MANGA REVIEW: Isekai Metaller Vol. 1

ISEKAI METALLER Vol. 1
by Kasuga Ryo
Available October 14

So anyway, there's a lot of isekai out there. It's not like it's anything new. Traveling to other worlds is a staple of fantasy fiction. But it's absolutely become a major trend in light novels, manga, and anime in recent years. A few years ago, a prominent light novel contest even put a ban on reincarnation isekai specifically. (This was only for one years, and it's clearly a ruling that didn't last.

In other words, we're to the point where the genre is saturated and we can mess around. There are a handful of ways this can be done interestingly and specifically: trade revenge plots for "slow life" stories, create a story that examines the tropes and pitfalls of isekai, or just shoot an absolute wildcard into a fantasy world and see what happens. Isekai Metaller is the third of these. And while it's probably not going to convert you to enjoying isekai if you're already burned out on it, it is a very fun twist on the concept.

Enter Alexi, who goes out in the most hardcore way imaginable: getting electrocuted at his band's farewell gig. He wakes up in a fantasy world full of dragons, monsters, and magic. Or, in Alexi's mind, the sort of imagery you'd see on awesome metal album covers. He's also got his trust Flying V with him, meaning he can still shred. And, as it happens, his love of music and his metal skills make him a force to be reckoned with. Accompanied by the usual suspects of fantasy-adventure stories, Alexi sets out to share his love of metal with the inhabitants of a whole other world.

First and foremost: yes, Kasuga Ryo's art absolutely does cash all the checks he writes. The fight scenes look epic, the monsters look sick, and you can definitely believe that Alexi would be geeking out about the creatures he encounters. With so much of the story's payoff resting on the shared aesthetic of high fantasy and heavy metal, the art has to do a lot of heavy lifting. And it really, really does.

The most enchanting thing about Isekai Metaller, though, is Alexi's personal story. Why did he choose this style of music to devote his life to? What does it mean to him? Anyone who knows (or is) a metalhead knows that there's a lot of heart and soul under the screaming, and that heartfelt connection is what he's out to share. The first volume, as is the case with most manga, is mostly setup. But if Isekai Metaller can keep its heart, it could be a very, very fun addition to the growing catalogue of isekai stories.

TEA PAIRING: The Dune-inspired rooibos blend Spice Chai Mélange is both very spicy and very relaxing — a perfect pairing for Alexi's journey. Use my code KARA15 to get 15% of this and other blends from Chapters Tea and Co.!

COMIC REVIEW: The Loose End Vol. 1

THE LOOSE END Vol. 1
by Dave Dwonch and Travis Hymel
Available now 

One thing I learned in my time writing for Sci Fi Magazine is that scriptwriters tend to go very unnoticed. Landing an interview with a writer or a director was always a series of insane checks and balances, usually with an agent or studio rep listening in to make sure you were toeing the line. But ask to interview a writer? Besides some studios not being sure what to do about it, the writers themselves were overjoyed. I've never written for screen myself, but I am a writer in other genres, and I'll always be a proponent of screenwriters getting their flowers.

That's just one of many reasons I fell straight into Volume 1 of The Loose End, which centers on scriptwriter Steven Hollis as he finds himself up to his neck in action. When he racks up an impressive gambling debt, he's made an offer he can't refuse: pay it all off in one fell swoop during an upcoming bachelor weekend. All he has to do is kill a high-powered Hollywood player — retribution for a previous crime.

But the party, made up of names and faces from all across the silver screen, goes even further off the rails. Drug deals, shootouts, and police chases overshadow Steven's allegedly simple job. Never mind his debt... he'll be lucky to make it home alive.

I'm new to The Loose End, but I'm not new to Titan's Hard Case Crime line. This imprint feeds my need for action and mystery, and The Loose End in particular has an irresistible Hollywood flavor. I am, frankly, shocked this wasn't a movie tie-in for how cinematic it feels. It's as immersive and fun as a Saturday afternoon action matinee.

As an extra bonus, the alternate covers depict parodies of other legendary film titles, action and otherwise. As ever, Titan packs its final pages with fantastic bonus art.

This 112-page volume collects issues 1-4.

TEA PAIRING: While The Loose End doesn't exactly fall under the "cozy" heading, the energizing vibes of Radiate Positivity would just about give Steven and the gang the get-up-and-go they need to navigate their circumstances. Use my code KARA15 for 15% off your purchase!

COMIC REVIEW: Conan the Barbarian #25

 

I love me some good old-fashioned sword and sorcery (and its many subgenre offshoots, as Forgotten Lives readers will almost certainly have realized). So it's been great digging through the new run of Conan the Barbarian comics from Titan Comics — and the latest issue, landmark issue #25, is a special treat.

