#IReadsYou Review: OVERLORD Volume 12

OVERLORD, VOL. 12
YEN PRESS

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

SCENARIO: Satoshi Oshio
MANGAKA: Hugin Miyama
ORIGINAL STORY: Kugane Maruyama
CHARACTER DESIGN: so-bin
TRANSLATION: Emily Balistrieri
LETTERS: Liz Kolkman
ISBN: 978-1-9753-1296-1; paperback (May 2020); Rated “OT” for “Older Teen”
194pp, B&W with some color pages, $13.00 U.S., $17.00 CAN

Overlord is a Japanese light novel series written by Kugane Maruyama and illustrated by so-bin.  A manga adaptation by writer Satoshi Oshio and artist Hugin Miyama began serialization in Kadokawa Shoten's manga magazine, Comp Ace, beginning in November 2014.  Yen Press is publishing an English-language adaptation of the manga as a series of paperback graphic novels and is also publishing an English-language adaptation of the light novel series.

Overlord asks the question, “What do you do when your favorite game shuts down?”  The 22nd century saw the release of YGGDRASIL, a DMMORPG, or “Dive Massively Multiplayer Online Role Playing Game.”  After an intense twelve-year run, the YGGDRASIL game servers are about to be shut down.  Momon decides to stay logged in right up until the very end, but when the servers go dark, he finds himself transported into the game world.  Now, he's been transformed into his skeletal avatar from the game, awesome magical powers included.  But what if he's the villain of his own story?

As Overlord, Vol. 12 (Chapters 44.5 to 49) opens, the “Bug Maid” has arrived.  Now, it is up to two members of the “Blue Roses,” the knight, Gagaran, and the ninja, Tia, to defeat her... except they can't.  They will need the help of the mysterious magic user and warrior, “Evileye,” but when she gains the advantage, another player enters the fray.  He is the demon Jaldabaoth, and he is unbelievably powerful.  So, another player enters – Momon, but this skirmish is just the beginning.

At last, Demiurge's schemes in the kingdom begin bearing fruit.  Between Jaldaboath and a powerful fighter capable of manipulating insects, the beleaguered humans have no choice but to rely on the Blue Roses to save a city.

The Overlord manga is new to me.  I have never read the Overlord light novel series written by Kugane Maruyama and illustrated by so-bin.  The work on the manga, drawn by Hugin Miyama from a scenario by Satoshi Oshio, does make me curious about the novels.

Overlord Graphic Novel Volume 12 is mostly battle manga.  I can't say that I find the characters particularly intriguing, but I am interested in this story line.  The English translation by Emily Balistrieri captures the narrative's sense of conspiracy, mystery, and machinations.  There is also some backstabbing going on, which captures the imagination, so I probably would feel a little better about the characters if I read more volumes.

6 out of 10

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"


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#IReadsYou Review: Death March to the Parallel World Rhapsody Volume 9

DEATH MARCH TO THE PARALLEL WORLD RHAPSODY, VOL. 9
YEN PRESS

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

MANGAKA: Ayamegumu
ORIGINAL STORY: Hiro Ainana
CHARACTER DESIGN: Shri
TRANSLATION: Jenny McKeon
LETTERS: Rochelle Gancio
ISBN: 978-1-9753-1112-4; paperback (May 2020); Rated “T” for “Teen”
194pp, B&W with some color pages, $13.00 U.S., $17.00 CAN

Death March to the Parallel World Rhapsody is a Japanese light novel series written by Hiro Ainana and illustrated by Shri.  A manga adaptation by Ayamegumu was serialized first, in Age Premium, and then, in Monthly Dragon Age.  Yen Press is publishing an English-language edition of the manga as a paperback graphic novel series, and is also publishing an English-language edition of the light novels.

Death March to the Parallel World Rhapsody focuses on Ichiro Suzuki, a 29-year old gaming programmer.  Worn out from a “death march-crunch time” (when coders live on caffeine and pull twenty-hour days), Ichiro takes a nap, and later he awakens in a parallel world that resembles some of the fantasy RPG worlds he had worked on.  What looks like the menu screen of the game he was working on before he fell asleep also appears before his inner eye.  Now a 15-year old, Ichiro takes the name, Satou Pendragon.  With no way to return to his world, Ichiro/Satou becomes a high-leveled adventurer, armed with a myriad of different physical, cognitive, and magical abilities and weapons, so he sets out to uncover the secrets of this new world.

