Comics, Magazines and Books from Diamond Distributors for June 19, 2024

COMICS & GRAPHIC NOVELS

DEC231682 2000 AD PROG PACK (FEBRUARY 2024 SHIPPING) (MR) $22.99

NOV231655 2000 AD PROG PACK (JANUARY 2024 SHIPPING) (MR) $28.99

APR242043 A KINGDOM OF QUARTZ GN VOL 02 $13.99

MAR242018 A SINNER OF DEEP SEA GN VOL 01 $15.00

MAR242043 ADACHI AND SHIMAMURA GN VOL 05 $13.00

MAR242026 ADULTS PICTURE BOOK GN VOL 02 $15.00

MAR242028 AKO & BAMBI GN VOL 02 $15.00

MAR241243 AL CAPONE VAMPIRE #0 CVR A SNYDER III (MR) $6.99

MAR241244 AL CAPONE VAMPIRE #0 CVR B FRAIMS (MR) $6.99

MAR241245 AL CAPONE VAMPIRE #0 CVR C GONZALES (MR) $6.99

MAR241599 ALL MY BICYCLES TP $19.99

MAR241619 AMERICAN NATURE PRESENTS #1 $6.00

MAR242022 APOCALYPSE BRINGER MYNOGHRA GN VOL 01 $13.00

APR242088 APPLE BLACK ORIGINS VOL 01 SPECTRUM & SPECTRE $13.99

APR241013 ARCHIE COMICS JUDGMENT DAY #2 (OF 3) CVR A MEGAN HUTCHISON $4.99

APR241014 ARCHIE COMICS JUDGMENT DAY #2 (OF 3) CVR B FRANCAVILLA $4.99

APR241015 ARCHIE COMICS JUDGMENT DAY #2 (OF 3) CVR C INHYUK LEE $4.99

APR241016 ARCHIE COMICS JUDGMENT DAY #2 (OF 3) CVR D REIKO MURAKAMI $4.99

SEP238963 ART OF MARVELS SPIDERMAN 2 DLX ED HC $99.99

SEP238964 ART OF MARVELS SPIDERMAN 2 HC $49.99

MAR242044 ASSORTED ENTANGLEMENTS GN VOL 05 $13.00

DEC231361 BEARS TOOTH GN VOL 06 SILBERVOGEL $16.95

APR241021 BETTY & VERONICA JUMBO COMICS DIGEST #325 $9.99

AUG221107 BEWARE WITCHES SHADOW FANGS FOR MEMORIES #1 CVR A CALZADA (M $3.99

AUG221108 BEWARE WITCHES SHADOW FANGS FOR MEMORIES #1 CVR B PARSONS (M $3.99

AUG221109 BEWARE WITCHES SHADOW FANGS FOR MEMORIES #1 CVR C RISQUE (MR $9.99

MAR248358 BEWARE WITCHES SHADOW FANGS FOR MEMORIES #1 CVR D RACY (MR) $9.99

MAR242059 BLACK BUTLER GN VOL 33 $13.00

MAR242027 BLACK SUMMONER GN VOL 02 $13.00

APR241450 BLASFAMOUS #3 CVR A ANDOLFO (MR) $8.99

APR241451 BLASFAMOUS #3 CVR B ANDOLFO (MR) $8.99

MAR248184 BLASFAMOUS #3 CVR F BOO (MR) $8.99

MAR242031 BLOODY SWEET GN VOL 03 $20.00

MAR242032 BRIDE OF THE BARRIER MASTER GN VOL 02 $13.00

APR241847 BROWNSTONE GN $18.99

APR241848 BROWNSTONE HC GN $26.99

DEC231362 BUCK DANNY CLASSICS GN VOL 05 OPERATION IRON CURTAIN $12.95

MAR242034 BUNGO STRAY DOGS DEAD APPLE GN VOL 04 $13.00

MAR241064 BUTCHERS BOY #2 $4.99

MAR241728 CANINE DETECTIVE CHRIS GN VOL 03 $8.99

FEB241002 CANTO HC VOL 01 $29.99

APR242102 CHASING SPICA GN (MR) $14.99

MAR242033 CHEERFUL AMNESIA GN VOL 03 $13.00

MAR242047 CHITOSE IS IN RAMUNE BOTTLE GN VOL 06 $13.00

MAR242051 COMBATANTS WILL BE DISPATCHED GN VOL 09 $13.00

FEB241755 COMIC BOOK IMPLOSION EXPANDED ED SC $26.95

APR241658 COMICS REVUE PRESENTS JUNE 2024 $19.95

NOV231008 CREEPY ARCHIVES TP VOL 06 $24.99

FEB241005 CRITICAL ROLE MIGHTY NEIN ORIGINS CADUCEUS CLAY HC $17.99

APR241586 CRYING BOY #3 CVR A HERNAN GONZALEZ $5.99

APR241587 CRYING BOY #3 CVR B GARY O`DONNELL $5.99

APR241588 CRYING BOY #3 CVR C PAOLO MASSAGALI $5.99

APR241589 CRYING BOY #3 CVR D ROB MORAN $5.99

APR241590 CRYING BOY #3 CVR E HERNAN GONZALEZ VIRGIN HOLOFOIL $19.99

APR241574 CYN GN $19.99

NOV231009 DANGANRONPA 2 GOODBYE DESPAIR QUEST TP VOL 01 (MR) $13.99

MAR242052 DARK HISTORY OF REINCARNATED VILLAINESS GN VOL 10 $13.00

MAR242085 DARK MOON THE BLOOD ALTAR GN VOL 03 $20.00

APR241162 DARK SPACES HOLLYWOOD SPECIAL TP (MR) $17.99

OCT232056 DEE SNIDER HES NOT GONNA TAKE IT (MR) $24.99

APR241615 DEFENDERS OF THE EARTH TP $9.99

MAR241451 DELIVER US FROM EVIL #1 CVR A STEFANO CARDOSELLI (MR) $4.99

MAR241452 DELIVER US FROM EVIL #1 CVR B MATTIA DOGHINI (MR) $4.99

MAR241453 DELIVER US FROM EVIL #1 CVR C MIRANDA M (MR) $4.99

MAR242048 DETECTIVE IS ALREADY DEAD GN VOL 05 $13.00

MAR242057 DEVIL IS PART TIMER GN VOL 21 $13.00

APR241480 DF DEADPOOL #1 HAESER SGN & REMARKED LADY DEADPOOL SKETCH (C $91.00

DEC231626 DOCTOR WHO TP THE WHITE DRAGON $29.99

MAR241073 DUDLEY DATSON #3 CVR A IGLE $4.99

MAR241074 DUDLEY DATSON #3 CVR B FOIL IGLE $4.99

APR241193 FAITH RETURNS #2 (OF 2) CVR A BALDO $4.99

APR241194 FAITH RETURNS #2 (OF 2) CVR B VIDAL $4.99

APR241195 FAITH RETURNS #2 (OF 2) CVR C BALDO VIRGIN $4.99

APR241196 FAITH RETURNS #2 (OF 2) CVR D VIDAL VIRGIN $4.99

APR241913 FOOL NIGHT GN VOL 01 $14.99

APR241627 GALAXY OF MADNESS #1 (OF 10) CVR A MICHAEL OEMING $4.99

APR241628 GALAXY OF MADNESS #1 (OF 10) CVR B PAULINA GANUCHEAU $4.99

OCT231036 GET SCHOOLED GN VOL 02 (MR) $19.99

APR242196 GIRL I LIKE FORGOT HER GLASSES GN VOL 10 $12.99

APR241926 GOKURAKUGAI GN VOL 02 $11.99

FEB241183 GOLD DIGGER TP GOLD BRICK XII $59.99

JAN241199 GRENDEL OMNIBUS TP (2ND ED) VOL 05 GRENDEL TALES $29.99

APR240334 GUN HONEY COLLISION COURSE #2 CVR A LIM (MR) $3.99

APR240335 GUN HONEY COLLISION COURSE #2 CVR B PARRILLO (MR) $3.99

APR240336 GUN HONEY COLLISION COURSE #2 CVR C COSPLAY (MR) $3.99

APR240337 GUN HONEY COLLISION COURSE #2 CVR D KHENG (MR) $3.99

APR240338 GUN HONEY COLLISION COURSE #2 CVR E ROBECK NUDE BAGGED (MR) $10.00

APR240339 GUN HONEY COLLISION COURSE #2 CVR F ROBECK CLOTHED (MR) $3.99

MAR248127 GUN HONEY COLLISION COURSE #2 FOC CARANFA NUDE BAGGED (MR) $10.00

MAR248128 GUN HONEY COLLISION COURSE #2 FOC LIM B&W INK VIRGIN (MR) $3.99

FEB240967 HELEN OF WYNDHORN #3 CVR A EVELY $4.99

FEB240968 HELEN OF WYNDHORN #3 CVR B FOIL EVELY $4.99

APR241807 HERE COMES CALICO THE ULTIMATE DEFENDER OF ANIMALS GN VOL 03 $7.99

MAR242046 HETEROGENIA LINGUISTICO GN VOL 05 $15.00

MAR242040 I WANT TO BE A RECEPTIONIST IN MAGICAL WORLD GN VOL 04 $13.00

