Ran-dezvous's Reviews

For those more interested in the dynamics of an established relationship (they get together in Volume 3), this is the manga for you. For my slow-burn loving heart, however, I'm not compelled by these two since I don't know enough about these characters to care about them. That's what I felt reading the free three volumes, anyway. That said, toward the end of the third volume, we're starting to learn more about the female lead outside of her interest in the male lead, so maybe we'll learn about them in the context of their relationship.

A beautiful manga about moving on from trauma and striving to reach one's forgotten dream as an adult. Whom the female lead will end up with isn't readily apparent, so maybe her destiny is just happiness. . . .

Honestly, the sassy female lead should be enough of a reason to read this! I also appreciate that despite being an R-18 work, it doesn't jump into the adult content right away.

The coolest take on the NTR genre I've seen, mixed in with a time loop and plenty of mystery and suspense!

My favorite in this genre. I relish the female lead's sass and her determination to live her own life. I must say, though, that while I initially groaned at seeing yet another antagonistic and abusive sister relationship, it seems like the author is building up to do something thematically interesting with it. Might consider checking out the light novel, too.

A relaxing episodic series about an "evil" alien, with a mission to destroy the world, as he discovers the simple pleasures of Earth--more like Japan, LOL--on his days off. Though considering the good things he ends up doing on those days off, one has to wonder if he'll ever accomplish his mission. . . .

The most high-concept MangaPlaza exclusive I've encountered. I'd love to read more to see where this goes.

Basically what my review title says. If you can tolerate the running gag of the male characters being naked for 90% of the time (their bits are censored, though), as well as other forms of fanservice, then there's a lot of fun to be had, and the series does have its heartfelt moments. While not particularly deep, the characters are entertaining, and the vibe of the series is similar to a high-school comedy, but with significantly more nudity and drinking.

For those expecting a diving manga (like me), however, that element is there and is taken seriously when the author gets around to it, but it doesn't seem to be the priority from what I've read so far.

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.