Gemsy-chan
Shinigami
vol 1 of Omniscient Reader's Viewpoint (novel)
What manga are you reading now?
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RonJB
Thousand Master
Accomplishments of the Duke's Daughter v1: Standard "waking up to previous life at crisis point" isekai, as Iris regains (?) her memories as the second prince of the kingdom is about to denounce her (meaning having her head shaved and being sent to a nunnery). Luckily this world is a video game she played and she thwarts their plans. Her father sends her back to govern their duchy, where she sets about modernising and improving the lives of the citizens. It's well written and entertaining but doesn't contain anything we haven't seen before, I can see a civil war and invasion looming in the future (and probably romance with the first prince (who is roaming around the kingdom incognito).
Spark_Heal
Student Council President
Claymore by Norihiro Yagi - Chapters ?? to Chapter 91
A world where hamlets and towns are threatened by humanoid man-eating shape-shifters called Yoma is under the protection of The Organisation. For a price this group will send out one of their specially built human-Yoma hybrids to solve their imposter problem using their silver eyes and their claymore swords.
The series is primarily focused on the Claymore named Claire but steadily expands outwards to include more swordswomen with their own mini-arcs. It has a more loose plot (which might have made this series irritating monthly) where nothing really drags on too long but also doesn’t especially care about giving events much depth. If the author feels like it’s time to move on the story will lurch forward. Which does feel like it is rushing things at times. Yet the slip-shot approach allows events that seem minor wind up having monumental consequences for the entire series. If it’s part of his style to skip something he’s decided is boring it also ensure Yagi will double back and go back to an old idea with additional insights.
Following the timeskip arc the story has taken some interesting turns. A lot of it hinges on the Claymores having very subdued or melancholy reactions about current events. Which you might find interesting or boring depending on how expressive you want your slayers to be.
A world where hamlets and towns are threatened by humanoid man-eating shape-shifters called Yoma is under the protection of The Organisation. For a price this group will send out one of their specially built human-Yoma hybrids to solve their imposter problem using their silver eyes and their claymore swords.
The series is primarily focused on the Claymore named Claire but steadily expands outwards to include more swordswomen with their own mini-arcs. It has a more loose plot (which might have made this series irritating monthly) where nothing really drags on too long but also doesn’t especially care about giving events much depth. If the author feels like it’s time to move on the story will lurch forward. Which does feel like it is rushing things at times. Yet the slip-shot approach allows events that seem minor wind up having monumental consequences for the entire series. If it’s part of his style to skip something he’s decided is boring it also ensure Yagi will double back and go back to an old idea with additional insights.
Following the timeskip arc the story has taken some interesting turns. A lot of it hinges on the Claymores having very subdued or melancholy reactions about current events. Which you might find interesting or boring depending on how expressive you want your slayers to be.
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lonelywolf23786
Student Council President
Manhole
A thriller manga involving victims infected with parasitic worms, mosquitos all plotted by a biologist who wants to remove the scum of human society
It feels similar to a Korean thriller called Deranged which has a similar plot.
The manga is interesting to read but it's very short (28 chapters) and I think the English print version is out.
A thriller manga involving victims infected with parasitic worms, mosquitos all plotted by a biologist who wants to remove the scum of human society
It feels similar to a Korean thriller called Deranged which has a similar plot.
The manga is interesting to read but it's very short (28 chapters) and I think the English print version is out.
Dragon Slayer
Flame Haze
Fairy Tail: 100 Years Quest ch 193 - 195
Hajimete no Gal ch 199
Monster Musume ch 191-192
Slave Harem in the Labyrinth of the Other World ch 100
That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime ch 132 - 134
Tsugumomo ch 178 - 179
Why the Hell are You Here, Teacher ch 116
Wise Man's Granchild ch 93 - 94
Hajimete no Gal ch 199
Monster Musume ch 191-192
Slave Harem in the Labyrinth of the Other World ch 100
That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime ch 132 - 134
Tsugumomo ch 178 - 179
Why the Hell are You Here, Teacher ch 116
Wise Man's Granchild ch 93 - 94
RonJB
Thousand Master
Accomplishments of the Duke's Daughter v2-v7: The main story, which was very entertaining, ended after v5, and now we have a three volume backstory of Iris's mother as a youngster. It has certainly been a fun ride, but I do feel sad that there are very few nobles in this world who could live up to the standards of Iris's family. Alas.
