Yuka and Grim investigate, Monica goes undercover, and Kafka and Reno enjoy their time off—plus much, much more in this week’s Reader’s Corner! We also review the latest installments of A Condition Called Love, Ako and Bambi, and other favorites—though we’re not keen on every volume we’ve covered. Read our reviews below!
Ako and Bambi, (Vol. 5) • Blade & Bastard (Vol. 3) • A Condition Called Love (Vol. 15) • Disney Twisted-Wonderland: The Manga – Book of Savanaclaw (Vol. 2) • Glasses with a Chance of Delinquent (Vol. 4) • Kaiju No. 8: Relax (Vol. 1) • Secrets of the Silent Witch (Vol. 7) • Sword Art Online: Ordinal Scale (Vol. 3)
Secrets of the Silent Witch, Light Novel Vol. 7
Just take a look at that cover…if that’s not enough to get you excited, you haven’t been reading Secrets of the Silent Witch, my favorite light novel series of 2025. The seven mages (well, minus one—the Gem Mage, who the others are fighting) feature on the cover for volume seven, which adds to the comparison I’ve made all along to Harry Potter; if earlier volumes were about the “kids” going on important adventures, the “adults” are now in action. The first half is indeed full of action, as Monica and the rest attempt to break the hold that the Gem Mage has on spirits in the forest. The second half, though, is just as thrilling in its own way, as Bridget Greyham finally figures into the story. What makes this part so much fun is not only the odd couple combo of her and Monica, as the duo goes on an uncover mission of sorts, but how Bridget ‘s quest weaves right into Monica’s own, and both figure into the central mysteries of the story. So, so good! This is a series that started well and keeps getting better with each volume. If the anime didn’t convince you to read this novel series, please let me do it: Secrets of the Silent Witch is charming, exciting, moving, and inspiring. You would do well to pick this series up for the holidays! ~ Twwk
Secrets of the Silent Witch is published by Yen Press.
READ: Secrets of the Silent Witch Reviews Vol. 1 // Vol. 2 // Vol. 3 // Vol. 4 // Vol. 5 // Vol. 6
Ako and Bambi, Manga Vol. 5
Ako and Bambi is still cute—often very cute—but it’s also increasingly leaning into the mystery of the series and is more and more tinged with melancholy. In volume five, for instance, one of the many, many supporting characters (telling them apart remains my biggest gripe with the series) is hit with a double whammy—her love interest begins to more-or-less date her good friend, and her father tells her she has no talent. Although the entire series is understated in dialogue and style, moments like these, of which there are a few in volume five as relationships develop, careers progress, and we learn more about the inner workings of characters’ minds and habits, are becoming more common. And I like it. I’m impressed by the level of care given to a series that is “supernatural slice-of-life”; the characters feel quite alive, and because of the depth of writing, their struggles and joys are our own. Most worrisome of all, of course, is what will ultimately become of Ako. I don’t see a happy ending happening, but by this point, I trust Hero to write a conclusion (whenever that comes) that’s just right for his characters and series. I hope that ending, though, is still many volumes away. ~ Twwk
Ako and Bambi is published by Yen Press.
Read Reviews of Ako and Bambi: Vol. 1 //Vol. 2 // Vol. 3 // Vol. 4 // Vol. 5
Kaiju No. 8: Relax, Manga Vol. 1
At their worst—and I think they often are at this level—slice-of-life companions to popular series feel thoughtless and lack creativity. No surprise since these series are not only meant as a compliment (and some would argue a cash grab) but have to avoid changing any of the narratives in the world of said series. But sometimes, they expand our love for a franchise. I would say that Kaiju No. 8: Relax, which follows the JAKDF on their days off (as every single chapter reminds us), falls somewhere in between. We get to follow Kafka, Reno, Kikoru, and others on their days off, playing at the arcade or just doing everyday tasks like eating. The jokes fall flat, which adds to the feeling that this series doesn’t really need to exist. That’s the bad part. The good? There are some fun chapters here, like when Iharu follows Reno around to prove that he’s not the perfect dude, and, shockingly, every chapter featuring Mina, of which every one shows us her more personable side. This is a nice side piece for mega fans of the franchise; the rest of us can do without. ~ Twwk
Kaiju No. 8: Relax is published by VIZ Media.
