It’s a big day for manga, manhwa light novel releases, and we’ve got reviews for you of a number of those hitting shelves today! Romance, slice-of-life, fantasy, and all manner of series crossing these borders are on the docket. Check out our thoughts below!

The Alchemist Who Survived Now Dreams of a Quiet City Life (Vol. 1) • The Eccentric Doctor of the Moon Flower Kingdom (Vol. 5) • Honey Lemon Soda (Vol. 5) • I Want a Gal Gamer to Praise Me (Vol. 1) • Maiden of the Needle (Light Novel, Vol. 2) • Maiden of the Needle (Manga, Vol. 2) • Omniscient Reader’s Viewpoint (Vol. 2) • Reborn as a Vending Machine, I Now Wander the Dungeon (Vol. 2) • The Remarried Empress (Vol. 6) • The Uncanny Counter (Vol. 1)

The Alchemist Who Survived Now Dreams of a Quiet City Life, Manga Vol. 1

“Perhaps those are qualities all people ought to have. Strength in sincerity and foolhardy straightforward kindness.” Mariela is a surviving alchemist whose world was destroyed 200 years prior. The only reason she is alive presently is because she put herself in “suspended animation” when the monsters invaded her world. With her being the last known alchemist and potions hard to find, she uses her abilities to help those around her even if she longs for a quiet life. This book was not for me, unfortunately. I love the art and the very down-to-earth feel I felt with the entirety of this volume. Even though this is a fantasy world, more often than not I felt I was being “taught” something, which is really cool! However, I just couldn’t seem to get hooked on the story, sadly. I’m not quite sure if it was because it’s slow (though I wouldn’t say boring) or has too much of a possible overarching political drive influencing our female lead or a combination or something else entirely. I thought many of the characters were great and that our female lead has a good balance of seriousness, with the occasional humor. It was nice! I think if you enjoy rich world-building and fantasy with creative creatures, monsters, and lore, this is one I would recommend checking out! I might have not “clicked” with this story, but I think there’s an audience for this kind of story and hope people find it and enjoy it! ~ Laura A. Grace

The Alchemist Who Survived Now Dreams of a Quiet City Life is published by Yen Press.

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The Eccentric Doctor of the Moon Flower Kingdom, Manga Vol. 5

Koyou’s new practice is open and ready for new patients! Unfortunately, hardly anyone coming in, leaving Koyou extremely bored. As Sing does his own thing and with Keiun not visiting, she decides to stave off her boredom with a secret trip to an artist. However, her trip to town leads to a bunch of excitement and maybe even a future patient?! I deeply continue to love this series so much! It never fails to make me laugh with every volume, and this one was no exception! While there was a chapter that was very political (and where I felt a little lost, which is normal for me with political stuff), I am really loving this new arc and how things are changing! Not only that, but I loved the two very brief flashbacks that happened! One was very sad and the other semi-sad(?), which makes me desperate to have more and find out what exactly happened! Why is Sing leaving so much? What is he doing? And what happened to Koyou? Was Sing involved, and that’s how they came to be friends like they are today? I need answers! So the beginning I think was the funniest because of Koyou and the “papers” but also because of who she is with and who she gets caught by. Ha! I was happy the character showed up again later and really hope we continue to see more of them together on the page, as the humor that takes place makes me laugh out loud so much! Despite what I said earlier, that I got confused by political stuff, I did really like the politics involved in this volume! I hope Keiun is successful in his plans and that nothing bad happens, though with the two new characters on page, I don’t know. Ha! I honestly feel a little bad for him! Definitely still loving this series and eagerly looking forward to the next volume! ~ Laura A. Grace

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

READ The Eccentric Doctor of the Moon Flower Kingdom Reviews: Vol.1 // Vol. 2 // Vol. 3 // Vol. 4

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Omniscient Reader’s Viewpoint, Manhwa Vol. 2

