Olive St. Sauver's Comic Reviews

Reviewer For: But Why Tho? Reviews: 33
8.3Avg. Review Rating

Eniale and Dewiela Volume 2is worth the purchase just for the artwork alone. However, readers will love the antics that occur this time around, with a more serious storyline that shows demons can be just as thoughtful as angels (if not more). Because the serious doesn't take itself too seriously, it can go full throttle and entices viewers with just about anything it can come up with.

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All in all,Golden Kamuy Volume 19 proves why Satoru Noda and the series have received so much well-deserved acclaim. Its outlandish humor and gory violence mask a heartfelt cross-country and cross-cultural journey. A take-no-prisoners conflict filled with atmospheric tension and artwork will make this installment impossible to put down until the end.

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Haru's Curse is a well-done English-language debut from Asuka Konishi. It is an introspective josei and a great example of the breadth the demographic has to offer. The series features romance, but is ultimately a nuanced story of moving past grief and unhealthy family dynamics.

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I Love You So Much, I Hate You was a thoughtful, sexy, and dramatic romance between two women. It might be one of my favorite yuri manga.

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Absolutely stunning teamwork in the action sequences, fantastic artwork, and emotional moments litter Jujutsu KaisenVolume 7 after the first couple of chapters. This story's focus on a trio of genuinely dynamic and wonderful teens is its strength, flinging them into a no-holds-barred violent battle that is a sight to behold.

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Jujutsu Kaisen Volume 9 is a great wrap up of the flashback to Gojos student years. It provides a grim insight into how two major players got to where they are. It also makes readers question who they are rooting for at times, which make for an incredibly compelling read on top of all the fantastic action.

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Snow White with the Red Hair Volume 9 is a fantastic installment in the series. Multiple characters get to shine independently and grow in the midst of a tense situation. This should be a must-read for any fan of more subtle fantasy.

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Yona of the Dawn Volume 26 wraps up an absolutely stunning story arc in this fantasy series. The agency and growth of characters are on full display this volume, with a little more lighthearted fun towards the end. This might truly be one of the best manga series of all time.

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Yona of the Dawn Volume 27 focuses on revelations and building to greater conflicts. It beautifully tackles the "love confession" and shows how the series has spent 27 volumes respecting emotional consent and character boundaries. Yona of the Dawn is one of the best manga on the market right now. It consistently gets top scores because it is that good.

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Yona of the Dawn Volume 29 is a volume that will have readers gripping the edge of their seats. Its use of emotion not through explosive bursts, but a consistent ember throughout the chapters hit home with just how different this confrontation feels for the Happy Hungry Bunch. Yona and Hak are facing the rage and isolation that comes from war, and Kusanagis consistent writing pays off in this installment.

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Eniale and Dewiela Volume 1 gives readers a look into a much more slapstick side of mangaka Kamome Shirahama. Featuring two wonderfully drawn leading ladies, and an array of mythical beings, the series is just as magical as Witch Hat Atelier. A largely episodic plot structure greatly benefits from humor that doesn't miss a step. It really is a manga that will keep readers smiling from beginning to end.

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Snow White with the Red Hair Volume 10 continues to deliver a stunning fantasy featuring love and relationships in many forms. A peaceful interlude for Zen and Shirayuki, and a flashback about Kiki, will greatly satisfy readers. Akiduki excels in creating a fantasy world that doesnt bog down its readers with sexism.

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Snow White with the Red Hair Volume 12 is a volume that balances a large-scale event with many moments of intimacy between characters. If readers are still on the fence about Izana, then it is likely that his role in this volume, and his scenes with Zen, will win them over.

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Yona of the Dawn Volume 28layers the political intrigue with comedy as another conflict with Kai brews in the distance. Great character moments from all the women, as well as once awful Tae-jun, illustrate just how much of an ensemble series this manga has become.

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A Tropical Fish Yearns for Snow Volume 5 may be one of the series' best. Taking focus off of the back and forth mishaps between Koyuki and Konatsu allows for an honest look into growing up. The volume also puts a welcome spotlight on Kaede. All in all, this isn't a yuri series for readers looking for a lot of romance. It is worth the pickup for the friendships.

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Ao Haru Ride Volume 13 provides a relatively satisfying conclusion to a story about kids dealing with grief, friendships, and growing up while falling in love. I would argue it is one of the strongest shojo high school romance series weve seen in some time.