MAR242036 I WANT TO BE A WALL GN VOL 03 $15.00

APR242041 I WAS REINCARNATED AS 7TH PRINCE GN VOL 12 $12.99

OCT222059 IBARAKI & FRIENDS HC $11.99

OCT232058 ILLENIUM PRESENTS STARFALL HC (MR) $29.99

MAR242038 IM A WITCH MY CRUSH WANTS LOVE POTION GN VOL 04 $13.00

MAR242053 IM NOT POPULAR GN VOL 23 $13.00

MAR242037 IMITATION GN VOL 03 $20.00

APR241591 IMMORTAL ULTRAVIOLENT #1 CVR A ROB NIKOLAKAKIS $5.99

APR241592 IMMORTAL ULTRAVIOLENT #1 CVR B SEAN BECK $5.99

APR241593 IMMORTAL ULTRAVIOLENT #1 CVR C ROB POTCHAK $5.99

APR241594 IMMORTAL ULTRAVIOLENT #1 CVR D HOLOFOIL FLIP CVR $19.99

APR241595 IMMORTAL ULTRAVIOLENT #1 CVR E VIRGIN HOLOFOIL FLIP CVR $29.99

APR241596 IMMORTAL ULTRAVIOLENT #1 CVR F BLANK SKETCH $9.99

APR241911 INSOMNIACS AFTER SCHOOL GN VOL 06 $14.99

APR242123 INVINCIBLE SHOVEL GN VOL 07 (MR) $12.99

MAR242058 IS WRONG PICK UP GIRLS DUNGEON SWORD ORATORIA GN VOL 23 $13.00

AUG212168 JASON DERULO UZO TP (MR) $19.99

MAR241087 JOY OPERATIONS 2 #1 CVR A BYRNE $4.99

MAR241088 JOY OPERATIONS 2 #1 CVR B HEPBURN $4.99

MAR242081 JUNGLE JUICE GN VOL 04 $20.00

APR240371 KAMEN RIDER KUUGA GN VOL 06 (MR) $12.99

MAR241582 KEN PARKER BREATH AND THE DREAM (MASTERWORK ED (MR) $17.99

DEC231033 KILLER QUEENS TP VOL 02 KINGS NOT WINGS $19.99

JUL230994 KING OF THE MOTHS GN (MR) $19.99

MAR242049 KOWLOON GENERIC ROMANCE GN VOL 07 $15.00

APR240959 LIQUID KILL #1 (OF 6) INFANTE METAL LMT 25 (MR) $79.99

APR240955 LIQUID KILL #1 (OF 6) JUNG GI GLOW IN THE DARK VAR LMT 50 (M $124.99

APR240960 LIQUID KILL #1 (OF 6) SDCC EXC VAR LMT 300 (MR) $19.99

APR242129 LOVE IS AN ILLUSION GN VOL 06 (MR) $24.99

APR241912 MAGILUMIERE MAGICAL GIRLS INC VOL 02 $14.99

JUL222098 MAJOR LAZER YEAR NEGATIVE ONE TP $19.99

MAR242154 MASSIVELY MULTIPLAYER WORLD OF GHOSTS GN VOL 02 NEW CHALLENG $13.99

MAR241093 MASTERS OF UNIVERSE REVOLUTION #2 CVR A WILKINS $3.99

MAR241094 MASTERS OF UNIVERSE REVOLUTION #2 CVR B STOKOE $3.99

MAR242035 MAY BE GUILD RECEPTIONIST BUT CLOCK OUT ON TIME GN VOL 03 (C $13.00

APR242225 MEDAKA KUROIWA IS IMPERVIOUS TO MY CHARMS GN VOL 07 $12.95

JAN241204 MIDNITE SHOW TP $19.99

APR241928 MISSION YOZAKURA FAMILY GN VOL 11 $11.99

APR241123 MLP KENBUCKY ROLLER DERBY #5 CVR A SHERRON $3.99

APR241124 MLP KENBUCKY ROLLER DERBY #5 CVR B VALLE $3.99

MAR241757 MOONRAY HC ECHOES OF ASCENSION $35.00

NOV231341 MOUNTAINS OF MADNESS DLX HC GN $39.99

NOV231340 MOUNTAINS OF MADNESS DLX SC GN $25.99

APR241173 MY BAD ESCAPE FROM PECULIAR ISLAND #2 (OF 5) CVR A KRAUSE (M $3.99

MAR242042 MY DEAR CURSE-CASTING VAMPIRESS GN VOL 04 $13.00

APR242138 MY STEPMOTHER & STEPSISTERS ARENT WICKED GN VOL 04 $14.99

DEC231686 NEMESIS THE WARLOCK DEFINITIVE ED HC VOL 01 DIAMOND EXC $33.99

APR241262 NINJAS VS ALIENS TP $19.99

APR240970 NORTH VALLEY GRIMOIRE #1 (OF 6) MASSIVE SDCC EXCLU MURPHY (M $19.99

APR240971 NORTH VALLEY GRIMOIRE #1 (OF 6) MASSIVE SDCC EXCLU NAKAYAMA $19.99

MAR242082 NOT SEW WICKED STEPMOM GN VOL 04 $20.00

APR241523 NOW #13 $12.99

MAR241099 ODDLY PEDESTRIAN LIFE CHRISTOPHER CHAOS #10 CVR A ROBLES $4.99

MAR241100 ODDLY PEDESTRIAN LIFE CHRISTOPHER CHAOS #10 CVR B GAGNON $4.99

JAN241208 ODDLY PEDESTRIAN LIFE OF CHRISTOPHER CHAOS TP VOL 01 $24.99

APR241638 OF HER OWN DESIGN GN $14.99

APR242047 OGAMI SAN CANT KEEP IT IN GN VOL 05 $12.99

MAR242080 OMNISCIENT READERS VIEWPOINT GN VOL 03 $20.00

MAR241729 ONLINE GN VOL 03 $8.99

FEB241013 OPERATION SUNSHINE GN VOL 01 BLOOD RUN $19.99

APR241000 OZ FALL OF EMERALD CITY #3 (OF 3) CVR A IGOR VITORINO $3.99

APR241001 OZ FALL OF EMERALD CITY #3 (OF 3) CVR B MANUEL PREITANO $3.99

APR241002 OZ FALL OF EMERALD CITY #3 (OF 3) CVR C J CARDYGRADE $3.99

APR242142 PANDORA IN CRIMSON SHELL GHOST URN GN VOL 18 (MR) $12.99

MAR242039 PANDORA SEVEN GN VOL 03 $13.00

APR242048 PASS MONSTER MEAT MILADY GN VOL 04 (MR) $12.99

APR242049 PEACH BOY RIVERSIDE GN VOL 14 $12.99

APR241716 PENTHOUSE COMICS #3 CVR A SCALERA (MR) $9.99

APR241717 PENTHOUSE COMICS #3 CVR B KAIOWA (MR) $9.99

APR241718 PENTHOUSE COMICS #3 CVR C PERDITAH (MR) $9.99

APR241719 PENTHOUSE COMICS #3 CVR D POLYBAGGED JEF (MR) $12.99

APR241720 PENTHOUSE COMICS #3 CVR E GEORGE BARAMATIS (MR) $9.99

APR241723 PENTHOUSE COMICS #3 CVR H POLYBAG JADE (MR) $12.99

MAR242062 PLAYING DEATH GAMES PUT FOOD ON TABLE NOVEL SC VOL 01 $15.00

APR242143 PLUS SIZED ELF GN VOL 06 (MR) $13.99

OCT231926 PRE CODE CLASSICS GHOST RIDER HC VOL 02 $52.99

OCT231927 PRE CODE CLASSICS GHOST RIDER SLIPCASE ED VOL 02 $62.99

DEC231671 PRE CODE CLASSICS GHOST RIDER SOFTEE VOL 02 $32.99

AUG232146 PRE CODE CLASSICS THE HAWK SLIPCASE ED VOL 01 $62.99

JUN232028 PRE CODE CLASSICS WEIRD MYSTERIES SOFTEE VOL 03 $32.99

APR241663 PROXY MOM MY EXPERIENCE WITH POSTPARTUM DEPRESSION GN $19.99

DEC231674 PS ARTBOOKS CLASSIC HORROR COMICS SOFTEE VOL 06 $32.99

OCT231932 PS ARTBOOKS CLASSICS HORROR COMICS HC VOL 06 $52.99

OCT231935 PS ARTBOOKS DYNAMIC COMIC FACSMILE ED #8 $15.99

SEP231917 PS ARTBOOKS STARTLING COMIC FACSMILE ED #51 $15.99

SEP231918 PS ARTBOOKS STARTLING COMIC FACSMILE ED #52 $15.99

SEP231919 PS ARTBOOKS STARTLING COMIC FACSMILE ED #53 $15.99

AUG232131 RALPH AZHAM HC VOL 01 BLACK ARE THE STARS $19.99

APR242147 REBORN AS A SPACE MERCENARY GN VOL 07 $12.99

MAR242029 REBORN TO MASTER BLADE FROM HERO-KING TO SQUIRE GN VOL 03 (C $13.00

APR242149 REINCARNATED AS A SWORD ANOTHER WISH GN VOL 06 $12.99

MAR242084 REMARRIED EMPRESS GN VOL 07 $20.00