Death March to the Parallel World Rhapsody, Vol. 9 (Chapters 51 to 57) continues “The Muno Barony” story arc.  Satou has just met Lady Karina Muno, the daughter of Baron Muno, and now, she joins his small family, making them a party of nine.

Needing to deliver a letter from the Witch of the Forest of Illusions, Satou and his party travel to the village of the forest giants.  Satou soon learns some of the villagers, including three children, are still recovering from the poison of the hydra's toxic breath after a series of attacks.  As Satou gets to work on brewing an antidote, Karina ponders how she can enlist the giants' assistance in ridding her hometown, Muno City, of the demonic presence that plagues it.  But the forests giants seem to hold an old grudge against the “Muno” name.

[This volume includes a special Death March to the Parallel World Rhapsody prose short story, “The Hungry Prima Donna,” written by Hiro Ainana and illustrated by Ayamegumu.  This volume also includes a special bonus comic, “Karina and Raka.”]

The Death March to the Parallel World Rhapsody manga is new to me.  I am also unfamiliar with the light novel series written by Hiro Ainana and illustrated by Shri.

Death March to the Parallel World Rhapsody Graphic Novel Volume 9 is easy to read, even for a newcomer like me.  It is also a pleasant read; I would even use the word “neat.”  Mangaka Ayamegumu has fashioned a comic full of endearing and sweet characters who move about a world that is more charming than it is dangerous.

The pacing and rhythm of the story is good, and Jenny McKeon's English-language adaptation makes for a breezy read.  I don't know what the light novel series is like, but the manga Death March to the Parallel World Rhapsody seems harmless enough to be appropriate for at least 10 to 12-year-old readers.  And they will probably laugh the “big breast” jokes.

7 out of 10

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"


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#IReadsYou Review: The Melancholy of Suzumiya Haruhi-chan Volume 12

THE MELANCHOLY OF SUZUMIYA HARUHI-CHAN, VOL. 12
YEN PRESS

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

MANGAKA: Puyo
ORIGINAL STORY: Nagaru Tanigawa
CHARACTER DESIGN: Noizi Ito
TRANSLATION: Paul Starr
LETTERS: Abigail Blackman
MISC. ART: Noizi Ito; Gaku Tsugano
ISBN: 978-1-9753-1079-0; paperback (May 2020); Rated “T” for “Teen”
166pp, B&W with some color pages, $13.00 U.S., $17.00 CAN

Haruhi Suzumiya is a Japanese light novel series written by Nagaru Tanigawa and illustrated by Noizi Ito.  Released in 2003, The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya was the first novel in a series that saw ten additional volumes published.  Haruhi Suzumiya became a media franchise that included an anime television series adaptation, an animated film, two original net animation series, several video games, and four manga series.

One of those manga series was entitled The Melancholy of Suzumiya Haruhi-chan, the third of the four manga and the series' official parody.  Created by writer-artist, Puyo, The Melancholy of Suzumiya Haruhi-chan was first serialized in Shonen Ace in July 2007 and then, continued in The Sneaker, beginning August 2007.  The series ended in December 2018, and was compiled in twelve tankobon (graphic novel) volumes from May 2008 to May 2019.

Yen Press published an English-language edition of The Melancholy of Suzumiya Haruhi-chan tankobon as a 12-volume, paperback graphic novel series.  The first volume was published in December 2011, and the last was published this past May 2020.

The Melancholy of Suzumiya Haruhi-chan begins with Kyon, an ordinary high school freshman who has long given up on his childhood dreams of encountering the fantastic and supernatural... or so he thought.  He meets his new classmate, the beautiful and eccentric Haruhi Suzumiya.  From the first day of class, Haruhi makes it very clear that her only desire is to meet aliens, time travelers, and psychics.  Kyon and Haruhi form the “SOS Brigade,” a school club created for the sole purpose of gathering together fantastic and supernatural beings.  However, Kyon learns that the initial members of their club are actually members of secret futuristic and alien organizations that have the single aim of keeping watch over Haruhi Suzumiya, as she is the pinnacle of some major calamity on the horizon!

