And the stories continue on and on and on! This week, we review the latest volumes for several of our favorite series on Beneath the Tangles, from those that have just started publishing like Riviere and the Land of Prayer and You and I Are Polar Opposites, to series a little further along like Akane-banashi and Solo Leveling, to manga way further along in their runs like Rainbow Days and The Way of the Househusband. Check out our reviews below and let us know what you’re reading these days!

Akane-banashi (Vol. 7) • Oshi no Ko (Vol. 7) • Rainbow Days (Vol. 11) • Riviere and the Land of Prayer (Vol. 2) • Solo Leveling (Vol. 9) • The Villainess Is the Heroine’s Biggest Fan (Vol. 2) • The Way of the Househusband (Vol. 12) • What’s Wrong with Secretary Kim? (Vol. 5) • You and I Are Polar Opposites (Vol. 2) • Zom 100: Bucket List of the Dead (Vol. 15)

Akane-banashi, Manga Vol. 7

After a rocky introduction to the world of professional rakugo, Akane has found her rhythm as a zenza (Junior Apprentice) and her skills are advancing rapidly. Now the Arakawa School’s relentless meritocracy has offered her a potential shortcut on the road to shinuchi (Rakugo Master): the Zenza Renseikai. It’s a yearly in-school tournament, and the winner is effectively guaranteed a fast-tracked promotion to futatsume (Senior Apprentice). Akane won Japan’s top amateur rakugo tournament back in high school, but the competition this time around will be on a completely different level—even without a late-blooming dark horse bursting onto the scene and a familiar challenger making her return to the fray… Tournament arcs are a popular shonen manga trope for plenty of reasons, but their inherently rigid structure means an author has to handle them cleverly to keep the story from becoming repetitive. Yuki Suenaga’s approach to this potential pitfall is to change the central conflict Akane faces over the arc. Her first tournament was about defeating flashy amateurs with subtle professional skills, but now professional skills are a baseline requirement and style will be the deciding factor. And picking an artistic style is rarely a straightforward affair in any medium. Akane has overcome plenty of problems, but now she’s facing a dilemma. Problems have cut-and-dry solutions, dilemmas don’t. I won’t spoil anything too specific, but volume seven is laying the groundwork for a major character moment that you should definitely stick around to see. ~ WacOtaku

Akane-banashi is published by VIZ Media.

READ Reviews of Akane-banashi: Vol. 1 // Vol.2 // Vol.3 // Vol.4 // Vol.5 // Vol. 6

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You and I Are Polar Opposites, Manga Vol. 2

It’s no easy thing to write a simple love story that’s funny and endearing. And so while the “polar opposite” coupling of gyaru girl Suzuki and quiet scholar Tani feels like an easily made, breezy romance, a closer look reveals the wonderful talent of mangaka Koucha Agasawa, who fills the panels of You and I Are Polar Opposites with little asides and connecting threads that help create a smart and fun. Suzuki and Tani, that “polar opposite” couple, continue to be irresistible leads as they try to navigate their new relationship (and in this volume, even deal with a former one), but the side characters are also just as lovely. New relationships are starting to blossom (or be hinted at) and I’m excited about all of them developing further. The supporting characters remind me of those in Kubo Won’t Let Me Be Invisible, which became a stronger series as it focused more on them and a little less on the central couple; here, the focus and characterization are more immediate and even stronger. Starting out in volume one as a charming read and continuing as such in volume two, there’s nothing that makes me suspect that it won’t continue to be one of the best and most heartwarming manga in this current crop of romantic comedies. ~ Twwk

You and I Are Polar Opposites is published by VIZ Media.

