What’s wrong with Secretary Kim? Is my youth comedy wrong as expected? Is Medaka Kuroiwa impervious to my charms? Does a reincarnated witch spell doom? There are plenty of questions in this week’s volumes, though I guarantee none are fully answered. But isn’t that part of the charm of manga, manhwa, and light novels? Dive into our reviews to see how far along these stories are, with the volumes we’re checking out this week ranging from very early (volume two of the wonderful God Bless the Mistaken) to far along down the line (volume 20 of squee-worthy Fly Me to the Moon)!

Fly Me to the Moon (Vol. 20) • A Galaxy Next Door (Vol. 6) • God Bless the Mistaken (Vol. 2) • I’m Quitting Heroing (Vol. 5) • Kiss the Scars of the Girls (Vol. 2) • Like a Butterfly (Vol. 6) • Medaka Kuroiwa Is Impervious to My Charms (Vol. 3) • My Girlfriend’s Child (Vol. 4) • My Youth Romantic Comedy Is Wrong, As I Expected @ comic (Vol. 21) • A Reincarnated Witch Spells Doom (Vol. 4) • What’s Wrong with Secretary Kim? (Vol. 4)

My Youth Romantic Comedy Is Wrong, As I Expected @ comic, Manga Vol. 21

As the foremost expert on Oregairu of our time (Source: Me), I’ve become known for being heavily critical of the final arc in the series. I’ve explained that it’s overly complicated, is too long, features one too many proms (there are two! Why?!), and never quite untwists Hachiman and Yukino’s thinking in a way that’s complete, satisfying, and worthy of the climax of such a great series. Yet I still love it because I love the franchise and I love these characters. But in all honesty, the problems are obvious and they remain even in the excellent manga adaptation of the series. Volume twenty-one is the climax of it all, but it doesn’t feel like it. You’re left asking questions like…was that a love confession? Have Yukino and Hachiman really changed their mindsets? Are we supposed to, as the readers, be overjoyed? The answers to all those questions are supposed to be emphatic yeses, but they’re really all in doubt. Mangaka Naomichi Io does his best, and indeed, does a pretty good job with the convoluted material which involves Hiki starting once again with his plans for the “fake prom” in an attempt to grant Yui’s wish and make his feeling for Yukinon known. Naomichi is a revelation; at first, the adaptation was like any other. There was nothing special about it. But by this point, Naomichi expresses such incredible creativity through backgrounds, the arrangement of panels, and how author Wataru Watari’s thoughts should be conveyed through dialogue and narration that what results is easily the most straightforward and, I believe, best portrayal of this final arc among the various Oregairu media. The artwork is incredible too; it literally gets better every volume and, by now, is among some of the best art I’ve ever seen in a manga. No exaggeration. Oregairu fans need to pick this volume up. Those who were let down by the final arc, like myself, will find a little consolation in this adaptation. Of less consolation is this: there’s only one volume remaining. ~ Twwk

My Youth Romantic Comedy Is Wrong, As I Expected @ comic is published by Yen Press.

^{READ Reviews of My Youth Romantic Comedy Is Wrong, As I Expected @ comic: Vol. 3 // Vol. 4 // Vol. 13 // Vol. 16 // Vol. 17 // Vol. 18 // Vol. 19 // Vol. 20}

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A Reincarnated Witch Spells Doom, Manga Vol. 4

In the aftermath of Sena using her powers as a caller, she and Keith wake up and find themselves chained in a dungeon. Having no idea how they got there, they look for ways to escape, only for a surprise to await them! And not just there in the dungeon, but when they escape and try to free the fire dragons! Once again, this series surprises me! I really disliked Issac in the previous volume, but was shocked at how my feelings changed in this one! Am I still upset with how he treated Sena before? Oh yeah! But is he very compelling once we get to know more about him and how things are in his land? For sure! Honestly one of my favorite pages is the very last one of him and Gideon. It was epic to see his anger at the injustice of certain things that have taken place and how things were never what they seemed to be from the very start. I would definitely say this volume reflected extremely good storytelling because of how I did a 180 with Issac’s character! I’m excited to see where the story is going, because it seems this arc wrapped up already? In hindsight, seeing how short it was, it really didn’t feel that way when reading. In fact, I was so focused on what was happening that I jumped out of my seat when I got spooked by a random noise! Ha! I would add that seeing Sena really come into her role as a caller was amazing! I really really loved seeing what that looked like and how it affected things by the end! Eagerly looking forward to seeing where this story goes, because I feel the worldbuilding keeps getting richer and I’m getting pulled more and more into this story with each new volume! ~ Laura A. Grace

A Reincarnated Witch Spells Doom is published by Yen Press.