Looking for the next Solo Leveling? Omniscient Reader’s Viewpoint might just be its successor. The story of a light novel reader who (along with the rest of Japan, apparently) is suddenly plunged into the violent world of his favorite web novel series is fast-paced, violent, and full of gusto—especially in the illustrations, which are dynamic and vivid. In fact, this volume even features a recommendation by Dubu, the now-deceased artist for the Solo Leveling manhwa, whose work this one is obviously influenced by. And that’s not where the comparison ends—Dokja, the protagonist of Omniscient Reader’s Viewpoint, is comparable to Solo Leveling’s Jinwoo; both are bottom-line oriented, helping others as almost a consequence only as they grind toward other self-centered goals. In volume two of this work, that means facing off against the “hero” of the light novel, who is way stronger than Dokja himself (and meaner, as well), getting involved in a “Jonah” event, and then later finding a way to survive in a game that’s more psychological than physical. As I mentioned, the story moves fast—and that’s largely a positive. It keeps the reader’s attention as Dojka moves from challenge to challenge, with bits of humor in the form of commentary by the constellations that attempt to keep the series from being too over-serious. I admit, though, I generally have trouble with series where the main character focuses on ends above the means, and it feels a little disingenuous, too, that the down-on-his-luck Dokja has changed so completely so quickly (even with little asides referring to his past trying to mitigate all this). Still, I’m entranced. Those problems could make the series hard to swallow later on, but for now, I’m all in—the experience of it all makes it almost impossible not to be. ~ Twwk

Omniscient Reader’s Viewpoint is published by Yen Press.

READ Omniscient Reader’s Viewpoint: Vol. 1 Review

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I Want a Gal Gamer to Praise Me, Manga Vol. 1

The “Gyaru who’s also unabashedly a nerd” falls in love with “quiet and insecure boy” story reaches its most formulaic in volume one of I Want a Gal Gamer to Praise Me. The setup is almost condescendingly basic: Raito Sasaki, a shut-in who wants to become a better gamer, hires beautiful pro gamer Rio Suzuki to teach him. Much like in My Dress-up Darling, this manga is full of ecchi art. Also similarly, the guy protagonist of this series finds the girl gal attractive but treats her respectfully, which is enough, I guess, to make her fall for him. But Raito is no Wakana. I think even the snarkiest of readers would admit that the latter is actually a pretty good catch, but there’s nothing notable or distinguishing about Raito in any way, really. He’s bland, a bit sniveling, and (as volume one presents it) very easily discouraged. And yet not one but two beautiful girls (a second gamer makes her appearance late in the volume) are attracted to him. OK. The story is just very flat. If anything can save it, however, it’s Rio, who is a sweet and fun character; perhaps the most charming aspect about her is the realistic but optimistic approach she takes to those awful misogynistic gamers out there. This is truly the only part of these initial 20 chapters where there’s some depth to speak of. But that and Rio’s overall character are enough to ensure that I’ll be checking out the next volume; other stories in this same vein that have arguably started worse have blossomed into series that are warm and wonderful. Here’s hoping that we might see the same out of I Want a Gal Gamer to Praise Me. ~ Twwk

I Want a Gal Gamer to Praise Me is published by Yen Press.

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Reborn as a Vending Machine, I Now Wander the Dungeon, Manga Vol. 2

As its title suggests, Reborn as a Vending Machine, I Now Wander the Dungeon is a rather whimsical romp, but as with even most lighthearted entries in the isekai realm, this series has its serious moments. After the giant frog attack from volume one concludes, we get into the meat of this one. Boxxo is kidnapped, and his abductors force a young genius, who happens to also be a childhood friend of Boxxo’s defender (and love interest—more on that in a bit), Lammis, to effectively dissect him. What results is some surprisingly major advancement in the plot. And it’s welcome too. I’ve been wondering what the end game is here, and it appears that Boxxo won’t be a vending machine forever—at least the goal will be for him to return to a human body. And as I noted, romance is in the air too, though that’s…challenging…between a vending machine and a human, so a transformation back to human form for Boxxo would be very much welcome for him and Lammis. Or does Lammis actually see him as more of an onii-chan? That’s an interesting possibility in this series too, and I look forward to seeing how it plays with the relationship dynamics between the leads. Less interesting and a little more ponderous for me is how adult the series sometimes is; volume two features nudity and sales of a number of different adult materials by Boxxo. It feels a little out of place for what is a relatively wholesome series, though others may disagree. Regardless, I continue to find Reborn as a Vending Machine to be a fun adventure, particularly in manga form (I wasn’t taken by the anime), and look forward to future releases. ~ Twwk

