Cid returns to his isekai world, new characters are introduced in Always a Catch, and Akira fights a zombie rhino—all in this week’s Reader’s Corner! We also feature the first physical volume of a new series from VIZ: Ultimate Exorcist Kiyoshi. Check out our review of that work and all the rest below!
Ako and Bambi (Vol. 7) • Always a Catch! How I Punched My Way into Marrying a Prince (Vol. 6) • The Eminence in Shadow (Vol. 14) • Lycoris Recoil Official Comic Anthology: Repeat (Vol 2) • Omniscient Reader’s Viewpoint (Vol. 9) • The Princess of Convenient Plot Devices (Vol. 6) • Ultimate Exorcist Kiyoshi (Vol. 1) • Zom 100: Bucket List of the Dead (Vol. 19)
The Princess of Convenient Plot Devices, Manga Vol. 6
The manga adaptation of The Princess of Convenient Plot Devices appears to be at its best when it’s focused on mystery and drama, and less on action. No surprise then that volume six is excellent, as Octavia awakens from the epic fight the night before to find herself under house arrest and separated from Klifford. She must bargain with both the king and her brother while still navigating the best way to keep her secret about being reincarnated into this world, which is becoming harder and harder. I really enjoyed seeing Octavia chat with the two men in her family; there are so many layers here to peel back, and now another one too, as Sirius begins to remember bits of his past. Klifford, meanwhile, gets to take center stage in both a heart-fluttering scene and an action-filled one, each bookending his absence as he’s detained. For a series that features a relatively flighty lead character and drops its fair share of comedic moments, The Princess of Convenient Plot Devices is really non-stop, adding one mystery on top of another. The balance of charm and excitement is what makes the series so captivating—and it remains so as we get ever nearer the end of its first arc! ~ Twwk
The Princess of Convenient Plot Devices is published by Yen Press.
READ Reviews of The Princess of Convenient Plot Devices: Vol. 2 //Vol. 3 // Vol. 4 // Vol. 5
The Eminence in Shadow, Manga Vol. 14
What is Cid really able to do back in his (AU?) real world, apparently devoid of powers and with this beloved classmate, Akane, being held hostage? Well, being the “Eminence in Shadow” is really an attitude, so plenty! Cid’s time in postapocalyptic Japan wraps up, and final exams and a kidnapped sister are among the new challenges he faces in volume fourteen of The Eminence in Shadow! And yeah, this one is a little confusing as characters new and old start to cross paths. Not that this is an entirely bad thing; this series pokes fun at everything fantasy, sci-fi, and isekai, including character archetypes, so it almost doesn’t matter that I can’t remember how this character’s last arc resolved or what this character thinks of Cid; throw most of the plot out of the window and just enjoy the ride! I will say that I wish the series spent a little more time on Earth, as I found that arc to be one of the most interesting in the series thus far, but I guess there are just too many ideas to explore, and with most of them leading to really funny situations, I’ll trust the process. And indeed, this volume was often funny, and occasionally punctuated by action scenes—a pleasant surprise since this material basically serves as a transition to the next arc. And you can bet I’ll be reading what comes next from this excellent satire and action-comedy manga. I just wish I could keep track of the characters a little better! ~ Twwk
The Eminence in Shadow is published by Yen Press.
READ Reviews of The Eminence in Shadow (Manga): 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
Always a Catch! How I Punched My Way into Marrying a Prince, Manga Vol. 6
Not only has Prince Renato gained the approval of Mimi’s family, but Mimi is officially the future princess of Rubini! However, not everything is smooth sailing after two big celebrations because now a prince from another country will be arriving, and for some reason, Prince Renato is not a fan of him?! What’s more, this prince’s sister once wanted to marry Prince Renato and maybe still does?! Another very enjoyable volume! I liked that we met several new characters, even if one of them is making it clear they’re after Mimi! These new characters are just so different from our sweet and loving couple that I found how they directly clashed with our couple’s personalities fascinating! It’s not all the time we see Mimi thrown off guard the way she was at one point in this volume! I think my favorite chapter was the last one, because the way Mimi started speaking her inner thoughts out loud touched my heart! It reminded me that despite how fun and strong a character she is, she is still a human, just like everyone, and feels moments of uncertainty too. But seeing what happens after that really warmed my heart as well, because it’s obvious one of these new characters was just trying to get under her skin. Mimi may not have taken the bait and gotten riled up, but I definitely did! For all my deep reservations about this new girl, Mimi’s determination to protect her warmed my heart right up! I really agree with Aida that people just need to get to know Mimi and understand her heart, because they will certainly love her! Overall, another great volume in this series, with a slight twist that wasn’t just fluff but more politics coming into play! ~ Laura A. Grace
Always a Catch! How I Punched My Way into Marrying a Prince is published by Square Enix.
