MANGA REVIEW: When I Was Reincarnated, I Was the Heroine and He Was the Hero Vol. 1

WHEN I WAS REINCARNATED, I WAS THE HEROINE AND HE WAS THE HERO Vol. 1
by Mizunomoto
Available September 29

It's always interesting to see when a new (or newly-popular) genre moves into the realm of parody and deconstruction. Isekai stories are as old as the hills, and even in anime they've been around since the 1980s, but the current boom is nothing to be sneezed at. We've already had parodies and "anti-isekai" (No Longer Allowed in Another World being a personal favorite example of the latter). Now comes When I Was Reincarnated, I Was the Heroine and He Was the Hero — which is actually pretty darn cute.

The series follows two high school boys, Azumi and Taiga, who appear to go through the typical motions of a reincarnation isekai: they're hit by a truck and awaken in new bodies in a video game-adjacent world. And they have roles to play. Taciturn Taiga is the Hero, and Azumi is... oh, he's the cute heroine. More pressingly, though, the two need to defeat the Demon Lord, as doing so might well allow them to return home. But getting to his lair will require a lot of gold, so it's time to quest and build up their reputation.

The novelty of a female body wears out quickly for Azumi, meaning now she's more acutely aware of the chemistry between herself and her childhood friend. Taiga is taking the whole thing in stride, seemingly even welcoming the changing relationship between the two. So why is Azumi suddenly feeling nervous around her old friend?

This manga has every opportunity to be fanservicey... and yeah, sometimes it absolutely is. But it's a surprisingly sweet story that has a lot of potential. The isekai tropes are there, but more time is given to the central relationship and how it evolves when the dynamic is altered. It doesn't have that same heavy, crunchy feeling that so many magic-system-centric isekai do. It feels lighter somehow, and that's a welcome feeling. Now we just cross our fingers that it sticks the landing as it continues.

DRINK PAIRING: Elixir of Hydration
The magical pink vibe of this one very much suits the transformed Azumi! This elixir from Velvet Hammer has electrolytes for hydration and is designed for daily use. It's got a sweet pink lemonade flavor and blends well with cocktails, mocktails, or other Velvet Hammer mixes. Check out more of Velvet Hammer's book-inspired elixirs!

MANGA REVIEW: The Assassin Laughs at Twilight, Vol. 1

THE ASSASSIN LAUGHS AT TWILIGHT Vol. 1
by MeguriKukuru, illustrated by Paneguma
Available September 15

Chisato trained to be a doctor so he could wake his beloved sister Kayo from her thirteen-year-long coma. But tragedy strikes on the day of the surgery, killing both siblings before the operation can take place. But it's not the end for Chisato. He finds himself reborn in the fantasy world of Aberrant. And like all isekai heroes, he's got an impressive new power... unfortunately for him, he's been reborn as a master assassin!

Accompanied by the soft-spoken Mil, Chisato seeks out jobs that blend his passion with his talent: autopsies and, if necessary, revenge. His new role sees him coming in contact with goblins, ghouls, angels, and much more. His prices are steep, but his results speak for themselves. And maybe, despite his change in fortune, he can do something to help others on his new career path.

I'm unfamiliar with the original light novel of The Assassin Laughs at Twilight, but that doesn't spoil one's enjoyment of the manga. It's a nice change from the typical isekai fantasy tropes. Yes, there's a superpowered reincarnation, but this series is (at least for now) free of so many of the now-bland building blocks that make this fantasy subgenre so samey. The chapters in this volume are about half setup, half mystery, and the mystery chapters are engaging. Notably, these are the types of mysteries you can play along with, with hints scattered throughout that an astute reader could pick up on.

While this is a darker title, that doesn't necessarily mean it's grim. Our protagonist has a lot of heart, even if his methods are unusual. This is one I absolutely recommend to readers who are burnt out on traditional isekai, or readers looking for that often-overlooked fantasy/mystery blend.

DRINK PAIRING: Elixir of Serenity
For a story set in a world where potions have effectively replaced physicians, a selection from Velvet Hammer felt appropriate! This is their evening blend, with ingredients designed to help you relax and get a good night's sleep. I love mixing this sparkly cherry-flavored powder with a decaf tea as I do some late-night writing!

MANGA REVIEW: Eko Eko Azarak Reborn Vol. 1

EKO EKO AZARAK REBORN Vol. 1
by Yamada Jta
Available now

Back in the late 1970s, Shinichi Koga drew the dark horror manga Eko Eko Azarak, starring the lovely dark witch Misa Kuroi. Short of a live-action drama on Amazon Prime, it's pretty hard to get your hands on any version of this classic story these days. Or it was. A new manga starring Misa, titled Eko Eko Azarak Reborn, is casting its spell on readers in a new Titan Manga release.

