Ran-dezvous's Reviews

The most thoughtful and nuanced exploration of deafness and disability I've ever read. Add to that the angst of discovering one's identity, and you've got a compelling story. This is actually my first GL, and I'm happy that this was my first foray into the genre. Whether you're dipping your toes or a hardcore fan, you can't go wrong with this one!

A refreshing take on the genre! The "villainess' isn't reincarnated into another world nor is she trying to survive (as her life isn't in danger at all), she's merely ordered to play a role in an outlandish attempt to get the hero and heroine together. Being mean doesn't come naturally to her, however. . . .

Despite the conceit being conducive to a supernatural domestic romance, it's not. The relationship between the two main characters is more akin to a small child and their caretaker, or a pet and its owner. That said, it's cute and fun, and I enjoyed reading it.

The female lead may not be the most knowledgeable about the modeling industry, but seeing her use her street smarts as she navigates it is a fun concept. That said, as much as I've enjoyed this, I gotta admit some part of me kinda wants a manga about her adventures as a leader of a delinquent gang, instead.

The title, cover, and synopsis don't do a very-good job of selling the series at all, which is a shame, because there's more to it than what it seems. The world is fascinating, even with its own version of racism and how it affects the female lead and others like her. Please check it out; you won't regret it.

Has an endearing mentor-mentee relationship at its core: a former professional ice skater struggling to make ends meet after his retirement and a gritty and adorable eleven year old entering the world of ice skating late in life. What really stood out to me, however, is the emphasis of children's agency, not just by the child characters but also by the adults themselves. However, the series itself never resorts to negligent or absent authority figures, unlike many stories featuring child or teen protagonists.

Not your usual soccer manga with the emphasis on teamwork and friendship. Instead, it's all about the ego. Interested to see how far the series will take the concept.

It may be spicy, but it's also, strangely enough, incredibly wholesome! For me, the main-selling point of the series isn't the sniffing kink, but how communicative the main couple is, and that extends to the other characters, as well. A rare win from a male author.

And, for a yummy bonus, there's a recipe for the featured dish at the end of every volume!

Flipping through the pages, the first thing you notice are the magnificent illustrations. Truly the most-beautiful manga I've ever seen, and that's an understatement. There's a storybook-like quality to the illustrations that I'm not articulate enough to put into words.

The series's praiseworthy qualities don't end with the art, though--far from it. The world building is also outstanding, complete with its own animals, dishes, and technologies. The most notable thing, however, is the magic system. It's complex with all its details, but comprehensible to any fan willing to decipher it and practice their drawing skills, just like the characters. Magic is learned, not innate, perfected through arduous amounts of practice.

The characters are beautifully designed, and are either intriguing or fun to spend time with. As for the lore, I love how it's not info dumped all at once, but sprinkled throughout, instead. Many mysteries abound, and there are characters who aren't what they seem. I can't wait to learn more about their backstories!

Aside from all of the above, what makes this series really stand out is its willingness to depict things that aren't usually done in fantasy stories. It portrays disability, and how its society doesn't accommodate for that, but it also shows how a character has managed to work around that. There's a constant tension between what people can and can't do, and I'm curious to see how this is explored down the line.

Highly recommended!

An unconventional romance between two divorceés not looking for a relationship. It's haunting how this situationship is more vulnerable and honest than many romantic relationships, both fictional and in real life, and I'm all for it. I'm absolutely whipped for these two, and I wonder if they'll reconsider romance and marriage, or keep things as they are.

An art manga that emphasizes that grit, rather than talent, is the key to becoming a genius. I like that the art pieces featured are contributions of various artists.

I plan on giving the first few volumes to my budding-artist kid relative. Hopefully, the series becomes an inspiration for her should she decide to take art seriously.

If you enjoyed the J-drama "Cursed in Love" on Netflix, this is the manga it's based on. A revenge plot set in the world of traditional Japanese confectionery, or wagashi! If you want to read a story set in the "real" but contemporary Japan, this scratches that itch. Mystery, suspense, intrigue, and compelling leads, what's not to like? Not to mention a riveting enemies-to-lovers romance!

For those wondering about the rigor of the mystery, however, this is more character than plot driven. There are many twists and turns for sure, but the truth about the murder ultimately cannot be solved by the reader. If the lack of fair play is a dealbreaker for you, then I can't recommend this as a *mystery* series.

This is a heavily political story, so if that's not your thing, this isn't the series for you, especially if you aren't already on a plant-based diet. And even if you're already on one, the manga still challenges you. The main theme is undeniably about animal rights and veganism, but it's more than just that. How far should you go for your beliefs? Are extremists truly unhinged, or are we not taking our activism seriously enough? You can replace the main character with a minority or a neurodivergent person, and it still illuminates the struggles they have fitting into a society that doesn't want or understand them.

Out of all the manga I've read, this feels the most Western. From the art style, the writing, to the references, if I wasn't reading from right to left, I would've easily assumed this was a Western graphic novel. If I were to recommend a manga to someone who isn't a fan of the usual anime tropes, this would be one of them.

If you want a challenging and socially-relevant yet thrilling tale, this is well worth the read. I'm looking forward to the anime!

Disclaimer: I'm ace, but I occasionally dabble in spicy stories in an attempt to get into the headspace of allosexuals. With that said, I tremendously enjoyed this, with its complex characters, and am quite tempted to recommend this to people who aren't necessarily fans of the genre.

Excellently written, which I hesitate to say about many in the genre.

A grounded and somber look into the animation industry. The idealistic and fresh-out-of-high school protagonist works alongside veterans, both successful and unsuccessful, as they deal with the consequences of their chosen life paths.

I read this without any knowledge of the original series, but I was able to follow along easily! Highly enjoyable, but the copious amounts of unnecessary fanservice can be a deterrent for many.

Compulsively readable. Also, I've never, ever hated an antagonist so much! (She's also the best character.)

This is the tale of a writer for whom motherhood wasn't on her radar, but supports her boyfriend's decision to take in his two nephews after their parents had passed away. She grows into her newfound role as a parental figure, but makes sure to stress that she doesn't plan on replacing their mother, and gives them the space to grieve. Little by little, the boys learn to be comfortable in their newfound family. A sweet read!

For female slobs like me, Hotaru is an incredibly relatable character who still manages to be a professional at work. And I'm normally not a fan of age-gap relationships, but I'm whipped for her and her boss/landlord!