The Melancholy of Suzumiya Haruhi-chan, Vol. 12 declares that the series is over.  Because she is unbound by the laws of reality, however, Haruhi-chan's antics will never be over.  The gang gets cozy under the “kotatsu” to work out their problems.  There is a trip to a hot springs resort, and summer means the obligatory swimsuit chapter.  Plus, Haruhi-chan is a superhero, but she turns out to be a rather odd one.  This all leads up to the final chapter... or make that final chapters!

[This volume includes bonus art, a short story, “The Reciprocity” by Nagaru Tanigawa, and a color illustration gallery, featuring one illustration each by Noizi Ito and Gaku Tsugano.]

The Melancholy of Suzumiya Haruhi-chan manga is new to me, as is the entire media franchise, including its original source, the light novel series.  Still, the concept sounds like loads of fun... and it is yet another Yen Press title that reminds me of the manga, Hayate the Combat Butler.

The Melancholy of Suzumiya Haruhi-chan Graphic Novel Volume 12 brings the series to a close.  This is the volume that will mean the most to fans of Haruhi Suzumiya, especially those that like the franchise enough to want a parody of it.  Writer-artist Puyo, who also produced a non-parody manga adaptation of the franchise, is obviously quite familiar with the series.  Puyo manages to make these humorous vignettes funny even to a newcomer like me.

Half the chapters here are eight pages in length and the rest are four pages long.  Paul Starr's translation conveys the appropriate comic pace for either length.  In the end, The Melancholy of Suzumiya Haruhi-chan has a rather “neat” ending.  Haruhi-chan and company's antics will never end.

7 out of 10

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"


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#IReadsYou Review: WOOF WOOF STORY... Volume 2

WOOF WOOF STORY..., VOL. 2
YEN PRESS

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

MANGA-KA: Koikuchi Kiki
ORIGINAL STORY: Inumajin
CHARACTER DESIGN: Kochimo
TRANSLATION: Wesley O'Donnell
LETTERS: DK
ISBN: 978-1-9753-0856-8; paperback (May 2020); Rated “T” for “Teen”
180pp, B&W, $13.00 U.S., $17.00 CAN

Woof Woof Story: I Told You to Turn Me Into a Pampered Pooch, Not Fenrir! is a Japanese light novel series created by author Inumajin and illustrated by Kochimo.  Kadokawa Sneaker Bunko (an imprint of Kadokawa Shoten) began publishing the series in late 2017.  Artist Koikuchi Kiki produces a manga adaptation of the novel series, which Kadokawa began publishing on its digital manga reading service, ComicWalker, in February 2018.  Yen Press began publishing an English-language adaptation of the manga in 2019.

[In this review, I sometimes shorten the title, Woof Woof Story: I Told You to Turn Me Into a Pampered Pooch, Not Fenrir!, to Woof Woof Story.]

Woof Woof Story begins with the story of Routa Okami, an office worker and “corporate slave” who is working himself to death.  He has a crazy wish in which he says, “I just want an easy life, even as some rich person's dog...”  One day Routa drops dead in the middle of his busy office.  A goddess heard Routa's wish and brings him back to life as a pampered pooch, a companion for a wealthy young woman named Mary... But Routa isn't just any dog, he is a enormous, white, wolf-like creature, and he has supernatural powers!

As Woof Woof Story: I Told You to Turn Me Into a Pampered Pooch, Not Fenrir!, Vol. 2 (Chapters 8 to 12) opens, Routa's pampered-pooch life is in jeopardy.  Every year, around the same time, Mary falls gravely ill, and this year, it seems life-threatening.  Doctor Hecate says a rare medicinal flower, “the wyrmnil,” can help Mary, and if they can find fully potent samples of the flower, Hecate believes that she can cure Mary of her ailment for good.