Fortunately, especially given the difficulty of obtaining any of the original media, you don't have to know a thing about the original to enjoy this new manga. The series takes place in a version of our world haunted by demons and witches. And Misa Kuroi, a mysterious beauty in an old-fashioned school uniform, is one of those witches. This inaugural volume follows Misa through a series of mostly-unconnected adventures, usually involving a human who's gotten a little too cozy with a demonic artifact. While Misa isn't above throwing a bit of black magic around, the innocent (i.e., fellow students) tend to come out of these encounters safe, if not better than they were. Punishments are karmic and grotesque, and on more than one occasion we witness Misa doling out some serious justice. Or simply allowing justice to dole itself out.

Eko Eko Azarak Reborn is both beautiful and grotesque, with echoes of the era of horror manga that inspired it. The blend of shoujo-adjacent art and gory visuals will resonate with fans of Junji Ito's Tomie and Remina especially. This will make a gorgeous addition to any manga lover's library.

TEA PAIRING: Poet's Study
My favorite moody Earl Grey, inspired by dark poetry, is a perfect fit for this beautiful horror manga. Use my code KARA15 for 15% off this and other book-inspired teas from Chapters Tea & Co.!

MANGA REVIEW: Billy Bat Vol. 1

 

BILLY BAT Vol. 1
by Naoki Urasawa with Takashi Nagasaki
Available June 2

Kevin Yamagata is a Japanese American cartoonist living in LA in 1949. He's doing numbers with Billy Bat, his animal-themed detective series. But a stray comment makes him realize he may have inadvertently plagiarized his famous character, so he's off to Japan to find Billy Bat's real creator.

What he discovers is far more than a simple case of accidental theft. Amidst the rise of McCarthyism and unrest between Japan and the U.S., Kevin does indeed find the face of Billy Bat: in another artist's manga, scrawled on a pillar, and in an ancient Japanese text. Before long, bodies start piling up, and Kevin finds himself in possession of what appears to be a prophetic manga featuring a character very similar to his own Billy Bat. And as this first volume comes to a close, we get the sense that this strange cartoon creature is much bigger and more important than a character on a page.

Urasawa and Nagasaki's works together are always incredible, and Billy Bat is clearly something special even as early as its first volume. The first two chapters are Yamagata's actual comic book, printed in beautiful full color in the book and really settling the reader into the vibe. The art is wonderfully dissonant, slipping easily between stylized mid-century cartoons and a more settled, faded realism. Projects like these can so easily miss the mark or slide into self-parody, but Billy Bat retains its dark overtones even when the cartoon characters take the page.

While I haven't had the pleasure of reading all 20 volumes in their entirety, I'm excited to do so. This volume alone will sell you on it.

TEA PAIRING: Magical Library Butterbrew
For a story about fiction that's more than it seems, only one blend will do. This is a gorgeous butterscotch black tea that I especially love during cooler months, but it's great at any time of year. Use my code KARA15 for 15% off this and other teas from Chapters Tea & Co.!

FEATURED CANDLE: Space Rock
Maybe it's the scents of driftwood and astral air, hinting at something ancient and unknowable. Or maybe it's a massive spoiler at the end of the final chapter of Volume 1. Either way, this previously-featured candle from Frostbeard makes a perfect pairing. Use my referral code for 20% off more book-inspired candles from Frostbeard!

MANGA REVIEW: YAN Vol. 3

 

YAN Vol. 3
by Chang Sheng
Available May 12

YAN has consistently been on top of my must-read list, ever since discovering it via its first volume. Volume 3 also marks the finale of Chang Sheng's action-packed series, and somehow it manages to tie up all the bizarre, multifaceted threads the story has spun so far.

What started as an unconventional superhero story bends into a time-warping narrative, and soon the many strange powers wielded by our heroes start to make a terrifying sort of sense. The story of Tien-Hua also finally comes to fruition, with her seemingly impossible past brought to light. Ancestral spirits, precognition, and an artificial intelligence that threatens to destroy the world as we know it are all in play. But even amidst the high-octane action, YAN never loses its heart or its beauty.

While the story is truly inventive, the soul of YAN has been its rooting in the world of Peking Opera. This isn't just a stylistic choice, either — although the artwork is all the more eyecatching for it. There's a deep love of art and tradition threaded through these pages.

Trying to explain YAN at all, much less in its final chapters, is a daunting task. Every panel is beautiful, and it feels more like watching an action blockbuster than reading something on the page. Do yourself a favor: start at the first volume and enjoy the ride.

TEA PAIRING: The Dragon's Flame
This sweet and spicy cinnamon tea matches the intensity of YAN, especially in its epic third act. Use my code KARA15 for 15% off this and other teas from Chapters Tea & Co.!

