HWR Comic Reviews

Jir Taniguchis A Journal of My Fatheris an effectively told story, concise in structure and built on the very flaws that make us human - we resent and we regret, were stubborn and we run away to cope. Its knowing that Taniguchi took inspiration from his own life that punctuates the storytelling, all whilst providing a self-contained manga which I can recommend to anyone looking for an engaging family-based drama.

Overall, Aria The Masterpiece Volume 2 is a wonderful continuation of Akaris story as she continues to develop her skills as an Undine as she forms new friendships and grows further accustomed to the world of Neo-Venezia and its fantastical aspects.

Overall, Aria The Masterpiece Volume 3 maintains the quality of the previous volumes, continuing to expand its world-building with new characters and occupations, all whilst focusing on Akaris growth and positive influence on those around her.

Overall, Aria The Masterpiece Volume 4 focuses more on the bonds between characters, especially how mentors influence their pupils, and also continues to grow Akaris bond with the citizens of Neo-Venezia, whilst providing more striking imagery and fantastical happenings.

Overall, Aria The Masterpiece Volume 5, though relying on familiar set-ups for its storylines, continues to be a pleasing read thanks to the strength of its characters and setting, and also in how it grows and develops these aspects in interesting ways.

Overall, Aria The Masterpiece Volume 6 is more low-key in its approach to storylines, leaning less into the more fantastical side of the world of Neo-Venezia, and focuses instead on the themes of change and self-improvement, with some hints of romance in the process, making for a more introspective read.

Overall, Aria The Masterpiece Volume 7 delivers a wonderful conclusion to a superb manga series that brings the story full circle, whilst showcasing how the central trio have matured and found their way, with a glimpse into the future that provided a satisfying finale. A must read.

Our review copy from Panini was supplied by Turnaround Comics (Turnaround Publisher Services).

Our review copy from Panini was supplied by Turnaround Comics (Turnaround Publisher Services).

Overall, Kingdom Hearts Volume 3 simultaneously feels like the strongest and weakest volume so far, pacing itself a tad too quickly in specific arcs but also retaining personal reader interest through lore and world building as the origins of the Heartless, as well as Maleficent’s plans are fleshed out and expanded. I look forward to the next volume to hopefully showcase this further!

Overall, if you enjoyed the anime adaptation or have a passion for ramen noodles and fun character interactions then Ms. Koizumi might just satisfy your hunger, though I do wonder how much progression the storys premise can bring.

The first volume of Nicola Traveling Around the Demons Worldprovides an episodic journey through a world I hope to see more of, and offers a fun and engaging read for readers of any age, especially fans of fantasy and magic.

Read an extract from Saint Young Men Volume 1 at the publisher's website here.

Overall, Volume 10 is a lot of fun, as is expected for Silver Spoon, and maintains the quality in story and characters established by mangaka Hiromu Arakawa so far. We get some character development for Hachiken and Komaba, get to witness the production and sale of sausages and meet a colourful new character in Shingo's Russian wife Alexandra. I can't wait for Volume 11!

Overall,Silver SpoonVolume 11 houses some notable progression for Hachikens post-high school career and delivers typically well-timed laughs but also more serious and poignant discussions, all capped off with some great moments for the supporting cast.

Overall, it's satisfying to see the intertwining plots and character traits coming together as Silver Spoon continues to impress, thanks to the tight writing and character progression.

Volume 13 also marks the beginning of the end for the series, with only one volume left to review for the time being.

To conclude, Silver Spoon Volume 14 is a wonderful continuation to the story with some great humour and emotional highs balanced with the continuing themes of future prospects - both educational and from a job perspective.

Overall,Silver Spoonhas had some great development over its final volumes and though the story may now be over for us as readers, its all just begun for this loveable cast of former students.

My overall first impressions of the first volume of The Daily Lives of High School Boys are very positive as it delivers a unique brand of humour which has left me enthusiastic for the next volumes worth of laughs and bizarre scenarios.

Overall, Tokyo Ghoul: re Volume 12 presents an emotional turning point for several of its key players and I found Ishidas storytelling to be as engaging and gripping as ever, though Mutsuki and Auras subplot felt a bit over-the-top in places.

Overall, Tokyo Ghoul: re Volume 13 builds upon the conflicts and tension that had been building since Kaneki defeated Arima and Furuta became Bureau Chief. Unlike Tokyo Ghoul, wherein Chapter 143 and its poignant ending offered a glimmer of hope, all there is here is a sense of loss and impending devastation.