APR241678 RICK AND MORTY FINALS WEEK WRATH OF BETH CVR A ELLERBY (MR) $5.99

APR241679 RICK AND MORTY FINALS WEEK WRATH OF BETH CVR B LLOYD (MR) $5.99

APR241909 ROOSTER FIGHTER GN VOL 06 $14.99

APR242153 ROYAL TAILOR CLOTHIER TO CROWN GN VOL 01 (MR) $13.99

MAR241750 SCIENCE OF GHOSTS GN (RES) (MR) $23.99

FEB241357 SELF ESTEEM & THE END OF THE WORLD GN (MR) $24.95

MAR242024 SENPAI THIS CANT BE LOVE GN $15.00

APR231043 SHEPHERDESS WARRIORS GN VOL 01 $14.99

APR242054 SHONEN NOTE BOY SOPRANO GN VOL 08 $12.99

APR241919 SHOW-HA SHOTEN GN VOL 05 $11.99

OCT231938 SILVER AGE CLASSICS GORGO SOFTEE VOL 04 $32.99

MAR242021 SISTER & GIANT GN VOL 01 $15.00

MAR242054 SO IM A SPIDER SO WHAT GN VOL 13 $13.00

APR241455 SPECTREGRAPH #2 CVR A WARD (MR) $8.99

APR241456 SPECTREGRAPH #2 CVR B HIXSON (MR) $8.99

MAR248185 SPECTREGRAPH #2 CVR F LEE (MR) $8.99

APR241133 STAR TREK #21 CVR A LEVENS $4.99

APR241134 STAR TREK #21 CVR B RAHZZAH $4.99

APR241142 STAR TREK DEFIANT HC VOL 02 ANOTHER PIECE OF ACTION $24.99

JAN241210 STAR WARS HYPERSPACE STORIES TP VOL 03 LIGHT & SHADOWS $19.99

APR241893 STREET FIGHTER MASTERS GAME GALS #1 (OF 1) CVR A CONFRANCESC $4.99

APR241894 STREET FIGHTER MASTERS GAME GALS #1 (OF 1) CVR B ROGERS $4.99

APR241895 STREET FIGHTER MASTERS GAME GALS #1 (OF 1) CVR C BLANK SKETC $6.99

APR241897 STREET FIGHTER SWIMSUIT SPECIAL COLLECTION HC VOL 02 $49.99

JAN241647 SUFFRAGE SONG HC $34.99

FEB242041 SWEET FOR SWEETS AND FOREIGNERS GN VOL 01 $13.99

MAR242023 SWORD ART ONLINE KISS & FLY GN VOL 01 $13.00

APR241696 TEA DRAGON SOCIETY TREASURY ED GN $19.99

MAR242056 TERRIFIED TEACHER AT GHOUL SCHOOL GN VOL 14 $13.00

OCT231034 TERROR MAN GN VOL 02 (MR) $19.99

SEP231003 TEZUKA SHAKESPEARE MANGA THEATER GN $14.99

APR240948 THE EXILED #1 (OF 6) MASSIVE EXC MACK METAL VAR LMT 50 (MR) $89.99

NOV231342 THE INSPECTRES TP $25.99

APR242162 THERES NO FREAKING WAY BE YOUR LOVER GN VOL 05 $13.99

MAR242019 THIS MONSTER WANTS TO EAT ME GN VOL 01 $13.00

APR241146 TMNT BLACK WHITE & GREEN #2 CVR A RODRIGUEZ $5.99

APR241147 TMNT BLACK WHITE & GREEN #2 CVR B LOVE $5.99

FEB241069 TMNT THE LAST RONIN II RE EVOLUTION #2 CVR A ESCORZAS (MR) $8.99

FEB241070 TMNT THE LAST RONIN II RE EVOLUTION #2 CVR B EASTMAN (MR) $8.99

FEB241071 TMNT THE LAST RONIN II RE EVOLUTION #2 CVR C BISHOP (MR) $8.99

APR241152 TMNT UNTOLD DESTINY OF FOOT CLAN #4 CVR A SANTOLOUCO $3.99

APR241153 TMNT UNTOLD DESTINY OF FOOT CLAN #4 CVR B TANGO $3.99

APR242165 TOKYO REVENGERS OMNIBUS GN VOL 13 (VOLS 21-22) $22.99

MAR242086 TOMB RAIDER KING GN VOL 07 $20.00

APR241577 TOTAL SUPLEX OF THE HEART GN (MR) $22.99

APR242167 TREE OF DEATH YOMOTSUHEGUI GN VOL 02 (MR) $14.99

FEB241017 TRICK PONY TP $22.99

APR241815 TRUMPS #3 $4.99

MAR242050 TSUBAKI-CHOU LONLEY PLANET GN VOL 07 $13.00

MAR242083 UNCANNY COUNTER GN VOL 02 $20.00

MAR242045 UNNAMED MEMORY GN VOL 05 $13.00

MAR241968 UNNATURAL ORDER TP VOL 01 $19.99

MAR241519 VERA BUSHWACK GN (MR) $29.95

APR242060 VINLAND SAGA DLX HC VOL 03 (MR) $54.99

APR241637 WHEN THE BLOOD HAS DRIED #3 (OF 5) $4.99

MAR242030 WHOEVER STEALS THIS BOOK GN VOL 02 $13.00

MAR242041 WITCHES MARRIAGE GN VOL 03 $13.00

MAR241118 WRITER #1 $3.99

MAR241204 WRONG EARTH DEAD RINGERS #3 (OF 5) $3.99

APR241921 YO-KAI WATCH GN VOL 23 $11.99

MAGAZINES

FEB241750 ALTER EGO #188 25TH ANNIVERSARY AT TWOMORROWS $24.95

FEB241751 BACK ISSUE #152 $10.95

MAR241506 COMIC SHOP NEWS (100CT BUNDLE) #1922 (Net) $PI

DEC231625 DOCTOR WHO 60 MOMENTS IN TIME $29.99

NOV231343 ILLUSTRATORS #43 $30.00

APR241614 LOCUS MAGAZINE #761 VOL 92 NO 6 $12.50

FEB241753 RETROFAN MAGAZINE #33 $10.95

APR241659 RUE MORGUE MAGAZINE #219 $13.95

APR241662 SCARY MONSTERS MAGAZINE #135 $14.99

FEB241716 SCREEM #42 FREAKS ED $11.99

FEB241717 SCREEM #42 GLENN STRANGE PX ED $11.99

APR241851 VAMPIRESS CARMILLA MAGAZINE #22 (MR) $6.99

BOOKS

MAR242076 ANGEL NEXT DOOR SPOILS ME ROTTEN LIGHT NOVEL SC VOL 07 $15.00

MAR242060 BABEL LIGHT NOVEL SC VOL 01 $15.00

MAR242063 BLACK SUMMONER LIGHT NOVEL SC VOL 02 $15.00

APR242080 CANNABIS WORKS 2 HC NEW PTG $39.95

APR242081 CHACHAGOMA ILLUSTRATION WORKS HC $39.99

MAR242074 CHEAT SKILL WORLD BECAME UNRIVALED REAL NOVEL VOL 05 $15.00

APR240333 CONAN CITY OF DEAD PROSE NOVEL HC $27.99

APR241782 COSPLAY THE MARVEL WAY GUIDE TO COSTUMING SC $24.00

MAR242079 DATE A LIVE LIGHT NOVEL SC VOL 12 $15.00

MAR242070 DAYS WITH MY STEPSISTER NOVEL SC VOL 03 $15.00

MAR242061 DEMONS CREST LIGHT NOVEL SC VOL 01 $15.00

APR242181 FAILURE FRAME LIGHT NOVEL VOL 10 $15.99

MAR242078 GREATEST DEMON LORD REBORN TYPICAL NOBODY NOVEL SC VOL 10 (C $15.00

APR241544 I AM KATARA AVATAR LITTLE GOLDEN BOOK HC $5.99

APR242082 IN THE WIND THE ART OF MINAHAMU SC $39.99

APR241697 LEGEND OF MAD MAX HC $32.00

MAR242073 LIAR LIAR LIGHT NOVEL SC VOL 04 $15.00

MAR242071 MAY BE GUILD RECEPTIONIST BUT SOLO ANY BOSS LN SC VOL 03 $15.00

MAR242064 MISS SAVAGE FANG LIGHT NOVEL SC VOL 02 $15.00

NOV221746 NEO RETRO ILLUSTRATIONS RETRO REIMAGINED SC $29.99

MAR242066 OTHER WORLDS BOOKS DEPEND BEAN COUNTER LIGHT NOVEL SC VOL 02 $15.00

MAR241627 OVERSTREET PG TO LOST UNIVERSES HC VOL 02 LADY DEATH $40.00

MAR241629 OVERSTREET PG TO LOST UNIVERSES HC VOL 02 SCOUT $40.00

MAR241625 OVERSTREET PG TO LOST UNIVERSES HC VOL 02 SPIDER-MAN 2099 (C $40.00

MAR241626 OVERSTREET PG TO LOST UNIVERSES SC VOL 02 LADY DEATH $30.00

MAR241628 OVERSTREET PG TO LOST UNIVERSES SC VOL 02 SCOUT $30.00