MANGA REVIEW: Voices in the Sea Foam

VOICES IN THE SEA FOAM
by Kotaro
Available May 5

I've seen and read a good number of anime and manga inspired by "The Little Mermaid," and a new anime of that same DNA (Kinema Citrus's Goodbye Lara) is just around the corner. It's an understandable choice: the original story is ultimately a tragic one, lending itself to a variety of interpretations. Though this particular take is a completely new one to me.

Voices in the Sea Foam is a stand-alone six chapter story, plus a bonus chapter outside the scope of the main story, imagining a scenario in which Hans Christian Andersen's tragic heroine didn't actually die forever. Rather than joining the "daughters of the air" to commence 300 years of good deeds and earn herself an immortal soul, the little mermaid is reincarnated as a modern-day Japanese schoolboy named Aito. When he falls in love at first sight with a boy at his grade school, his past-life memories come flooding back: losing her voice, being unable to walk without stabbing pain, and eventually dying. Thus, he chooses to simply never fall in love, evading a new iteration of his curse. It all goes well until he meets college classmate Toru, and suddenly he finds himself unable to walk or speak in his new crush's presence. Unfortunately (or fortunately?), Toru is very interested in Aito after seeing a video of him singing, and the two get closer while working on a student film soundtrack. Now Aito has to decide whether to push Toru away as well, or find a way to break his life-spanning curse.

The magic of this tragic love story is in its final chapter, when the true nature of Aito's "curse" is revealed. Voices in the Sea Foam had the potential to be middle-of-the-road, but the interpretation of Aito's feelings, and the truth behind the spectral sea witch that haunts him in his new life, make for a beautiful ending. Considering the allegorical nature of Andersen's original fairy tale, this is a surprisingly apropos reimagining — whether you view it as a true reincarnation romance or as a metaphor.

TEA PAIRING: Secrets in the Garden
Especially with the manga's recurring beach setting and motif, this summery watermelon lime green tea is a perfect match. Use my code KARA15 for 15% off this and more teas from Chapters Tea & Co.!

MANGA REVIEW: Kirio Fan Club Vol. 1

KIRIO FAN CLUB Vol. 1
by Chikyu no Osakana Ponchan
Available April 28

By all appearances, classmates Aimi and Nami have only one thing in common: an undying, almost feral love for Ken Kirio. Despite barely having spoken to him, the two girls spend their days obsessing over the aloof high schooler in ways that only high school girls can. But not all is as it seems in this parasocial rom-com.

At first glance, this is just a weird story about two girls fighting over an unrequited crush. Would it be a privilege to be close enough to hear his farts? Does loving someone mean loving every organ in their body? If you make the object of your affection have a nightmare about you, does that count as seeing them in their dreams? It's the sort of impossibly cringe musings that only hit a person in that particular part of their lives. And within the first volume of Kirio Fan Club, that's just about as far as anything goes.

I say "just about" because there is something else lurking under the surface, and it doesn't take a course in media literacy to spot it. It's true that Aimi has a crush on Kirio. It is also true that Nami has a crush in which she is very invested, and which she has yet to follow up on. But by the end of this first volume, it becomes extremely clear that the two rivals in love aren't telling everyone everything.

Give Kirio Fan Club a chance. If the bizarre humor doesn't hook you, the stealth drama will. And even if you're watching this season's anime adaptation on HIDIVE, it's absolutely worth it to give the original manga a read. While all the bits and pieces are there, the pacing and order of events are slightly different. The original manga and the anime adaptation makes great companion pieces.

TEA PAIRING: The Dragon's Flame
Strong, spicy, and surprisingly sweet, this new cinnamon blend inspired by fairy tales is a perfect match for this manga's mix of comedy and drama. Use my code KARA15 for 15% off this and more book-inspired teas from Chapters Tea & Co.!

MANGA REVIEW: Grendizer U: The Inception Vol. 1

 

GRENDIZER U: THE INCEPTION Vol. 1
by Tatsuo Higuchi, art by 8 KEY
Available April 28

It's been an absolute delight to see the works of Go Nagai getting expanded upon over the years. While titles like Cutie Honey, Getter Robo, and Devilman have had some degree of notoriety across North America, the popularity of Grendizer (or Goldorak depending on where you're from) has largely been abroad. Even as a Go Nagai fan myself (and one who's worked on localizations on multiple titles from the creator), this is the series that's gotten the least exposure here. So it's great to see Grendizer U: The Inception getting an English-language release.