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Blue Exorcist Volume 25hits some of the most thematically dark points of the series yet. Yukio and Rin both have strong high points in their character arcs. The action of The Blue Night can get a bit confusing in the art, and Satan's clear abusive behavior towards Yuri can be difficult to stomach. It is a strong installment, only really weakened by its treatment of Yuri, and turning her into too much of a pure-hearted martyr.

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Overall, if you are already a fan of the mangaBungo Stray Dogs Volume 17will be an exciting installment. The volume includes a few elements that are a bit too far-fetched even for this series. However, it also manages to make another double agent reveal work in the constraints of the cast, and puts supporting character Tachihara center stage.

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Golden Kamuy Volume 18 continues the series absurdity while slowing down to focus on each of the separate groups. The only downside is trying to keep track of it all. A fascinating flashback and twist character reveal will make readers count down the days to the next volume. Hopefully, it will also see Sugimoto and Asirpa reunited, as the story isnt quite the same when they arent together.

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Golden Kamuy Volume 20 is clearly trying to gather things together after the grand clash last time. Three different storylines unfold in this volume. It can be a bit difficult for readers to keep track of and get invested in new characters, but overall it is still a joy to read.

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Jujutsu Kaisen Volume 0isn't necessary reading for the main storyline, but it is a fantastic addition. Fan-favorite supporting characters are given more backstory and spotlight. Mangaka Gege Akutami's storytelling skill is on full display in a condensed format.

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While every story in Sneeze might not be for everyone, I would definitely argue there is something for everyone in this anthology from a beloved mangaka. It is a must-have for any Naoki Urasawa fan, and definitely worth checking out by anyone who loves comics.

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Overall, this another standout installment can be found inSnow White with the Red HairVolume 11. A lot of different sub-stories are building up to big developments in the palace. The found family is on full display as some pretty big life changes occur for Shirayuki, bringing her closer than ever to her friends.

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Toilet-bound Hanako-kunVolume 7has a lot of fun moments, that make the disturbing parts hit that much harder. Mangaka AidaIro does a great job of maintaining a consistent mystery without being too vague, and bringing back the tragedy of Mitsuba will allow for great character relationship growth in future volumes. A much more sinister side of Hanako's twin brother is shown, as well. The manga continues to be a fantastic balance of whimsy and superstitious horror that can also pair as parallel for growing up.

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Whisper Me a Love Song Volume 1 is a fun start to a series about two girls learning to express themselves. It takes a fun twist on the high school rom-com and plays into the different meanings behind words. Himari can be a bit cartoonish, but the manga is aware of this. If readers are looking for something that will make them smile from cover to cover, this is a good pick.

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Dear NOMAN Volume 1 is a more laid back urban fantasy that will appeal to many readers. Mashiro and Bazu are both very likable and have enough mystery to encourage further reading. The only issue is the possible romantic undertones. Even though Bazu is a crow spirit, she still is presented in the body of a grown woman with a young girl.

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Overall, How Do We Relationship? Volume 2 is another good installment in the series, albeit not as strong as the first. A lot of uncomfortable topics in interpersonal relationships are explored, with varying degrees of success. The series succeeds as a heartfelt portrayal of two lesbians but falters with its supporting cast and their problematic behaviors.

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Jujutsu Kaisen Volume 8 does a decent job following up the incredible previous installment. While the core adventures this time are pretty standard, the characters' inevitable development will keep readers glued to the page as the story jumps back in time.

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A Tropical Fish Yearns for Snow Volume 6is an okay installment in the series. It dwells a bit too much in some places, turning the relatable into melodrama. It often feels as though the content wasn't enough for the volume, but forced to fill it anyway. The series is still enjoyable, but ideally, Konatsu will grow past her toxic dependency next time.

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Overall, I Dont Know How to Give Birth! by Ayami Kazama can be so high-energy that it can be a bit overwhelming at times. The topics discussed might not interest everyone, but Kazamas focus on the absurdity of her own personal journey will likely appeal to anyone interested in more autobiographical comic fare.

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If Witch, Then Which? Volume 1 is an endearing start to this romantic comedy with a magical twist. While clearly for younger audiences, and including some hit-or-miss humor, the volume finds its heart in the budding friendship between the two leads.

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In the end, while Jujutsu KaisenVolume 6 doesnt hit the emotional highs of past volumes, it delivers solid action sequences and great art that will keep readers coming back to see what happens next.

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The Dark History of the Reincarnated Villainess Volume 1isn't likely to break any boundaries or expectations. However, it nails the comedy and relatability of wish-fulfillment that many who have dived into fan fiction experience. It is quite empathetic to the relationship between art and artist as well. Those who want to start a new shojo fantasy will likely have lots of fun here.

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