Category Archives: Reviews

Book Review: Bleach, Vol 54 by Tite Kubo

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Bleach, Vol 54     

Author: Tite Kubo

Publisher: Viz Media

American release date: January 1, 2013

Format/Genre/Length: Paperback/Manga/Supernatural/192 pages

Overall Personal Rating: ★★★★★

Reviewer: Julie Lynn Hayes

 

The battle with the Fullbrings continues. Ginjo baits Ichigo, to get him to react, but Uryu warns him to be cautious, that Ginjo probably knows all the same attacks that Ichigo does.  As they battle, each of the Fullbrings remembers how they came into their own powers, and how much they owe Ginjo. Byakuya has a similar problem to Ichigo’s in his fight with Tsukishima, in that he knows all of Kuchiki’s moves. So how to handle that?

As the various members of the Soul Society end their battles, they gather together. But one battle is still ongoing, and Yukio claims he cannot close that particular arena, due to a promise made to Ginjo, and that it cannot be broken. So now they wait to see who will emerge the victor. Meanwhile, within this particular box, Ginjo is trying to sow the seeds of doubt within Ichigo, in relation to his being a deputy Soul Reaper and what it actually means. Will Ichigo rise to the bait and believe him?

Finally, we bring the Fullbring arc to a close. I’ve been wanting this for some time. Is it surprising that the right side won? It would be surprising if they didn’t. Although seeing the backstories of the Fullbring was interesting, I won’t miss them. I’m more curious to find out what Ichigo has to say to the Soul Society, now that he has his powers back. Will it be anything they want to hear? What will his role be now?

Looking forward to the next volume!

Book Review: Skip Beat, Vol 8 by Yoshiki Nakamura

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Skip Beat! Vol 8     

Author: Yoshiki Nakamura

Publisher: Viz Media

American release date: September 4, 2007

Format/Genre/Length: Paperback/Shojo Manga//216 pages

Overall Personal Rating: ★★★★★

Reviewer: Julie Lynn Hayes

 

After winning a part in Sho’s new music promo, Kyoko is finally recognized by Sho, to his surprise and horror. Sho’s agent and the other co-star, Mimori, whom he has been flirting with, are shocked when they realize Kyoko and Sho have past history, especially Mimori. Kyoko assures Mimori there is nothing between her and Sho, and Sho assures his agent that he always thought of Kyoko as a housemaid (which is true). But he also goes on to say he still thinks of her as his. Seriously?

In the promo, Kyoko and Mimori play angels, one good and one bad, while Sho is the devil who falls in love with the good angel (Mimori). Kyoko’s bad angel is infuriated that he has done this to her friend and kills him. But whenever they shoot the scene where the bad angel chokes the devil before he falls to his death, Kyoko gets into the role a little bit too much and almost kills Sho for real. She wants to do her best, not for revenge, but for her acting career, which she has begun to take very seriously, but she’s afraid her hatred for Sho is overcoming her acting abilities.

Who can she turn to for advice? She calls Moko, but the call goes to voicemail. She considers Ren, but she doesn’t even have his number. She manages to obtain that and calls, leaving a panicked garbled message. Moko calls back, and gives Kyoko some advice that really makes sense and helps her decide how to play the scene. Meanwhile, Ren is on set with his agent, Mr. Yashiro, between takes. Yashiro is surprised to see Ren look at his messages and actually listen to one, something he never does. And then he is shocked to see Ren return someone’s call! He knows the call can’t be work-related, as they would have gone through him first. So who can this special person be?

After the scene, Kyoko and Sho get into an argument, and while they are fighting, Kyoko’s phone rings. Sho grabs it and answers, not speaking. He is shocked to hear a voice he recognizes as Ren Tsuruga’s! Why is he calling Kyoko? What’s going on between them? Sho turns immediately jealous and barks something into the phone before clicking off. Unfortunately, Ren recognizes the other voice as well and jumps to all the wrong conclusions. When Kyoko runs into Ren and Maria back at the agency, she is horrified to find him angry with her, although he disguises it well. But she can tell by his gentlemanly smile that he is mad. And now she’s also in the middle of a mystery with Moko that her friend refuses to explain, so Kyoko and Maria follow her to learn what is going on with her.