Spark_Heal
Student Council President
Shamo written by Izo Hashimoto and illustrated by Akio Tanaka (it's complicated)
A prison drama turned martial arts story about Ryo Narushima, a seemingly brilliant student who derailed his seemingly ideal life by murdering his parents. According to Ryo it was a pre-emptive act of self defence. While convincing to his sister he ends up in a reformatory for juveniles until he turns 18. As the runt of the litter and an infamous murderer he finds himself abused by prisoners and guards alike until he catches the eye of Kenji Kurokawa. Kurosawa is serving his own life sentence for terrorism by drilling juvenile criminals in karate (for reasons best left unexplained) and his tutorage gives Ryo the ability to protect himself. After serving his time the majority of the series follows Ryo's life on the streets trying to eek out a living as a hired goon until he finds his opportunity to become a martial artist in a brand new sensationalist tournament. It's his chance to battle against Naoto Sugawara, the pinnacle of the Banryukai style and an icon of an ideal karate practitioner for the modern, civilised age.
A prison drama turned martial arts story about Ryo Narushima, a seemingly brilliant student who derailed his seemingly ideal life by murdering his parents. According to Ryo it was a pre-emptive act of self defence. While convincing to his sister he ends up in a reformatory for juveniles until he turns 18. As the runt of the litter and an infamous murderer he finds himself abused by prisoners and guards alike until he catches the eye of Kenji Kurokawa. Kurosawa is serving his own life sentence for terrorism by drilling juvenile criminals in karate (for reasons best left unexplained) and his tutorage gives Ryo the ability to protect himself. After serving his time the majority of the series follows Ryo's life on the streets trying to eek out a living as a hired goon until he finds his opportunity to become a martial artist in a brand new sensationalist tournament. It's his chance to battle against Naoto Sugawara, the pinnacle of the Banryukai style and an icon of an ideal karate practitioner for the modern, civilised age.
Shamo's initial strength is Akio's talent for building atmosphere and use of symbolism that gradually starts to disappear, though the occasional flourish still graces the page until the conclusion. Once it establishes itself the series makes Ryo's story one of fear and domination. With family, in prison or in wider society his driving motivation is to feel that he has control over his life. He often expresses this through violence and abuse that demolishes any possibility illusion that he's a misunderstood young man in a bad situation. He is a violent, unrepentant criminal who endured a system that actively disincentivises even trying to reform. Importantly Ryo Narushima never asks anyone to sympathise with him. He's not interested in wealth, status or acceptance which makes him an anathema to his various rivals. Though this self-awareness never bleeds into tangible regret for the many violent crimes he commits over the 30 volume run. Ryo seeks to destroy Sugawara and rob him of everything is solely to ease his own mind.
The series' fault however is that by Volume 14 it has lost all direction. Spinning out into multiple bizarre storylines removed from anything that made Ryo's story engaging to that point. Most famously is the China arc. Initially starting strongly it takes this relatively ground presentation of martial arts and makes it focus on how to master Chi. Not in the sense that it focuses on Chinese martial arts and how their teachings are applied to combat sports. It’s about learn how to blast someone across the room with your spirit energy. And you can tell the creative team weren’t happy with this because they never revisit the topic once the arc concludes.
This might be explained by just not knowing what the series should be once the initial arc resolved. Maybe it is the natural impulse for a creative team who are interested in martial arts to experiment with different types of forms and genres as they go along. It might also have been the start of an intense conflict of interests between the creatives duo. In 2008 during a hiatus the artist Tanaka filled a 150 million yen copyright dispute against his writing partner Hashimoto claiming he was the true author of the series. Whatever happened behind the scenes resulted in a lengthy in Izo Hashimoto's name being removed from later volumes and Akio Tanaka being credited as the sole author from then on.
In any case the series does build haphazardly to a second peak with the Grand Cross arc. Mainly focused on a new rival for Ryo, the ballet dancer turned judo practitioner Touma Takahara. Probably also Tanaka’s peak in terms of artistic flexibility the ultimate showdown is worth enduring that very awkward set-up. This is also where Shamo, likely in an attempt to centre itself, becomes really obsessed with its main character being this unsolvable enigma who is drawing into his orbit who want to finally unravel his secrets. Which is completely removing the series from talking about the social issues it initially focused on. But it doesn’t come across as the author(s) egotistically praising themselves for making the best character ever. Touma’s obsession with Ryo’s evil is subtextual an attempt to reconcile his own repressed anger towards his own family and a previous failure to uphold his Christen values instead of a genuine and sincere belief. Making it an exercise in egotism instead of genuine compassion. Which does have some meat to it.
Unfortunately that is not the end of Shamo. It instead chooses to meander around for a few more volumes before an abrupt ending that leaves a great many things unresolved. Previously the series had been able to present situations where there is no emotional catharsis that still felt like there was a point to it. The final arc just feels like the fine gasp of exhaustion. Which is a shame. I do think Shamo is worth a shot if you like your sports dramas with a twinge of cynicism and a boatload of brutality. Just don't be like Ryo or his creators and know when to stop. If you think the series has lost its mojo then you're probably right.