However, “the wyrmnil” is named so because it is guarded by a fearsome dragon, and it falls on Routa to obtain the flower.  To cure Mary and to maintain his lifestyle, Routa will have to do some actual work for a change!  And his partner in the quest for the wyrmnil is non-other than the swords woman, Zenobia, who is looking for an excuse to kill Routa!

[This volume includes an “Afterword” and “Translation Notes.”]

The Woof Woof Story: I Told You to Turn Me Into a Pampered Pooch, Not Fenrir!manga is new to me.  I hadn't even heard of the light novel series, but being familiar with novel is not necessary to enjoy the manga.

Woof Woof Story: I Told You to Turn Me Into a Pampered Pooch, Not Fenrir! Volume 2 is a very enjoyable read.  I was not expecting much from it.  I don't know what the rest of this series offers, but Vol. 2 is a quality volume.

Vol. 2 starts off as a playful romp with buxom, naked girls whose naughty bits are always drawn as being obscured or conveniently covered up – typical “fanservice.”  When Mary falls ill, the story moves to pure melodrama, but when Routa and Zenobia begin their journey, the narrative suddenly gets a surge of energy via conflict and adventure.

Zenobia is conflicted because she respects Routa's devotion to Mary, but she senses his powers and believes that they are an evil threat to Mary.  Routa turns out to be very resourceful and has powerful abilities, and he is both brave and lazy.  Manga creator Koikuchi Kiki balances Routa's desire for the easy life with his sense of duty and self-preservation.  I find myself drawn to him, mainly because there seems to be more to Routa than it obvious.  I can also say that about Woof Woof Story; this is a manga that is worth a second look.

7 out of 10
Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"

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#IReadsYou Review: KAKURIYO: Bed and Breakfasts for Spirits Volume 6

KAKURIYO: BED & BREAKFAST FOR SPIRITS, VOL. 6
VIZ MEDIA – @VIZMedia

MANGAKA: Waco Ioka
ORIGINAL STORY: Midori Yuma
CHARACTER DESIGNS: Laruha
TRANSLATION & ENGLISH ADAPTATION: Tomo Kimura
LETTERS: Joanna Estep
EDITOR: Pancha Diaz
ISBN: 978-1-9747-1042-3; paperback (September 2020); Rated “T” for “Teen”
152pp, B&W, $9.99 US, $12.99 CAN, £6.99 UK

Kakuriyo: Bed & Breakfast for Spirits is a Japanese shojo fantasy manga written and drawn by Waco Ioka.  It is based on Kakuriyo: Bed & Breakfast for Spirits (also known as Afterlife Inn Cooking), a Japanese light novel series written by Midori Yūma and illustrated by Laruha.  The manga has been serialized in Enterbrain's josei manga magazine, B's Log Comic, since 2016.  VIZ Media is publishing an English-language edition of the manga as a paperback graphic novel series under its “Shojo Beat” imprint.

Kakuriyo: Bed & Breakfast for Spirits focuses on Aoi Tsubaki, who inherited something great and terrible from her grandfather, Shiro – his ability to see the spirits known as ayakashi (yokai).  Aoi, however, also inherited Shiro's massive debt to the ayakashi, and now, she’s been kidnapped and taken to Kakuriyo (the spirit world) to settle that debt.  Kijin a.k.a. “the Ōdana,” who is an ogre and the owner of  the inn, “Tenjin-ya,” wants Aoi to marry him to settle the debts her grandfather owes him... or she can be eaten by demons.  But Aoi is determined to settle those debts on her own terms.

As Kakuriyo: Bed & Breakfast for Spirits, Vol. 6 (Chapters 24 to 30) opens, Aoi looks forward to preparing a meal for the royal couple, Lord Nui and Lady Ritsuko.  She is overjoyed at what this could do for “Yūgao,” her little restaurant located behind Tenjin-ya.  So, Aoi will travel to the “Eastern Lands” to do some grocery shopping at a fancy imported food market.

Before she can buy a single ingredient, however, Aoi is spirited away and held captive in what seems like a giant crate.  Aoi worries that she won't gain her freedom in time to cook for the royal couple.  A good opportunity will be the least of her problems if she can't escape from the suddenly flooding prison in which she finds herself.