This manga serves as a prequel to 2024's Grendizer U, an anime remake of Nagai's 1975 manga and anime UFO Robo Grendizer. Like Great Mazinger before it, this part of the Mazinger Saga, meaning you can expect to see Koji Kabuto and other familiar faces pop up. But you can easily pick up this manga with no foreknowledge... in fact, that's what it's made for.

The story of Grendizer U: The Inception starts well before our hero Duke Fleed arrives on Earth, focusing on the rivalry between himself and Gau Su Uls. Just as Duke, the prince of the planet Fleed, prepares to inherit the right to pilot the guardian deity Grendizer, he must face down someone he once considered a friend and learn more about how his home planet is truly ruled. It isn't long before we jump to more familiar territory: the amnesiac "Daisuke," now living on Earth with Koji and Sayaka of Mazinger Z fame. As the first volume comes to an end, Daisuke comes face to face with one of Earth's greatest mecha.

KEY 8's art for this retelling is slick, preserving the basics of Go Nagai's character design while bringing something new to the table. Tatsuo Higuchi's expansion on his own screenplay for the new series also gives old-school anime fans something we don't often get: solid new perspective on a classic. As fresh and new as it is, this story feels right in the universe of the Mazinger Saga. And until such time as Grendizer U gets a legal release in the States, this manga makes a great stopgap. It's a must-have for any classic mecha fan's shelf.

TEA PAIRING: Secrets in the Garden
A watermelon-lime green tea that's new for spring, this tea brings to mind the greenery of the academy back on Fleed and the laid-back warmth of the ranch Daisuke now calls home. Use my code KARA15 for 15% off this and other book-inspired teas from Chapters Tea & Co.!

MANGA REVIEW: Chi's Sweet France

CHI'S SWEET FRANCE
by Konami Kanata, illustrated by Catherine Bouvier
Available now

Chi's Sweet Home and its various continuations is one of my absolutely favorite comfort series. It's slice-of-life manga at its most straightforward: a cute kitten doing cute things, living her best life wherever he finds himself. And in her latest adventure, that's in France!

This short stand-alone is written by series creator Konami Kanata and illustrated by Catherine Bouvier. Originally released in both Japan and France, it's as simple and cute as its predecessors. Chi's family moves to Paris, which is at first fascinating for the little kitten. But a big city doesn't allow her to wander freely as she's used to. Fortunately, her family quickly chooses to move to the suburbs, giving her all the freedom a little kitten could hope for. It's low-stakes, high-cuteness, and (as the title suggests) very sweet.

Clocking in at a breezy 54 pages, this is a great casual read for cat fans of any age. As with any other story in the series, you don't have to know a thing to get immersed. But if this is your first encounter with Chi and her family, you're highly likely to get hooked.

TEA PAIRING: March Home in Bloom
Inspired by Little Women, this vanilla and floral white tea has the perfect light and cozy vibes for any Chi story (but especially this one)! Use my code KARA15 for 15% off this and more book-inspired teas from Chapters Tea & Co.!

MANGA REVIEW: Gizmo Riser Vol. 1

GIZMO RISER Vol. 1
by Roku Souna
Available now

The only world Claw has ever known is underground. He works every day to dig up new stone, and because of the chill, he can't even go outside to look up at the stars at night. His uncle tells him stories of a far-off place and a flame that will allow the lucky person who reaches it to fly. While Claw dreams of rising (literally) above his lot in life, the execution of his uncle leaves him with no other choice. Fortunately, he has his father's Gizmo — a high-tech pair of mechanical gloves — to help him do it.

In the first volume of Gizmo Riser, we get a look at a world built on inequality. Claw and his fellow slaves have no hope of escaping their lot in life as the wealthy of their world live high above them. But it turns out our hero isn't the only one who possesses Gizmos, and Claw will make both friends and enemies as he rises (and in some cases, you're never quite sure which is which)!

Equal parts Gurren Lagann and Gachiakuta, Gizmo Riser is a great read for fans of post-apocalyptic sci-fi. More than anything, what shines out is hope. So much literature of this genre (manga and otherwise) come to a full stop after describing the hopeless future. What makes series like these great is their willingness to imagine something more: people fighting on and helping each other, even if escape seems all but impossible. I look forward to seeing that hopefulness continue through later volumes.

TEA PAIRING: Sunrise Breakfast

Like Claw climbing his way out of the lowest levels of Urunaria, this English breakfast is both strong and bright. Use my referral code for 15% off this and other teas from Chapters Tea & Co.!

MANGA REVIEW: Honey Bee & Lemon Balm Vol. 1

HONEY BEE & LEMON BALM Vol. 1
by Jil Hashikura
Available April 7

At 22, Kaoru feels his life is already over. He's a former yakuza with nothing to his name. Fortunately, he's taken in by Yu, a beautiful florist who offers him a job and a place to stay. Kaoru is head over heels for Yu immediately — and even when he finds out that "Yu" is short for "Yuichiro" and his savior is a man, those feelings don't change.

