Should Be Special (Vol. 3) • Sakura Saku (Vol. 2) • Sword Art Online Progressive: Canon of the Golden Rule (Vol. 1)
Disney Twisted-Wonderland: The Manga: Books of Heartslabyul, Manga Vol. 3
Once again, Ace is facing the wrath of his dorm leader and is kicked out of the Heartslabyul dorm! However, with the help of another dorm member and the head mage himself, Ace once again tries to make amends with Riddle. Only this time turns out even worse, with Ace refusing to cower before the man who is eerily starting to resemble the Queen of Hearts herself. This volume was intense and extremely heart-racing! Even with knowing the game and having played it, this whole volume hit differently where everything seems darker, more vivid, and a lot more emotional! My biggest takeaway when it comes to characters is that Ace is amazing. I had a love-hate relationship with him in the game because of how much shade he throws around. Ha! He still does that in the manga, but I realized it may not necessarily be shade, just outright him saying his feelings with no shame or bashfulness. He hits his own breaking point where he just snaps and calls Riddle a baby straight to his face. Riddle demands he apologizes, but Ace calls out Riddle saying no and asking would he throw a tantrum simply because he didn’t get his way. I felt a massive respect for him compared to before because I certainly wouldn’t have the guts to confront Riddle in any shape or form! When it comes to the story and the art, Riddle stole the show! Wow! Seeing the progression leading up to his overblot and the aftermath was incredible! I was deeply impressed and read the last quarter of this volume wayyyyy too fast, but I just could not stop turning pages to see how this story would be in manga form! It was beyond what I expected! This is definitely the best volume yet, and I will try not to hold my breath for too long in waiting for the final volume! ~ Laura A. Grace
Disney Twisted-Wonderland: The Manga: Books of Heartslabyul is published by VIZ.
READ Reviews of Disney Twisted-Wonderland: The Manga: Books of Heartslabyul: Vol. 1 // Vol. 2
A Returner’s Magic Should Be Special, Manhwa Vol. 3
At long last, after nearly a year, a new volume of A Returner’s Magic Should Be Special has been released. In that time, an anime adaptation of this manhwa has run and indeed, covered the material through volume three. That doesn’t make this release any less captivating, however—it remains a thrilling and heartfelt fantasy story. Volume three begins with Desir and his crew facing off against Azest and hers, and using all their training to overcome a gap in talent and resources and make it into the Alpha class. As with previous volumes, the action sequences are lacking, but there are a few wonderful panels in this full-color release that make up for the general lack of dynamism in the fights. The second half of the volume is less interesting but opens up the mythology of the world a bit more, and leads into a small but vital closing that I found to be the most fun portion of the book. That conclusion deals with Desir and one of his “future” friends, and it features exactly what I love about the series: Desir’s drive to not let his friends die in this timeline, and his smart and often confident approach to helping those around him grow. A Returner’s Magic Should Be Special has a lot of heart, and I trust that we’ll see that all the more in subsequent volumes, which are now already turning toward the threat that would eventually kill them all. I can’t wait to dive into volume four and see where the story leads—I just hope it won’t take another year before that happens. ~ Twwk
A Returner’s Magic Should Be Special is published by Yen Press.
READ Reviews of A Returner’s Magic Should Be Special: Vol. 1 // Vol. 2
I’m Giving the Disgraced Noble Lady I Rescued a Crash Course in Naughtiness, Manga Vol. 4
“Lately I’ve been looking forward to each new morning. And I wonder what fun thing you’ll teach me that day. Before I came here I was always terrified, both night and day. I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart, Allen. I’m so very happy I met you.” These lines from Charlotte perfectly capture this latest volume! With all the wonderful experiences that Allen has taken Charlotte on thus far, she is finally making decisions for herself with her happiness in mind. On the other hand, Allen is also realizing that he might be in love with Charlotte! How is he doing to handle this new revelation about himself? I loved this volume so much, but that beginning with Charlotte was absolutely heartbreaking! I knew she had a horrible time at the castle and such, but to see how she coped and what happened to her crushed my heart all over again! I think it’s definitely a huge reason why I love Allen and how adamant he is to teach Charlotte all the “naughty” things and make her the happiest woman in the world. Not only that, but to see how he has affected her and how just in the first chapter alone she expresses what she wants to do made me cheer! She has come so far and only continues to rise up! As Allen also said when everyone in town spoke highly of her, it was because of her actions that the people love and care for her even though it seems many know she has some kind of “shady” background. I am very excited to see what’s to come! I loved everything with Charlotte’s new Fenrir, Allen’s internal dialogue, and Charlotte’s blush faces! Everything was wonderful, and I’m eagerly looking forward to volume five because this series is an absolute gem! ~ Laura A. Grace
I’m Giving the Disgraced Noble Lady I Rescued a Crash Course in Naughtiness is published by Vertical, an imprint of Kodansha.