MAR241624 OVERSTREET PG TO LOST UNIVERSES SC VOL 02 SPIDER-MAN 2099 (C $30.00

MAR242069 REBORN TO MASTER BLADE NOVEL SC VOL 03 $15.00

FEB241358 SHORTCOMINGS A SCREENPLAY SC (MR) $29.95

MAR242075 SUGAR APPLE FAIRY LIGHT NOVEL SC VOL 06 $15.00

MAR242067 UNIMPLEMENTED OVERLORDS JOINED PARTY LIGHT NOVEL SC VOL 02 ( $15.00

MAR242077 VEXATIONS SHUT IN VAMPIRE PRINCESS LIGHT NOVEL SC VOL 07 $15.00

MAR242025 VISIONS 2023 ILLUSTRATORS BOOK SC $45.00

MAR242068 YOU ARE MY REGRET PROSE NOVEL SC VOL 02 $15.00

------------------------

#IReadsYou Manga Review: WITCH OF THISTLE CASTLE Volume 1

WITCH OF THISTLE CASTLE VOL. 1

TITAN COMICS/Titan Manga

MANGAKA: John Tarachine

TRANSLATION: Motoko Tamamuro and Jonathan Clements

LETTERS: Jessica Burton and Cale Ward

EDITOR: Phoebe Hedges

ISBN: 978-1787741416; paperback (October 31, 2023)

176pp, B&W, $12.99 U.S., $16.99 CAN, £9.99 UK

Azami no Shiro no Majo is a fantasy manga from writer-artist John Tarachine.  It began serialization in the Japanese magazine, Comic Tatan, in 2019.  Titan Manga is publishing an English-language edition of the manga under the title, Witch of Thistle Castle.

Witch of Thistle Castle, Vol. 1 (Chapters 1 to 5) opens in Edinburgh, Scotland.  Spirits and magic are everywhere in this city's streets – if only you dare to see it.  Marie Blackwood is the last in a long line of Witches of the Black Wood, and she is also known as “the Black Witch of Albion.”  However, Marie Blackwood lives a quiet life in Edinburgh – away from the scrutiny of the Church of London, which oversees magic.

Then, the Church thrusts 13-year-old Theo Edison into her hands for safekeeping.  Marie suddenly gains the responsibility not only of taking care of a teenager, but also of protecting the world, and Theo himself, from the amazing power that lives inside of him.  It is the power known as “the Blood of Righteous Anger.”  Is Theo Marie's apprentice or burden … or more?

THE LOWDOWN:  Beginning last month (October 2023), Titan Comics started providing me with print copies of their manga publications for review.  Witch of Thistle Castle 01 is the second.  The Witch of Thistle Castle manga is also the first title created by John Tarachine that I have read.

Witch of Thistle Castle Graphic Novel Volume 1 is intriguing simply because of the way that author John Tarachine presents magic.  In this world, magic works by negotiating with spirits that humans can't see, and even magic users need special means by which to see these spirits.  The narrative is at once playful, but there is always an air of menace about it.  Tarachine seems to use the sense of mystery and of the unknown as a lure to ensnare readers, which if fine by me.  Like me, I think readers will want to know more, much more about the world of this series.

Witch of Thistle Castle presents some of the most beautiful drawn manga art that I have seen in a while.  The figure drawing is a combination of sexy angles and playful elegance.  The detailed backgrounds are lavish and imaginative, and they serve to transport readers to this world with its unique and eccentric methods of magic and madness

My second experience with Titan Manga is also a win.  I hope to keep reading Witch of Thistle Castle.  I highly recommend this magical girl manga that is like no other.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS:  Fans of magical girl manga will want to try Titan Manga's Witch of Thistle Castle.

A

★★★★ out of 4 stars

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

https://titan-comics.com/

https://twitter.com/ComicsTitan

https://www.instagram.com/titancomics/

https://www.facebook.com/ComicsTitan

The text is copyright © 2023 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog or site for reprint and syndication rights and fees.

-------------------------

Amazon wants me to inform you that the affiliate link below is a PAID AD, but I technically only get paid (eventually) if you click on the affiliate link below AND buy something(s).

Buy Witch of Thistle Castle Vol. 1 at AMAZON.

#IReadsYou Manga Review: ALPI - THE SOUL SENDER Volume 1

ALPI – THE SOUL SENDER VOL. 1

TITAN COMICS/Titan Manga

MANGAKA: Rona

TRANSLATION: Motoko Tamamuro and Jonathan Clements

LETTERS: Jonathan Stevenson

EDITOR: Phoebe Hedges

COVER: Rona

ISBN: 978-1787741300; paperback (October 10, 2023)

176pp, B&W, $12.99 U.S., $16.99 CAN, £9.99 UK

Soukon no Shoujo to Sourei no Tabi is a manga from writer-artist Rona.  It was serialized by Japan's Web Comic Zenyon from 2018 to 2022.  Titan Manga is publishing an English-language edition of the manga under the title, Alpi – The Soul Sender.

Alpi – The Soul Sender, Vol. 1 (Chapters 1 to 5) is set on a magical version of Earth where divine spirits are the source of all life.  These spirits are the incarnation of the Sun God's blessed power, and they take the form of animals.  However, when a spirit's life ends, a terrible curse drives them to evil.

Enter the “Soul Senders.”  They perform a “valediction” that sends the malignant spirits to the afterlife.  Alpi is a Soul Sender, a very talented one despite her young age.  She travels the land with her familiar, an older man named Perenai.

THE LOWDOWN:  Beginning this month October 2023, Titan Comics started providing me with print copies of their manga publications for review.  Alpi – The Soul Sender 01 is the first.  Alpi – The Soul Sender manga is also the first title created by Rona that I have read.