Read You and I Are Polar Opposites: Vol. 1 Review

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Solo Leveling, Manhwa Vol. 9

Does that grinning image on the cover of volume nine seem familiar? That’s the Architect, the moderator of the system that Jin Woo has been using since his escape from the double dungeon that started Solo Leveling; now, here in volume nine, he returns to face this powerful foe and maybe start discovering some answers as to why he is the way he is. While we don’t get all the answers, volume nine does drop a few hints, but as usual, we’re left to infer things by trying to figure out what’s happening in the panels. That’s by design and continues to keep the mystery captivating, though I have to say that throughout its run, and particularly here, the action of Solo Leveling is both intense and often hard to distinguish. The artwork that helps make this manhwa so popular is also what makes it confusing. Ultimately, I sometimes have to tell myself to just go with it and continue with the story, even if I’m not quite sure what just happened (“It’s okay—I’ll see the repercussions a few pages later”) or remember who some of these characters are. Speaking of which, one new character who seems like he’ll play a major role in the series appears in this volume as the defender of Japan against a massive gate, while another is given just a brief couple of pages but will likely be a significant part of the story down the line. Meanwhile, as the action remains intense, the story tries to stay grounded in an emotional anchor of Jin Woo’s relationships throughout the volume, which is another “can’t miss” for fans of high-octane action series. ~ twwk

Solo Leveling is published by Yen Press.

READ: Reviews of Solo Leveling Vol. 3 // Vol. 6 // Vol. 7 // Vol. 8

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Rainbow Days, Manga Vol. 11

New favorite relationship: Keiichi and Nozomi? The newest and least-developed pairing receives much of the focus in volume eleven of Rainbow Days, which is A-OK with me as they make a sweet couple. Nozomi’s resolve is endearing, and it’s inspiring to see a change in Keiichi, who—while never graphically so—has been characterized as likely being the most sex-focused member of the four protagonists. Meanwhile, the discomfort between Anna and Natsuki remains as the latter waits for Mari to confess her feelings the former before making his own move. This storyline is and has been headed down a very obvious path, though when it comes to Rainbow Days, that’s what we as readers want; the series is at its best when it’s plain and relationships progress as expected—especially when it goes into doki-doki or humor mode, but even when it gets a little heart-wrenching, as it currently is with the love quadrangle that’s developed. This is all good stuff. So, too, are the two side stories (“Rainbow Weather”) that bookend volume—the first offering a potential spin-off to Rainbow Days, focusing on Mocchi and the basketball team, and the second finally giving some life and development to the relationship between Tsuyopon and Yukirin. Although the series is slowly making its final arrival at the station, volume eleven proves that there’s quite a lot of track left before it comes to a stop, and that perhaps the best of Rainbow Days is yet to come. ~ Twwk

Rainbow Days is published by VIZ Media.

READ Rainbow Days Reviews: Vol. 1 // Vol. 2 // Vol. 3 // Vol. 4 // Vol. 5 // Vol. 6 // Vol. 7 // Vol. 8 // Vol. 9 // Vol. 10

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The Way of the Househusband, Manga Vol. 12

There was a time when I thought The Way of the Househusband was becoming stale, that it was getting repetitive and that the humor was beginning to fade. I don’t feel that way anymore. The last few volumes, but particularly volume twelve, feel fresh, and the series is as funny as ever. Part of that “freshness” occurs through the introduction of new characters: in this case, a police mascot and a crazed safety officer who uses him to demonstrate what not to do. Even Tatsu is taken aback by the cop’s methods. Funnier still is the opening salvo of this volume, which has a Tatsu leading a team of middle-aged and older ladies against a youth baseball team. The introduction of each team member had me on the floor laughing (if you remember the intros for Strongbad’s Teen Girl Squad, you get a sense of what it’s like). The rest of the volume likewise cracked me up. The Way of the Househusband is such a treasure, goodness and hilarity in a world that desperately needs more of both. I hope this series never ends.~ Twwk

The Way of the Househusband is published by VIZ Media.