This 48-page edition features a story that's extra special both narratively and artistically. Fans of the Cimmerian will love this new narrative about Conan the King, as he faces down a mysterious Nomad who sets him a daunting task. Look forward to callbacks to numerous legendary stories from the Conan canon. And Jim Zub's story is admirably complemented by Alex Horley's mind-blowing art... all oil-painted, mind you.

In addition to The Nomad, there's an excellent essay by Jeffrey Shanks on Robert E. Howard's original stories: specifically, the fact that he tended to hop around across Conan's timeline, following his own anecdotes and building out the legend piecemeal from there. As much as I love the comics themselves, these thoughtful analyses of the stories that inspire these new adventures are always enlightening. For people like me who want to study the stories they love in addition to exploring them, these are must-have inclusions.

Naturally, there's plenty of extra material: process images, alternate covers, and an interview with Alex Horley about his work on The Nomad.

25 is a landmark number for this series, and Titan isn't doing anything by halves. This story is a worthy anniversary installment, paying tribute to Conan's history with every new panel. If you're new to the saga, it's an eye-popping way to start; if you're a long-time fan, you'll be delighted at just how deep the references go.

Conan the Barbarian #25 goes on sale October 8 from Titan Comics.

September 2025 Book Reviews

Better late than never! As busy season comes to a close and fall tries and fails to start, I'm bringing in six new books for review... hopefully to make up for drier months.

I'm also considering overhauling my blog and reapproaching how I do book reviews - potentially going back to doing them on a book-by-book basis in a separate section and keeping my "main" blog posts more centered on my own writing work. Recent changes in workflow and responsibilities have me rethinking how I want to spend my time and how much of a footprint each part of my reading and writing life should take up. But this is still a thought in progress and may not come into play 'til the new year. Until then, enjoy the latest!

Bookish Candle: The limited Library Nook scent is absolutely perfect for the beginning of the 'ber months: a slightly more understated scent that reminds me of late nights researching at college. Use my link to get 20% off your purchase of this and other book lovers' candles!

Tea Pairing: Poet's Study Earl Grey is an absolute must for rainy autumn nights. I always try to keep a Grey in stock because the bergamot just hits right, especially at this time of year. Check out Chapters' full catalogue of bookish teas, and use my code KARA15 for 15% off your order!

BY INVITATION ONLY
by Alexandra Brown Chang
Available now

Piper Woo Collins is a normal high school girl who happens to have received a major recognition for a recent science project. She's also lost her free ride to Columbia thanks to some high-level debutante drama. But that same drama offers her a solution: the organizers of La Danse des Débutantes want her to replace the recently shamed deb in exchange for a scholarship.

Entering this high class world means playing by a new set of rules. But her surprise roommate for the event, Hollywood heiress Chapin Buckingham, is no stranger to this lifestyle. After a rocky start, the two girls from very different walks of life form a sort of friendship. But someone has their knives out for Piper, and the backlash could mean losing out on the whole reason she's here. As she navigates the world of the elite, she also has to fight back against those who believe she has no place there.

By Invitation Only author Alexandra Brown Chang draws on her own debutante experience to tell this story, which is littered with both admiration for the fashion industry and honest critique of the upper-class world. There's no black-and-white here: some debs are terrible, and others are simply trying to please their parents or chase their own dreams. Some parts of the fashion industry are ethically shady, but others are their own sort of art. While much of this book is a by-the-numbers YA dual-perspective narrative, the "inside baseball" nature of the story makes it surprisingly appealing.

HURRICANE HEIST
by James Ponti
Available now

Alex Sherlock and his friends may only be in middle school, but they're already solving impossible cold cases. As a hurricane bears down on Florida, the gale-force winds unearth the truth behind a massive heist long believed to be solved. As the new school year begins, Alex reconvenes the Sherlock Society (currently himself, his grandfather, his sister, and their two friends) to set things right.

60 years ago, just before another hurricane, millions in very real gems vanished from a movie set. The police were sure they knew who the culprit was, but new evidence could clear the name of a long-dead innocent man. By asking the right questions and digging into decades of research, the Society makes a shocking discovery about the real culprit, and how they pulled off a Hollywood-style heist.

I've reviewed selections from Ponti's City Spies series in the past, and what always impressed me most is that these stories were a great middle-reader gateway to spy fiction: approachable and educational, but never patronizing. The Sherlock Society, so far, is much the same for detective fiction. The kids' lessons in mystery-solving both offer actionable advice for young readers and shed light on how to engage with detective stories as a genre. And that's all while spinning a tale that will keep even astute older readers guessing. These are great stories for mystery-loving parents to share with their kids.