Reborn as a Vending Machine, I Now Wander the Dungeon is published by Yen Press.

READ Reborn as a Vending Machine, I Now Wander the Dungeon: Vol. 1 Review

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Maiden of the Needle, Light Novel Vol. 2

In Japan, this volume of Maiden of the Needle was released more than two years after the first, a fact for which the author apologizes gravely in the afterword. And after reading the volume, it’s easy to track the cause of the delay. There’s about three or four significant plot threads Zeroki tries to weave throughout this volume, but by the end you can still see each of them dangling unresolved from the hem of the dress. Besides that, the dress’s edges are frayed: the volume introduces about ten to fifteen new characters, almost all at once, and then proceeds to involve them in a variety of disparate scenarios without explaining how the scenarios fit together. I’ve mentioned Ascendance of a Bookworm already when commenting on this series, and it’s because the series are similar in many ways: both are isekai series whose main characters are born in squalor but then ascend in social status, navigating the worlds of politics and magic while trying to pursue their own hobbies. The difference between the two lies in the fact that Ascendance introduces its characters and world in an organic, thoughtful way, whereas Maiden of the Needle can’t quite get there. Perhaps if Zeroki had spread the story across four or five volumes, sewing the dress in portions rather than all at once, the final product would have flowed more naturally. As it is, however, this story remains disjointed and incomplete. And seeing as volume three still has not released in Japan, it sadly seems that it will stay that way. ~ sleepminusminus

Maiden of the Needle is published by Yen Press.

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Maiden of the Needle, Manga Vol. 2

Yui’s blessweaving is thriving in her new home. To add to that, she is also officially the fiance to the previous king and is now preparing their clothes for an upcoming ball where they will declare their engagement. However, if Yui truly wants to be protected from those who would do her harm, she needs to become the head of House Nuir, and fast. I will be the first to admit that I don’t think all age-gap manga are problematic and don’t mind reading them. However, the age gap in this volume didn’t sit well with me. I can see all the reasons why this marriage needs to take place (and was even excited about it at the end of volume one), but I felt Argit was too affectionate with Yui. I thought knowing his “why” and getting a little bit of his backstory would help me feel differently, but I still felt that if his end goal was to only protect her and her gifts, why am I getting a too romantic vibe from him? I don’t remember his exact age or Yui’s, but I just couldn’t seem to get excited about it or feel fully comfortable, which feels odd for me to say because there isn’t anything inappropriate per se. The ending, however, was amazing! I really really liked the last two chapters and am fully here for Yui becoming the new head of House Nuir! My favorite parts are seeing Yui in her element and absolutely thriving as a blessweaver. Mix that in with her genuine love, care, and concern for the fairies, and reading this is gripping and very much moving, especially when the art in this story is so breathtaking. Unfortunately, though, the love for those chapters is not enough for me to want to keep reading. I love Yui as a character, her love of sewing, and the stunning art, but I am not invested enough to keep reading with how uncomfortable I felt concerning Argit and his marriage to Yui.  ~ Laura A. Grace

Maiden of the Needle is published by Yen Press.