Alpi – The Soul Sender Graphic Novel Volume 1 belongs to the “magical girl” manga genre.  Rona, the series creator, tells the stories of Alpi and her adventures in a episodic form.  In this first volume, the five chapters yield four episodes.  Rona deftly uses these early chapters to shape Alpi's character and personality and also to establish the bonds between Alpi and Perenai.

In true magical girl fashion, Alpi is likable and plucky, but her demeanor belies a subtle iron will and steady determination that makes us believe that she can overcome the serious obstacles before her.  When a spirit goes foul, it is a hot, dangerous mess.  Alpi is always up to the challenge, and I think that makes the readers want to put themselves in her place.

Rona's detailed graphical and drawing style serve the narrative well when it comes to depicting the rich and varied environments in which these episodes are set – from a lush lake town to town that is a series of iron works.  Motoko Tamamuro and Jonathan Clements' translation captures Alpi's winning personality and the seriousness of her mission and vocation; it's also an enjoyable read.

My first experience with Titan Manga is a win.  I hope to keep reading Alpi – The Soul Sender.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS:  Fans of magical girl manga will want to try Titan Manga's Alpi – The Soul Sender.

A

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

https://titan-comics.com/

https://twitter.com/ComicsTitan

https://www.instagram.com/titancomics/

https://www.facebook.com/ComicsTitan

The text is copyright © 2023 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog or site for reprint and syndication rights and fees.

PREVIEW of Page 127 (top) and Page 6 (bottom):

----------------------------

Amazon wants me to inform you that the affiliate link below is a PAID AD, but I technically only get paid (eventually) if you click on the affiliate link below AND buy something(s).

Buy Alpi - The Soul Sender Volume 1 at AMAZON.

#IReadsYou Review: KAIJU NO. 8 Volume 2

KAIJU NO. 8, VOL. 2
VIZ MEDIA

MANGAKA: Naoya Matsumoto
TRANSLATION: David Evelyn
LETTERS: Brandon Bovia
EDITOR: Karla Clark
ISBN: 978-1-9747-2714-8; paperback (April 2022); Rated “T” for “Teen”
212pp, B&W, $9.99 U.S., $12.99 CAN, £7.99 U.K.

Kaiju No. 8 is a Japanese manga series written and illustrated by Naoya Matsumoto.  It has been serialized for free on Shueisha's Shōnen Jump+ application and website since July 2020.  VIZ Media began publishing an English-language edition of the manga as series of paperback graphic novels under its “Shonen Jump” imprint in December 2021

Kaiju No. 8 opens in a world where Japan is plagued by the giant monsters known as “kaiju.”  Thirty-two-year-old Kafka Hibino is a kaiju corpse cleanup man for Monster Sweeper, Inc., a professional kaiju cleaning company.  He wishes that he was a member of the Japanese Defense Force (JDF), which is tasked with neutralizing kaiju.  Kafka and childhood friend, Mina Ashiro, both wanted to be members of the Defense Force.  Mina is now captain of the JDF's “Third Division” and has neutralized hundreds of kaiju.  Kafka has revived his dream to join Mina in the Defense Force, but he undergoes an unexpected transformation.  Now, he has made the Defense Force's neutralization list as the kaiju code named “Kaiju No. 8!”

As Kaiju No. 8, Vol. 2 (Chapters 8 to 17) opens, some of Kafka's colleague know his secret that he is Kaiju No. 8, as he springs into action to put down other kaiju.  But now, it's time to worry about the final Defense Force tests.  Kafka fails spectacularly, but his spirit and determination get him into the JDF on a provisional basis.  Kafka isn't an officer; he is a cadet, and he has three months to prove himself.  A Honju (a “main beast”) has attacked, and if Kafka can't use his skills, he can use his knowledge to impress.  But is the latest invasion too much for everyone, including his colleagues, Reno Ichikawa and Iharu Furuhashi?

THE LOWDOWN:  The Kaiju No. 8 manga is one of many current kaiju manga.  It manages to be a standout with its many twists and turns.

Kaiju No. 8 Graphic Novel Volume 2 offers a familiar scenario – young people going through the process of joining and then making their way in some kind of monster-fighting organization.  Naoya Matsumoto does not short readers on scenes featuring tests and field exercises.  There are rivalries and also one student that really stands out.  Thus far, the most intense plot line in the series is Kafka and his Kaiju No. 8 situation.  What is he really?  It is not a matter of if more people will discover his secrets, but of when.  So what happens then?

Those questions and the intrigue make Kaiju No. 8 a manga worth following.  Plus, Matsumoto's kaiju illustrations are really awesome.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS:  Fans of kaiju manga will want to read the Shonen Jump title, Kaiju No. 8.

A-
★★★½ out of 4 stars

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


https://www.viz.com/
https://twitter.com/VIZMedia
https://www.instagram.com/vizmedia/
https://www.facebook.com/OfficialVIZMedia
https://www.snapchat.com/add/vizmedia


The text is copyright © 2022 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog or site for syndication rights and fees.

--------------------

Amazon wants me to inform you that the affiliate link below is a PAID AD, but I technically only get paid (eventually) if you click on the affiliate link below AND buy something(s).

#IReadsYou Review: MAO: Volume 2

MAO, VOL. 2
VIZ MEDIA

MANGAKA: Rumiko Takahashi
TRANSLATION: Junko Goda
ENGLISH ADAPTATION: Shaenon Garrity
LETTERS: Susan Daigle-Leach
EDITOR: Annette Roman
ISBN: 978-1-9747-2058-3; paperback (November 2021); Rated “T+” for “Older Teen”
192pp, B&W, $9.99 U.S., $12.99 CAN, £7.99 UK

Mao is a Japanese manga series written and illustrated by Rumiko Takahashi.  It has been serialized in the Japanese manga magazine, Weekly Shōnen Sunday, since May 2019.  In September 2021, VIZ Media began publishing an English-language edition of Mao as a series of paperback graphic novels under its “Shonen Sunday” imprint.

Mao focuses on 15-year-old Nanoka Kiba.  Eight years ago, she was in a mysterious car accident in which she and her parents died, but Nanoka continues to live on.  One day, while visiting the shopping alley on Fifth Street, Nanoka inadvertently enters a portal that transports her back to Japan's Taisho era.  There, Nanoka meets a young-looking exorcist named Mao and his helper, Otoya, a shikigami that resembles a small boy.  As they try to discover what thread of fate connects them, they'll kick demon butt along the way.

As Mao, Vol. 2 (Chapters 1 to 10) opens, Nanoka, Mao, and Otoya investigate the strange cult of Priestess Shoko in hopes of bringing her to justice.  However, diabolical forces surround her, and they will kill anyone who stand in their way.  Meanwhile, Shoko reveals a shocking doomsday prophecy.  Later, Nanoka and her friend, the boy who wants to date her, Shiraha, do some historical research and discover a cataclysmic event that is yet to occur in Mao's timeline.

THE LOWDOWN:  The Mao manga is the latest multi-genre manga from Rumiko
Takahashi.  As usual, this title pairs a young female touched by the supernatural with a youngish male whose trade is in the supernatural.

Mao Graphic Novel Volume 2 finds Nanoka hopping back and forth between timelines.  She and Mao investigate all manner of demons.  Meanwhile, a historical disaster connects the two different worlds in which they live, but history may not be entirely correct about the details of event.  The Princess Shoko story arc reveals that while both their personalities and their methods sometimes clash, Nanoka and Mao are actually a rather nice match.

As she did in the first volume, Shaenon Garrity once again offers an English-language adaptation that is a delightful read, capturing the magic that infuses this volume and also the curious and inquisitive nature of Nanoka.  I couldn't stop reading Mao Vol. 1, and by the time I finished Vol. 2, I really wanted to read more.  I heartily recommend this series to any fans of supernatural fantasy comics and graphic novels even if they have never previously read Rumiko Takahashi.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS:  Readers who love Rumiko Takahashi’s manga will want the Shonen Sunday title, Mao.

A

9 out of 10

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


https://www.viz.com/
https://twitter.com/VIZMedia
https://www.instagram.com/vizmedia/
https://www.facebook.com/OfficialVIZMedia
https://www.snapchat.com/add/vizmedia


The text is copyright © 2021 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog or site for syndication rights and fees.

--------------------

Amazon wants me to inform you that the link below is a PAID AD, but I technically only get paid (eventually) if you click on the ad below AND buy something(s).