PRESS 1 FOR INVASION
by J.A. Dauber
Available now

All Matt wants is his own phone. Well, and for his crush Marcela to notice him. But the former is easily solved when he finds a stray phone just lying unattended in the sidewalk. Bonus, right? So it would seem. But Matt soon realizes that the phone's special functions aren't made for humans.

Thanks to the phone's special technology and Matt's heterochromia, he discovers that aliens are both real and working at his school — one as a crossing guard, one as a lunch lady. And they think humans are delicious. Fortunately, the lunch lady seems to have developed a soft spot for humans and wants to send her tentacled cohorts packing. With Matt and Marcela's help, they may just be able to convince the aliens that humans taste terrible. But what will he have to sacrifice to save the rest of humanity from alien consumption?

Press 1 for Invasion has the vibe of a 90s Nickelodeon series about it, and that's a compliment. Matt's narration fluctuates between the very real threat of alien invasion, his complicated feelings for Marcela, and a collapsing friendship built solely on proximity to comic books. It's a very playful book that will be an easy read for youngsters, but it's also a solid alien invasion narrative. At its core, it's a story about discovering what matters. Just as Matt may have to risk his own life to save the whole world, he may have to swallow his pride to preserve more down-to-earth friendships. Definitely a fun read.

IF LOOKS COULD KILL
by Julie Berry
Available now

The year is 1888, and Tabitha is trying to find purpose in the Salvation Army. Between a burgeoning crush on Irish bartender Mike and a growing jealousy of her staunch roommate Pearl, she's having a bit of trouble finding her way. Her attempts to rescue a young woman recently brought into a local brothel aren't even her biggest problems. Soon, she'll be mere blocks away from the infamous Jack the Ripper and a snake-haired, vengeful goddess of legend.

"Jack," in his quest for eternal life and youth, has killed his way across London, finding himself face-to-face with Medusa-like women in recent weeks. What he doesn't know is that it's his actions — and the actions of men like him — that awake these fearsome powers in the women of the world. As the godly Pearl reckons with her new fate, Tabitha tries to find a new meaning for salvation... both for the people of New York and for herself.

There are times when If Looks Could Kill feels like it's about to veer into the "yes all men" gender essentialism of a decade or so ago. But the book is thankfully far more nuanced than that. Through one storyline, it delivers a powerful metaphor for the trauma of assault; through another, it examines the role of faith through a surprisingly empathetic lens, welcoming a view of a God who takes joy in every being He creates, no matter how fellow humans may judge them. This, combined with a mix of careful research and deep characterization, creates a surprisingly uplifting story couched in ancient mythology and real-world tragedy. The book is dedicated to the Ripper's victims, and takes care not to sensationalize these crimes. (Well, except for weaving vengeful Medusas into the story.)

INTO THE FIRE
by Ann Brashares and Ben Brashares
Available now

What if Germany had won World War II? The question has inspired a variety of fiction, with Ann Brashares's Westfallen series for middle grade readers marking the most recent. In the second installment, Into the Fire, two groups of children separated by nearly eight decades work together to set history right after the events of the first book.

In 2023, America — now the Nazi-controlled Westfallen — is preparing to celebrate the anniversary of the event that changed the outcome of the Glorious War. Henry, Frances, and Lukas find themselves living in an altered version of the world they know after playing with a time-bending radio. Unfortunately, the history of the event that changed the timeline is heavily censored, and the people who were there refused to talk. In 1944, Alice, Artie, and Lawrence communicate with their future friends in hopes of heading off whatever is about to come to pass. But talk of lions and angels and giant whales doesn't make things any easier. With spies in transit, lives on the line, and the future at stake, the friends attempt to navigate their new reality to set things right.

Into the Fire blends historical fact with heavy fiction, presenting both lesser-known details of the fight against the Axis powers and a "what if" that will help middle-grade readers better understand what was at stake during World War II. Reading the first Westfallen book is highly recommended in order to wrap your mind around the time-travel antics, and there's clearly more to come given the cliffhanger finale. But it's a solid story for young readers, and one that will help contextualize events of decades ago.

MURDER IN TRAFALGAR SQUARE
by Michelle Salter
Available September 25

The year is 1910, and Mrs. Cora Fairbanks is not your typical London suffragette. Though dedicated to the cause, she has a past as both an actress and a nude model. She's also a widow, keeping her wedding ring with her as a memory of her beloved Ernest. But after the infamous demonstration that came to be known as Black Friday, that little piece of jewelry could implicate her in arson—and the murder of a fellow suffragette.