READ Reviews of Always a Catch: How I Punched My Way into Marrying a Prince: Vol. 1 // Vol. 2 // Vol. 3 // Vol. 4 // Vol. 5
Lycoris Recoil Official Comic Anthology: Repeat, Manga Vol. 2
What do Chisato and Takina do when they’re not on a mission? Binge-watch movies, draw new mascots for Café LycoReco, and more! Volume two of the “Repeat” side of the Lycoris Recoil Official Comic Anthology is full of cute side stories, many of them leaning into the shoujo-ai tone of the series. The stories are pure fluff, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t worth reading. Other than a couple that had pacing issues, the short comics are fun reads that give us a deeper sense of the daily life of the series characters. My favorite in this collection was the one in which they all drew Mika—very funny stuff here. And so many of the manga are beautifully drawn. Fans will absolutely love seeing Takina, Chisato, Kurumi, and Fuki (these four seem to get more face time than any others in this volume) drawn in various styles. I’m looking forward to seeing what new artists the next volume will also bring! ~ Twwk
Lycoris Recoil Official Comic Anthology: Repeat is published by Yen Press.
READ Lycoris Recoil Official Comic Anthology: Repeat Reviews: Vol. 1 // Vol. 2
Ultimate Exorcist Kiyoshi, Manga Vol. 1
Kiyoshi is graduating at the very top of the prestigious Exorcist Academy, and despite the envy in the air, it’s clear: He is the strongest and most talented student in the school. Which makes it all the more perplexing that he picks a backwater neighborhood for his assignment. Maybe it has to do with him being awkward and scared of demons? Thus begins the funny and heartwarming first volume of Ultimate Exorcist Kiyoshi, created by former Eiichiro Oda protege, Shoichi Usui. There are hints of that past in the style and humor in this volume, which I think is a really good thing. For the first volume, at least, the combination of an awkward protagonist + OP powers leads to some fun and exhilarating moments. The main cast, which seems to have been fully or mostly introduced in these initial chapters, is likewise fun; each is filled to the brim with heart and earnestness, and they’re going to be easy to root for. I don’t really see a semblance of a greater story yet, other than Kiyoshi moving up the ranks of exorcist, but if the story can find a compelling plot, this could be a series worth investing in. ~ Twwk
Ultimate Exorcist Kiyoshi is published by VIZ Media.
Ako and Bambi, Manga Vol. 7
Things are getting real. Ako and Bambi takes a huge step forward in volume seven—not necessarily because any romantic relationships become official, but because the characters say and do things that make their feelings more known to one another. The care with which many of them, particularly Ako and Bambi, have tiptoed around one another is starting to transform into greater openness. Ako’s future pushes much of this change, as we learn more and more about what she is exactly and what may become of her. Meanwhile, Bambi is just growing up and maturing, which can be said of virtually all the characters in this series, major and minor. Of particular note are Hiki and Hana—the former thinking more about what he wants for himself and the latter becoming bolder in her overtures toward him. And that’s just one slice of all that’s going on in volume seven. There are now almost two dozen significant characters in this series, making for a complex web of relationships. It’s a little confusing, but absolutely riveting as well. I’ll eagerly await volume eight to see how what these lovely characters do next. ~ 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 // Vol. 6
Omniscient Reader’s Viewpoint, Manhwa Vol. 9
As blasphemous as it may sound, I think I’m ready to say it. Nine volumes in, ORV is better than its closest counterpart, Solo Leveling. Yep, you heard me. The illustrations are nearly as good, the adrenaline pumping nearly as strong, and the story—the story is much, much better. Each volume delivers new surprises and interesting villains and allies, and volume nine is no different. Dokja and Suyeong face off with one strong villain before fighting against what’s easily their most terrifying enemy yet—and the story truly makes it feel as if this foe may be beyond Dokja. Perhaps he is. Meanwhile, Dokja’s relationship with Joonghyeok continues to evolve in captivating ways, but maybe even more interesting is what’s to become of Dokja’s relationship with the cover girl of this volume. Recognize her? How did she get so cool (and as you’ll see, so strong)? Oh, and there’s a poison girl villain (or is she an ally?), too. So much happens in this volume, as per the usual, but it’s easy to follow. And the story gets more and more epic as it goes along. If you’re a fan of Solo Leveling but have yet to pick up Omniscient Reader’s Viewpoint, don’t wait—this is the next great action manhwa you’re looking for. And who knows—like me, you may find that it even exceeds that top-tier title. ~ Twwk
Omniscient Reader’s Viewpoint is published by IZE Press.
READ Reviews of Omniscient Reader’s Viewpoint: Vol. 1 // Vol. 2 // Vol. 4 // Vol. 5 // Vol. 6 // Vol. 7 // Vol. 8
Zom 100: Bucket List of the Dead, Manga Vol. 19
Time to go on safari so that Akira can…ride ostriches? Oh, but what about the zombified wildlife that’s way more aggressive than they usually tend to be? Just another adventure for the team as they continue their mission. I love how the series never forgets to give love to each of its characters at some point—they all receive little arcs here and there, with Izuna getting the treatment in this volume as she shares her transformation with Nora, a gamekeeper of sorts who (rightfully) distrusts humans. Volume nineteen, thus, is another heartwarming adventure as the series sneaks ever closer to an ending. There are certainly going to be a few more twists and turns as we go along, but Zom 100, like One Piece or many of the other great action shonen manga, is more about the relationships and characters than a grand finale. I’d be happy with another ten volumes if this series continues along the wonderful path it’s taken all this time. Just keep my family of dorks safe from the zombies—they deserve all the happiness in the world! ~ 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 // Vol. 15 // Vol. 16 // Vol. 17 // Vol. 18
“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.