#IReadsYou Review: KAIJU No. 8: Volume 1

KAIJU NO. 8, VOL. 1
VIZ MEDIA

MANGAKA: Naoya Matsumoto
TRANSLATION: David Evelyn
LETTERS: Brandon Bovia
EDITOR: Karla Clark
ISBN: 978-1-9747-2598-4; paperback (December 2021); Rated “T” for “Teen”
212pp, B&W, $9.99 U.S., $12.99 CAN, £7.99 U.K.

Kaiju No. 8 is a Japanese manga series written and illustrated by Naoya Matsumoto.  It has been serialized for free on Shueisha's Shōnen Jump+ application and website since July 2020.  VIZ Media began publishing an English-language edition of the manga as series of paperback graphic novels under its “Shonen Jump” imprint in December 2021

Kaiju No. 8, Vol. 1 (Chapters 1 to 7) opens up in a world where Japan is plagued by the giant monsters known as “kaiju.”  Thirty-two-year-old Kafka Hibino is a kaiju corpse cleanup man.  Kafka works for Monster Sweeper, Inc., a professional kaiju cleaning company, but he wishes that he was a member of the Japanese Defense Force, which is tasked with neutralizing kaiju.

Kafka and childhood friend, Mina Ashiro, both wanted to be members of the Defense Force.  Mina is now captain of the JDF's “Third Division” and has neutralized hundreds of kaiju.  Kafka is training a new part time worker, 18-year-old Reno Ichikawa, who is determined to take the JDF's exam to join the force as a kaiju fighter.  That inspires Kafka to revive his dream to join Mina in the Defense Force, but there is one serious complication.  Kafka has recently made the Defense Force's neutralization list as the kaiju code named Kaiju No. 8!

THE LOWDOWN:  The Kaiju No. 8 manga made its North American debut this month (Dec. 2021).  With its striking cover art, the first volume may tempt fans of kaiju comics to try it.

Kaiju No. 8 Graphic Novel Volume 1 offers a familiar scenario.  A hero is forced into becoming the very kind of monster that he fights, or, in the case of Kafka Hibino, the very monsters which he cleans-up after.  Rather than treating his lead character as tragic, creator Naoya Matsumoto creates a comedy in which the hero makes the best of the situation.  That will probably lead to enough imaginative comic scenarios to keep Kaiju No. 8 running for several volumes, at least.

The translation by David Evelyn captures the moods, styles, and elements in which the manga plies its narrative trade.  Right now, the story focuses on the nastiness of Kafka's job, his growing friendship with Reno, the rigors of training, and how he faces becoming a kaiju.  So far, I like that Kafka is making the best of it.  Maybe, this manga will ultimately be about a hero who overcomes obstacles.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS:  Fans of kaiju manga will want to read the Shonen Jump title, Kaiju No. 8.

A

8 out of 10

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


https://www.viz.com/
https://twitter.com/VIZMedia
https://www.instagram.com/vizmedia/
https://www.facebook.com/OfficialVIZMedia
https://www.snapchat.com/add/vizmedia


The text is copyright © 2021 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog or site for syndication rights and fees.

----------------------

Amazon wants me to inform you that the link below is a PAID AD, but I technically only get paid (eventually) if you click on the ad below AND buy something(s).

#IReadsYou Review: MAO: Volume 1

MAO, VOL. 1
VIZ MEDIA

MANGAKA: Rumiko Takahashi
TRANSLATION: Junko Goda
ENGLISH ADAPTATION: Shaenon Garrity
LETTERS: Susan Daigle-Leach
EDITOR: Annette Roman
ISBN: 978-1-9747-2052-1; paperback (September 2021); Rated “T+” for “Older Teen”
192pp, B&W, $9.99 U.S., $12.99 CAN, £7.99 UK

Mao is a Japanese manga series written and illustrated by Rumiko Takahashi.  It has been serialized in the Japanese manga magazine, Weekly Shōnen Sunday, since May 2019.  In September 2021, VIZ Media began publishing an English-language edition of Mao as a series of paperback graphic novels under its “Shonen Sunday” imprint.

Mao, Vol. 1 (Chapters 1 to 8) introduces 15-year-old Nanoka Kiba, a third-year middle school student.  Eight years ago, she was in a mysterious car accident in which she and her parents died, but Nanoka continues to live on.  One day, while visiting the shopping alley on Fifth Street, Nanoka inadvertently enters a portal that transports her back to Japan's Taisho era, around the year 1923.

There, Nanoka meets a young-looking exorcist named Mao and his helper, Otoya, a shikigami that resembles a small boy.  When Nanoka gets back to the present, she discovers that she has some new, incredible abilities.  She returns to the past looking for answers, but only finds herself caught up in Mao’s investigation of a series of gruesome murders and of their mutual connection to a powerful cat demon named Byoki.

THE LOWDOWN:  The Mao manga is the latest multi-genre title from Rumiko
Takahashi.  As usual, this title pairs a young female touched by the supernatural with a youngish male whose trade is in the supernatural.

Moa Graphic Novel Volume 1 is the first Takahashi manga that I have read since I read Rin-ne Volume 32 twenty-one months ago.  I don't think that I had forgotten the pure joy I often feel while reading one of her titles, but I must have been in need of her work.  It has been a long time since I enjoyed reading a volume of manga this much.

The English-language adaptation by Shaenon Garrity is a delightful read, capturing the magic that infuses this volume and also the curious and inquisitive nature of Nanoka.  I couldn't stop reading Mao Vol. 1, and I like that the characters are only revealed enough to make us come back for more.  Susan Daigle-Leach's lettering looks like a perfect fit for Rumiko's work, particularly for Mao.

This is a perfect opening volume – the kind that makes me want more.  And I already have Vol. 2.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS:  Readers who love Rumiko Takahashi’s manga will want the Shonen Sunday title, Mao.

A+
10 out of 10

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


https://www.viz.com/
https://twitter.com/VIZMedia
https://www.instagram.com/vizmedia/
https://www.facebook.com/OfficialVIZMedia
https://www.snapchat.com/add/vizmedia


The text is copyright © 2021 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog or site for syndication rights and fees.

------------------------

Amazon wants me to inform you that the link below is a PAID AD, but I technically only get paid (eventually) if you click on the ad below AND buy something(s).

#IReadsYou Review: BOYS RUN THE RIOT: Volume 1

BOYS RUN THE RIOT, VOL. 1
KODANSHA COMICS

MANGAKA: Keito Gaku
TRANSLATION: Leo McDonagh
LETTERS: Ashley Caswell
EDITORS: Tiff Joshua and TJ Ferentini
COVER: Keito Gaku
ISBN: 978-1-64651-248-5; paperback (May 2021); Rated “OT 16+”
244pp, B&W, $12.99 U.S., $16.99 CAN

Boys Run the Riot is a Japanese manga series written and illustrated by Keito Gaku.  It began serialization in Kodansha's Weekly Young Magazine in January 2020, and then moved to Kodansha's “Comic Days” manga app in September 2020.  Kodansha Comics began publishing an English-language edition of the manga as a four-volume trade paperback original series in May 2021.  Each volume of Boys Run the Riot will also be available digitally upon release across all our participating digital vendors including Bookwalker, comiXology, Google Play, Kindle, Nook and izneo.

Boys Run The Riot, Vol. 1 (Chapters 1 to 7) introduces Ryo Watari, a second year high school student.  Ryo knows that he is transgender, but he does not have anyone in which to confide about the confusion he feels.  He can’t tell his best friend, Chika, who only sees Ryo as a girl who likes to dress as a boy.  He can't tell his mother, who is constantly asking Ryo why he “dresses like a boy.”  He certainly can’t tell Jin Sato, the new transfer student who looks like just another bully and a delinquent.

Ryo is into “street fashion,” and the only time he feels at ease is when he is wearing his favorite clothes.  It is then and only then that the world melts away, and Ryo can be his true self.  However, one day, while out shopping at a “pop-up” store, Ryo sees someone he didn’t expect, Jin.  The new student who looked so tough in class has the same taste in fashion as Ryo!  Ryo has someone with whom he can be open, but it is never that easy – especially when uniting with another outcast can make you even more of an outcast.

THE LOWDOWN:  Earlier this summer, I came upon either a review or an advertisement that alerted me to the existence of Boys Run the Riot.  I liked the title, and also, I have been curious about manga featuring transgender characters since I first read Shimura Takako's trans manga, Wandering Son Volume 1 (Fantagraphics Books), back in 2011.

