This week’s Reader’s Corner is a lesson in how vast the world of manga and manhwa is! With series crossing over a wide variety of genres and subgenres, from fantasy to romance, music to adventure, and isekai to detective stories, we’ve got you covered with our reviews. Scroll down and see what we think of these recent releases!
Banished from the Hero’s Party, I Decided to Live a Quiet Life in the Countryside (Vol 11) • The Fiancee Chosen by the Ring (Vol.7) • Fool Night (Vol. 8) • Girl Crush (Vol. 5) • Hitting Rewind With You (Vol. 1) • In Another World, My Sister Stole My Name (Vol. 4) • The Makeup Remover (Vol. 1) • Mechanical Marie (Vol. 2) • Sacrificial Princess and the King of Beasts Heir: White Rabbit and the Prince of Beasts (Vol. 3) • Secrets of the Silent Witch (Vol. 5)
Banished from the Hero’s Party, I Decided to Live a Quiet Life in the Countryside, Manga Vol. 11
I’ve tended to really enjoy the slice-of-life parts of Banished from the Hero’s Party‘s narrative and found the grander, more action-centered elements boring and confusing. However, the larger story at work in this manga, focusing in this volume on Ruti’s questioning of her hero status and the other party members—as well as a demon—converging on her and Red’s location, has been fascinating to follow. Multiple storylines and characters are coming together in a fantastic way that makes great sense—it all, shockingly, feels a little like A Song of Ice and Fire, which is high praise for a work that hadn’t felt like it was even trying to approach such a high standard of writing. And while it may yet fizzle out, I am excited about the direction this series is taking—and especially to read the next volume or two, which figure to hit climactic moments in this arc. What a surprising and encouraging turn for the series! ~ 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 // Vol. 9 // Vol. 10
Sacrificial Princess and the King of Beasts Heir: White Rabbit and the Prince of Beasts, Manga Vol. 3
Not everyone is who they appear to be, and poor Richard learns that the new human he met may not be nearly as friendly as he came across. When he learns that he has ties to Ravi’s past, he decides he needs to grow in his magical abilities to protect the ones he cares for. However, he’s going to need help, and an old witch just might be the key! That cliffhanger was unacceptable! Outside of that, though, this volume was so good. But the gasp I let out when we find out the backstory of a certain character! What a twist I did not see coming! I’m not sure it significantly changed my view of any of the main characters, except maybe our fellow White Rabbit, because I’m with our sweet Richard: He’s really not a real bad guy after all. I was excited for the developments in this volume, even though it really didn’t focus on the human we met in the previous volume. I think this volume really highlighted how not everyone wanted the reconciliation of humans and beasts, which I found engaging because it’s being presented differently than in the main series, I think? I mean, I guess the main series has shown people not wanting that reconciliation, but I feel it hit differently here when I find out the current antagonist’s reasoning. Maybe it’s simply that even after all this time, I never imagined people would still want to see beasts and humans separated! I hope volume four releases quickly, as I need to know what’s going to happen next! ~ Laura A. Grace
Sacrificial Princess and the King of Beasts Heir: White Rabbit and the Prince of Beasts is published by Yen Press.
READ Reviews of Sacrificial Princess and the King of Beasts Heir: White Rabbit and the Prince of Beasts: Vol. 1 // Vol. 2
Secrets of the Silent Witch, Manga Vol. 5
Monica has had her first tea party, only to be invited to another! This time, however, she’s invited by the girl who causes her to fall down the stairs, Caroline. While Monica thought it was odd to be invited, the girl’s real intentions come forth: She wants Monica to tell Cyril that the incident was an accident! Poor Monica! She really went through a lot in the first half of this volume, and I was so upset on her behalf! I’m glad her “villainess” sister really stepped in and made it known that no one should ever be treated the way Monica was! What a certain young woman did was absolutely awful, and then she had no remorse when she got “caught”! So upsetting! However, I really like a different new girl we met in this volume! She’s definitely pushy, but I don’t think she will do anything nefarious, as another young woman has. *pointedly looks at girl from the beginning* Granted, she’s not my favorite the same way Lana is, but still! I think she is going to make Monica more nervous than she already is, honestly, but there were several sweet moments that I really enjoyed! One of them was Cyril and her drinking a special drink, Monica reading a romance novel, and Lana sending her a note. Oh, and Nero saying he likes sexy tails! Also, the bonus chapter too, because it was absolutely hilarious with the squiggles! It seems the next volume is going to be ramping up the danger, and I’m ready to see our sweet girl in action, though definitely not at the cost of her fun at the festival! Please be safe from harm and bad guys, Monica! ~ Laura A. Grace
Secrets of the Silent Witch is published by Yen Press.