What follows is a series of windows into the lives of Kaoru and Yuichiro as they live and work together. Kaoru meets Yuichiro's odd but caring siblings, grows closer to his new friend and employer, and quickly learns that he's not the only one with his eyes on Yuichiro. As the first volume ends, he finds himself caught between maintaining the status quo and telling all.

Honey Bee & Lemon Balm is a brief 12 chapters, with this first volume covering the first six. Besides the central will-they/won't-they of the main couple, Hashikura builds out a growing world of multiple interesting and memorable cast members. Yuichiro's siblings in particular are a fantastic addition and make the world feel lived in. While I'm not an expert on BL titles, many recent shorter series tend to have very interchangeable secondary characters who are there solely to be sounding boards or sources of jealousy. That's not the case here; even the "other man" has a backstory, as brief as it may be so far. And the lovely cover art is a very accurate indicator of the artwork inside.

If you're not a BL enjoyer, this isn't going to be the magic bullet that changes your mind. But it's a romance that isn't heavily trope-reliant and that centers the characters' development with their feelings woven through it. Allowing the central romance to live in an interesting world is what makes this story work.

TEA PAIRING: Sunrise Breakfast
A bold English breakfast blended with marigold petals, this versatile blend matches the blend that is Kaoru's strength and Yuichiro's kindness. Use my code KARA15 for 15% off this and other teas from Chapters Tea & Co.!

MANGA REVIEW: Fruit of the Underworld Vol. 1

FRUIT OF THE UNDERWORLD Vol. 1
by Aya Kanno
Available March 31

For the last ten years, Seiji has endured one life-threatening accident after another. That could be because of the pomegranate he brought home from the underworld and has kept in a can ever since. In an effort to put an end to death's vendetta against him, he eats the fruit. But that only makes things worse.

Like so many mythical figures before him, the teenager now finds himself traversing the underworld to find the best friend he swore to protect. And as he does, he'll discover the skewed power struggle between Heaven, Hell, and the space between when souls are judged. Fortunately, the fruit he ate gives him a powerful (and kind of gross) ability. But the longer he stays in the underworld, the more of himself he risks losing.

Fruit of the Underworld is a generally fun read and, for better or for worse, it follows the example of a lot of shonen-geared manga before it. The art is great, Seiji as a character is interesting, and fans of mythology from all over the world will enjoy certain name checks. Unless you have a very specific interest in these topics, or in action manga in general, it's not one to move to the top of your reading list immediately. It's fun enough, but future installments will tell whether this title makes good on its promising start.

TEA PAIRING: Porch Stories
For lack of a literal pomegranate tea, this peach and apricot one does the trick. It's a bold, fruit-flavored black tea originally made for summer, and works well both hot and iced. Use my code KARA15 for 15% off this and other teas from Chapters Tea & Co.!

MANGA REVIEW: Statues: Junji Ito Story Collection

STATUES
by Junji Ito
Available now

There was a time when your only hope of reading the complete works of Junji Ito was surfing around Tumblr or other blogs and hoping you hadn't outpaced every scanlation group. Fortunately, the horror manga master is finally getting some well-deserved attention in the US, and Viz continues to release print editions of his short horror collections. The latest is Statues, containing a mix of stories ranging from psychologically haunting to outright gory.

This collection contains ten stand-alone short manga, including (of course) "Statues." While none of these is as famous as the "Tomie" stories or as infamous as "The Enigma of Amigara Fault," it's a good showing of strong pieces.

While "Statues" is the title story, it's not the stand-out piece in terms of quality. It's still good, but some lesser-known ones are even better. Ranking in the top three for this reviewer:

The Circus Has Come to Town: One of Ito's more oddball stories, about a deadly circus that lures locals into becoming its performers for the chance to win the hand of one of its lovely acrobats. This one focuses less on body horror (though the cast is dropping like flies) and more on the human nature—in this case, the lengths some men will go to for a beautiful girl, and how one entity chooses to exploit that.

Scarecrow: A lo-fi predecessor to more Black Mirror-esque stories, this one is another take on grieving relatives and lovers attempting to bring their loved ones back from the dead. But instead of AI, they're using scarecrows... which appear to take on the likenesses of the deceased if placed on their graves.

Red Thread: A twisted take on the "red thread of destiny." When high schooler Ishii is dumped by his girlfriend, he's convinced fate is working against him. But then he discovers red stitches on his skin, which increase in number overnight. This one stands out because of its strange ending, which hints at more but leaves the reader to process what exactly is going on between Momoko and the jilted Ishii. It also plays more into the body horror angle, in a way we've seen Ito tackle once before.