Kyoko is growing as an actress and as a person, as she realizes that her need for revenge on the deceitful Sho is being overshadowed by her love of acting and her desire to be the best actress she can be. Sho is such a brat, and he has the nerve to think he owns Kyoko! He’s only interested because he’s seeing her as a person for the first time, and has never truly appreciated her. He’s still just a shallow vain punk, and I hope and pray Kyoko never falls for his tricks and insincerity ever again. On the other hand, I was tickled to see how jealous Ren is and how he is becoming more and more transparent to his agent, who is already beginning to guess at Ren’s feelings for Kyoko. Just imagine if he knew the whole truth! Sometimes I forget that Ren is just four years older than Kyoko, at the age of 20, because he acts far more mature and worldly. I wonder how much he will reveal to Mr. Yashiro, and what exactly did Moko do that has threatened her career?

Great volume, looking forward to the next one!

Book Review: Bleach, Vol 53 by Tite Kubo

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Bleach, Vol 53   

Author: Tite Kubo

Publisher: Viz Media

American release date: December 4, 2012

Format/Genre/Length: Paperback/Manga/Supernatural/192 pages

Overall Personal Rating: ★★★★★

Reviewer: Julie Lynn Hayes

 

Ginjo is not only dismayed at Rukia’s unexpected appearance where she hands Ichigo a sword, he is shocked that Ichigo still has any powers since he thought he drained him of them. Turns out the sword contains the power of a number of the captains from Soul Society. At the Old Man’s request, they’ve come to help Ichigo, since he was instrumental in saving Soul Society. Renji, Byakuya, Hitsugaya, Kenpachi, and Ikkaku are all there with Rukia and ready to do battle. Apparently Ginjo and Tsukishima’s little scheme has failed. But Ichigo learns something surprising. Before him, there was another deputy soul reaper. And apparently that man was Kugo Ginjo!  The plot thickens!

Chad and Orihime are baffled at the turn things have taken, still under the mistaken impression that Tsukishima is a long-time friend. They assume the Soul Reapers are there to help them but they seem to be on Ichigo’s side! And why does Orihime feel so bad when she sees Ichigo cry? Mercifully, Kiskue and Isshin take Chad and Orihime out of the battle, although Isshin complains about having to take the heavy one (Chad, of course lol)

Ginjo distributes the power he has taken from Ichigo among his people, who are amazed at the way they feel. Yukio creates arenas in order to force match-ups between the two sides. Kenpachi sees Byakuya has been paired with Tsukishima and wants him to switch since he thinks he’s stronger than his opponent but that doesn’t work and he is left with Giriko. Ichigo faces Ginjo, but is unexpectedly joined by Uryu, who apologizes to Ichigo for not telling him sooner what he surmised concerning the deputy badge. Hitsuguya faces Yukio, whom he dubs the “annoying guy”, while it’s Rukia versus Ruriko, who keeps trying to bombard her with cute things. Ikkaku is stuck battling with Tsukishima’s lackey, Shishigawara, the lucky one. Will his luck run out against Ikkaku? Renji is paired up with Jackie Tristan and her Dirty Boots, but he refuses to strike first against a woman.

Let the battles begin!

To be honest, I just want to see Ichigo and the Soul Reapers kick a lot of Fullbring hiney and end this obnoxious arc. Not much to say other than each battle brings its own troubles that have to be overcome. Even so, it’s a foregone conclusion who will ultimately win, so it’s more a question of how than who. Even so, still love the series, looking forward to the next volume.

Book Review: Bleach, Vol 52

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Bleach, Vol 2     

Author: Tite Kubo

Publisher: Viz Media

American release date: December 4, 2012

Format/Genre/Length: Paperback/Manga/Supernatural/192 pages

Overall Personal Rating: ★★★★★

Reviewer: Julie Lynn Hayes

 

Ichigo finds himself blinded by Ginjo during their battle. When Orihime attempts to heal him, she is locked into a cage from which her voice cannot be heard. But Ichigo battles on, only to discover Ginjo’s reason was to help him achieve his complete Fullbring. Afterward, an exhausted Ichigo wants nothing more than to go home. But when he gets there, he’s in for a rude shock when Yuzu tells him they have a visitor, their cousin… Tsukishima? Wth?

