Lenni Reviews: "Beastars" vol 1 by Paru Itagaki

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*This book was given to me in exchange for an honest review.

In this comic, the high school is divided into predators and prey and one student among them is selected to be a 'Beastar' - essentially their version of valedictorian as they exemplify the best of both predator and prey. But when a prey student is found dead, tensions are high and loner wolf, Legoshi - a friend of the murdered student - is struggling with his control with so much fear around him.

As I was reading this very sketchy drawn book, I didn't think I would like it. I was concerned it would be to "on the nose" with the predator/prey aspect only to find it more nuanced than I'd assumed. This is one of the more original manga outings I've read in a long time. While the art style may feel strange at first, the characters draw you in. An impressive first volume and I do hope to continue this series.

And yup, totally got the Bella Legosi reference.

4 out of 5.

Lenni Reviews: Lumberjanes: Beware the Kitten Holy by Nichole Stevenson and Grace Ellis

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In this graphic novel by Noelle Stevenson and Grace Ellis and illustrated by Brooke Allen; April, Jo, Mal, Molly and Ripley are attending camp ‘Miss Quinzella Thiskwin Penniquiqul Thistle Crumpet’s Camp for Hardcore Lady-Types (and that will be the last time I type that…) and have all promised each other they will have the most awesome summer ever. Luckily for these Lumberjanes scouts, there are talking three-eyed foxes, yetis, tombs to explore, and magical weapons to make sure they never have a chance to get bored.

Simply put, this comic is awesome. It’s Rat Queens for kids (if you haven’t read Rat Queens, GO DO IT). Each girl has a specific talent to add to the group, completely different races and body types (major kudos for that), and smart puzzles where each girl takes turns solving. The art is perfect for these wacky (yet thrilling) adventures. You can get all the fun of super-deformed expressions without it overtly being anime (I know some people who don’t like that style). It is also a story that demands to be told in full color and I’m grateful for it. Maarta Laiho did a fantastic job with the coloring.

To sum up, this comic is sweet, funny, empowering, and just darn fun! I freely admit to reading it several times before I begrudgingly handed it over to my kid (who is 8 and this book is recommended for 5 and up). We are both ready for volume 2!

Lenni Reviews: Kiss of the Rose Princes vol 2 by Aya Shouoto

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If you recall my last review, I mentioned this manga is pretty standard shojo fare unless there's a curve ball thrown in later volumes. Boy, were my words ever prophetic...

This volume begins with Anise still searching for her lost choker. She orders her knights to locate it but can only let them look for so long as their magic is powered by her blood. But things get interesting when a new transfer student, Haruto Kisugi, is added to the mix, Anise's father sends her a message that he's coming home, and a seal holding in a demon is cracking, which will require a sacrifice to repair.

By the end of this volume, I was shocked and had a new respect for Anise. Most shojo heroines are plucky by design and want to change the sad fate presented in the plot. But (as a mild spoiler) when Anise says "Bring on my punishment" (referencing the punishment for losing the choker) I found that pretty ballsy. Things went so bad so quickly and Anise really showed her bravery. She went right on without hesitation. And she's brave and strong without being overbearing or too cliche. And I have read a LOT of shojo manga. Of course that could change but we shall see in volume three!

I can't give much more detail without spoiling all of the plot twists in this volume but to sum up, things get real and it was awesome.

Requiem of the Rose (Vol 1) King Review

I am a theatre nerd (hence being an English and Theater major) and when it comes to Shakespeare, I am all in especially with different adaptations of his classic works. I am not a big fan of Shakespeare's historical plays, however, Requiem of the Rose makes me want to re-read Henry IV and read Richard III. An added bonus is that Aya Kanno also wrote one of my favorite manga series Otomen. I could not wait to start reading this and it met all of my expectations. Without further ado here is the review for Requiem of the Rose. 

Synopsis

In medieval England, during the age of the War of the Roses, a fierce battle rages between the House of York and the House of Lancaster. Young Richard of the House of York is determined that his family will ascend  the throne...but he's hiding a secret that could destroy everything he desires. 

I remember reading Richard III just recently last semester and I may have read Henry IV as well. If one has no idea about the original plays or read some and not all, it is not a problem. Aya Kanno makes the story original and engaging enough to sit and read, hungry for more volumes. The secret that Richard of Lancaster has, will spin the story in such a way that I did not see it coming nor did I that as part of the original story. It differs from the play but one could understand the premise and love the story. For veterans of the plays, it gives a whole new twist and it may peak your interest on how Aya Kanno takes the series even further. Also the artwork is amazing and it reminds me a lot of Otomen. This manga is a little more serious than Otomen however there were funny moments. 

Rating

I give this a rating of 9/10. Overall the story, characters, and artwork are amazing and I can't wait to read more from Aya Kanno. Manga Rules!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!