READ Reviews of Secrets of the Silent Witch: Vol. 1 // Vol. 2 // Vol. 3 // Vol. 4
In Another World, My Sister Stole My Name, Manga Vol. 4
Noah and Ichika’s fates have connected once again, and this time, there is no mirror keeping them apart. Seeing the hardships of Noah’s past and how much comfort Ichika gave him, can the two come together once again and bring the same comfort and friendship they did back then? The truth is outtttt! Yesssssss! Really, really lovely volume! Far too short for what I wanted, but still great nonetheless! Seeing Noah’s backstory really hurt my heart, and I’m genuinely so glad that Ichika was there for him through the mirror! He went through so much, and like Ichika pointed out, how he treated her in the beginning made so much more sense! However, seeing his smile with her and how soft he looks at her deeply warmed my heart! Poor Ichika doesn’t seem to know how to react, but I am all here for Noah doing whatever he can to earn her affection, because I need these two to continue to be together and for them both to grow in their feelings! I think Ichika was already starting to have feelings for him, but I hope now she realizes that she can freely like him and that her feelings will be reciprocated. Yet….if there is one person I feel bad for, it is Cecil. Everyone has been lying in some kind of way, and I feel he really got the short end of things. Karen obviously is using him, and he has sort of continued Noah’s lie because he felt he had to (maybe?). It’s a messy situation, and I really don’t want to see him get hurt because I genuinely like his character. I am not sure what will happen there, but I am hoping things will only go upward from here! ~ Laura A. Grace
In Another World, My Sister Stole My Name is published by Yen Press.
READ Reviews of In Another World, My Sister Stole My Name: Vol. 1 // Vol. 2 // Vol. 3
The Makeup Remover, Manhwa Vol. 1
Kim Yeseul has always been told to focus on her studies and worry about a big “glow up” later on. Now she’s in college, and that glow up still hasn’t happened yet. However, when she has a very unexpected encounter in the men’s bathroom, she might get the glow she’s been hoping for because Cheon Yuseong thinks her face would be the perfect canvas for an upcoming competition he’s entering. He just needs her to say yes, but will she? This was one of my most anticipated releases of 2026, and I definitely feel it met my high expectations! Yeseul was instantly a relatable character! While I don’t struggle with my self-confidence as much as I did in high school, I don’t wear makeup and do feel I never got that “glow up.” I was very much focused on other things and deeply understood her desire to feel pretty while being embarrassed to go to a salon-like place and have them do makeup. I admired her courage a lot, but I’m so glad Yuseong came when he did and revealed his own secret! I will say that my favorite part of this volume is definitely near the end when they decide on a concept for the photo shoot! I honestly teared up, because that conversation, including how Yeseul speaks up about what she envisions and questions something said to her, was extremely empowering. The final result was incredible and gave me goose bumps! I am definitely going to be tuning in to volume two! This first volume was impactful, extremely funny at times, and very heartfelt when it comes to beauty “standards”—not dismissing how makeup can give confidence, but also not encouraging changing your entire personality. I can’t wait for volume two, as I have no doubts I will continue to enjoy this series! ~ Laura A. Grace
The Makeup Remover is published by Inklore.
The Fiancee Chosen by the Ring, Manga Vol. 7
Our sweet love birds are reunited, and only blissful days are ahead…or so they thought! While they are still happily in love, Aurora has been asked to be a lady-in-waiting for the crown princess?! What will her days hold in store for her now? This volume was worth the wait, even though it really felt like it took foreverrrrrrr to release! I really loved the change in setting in this volume and absolutely adore how overprotective Felix is of Aurora! It makes my heart swoon, especially when we had that tryst! Be still, my shoujo-loving heart! However, I also really loved the growth we see in Aurora. I did a quick skim of the previous volume, as I had forgotten how much my heart had broken for her over how unworthy she felt to be loved by Felix or even stand by his side! I loved seeing her make a proactive change that will allow her to remember and treasure her value and Felix’s love, thereby giving her confidence that she is enough. The big step she made, showcasing the new idea and truth she is living out in a new journey of her life, was heartfelt and fun! I’m not a fan of how someone is playing “tricks” on our sweet Aurora, though. I really pity that person when Felix finds out, because he is not going to let that slide, especially since we can just see from her knight that he was none too happy about what a certain someone said to her alone. On an unrelated note, I’m so glad we got to meet the princess because she is so wonderful! I’m already desperate for the next volume, because this one was fun and had that super sweet romance I’m so fond of! Definitely continuing to recommend! ~ Laura A. Grace
The Fiancee Chosen by the Ring is published by Yen Press.