[This volume includes end notes.]

THE LOWDOWN:  The Kakuriyo: Bed & Breakfast for Spirits manga has turned out to be as good as I thought it would be.  Of course, I am a sucker for shojo manga starring yokai (also known by the term “ayakashi”), and I have yet to find one I did not like.

Kakuriyo: Bed & Breakfast for Spirits Volume 6 epitomizes the series' dual tone, being both sweet and gentle and also dark and mysterious.  Aoi is by nature a giving person whose warmth and generosity are most on display when she is cooking for and feeding even strangers who appear on her doorstep.  On the other hand, Aoi will stand up for herself and her grit and determination carry her into the unknown with the readers following her into the mystery that is Kakuriyo.

Tomo Kimura's light and sugary English adaptation also captures the series' darker moments with an engaging sense of mystery.  Joanna Estep's lettering always strikes the right tone, from the warmth of meal time to the allure of discovery and exploration.  I can't wait for the next volume.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS:  Fans of yokai manga will want to read the Shojo Beat series, Kakuriyo: Bed & Breakfast for Spirits.

A
9 out of 10

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"


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#IReadsYou Review: OUR LAST CRUSADE... Volume 2

OUR LAST CRUSADE OR THE RISE OF A NEW WORLD, VOL. 2
YEN PRESS

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

MANGA-KA: okama
ORIGINAL STORY: Kei Sazane
CHARACTER DESIGN: Ao Nekonabe
TRANSLATION: Jan Mitsuko Cash
LETTERS: DK
ISBN: 978-1-9753-0837-7; paperback (April 2020); Rated “T” for “Teen”
192pp, B&W, $13.00 U.S., $17.00 CAN

Our Last Crusade or the Rise of a New World is a Japanese light novel series written by Kei Sazane and illustrated by Ao Nekonabe.  Fujimi Shobo has published the series since May 2017 under its “Fujimi Fantasia Bunko” label.  A manga adaptation by writer-artist, okama, began serialization in Hakusensha's Young Animal magazine in May 2018.  Yen Press is producing English-language editions of both the manga and the light novel series.

Our Last Crusade or the Rise of a New World is set in a world where “the Nebulis Sovereignty” and “the Empire” are embroiled in a war without end.  Aliceliese Lou Nebulis IX a.k.a. “Alice” is the “Ice Calamity Witch,” a Nebulis “Astral mage” of incredible power.  Iska is the youngest swordsman of the Empire ever to become a “Saint Disciple.”  Alice and Iska find themselves face-to-face, and each seeks to bring a close to this ceaseless conflict.  Little do they know, however, that their meeting will be the catalyst that shapes the fate of the world!

As Our Last Crusade or the Rise of a New World, Vol. 2 (Chapters 6 to 13) opens, fate has guided Iska and Alice together once more as they cross paths at an Imperial painter's art exhibit in “the Desert Neutral City Ain.”  There, they agree to meet again; only this time, it will be on the field of battle to settle the score.

When an ancient power awakens to threaten their very lives, however, Alice is forced to choose between her country (Nebulis) and her ideals.  Iska must forsake the will of the Empire and save a witch – an unforgivable act.  Up against an all-powerful foe, will the two heroes form an unlikely alliance, or will they find themselves unable to overcome their allegiances?

[This volume includes an original short story set in the world of Our Last Crusade or the Rise of a New World.]

The Our Last Crusade or the Rise of a New World manga is new to me.  Its source, the light novel series by Kei Sazane (with character designs and illustrations by Ao Nekonabe), is also unfamiliar to me.

Our Last Crusade or the Rise of a New World Graphic Novel Volume 2 is a thrilling manga (or graphic novel).  Writer-artist okama offers action sequences that recall that found in Tite Kubo's beloved manga, Bleach.  Okama manages to present the complex, international dynamics and intrigue while also offering exciting action.  Even if a reader missed Vol. 1 (which I have), Vol. 2 is good enough to tempt readers to return for more of the series.

