Heroes? We’ve got that. Female leads? We’ve got that, too. Villainesses? Indeed. Vampires? We’ve got a double dose! This week’s column features all that and more! Dig into our reviews and let us know what you think of these series and what you’re reading!
Banished from the Hero’s Party, I Decided to Live a Quiet Life in the Countryside (Vol. 9) • Diary of a Female Lead: Shujinkou Nikki (Vol. 1) • Dracula’s on the Night Shift! • Hirayasumi (Vol. 2) • I’m the Grim Reaper (Vol. 2) • I’m the Villainess, So I’m Taming the Final Boss (Vol. 4) • The Ice Guy and the Cool Girl (Vol. 7) • In the Land of Leadale (Vol. 6) • Pupposites Attract (Vol. 2) • Unholy Blood (Vol. 4) • Why Raeliana Ended Up at the Duke’s Mansion (Vol. 8)
Diary of a Female Lead: Shujinkou Nikki, Manga Vol. 1
Aoi feels she is the NPC to every other student in her school. And not just to the student body, but even to her athletic older brother and her shoujo mangaka mom. The thing is neither her brother nor her mom agree that she is a NPC, and they believe that she can be the heroine of her own story, even including her own love story! When her brother Itskui brings over Aoi’s classmate, Sena, they decide to help her find love by using shoujo manga as a guide. Can she really become a sparkling heroine like in the manga she’s read? Oh my goodness, this was so good! I loved the story itself and all of the characters, but do you know the thing that most spoke to me about this story? The power of shoujo. Maybe that sounds really silly, but seeing how shoujo manga really has the power to influence readers feels like such a special thing. I have very much felt that personally, but seeing it shown in Aoi’s life in just this first volume really touched and warmed my heart. It truly made me feel seen, even as an adult: Shoujo manga has encouraged me through heroines that may feel like they don’t have much self-worth, only to grow and change because of the people around them and internal realizations that they do have worth. Now as for the story, I loved everything! However, that ending with Sena was soooo good! I’m hyped for the next volume, especially with all the warm fuzzies I felt and the squealing I did when reading! Aoi’s family is really fun, and I love how much her older brother cares for her! Her mom definitely does too, and I think you could really see that by the end. Sena is a great male lead, and I really loved how he is there for Aoi and is cheering for her. This was definitely a very strong and amazing first volume! It felt so magical in its own special way and made me excited to be a shoujo manga reader! Definitely going to be recommending this one and definitely going to be preordering future volumes! ~ Laura A. Grace
Diary of a Female Lead: Shujinkou Nikki is published by Seven Seas.
I’m the Villainess, So I’m Taming the Final Boss, Manga Vol. 4
Aileen has fought to avoid the red flags of her original ending as a villainess in the otome game she used to play. Now she proudly stands by the side of the Demon King, Claude. However, her story isn’t over yet! While she and Claude intend to get married, will her family accept Claude into the family, leading to the happiest of ever afters? This was everything! Cue happy sobbing! This is a volume full of illustrations and short stories more than a continuation of the actual series, but I loved it so very much! It was genuinely perfect in every way, and I feel it is a strong must-read for any fan of this series, though I admit I’ve only read the manga; but this made me want to read the light novels because we meet more of Aileen’s family! I knew it was mentioned in the manga very briefly that Aileen had brothers, but to see them “in the flesh” was surreal! They were hilarious, though, and I deeply loved their roles in the second short story! Backing up to the first short story, though, I loved that it was about Issac and from his point-of-view! He is one of my favorite characters, and I remember reading the manga and feeling strongly that I would have been okay if Aileen had pursued him, because I loved his character so much! (Granted, I love Claude and Aileen, but I’m just saying this is one time I was on board for either one of them winning, which is very rare for me to feel. Ha!) I loved seeing his friendship with Aileen and how it led to him getting angry on her behalf. It was a really heartfelt scene and one that left me extremely happy to get to know more about him as a character. I know I gushed a lot about Issac, but I had to keep my words to a minimum about the other stories because I didn’t want to accidentally spoil anything! Please know, though, this was one of my favorite things I’ve read this month, and I eagerly look forward to rereading it because of how much joy it brought me! Highly recommended! ~ Laura A. Grace
I’m the Villainess, So I’m Taming the Final Boss is published by Yen Press.
