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It's so important in supernatural storytelling that there's a shred of truth that grounds the story in a believable reality. Sometimes it's stronger than a shred. in Satoshi Kon’s manga Tropic of the Sea, the idea of taking care of the ocean, or something from it, to reap benefits for all is a key theme. When a boy takes up the tradition of caring for a mysterious egg, he isn't even sure he believes it and in this complexly woven story, you might just believe mermaids exist by the end. Recently released digitally, this new series is well worth a purchase thanks to its expertly told story that feels more real than some of the best sci-fi and supernatural movies.

It's so important in supernatural storytelling that there's a shred of truth that grounds the story in a believable reality. Sometimes it's stronger than a shred. in Satoshi Kon’s manga Tropic of the Sea, the idea of taking care of the ocean, or something from it, to reap benefits for all is a key theme. When a boy takes up the tradition of caring for a mysterious egg, he isn't even sure he believes it and in this complexly woven story, you might just believe mermaids exist by the end. Recently released digitally, this new series is well worth a purchase thanks to its expertly told story that feels more real than some of the best sci-fi and supernatural movies.

Manga

Tropic of The Sea Review

This is an excellent story that can be read in one sitting with satisfying results.

By David BrookeDecember 24, 2019

Content Warning: This piece includes discussion of metaphors for sexual assault and drug use. It also includes spoilers for volumes 1-3 of Beastars.

Content Warning: This piece includes discussion of metaphors for sexual assault and drug use. It also includes spoilers for volumes 1-3 of Beastars.

Manga

The troubling link between desiring and devouring in Beastars

Sniffing around for answers in a bloody mess of ideas in this furry, fascinating manga.

By Trevor RichardsonDecember 19, 2019

I've been reading and reviewing Vinland Saga for just over four years, and have loved the epic Makoto Yukimura is telling. It started as a brutal look at the violent and ruthless nature of war among Vikings and has turned into an epic journey to find a land where war is no longer a reality. The nature of the manga has changed over time, especially for the leading character Thorfinn as he went from ultra-warrior looking for revenge to a man who refuses to take another life, but there are still specialized warriors floating about and fight scenes to enjoy. This story has taken many surprising turns, and in this 11th volume a much more focused look at death, the afterlife, and a single battle changing everything takes place. Without a doubt, this may be the most focused and efficient volume yet. Check out my reviews of Volume 10, Volume 9 and Volume 8 to catch up and see what I mean.

I've been reading and reviewing Vinland Saga for just over four years, and have loved the epic Makoto Yukimura is telling. It started as a brutal look at the violent and ruthless nature of war among Vikings and has turned into an epic journey to find a land where war is no longer a reality. The nature of the manga has changed over time, especially for the leading character Thorfinn as he went from ultra-warrior looking for revenge to a man who refuses to take another life, but there are still specialized warriors floating about and fight scenes to enjoy. This story has taken many surprising turns, and in this 11th volume a much more focused look at death, the afterlife, and a single battle changing everything takes place. Without a doubt, this may be the most focused and efficient volume yet. Check out my reviews of Volume 10, Volume 9 and Volume 8 to catch up and see what I mean.

Manga

Vinland Saga Vol. 11 Review

A perfect blend of action, character, and deeply meaningful story.

By David BrookeDecember 17, 2019

One of the most popular tropes in superhero comics is seeing the heroes fight each other. We want to know what would happen if Superman fought Batman, or who would come out on top if Captain America went toe-to-toe with Iron Man. These fights are usually based on contrivances or convenient misunderstandings, but Kōhei Horikoshi’s My Hero Academia has the prefect excuse built right in: training.

One of the most popular tropes in superhero comics is seeing the heroes fight each other. We want to know what would happen if Superman fought Batman, or who would come out on top if Captain America went toe-to-toe with Iron Man. These fights are usually based on contrivances or convenient misunderstandings, but Kōhei Horikoshi’s My Hero Academia has the prefect excuse built right in: training.

Manga

My Hero Academia Vol. 22 Review

More than he had in any previous volume, Bakugo proves here that he’s more of a hero than anyone realized.

By James Sainte-ClaireDecember 3, 2019

One of the coolest things about Taishi Tsutsui’s We Never Learn is that it’s not obvious which of the five potential love interests Nariyuki will end up with. We certainly have an idea at who might be the frontrunner at this point, but nothing is for sure.

One of the coolest things about Taishi Tsutsui’s We Never Learn is that it’s not obvious which of the five potential love interests Nariyuki will end up with. We certainly have an idea at who might be the frontrunner at this point, but nothing is for sure.

Manga

We Never Learn Vol. 7 Review

One of the coolest things about Taishi Tsutsui’s We Never Learn is that it’s not obvious which of the five...

By James Sainte-ClaireDecember 3, 2019

It comes as a surprise that Tales of Berseria has only recently made it to American audiences as manga, since it already has a popular anime and PS4 video game. Likely American publishers were hesitant, but with so many fans already into the series why not dive into the original source material? Kodansha Comics has released the first volume this month and in it, you'll find epic Dungeons and Dragons-style fantasy, clever twists on fantasy tropes, and a great introduction to the main characters.

It comes as a surprise that Tales of Berseria has only recently made it to American audiences as manga, since it already has a popular anime and PS4 video game. Likely American publishers were hesitant, but with so many fans already into the series why not dive into the original source material? Kodansha Comics has released the first volume this month and in it, you'll find epic Dungeons and Dragons-style fantasy, clever twists on fantasy tropes, and a great introduction to the main characters.

Manga

Tales of Berseria Vol. 1 Review

A great high-fantasy debut.