When Ichigo attacks Tsukishima, Karin and Yuzu are appalled at their brother’s lack of manners. What can he be thinking, to try to hurt their lovely cousin? And why are Keigo and the others here? The situation grows worse when Tsukishima calls Orihime and Chad to join them! Everyone is convinced that Tsukishima is their friend, such a great guy. Confused and upset, Ichigo escapes. He lucks out and runs into his boss on the street and she takes him home. Finally, someone who’s on his side. Or is she? Oh no, she’s called Tsukishima too! Making a hasty exit, Ichigo goes to the Fullbring hideout, only to learn that the others, aside from Ginjo, have all been taken by Tsukishima!

Ginjo takes Ichigo to another secret hideout, but Yukio finds them anyway, and they end up following him to a large house… where everyone is waiting to welcome Ichigo back and forgive him for his bad behavior! It’s like a nightmare he can’t wake from! How can he protect his friends and family if they think he’s in the wrong and Tsukishima is such a great guy?

Ichigo attempts to battle Tsukishima, but it’s difficult when everyone else keeps getting in the way, attempting to run interference. To his dismay, Ginjo steps between them only to be cut by Tsukishima’s sword. Will he become buddy buddies with the enemy now too? When Uryu arrives, Ichigo doesn’t know if he’s siding with the others or not. But in one move, he now realizes who his enemy really is.

Poor Ichigo has it hard in this volume of Bleach. His friends and family think he’s acting badly and he can’t make them see that it’s Tsukishima who’s the enemy, not him. Kiskue and Isshin seem to be up to something, not sure what. Guess we’ll find out in time.  I was right not to trust those Fullbrings! Can’t wait for the next volume!

Book Review: Monster: The Perfect Edition, Vol 9 by Naoki Urasawa

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Monster: The Perfect Edition, Vol 9

Author: Naoki Urasawa

Publisher: Viz Media

American release date: July 19, 2016

Format/Genre/Length: Paperback/Manga/Horror/482 pages

Overall Personal Rating: ★★★★★

Reviewer: Julie Lynn Hayes

 

Nina comes face to face with Johan, and yet she can’t bring herself to kill her twin. When Tenma finds her, she is about to shoot herself, blaming herself for what happened. The memories that Johan spoke of are hers, not his. Everything is her fault. Tenma stops her from pulling the trigger. Suddenly she realizes what Johan intends to do – he plans to kill himself but also to eliminate everyone who has any memory of him!

Detective Lunge arrives in the quiet town of Ruhenheim and begins to investigate, ending up in a small book store. Herr Grimmer also arrives in Ruhenheim. He hears what he thinks is a gunshot. Is that possible? Grimmer and Lunge run into each other, and Grimmer tells the detective that a terrible massacre is about to take place here.

After speaking with Nina, whom he has taken to the hospital, Tenma seeks out the son of Franz Bonaparta. He’s figured out what Bonaparta’s real name is and, with the son’s help, he learns how to find him.

And now it’s begun. All roads seem to lead to Ruhenheim, and everyone is gathering there, while the town finds itself in the throes of some terrible madness. People are scared, because people are dying but they don’t know why. Will Johan achieve his insane desire to kill himself and take everyone who ever knew him with him?

It’s been one wild ride but this story has finally reached an end. So many twists and turns. Such an incredible mind this Urasawa possesses! He’s kept us guessing about what’s going on all this time, and now it’s done. The final volume of Monster does not disappoint. And though most everything is explained, I still have questions. Even so, I do like the ending.  I am sorry to say good-bye to Tenma and Nina and Dieter. Even Detective Junge. Thank you for taking me along on such a wonderful journey. I must find the anime and watch that now.