Overall, with just two volumes to go Tokyo Ghoul: re is seeing various forms of change, though will the newly formed alliance be able to save Kaneki in time, or will it all be for naught as V stalk from the shadows?

Overall, Tokyo Ghoul: re Volume 15 is straightforward yet engaging in its story as Kanekis friends desperately fight to save him from the Dragon, confronting their comrades along the way. The subsequent events and reunions are also emotionally satisfying. With only one volume to go, the end of Tokyo Ghouls story draws nearer.

To conclude, Volume 16 delivers the finale of Tokyo Ghoul: re with some impressive action and emotional highs, and though the epilogue leaves some questions unanswered and the story features some questionable character reappearances, it does provide a sense of satisfaction finally seeing these characters with genuine happiness in their lives and a genuine sense of hope and progression.

Overall, when looking at both volumes I think they work better as a package deal, as where the first veers into familiar territory and struggled to pique my interest at times, the second was overall stronger and more focused, offering glimpses of the world and characters that showcase potential, especially a possible first look at a battle between the Academy and Momotarou Agency. I do hope the next volume or so can expand on other members of the academy, and that the new antagonists introduced live up to their violent and unrepentantly vile introduction.

Overall, volume 3 certainly upped the stakes with a vicious pairing of antagonists who are keeping the main characters on their toes, and any worries of the leads being overpowered have, as of yet, been abated as they take quite the beating here with deaths and major injuries aplenty. Though some of the students remained as mostly background characters during this volume, it was interesting to see some abilities and dynamics showcased, though I remain unsold on Kuina and Rokuro as characters. Shiki as the lead here mostly takes a backseat to his peers, though he does get a nice Ill protect you moment with Mei, and I assume will be facing off against Tsubakiri sooner than later. By the time volume 4 is released, the anime will have premiered and Im keen to see how this all adapts to animation.

Our review copies from Vertical were supplied by Turnaround Comics (Turnaround Publisher Services).

Any fans of the anime will want to pick this up too, as mangaka Hiroaki Samuras artwork and characterisation shine through.

In summary, Wave, Listen to Me! Volume 2 is a great continuation that continues to focus on Minares personal developments whilst also shining a light on the goings-on for some of the supporting characters and their situations that I hope will see more developments soon!

In summary, Wave, Listen to Me! Volume 3 continues to balance out bizarre situations with touching character moments as the ever-flawed yet likeable Minare tries her best to get story inspiration for a new radio play.

In summary, Wave, Listen to Me! Volume 4 builds upon some of the developments found in #3 and sets up events that should be interesting to see play out, hopefully with the unique humour and character weve come to know so far from the series.

All in all, Volume 5 sees a return to the more offbeat humour and scenarios that have made the story memorable so far, whilst also introducing new characters with their own secrets to hide.

Overall, whilst Id say this is one of the weaker volumes Ive reviewed for the series, it certainly has its moments for character developments but feels more transitionary story-wise. And although the cult escape plot is resolved fairly quickly, it's cleverly done and has repercussions throughout the rest of the volume.

Overall, Volume 7 engages thanks to its story of a familys personal struggles attempting to be resolved by Minare and Mizuho but its the inclusion of the earthquake story near the conclusion which made for a more engaging read, leaving me eager to see how the characters will cope and deal with the situation.

Overall, Volume 8 has the difficult task of resolving the very real situation of an earthquake and its effects on a small island satisfyingly and I think it delivers, whilst also showcasing how key characters, both main and supporting, are moving forward in their professional and personal lives.

Overall, Volume 9 was a mixed bag for me from a story perspective, as the cult and kidnapping elements have already been explored in earlier volumes, so it remains to be seen if the next volume can stick the landing. I did enjoy some of the quieter moments though, including a discussion between Mizuho and Minare about overseas broadcasters (in this case the BBC) offering donations and well-wishes in the aftermath of the earthquake that occurred previously in the story. I also enjoyed the little bonding session between Hiromi (who, along with his mother, has blackmailed Minare into staying with her) and Minare as they try and tune into a radio station as part of an effort to drive some overseas broadcasting. I hope that Volume 10 will be a more consistent read.

Overall, Volume 10 was another mixed bag for me, something made more evident when both past and side-lined plot points come back into the fray, as theyre seldom given time to breathe amongst the main story of Mizuho being found in her snowy surroundings. The volume feels very transitionary with hints to a bigger story coming to the forefront with the remaining cult members, which is an engaging draw but I do miss the feel and vibe of the earlier volumes at times, as seen through the small glimpses into the supporting cast and their subplots.