READ Reviews of A Reincarnated Witch Spells Doom: Vol. 1 // Vol. 2 // Vol. 3

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God Bless the Mistaken, Manga Vol. 2

In my enthusiastic review of God Bless the Mistaken volume one, I noted, “Kon is the ‘normal’ lead [and] Kasane plays the role of the all-knowing and quirky onee-san.” Well, volume two of this creative and charming series proves that it’s also deeper and more heartfelt than I had anticipated. After the first half takes us through another interesting bug (the “periodic exceptional phenomena” that shake up the entire world for days at a time before they disappear and the next one takes hold), the second half focuses more specifically on Kon and what it is about that him that makes Kasane, a researcher and rare person who doesn’t experience the phenomena, see him as special. Here’s a hint: it’s more than just his warm and sincere personality. But it is this warmth, expressed through the entire work, that has me so attached to the series, and the fun, unique, and thoughtful bugs that have me pegging it as something special. Volume two only has me more secure in the conclusion I came to in that first review, that this is a burgeoning new classic. If you haven’t tried it out, I encourage you to pick up the first couple of volumes. It’s like nothing else you’re reading, and exactly what you—and I think all of us making our way in what’s an increasingly complicated and ungracious world—need to be. ~ Twwk

God Bless the Mistaken is published by Yen Press.

READ God Bless the Mistaken Vol. 1 Review

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Medaka Kuroiwa Is Impervious to My Charms, Manga Vol. 3

 Mona finally found a crack in Medaka’s stoic façade during the Culture Festival. Now she has a new problem in the form of first-year student Asahi Shonan. That girl may be the cold beauty of the basketball team around everyone else, but she goes full “notice me senpai!” whenever Medaka is nearby. A cute kohai with a crush as a quarrelsome competitor is cause for considerable consternation. As these two lock horns and try all sorts of tricks to steal Medaka’s heart (and succeed only in nearly giving him a heart attack), Mona is forced to begin seriously asking herself why she’s doing all this. She’s putting in quite a lot of effort if her only goal is to unlock the “Queen Bee: Charm 100% of the Boys at School” achievement. But there’s no way she’s trying to get Medaka’s attention for any reason besides personal pride…right? I once heard a line of argument that mid-tier anime and manga can have a unique value: they let you hone in on what makes or breaks a series for you. What parts of a story can carry it even when other parts are unimpressive, or conversely, what can wreck a story even if other parts are OK? Medaka Kuroiwa is one of those mid-tier series for me. It’s very mediocre in a lot of ways, and I certainly have a couple noteworthy complaints, but what makes it click is Mona’s entertaining personality. She wants to convince everyone (including herself) that she’s this cute and trendy “It Girl” who has it all together and can charm any boy at will. But beneath the mask, she’s a blunt and direct girl from Osaka (think Japan’s equivalent to Dallas, Texas) with a thick, twangy accent and more skittishness about physical contact than she likes to admit. Constantly getting caught between her persona’s reckless ego and her true self’s hesitant insecurity, she’s a lot of fun to read. But this series is still a “fast food” manga, so while it’s an enjoyable indulgence from time to time, I can’t recommend putting too much of it in your manga “diet.” ~ WacOtaku

Medaka Kuroiwa Is Impervious to My Charms is published by Kodansha.

READ Reviews of Medaka Kuroiwa Is Impervious to My Charms: Vol. 1 // Vol.2

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Like a Butterfly, Manga Vol. 6

Kawasumi has finally done it: He asked Suiren to be his girlfriend! Now the two are officially dating, but not everything is smooth sailing because the two don’t really know how to date. That doesn’t stop them from going on their first one, though! While it didn’t unfold as they both had planned, these two continue to grow ever closer. Much cuteness in this volume! I appreciate how our leads are having dates and a few more romantic moments that aren’t just them being together with no conversation. Granted, they still have that, but it feels like they are really growing and starting to be more open together. However, that ending unexpectedly made me feel some angst and worry that Suiren is not going to share how she is feeling later on. Maybe she will, though, since she did say how she missed Kawasumi (and told him directly!), and it led to a very beautiful and satisfying moment concerning their relationship! But with how focused Kawasumi is on karate and not noticing Suiren and her feelings, it does make me wonder what’s in store. I definitely don’t feel these two will break up or anything like that! For all of Kawasumi’s obliviousness, I know he deeply cares for Suiren and wants to make her happy. I think the event at the end is somehow tied in with maybe him defending her and his relationship with her(?), but Suiren obviously doesn’t know or realize this. So overall, I definitely enjoyed it and am excited to keep reading even if I feel a little nervous! ~ Laura A. Grace

Like a Butterfly is published by VIZ Media.