Book Review: Monster: The Perfect Edition, Vol 8 by Naoki Urasawa

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Monster: The Perfect Edition, Vol 8   

Author: Naoki Urasawa

Publisher: Viz Media

American release date: April 19, 2016

Format/Genre/Length: Paperback/Manga/Horror/432 pages

Overall Personal Rating: ★★★★★

Reviewer: Julie Lynn Hayes

 

Tenma has been asking questions about Eva’s bodyguard, trying to learn her whereabouts. The man roughs him up and refuses to tell him, but he lets Eva know he’s seen her ex. Tenma persists, returning the next night, with a gun. He tells the bodyguard he knows the Baby hired him, and he wants to know why. Martin explains that all she does is go to parties, and all she did for the Baby was point out a blond man with a pretty face. Of course, Tenma knows who that is.

Martin rushes back to the hotel. His instructions are to kill Eva, but he can’t bring himself to do that, so he asks her to run away with him. She says has no interest in that, so he gives her the address of Tenma’s hotel, trusting the doctor will keep her safe. When the men come for her, she isn’t there, and now he has to face the music. Martin is shot but lives, and manages to reach Tenma’s hotel, only to discover that Eva never arrived. Martin tells Tenma that the experiments at Red Rose Mansion are still going on, and now the devil has an apprentice in the form of Peter Capek. Tenma finds Eva at the train station and tells her what has happened.

Nina is trying to jog her memory by returning over and over to the Three Frogs. She tells Dieter he needs to go back to Munich, back to school, but he refuses and insists on accompanying her. She remembers being taken to the Red Rose Mansion, and something terrible happened, but what?

We’re finally at the beginning of the end. Everything is becoming clearer, and more and more people are becoming aware of what is going on. But can they stop it? Can they catch the devil before his final grand plan is set in motion? How is Franz Bonaparta at the center of everything? What exactly happened at 511 Kinderheim? And why?

One more volume to go, can’t wait!

Book Review: Mockingjay (Hunger Games Trilogy, Book #3) by Suzanne Collins

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Mockingjay (Hunger Games Trilogy, Book #3)   

Author: Suzanne Collins

Publisher: Scholastic Press

American release date:  September 1, 2010

Format/Genre/Length: Hardback/YA SciFi Action/391 pages

Overall Personal Rating: ★★★★★

Reviewer: Julie Lynn Hayes

The Rebellion has begun, but at what price? The destruction of District 12. Katniss was able to escape, along with her mother and sister, and Gale, but not everyone was so lucky. And poor Peeta is still in the hands of the Capitol, being forced to endure who knows what? Katniss insists on returning to her district to see it for herself, and it’s not a pretty sight. She and her family are living in what was thought to be a destroyed district, namely #13. But they’ve simply kept themselves out of sight, planning for the day they can retaliate against District 1, the Capitol. Good thing they have Katniss, the face of the Rebellion, even though President Coin was overheard to say they should have saved the boy first, meaning Peeta. Finnick is there as well but he’s not entirely himself. And so is Haymitch, but can she ever trust him again?

Katniss is overjoyed to see Peeta appear on the screen in a broadcast from the Capitol, but her joy quickly sours as he advocates a ceasefire and calls upon the rebels to surrender. This isn’t the Peeta she knows, what have they done to him? When Katniss accidentally stumbles upon her prep team, being held hostage and tortured, she begins to realize that President Coin and her advisors aren’t necessarily better than President Snow.  Coin wants to use Katniss as the face of the Rebellion again as they storm the Capitol, but she demands a price – freedom for those captives being held in the Capitol and immunity, especially for Peeta. But her bargaining may lead to more trouble than she imagines.

When Katniss is finally reunited with Peeta, she is horrified at the change in him… and what he has become. Would he really harm her? Could she harm him, if it became necessary? What if he begged her to? And what of Gale? How does she feel about him? Seventeen, with the weight of the world on her shoulders, can Katniss do what is expected… no, demanded of her? Or will she finally break?