Blade & Bastard, Manga Vol. 3
The manga adaptation of Blade & Bastard remains a compelling, original take on the fantasy genre. As the “party” returns to the dungeon to investigate some unusual happenings, death remains at the foremost of their minds and the series overall. While Raraja received the focus in volume two, the story in volume three pivots back to Iarumas and more heavily toward Garbage as the former wonders: Are they on this quest because someone wants to harm him, or her? It seems to surely be one or the other. That element of suspense and danger hangs over the goings-on, but what really stands out in this volume is the characterization. Iarumas is such a well-written character; we know so little about him because he knows so little about himself. He’s a fairly dark and somewhat violent character, but easy to embrace; so, too, are Garbage (who lacks communication skills above those of a common dog) and the traumatized but caring Raraja. There’s little cuteness to this series, in either the characters or the heavily shaded artwork, which adds to the sense of heaviness of the manga. I like that. There’s something genuinely here. It’s not a journey through tropes but a fairly serious fantasy work. I did struggle a bit to understand what was happening in the art sometimes, and I could use maybe a tad bit more humor than what we get, but otherwise, this volume and the serious overall remains compelling. I’m eager to see where it goes. ~ Twwk
Blade & Bastard is published by Yen Press.
A Condition Called Love, Manga Vol. 15
Hananoi has discovered that his best friend from childhood, Ginji, is Hotaru’s grandfather! Wanting to tell her everything, he prepares himself for their upcoming date, only for Hotaru to end up running into Yao’s younger siblings on the way! The siblings are worried about their mother in the hospital, so Hotaru tells Hananoi over the phone that she is going to take them to the hospital, but his response leaves her worried. Realizing their first anniversary is on the horizon and wanting to make up for missing their date, she begins to think about whether they should take the next step in their relationship. I think this is the first time with this series that I’ve thought of getting the next volume digitally because, oh my goodness, the unexpected angst! I already felt in the last volume that there was a hint of desperation—or uncertainty? Anxiety? All three of them?—starting to creep in, leaving me feeling a little bit nervous, but this volume felt like it had all of that and more! I was so moved by the way Hananoi has grown as a character, and Hotaru too! Both of them have changed, as one of them pointed out, but I don’t think either has changed for the worse. I would say they both have gotten more beautiful, as I personally have grown more attached to them for their courage in having difficult conversations. They are facing things from the past that truly take courage, and I admire them both for bravely doing so. I am, however, scared to know where this series is going, because while I feel fully confident that these two deeply love each other, I do worry about what Hananoi is thinking. I can only hope good things are in store for these two! ~ Laura A. Grace
A Condition Called Love is published by Kodansha.
READ Reviews of A Condition Called Love: Vol. 1 // Vol. 2 // Vol. 4 // Vol. 5 // Vol. 6 // Vol. 7 // Vol. 8 // Vol. 9 // Vol. 10 // Vol. 11 // Vol. 12 // Vol. 13
Glasses with a Chance of Delinquent, Manga Vol. 4
The truth is out that Ichikura is an ex-delinquent! When an accident leads to everyone finding out, Momo worries about how their classmates may take it. But when she sees their responses, it seems that maybe she didn’t have to be concerned after all?! At this point, though, there is something even more pressing on Momo’s mind. When an old female friend of Ichikura reconnects with him, she begins to worry all over again for a different reason! Will she be able to ask the questions in her heart, and just what does this old friend want? Oh, how I adore these characters! I found Momo’s “jealousy” refreshing; I think this volume further demonstrates that she really does like Ichikura. I think the same could be said about him, given the way that he told Momo about his dream for the future and how “excited” he was to go with her on a date. Buuuut… The best part of the volume is seeing her stand up to someone she thought was a “rival” and explain why she likes Ichikura. It gave my heart all the warm fuzzies! I also admired her courage to “fight” for Ichikura even though she felt she didn’t really have anything going for her. (Girl, yes you do!) I don’t think she realizes just how brave she really is! I will say that I love this new character! She’s awesome, and I know I’ll only love her more as the series keeps going, as I really enjoyed seeing her want to make friends and asking Momo for help! This volume, of course, ended on a cliffhanger, and I, of course, can’t wait to read more in the next volume! These characters are so wonderful! ~ Laura A. Grace
Glasses with a Chance of Delinquent is published by Seven Seas.