READ Maiden of the Needle: Vol. 1 Review

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The Remarried Empress, Manwha Vol. 6

The moment has finally arrived! What was foreshadowed in the first few pages of this manhwa is now unfolding in this latest volume! The High Priest has been summoned, making it the beginning of the divorce trials between Sovieshu and Navier. As the trials grow closer, she keeps her word to Heinrey that she will marry him, which surprises not only those around her but the very man who divorced her—and who had no intentions of ever letting her get remarried! Sovieshu is a perfect example of wanting to have his cake and eat it too. I don’t think I’ll ever get over his actions and how angry he got when Navier remarried. For a man who is supposed to be the emperor, and therefore intelligent and capable of wise decisions, he looks like a totally jealous fool! He is finally getting what he wants with the woman he loves and an heir on the way. Why in the world is he being petty and refusing to let Navier leave with her new husband? He definitely wins for the most frustrating and dumbest man I’ve read in manhwa, which is fine by me. He can keep the title for all I care because I have no empathy for him and the dumb decisions he makes. Navier on the other hand, I am so happy for her! That moment where everyone close to her is celebrating her divorce made me want to cry because they know that this new life with Heinrey will be much happier than the one she currently has. Before that though, my heart ached for her and at seeing her cry. Sovieshu did her dirty in every single way, and I’m so thankful Heinrey treats her as the queen she is! I  look forward to seeing in the next volume how Heinrey will continue to do so! ~ 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 // Vol. 5}

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Honey Lemon Soda, Manga Vol. 5

Best girl Uka is back in another powerful and impactful volume in this wonderful shoujo series! Summer vacation is here and Uka is having some of the happiest moments of her life! Texting her friends, hanging out at the beach with those friends, and just overall being happy. However, when her father realizes who her so-called “friends” are, he begins to question if Uka is really living her best life at her new school. With how the previous volume ended, I was fully expecting this volume to have a blooming love triangle amidst Uka making a new friend (or at least growing closer to Serina), but surprisingly it never even went that direction! Not only did that get wrapped up quickly, but the ending! It was so intense! This volume took a very different turn that I haven’t seen captured in shoujo before. I’ve seen it be a touching point, but that’s all it was: a touching point. This new struggle that Uka is facing is deep, meaningful, and painful. I never expected Kai to encourage her the way he did when she voiced how frustrated she was. When he could have fully said her dad was being horrible, he simply told her that neither she nor her dad was wrong. Both things they value are important. That completely blew my mind and really shows a mature side to that Kai I didn’t quite realize he had! I’m thankful that Uka has been influenced by him to “grow a backbone” and continue to be brave. You can definitely tell before the new struggle and arc that she is thriving! Which makes her dad’s actions and words all the more frustrating. I get where he’s coming from. I really do. But it’s no excuse. I’m very desperate for the next volume and to see what brave thing Uka will do next! She’s so courageous and inspiring, and I know she will only continue to be so! ~ Laura A. Grace

Honey Lemon Soda is published by Yen Press.

READ Honey Lemon Soda Reviews: Vol. 1 // Vol. 2 // Vol. 3 // Vol. 4

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The Uncanny Counter, Manhwa Vol. 1

If it looks like a K-drama and reads like a K-drama, then it must be a K-drama, right? With its corny jokes, over-the-top action scenes, and strong themes of filial piety and care for the elderly and young, The Uncanny Counter feels like a manhwa adaptation of a K-drama, though it’s actually the opposite. This manhwa is the source material for the more popular K-drama series of the same name. Those familiar with the live-action adaptation will instantly recognize the similar opening: high schooler Mun, who was left with a disability by an accident that killed his parents, experiences a supernatural event that leads him to join a team of shikinami-types trying to capture souls who have escaped into our world. The team is given powers or partially possessed (I’m not sure—it’s honestly a bit confusing) by souls who have passed away but help in these efforts from the afterlife. Much like the series, I’m left a bit mystified by the odd but admittedly unique approach to the supernatural. However, the characters are quite likable, including a macho former police officer and a young woman who is tough as nails too. I just don’t think that K-dramas work as well on paper as they do on the screen; it’s harder to suspend disbelief when what I’m reading feels so corny and predictable. But I’m willing to continue with the series, at least for another volume or two—don’t count this reader out quite yet! ~ Twwk

The Uncanny Counter 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.