READ Reviews of I’m Giving the Disgraced Noble Lady I Rescued a Crash Course in Naughtiness: Vol. 1 // Vol. 2 // Vol. 3
Alice in Borderland, Manga Vol. 9 (Final)
The unexpected confrontation that ended volume eight concludes here in volume nine and sets the stage—both psychologically and in terms of the participants’ stakes—for the final game of Alice in Borderland. And boy is this last one a mind-bender. Throughout the nine double-sized volumes, Arisu has struggled with guilt, feelings of selfishness, and an obsessive desire to understand what Borderland is while most other players are just trying to survive or else pursuing other goals. All these thoughts that have haunted and affected Arisu feed into the card game with the Queen of Hearts—one that’s most appropriate for the series. And what about the ending? It’s likely to be a divisive one. Readers may ask themselves, does it live up to the expectations of a series that has made them think so deeply about human nature and which has often made them suffer while witnessing the suffering of the series’ characters? I believe it does; in fact, I think Haro Aso, whose compassionate voice rings so strongly despite the dark circumstances he creates for his characters, has created a near-perfect conclusion, one that feels like a throwback to other notable ones in sci-fi works but is still unique and without any contrivances. And just as importantly, Aso concludes in a way that is authentic to the readers he’s most wanted to speak to all along—the hurting, the suffering, the depressed. This conclusion also impresses upon readers that Alice in Borderland is not simply a captivating series full of creative and dark elements (though if it were, it would still be a stand out in the survival game genre); it’s an extremely important one too, reminding us that no matter what kind of pain we’re in and no matter the depths of our suffering, there is always hope. ~ Twwk
Alice in Borderland is published by VIZ Media.
READ Reviews of Alice in Borderland: Vol. 1 // Vol. 2 // Vol. 3 // Vol. 4 // Vol. 5 // Vol. 6 // Vol. 7 // Vol. 8
Like a Butterfly, Manga Vol. 5
Kawaumi has confessed that he’s in love with Suiren, but poor Suiren is reeling from this “confession” after he left her in the previous volume! With this volume though, both of them have talked and even the idea of dating has been suggested! Squeals! However, Kawasumi questions what is dating, leaving Suiren to wonder what is in store for these two young people who love one another but aren’t “moving forward.” Another super cute volume, and I’m so happy we are finally getting some developments with transparency and vocal words! Yay! I honestly feel like this volume was the moment I was waiting for! Not only that, I really appreciated how it wasn’t “smooth sailing” in the sense I think this is the first manga I’ve ever read that raised the question of what dating is. What does that look like and how does one “date”? I was taken aback by that, but it feels so perfect for these two, and I’m very excited to see that despite Kawasumi not knowing what it means, he still goes for it! My favorite chapter was hands down the parents’ one! I always think it’s wonderful to see parents involved in romantic stories like this and was very much entertained by how they acted when a certain someone came over. It was a really really nice chapter, and I appreciated Kawasumi saying how he feels when I was upset he ran off at the end of the previous volume. Truly, I am very very very happy for Suiren and everything that’s happening! Even though it seems all is well, Suiren still doesn’t stop trying to grow as a person and continues to take small steps forward in showing her feelings more openly. Eagerly looking forward to the next one! ~ Laura A. Grace
Like a Butterfly is published by VIZ Media.
Dark Moon: The Blood Altar, Manhwa Vol. 2
After reading volume one, this series surprisingly went on my most anticipated releases list! As soon as volume two arrived, I was already desperate to read it because previously Sooha was attacked by a vampire, and this volume opened up right at that exact spot. Only now there is more than one attacking! Unfortunately, that’s just the beginning because there seems to be a strange increase in vampire attacks. Plus, could her best friend Chris really be alive? And if so, is he the same boy he was before? I really liked how the beginning picked right back up where the previous volume ended! I deeply enjoyed seeing Jakah be the “knight in shining armor” as well as a few of the other guys have some good focus and spotlight! I have really loved the entire cast of vampires, but I feel that outside of Heli, they don’t get a lot of page time so I always forget their names. However, after things wrapped up, I wasn’t quite sure where the story was going? It felt very disorienting and I was trying to figure out what happened to Sooha from volume one to now because I felt she had a strong head on her shoulders before, but now it feels like she just threw common sense out the window. Honestly, I felt very disappointed by that because I loved her in the first volume! I guess I don’t dislike her now, but even with her emotions going haywire after a special dream, why did she think it was a good idea to go outside alone and far from school? The second half though was very action-packed, and I continuously kept gasping from events that were unfolding! I read this second volume in under an hour, which is extremely rare for me to do in general, but especially with manhwa! But I could not put this book down once secrets were coming out and Sooha was emotionally unraveling! This is by no means a groundbreaking series, but I had fun reading it and was very much engaged emotionally! I’m wanting to see what happens next and hope Sooha finds answers to what just happened, especially in regard to who a new character is. ~ Laura A. Grace
Dark Moon: The Blood Altar is published by IZE Press, an imprint of Yen Press.