READ Reviews of I’m the Villainess, So I’m Taming the Final Boss: Vol. 1 // Vol. 2 // Vol. 3
I’m the Grim Reaper, Manhwa Vol. 2
Volume two resolves the first issue’s cliffhanger in an appropriately bloody way, with Scarlet somehow escaping from the “bunny” grim reaper character that appeared to be stalking her in volume one. It’s no surprise to anyone but her that Scarlet realizes that there are rivals out there and that, though powerful, she is inexperienced—both of which present problems if she wants to rescue Chase and remain “alive” herself. This volume continues to express the same hyperactive tone as the first one did, which is a huge draw of the series: when it’s funny, it’s really funny; when it’s depressing, it spirals us downward along with Scarlet; and as I discovered in volume two, when it’s action-filled, it is limbs-slicingly violent. With such a tone, the series is made for today’s young reader, but I find the pacing and tone appealing, too. What’s disappointing, though, is that the exploration of morality and the nature of sin that was so compelling in volume one gets nary a mention in volume two, perhaps the result of the artist needing to advance the story and dig into Scarlet’s personal mystery some more and lean on world-building less. That thoughtfulness, though, was the biggest selling point to me (well, along with Chase’s obsession with cats); if the story drifts too far from this into what I would say is more typical fare, I’m out. But the goodwill from volume one is strong enough that I’m happy to give this cool series at least another volume or two before cutting bait. ~ Twwk
I’m the Grim Reaper is published by VIZ Media.
READ I’m the Grim Reaper Vol. 1 Review
In the Land of Leadale, Manga Vol. 6
Continuing the trend from volume five, the newest release of In the Land of Leadale presses forward with the mysteries of the world that Cayna has awakened in. But first—zombie pirates! It’s actually not quite as fun as it sounds, but it is cool to see zombified fiends and a ghost ship in Leadale, though there’s little time spent in the cool imagery as the purpose of this short adventure is to introduce a new young character (that’s her on the cover) and to serve as a transition to a larger adventure that Cayna begins. And that, also, is where the meat of the story is. While I was a bit confused about who was who and how they’re related to Cayna—and to be fair, the story tries to remind us of these generations of relations time and time again—I love how the people we’ve met (including antagonists) all have a major role to play in the greater mystery of the story; the complexity of relationships is worth the complexity of the story. The final chapter of volume six, for instance, connects with an earlier one featuring some of Cayna’s relations and presents vital information that is likely to play out later in the tale. I honestly didn’t need this extensive and detailed plot of In the Land of Leadale, which with its characters and art would function perfectly fine as a chill slice-of-life fantasy, but the ambitious writing is what will perhaps turn a good series into a classic. ~ Twwk
In the Land of Leadale is published by Yen Press.
READ: Reviews of In the Land of Leadale Vol. 1 // Vol. 2 // Vol. 3 // Vol. 4 // Vol. 5
Banished from the Hero’s Party, I Decided to Live a Quiet Life in the Countryside, Manga Vol. 9
As Ruti and Tisse arrive in Zoltan and come closer and closer to the hero’s reunion with her brother, a tension arises: Will this be a happy reunion? Maybe. Will it be a peaceful, easily resolved one? Almost certainly not. Will they even meet in this volume? Well, that’s what we’re reading for! Volume nine begins with the peaceful tone this series excels at as Red and Rit help out a fay village being ravaged by some sort of sickness, but the meat of this book is in the possible meeting between Red and Ruti. I won’t spoil what happens, but I did find the resolution here to be both unexpected and compelling, particularly because the occasionally heavy tone involving Ruti largely gets dispelled. I had come to accept the discomforting action side of the series, so this change has me a little shaken, but that’s not a bad thing. As I’ve stated many times previously, Banished from the Hero’s Party is at its best when it’s comfy, not when it attempts to be grimdark. And so this shift—along with the humor and warmth on display as it typically is—helps to make this another strong volume. I should note, however, that the explicit content warning is warranted in volume nine; and while the nudity here is not as out of place in this volume as in earlier ones, the sexual content from earlier volumes continues to have a negative impact in volume nine—I just can’t buy the sweet, blushing relationship between Red and Rit anymore having witnessed them be a little less sweet and whole lot more steamy. It’s a black mark on a series that has otherwise been a lot of fun. ~ Twwk
Banished from the Hero’s Party, I Decided to Live a Quiet Life in the Countryside is published by Yen Press.