READ Like a Butterfly Reviews: Vol.1 // Vol. 2 // Vol. 4 // Vol. 5

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Fly Me to the Moon, Manga Vol. 20

This volume picks where the last one left off, with Nasa’s students (including the enigmatic Kaguya) having encountered Nasa and Tsukasa at the old house where Tsukasa used to live. Kaguya investigates a mysterious door in the cellar, which turns out to be a tunnel leading to a graveyard, with graves of historical people whose fates were unknown. One of the girls finds an old shard of something in the graveyard, which Kaguya observes has the kanji for “Destruction” written on it. Tsukasa discloses that it’s a fragment of a mask (apparently belonging to someone in her past), and burns it. The volume also teased a possible connection between Tsukasa and Kurenai (another of Nasa’s students). Interspersed with the plot-relevant stuff, there’s awkward speculating by the teen girls about what sort of “nocturnal activities” their teacher and his wife get up to, side stories about Kaguya and her fellow students, bathing shenanigans, etc. We also get more of this manga’s goofy “chapter summaries” (like Madoka and Homura traveling back in time to become a comedy duo). All in all, this volume had a nice balance of fluffy romcom stuff and mysterious plot stuff happening. Good times. ~ JeskaiAngel

Fly Me to the Moon is published by Viz.

READ Reviews of Fly Me to the Moon: Vol. 1 // Vol. 2 // Vol. 3 // Vol. 5 // Vol. 6 // Vol. 7 // Vol. 8 // Vol. 9 // Vol. 10 // Vol. 11 // Vols. 12-13 // Vol. 14 // Vols. 15-16 // Vol. 17 // Vol. 18 // Vol. 19

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I’m Quitting Heroing, Manga Vol. 5

Maybe by this point, I shouldn’t be surprised that I’m Quitting Heroing is a really good series. But I continue to be, with volume five again demonstrating that the execution in this series is exceptional. It begins with Shutina’s former disciple, Canaan, and Leo’s former compadre and “brother,” Virgo, virtually forming into one entity, now strong enough to pose a real threat against Leo and, it appears, a human kingdom. Action ensues, of course, but so do heartwarming moments. Once again, we’re reminded that Leo’s discovery of companionship among the demons after so many years alone is really at the heart of the series, but there’s also wonderful depth in this particular storyline featuring the sibling rivalry between Leo and his fellow Demonheart series creation, Virgo. If there’s one thing to grumble about, it’s how rushed everything feels (not an atypical complaint for manga adaptations of light novels). The action scenes during the battles—both larger scale ones featuring the demon generals and a large host of dragons, and the one-on-one between Leo and Virgo—are wonderfully drawn, but the mangaka moves through them very quickly. There’s a feeling of “We need to finish this arc!,” emphasized further by giving exactly two panels each to the generals in their fights, a mechanical and almost apologetic structure to the action. Still, if the biggest issue is that I want more, I’m happy to take that. And I’m eager, too, to see how the story continues to develop with this volume ending with a hint of potentially exciting things to come. ~ Twwk

I’m Quitting Heroing is published by Yen Press.

READ I’m Quitting Heroing Reviews: Vol. 1 // Vol. 2 // Vol. 3 // Vol. 4

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Kiss the Scars of the Girls, Manga Vol. 2

What a disappointment. After the wondrous tone, compelling relationships, and dip into gothic mystery shown in volume one, volume two of Kiss the Scars of the Girls goes into “character of the week” mode, and in the most bland of ways. Yucca’s story is fleshed out and completed, ultimately resulting in an overly quick proclamation that volume one hinted would be a more teased-out idea throughout the series, and a new girl is introduced who connects Emille, Eve, and the rest of the vampires to the human world. Both stories feel rushed, and neither offers anything new, interesting, or compelling. Meanwhile, I’m also disappointed that my recommendation that those who typically don’t read yuri might find this work to be a good entry point will be turned off by the shockingly ecchi opening to volume two. There’s enough goodwill from the first release, combined with two main characters I already adore and lovely character designs, for me to continue on with the series, but it won’t be long if the mangaka can’t find her way after such a promising start. ~ Twwk

Kiss the Scars of the Girls is published by Yen Press.