Boys Run The Riot Volume 1 does an amazing thing.  From the moment I started reading, I only thought of Ryo as a boy.  Creator Keito Gaku only ever presents Ryo as a high school boy, and midway through the first chapter (entitled “Encounter”), Ryo declares to Jin, “I'm a guy on the inside!”  At that point, the narrative makes conveys the fact that Ryo is a guy through and through – at least to me.

I like Guka's art with its expressive faces and large, emotive eyes on the characters.  Ryo and Jin's street fashions fit them so naturally and with a sense of ease.  Guka's graphical storytelling feels at ease, but it is also capable of sudden changes and explosive displays of emotion.  Ryo and Jin's friendship is an evolving relationship, and there are plenty of bumps along the way, especially because Jin likes to tease and provoke.

Leo McDonagh's English-language translation perfectly fits the art and storytelling, while Ashley Caswell's lettering captures the many moods of the chapters contained in this first volume.  I thought that I would like Boys Run The Riot, and this first volume makes me want to read more.  The final chapter of Vol. 1 (Chapter 7: “Riot”) sets up some interesting things to come.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS:  Fans of transgender manga, of high school-set manga, and of comics about fashion will want Boys Run The Riot.

A
9 out of 10

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


https://twitter.com/KodanshaManga
https://kodansha.us/
https://www.facebook.com/KodanshaManga?fref=ts
https://www.instagram.com/kodanshamanga/


The text is copyright © 2021 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog or site for syndication rights and fees.

----------------------

Amazon wants me to inform you that the link below is a PAID AD, but I technically only get paid (eventually) if you click on the ad below AND buy something(s).

-------------------------------

#IReadsYou Review: THE PROMISED NEVERLAND Volume 16

 

THE PROMISED NEVERLAND, VOL. 16

VIZ MEDIA – @VIZMedia

STORY: Kaiu Shirai
ART: Posuka Demizu
TRANSLATION: Satsuki Yamashita
LETTERS: Mark McMurray
EDITOR: Alexis Kirsch
ISBN: 978-1-9747-1701-9; paperback (August 2020); Rated “T+” for “Older Teen”
208pp, B&W, $9.99 U.S., $12.99 CAN, £7.99 U.K.

The Promised Neverland is a Japanese manga series written by Kaiu Shirai and illustrated by Posuka Demizu.  It was serialized in Weekly Shonen Jump from August 2016 to June 2020.  VIZ Media published an English-language edition of the manga as a paperback graphic novel series under its “Shonen Jump” imprint from December 2017 to August 2021.

The Promised Neverland opens at Grace Field House, an orphanage where the children have a wonderful life... or so it seems.  The orphanage's three brightest children are Emma, Norman, and Ray, all 11-years-old as the story begins.  Like the other orphans, they enjoy the daily studying and exams, and also the delicious food and plentiful playtime.  However, the children's loving, but stern caretaker, “Mom,” hides the fact that everything is not what it seems, a fact these three bright children will discover upon turning 12.

As The Promised Neverland, Vol. 16 (Chapters 134 to 143; entitled “Lost Boy”) opens, Emma and Ray attempt to find the “Seven Walls,” and find themselves trapped in a mysterious, twisty world.  Can they escape this labyrinth and make their way to the human world?  And are they willing to pay the price required?  Elsewhere, Don, Gilda, and Hayato continue their quest to find their old demon friends, Mujika and Sonju, but betrayal is afoot.

Meanwhile, Norman has his own plans to end the human-demon conflict...

THE LOWDOWN:  In Japan, The Promised Neverland manga ended its serialization in the Japanese edition of Weekly Shonen Jump last summer.  In North America, the final volume (Vol. 20) of VIZ Media's English-language collection of the manga as a graphic novel series for young adult readers will arrive in about two weeks as of this writing.

The Promised Neverland Graphic Novel Volume 16 is the first volume of the series that I have read in almost a year.  I still find this manga to be a riveting read, but I realized, early in reading this volume, that I wasn't as into reading the series as I had been a year or so ago.  That changed and I got back into the series, full-on, when I realized that Vol. 16 was a symphony of backstabbing and betrayal.  Much of it deals with the history of Julius Ratri, essentially the human who helped to create the current status quo between humans and demons.

Satsuki Yamashita creates the translation that makes Vol. 16 deliver power via its shocks and surprises, while Mark McMurray's lettering hits all the dark and edgy notes.  They help to make Vol. 16 both an exceptional and a pivotal volume.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS:  Readers of dark fantasy graphic novels will find a terrifying story in Shonen Jump's The Promised Neverland.

A
9 out of 10

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


https://www.viz.com/
https://twitter.com/VIZMedia
https://www.instagram.com/vizmedia/
https://www.facebook.com/OfficialVIZMedia
https://www.snapchat.com/add/vizmedia


The text is copyright © 2021 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog or site for syndication rights and fees.

-----------------------------------------

Amazon wants me to inform you that the link below is a PAID AD, but I technically only get paid (eventually) if you click on the ad below AND buy something(s).

#IReadsYou Review: NARUTO Volume 71

NARUTO, VOL. 71
VIZ MEDIA – @VIZMedia

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

CARTOONIST: Masashi Kishimoto
TRANSLATION: Mari Morimoto
LETTERS: John Hunt
ISBN: 978-1-4215-8176-7; paperback (August 2015); Rated “T” for “Teen”
208pp, B&W, $9.99 U.S., $12.99 CAN, £6.99 U.K.

Naruto is a Japanese manga series written and illustrated by Masashi Kishimoto.  The series is based on two one-shot manga by Kishimoto: Karakuri (1995) and Naruto (1997).  Naruto was serialized in the Japanese magazine, Weekly Shōnen Jump, from 1999 to 2014.  VIZ Media published an English-language edition of the manga as a series of paperback graphic novels from August 2003 to October 2015, under its “Shonen Jump” imprint.

Naruto tells the story of a young shinobi (ninja) named Uzumaki Naruto, in two parts, first his pre-teen years and then, his teen years.  Naruto has an incorrigible knack for mischief, and he is the biggest troublemaker at the Ninja Academy in the shinobi Village of Konohagakure.  He is an outcast because there is something special about him.  When he was a baby, his parents (father Minato and mother Kushina) imprisoned a nine-tailed fox spirit (Kurama) inside his infant body.  Now, 16-years-old and incorrigible as ever, Uzumaki Naruto is still serious about his quest to become the world’s greatest ninja and the Hokage (leader) of his village.

The Akatsuki villain, Uchiha Madara, was the true instigator of The Fourth Great Ninja War.  Reviving the monstrous tailed-beast (biju), Ten Tails, was just the part of his plan.

Naruto, Vol. 71 (Chapters 680 to 690, entitled “I Love You Guys”) opens with Naruto and his former teammate/now teammate again, Uchiha Sasuke, facing the prospect of fighting the revived Kaguya, the creator of all chakra.  That will be difficult as this mother of all can traverse time-space.

Her partner, the creature who has been plotting Kaguya's revival since time immemorial, Black Zetsu, has information to share.  He explains who he is, what Ten Tails really is, and how Kaguya will reclaim all chakra.  Also, he says that his opponents are the reincarnation of Kaguya's two sons, with Naruto being Ashura and Sasuke being Indra.  Plus, the Sage of Six Paths returns, and Cell Seven reunites to save the world.

Some of you may know that the Naruto manga came to an end in Japan last November (2014).  Here, in the states, we are just catching up to that finale via VIZ Media's graphic novel format publication of Naruto.  Naruto Graphic Novel Volume 71 is the penultimate volume of the series (which I incorrectly thought was Vol. 70).  Vol. 71 is big... big... big, but still the same size.  It is not that the battles contained herein are any more epic than the battles in previous volumes.  It is simply that Naruto creator Masashi Kishimoto puts everything or almost everything in context.  He explains basically who the “bad guys” were and are, and why they were and are.

SPOILER ALERT:  I don't yet know what happens in the final graphic novel (Vol. 72), but the good guys win in Vol. 71.  However, I think we are the losers because Naruto is gone too soon.  Still, the 72 volumes that comprise this series are so packed with narrative that we have likely forgotten much of what has already happened by the time we get to the end.  Naruto is worth reading again.

A+
10 out of 10

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


https://www.viz.com/
https://twitter.com/VIZMedia
https://www.instagram.com/vizmedia/
https://www.facebook.com/OfficialVIZMedia
https://www.snapchat.com/add/vizmedia


The text is copyright © 2021 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog or site for reprint and syndication rights and fees.