READ Reviews of Banished from the Hero’s Party, I Decided to Live a Quiet Life in the Countryside: Vol. 1 // Vol. 2 // Vol. 3 // Vol. 4 // Vol. 5 // Vol. 7 // Vol. 8
Hirayasumi, Manga Vol. 2
Each of Hirayasumi’s three main characters (now up to five, perhaps, including Natsumi’s new friend, Akari and Hiroto’s childhood bud, Yomogi) is working through personal foibles within and challenges without. Their pains feel very authentic, with some having a way of connecting deeply with me; I may not have the same struggles they do, but their challenges made me think of my own. That personal quality could easily lead to a depressing series, but volume two continues to shine kindness on its characters and thus to us too, as we consider our own battles. This lovely encouragement and positive tone accompanying a story that’s sometimes sad helps to make Hirayasumi a warm and inviting read. At its center are people who want to do the right thing but aren’t always doing what they need to make improvements; however, they care for one another, and it’s that mutual love that helps each move forward, like with Granny, who shows up in flashbacks in volume two and is quietly kind to Hiroto; Natsumi, who buys a cake for Hiroto to make up for something cruel she said to him; and Hiroto, who is frank toward his friend Yomogi, which is exactly the kind of wake-up call the latter needs. Hirayasumi reminds us that we all need people to encourage us and forgive us when we fail. What a lovely and moving read—one of the best of 2024! ~ Twwk
Hirayasumi is published by VIZ Media.
READ Hirayasumi Vol. 1 Review
Pupposites Attract, Manga Vol. 2
This is the dog manga I didn’t know I needed! Our dear rottweiler and pomeranian, with their beloved owners, continue to live out their fun lives! This time, however, we met a new dog and dog owner, now making triple the fun! In the meantime, though, can Kiyotaka work up the courage to ask Chiharu to go with him to a pet-friendly inn? This was just as wonderful as volume one! I was a little nervous that the introduction of a new character right from the start might steal the “spotlight” from our leads, but oh my goodness, I loved her and her pet dog! While I definitely don’t want her stealing the show, I was absolutely thrilled to see more of her as the volume progressed! I also don’t think she’ll be going anywhere and am desperately hoping things take a glowing turn in volume three! Hehe! I really love how in the last volume we got Tsubu-chan’s backstory with Chiharu and her raising him, and how now in volume two we are getting Monjuro’s backstory with our two brothers. I honestly was surprised to see that we even got some of Kiyotaka’s brother’s backstory too! It was heartfelt, to say the least, and I was equally moved and had warm fuzzies. The art is wonderful, and I’m very excited for this new development between our leads! It’s definitely a slow-burn romance, but not too slow in my opinion. Having our wonderful doggos around really brings some fun humor and delight with each page! I’m eagerly looking forward to volume three and hoping we will get it sooner rather than later, because I need to see more of everyone and their adorable dogs! Highly recommend it if you’re looking for a feel-good josei with dogs! ~ Laura A. Grace
Pupposites Attract is published by Kodansha.
READ Pupposites Attract Vol. 1 Review
The Ice Guy and the Cool Girl, Manga Vol. 7
Fall might be upon us, but for Himuro and Fuyutsuki, spring vacation is upon them! Taking a trip to the hot springs with their two coworkers, Komori and Saejima, sounds like the perfect plan! However, what may sound like a fun trip between friends at first blooms into something much more! Once again, my heart has been revived with another volume in this series! So many fun and wonderful moments that had me squealing and giggling! I definitely love what the creator mentioned in the previous volume of a romance blooming, because oh my goodness, it did, and it gave my stomach butterflies! Eeeeepppp! I’m fully on board and hoping it will be some “inspiration” for Himuro in the future! Hehe! There is also a new character that makes an appearance, and I loved her! I think Granny might become a new favorite character because she was awesome in how she stood up for her grandson and was so passionate and supportive of him! It truly doesn’t matter what age you are; anyone can be excited about seeing and meeting their favorite singer! Truly, she was so much fun! The preview for the next volume has me super excited! I really, really love this series and am so thankful we have it in English! ~ Laura A. Grace
The Ice Guy and the Cool Girl is published by Square Enix.
