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Here’s what I’ve been reading:

Akira, Volumes 3-6 by Katsuhiro Otomo. These last four books of Akira are significantly different from the anime adaptation. While I didn’t enjoy them as much as the first two volumes in the series, they are still fascinating post-apocalyptic, science fiction. Frankly, the manga makes more sense to me than I remember the anime making (which I really should watch again). The characters are much more developed, and the story more thoroughly explained. Art-wise, Otomo’s scenes of destruction are particularly noteworthy. Even after it looks like he’s completely destroyed the city, he still finds ways to do more damage and devastation.

Hikaru No Go, Volumes 8-12 written by Yumi Hotta and illustrated by Takeshi Obata. So, while I still haven’t learned how to play Go very well, I do understand the basic rules. But even when I don’t know exactly what is going on, Hotta and Obata have made me care immensely. Just watching the characters reactions shows how seriously they are taking things. I never thought I would get so worked up rooting for and wishing for the success of the players. Waiting for the results of the various tournaments and games was nerve-wracking and even heart-breaking! Hikaru and Sai’s relationship is starting to become strained now that Hikaru has become so determined and serious about playing Go.

Naruto, Volumes 2-5 by Masashi Kishimoto. As much as I enjoyed the first volume of Naruto, the next few volumes didn’t really do much for me. I was, however, very pleased to find that Sakura is actually a competent character who isn’t just there to pine after Sasuke. Kishimoto introduces a lot of material in these few volumes, including a whole slew of new characters with their own unique and unusual ninja powers. While this is rather fun, it does mean that already established characters don’t get much more development. It also seems like Kishimoto is just making things up as he goes, although there are are some good ideas in there.

The Wallflower, Volumes 1-4 by Tomoko Hayakawa. I was actually somewhat reluctant to pick up The Wallflower. The premise of a group of young men trying to turn female classmate into a “perfect lady” at the request of her aunt (and with the potential reward of free rent) worried me a bit. Fortunately, it turns out they are quite happy to allow Sunako to be who she is although they do encourage her to pay more attention to her appearance. Sunako can be absolutely gorgeous when she puts her mind to it, she’s simply more interested in her horror movie addiction. She also happens to be smart, a great fighter, and a good cook, too. Initially very withdrawn, she is steadily developing a relationship with her new housemates.