The series' fault however is that by Volume 14 it has lost all direction. Spinning out into multiple bizarre storylines removed from anything that made Ryo's story engaging to that point. Most famously is the China arc. Initially starting strongly it takes this relatively ground presentation of martial arts and makes it focus on how to master Chi. Not in the sense that it focuses on Chinese martial arts and how their teachings are applied to combat sports. It’s about learn how to blast someone across the room with your spirit energy. And you can tell the creative team weren’t happy with this because they never revisit the topic once the arc concludes.
This might be explained by just not knowing what the series should be once the initial arc resolved. Maybe it is the natural impulse for a creative team who are interested in martial arts to experiment with different types of forms and genres as they go along. It might also have been the start of an intense conflict of interests between the creatives duo. In 2008 during a hiatus the artist Tanaka filled a 150 million yen copyright dispute against his writing partner Hashimoto claiming he was the true author of the series. Whatever happened behind the scenes resulted in a lengthy in Izo Hashimoto's name being removed from later volumes and Akio Tanaka being credited as the sole author from then on.
In any case the series does build haphazardly to a second peak with the Grand Cross arc. Mainly focused on a new rival for Ryo, the ballet dancer turned judo practitioner Touma Takahara. Probably also Tanaka’s peak in terms of artistic flexibility the ultimate showdown is worth enduring that very awkward set-up. This is also where Shamo, likely in an attempt to centre itself, becomes really obsessed with its main character being this unsolvable enigma who is drawing into his orbit who want to finally unravel his secrets. Which is completely removing the series from talking about the social issues it initially focused on. But it doesn’t come across as the author(s) egotistically praising themselves for making the best character ever. Touma’s obsession with Ryo’s evil is subtextual an attempt to reconcile his own repressed anger towards his own family and a previous failure to uphold his Christen values instead of a genuine and sincere belief. Making it an exercise in egotism instead of genuine compassion. Which does have some meat to it.
Unfortunately that is not the end of Shamo. It instead chooses to meander around for a few more volumes before an abrupt ending that leaves a great many things unresolved. Previously the series had been able to present situations where there is no emotional catharsis that still felt like there was a point to it. The final arc just feels like the fine gasp of exhaustion. Which is a shame. I do think Shamo is worth a shot if you like your sports dramas with a twinge of cynicism and a boatload of brutality. Just don't be like Ryo or his creators and know when to stop. If you think the series has lost its mojo then you're probably right.
RonJB
Thousand Master
A Cozy Life in the Woods with the White Witch. Just the one volume. Deals with a very slovenly but super powerful witch who hires an adventurer who has been kicked out of his team as all he can do is cook and clean(!). Nice little love story, no big surprises, and a happy ending. Can't see this being made into an anime (sadly) as the witch and her three female familiars are always wandering round the house in the nude.
Gemsy-chan
Shinigami
vol 1 of Ascendance of a Bookworm: Hannalore's Fifth Year at the Royal Academy (LN)
RonJB
Thousand Master
The Bladesmith’s Enchanted Weapons: It claims to be volume 1, but reads very much as a stand-alone. The plot in a nutshell is a young unaffiliated blacksmith specialising in making the katana finds love and creates some magical blades for the nobility. Lots of references to the individual parts of a katana (using Japanese names), lots of falling in love with the blades. Surprisingly little actual killing by the blades. Most of the stories seem a bit incomplete, but on the whole it's an interesting tale of how to survive in a very stratified society.
Dragon Slayer
Flame Haze
Death March to the Parallel World Rhapsody ch 121 - 127
Fairy Tail: 100 Years Quest ch 196 - 198
How Not to Summon a Demon Lord ch 128 - 129
In Another World With My Smartphone ch 102 - 106
Slave Harem in the Labyrinth of the Other World ch 101 - 102
The Rising of the Shield Hero ch 119 - 120
That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime ch 135
Tsugumomo ch 180
Fairy Tail: 100 Years Quest ch 196 - 198
How Not to Summon a Demon Lord ch 128 - 129
In Another World With My Smartphone ch 102 - 106
Slave Harem in the Labyrinth of the Other World ch 101 - 102
The Rising of the Shield Hero ch 119 - 120
That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime ch 135
Tsugumomo ch 180
RonJB
Thousand Master
Flung into a New World? Time to Lift the 200-Year Curse! v1: odd book, as almost the entire novel is a monologue, as he can't understand the beasts he has tamed and he has not yet encountered any humans, as he emerged in this new world in the middle of a huge forest. He seems to have limitless magic powers and is just making up spells do build a cosy home for himself and his menagerie of monsters. Yet he hasn't thought to try a translate (Dr Doolittle) spell? I suppose that would spoil his happy home, if he knew that the forest has been under a curse for the past 200 years, thanks to some evil empire building humans and a magic stone. And that all the cute animals are actually super-powerful magical beasts who were almost killed by that curse until our hero came along.