READ Reviews of The Ice Guy and the Cool Girl: Vol. 1 // Vol. 2 // Vol. 3 // Vol. 4 // Vol. 5 // Vol. 6
Unholy Blood, Manhwa Vol. 4
Hayan the pureblood vampire and Euntae her detective colleague are back in action! Fresh off the previous volume, in which Hayan brought down the mind-controlling vampire Sahan, our dashing duo must face down a face stealer—Ash, the vampire who can assume someone’s look and identity with only a touch. And Ash is determined to set Hayan up, ruin her reputation, and make sure the pureblood can never walk the streets in peace again! And as Hayan and Euntae race to outmaneuver her, they also draw closer to the secret of Hayan’s past… Lina Lim’s artwork absolutely stuns me! Take a close look at that cover (and the back if you get a chance): the shading, the expression, the color palette, the line work—impeccable! And the author’s storytelling is also strong in this volume, with a lot of heart-pumping action and twists. If hip, hot vampires with unresolved romantic tension beating on bad guys and investigating dark mysteries, plus a positive dash of Christianity and ethics, is your jam, then check it out! ~ NegativePrimes
Unholy Blood is published by Yen Press.
Dracula’s on the Night Shift!, Manga Collected Volume
Dracula’s on the Night Shift! does not, in fact, feature Dracula at all. Insert the meme “My disappointment is immeasurable and my day is ruined” here. Having said this, the volume is a fun read, collecting as it does all three manga volumes of the DNS! series; the light novel series is still continuing. DNS! follows Yura Toraki, a vampire trying to blend in with human society—and avoid the (kind of sort of) fatal sunlight—by working the night shift at a supermarket. But when he tries to step in and rescue a foreign woman from a vampire attack, a chain of events is kicked off that sees him encountering dangerous enemies and questionable allies, as he pursues an ancient dream of his before time runs out… I dunno what it is about me and monster series, but I read this around Halloween and it was quite timely, even if the real Dracula never made an appearance. It’s a fun story, both in terms of tension and humor. (What preventative measures do you take if you know the touch of sunlight will reduce you to ashes in moments?) There’s even a streak of the bittersweet when some of the characters discuss and deal with all their loved ones growing old and passing away while they themselves live on and on and on… It’s unfortunate that the manga is discontinued, but the story does reach an acceptable conclusion even so. Recommended for fans of monster stories or slice of life tales that tend a bit more toward the “tense” side. ~ NegativePrimes
Dracula’s on the Night Shift! is published by Yen Press.
Why Raeliana Ended Up at the Duke’s Mansion, Manga Vol. 8
Noah has found Iosa Ben and brought her directly to his mansion in hopes that this dark priestess can help Raeliana gain her memories back as well as find out how to help Raelaiana’s spirit stay in this body. However, the process isn’t easy, and Raeliana seems to be on borrowed time. Thankfully, the mysteries of her past began to slowly unravel and she has an idea of how to ensure she never has to leave Noah’s side… This was so intense! Ahhhh! The last time I read a series that made me genuinely scared for the heroine was for Penelope in Villains Are Destined to Die, and I was so unprepared for that kind of fear to wrap around me with Raeliana because if she had died I would have rioted! Oh my goodness! Please creator and artist, spare her, Noah, and us any anxiety or worry for our sweet Raeliana in the next volume! Honestly, though, this entire volume was extremely good and was nonstop intensity from the opening page! With Raeliana finally getting answers, I feel like the mystery and unraveling of the answers took center stage! And goodness, I was not expecting the answers we did get! It was a twist I didn’t see coming, that’s for sure! Between that, stuff with the dark priestess, and then the revelations the closer we got to “the end,” this volume had me glued to my seat and throwing out my plan to go to bed on time! Ha! I think if you’ve been wanting answers just like Raeliana has, this volume is the one you need to read! Again, it was extremely intense because Raeliana knows everything now, but despite knowing, it leaves you on edge if she can keep everything. I’m excited and sad to know the next volume is the final volume, but I have zero doubts that it’s going to be a really strong conclusion because each volume has been so good! It’s also gotten more swoonworthy, gripping, and funny! Here’s to hoping that all of Raeliana’s wishes will come true in the next volume! ~ Laura A. Grace
Why Raeliana Ended Up at the Duke’s Mansion is published by IZE Press.
READ Reviews of Why Raeliana Ended Up at the Duke’s Mansion: Vol. 1 // Vol. 2 // Vol. 3 // Vol. 4 // Vol. 5 // Vol. 6 // Vol. 7
“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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