Katniss’ journey is finally coming to an end, but as I read this final book, I couldn’t tell how it would end for her. So many twists and turns, unexpected happenings. Like being on the edge of your seat, holding your breath, waiting for the ending and hoping, hoping, hoping. When the adults around you are intent upon destruction, where can a girl turn? This was a fitting ending to the series, and contains heartbreak, deceit, friendship, love, and triumph. I was pleased with the ending, and plan to watch the movies next. I hope they do the books justice.

Good series, highly recommend.

Book Review: The Way of the Househusband, Vol 7 by Kousuke Oono

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The Way of the Househusband, Vol 7     

Author: Kousuke Oono

Publisher: Viz Media

American release date: January 18, 2022

Format/Genre/Length: Paperback/Manga/Comedy/168 pages

Overall Personal Rating: ★★★★★

Reviewer: Julie Lynn Hayes

Ms. Torii is trying to keep a low profile as she indulges in a guilty pleasure, but she has the misfortune to run into Tatsu at his part-time gig. He shows her the ropes, and helps her to enjoy the experience.

A typhoon is rolling into the area, and this means war! Tatsu is up to the challenge, determined to defend his turf from the invader, no matter the cost! But when he learns that Masa is out and about at this perilous time, he is determined to save him!

Tatsu, Miku, and Masa go camping. When Masa accidentally knocks over the rice, he approaches the other campers in hopes of finding someone with extra and runs into Tora, who is also camping. When Tatsu finds out, the one-upmanship begins!

Tatsu and Masa are taking collections… for the neighborhood association. But oddly, the people they approach seem to take Tatsu’s requests as some kind of threat. When he approaches one particularly difficult group of men, Tatsu has to make them understand what the money is actually going to be used for.

Miku absolutely loves watching Policure, and Tatsu enjoys it along with her. But she has a favor to ask of him. Her friend has a very ill child in the hospital who also loves Policure, so can Tatsu visit her… but dressed as a character from the show?

Tatsu and two of his associates are called upon for a delicate job involving a man’s beloved daughter named Pinky’s birthday.  Of course they’ll do it, and each plans the perfect gift according to their own talents. Which will the beloved canine prefer?

Tatsu shows Masa how to make malt amazake, a non-alcoholic sake. Tatsu has to keep reminding Masa to have patience or he’ll ruin the product! The next day, Miku is subjected to the amazake everywhere she turns, to her dismay. Is there no limit to the stuff?

Miku’s father invites Tatsu to go with him to a meeting of his haiku club, and is gratified to find Tatsu admires his haiku. When Tatsu tries his hand at some haiku of his own, there seems to be an oddly familiar theme in what he writes. When the club runs into a rival group, a friendly haiku slam is proposed.  Can these two groups discover any common ground?

After meticulously ironing everything, Tatsu overdoes it and  has thrown out his back! Miku discovers him lying face down on the floor. But he refuses to take it easy, and she ends up having to carry him to a doctor… for the second time in their relationship.

I never get tired of these stories. I could read them forever! Each volume is so good! I love everything about them, the art, the stories, the characters. I think they are perfect. My favorite story in this volume was the one with the child in the hospital, made me cry (good cry, not bad). Also, another glimpse into how Tatsu and Miku met. I hope we get to see more of that, cause I am dying to know how the demure Miku met and fell in love with a Yazuka! Look for the bonus stories involving Tora going camping and Gin’s encounter with an otaku.

Can’t wait to read more!

Book Review: Bleach, Vol 51 by Tite Kubo

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Bleach, Vol 51       

Author: Tite Kubo

Publisher: Viz Media

American release date: November 6, 2012

Format/Genre/Length: Paperback/Manga/Supernatural/192 pages

Overall Personal Rating: ★★★★★

Reviewer: Julie Lynn Hayes

 

Riruka sends Ichigo into her doll house in order to train and then takes off, as if she is indifferent to what happens. But we know that’s not true. Ichigo is facing Jackie Tristan. When he doesn’t attack first, she does, as she proceeds to demonstrate what her dirty boots means. It’s not exactly what he expects.

Orihime confides to Chad about her interaction with the strange man who she is positive cut her, and how suddenly she felt as though he was her friend, although how is that possible? Meanwhile that same man, Tsukishima, speculates as to how Ginjo would feel if he were to attack Ichigo directly.

