Fantasy and sci-fi selections fill our reviews today, including the penultimate release in the Star Wars: The High Republic: The Edge of Balance manga series and the nostalgic romance with a bit of the Apocalypse mixed in, Destroy All Humans. And speaking of romance, we’ve got that, too, including volume one of the unexpected and delightful series, Veil: Temperature of Orange!

Blade & Bastard (Vol. 2) • Dark Moon: The Blood Altar (Vol. 6) • Destroy All Humans. They Can’t Be Regenerated. A Magic: The Gathering (Vol. 3) • My Secretly Hot Husband (Vol. 2) • Rainbow Days (Vol. 15) • Star Wars: The High Republic: The Edge of Balance: Premonition • Veil: Temperature of Orange (Vol. 1)

Rainbow Days, Manga Vol. 15

Minami Mizuno, the mangaka behind Rainbow Days, is trying really, really hard. Her destination has been clear for almost the entirety of the series: pair up each of the four boys with a love interest and make their friendship shine through to the end. It’s just that the former is so clunkily handled that it intrudes on the latter, leading to a middling “conclusion” to Rainbow Days. Although one extra volume remains, volume fifteen is effectively the close of the series as the boys (and their girlfriends, or in one case, would-be girlfriend) head toward graduation. Mizuno-sensei’s attempt in these final chapters is admirable—she brings important minor characters back into the story for final but meaningful goodbyes (oh, Chiba, I thought you were meant for a larger role!) and uses Keiichi’s story to emphasize the bond between the boys. The problem, however, is that Keiichi is a brat, and while all the characters are presented as fairly naive, his naivety is middle school level when he’s an 18-year-old. Also, his relationship with Nozomi, which is central to this final arc, just kind of gets in the way, which is par for the course since virtually none of the relationships peak in a way that feels natural (the only relationship that works 100% fully for me is between Tsuyoshi and Yukirin—and that already existed as the series started). This is not to say that the ending isn’t meaningful or warm; it is, but it doesn’t fully work or give the feeling of comfort that Mizuno-sensei is aiming for. I have a feeling that volume sixteen, which should be free from the author’s heavy desire to use the “boys maturing” and “relationships forming” storylines, will present a lovelier ending to this series. ~ 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 // Vol. 11 // Vol. 12 // Vol. 13 // Vol. 14

---

Blade & Bastard, Manga Vol. 2

In my review of volume one, I noted how the manga adaptation of Blade & Bastard lacked much of the weirdness of the light novel—a bit to its detriment. But after reading volume two, I’m really liking how the manga ditches that uncertainty that clings to everything in the LN and which makes it a tough if compelling read. While still violent and somewhat grimdark, the manga is a fun read. Volume two surprisingly focuses on a character whose story in volume one seemed to set him up as a one-off; but in these chapters, Raraja not only joins the party that Iarumas is haphazardly forming, but he’s also learning to become human again. Some of his unfortunate backstory, which exposes the darkness of adventuring in this world, is revealed in this volume, but the focus is really on his growth once he’s part of a group that treats him like a human being. There’s also a wonderful surprise involving another character that I thought was a high point of this volume, which closes the initial adventure from volume one and shows Iarumas, Raraja, Garbage, and others afterwards in various situations in town. If I had to choose one, I might go with this version, which is somehow at once optimistic, scary, warm, and thrilling. Two volumes in and the Blade & Bastard is showing itself to be a wonderful read. ~ Twwk

Blade & Bastard is published by Yen Press.