-------------------------

Amazon wants me to inform you that the link below is a PAID AD, but I technically only get paid (eventually) if you click on the ad below AND buy something(s).

#IReadsYou Review: SAMURAI 8: The Tale of Hachimaru Volume 2

SAMURAI 8: THE TALE OF HACHIMARU, VOL. 2
VIZ MEDIA – @VIZMedia

CREATOR/STORY: Masashi Kishimoto
ART: Akira Okubo
TRANSLATION: Stephen Paul
LETTERS: Snir Aharon
EDITOR: Alexis Kirsch
ISBN: 978-1-9747-1538-1; paperback (May 2020); Rated “T” for “Teen”
200pp, B&W, $9.99 U.S., $12.99 CAN, £7.99 U.K.

Samurai 8: The Tale of Hachimaru is a shonen manga series created and written by Masashi Kishimoto (of Naruto fame) and illustrated by Akira Okubo.  Samurai 8 was serialized in the Japanese manga magazine, Weekly Shonen Jump, from May 2019 to March 2020.  VIZ Media published an English-language edition of the manga as a five-volume graphic novel series from March 2020 to February 2021 under its “Shonen Jump” imprint.

Samurai 8: The Tale of Hachimaru introduces Hachimaru, a boy who has always dreamed of becoming a samurai.  Samurai carry special souls within themselves and can travel through space as easily as they walk the earth.  Only the most powerful warriors are able to transcend their human bodies and become samurai!  Hachimaru is weak and so sickly that he can’t even eat solid foods.  But one day, his father's secrets and the arrival of a samurai cat named “Daruma” combine to give Hachimaru a chance to live his dream.  With enough heart, could Hachimaru become a true samurai?

As Samurai 8: The Tale of Hachimaru, Vol. 2 (entitled “Who and Why” – Chapters 7 to 15) opens, Hachimaru asks, “What is fate?”  Now, he begins his samurai training under Master Daruma, but he is not a good student.  However, this day will also bring new people into his life.  One is the samurai, Sir Hagamichi; the other is Princess Ann, a “princess of fate.”  Hachimaru finds a new source of confidence in Ann – his princess of fate, and he is delighted, although Ann is somewhat wary of him.  Elsewhere, Ata the Peerless, a new enemy, approaches, and he is a threat to Hachimaru's existence.

THE LOWDOWN:  The Samurai 8: The Tale of Hachimaru manga is creator Masashi Kishimoto's follow-up to his legendary, smash hit manga, Naruto.  [The Naruto sequel, Boruto: Naruto Next Generations, is written and drawn by a new writer-artist team.]  Kishimoto created Samurai 8 and writes the story and produces the storyboards, and newcomer artist Akira Okubo draws it.

Samurai 8: The Tale of Hachimaru Graphic Novel Volume 2 has a perfect title, “Who and Why.”  The first volume was quite a read for all the wild and inventive characters and concepts it introduced.  In Vol. 2, Kishimoto and Okubo give us the adversary, Ata, that will vex Hachimaru, and, as Master Daruma explains, the vast conspiracy that threatens the world of Samurai 8.  Granted that it is not until this volume's last chapter (Chp. 15), but the narrative gets there:  the conflict and the competing ideologies.  We also get the origin story and back story of Hachimaru and his father, with plenty of shocking reveals.

I like Akira Okubo drawing style, although it can tend to create cluttered panels that are difficult to read.  Okubo draws like the late Moebius, but the younger artist's compositions are not as streamlined as Moebius'.  Still Okubo and Kishimoto seem like a perfect pairing, and translator Stephen Paul does a good job making the narrative clearer.  Snir Aharon's lettering also goes a long way to creating a rhythm that captures the fun of this story.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS:  Fans of Naruto will want to try the Shonen Jump title, Samurai 8: The Tale of Hachimaru.

A
8 out of 10

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


https://www.viz.com/
https://twitter.com/VIZMedia
https://www.instagram.com/vizmedia/
https://www.facebook.com/OfficialVIZMedia
https://www.snapchat.com/add/vizmedia


The text is copyright © 2021 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog or site for reprint and syndication rights and fees.

----------------------

Amazon wants me to inform you that the link below is a PAID AD, but I technically only get paid (eventually) if you click on the ad below AND buy something(s).

#IReadsYou Review: YONA OF THE DAWN Volume 22

YONA OF THE DAWN, VOL. 22
VIZ MEDIA – @VIZMedia

MANGAKA: Mizuho Kusanagi
TRANSLATION: JN Productions
ENGLISH ADAPTATION: Ysabet Reinhardt MacFarlane
LETTERS: Lys Blakeslee
EDITOR: Amy Yu
ISBN: 978-1-9747-1108-6; paperback (February 2020); Rated “T” for “Teen”
192pp, B&W, $9.99 U.S., $12.99 CAN, £6.99 UK

Yona of the Dawn is a Japanese shojo manga series written and illustrated by Mizuho Kusanagi.  It has been serialized in Hakusensha's shojo manga magazine, Hana to Yume, since August 2009.  VIZ Media has been publishing an English-language edition of the manga as a paperback graphic novel series since August 2016 under its “Shojo Beat” imprint.

Yona of the Dawn focuses on the only princess in the Kingdom of Kohka, Yona.  She lives an ideal life, and her father, King Il, dotes on her.  Her faithful guard, Son Hak of the Wind Tribe, protects her.  Yona even cherishes the time spent with the man she loves, her cousin, Lord Su-won of the Sky Tribe.  However, everything changes for Princess Yona on her 16th birthday when the king is killed, and Hak is blamed.  Soon, Yona is on the run with Hak, but she is determined to reclaim her throne.  To do so, she begins a journey to find the Four Dragon Warriors.

As Yona of the Dawn, Vol. 22 (Chapter 124 to 129) opens, the battle against the Nation of Sei and its treacherous nobles, Lord Hotsuma and Lord Kishibi, has ended in defeat for Sei.  Yona and Princess Riri of the Water Tribe have been rescued, and now, is the time for reunions and revelations.  For instance, Riri has a crush on a military leader … who is also a married man!  Meanwhile, is Yona ready to admit her feelings for Hak?

Later, Yona, Hak, the Four Dragon Warriors (Gija, Jaeha, Sinha, and Zeno), and Jun travel to the Nation of Xing, where trouble brews.  It seems that Princess Kouren, leader of Xing, is preparing to start a war against Kohka.  Her younger sister, the exiled Princess Tao, would prefer that Xing become a vassal state of Kohka.  Tao hopes that Yona and the Dragon Warriors, whom she believes to be beautiful and fierce monsters, can make that happen.  So what will Yona do, and can a decision come in time with all their lives in danger?

THE LOWDOWN:  It has been exactly a half-year since I last read the Yona of the Dawn manga.  I find historical shojo romance manga to be a highly enjoyable read,  The series belongs to one of my favorite shojo sub-genres, the manga that use elements of Chinese history and myth.

Yona of the Dawn Graphic Novel Volume 22 says goodbye, for the time being, to Princess Riri and the Water Tribe.  Creator Mizuho Kusanagi briefly delves into the relationship between Yona and Hak, while delivering readers a surprising development in the life of Yona.  Then, Kusanagi does what she does best – insert Yona into another conflict in which she must help a troubled young noble woman.  Of course, Yona is this series' most troubled young novel woman.  This manga may seem repetitive, at times, but it tells an absorbing story with lovable characters.

Yet, JN Productions (translation) and Ysabet Reinhardt MacFarlane (English adaptation) never make it boring.  Their work makes us want to follow Yona once more into the breach and the lovely lettering by Lys Blakeslee creates the sense of a magical romantic adventure.  Once again, dear readers, I highly recommend that you also follow Yona.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS:  Fans of historical romantic adventure will want to try the “Shojo Beat” title, Yona of the Dawn.

A
8 out of 10

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


https://www.viz.com/
https://twitter.com/VIZMedia
https://www.instagram.com/vizmedia/
https://www.facebook.com/OfficialVIZMedia
https://www.snapchat.com/add/vizmedia


The text is copyright © 2021 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog or site for reprint and syndication rights and fees.

-------------------

Amazon wants me to inform you that the link below is a PAID AD, but I technically only get paid (eventually) if you click on the ad below AND buy something(s).