Merman in My Tub Vol. 1 by Itokichi

Translated by Angela Liu 3 stars Tatsumi is minding his own business when he comes across a stranger in need. He offers help only to end up with a merman in his bathtub with no intention of leaving. Overall a fun read. I enjoyed the premise and loved the different characters that show up. The…

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Creepy Cat Vol 3 by Cotton Valent

Translated by Alethea & Athena Nibley 4 stars I am loving how this series is building. This one works in a continuous story, featuring a mysterious art enthusiast, a new creepy cat friend, and a bit of relucent teamwork between Oscar and Creepy. Love how all the characters came together in this one. And we…

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That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime, Vol. 2

Story by Fuse Adapted by Taiki Kawakami Characters by Mitz Vah Translated by Stephen Paul 4 stars A great continuation of the series. This volume coincides with episodes 6-8 of the anime. In this one, we see Rimuru continue to develop the town and come across some new companions who may make things more complicated…

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How Do You Live? by Genzaburō Yoshino

Translated by Bruno Navasky Foreword by Neil Gaiman 4 stars Much like the notebook Copper’s uncle writes to him, this is a great book to read at various stages in life, picking up new meaning that didn’t click on the previous read. I found the translator’s note especially helpful in understanding the context of the…

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Disney Frankenstein, Starring Donald Duck

by Bruno Enna Illustrated by Fabio Celoni Translated by Tea Orsi 2 stars An interesting Disneyification of Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein. This version tones down some of the darker elements of the original such as Victor von Duckenstein making his creation out of cardboard and everyone surviving relatively unscathed. Victor is certainly more redeemable in this…

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The Tunnel to Summer, the Exit of Goodbyes: Ultramarine Vol. 2

Story by Mei Hachimoku Illustrated by Koudon Translated by Alexa Frank 5 stars A fantastic second volume in the series. In this one, we learn more about the tunnel itself as Kaoru and Anzu run experiments to figure out how it works. Their unlikely friendship develops and an old rival turns out to be more…

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Where Is Anne Frank by Ari Folman

Illustrated by Lena Guberman 3 stars An interesting read with a wonderful message. When lighting strikes the Anne Frank House, Kitty, Anne Frank’s diary, comes to life. Not realizing how much time has passed, Kitty sets out to find her friend. Slowly, Kitty learns what happened to Anne, taking inspiration from her legacy to do…

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Cat on the Hero’s Lap Vol. 1 by Kousuke Iijima

Illustrated by Shiori Translated by Alan Cheng and Rowena Chen 4 stars Adorable and hilarious. Red and his companions, Grace and Aina, set out to defeat the demon king. There’s just one problem. A stray cat has taken a liking to Red and sits on his lap any chance he gets. Everyone knows you can’t…

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I Think Our Son Is Gay, Vol. 1 by Okura

Translated by Leo McDonagh 4 stars Initially I wasn’t sure about this based on the title, but it was pleasantly sweet. Hiroki’s mother is pretty sure her son is gay. His various slipups seem to confirm her suspicions. Through it all, she is caring, accepting, and patient with him, always letting him know that she…

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Creepy Cat Vol 2 by Cotton Valent

Translated by Alethea & Athena Nibley 4 stars Another fun Creepy Cat collection. This one follows much of the same slice-of-life style as the first, while slipping in a few more details about Creepy Cat and hinting that there’s more to Flora and Oscar’s past. Fun to meet some of Flora’s friends and see all…

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