READ Blade & Bastard Vol. 1 Review

---

Destroy All Humans. They Can’t Be Regenerated. A Magic: The Gathering Manga, Vol. 3

Destroy All Humans continues to be what it has been for three volumes now: a too-cute, nostalgic, game-centered romance with a touch of apocalyptic rumblings just to keep us on our toes. And I wanted to talk about that last part first. The first few pages of volume three tell us what we already know—that world didn’t end on December 31st, 1999, despite Emi’s belief that it will; however, we’re left to consider that the romance between her and Hajime never ultimately worked out and that, even worse, tragedy is still a possibility in this tale. Most of the volume, however, is just sweet stuff, with Emi and Hajime drawing nearer even as rivals—lovable characters in their own right—intrude upon the growing relationship between the two. And that’s really the purpose of volume three: No major match occurs, and while both Emi and Hajime grow (deep dives into MTG strategy—at least how it would have been in 1998—continue to fill many of the pages of this series), it’s their relationship with one another and with others that’s central to these chapters. And that’s just fine with me because it leads to more opportunities for Emi and Hajime to consider their feelings for one another, leading to some sweet and cute moments. Destroy all humans? More like destroy my heart! ~ Twwk

Destroy All Humans. They Can’t Be Regenerated. A Magic: The Gathering Manga is published by VIZ Media.

Read: Destroy All Humans. They Can’t Be Regenerated. A Magic: The Gathering Manga Reviews: Vol. 1 // Vol. 2

---

Veil: Temperature of Orange, Manga Vol. 1

Looking for a story that is centered around gorgeous art that conveys the story through illustrations? You might be thinking, “Laura, that’s every manga!” and if we were talking about anything but Veil, I would readily agree! However, Veil is a story that is unlike anything I’ve ever read! Centering around a young woman who never opens her eyes and a young policeman, the reader is invited to see small moments in their everyday life from the time they meet to their working together, as they grow as friends, and maybe something more? I’ve seen plenty of art of Veil before now, but reading the volume for the first time far surpassed my expectations! I adored it so much! The number of butterflies I felt when reading and the squeals I had were so much greater than I had prepared for, and I cannot wait to hold this physically! Outside of my excited feelings, though, it’s hard to compare this manga to anything I’ve read before because it truly reads like an art book with a touch of story to connect it all. It’s an incredible experience as a reader because there are always pages of art between each chapter and then even occasionally a monologue from our lead’s perspective. I really, really enjoyed the flow of the story and how it was such a visual feast to the eyes! Concerning our leads, I loved them both! I especially love how smitten our police officer is with our girl! This is the second romance I’ve read with a smitten male lead, and I’m thriving! I love how he couldn’t take his eyes off of her and was a total (sincere) smooth talker! I also loved our female lead because she is strong, fierce, and fun! She is a wonderful heroine to read about, and I admire her wanting to experience the world and all its beauty. Truly, I cannot wait to read more of this series and desperately hope we have fast physical releases because this is one I am very much looking forward to rereading often! Highly recommend it! ~ Laura A. Grace

Veil is published by Udon Entertainment.

---

My Secretly Hot Husband, Manhwa Vol. 2

The ending of the previous left on a major cliffhanger where it seemed our leads were to be reunited, only for enemies to stand in their way! However, victory and their officially reuniting were deeply welcomed by me in the beginning of this second volume! Our couple quickly realized that both of them have physically changed, and so Letitia wondering what Erden really looks like. When an unexpected opportunity arises and she surprisingly does see his face, why does he look nothing like he said does? And why is it when she goes to say as much, she’s warned that if she tells him Erden will die? I have been so excited to read this story again in physical format because I adore these two characters so much! It was such a wonderful time being back with them! I was slightly disappointed that one scene I am sooooo eagerly anticipating wasn’t in this volume, but! Everything was so wonderful! Seeing all the other devils and evil beasts scared of Letitia because she is a “Greater Devil” was so satisfying because she has never once been a damsel in distress or the type to sit back and let others take care of her problems. We’ve seen her genuinely do what she can to help the people around her before now, but in this volume we see her take on an even bigger role than just protector of Halstead. This leads me to say that she is incredibly awesome and I love how excited Erden gets to see her take control of situations and fight alongside him, whether physically or through “mind games.” He is her number one fan, and I felt so many of his expressions reflected my own! Absolutely adore his character so much! The romance is still very much slow burn, though I’m not sure how accurate of a statement that is because it’s obvious that both our leads love each other. However, Erden can’t keep bringing up divorce papers, because that is not helping things progress! Ha! Overall, I loved this volume! The action, the slow-blooming romance, and everything in between was just as fantastic as reading it the first time! I can’t wait to read the next volume! ~ Laura A. Grace

My Secretly Hot Husband is published by IZE Press.

