Fantasy adventures, supernatural battles, and some familiar faces are on the menu in this week’s Reader’s Corner! We’re joining a hero who’s speedrunning his quest to save the world in Albus Changes the World, welcoming Claymore creator Norihiro Yagi back with his new series, Bartlet Fairy Basslet, and enjoying more of the wonderfully chaotic action of Dandadan. We’ve also got undercover ninjas, palace intrigue, and a visit to the deliciously bizarre world of modern classic, Delicious in Dungeon. Whether you’re in the mood for an old favorite or something entirely new, there’s plenty to dig into this week!
Albus Changes the World (Vol. 1) Bartlet Fairy Basslet (Chp. 1) • Dandadan (Vol. 21) • Delicious in Dungeon (Vol. 1) • The Eccentric Doctor of the Moon Flower Kingdom (Vol. 13) • Shinobi Undercover (Vol. 3)
Delicious in Dungeon, Manga Vol. 1
Having watched the series and enjoyed it, I decided to go back and start reading the manga for Delicious in Dungeon. I’m glad I’m doing so, because the manga is a very different experience. Following four adventurers as they save costs (and feed their appetites) by eating the monsters they encounter in the dungeon, the original manga of Delicious in Dungeon is far more humorous than the anime; there’s something about the written page—namely the ability to jump between scenes without detailing certain aspects that might be difficult to stomach—which allows for even scenarios like the devouring of adventurers (including Falin, the sister whom the party members—three original ones plus a new one, Senshi—are intending to rescue) to be darkly humorous without being simply dark. Although the anime is beautifully animated, I’m enjoying this version better. Marcille’s famous reactions especially take the cake, though the cooking that the series is known for is of course enjoyable as well. This is a great start to what’s become considered a modern classic, and well worth your time to read. Bon apetit! ~ Twwk
Delicious in Dungeon is published by Yen Press.
READ More in-depth reviews of Delicious in Dungeon (Dungeon Meshi): Chp. 1 // Chp. 2 // Chp. 3
The Eccentric Doctor of the Moon Flower Kingdom, Manga Vol. 13
Koyou is quick to perform surgery on the empress once she gains permission. But as if planning it secretly, with no one knowing, weren’t stressful enough, there are those in the palace aiming to take advantage of the empress’s sickly state. As Koyou handles things in the palace, new forces arrive in the country, and only time will tell if they are friend or foe to our wonderful cast of characters. This was such a good volume! I really enjoyed how this arc wrapped up and was deeply impressed by how the Empress was able to hold herself together after surgery! That was incredible! I can see why Koyou had a totally different view of her afterwards, because I know I did too! And not only her, but Keiun too, because I didn’t realize how much he wanted to find the person who took his mom’s life! I mean, I knew he wanted to know more information, but we got to see some very surprising expressions on his face! Also, I’m so proud of Koyou and how much she has grown! She really has matured a lot since the beginning of this series! I’m going to miss seeing her with her brawn-loving bestie because their time and expressions together were always so priceless! The last chapter had me on edge, though, because I am so worried about what is going to happen next! While nothing has been calm in this series, with there being revolts and what could even maybe be a war at some point, I’m deeply concerned about how it will affect everyone’s lives! But also, yay for meeting some new characters! They all seem really interesting, even if one of them seems a little scary… Definitely glad I finally got around to reading this volume! It was fantastic! ~ Laura A. Grace
The Eccentric Doctor of the Moon Flower Kingdom is published by Seven Seas.
READ Reviews of The Eccentric Doctor of the Moon Flower Kingdom:Vol. 1 // Vol. 2 // Vol. 3 // Vol. 4 // Vol. 5 // Vol. 6 // Vol. 7 // Vol. 9 // Vol. 10 // Vol. 11 // Vol. 12
Bartlet Fairy Basslet, Manga Chp. 1
Mangaka Norihiro Yagi returns with a series featuring a familiar vibe in chapter one of Bartlet Fairy Basslet! Fans of medieval-gothic series Claymore will find plenty to embrace right from the start—familiar elements include a beautiful, blonde warrior as the lead (Brunhilde, the Knight-Captain of the Kingdom of Bartlet); swordplay with clashes featuring warriors who fight with incredible speed; and lots of grimdark fantasy violence. The action begins with a duel between Brunhilde and her nemesis, Grand Marshal Luchsnase, during the climactic battle of a decade-long war. She is wounded in the fight, and what happens next is the (first) surprise drop for the series. Yagi-sensei, of course, is famous for his twists and turns, and I like this initial one well enough. However, I fear that, as with Claymore—which is easily on my list of ten favorite manga of all time—he’ll create a scenario that ultimately makes the tale less interesting than one that is more straightforward. We’ll have to wait and see if that’s the case—and you can believe that I will be reading. To return to Yagi-sensei’s seraphic, melancholic, and visceral style is a gift—and one I am very grateful for. ~ Twwk
Bartlet Fairy Basslet is published by Shonen Jump.