An awfully close runner-up is "Suicide Note," a story of ghosts and revenge that has one of my favorite endings to an Ito short. I can't decide whether it's funny or tragic... perhaps a bit of both. It's a great note to close the book out on.

While Statues doesn't contain any of the must-reads of Ito's career, it shows many more angles to the horror master's talent than a Greatest Hits collection would. If you're only familiar with his more famous titles, this is a great way to start broadening your horizons in the Itoverse.

TEA PAIRING: Headless Horseman
A creepy story for a creepy collection! Originally released for Halloween, this spiced pumpkin tea is the perfect companion for a scary night in reading classic horror manga. Use my code KARA15 for 15% off this and other teas from Chapters Tea & Co.!

MANGA REVIEW: Marrying the Dark Knight (For Her Money)

MARRYING THE DARK KNIGHT (FOR HER MONEY) Vol. 1
by Sometime; created by Suoh
Available now

I don't always have my finger on the pulse of BookTok, but I have it on good authority that "enemies to lovers" is pretty hot right now. Enter Marrying the Dark Knight (For Her Money): the story of a struggling noble who marries a fearsome knight in order to earn enough money to save her ailing sister. The twist? The knight in question is secretly a woman, and no one must ever know!

Clarice is the daughter of a debt-riddled noble and the doting elder sister of the sickly Charlotte. Clarice would do literally anything for her little sister, even marry the most fearsome knight in the kingdom, Frost von Galleria. The wedding is interrupted by a battle, and the nuptial night is called off with a note pinned to the bedroom door (with three daggers). But Clarice is determined to thaw Frost's heart, and barging into the bedroom reveals that the always-armored Frost is actually a woman. But women aren't allowed to be knights, and even the king doesn't know Frost's true identity. To keep her head attached to her body, Clarice insists she's fallen madly in love with Frost, and thus would never reveal her secret.

What comes next, at least in the five chapters included in Volume 1, is a mad dash to win Frost over — both to get her inheritance and to not die. From convincing the four remaining terrified maids to play along to cooking delicious dinners, Clarice tries everything to keep Frost on her good side. But as she fights to save both Charlotte's life and her own, Clarice comes to a realization: Frost is kind of sweet, actually.

This genre-blending series combines gory dark fantasy with surprisingly adorable romantic comedy. Surprisingly (and pleasingly), Sometime's art suits both sides of the narrative. Combat is grim, gritty, and elaborate; at-home scenes are extremely cute. And neither feels out of place or "wrong" for its art style. Despite the narrative being driven by her need for money, Clarice is actually an extremely likable character with a big heart. If you like dark fantasy, this will be a great palate-cleanser between adventures; if you like romance, this will give you a bit more than the usual fluff to enjoy.

TEA PAIRING: A Date with Mr. Darcy
Clarice manages to impress Frost with her tea-making skills, and I like to imagine this floral/vanilla Earl Grey is the sort of thing she serves. It's also one of my favorite blends in the catalog, inspired by another cute and turbulent romance. Use my code KARA15 for 15% off this and other teas from Chapters Tea & Co.!

MANGA REVIEW: Perfectly Fine on My Own, So My Fiancé Can Twist in the Wind Vol. 1

PERFECTLY FINE ON MY OWN, SO MY FIANCÉ CAN TWIST IN THE WIND Volume 1
by Yahiro Arase, illustrated by Jun Hareta
Available now

Long-time readers know how I feel about "Like X meets Y" and "perfect for fans of Z" descriptions on new books. They risk being reductive, but they can still be helpful provided they're actually accurate and not just riding on the name of the current hotness. Seeing this rom-com manga labeled as "perfect for fans of Bridgerton" made me wary for this very reason. But honestly, having read the first volume, it scans... though I would describe is as "perfect for fans of Bridgerton who want to see what would happen if the characters took action sooner."

Nicole is a noblewoman betrothed to marry the handsome Keios, but the arrangement feels like anything but a love match. He seems to only have eyes for his childhood friend Caroline: a beautiful princess betrothed to another. After being ignored one too many times, Nicole decides enough is enough. If her fiancé truly has no place in his heart for her, she'll stay out of his way. Now, she's learning to enjoy solitude: visiting markets alone, making new friends to spend lunchtime with, and finally getting time to do some serious reading.

So, she got away from her neglectful husband-to-be. Great news, right? Well, not all is as it seems. Because, as it happens, Nicole's move to isolate herself was exactly the kick in the pants Keios needed to realize what was going on. The assumptions she made about Keios's feelings may have been extremely understandable, but they might not be accurate. And it might be time for childhood friend Caroline to weigh in.