By David BrookeDecember 2, 2019

A new demon action series is out this week from Viz Media and its anime counterpart is announced. In a field of manga with so many demon centric series can yet another capture your heart and mind? How about your monster and horror needs? I'd wager it sure can based on how good Gege Akutami's series is right off the bat.

A new demon action series is out this week from Viz Media and its anime counterpart is announced. In a field of manga with so many demon centric series can yet another capture your heart and mind? How about your monster and horror needs? I'd wager it sure can based on how good Gege Akutami's series is right off the bat.

Manga

Jujutsu Kaisen, Vol. 1 Review

A great mix of fighting and edgy monster design.

By David BrookeDecember 2, 2019

Beastars has been an interesting ride so far, and one that seems to be improving. The first volume, while good, has some structural and setup issues, not to mention some eyebrow-raising moments. The second volume is where the series dives further into the characters’ psychosis and personal struggles, showing that there is a lot going on beneath the hood for them. Where will the third volume take us today? Is it good?

Beastars has been an interesting ride so far, and one that seems to be improving. The first volume, while good, has some structural and setup issues, not to mention some eyebrow-raising moments. The second volume is where the series dives further into the characters’ psychosis and personal struggles, showing that there is a lot going on beneath the hood for them. Where will the third volume take us today? Is it good?

Manga

Beastars Vol. 3 Review

Beastars is easily one of the best new series I’ve read this year.

By Jordan RichardsNovember 18, 2019

Dr. Stone is one of the more unique mangas on the stands thanks to its premise. The entire world was frozen in stone for 3,700 years setting all technology back and bringing scientific progress to a halt. It's a series that is particularly interesting thanks to the lead character, appropriately dubbed Dr. Stone, who finds ways to use science to solve problems. This usually means reinventing a technology from scratch thanks to his advanced intelligence. This leads to some interesting how-to scenes that end up being rather helpful in understanding how chemistry and physics come into play with rather ordinary technology. In the latest volume, the characters are attempting to hide a cellphone so as to wage information warfare.

Dr. Stone is one of the more unique mangas on the stands thanks to its premise. The entire world was frozen in stone for 3,700 years setting all technology back and bringing scientific progress to a halt. It's a series that is particularly interesting thanks to the lead character, appropriately dubbed Dr. Stone, who finds ways to use science to solve problems. This usually means reinventing a technology from scratch thanks to his advanced intelligence. This leads to some interesting how-to scenes that end up being rather helpful in understanding how chemistry and physics come into play with rather ordinary technology. In the latest volume, the characters are attempting to hide a cellphone so as to wage information warfare.

Manga

Dr. Stone Vol. 8 Review

Science rules in this volume as we enter the age steam!

By David BrookeNovember 6, 2019

I have reviewed nearly every volume of Golden Kamuy and have watched it slowly evolve over the years. It began as a solid historical fiction with great adventure and even greater survival skill tips thrown in, and it has evolved into something quite weird and unique. Strange characters who wear human skin, escape artists who are more clever than one might expect, and bank robbers who get sexually aroused from murdering have popped up over the last 11 volumes. In the latest volume, the first quarter of the collection focuses on a man who likes to have sex with animals. He also happens to wear a tattoo that is part of a map to a secret stash of gold, which forces the main characters to find him before he's eaten by an animal, or worse. This is just one of a few weird happenings in this 12th volume.

I have reviewed nearly every volume of Golden Kamuy and have watched it slowly evolve over the years. It began as a solid historical fiction with great adventure and even greater survival skill tips thrown in, and it has evolved into something quite weird and unique. Strange characters who wear human skin, escape artists who are more clever than one might expect, and bank robbers who get sexually aroused from murdering have popped up over the last 11 volumes. In the latest volume, the first quarter of the collection focuses on a man who likes to have sex with animals. He also happens to wear a tattoo that is part of a map to a secret stash of gold, which forces the main characters to find him before he's eaten by an animal, or worse. This is just one of a few weird happenings in this 12th volume.

Manga

Golden Kamuy Vol. 12 Review

Continues to lean into the weird while delivering interesting facts about culture and survival.

By David BrookeNovember 4, 2019

It’s not immediately obvious, but if you think about it, every major villain in One Piece is essentially a feudal lord exploiting the local population of whichever island the story arc is taking place on. Arlong, Crocodile, Donquixote Doflamingo and others could all be broadly described in this way. Kaido, the main antagonist of this arc, very much fits into this category.

It’s not immediately obvious, but if you think about it, every major villain in One Piece is essentially a feudal lord exploiting the local population of whichever island the story arc is taking place on. Arlong, Crocodile, Donquixote Doflamingo and others could all be broadly described in this way. Kaido, the main antagonist of this arc, very much fits into this category.

Manga

One Piece Vol. 92: Introducing Komurasaki the Oiran Review

Oda’s world building is evocative and despite large swaths of this installment being exposition, it never feels like it drags.

By James Sainte-ClaireNovember 4, 2019

If you've ever wanted to experience another person's daydream, Colorful Dreams by VOFAN may be what you're looking for. It's a mixed media art book featuring ruminations on life, photography, and art, all combining to share the experience of living life and sharing in the smaller moments. If you give this book a chance you'll find it's a unique experience and one you don't see often in the marketplace.

If you've ever wanted to experience another person's daydream, Colorful Dreams by VOFAN may be what you're looking for. It's a mixed media art book featuring ruminations on life, photography, and art, all combining to share the experience of living life and sharing in the smaller moments. If you give this book a chance you'll find it's a unique experience and one you don't see often in the marketplace.

Manga

Colorful Dreams Review

This is the perfect book for a rainy day of introspection.

By David BrookeNovember 1, 2019

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