READ: Dark Moon: The Blood Altar: Vol. 1 Review
Sakura Saku, Manga Vol. 2
Saku has given her letter to the mysterious young man who helped her on the train, only to find out that he is not the guy who helped her! Reeling from this revelation, she questions her feelings and what is love, especially when realizes she might be falling for the guy who has helped her the whole time: Haruki. Are these feelings of love she has for him or something else? I feel so conflicted on this volume, and I’m pretty sure it’s because I absolutely adored volume one. I found a protagonist that I deeply related to and felt I was seeing glimpses of myself on the page. I was eagerly looking forward to that continuing in volume two, but I felt the story shifted somehow? Don’t get me wrong! I think that it’s good, and love this about Io Sakisaka’s stories—she writes very compelling heroines as each one is searching and learning what love is in their own way. The message in this volume, whether or not something is love is up to the person to decide, is wonderful. I love this newfound confidence that Saku has in knowing and believing this, thanks to the confidence of what her friend said earlier about her boyfriend. And speaking of her friend, WOW! I was very impressed how a situation was addressed and handled later on! I have not read many shoujo that deal with said situation and was especially touched by Saku’s struggle over what she should do and whether she made the right decision or not. Very well done! But even saying all that, I don’t find myself running off to see when the next volume releases, and I’m very crushed by that since I have deeply loved Io Sakisaka’s previous works. Not loving this one nearly as much as volume one or her other works feels like a low blow honestly because it wasn’t like this volume was “bad,” but I just couldn’t seem to get swept away in the story as I have her others. ~ Laura A. Grace
Sakura Saku is published by Shojo Beat, an imprint of VIZ Media.
READ Sakura Saku: Vol. 1 Review
The Ephemeral Scenes of Setsuna’s Journey, Light Novel Vol. 2
The travels of Setsuna and his beastfolk child Alto persist in volume two of this tranquil series. During their trip to a city that‘s more welcoming of beastfolk, they run into a pair of mercenaries on the hunt for slave traders. The unlikely duo of Setsuna and Alto draws their attention, and they decide to tag along to assess the situation. What does Setsuna do to prove he’s not the conniving villain they suspect him to be? Naturally, he spawns in a fishing rod and sits down for a relaxing evening of catching fish. Oh, and he lets Alto eat poisonous berries in front of them to teach the naive child a life lesson. Not what I would recommend if you’re suspected of high crime, but I’m no light novel protagonist…. For what it’s worth, Setsuna is a lovely parent to Alto: doting but strict where it counts, fiercely protective, and devoted to cultivating a flourishing future for the both of them. With the introduction of a few new characters at the end of the story, it seems that the series will begin to lean into its found family dynamics, a trend I’m excited for. I’m also invested in the newly budding romance, though Setsuna does come off as uncharacteristically forward, a fact for which the author apologizes profusely in the afterword before promising a payoff in the next volumes. I wasn’t too put off—honestly, it was an intriguing aspect of the book that punctuated its otherwise plodding pace—but your mileage may vary. In the end, The Ephemeral Scenes of Setsuna’s Journey continues to be a gentle and satisfying read which just might help you unwind from the stresses of your own journey. ~ sleepminusminus
The Ephemeral Scenes of Setsuna’s Journey is published by Yen Press.
READ Review of The Ephemeral Scenes of Setsuna’s Journey: Vol. 1
Ima Koi: Now I’m in Love, Manga Vol. 9
“Even if things change we need to stick together and keep moving forward… We have to put in the effort to make it happen.” The final volume of one of my favorite series has unfortunately come to an end! Satomi and her friends are taking one last class trip, and soon after taking exams as third years and thinking of the future. As our two couples look forward, what will happen to their futures? This was not my favorite conclusion to a series, but honestly, I think a lot of that is because I simply just didn’t want this series to end. I think it also didn’t help to read the first sidebar where Ayuko Hatta announced this would be her last manga she works on. Two big journeys ending at once! But this was a happy ending to these characters’ journey! Though I didn’t realize this volume went up an age rating, after that one spicy scene it made sense why it did. Ha! Even though I didn’t want this series to end, I really liked the ending itself! It was different than I expected, which made it refreshing to other endings I’ve recently read! Everyone’s end journey made sense, and I especially loved the last two pages in regards to Yagyu and Satomi. They have made me so happy over and over again when reading their love story that I’m glad they will continue to always be happily in love for a long, long time. Overall, this was a very wonderful series! I’m very crestfallen it’s over and I won’t see these four again in a new volume, but it is a series I will come back to reread again often! ~ Laura A. Grace
Ima Koi: Now I’m in Love is published by Shojo Beat, an imprint of VIZ Media.