READ Reviews of Glasses with a Chance of Delinquent: Vol. 1 // Vol. 2 // Vol. 3
Disney Twisted-Wonderland: The Manga – Book of Savanaclaw, Manga Vol. 2
Yuka and Grim go all-in on their investigation of the mysterious injuries that are happening to those students who would be participating in the Spelldrive tournament! Thanks to the Heartslabyul dorm agreeing to help them, they began to monitor students they predict will be the next target. Can they find who the culprit is, and when they do, will they catch them in the act before another student gets hurt? I am struggling with how to write this review, because the end of this volume reminded me why I have on-and-off beef with Leona. Ha! That does not affect the story itself, though, as the artist is following the game, and I think they are doing a wonderful job! Honestly, one of my favorite parts of seeing the game come to life on the page is when Jack and some first years fight! Ha! I don’t know what that says about me, but when two of my best boys are there, and then Yuka wants to join the fray, it was so fun! To follow up more about the art, the artist did such an incredible job! (Sorry, I know I’m repeating myself, but I think it’s worth saying twice!) There were so many pictures I took pages of because I loved how many scenes she brought to life! From Ruggie’s earnestness (if that’s the right word) in wanting Leona to be king, to Azul’s scheming even though he’s just doing “a job,” to—oh my goodness, Jamil’s expressions, for how few they were, were on point! I loved it all! Also, Cater had some time to shine! I loved that too! Honestly, I just loved the art so very much and find this a beautifully portrayed version of the game! Whether this is one of your less favorite parts of the game (like me) or not, there is still great enjoyment to be had for all fans of TWST—it is so fun, interesting, and engaging to get visual depictions of a variety of expressions from these wonderful characters! ~ Laura A. Grace
Disney Twisted-Wonderland: The Manga – Book of Savanaclaw is published by VIZ.
READ Disney Twisted-Wonderland: The Manga – Book of Savanaclaw Vol. 1 Review
Sword Art Online: Ordinal Scale, Manga Vol. 3
I’ll be honest, volume three just doesn’t grab me the way most installments of SAO do. I think that there are a couple related weaknesses in this volume that drag the story down, though not so far that it can’t recover in the future (and since I know the Ordinal Scale arc from other media already, I expect it to recover). One is that story spend a fair amount of time from the villain’s perspective—an oddity in SAO, if memory serves. I don’t recall any other significant villain-perspective scenes from Aincrad to War of Underworld, unless there’s a hero or heroine on-screen at the same time (not counting brief moments that hide the villain’s identity, like when “Death Gun” is plotting who to kill in the GGO arc). A lot of the suspense is thus absent, since we know who the antagonist is. Perhaps as a result, there’s not much plot progression, in my humble opinion; the story spends so much time showing different points of view that’s there’s not as much chance to actually do anything. There are a couple of important revelations, and I won’t spoil them, but the setup for them is so thin (due to the above issues) that the payoff isn’t as strong as it should be. Had the scenes with the antagonist been dedicated to priming us for the revelation of what’s happening to Asuna, the effect would have been far more powerful. But it is what it is, and for all my complaints, it’s not a bad story, just weaker than what I’m accustomed to with SAO. I’ll still be here for the next volume. ~ NegativePrimes.
Sword Art Online: Ordinal Scale is published by Yen Press.
“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.