Jan Mitsuko Cash offers an English-language translation that makes the back story and politics readable.  Cash also captures the rapidly developing relationship between Alice and Iska.  DK's lettering conveys the drama and action and... romance?  Let's come back for more, dear readers.

7.5 out of 10

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"


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#IReadsYou Review: THE ALCHEMIST WHO SURVIVED... Volume 2

THE ALCHEMIST WHO SURVIVED NOW DREAMS OF A QUIET CITY LIFE, VOL. 2
YEN PRESS

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

MANGA-KA: Guru Mizoguchi
ORIGINAL STORY: Usata Nonohara
CHARACTER DESIGN: ox
TRANSLATION: Erin Husson
LETTERS: Liz Kolkman
ISBN: 978-1-9753-0853-7; paperback (April 2020); Rated “T” for “Teen”
160pp, B&W, $13.00 U.S., $17.00 CAN

The Alchemist Who Survived Now Dreams of a Quiet City Life is a fantasy manga written and illustrated by Guru Mizoguchi.  It is a manga adaptation of the light novel series of the same title, written by Usata Nonohara with character designs by ox.  Yen Press is publishing an English-language edition of the manga.

The Alchemist Who Survived Now Dreams of a Quiet City Life focuses on a young woman named Mariela.  She awakens from a deep sleep that has lasted two hundred years to discover that she is the last alchemist alive in a place called Labyrinth City.  She wants to keep the fact that she is an alchemist a secret, but she does make a living brewing and selling potions.  With her bodyguard/assistant, Siegmund, at her side, Mariela wants to live the quiet life.

As The Alchemist Who Survived Now Dreams of a Quiet City Life, Vol. 2 (Chapters 7 to 12) opens, Mariela is making good money selling potions, but she is warned that she must hide the fact that she is an alchemist.  She decides that she is going to live undercover as a chemist and seeks a guild license with the hopes of opening her own apothecary.  Meanwhile, Siegmund wonders if he is really of any use to Mariela, who once saved him poverty.

[This volume includes bonus manga, “The Humble Alchemist's Everyday Life: The Difference Two Hundred Years.”]

The Alchemist Who Survived Now Dreams of a Quiet City Life manga  is another new title to me.  As I gradually delve deeper into Yen Press' catalog, I am finding manga that I like and may want to follow as a series.

The Alchemist Who Survived Now Dreams of a Quiet City Life Graphic Novel Volume 2 is a quite pleasant read because Mariela is a quite pleasant, if not endearing, character.  I am not at all familiar with the light novel series upon which this manga is based, so I don't know its author, Usata Nonohara's intentions for the narrative.

However, this manga adaptation by Guru Mizoguchi presents this fantasy-set narrative as something like a medievalist slice-of-life serial.  The readers follows the everyday activities of Mariela, as if this were a domestic comedy-drama.  Erin Husson's translation gives the narrative an engaging quality and also hints at some darker moments to come later in the series.

Vol. 2 probably makes as good an introduction as Vol. 1, which I have not read.  I would recommend The Alchemist Who Survived Now Dreams of a Quiet City Life on this volume alone because... well, I intend to read more.

7 out of 10

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"

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#IReadsYou Review: IV'E BEEN KILLING SLIMES... Volume 2

I'VE BEEN KILLING SLIMES..., VOL. 2
YEN PRESS

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

MANGA-KA: Yusuke Shiba
ORIGINAL STORY: Kisetsu Morita
CHARACTER DESIGN: Benio
TRANSLATION: Jasmine Bernhardt
LETTERS: Katie Blakeslee
ISBN: 978-1-9753-0916-9; paperback (May 2020); Rated “T” for “Teen”
178pp, B&W, $13.00 U.S., $17.00 CAN

I've Been Killing Slimes for 300 Years and Maxed Out My Level is a Japanese light novel series written by Kisetsu Morita and illustrated by Benio.  In June 2017, Square Enix began publishing a manga adaptation of the series produced by Yusuke Shiba in their online website and smartphone app, “Gangan Online.”  Yen Press began publishing an English-language edition of the manga in 2019.

[I sometimes shorten I've Been Killing Slimes for 300 Years and Maxed Out My Level as I've Been Killing Slimes...]