Dandadan, Manga Vol. 21
Seiko throws down, several new characters are introduced, and the teams splits up in volume twenty-one of Dandadan! The quest to return Momo to normal size continues and intertwines with the mystery of Yukishiro trying to steal her powers while being gifted with a special knife to do so by a mystery assailant. That mystery will be revealed, but we really don’t have time to dwell much on it because the action is nonstop in this volume and happened in multiple quarters, including with Seiko in a restaurant as she goes head to head against a powerful bull-like yokai. Meanwhile, Kinta keeps Kinta-ing, which is one of my favorite things in the whole series! He gets to shine in a few panels in this volume, but all the main characters, really, get featured a little—even as new characters come on the scene. It’s a little confusing seeing them (and revisiting with old ones) at first, but Dandadan handles the mass of characters really well, and these chapters just flowed very naturally despite the potential to go off the rails with so much happening. I also really enjoyed how this arc is bringing together folktales from both Japan and the West; the creative use of folklore and myth in Dandadan is perhaps its most underrated quality, and it’s on full display in volume twenty-one. There’s so much to love here, but that’s always the case with each new volume of this wonderful series! ~ Twwk
Dandadan is published by VIZ Media.
READ Reviews of Dandadan: 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 // Vol. 19 // Vol. 20
Albus Changes the World, Manga Vol. 1
The tone of Albus Changes the World is odd, but when the first volume of this fantasy, time-travelling manga ends, it all ends up falling into place. The series, developed by duo Akihisa Maki (story) and Miki Yatsubo (art), begins with the central character starting on his hero’s journey to defeat the Demon Lord. But Albus is a little unusual—he skips the send-off party, is overly casual, and picks up the least likely mage, the insecure Fiona, to be his sole companion on the journey. The reveal is that Albus has done this all before and is speedrunning his quest to stop this evil demon. But there’s a hidden truth as well, one that Fiona detects but isn’t able to pry from the dry, unserious Albus. Much like the journey itself, the first volume is a quick read—humorous with bits of action and tenderness, making it fun, but with none of these qualities in bulk. In fact, that made me dismiss the series until the final chapter or two, which, perhaps as expected for a series that gets through the adventure so quickly, reframes the entire narrative. It’s worth getting to the end, though I can’t say I’m completely sold yet on the story; it’s somewhere better than superficial but not to the point where it grabbed onto my heart. Still, I’m happy to keep going with this tale and see where it leads next. ~ Twwk
Albus Changes the World is published by VIZ Media.
Shinobi Undercover, Manga Vol. 3
Things return back to normal after the fugitive ninja attack—but only for about five minutes, as a striking (and perhaps conceited) student tries to get Aoi’s attention, and soon proves to be a more considerable foe than Yodaka could imagine. The introduction of another major student character in volume three is quite welcome once the action settles and we get to know Suzume a little better. But as with the previous volumes, this one then settles into what’s becoming a familiar pattern as new, powerful enemies emerge, even as Yodaka tries to overcome his awkwardness and grow closer to Aoi. I can see this becoming tiresome—and frankly, I have next to no interest in the backstory of ninjas in this world; but for now, the ninja fights are fun and the characters—both villains and heroes—memorable. I’m eager to see the conclusion of the fight that closes volume three, but I’m also hoping we get a little more creativity in terms of storytelling out of future volumes of Shinobi Undercover; otherwise, for as cute as it’s been, I can’t see myself continuing the series. ~ Twwk
Shinobi Undercover is published by VIZ Media.
READ Reviews of Shinobi Undercover: Vol. 1 // Vol. 2
“Reader’s Corner” is our weekly celebration of manga, light novels, and visual novels—the creative works most closely tied to anime, yet with a magic all their own. Each week, our writers share their honest take on what they’re reading: new releases as they hit shelves, so you’re always in the loop on the latest manga and light novel news, alongside older titles we revisit because they’re just as unforgettable—for better or worse.