READ Reviews of The Way of the Househusband: Vol. 3 // Vol. 4 // Vol. 5 // Vol. 6 // Vol. 7 // Vol. 8 // Vol. 9 // Vol. 10 // Vol. 11

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Riviere and the Land of Prayer, Light Novel Vol. 2

And we’re back in Cururunelvia, the Land of Prayer, where ordinary objects can be imbued with magic through the power of prayer, transforming them into sancta—usually to rather toxic or even downright destructive effect, especially when the super shady antiques dealer, Carredura, is involved. This time, there’s a serial killer on the loose, a self-destructive insomniac, a few broken hearts, and a rogue terminator doll. But it’s all in a day’s work for the energetic MacMillia, cool-headed Miss Riviere, and a certain ashen-haired witch who all take care of business with ease and a little help from some new friends. This volume reads as a straight-up continuation of the inaugural volume, which is no surprise because these two together are a reboot of a single novel published by Jougi Shiraishi years ago before his series Wandering Witch: The Journey of Elaina took off. The emphasis is still on edgy twists in each of the largely self-contained short stories, but with a growing reliance on the ignorance of MacMillia (as the main narrator) when it comes to picking up on social cues; so there’s a bit more subtext accruing here than in the first volume. So far, it’s pretty fun! It’s mainly low-key detective-style storytelling, though, so don’t expect an action-packed major plot line—at least not yet. To this end, we don’t get much development on the evil villainess front, as Carredura remains a fleeting, shadowy figure. Maybe next time. The final full story is worth a shout-out, as it’s really quite poignant, and finally gives us a situation where a sancta remains pure and uncursed in its usage. There is hope! The Afterword by the author is pretty interesting too, so be sure to check it out if you pick up this volume. ~ claire

Riviere and the Land of Prayer is published by Yen Press.

READ Riviere and the Land of Prayer Vol 1 Review

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The Villainess Is the Heroine’s Biggest Fan, Light Novel Vol. 2

Thanks to Mary Bell, Aria is shaking the lives of nobles and commoners alike with her singing! As she continues to invest in Aria and make her the new “prima donna,” she is also trying to set up as many conversations between Aria and the “love interests.” However, why do all the conversations always center around Mary Bell and how much they like her instead?! With how much of a happy ride this series has been, I was pretty shocked with the ending and even how “deep” the overall volume was! Compared to the first volume, we are seeing so many different perspectives! And through that, we really see how hard things have been for Aria and how hard she has tried to make “amends” with her father. Granted, it was more like trying to earn his love, because we also see things from his perspective. I’m with Mary Bell: let the man starve for how horrible he has treated Aria; he cares nothing for her wellbeing, just for the money she can bring in! Ugh! I did really like that we were able to see the changes in Ethen in a more personal way as well as his perspective! Mary Bell on the other hand… I loved her in volume one, but there were many times I was frustrated with her in this volume because of how she is trying to push Ethen, her fiancee, to get closer to Aria. I get that “Mary Bell” knows the original storyline and is in the body of the villainess, but she knows that things are different now. The plot isn’t the same, and the characters are acting differently. Wouldn’t that be reason enough to actively consider a relationship with Ethen? I wish she could see into his head and see how he genuinely cares for her! Hopefully, the next volume has some healing and reconciliation in more ways than one because I love these characters and need things to be alright! ~ Laura A. Grace

The Villainess Is the Heroine’s Biggest Fan is published by Editio Publishing.

READ The Villainess Is the Heroine’s Biggest Fan Vol 1 Review

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Zom 100: Bucket List of the Dead, Manga Vol. 15

If you want a series with thoughtful, social commentary? Go to Haro Aso. If you want to blend violence with comedy or drama? Haro Aso’s your guy. But romance? Romance isn’t his forte, and that’s made abundantly clear in volume fifteen of Zom 100, in which the relationship between Shizuka and Akira comes to a head, tested by zombies (natch) and a new love rival who’s a legitimately perfect catch. While this manga is at its best when it’s frenetic, mixing humor with zombie action, it’s still curious that Aso and Kotaro Takata decided to take the climactic moments of a romance that’s been brewing for fifteen volumes and skip the tender moments, instead plunging the duo into yet another zombie situation. Their romance is played for laughs, the kind that you’d see in a more minor scenario that would normally function as filler rather than a significant moment in the series. So although this volume is as fun as any of them—and though it features a couple of cool extras to boot (including one that places Kencho and Akira in the world of Aso’s other beloved series, Alice in Borderland)—it’s ultimately a failure. And while with how otherwise wondrous and fun the series has been, it’s a forgivable one, it is a failure nonetheless. ~ Twwk

Zom 100: Bucket List of the Dead is published by VIZ Media.