I was pleasantly surprised by this first volume. I'm always a proponent of anime and manga heroines living their best life at all costs, and I came into this expecting a much more adversarial story. The Bridgerton comparison is apt because much of the plot is progressed by high society gossip and serial miscommunication. But unlike Bridgerton, the problem is identified and addressed relatively quickly, and the miscommunication creates gentle humor rather than stakes.

It looks like this series clocks in at a total of two volumes, so this is a good palate cleanser between period dramas. And the art is utterly adorable, too.

TEA PAIRING: Picnic at Pemberley
This floral green inspired by Pride and Prejudice would be perfect alongside this romantic comedy of errors. Use my code KARA15 for 15% off this and other book-inspired teas from Chapters Tea & Co.!

MANGA REVIEW: Blades of the Guardians Vol. 1

 

BLADES OF THE GUARDIANS Vol. 1
by Xu Xianzhe
Available March 3

Youxia were folk heroes in ancient Chinese literature, something akin to a knight-errant in Western stories. One such character, Dao Ma, sits at the center of the intense new Chinese series Blades of the Guardians. A little bit spaghetti Western, a little bit Kurosawa classic, and a lot of action, this first volume drags you right in and never lets go.

Dao Ma has only two concerns: bring in his bounty and protect his young charge Qi. While the stories he moves through in this early volume are human and heart-rending, that is his place in them. He's dangerous and driven, but he has to be. Because while the manga's first arc deals primarily with human bounties, everything after starts to get downright paranormal.

Blades of the Guardians lays its groundwork on historical action before introducing the malevolent beings known as rakshasa. Xianzhe's art is perfect for the tense, gritty story the comic tells. If you aren't good with gore, be warned: Dao Ma thinks nothing of sending limbs flying when he's in combat. But if you (like me) are a fan of intense stories with equally visceral art, this is one to pick up.

Normally I'm leery of "for fans of" taglines since they can get reductive for the sake of name-checking a bigger hit. But calling this a must-read for fans of The Mandalorian is spot-on, and not just because it stars a wandering fighter with a kid. The action, the slow reveal that Dao Ma has a massive looming past, and that dedication to exploring the world of the common people in the midst of grander historical events are all present. It's all the things that tie together Westerns and samurai films. If you're a fan of either or both, you will be a fan of this.

TEA PAIRING: Spice Chai Mélange
Maybe it's the desert. Maybe it's just how intense the story is against a backdrop of supernatural beasts... actually, no, it's the desert for sure. This caffeine-free chai blend is a strong and spicy one, perfect for tea drinkers who want something with a kick. Use my code KARA15 for 15% off this and other teas from Chapters Tea & Co.!

MANGA REVIEW: Lonely Deaths Lie Thick as Snow Vol. 1

LONELY DEATHS LIE THICK AS SNOW Vol. 1
by Hajime Inoryu, illustrated by Shota Ito
Available March 3

Detective Jin Saeki believed he was investigating a run-of-the-mill burglary until he found the pile of bodies. The true crime on the table is anything but ordinary: child neglect and abuse, and possibly worse. And the person likely behind it all is currently on the run.

As Saeki digs deeper, he meets a survivor of this strange living situation. The stories she tells of her life with her new "father" and "siblings" don't match with the grisly scene the detective uncovered, pointing instead to a caring (if misguided) mentor who wanted to help his nineteen young charges. But things get even more complicated when Saeki identifies another resident of the home: someone he knows all too well.

While I'm unfamiliar with Inoryu and Ito's other manga, My Dearest Self With Malice Aforethought, I can tell just from this first volume why this duo is so celebrated. When it's not hinting at horrific crimes, the art is gentle and contemplative. The story is complex and thrilling—but most of all, it's frighteningly realistic. In this early volume, there's no way of knowing who's telling the truth, or their truth. If you're looking for a cut-and-dried crime drama with an obvious, on-the-nose baddie, this is not for you. But if you love to dive into the complexities of the human psyche and what trauma can do to a person, regardless of age, you will want to give this one a go.

TEA PAIRING: Poet's Study
A dark and moody story like this deserves a dark and moody drink. Poet's Study is one of my favorite Earl Greys, and it's a great match for snowy landscapes (in reality or in your reading). Use my code KARA15 for 15% off this and other teas from Chapters Tea & Co.!

MANGA REVIEW: GALAXIAS Vol. 1

GALAXIAS Volume 1
by Ao Hatesaka
Available Now

Geo dreams of adventure, but her father is intent on keeping her exactly where she is. The tales of Yuri Holst, the world's most legendary explorer, keep Geo dreaming. And her dreams get bigger and stranger when she meets an amnesiac who's also on the hunt for the legend.