A prankish demonstration in the National Portrait Gallery turns deadly, with one of Cora's suffragette sisters as the victim. Guy Flynn, an artist turned detective, is on the case. And while he and Cora get on person-to-person, he knows she may be closer to the goings-on of Black Friday than she claims. Her desire to bring her friend's murderer to justice could mean landing herself and her compatriots behind bars again. But then, another body turns up.

Murder in Trafalgar Square is the first in a new line of "Fairbanks and Flynn Mysteries," and it's an interesting read for history buffs. The gentle will-they-won't-they of the leads is delightful, as they toe the line between friendship, romance, and cat-and-mouse. If there is one disappointment, and it's a small one, it's that we've been introduced to a broad cast of characters and haven't had much chance to get to know them well. But the core cast—Cora, Flynn, Cora's roommate Lavender, and Flynn's police officer partner—are well developed and can definitely carry further stories. Couched in a turbulent time, and drawing lines between two groups very much at odds, further Fairbanks and Flynn mysteries could be extremely promising.

BOOK TOUR: Sanda Vol. 1

 

One of my favorite things to do in my role as an anime journalist is get ahead on upcoming adaptations. This has led to reading a ton of manga and light novels. Fortunately, the occasion to do this fell in my lap courtesy of Titan Comics. Science SARU's anime adaptation of Sanda kicks off next month, and the original manga is now also available in English.

How do I sell this to you quickly? Well, consider: a manga by the author of BEASTARS (who is also the daughter of the author of Baki), about a future where youth is a commodity and Christmas no longer exists, starring a descendant of Santa Claus who turns into a very ripped Santa whenever he wears red.

And even then, I'm not doing nearly a good enough job describing it. Imagine The Santa Clause as a shonen fighting manga, and you're maybe approaching an accurate description. Maybe.

Kazushige Sanda is our hero: a middle-school student who is indeed descended from the jolly old elf himself. Through an unhinged ritual instigated by classmate Shiori Fuyumura, he becomes the embodiment of Santa in an era when all things Christmas pretty much don't exist. The reason? Shiori is a child who needs a wish granted — finding her missing-presumed-dead best friend. And Santa grants the wishes of children, right? Right.

But Shiori isn't the only kid whose wish needs granting, and Sanda finds himself developing a new relationship with his classmates: benevolent caretaker. Sure, he's technically a teenager, but the Santa-brain starts to take over as he regards the shining youth of his post-apocalyptic world as his precious younger charges. It's a spin on the transformative aspect of the manga that I wasn't expecting, but it's actually kind of adorable.

The final pages of the manga hint at a bigger conspiracy, though. In this society that values youth above all else, there are people who have their knives out for Santa upon his return. Fortunately, this version of St. Nick has supernatural powers. What kind? You wouldn't believe me if I told you.

Oh, fine. He's got sleigh feet. At least in the first volume. Something tells me we'll be seeing more strange abilities manifest as the series continues.

From this first volume alone, the pairing of Itagaki's story with Science SARU (the people behind DAN DA DAN and Keep Your Hands Off Eizouken!) is an absolute no-brainer. I can't wait to see this manga brought to life onscreen. But I also can't wait to read more of it in print.

SANDA Vol. 1 is now available from Titan Comics.

I just went back to my first convention in years.

My goal going forward, now that I'm gainfully employed and healthy enough to travel, is to make a trip to the UK once a year. Like a proper trip where I take time off work, relax, see friends, shop, go to a show, you know. This year I got absolutely wild because apparently I'm doing two, and one (which has happened) lasted five days total including travel and consisted almost entirely of going to a single-day event in Derby.

I've intended for a while now to go back to conventions, but something always stopped me. I did ODUcon for a few days - a local college con - but even that made me kind of shaky. While I've spent something like half my life doing cons of all stripes and having a great time, something sufficiently unpleasant can knock it straight out of you. But I realized that, given the trajectory I'm on with my writing, I should probably get back used to them again or I'm going to have a difficult time networking and selling and getting myself out there.

Hence, Whooverville: located in Derby and in its 16th year this year. It's a single-day event, it's so far from home that it would be extremely difficult to back out if I got cold feet, and I would finally get to meet several people I've worked with for years but have never actually been in a room with.

Did I have a good time? Yes. Did I get what I wanted out of it? Yes. Will I ever do a five-day round trip with no fixed address like this again? Probably not unless someone else is footing the bill. But I'm still glad I did.

Thursday

Headed out of Norfolk International (kind of a misnomer) and had a stopover in JFK. This was my first time getting to try out the airport lounges, since I'm making it a point to fly business where I can. Gotta rack up those miles for the holiday trip (and also there's no other way I can sleep). They are pretty nice. If nothing else, for a working holiday like this, it felt good to have a place I could sit comfortably, plug in my laptop, have tea, and get things done.