It's entertaining but I'm not sure if I'm that excited about it to keep reading past this volume.
It's entertaining but I'm not sure if I'm that excited about it to keep reading past this volume.
RonJB
Thousand Master
Foolishly I have started two new light novel series. The first, called Making Magic: The Sweet Life of a Witch Who Knows an Infinite MP Loophole, is a fun take on the isekai story, as the protagonist Chise can't remember anything about her former life (incuding gender, life, or age and manner of death), but she can apparently recall every single detail of Japanese food including all the vending machine products in perfect detail. Apart from that quibble, it's an enjoyable story that I look forward to reading more of.
The other, Combat Baker and Automaton Waitress, deals with a former soldier trying to make amends for his actions during the war by opening a bakery in one of the subjugated provinces. Sadly, he looks too scary and terrifying for anyone to enter his shop and buy anything. Until he is persuaded to hire a cute waitress, who just happens to be the AI from the Hunter/Killer tank he operated in the war. Lots of action and teasing of a much bigger story to come in the first volume, which only runs to 150 pages. Is this an anime yet? It should be.
The other, Combat Baker and Automaton Waitress, deals with a former soldier trying to make amends for his actions during the war by opening a bakery in one of the subjugated provinces. Sadly, he looks too scary and terrifying for anyone to enter his shop and buy anything. Until he is persuaded to hire a cute waitress, who just happens to be the AI from the Hunter/Killer tank he operated in the war. Lots of action and teasing of a much bigger story to come in the first volume, which only runs to 150 pages. Is this an anime yet? It should be.
Always the most important thing in these isekai titles. She could learn a lot from the Reincarnated as a Vending Machine MC.
No anime yet, and since the series is over, perhaps there isn't a large appetite to do it anymore - which is a shame! I read the whole series while J-Novel Club were releasing it through their membership, and it ended up being quite interesting so I'd have liked to see what an anime would have done with it.
RonJB
Thousand Master
The Accursed Chef and His Pair of Furry Foodies v1: bit of a darker isekai here, as our hero is reincarnated into a world where his dirt-poor mercenary parents only had him so they could sell him into slavery when he turns 5. Luckily (?) they are killed and Thor is forced to fend for himself at the age of four. He finds some furry friends (two, female, same age as him, running away from someone who wants to use them as a sacrifice), and they survive in a sewer. Then the book ends with a huge action cliffhanger. Aargh. Now we have to wait for volume 2.
Making Magic: The Sweet Life of a Witch Who Knows an Infinite MP Loophole v2-v7: Very relaxing story of how to live a long life watching (some of) the people around you grow old and die. Fair amount of action mixed in with the zen philosophising. Good series to kick back and relax with.
Making Magic: The Sweet Life of a Witch Who Knows an Infinite MP Loophole v2-v7: Very relaxing story of how to live a long life watching (some of) the people around you grow old and die. Fair amount of action mixed in with the zen philosophising. Good series to kick back and relax with.
RonJB
Thousand Master
Peddler in Another World: I Can Go Back to My World Whenever I Want! v1: A young man finds a door to a fantasy world in his grandmother's old house and starts selling common items from Japan into this world. Moderately intersting premise. Some nice elements, but I find the whole buy stuff cheap in our world, sell it for a fortune in the fantasy world, convert the currency into Yen and live the high life rather dubious. Firstly, it is a village of 500 people and he appears to be making hundreds of thousands of yen every day, sucking the money out of their economy and giving back trinkets (boxes of matches, blankets, cup noodles etc). By the end of the first week, I expect he would be the only person in the village with any cash. Very colonial. Will continue reading the next volume but probably not for long, unless something changes drastically.
RonJB
Thousand Master
Disciple of the Lich: Or How I Was Cursed by the Gods and Dropped Into the Abyss! v1-v2: This is a departure from your standard isekai, as our hero is dumped to die in a fantasy world greated by the Gods for their amusement (humans are regularly inserted into this world and messed around with in a sort of reality TV/Survivor scenario). He manages to survive thanks to a lonely lich, escapes and starts unwittingly messing with the Gods' games. Oh, and there is also some romance in there.
I gave up on Peddler about halfway through v2.
I gave up on Peddler about halfway through v2.
Animelover9742
Completely Average High School Student
Irina the vampire cosmonaut vol. 1 rn!!!
Spark_Heal
Student Council President
Kagurabachi Chapter 103 - Still going strong. The story is far from over but it feels like this is ratcheting up to the climax of the storylines set up right from the start while seeding future events. We are still hinging almost everything on Hokazono being able to wrap it up, resolve some core mysteries and keep characters engaging once they have their secrets exposed. While I have complete confidence in his ability to handle a dynamic fight scene I’m uncertain if he can stick the landing here. But it’s been a fun read every week this year so hopefully this arc finishes strong.