In the world of GALAXIAS, some humans have draconic genes. These are usually indicated by a big ol' tail and a superpower. Nereid (as Geo names him) is one of these dragonfolk as well, which is fortunate when someone comes to town hunting Geo. Why? Because it turns out there are a few things her dad didn't tell her about why he didn't want her to travel.

As chapter 1 of GALAXIAS closes, the two new friends set off on their joint mission to find Yuri Holst. This first volume contains the first five chapters, meaning we get a very small amount of setup: a conflict, a location or two outside Geo's hometown, and some characterization. But even in that small space, you get a good feel for what this series will be. It's already an exciting ride, with lots of promise as the world around Geo slowly builds itself out.

I'm not familiar with Ao Hatesaka beyond this work, but I love the art. The characters are unique and expressive, with a wide variety of designs and little to no Same-Face Syndrome. The landscapes are also gorgeous, so I'm excited to see different geographies explored in later volumes.

Fans of One Piece and Gachiakuta in particular will warm to this story for its mix of action and exploration. These early chapters tease a lot of lore and worldbuilding to come, and I'm excited to see if (and how) it pays off.

TEA PAIRING: Strawberry Farms
I adore Geo for her childlike wonder and desire to explore, and this bright berry and hibiscus blend feels like the perfect fit for her. Use my code KARA15 for 15% off this and other teas from Chapters Tea & Co.!

MANGA REVIEW: Love at First Memory, Vol. 1

LOVE AT FIRST MEMORY, Vol. 1
by Narumi Hasegaki
Available now

There was an era of absolutely unhinged shoujo manga, and I'm sad to say we're largely past it — save perhaps for adaptations of older titles, like this season's Hana-Kimi. As unrealistic and off the wall as they are, and as much as it changes your brain chemistry just to get in the right mode to watch or read, it's kind of delightful in a weird way.

Well, Love at First Memory came out in the last handful of years, and it's bordering on that level of unhinged. In other words, we are so back.

The heroine of the piece is Mia Takanashi, an heiress who had just decided who to marry when she got hit by a car in a freak accident and lost her memory. Now there are four handsome men all claiming that she chose them, and she doesn't know who any of them is! They all have their charms, merits, and flaws. Unfortunately, this is the world of the upper class and big business, so Mia is missing all the context she needed to pick her perfect match.

Oh, and one of these suitors might be a con artist taking advantage of the situation... but he also might be the most interesting of the four.

This first volume of Love at First Memory harkens back to the shoujo manga of the 90s and 00s, with over-the-top circumstances and wild stakes. Hasegaki's art is adorable, with each of Mia's four suitors stylistically different enough to evoke their own brand of charm. If you need grounded, realistic shoujo, this isn't for you. If you like your love stories absolutely unhinged, you must start reading.

TEA PAIRING: A Date with Mr. Darcy
My absolute favorite blend from the Chapters catalog, originally released as a limited-edition Valentine's Day tea. It's a sweet and strong floral Earl Grey that goes perfectly with stories of fictional crushes... whichever one happens to be yours. Use my code KARA15 for 15% off this and more teas from Chapters Tea & Co.!

MANGA REVIEW: Sayuri

SAYURI
by Rensuke Oshikiri
Available now

Back in 2024, I covered a news story about a live-action film adaptation of Rensuke Oshikiri's manga Sayuri. I knew nothing about the original manga, but I was intrigued by the description of it as an antidote for audiences tired of people fighting losing battles against the paranormal. So when I heard the original manga was getting an English-language release, I figured it was time to see what all the fuss was about.

And, okay. I get it.

Sayuri was originally published in two volumes, each very tonally different from the other. This release compiles both volumes into one, but the divide is very clear. In the first half of the story, Norio Kamiki's happy family is terrorized by something haunting their new home. The first half is unapologetically dark, gory, and depressing. But even if you're not into that style of horror, hang in there. The second half makes it worthwhile.

Young Norio gets tough love and support from an unexpected source. And when it seems the Kamiki family (or what's left of it) has nothing left to lose, it's time to fight back. Why is Sayuri so angry? How did she die? And how can she be stopped?

Sayuri is grim and gritty, but also strangely cathartic. Koji Shiraishi, who directs the film adaptation and also directed 2016's Sadako vs. Kayako, said he believes the film will "shake up the stagnant J-horror genre." And while it's true that Japan is doing horror better than just about anyone in the world right now, it also has a tendency to sink into certain tropes. Sayuri challenges those and asks the big question at the center of any encounter with The Horrors: "What are you going to do about it?"

TEA PAIRING: Poet's Study
A grim story deserves a dark and broody blend. Poet's Study is pretty much my favorite Earl Grey, and I highly recommend it. Use my code KARA15 for 15% off this and other teas from Chapters Tea & Co.!