At this point, I kind of have a plan for British Airways flights: have some drinks and watch Traitors UK 'til I pass out. That worked again as usual here. Food on the flight was fine - but honestly, because I was a little anxious about the trip as a whole, I didn't eat much.

Friday

Normally this would be the stage of the trip where I catch a train to my friends' place, unload my luggage, and rest for a bit before going out into London. But that is not how this trip worked, so I was straight out into the city with all my goods in hand. Stopped at a Costa for some tea and reading time before navigating my train to Derby. Did stop to say hello to Paddington on the way in from Heathrow, though. As you do.

I was told to keep an eye out for the "Mr. Booze" (styled a la Tesco) across from Derby Station, and yes I did indeed see it. But mainly it was a matter of getting to my hotel, having a shower, and meeting up with people. Most were still piling in, but I touched base with Stephen Hatcher (one of the Whooverville runners), Jenny Shirt (a very lovely and very active fan of all things Who), and John Isles (an old friend from Westlake).

Later that evening was a show from We Sound Familiar paired with a quiz. Excellent stuff, and not just because John and I placed in the quiz. I'd never heard WSF's stuff before. If you're ever at an event where they're performing, keep an ear out. They're excellent. (Also one of them is currently the War Doctor for Big Finish.)

Derby QUAD, where Whooverville is held, is a really nice venue. Multiple-floor event space with meeting rooms, two cinemas, and a cafe downstairs. 757 types, imagine the Naro, but more so. Would love to have something of that scope in our area.

Saturday

The day. Was I nervous? Sure. But it helped a bit to have friends there. I had one panel with Obverse Books. Sitting alongside Stuart Douglas, Paul Magrs, and Nick Wallace (lovely fellows, all of them) felt a bit... wrong? Like they belong up there talking but I don't. I've been at this for something like ten years, but I still feel like a bit of an intruder in this space. But it was nice to see and hear from fans, as well as finally meeting fellow Obverse writers Jay, Selina, and Jon. (Even if Jon was here and gone swiftly.)

Additionally, finally got to tease a Faction Paradox story I have coming out eventually. If you were there, you know.

There was a vendor's room with lots of merch and books, and it was great to see Obverse, Cutaway, and others (including Fio Tretheway and Georgia Cook) getting lots of positive attention from the fans.  It can be hard to tell at this distance what kind of readership the more fringe stories get, but seeing writers and publishers do well in the venue felt really nice.

I took things easy for the rest of the day, dropping in on panels and catching up with friends. Of course, I had to see Jo Martin's panel at the end of the day. She seemed really lovely, very friendly and warm to the fans, and I'm pleased she's getting a chance to do more in the Who space.

While this was definitely different from a US con, there was plenty that was the same. TARDIS photo booths, people in costume, and the opportunity to socialize beyond the event space were all very welcome. It was the perfect way to ease myself back into that kind of space. And we had some great curry afterward.

Sunday

Breakfast with Scott Liddell and Stuart before we all hit the road, and then it was a day of travel for me. Though I did dip through Covent Garden to pick up some tea to bring home.

In hindsight, a little more time in Derby would have been nice. I only really saw the Cathedral Quarter, but it was genuinely lovely there. I was also told there are a lot of recent Doctor Who filming locations not too far away in Sheffield, so I may have to double back and check those out at a later date.

But frankly, watching YouTube videos and eating an egg sandwich at the airport hotel was about my speed at this point. (It was an okay egg sandwich.

Monday

An early start made easy by the Hotel Hoppa. The trip back was on American Airlines, which meant no Traitors UK for me. But I did have some good chicken for lunch and watch the first three episodes of Severance, so I finally understand what everyone's on about.

A very long layover in Philly, during which I got some more work done, and then home to Virginia.

In an ideal world where this trip wasn't at the end of busy season, I would have spaced things out and done more. Oxventure were doing some live shows at World's Lair in London, which I missed by a matter of a few hours. But, like I said, the trip served its purpose. I did a convention again. I saw people I like. And I'm pretty sure I'm back at it convention-wise.

So, what's next? I'm planning that out. I do feel revitalized when it comes to writing, which I've been doing in the background but which I've always felt a little imposter-y about. Talking with fellow writers over the weekend helped that a little bit, though I'm not fool enough to think that feeling will ever go fully away. And I did hear from readers who want to know more about what's going on, so I'm going to do my best to be better about actually talking about things as they happen.

If you're local to Derby, you really ought to do Whooverville. If you're as far away as I am... well, that's really your call.