The Healing Hippo of Hinode Park by Michiko Aoyama

Translated by Takami Nieda 4 stars A wonderfully cozy read. Rumor has it that the hippo ride at Hinode Park has magical powers. Rub a body part on Kabahiko the healing hippo and it will heal the same part on you. Follow various neighbors as they seek Kabahiko’s healing powers, only to discover what they…

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Delicious in Dungeon, Vol. 2 by Ryoko Kui

Translated by Taylor Engel 3 stars The party continues their decent into the dungeon to rescue Falin. Along the way they encounter golems, orcs, treasure insects, ghosts, living pictures, mimics, and a kelpie. This series is growing on me a little. Laois still weirds me out and I didn’t particularly like the kelpie chapter in…

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Disney Manga: Pixar’s Toy Story by Tetsuhiro Koshita

4 stars Includes Toy Story and Toy Story 2 in one epic manga format. A fun adaptation of the first two films. I love that for the most part it sticks to the dialogue of the films. I was a little disappointed that some of my favorite lines didn’t make the cut, but there are…

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Disney’s Kilala Princess, Volume 5 by Rika Tanaka

Illustrated by Nao Kodaka Translated by Christine Dashiell 3 stars The conclusion of Kilala’s adventure. While there were definitely ups and downs in this series, the ending was pretty satisfying. Kilala and her friends make it to Agrabah and meet Aladdin and Jasmine. They must defeat Jafar to earn the sixth gem to get Kilala…

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Library Wars: Love & War, Vol. 5 by Kiiro Yumi

Original Concept by Hiro Arikawa Translated by Kinami Watabe 4 stars The dangers at the library take a turn in this volume. Instructor Komaki gets caught up in some serious allegations and the Task Force must figure out how to help him all while concealing Iku’s true role at the library from her visiting parents….

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Cat + Crazy Volume 1 by Wataru Nadatani

Translated by Zack Davisson 4 stars Same fun cat humor as Cat + Gamer with a whole new story and a completely different feel. Yamada Koharu is a normal high school girl, but after witnessing her classmate, Kensuke Fuji’s, cat obsession, she can’t help but get swept up in his pursuits to protect cats, learn…

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This Monster Wants to Eat Me, Vol. 2 by Sai Naekawa

Translated by Caleb Cook 5 stars As Shiori patiently waits to devour Hinako, the two spend more time together and become closer. But Hinako’s best friend, Miko, isn’t thrilled to share her. Great story development with some fantastic twists and turns. The artwork is hauntingly beautiful. Creep, odd, and gorgeous. Such an interesting series. Really…

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Lonely Castle in the Mirror, Vol. 3

Story by Mizuki Tsujimura Illustrated by Tomo Taketomi Translated by Jacqueline Fung 4 stars Another great volume that continues the story nicely. Summer has come to a close and a new school year begins. And with it, March comes ever closer along with the deadline to find the key. Continuing the events from the previous…

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It Rhymes With Takei by George Takei

Adapted by Steven Scott & Justin Eisinger Illustrated by Harmony Becker 4 stars A great graphic autobiography that explores Takei’s acting career, education, political involvement, friendships, family, sexuality, and activism. Nicely written. This book takes on a lot of material and does not disappoint. A wonderful focus on activism and the joy of living as…

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