READ Kiss the Scars of the Girls Vol. 1 Review

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My Girlfriend’s Child, Manga Vol. 4

Sachi has made her decision, and that is to not get an abortion. While Takara supports her choice despite being kicked out of his house, Sachi finds little support elsewhere. Even with her mother taking her to doctor visits and coming across as “upbeat,” Sachi feels utterly alone. And when her father comes home saying to trust him because he’ll work everything out, will she still stand strong in her decision? Another very good but heartbreaking volume in this series, especially with that cliffhanger which was absolutely devastating! I thought it interesting that the one place Sachi felt she could breathe and be happy was at school! It makes sense given her home life right now, especially when her Dad steps in… I don’t know what to say about her Dad. I feel like he stepped in to “fix” things, but that he didn’t ask Sachi’s opinions on anything or thoughts about it. Plus when Sachi takes her mom with her to her doctor’s appointment, I really don’t think she is as supportive as may come across to these doctors? Like even to her teacher? Did her Mom’s feelings finally come out in the form of what happened at the end or was it an accident? I don’t really feel it is an accident, because my first reaction was to write it in quotes. After all, surely that was no accident since Sachi messaged her… Takara is still one of the best boys I’ve seen in shojo manga: I’m amazed at how supportive he is, especially in light of how obvious his fatigue from work is. My heart is hurting for him, because Sachi is very much isolating herself and it seems that all he wants is to be there for her. Cue sobbing. Overall, another very good but emotional volume! I definitely need the next one ASAP because of that ending! ~ Laura A. Grace

My Girlfriend’s Child is published by Seven Seas.

READ Reviews of My Girlfriend’s Child: Vol. 1 // Vol. 2 // Vol. 3

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A Galaxy Next Door, Manga Vol. 6 (Final)

I’ve been a huge fan of A Galaxy Next Door since volume one, but this final release has given me a chance to take a more critical look at the series. There are two weak areas that particularly stand out, the first being that there really aren’t any characters I care about outside of the primary four featured on the cover of volume six, and I think the structure of the final release admits that the characterization has been weak. The first chapter or two is the climax of the series—the wedding between Ichiro and Shiori—but the remaining ones jump into the future, and while several of the supporting players are involved (sometimes heavily), the chapters deal mainly with the central family. They also focus on a storyline that was interesting at first but became a weight on the manga, which is the alien element to it all; the idea of the stinger and its curse on Shiori, both physical and emotional, always felt like a strange element to an otherwise very typical romance. It sometimes made the work compelling and sometimes dragged it down by involving us so heavily with island politics. The final volume leans hard into the stinger, wish, and people of Shiori’s island, emphasizing a theme that may ultimately be the most significant in A Galaxy Next Door: Shiori’s breaking away from the unfair expectations put upon her by family, the island, and the alien. Despite the heaviness of that storyline, though, Shiori’s relationships with her family and her stinger resolve in a sincere but hopeful way. In fact, the future storylines are full of hope and encouragement, very fitting for the series and perhaps showing how it might have developed if it had continued for more volumes than six. I’m very happy that mangaka Gido Amagakure ended his story this way, providing closure for A Galaxy Next Door and the makeshift family that forms (and later expands); it’s a wonderful conclusion for a very strong, if imperfect, romance manga. ~ Twwk

A Galaxy Next Door is published by Kodansha.

READ Reviews of A Galaxy Next Door: Vol. 1 // Vol. 2 // Vol. 3 // Vol. 4 // Vol. 5

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What’s Wrong with Secretary Kim?, Manhwa Vol. 4

After meeting Youngjun’s older brother, Miso feels she has found the boy from her memories! But after asking him many questions about the past, she is surprised to realize that he remembers nothing. As a result, Miso feels she has more questions than answers. Could it really be memory loss, or is there something else she’s missing? Wow! This was a slightly triggering volume compared to the previous volumes! While the beginning had me squealing because of romantic development, the last half had me on the edge of my seat and my heart breaking in two! Not only that, I feel so much anger towards the parents because while I get being a parent is hard (I’m one too), why in the world would they think the aftermath of how everything was “okay”?! To let it go on because it was “easy” and maybe less painful? So many lies told or encouraged that resulted in more heartache! I can honestly say I am shocked that Youngjun doesn’t have resentment towards his parents for everything he went through. The things they allowed to happen simply because they didn’t want things to get worse, but in turn made it seem like his real story didn’t matter. He truly raised himself up by becoming the strongest man he could be, which is incredible…but it’s that very thought that carried him since he was nine years old that also makes me incredibly sad. The ending was definitely a cliffhanger, and I wonder what is going to happen next! Everything is out in the open, with the truth finally being revealed and/or realized. I would say that because of this, Mr. Park’s conversation with Youngjun about “taking the underwear off your heart” was especially meaningful. I hope Youngjun realizes how amazing of a friend he has and that genuine healing can take place in his heart and Miso’s heart too. ~ Laura A. Grace

What’s Wrong With Secretary Kim? is published by Yen Press.

READ Reviews of What’s Wrong With Secretary Kim?: Vol. 1 // Vol. 2 // Vol. 3

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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.