READ The Ima Koi: Now I’m in Love Reviews: Vol.1 // Vol. 2 // Vol. 3 // Vol. 5 // Vol. 6 // Vol. 7 // Vol. 8
Sword Art Online Progressive: Canon of the Golden Rule, Manga Vol. 1
The Sword Art Online anime has always been one of my favorites (even if I’ll be one of the first to acknowledge its weaknesses, especially in the second and third story arcs). And while the Sleeping Knights and Alicization arcs blew me away, the original Aincrad story will always hold a special—if dark—place in my heart. SAO may not have been the first isekai or “trapped in a game” story, but it carried out these tropes with a unique and poignant flavor that no other series to date has done. So I was eager to check out the Progressive recasting of the storyline, which as I understand it brings some minor changes to the plot and (more importantly) a stronger emphasis on Asuna’s point of view. (And let’s face it, Asuna is a much more interesting character than Kirito, which is one reason why the Sleeping Knights arc is so compelling.) Canon of the Golden Rule is the fifth arc in the Progressive series, situated one month after everyone was trapped in SAO. Volume one opens with a recap of the previous Progressive arcs (which I appreciated, not having read them). The plot centers on a quest to save a city of NPCs from a curse, against the backdrop of PKers hunting down Asuna and some dark political machinations. To be honest, while the story itself is fine, I missed the deep hoping-against-hope flavor of the original Aincrad story. This feels like a more typical fantasy manga (albeit without a lot of the stereotypes and fanservice that often irritate me). But volume one nearly redeems itself with a moral dilemma and consequent character moment right at the end, and it remains to the sequel to see if this moment will capitalize on its potential. I intend to keep following this one. ~ NegativePrimes
Sword Art Online Progressive: Canon of the Golden Rule is published by Yen Press.
Insomniacs After School, Manga Vol. 5
The scenario in volume five of Insomniacs After School is really every high schooler’s dream come true: going on a club trip along with the object of your affection. Of course, Nakami and Isaki won’t be going alone on their journey to capture a photo for the contest they plan to enter—the latter’s sister is joining them as their chaperone. Still, there are plenty of chances for the burgeoning lovebirds to spend time together and, more importantly, to grow closer, particularly as they learn more about one another’s pasts. As with the previous volumes, the artwork in volume five is just splendid. Detailed backgrounds of the trio’s travels intertwine with beautiful shading and simple panels focusing on just Nakami and Isaki, with their faces plainly and often comically showing their emotions. In many of the panels, you can also feel the thump thump of the teens’ hearts; in others, you can sense their childish innocence or glee. Insomniacs After School very much carries the feel of a coming-of-age manga; it’s memorable and warm—and relatively fast-moving too, never lingering in a way you might expect from a manga series teasing out a potential relationship, but moving along at the pace that teens might in the real world. Genuine and authentic, Insomniacs After School is simply this: one of the best modern romance manga. ~ Twwk
Insomniacs After School is published by VIZ Media.
READ Reviews of Insomniacs After School: Vol. 1 // Vol. 2 // Vol. 3 // Vol. 4
The Eminence in Shadow, Manga Vol. 9
The Eminence in Shadow works best when it focuses on comedy—the ridiculousness that is Cid Kagenou and the absurd situations he gets himself and those around him into. But volume nine digs a little more into thriller territory, and unlike the same in recent volumes, this material works just as well. With his followers having built a small dynasty in the Mitsugoshi company, a competing faction is trying to run them out of business (surprise surprise, it’s not working). So what does Cid do? He decides to take on another secret identity, that of “John Smith,” to destroy Mitsugoshi through economic means so that he can save it. Wait, what? Okay, there’s still a lot of silly here, but the tangled web that Cid is getting himself into by fighting against the very people who love and worship him makes for some captivating and, by the end of volume nine, suspenseful fare. After the past arc, which I wasn’t particularly keen on, I’d started to grow cold on this series; but if it can continue to balance a desire to be exciting and mysterious with the comedy that works so well, I might warm up to it once again. ~ Twwk
The Eminence in Shadow is published by VIZ Media.
READ Reviews of The Eminence in Shadow (Manga): Vol. 1 // Vol. 2 // Vol. 3 // Vol. 4 // Vol. 5 // Vol. 6 // Vol. 7 // Vol. 8
“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.
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