Manga Review: Shonen Jump (2020)

Manga Review: Shonen Jump (2020) It’s the eighth anniversary of this blog, and time once again to look at the online version of Weekly Shounen Jump! There haven’t been any major changes to the format since last year. One Piece is still the longest-running feature, and is closing in on 1000 chapters! There was a… Continue reading Manga Review: Shonen Jump (2020)

Manga Review: Rin-ne #35

Manga Review: Rin-ne #35 by Rumiko Takahashi Quick recap: Rinne Rokudo is a part-human shinigami (death spirit) who helps lost spirits find the proper afterlife. Due to unfortunate circumstances, he’s poor and destined to stay that way for the indefinite future. He’s assisted by his black cat familiar Rokumon, and a female classmate named Sakura… Continue reading Manga Review: Rin-ne #35

Manga Review: Psycho Busters 2

Manga Review: Psycho Busters 2 art by Akinari Nao, story by Yuya Aoki Kakeru Hase was enjoying being left alone on summer break (father overseas on business, mother and sisters on a contest trip to Hawaii), but a little bored after a couple of days lazing about the house. Just as he’d convinced himself that… Continue reading Manga Review: Psycho Busters 2

Anime Review: Baki (2018)

From left to right: Retsu Kaioh, Kaoru Hanayama, Mitsunari Tokugawa, Baki Hanma, Doppo Orochi and Gouki Shibukawa. Or as Kaoru likes to call them, "Idiots from Planet Strong."

Anime Review: Baki (2018) Baki Hanma is not your average high school student. He may look normal if a teensy bulky and with a dull expression on his face with his school uniform on, but once he doffs his outer clothing, it’s clear that he’s possessed of superior musculature and covered in scars. For in… Continue reading Anime Review: Baki (2018)

Manga Review: Cromartie High School, Vol. 3

Manga Review: Cromartie High School, Vol. 3 by Eiji Nonaka Takashi Kamiyama is a mild-mannered fellow who wants to be a good student. But for…reasons, he finds himself enrolled at Cromartie High School, a den of delinquents and ne’er-do-wells. The other students certainly look like a tough bunch, and it’s hard to believe most of… Continue reading Manga Review: Cromartie High School, Vol. 3

Anime Review: Welcome to Demon School! Iruma-kun

Azz, Iruma and Clara demonstrate their love of Black Sabbath.

Anime Review: Welcome to Demon School! Iruma-kun Iruma Suzuki is illegally working aboard a tuna fishing boat when we first meet him, a job arranged by his abusive parents to net them his salary. There’s a storm on, and Iruma is about to be crushed by the cargo when a demon appears. The demon, Sullivan,… Continue reading Anime Review: Welcome to Demon School! Iruma-kun

Anime Review: Beastars

Haru and Legoshi don't seem to be a likely couple.

Anime Review: Beastars Legoshi is tall for his age, even for a gray wolf. He’s got a wiry strength that he attempts to hide behind a timid personality, and although he belongs to the drama club, he’s happy behind the scenes on the art crew. (Legoshi’s specialty is lighting.) But the other students at Cherryton… Continue reading Anime Review: Beastars

Manga Review: Azumanga Daioh Vol. 1

Manga Review: Azumanga Daioh Vol. 1 by Kiyohiko Azuma It is spring of the year 2000, and the Japanese school year is beginning. There’s always some confusion on the first day back, and teacher Yukari Tanizaki winds up trying to introduce herself to the wrong home room! Once that’s sorted out, it’s time to meet… Continue reading Manga Review: Azumanga Daioh Vol. 1

Manga Review: Rin-ne Volumes 7,8 & 9

Manga Review: Rin-ne Volumes 7, 8 & 9 by Rumiko Takahashi Quick recap: Rinne Rokudo is a shinigami, a psychopomp who helps ghosts and wandering spirits move on to the next life. Because he’s part human, Rinne’s powers are relatively weak and he must use gadgets, often expensive, to bolster his attempts. Moreover, due to… Continue reading Manga Review: Rin-ne Volumes 7,8 & 9

Manga Review: Monthly Girls’ Nozaki-kun 1

Manga Review: Monthly Girls’ Nozaki-kun 1 by Izumi Tsubaki Confessing your love to your high-school crush is always a nerve-wracking experience. It’s possible that your beloved returns your affections, but more likely you will receive a flat “not interested”, or “buzz off” or perhaps she will laugh in your face and tell you you are… Continue reading Manga Review: Monthly Girls’ Nozaki-kun 1