READ Reviews of The Fiancee Chosen by the Ring: Vol. 1 // Vol. 6
Hitting Rewind With You, Manga Vol. 1
Wakaba is a college student who looks back on her high school years and wishes that she hadn’t spent quite as much time focusing on studying. She wants to experience dating in her youth, and in a period of nostalgia and desperation, she dresses up as a high schooler on Halloween. To her surprise, she ends up meeting a young man who is also dressed as a high schooler, but who is actually in college just like her! I was unsure of how to review this volume: On the one hand, I laughed so much while reading, but at the same time, I originally really struggled with the premise, and I was not prepared for that at all. This was mainly a blind buy for me going in, but I was aware that Wakaba wanted to go back to her high school days and live out her dream of going on dates during that time. I do not know if it’s just timing or what, but I was so bothered by it when reading because I personally have had no desire to relive my high school days, as rude as that sounds. I made so many friends and had a good high school experience in itself, but my home life was awful. Somehow, Wakaba’s desire to go back to a time I really disliked triggered painful memories when reading, even though her life is so different from mine, and there is nothing else that could be remotely “triggering” when reading. It caused me to unexpectedly struggle for the first two chapters, even though I love Wakaba as a character! I may not find her dream relatable, but I did find her overexcitement super relatable and fun to read! Surprisingly, I really felt it was her hilarious expressions that kept me reading, and I’m glad I did! I might have had my own issues at first, but the story was very fun, and I liked how our male lead really just rolled with things! I do have the next two volumes on preorder and am looking forward to reading more! ~ Laura A. Grace
Hitting Rewind With You is published by Kodansha.
Girl Crush, Manga Vol. 5
It’s Tenka’s time to shine at her first monthly evaluation! Yet the many sleepless nights have finally caught up to her, and now she is trying to bounce back while starting what feels at the bottom all over again. She’s determined not to dwell on it because she can only go up from here, and a once-in-a-lifetime experience might just be the new start she needs! Another incredible volume in this series, which at one point, made a shiver go down my spine! While I was totally unprepared for what happened during Tenka’s turn to perform, it was Minchae going to the CEO that shocked me more! Wow! The way she truly went out of her way and “fought” to make the CEO dance was incredible! As soon as she started singing, that’s when I had a shiver go down my spine, because I would have never imagined her doing something like this, or even making demands! Extremely good storytelling to show that kind of character development! I will confess that I’m glad that our trio of girls is not finding things easy in this new arc. Not saying I don’t want to see them to succeed, because I totally do! It’s just that there is something special seeing them grow their skills not just as an idol group, but also individually. As much as it hurt to see the beginning, it’s only in “sports” manga that you’ll find special emphasis on sleeping when it’s night and taking care of your body. I can’t wait to see what happens next, because every time I read a new volume of this series, it’s like I’m taken from reality and pulled into these girls’ world instead! I love it so much! ~ Laura A. Grace
Girl Crush is published by VIZ Media.
READ Reviews of Girl Crush: Vol. 1 // Vol. 2 // Vol. 3 // Vol. 4
Mechanical Marie, Manga Vol. 2
Marie continues to stand strong as a mechanical robot for Arnold, an heir to a famous conglomerate! In light of his distrust for people in general, but specifically liars, she continues to aim to strengthen her heart and resolve to help him. It just might get a little tricky when he continues to reveal more of his cute self only to her! This volume was so outlandish, but I mean that in the best way possible! From Marie pretending to be in girlfriend mode to a chicken-finding competition, I didn’t know what to expect or even what to think would happen next! Ha! I did appreciate all the crazy shenanigans, though, because I read this when my daughter had been super sick and was hoping this story would offer a good time. Indeed, this volume was perfect for that! I really enjoyed Marie’s attempts to be a perfect girlfriend, even though the poor girl was failing horribly. Ha! But the way Arnold loved all her attempts and even ended the date in the sweetest of ways made me so happy! I do wonder when Arnold is going to catch on to the fact that Marie is a human, though! On the one hand, I really want him to because he is outright adorable with her! The way he so greatly cares for her is moving and extremely sweet! On the other hand, though, I don’t know how he will react once he finds out, and I’m scared he will feel deeply betrayed and not want Marie around anymore. The thought of that just makes me super sad, so hopefully he will not react that way because these two are so cute together! Overall, a really wild volume that has me excited to see what crazy things will happen next! ~ Laura A. Grace
Mechanical Marie is published by Yen Press.
READ Mechanical Marie Vol. 1 Review
Fool Night, Manga Vol. 8
Volume eight of Fool Night feels a bit like it’s trying to fool you—as in, there are some shifts in tone and in character thoughts and motivations that I think are meant to build conflict and mystery. But none of this shifting is out of place—it happens on the heels of the close of the train scene involving Ivy, Toshiro, and the rest. These scenes are epic in their action, but also personally transformative for both Toshiro and Yomiko. The former gets a glimpse into Ivy’s younger self and his heart, which impacts how he decides to approach life now, while the latter cuts a deal that drags her further and further into danger and perhaps despair. In addition, the move lightens up as a celebration is held at Transflora Medical. Do you see how out of place it all feels for a series that’s so dark? Even the last story is a bit humorous and feels somewhat out of place. But all this is certainly setting up further reveals and more pain ahead for our characters, though perhaps a light is starting to peak through, just a bit. Yomiko, Toshiro, and the rest will have to walk through a lot more darkness, though, to get to it. ~ Twwk
Fool Night is published by VIZ Media.
Read Reviews of Fool Night: 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.