Chad goes to Ginjo to tell him what Orihime said and to question him about Tsukishima’s ability. But Ginjo is cagy and reluctant to speak openly. Even as he tells Chad that it couldn’t have been Tsukishima who stabbed Orihime, the man in question bursts into the room and then inserts himself into the doll house. When the doll house explodes, forcibly ejecting everyone inside, Ichigo finds himself facing Tsukishima, while the others wonder how they are going to explain the damage to the neighbors. Time to move?

Uryu calls Orihime to come to the hospital where he is recuperating. Previously, he rejected her offer to heal him, but he has come to the realization that he should avail himself of her ability, as the situation has changed. Now he detects spirit energy that is Ichigo’s! Is that even possible? Leaving the hospital, Orihime runs into Chad, who tells her about Ichigo’s training, and how he will need her to play a part in it. He brings her to the new headquarters where she is instantly beset upon by Rurika. The jealous Rurika tries to warn Orihime off by telling her that healing Ichigo will lead to greater suffering on his part, but Orihime has an answer for that. Rurika ends up spending time with Orihime while Ichigo trains, and Orihime sees through her tough as nails exterior.

I find it interesting how even in the midst of battle, whether a training battle or a real one, Ichigo finds time to have a discussion with his opponent. This volume is mostly about Ichigo’s Fullbring training, but we are also learning a few things, such  as Tsukishima has an agenda, Orihime isn’t as naïve as she once was, and Rurika isn’t as hard as she appears. It’s also becoming clear that maybe Ichigo can regain his Soul Reaper powers. Huzzah for that, if true! Looking forward to the next volume.

Book Review: Skip Beat! Vol 7 by Yoshiki Nakamura

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Skip Beat! Vol 7   

Author: Yoshiki Nakamura

Publisher: Viz Media

American release date: July 3, 2007

Format/Genre/Length: Paperback/Shojo Manga//200 pages

Overall Personal Rating: ★★★★★

Reviewer: Julie Lynn Hayes

 

It’s not easy to be a substitute manager, a budding actress, and a wannabe high school student all at the same time, but Kyoko never backs down from a challenge! Even when she and Ren are caught in a serious traffic jam, and she is worried that he will be late to work, thus tarnishing his perfect image, she makes sure he gets there on time, even if she has to appropriate someone’s bike to do it!

At school, she finds herself being picked on by one girl in particular, Mimori Nanokura, although Kyoko doesn’t understand why that is. When Kyoko runs across the commercial she and Moko did together, while walking on the street, she is taken by surprise, although she isn’t exactly flattered by some of the comments she overhears from passersby. Even more surprising is the call she receives from Ren. Is he watching her or something? How? He hasn’t had time to give her marks for being his manager, but somehow that doesn’t work out as well as either one planned.

Kyoko’s manager receives a call from someone who was impressed with the Curara commercial and wants to use the two girls – aka Moko and Kyoko –  in a music video – featuring Sho Fuwa? Can it be? Kyoko is furious at first at the idea of being used by Sho, until she begins to see this in another light, namely as an opportunity to use Sho as a stepping stone for her own career. But Moko has already made another commitment to a 2-hour drama, so Kyoko will be on her own, if they will accept her.

At the audition, Sho keeps staring at Kyoko. She realizes she has to make him believe it’s not her, so she begins to act completely not like herself. But then Moko’s role is re-cast – and given to Mimori? Will she reveal who Kyoko really is? How can she get the girl to stay quiet, at least long enough to get through this music video? Or maybe it’s time to let him see who she really is, so he can worry?

This was a fabulous volume, especially the back and forth between Kyoko and Sho. How like a man, to want her now that he sees what he couldn’t see in her before. The music video they are shooting concerns a devil (Sho) and two angels, and Kyoko plays the angel who wants to kill him. How appropriate is that? Also, Ren still seems to be struggling against his feelings for Kyoko, but even his manager can see he cares.  Kyoko continues to grow, both as a person and as an actress. Loved this, looking forward to more!