^{READ My Secretly Hot Husband Vol. 1 Review}

---

Dark Moon: The Blood Altar, Manhwa Vol. 6

Heli and the boys are once again facing enemies who seem impossible to defeat, but when they receive unexpected aid from an even more unexpected visitor, the tides turn and they once again race to get to Dardan. However, with the full moon almost upon them and each of the boys barely able to walk or fight, will they make it in time to save Sooha from Dardan’s clutches? I remembered to breathe when reading this volume, but my stomach feels like it’s in knots, because how many times are these boys going to be at death’s door?! This volume wasn’t quite as intense as the previous volume, but! This was so much scarier and hopeless! I genuinely didn’t know if the boys would make it because while they had a triumphant win early on, the injuries they suffered were extremely grave, and I didn’t know how they could recover from them. In fact, I still don’t know what’s going to happen because it’s still very much looking bleak, but the ending gave me hope that something is going to happen, and I hope it’s for the good! One of my favorite parts of this volume, though, is that we finally have our vampires and werewolves working together! Obviously, the boys have tried working with the werewolves, but they haven’t really had much success. This volume was the turning point, and I loved it! There was a lot more blood on the pages, but seeing all of them united had me cheering in the midst of heartache! The next volume I’m pretty sure is the finale due to the preview mentioning “final battle,” and I am ready and not ready! I’m ready to see Dardan get taken down for good, but I’m terrified as to exactly what is going on with the boys and whether they will make it. Please, please, please let them be okay! ~ Laura A. Grace

Dark Moon: The Blood Altar is published by IZE Press.

READ Reviews of Dark Moon: The Blood Altar: Vol. 1 // Vol. 2 // Vol. 3

---

Star Wars: The High Republic: The Edge of Balance: Premonition, Manga

In my review of the most recent volume in this series, I begged for it to slow down; after years of waiting, that volume blew through so much material that I was utterly confused and left emotionally cold. In Premonition, the second side journey in the manga series that is The Edge of Balance, the story does slow down and focus on just one event, but the overall tale barrels forward. The volume begins with Yoda escaping with younglings from the Nameless threat that Lily was battling in the last volume, and then follows him on an adventure that leads him against The Leveler, a particularly powerful Nameless. And not just The Leveler, but against Nihil led by a wily leader and overseen by another who wants to see Yoda crushed. The resulting adventure is exciting and nonstop. With multiple enemies and Yoda attempting to save everyone, the stakes are incredibly high—and they must be, because we Star Wars fans know that for Yoda to be in any real danger, the situation must be practically impossible to navigate. Premonition is also great fun because it’s mostly from Yoda’s point of view; it’s so much fun as a fan to read this story from his perspective rather than from a new character in this High Republic era. So I would say this is a bounce-back volume, perhaps the best in the series thus far and certainly the most interesting since volume one. However, I remain disappointing in how quickly this series is wrapping up. The final volume in The Edge of Balance is released later this month. I can’t help but feel that—based on the pacing in volumes one and two—this series was meant to last far longer. It’s a shame, because I find this era interesting and the antagonists that have been introduced to be multidimensional and captivating. I hope that at the very least the concluding volume will be more like this one than volume three, ending the series on a flourish. ~ Twwk

Star Wars: The High Republic: The Edge of Balance (manga) is published by VIZ Media.

READ Reviews ofStar Wars: The High Republic: The Edge of Balance: Vol. 1 // Vol. 2 // Precedent // Vol. 3

---

“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.