I've Been Killing Slimes for 300 Years and Maxed Out My Level focuses on Azusa.  Once upon a time, she was an office worker who ended her short, painful life by dying from overworking.  She was born again in a new world, reincarnated as an undying witch who also does not age.  Azusa vows to live as stress-free and as pleasantly as possible, and makes a living hunting down “the slimes,” the easiest targets she can find.  After centuries of doing such a simple job, however, Azusa has ended up being insanely powerful, so how can she maintain her low key life now?

As I've Been Killing Slimes for 300 Years and Maxed Out My Level, Vol. 2 (Chapters 7 to 12) opens, Asuza is living the simple life on an isolated homestead with her two daughters, Shalsha and Falfa, and her apprentice, Laika, a “red dragon” who lives with them in her human form.  Asuza's laid-back life is interrupted when a buxom female elf named Halkara comes looking for sanctuary.  Why is this elf in such trouble?  It seems that Beelzebub is after Halkara for poisoning him.  But the nature of Beelzebub is far different from what Asuza and Halkara were expecting.

Then, it's time for Laika to return to her home on Mount Rokko where her dragon clan lives.  However, this simple family gathering turns out to be more complicated than Asuza and company expected.

[This volume includes an “Afterword” and “Translation Notes.”]

The I've Been Killing Slimes for 300 Years and Maxed Out My Level manga is another series that is new to me.  I had also not heard of the light novel series of the same name by writer Kisetsu Morita and illustrator Benio.

I've Been Killing Slimes for 300 Years and Maxed Out My Level Volume 2 is cute and mild entertainment.  Although this volume is filled with pretty female characters (and pretty art), writer-artist Yusuke Shiba offers very little fanservice, and what is offered is quite tame.  My reading of this second volume of I've Been Killing Slimes... is that the series is like a middle grade readers version of the manga, Hayate the Combat Butler, and that is not a bad thing.  I love Hayate, and for the time being, this is all I can say about I've Been Killing Slimes...

6 out of 10

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"


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#IReadsYou Revew: I'M A BEHEMOTH: Volume 1

I'M A BEHEMOTH, VOL. 1
YEN PRESS

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

MANGAKA: Taro Shinonome
ORIGINAL STORY: Nozomi Ginyoku
CHARACTER DESIGNS: Taro Shinonome and Mitsuki Yano
TRANSLATION: Caleb DeMarais
LETTERS: Barri Shrager
ISBN: 978-1-9753-9923-8; paperback (April 2020); Rated “M” for “Mature”
160pp, B&W, $13.00 U.S., $17.00 CAN

S Rank Monster no “Behemoth” dakedo, Neko to Machigawarete Elf Musume no Pet Toshite Kurashitemasu is a light novel series written by Nozomi Ginyoku with character designs by Taro Shinonome and Mitsuki Yano.  Taro Shinonome is producing a manga adaptation of the novel, which was first serialized in the manga magazine, Young Animal Arashi (until it was canceled) and later in the manga magazine, Young Animal.  Yen Press is publishing an English-language edition of the manga as a series of graphic novels under the title I'm a Behemoth, an S-Ranked Monster, but Mistaken for a Cat, I Live as an Elf Girl's Pet.  It is also referred to as “I'm a Behemoth,” for short.

I'm a Behemoth, an S-Ranked Monster, but Mistaken for a Cat, I Live as an Elf Girl's Pet, Vol. 1 (Chapters 0 to 6) introduces Tama, an S-ranked monster and a fearsome behemoth.  He also a cub and behemoth cubs look like adorable kittens.  Buxom elf girl, Aria, a D-ranked adventurer, finds his soft and cuddly self and names him “Tama.”  The problem is that Tama was once a great knight, but he was killed by an assassin.  Now, reincarnated, Tama is a behemoth, an S-ranked monster, but has been mistaken for a cat, and lives as an elf girl's pet.

[This volume includes bonus art and text and a bonus short story by Nozomi Ginyoku]

The I'm a Behemoth, an S-Ranked Monster, but Mistaken for a Cat, I Live as an Elf Girl's Pet manga has a way too long title.  I think “I'm a Behemoth and an Elf Girl's Pet” would be just fine, especially if that title hung over an illustration of a cute kitten and a big-breasted elf girl.