READ Reviews of Zom 100: Bucket List of the Dead: Vol. 1 // Vol. 2 // Vol. 3 // Vol. 4 // Vol. 5 // Vol. 6 // Vol. 7 // Vol. 8 // Vol. 9 // Vol. 10 // Vol. 11 // Vol. 12 // Vol. 13 // Vol. 14

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What’s Wrong with Secretary Kim?, Manhwa Vol. 5

“Debating who struggled more, determining who caused who pain—I don’t think there’s a point in trying to label things like that.” Miso remembers everything that happened to her as a child, including that Youngjun was the boy who was with her and saved her. With no more secrets between them, a shift in their relationship leads to them dating and being closer than ever before. Gah, I’m sad to think that the next volume is the final volume in this series! I was quite shocked by a lot of things that took place in this volume because previously I was very upset with Youngjun’s parents and how they acted and handled things in the past. Imagine my shock when things finally come out and they are apologizing and admitting that what they did was cowardly! As a parent, I totally get how hard parenthood can be, but it still boils my blood at how they handled things. I was completely amazed at the conversation they had with Youngjun and how he responded to things they said, because I honestly can’t imagine it ever being that easy. I guess it goes to show how much Miso has changed his life, because I could imagine he would have held onto resentment and bitterness a lot longer. And speaking of her, our leads are officially a couple! Squeals! Having read this digitally, I definitely forgot how steamy this volume was! Ha! But seeing them freely be together and have no more secrets between them was so wonderful and made me deeply happy as a reader! The ending is even more so! There were many things I very much enjoyed about this volume, but I definitely think the healing between this family that has been broken for so long was the most moving part! Don’t get me wrong, I loved the romance! But with how heartbreaking things were last volume, I never expected to see a very beautiful and healing reunion take place. Very much enjoying this series and looking forward to seeing what happens next! (Also I’m looking forward to seeing more of Miso’s Dad because he is hilarious! Ha!) ~ 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 // Vol. 4

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[Oshi no Ko], Manga Vol. 7

As I’ve been reading through the 2.5D stage play material of the past several volumes of Oshi no Ko, I keep wondering, does this story have anything to do with the greater plot of this series? Sure, it moves the story along a little, but mostly these chapters seem to function as a way to show more inside information about the entertainment industry and develop Akane and Kana’s characters (primarily through their interactions with one another). But then, volume seven came along. While the big event in this volume seems to be the stage play opening, that crescendo is trumped by a quieter but more significant note related to Aqua’s search for Ai’s killer. It’s a bombshell and it changes everything. Or does it? I smell a red herring here, but even so, that’s likely to be used by Akasaka and Yokoyari to create further surprises and thrills because, after all, this is Oshi no Ko, one of the most brilliant manga of recent years (or perhaps ever). As you can infer, volume seven turns the volume knob up (not quite to eleven, but still quite high), countering the series’ bouncier material with more hard-hitting content. And of course, under the guidance of the two mangaka, it works better than it should, leading to an entrancing experience. On a side note, this volume is just about on pace with the currently airing anime season, so you may spoil yourself one way or another, depending on which you decide to experience first. ~ Twwk

Oshi no Ko is published by Yen Press. Volume 7 releases on August 27th.

READ Reviews of Oshi no Ko: Vol. 1 // Vol. 2 // Vol. 3 // Vol. 4 // Vol. 5 // Vol. 6

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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.