I'm a Behemoth, an S-Ranked Monster, but Mistaken for a Cat, I Live as an Elf Girl's Pet Graphic Novel Volume 1 is all about the breast shots.  Aria's breasts play a huge part in the graphical storytelling and in the art, and artist Taro Shinonome perches Tama atop Aria's melons and also, often squeezes him into Aria's generous cleavage.  I am curious about how writer Nozomi Ginyoku, author of the original light novel series, depicts all this boob play.

Still, I think female readers will like this series in spite of the generous fan service.  It is powerfully cute, and the story is a strong one about intimate friendship and love and devotion.  I'm a Behemoth, which is set in a medievalist-type world, has a lot of potential.  It is funny and irresistibly adorable, and it seems ready to explode with Dungeons and Dragons-like action-fantasy.  Big breasts, pretty girls, a cross-dressing spin on Arnold Schwarzenegger, a cute and loyal kitty, and D&D:  what's not to like?

7 out of 10

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"


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#IReadsYou Review: COMBATANTS WILL BE DISPATCHED!: Volume 1

COMBATANTS WILL BE DISPATCHED!, VOL. 1
YEN PRESS

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

STORY: Natsume Akatsuki
ART: Masaaki Kiasa
CHARACTER DESIGNS: Kakao Lanthanum
TRANSLATION: Noboru Akimoto
LETTERS: Brandon Bovia
ISBN: 978-1-9753-0609-0; paperback (September 2019); Rated “OT” for “Older Teen”
180pp, B&W with some color pages, $13.00 U.S., $17.00 CAN

Combatants Will Be Dispatched! is a Japanese light novel series, written by Natsume Akatsuki and illustrated by Kakao Lanthanum.  A manga adaptation, drawn by Masaaki Kiasa, has been serialized in Media Factory's seinen manga magazine, Monthly Comic Alive, since March 2018.  Yen Press is publishing an English-language edition of the manga as a series of graphic novels.

Combatants Will Be Dispatched!, Vol. 1 (Chapters 1 to 5) introduces Agent Six.  He has spent his career as a “combat agent” and as an evil minion in service of the Kisaragi Corporation, an evil giant conglomerate with plans to take over the world.  Six has been slapping down superheroes, but now, Kisaragi has a new task for him.

Via its teleportation technology, Six will travel to a fantasy world – and invade it!  Traveling with Six is Alice Kisaragi, a “pretty-girl” and “high-spec” android.  Together Six and Alice initiate the first phase of their invasion – partner with the locals.  Before he knows it, however, Six is serving the Kingdom of Grace and is leading a troop of misfits that includes an irascible royal guard, an “artificial battle chimera,” and a wheel-chair bound magic user.  And they will help him take on demon-hordes.

[This volume includes an “Extra Episode;” an illustrated “Afterword;” and an original Combatants Will Be Dispatched! short story by Natsume Akatsuki.]

The Combatants Will Be Dispatched! manga is another new-to-me title.  I had not heard of the light novel series or of its manga adaptation until I received a review copy of the latter from my Yen Press rep.

Combatants Will Be Dispatched! Graphic Novel Volume 1, upon first glance, did not impress me.  However, there was this small voice in my head that said, “You might like this.”  Still, I avoided reading Vol. 1 for a bit.  Silly me – I just finished reading it and I enjoyed it way more than I ever thought I would.

Creator and writer Natsume Akatsuki has fashioned a cast of funny, eccentric, self-centered, randy, and occasionally obnoxious characters that are endearing when placed in the right setting.  This fantasy world, a medievalist type that one might find in a role-playing game, is just the right setting.

Artist Masaaki Kiasa delivers storytelling that reminds me of the graphical storytelling of Kenjiro Hata in his comic fantasy manga, Hayate the Combat Butler.  Combatants Will Be Dispatched! has a tone similar to Hayate's, a mixture of breezy comedy, fantasy, and scheming, but lovable characters.  I can't wait to read more because I want to see what happens next.

8 out of 10

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"


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