Reviews

#column • #review • #manga

Manga Debuts: Host to Shachiku

This edition of Manga Debuts takes a look at Mitsuru Kawajili's Host to Shachiku. Kawajili is a relative newcomer, whose manga has been serialized in Futabasha’s Manga Action since early 2023.

Demelza Ward • April 28

#review • #gaming

Phantom Breaker: Battle Grounds Ultimate Brings Side-Scrolling Moe Action

Fans of cute girls and great side-scrolling action rejoice for Phantom Breaker: Battle Grounds Ultimate is here! Good side-scrollers are hard to come by nowadays; it's always open-world this and MOBA that....

Kasaix • April 17

#review • #anime

Zatsu Tabi Is the Must-Watch Cozy Anime of the Spring 2025 Season

It's a good time to be a fan of shows like Laid-Back Camp and Non Non Biyori as Zatsu Tabi: That's Journey began airing in April and brought joy to many slice-of-life cozy anime fans.

Kiira Fox • April 10

#review • #anime • #movie

Review of Kaiju No. 8: Mission Recon

It's somewhat unfortunate that about 75% of the Kaiju No. 8: Mission Recon is a subpar, incomplete recap, but the Hoshina's Day Off special makes up for it. Still, this is not a movie I'd recommend as a starting point for people who are only now looking to get into the franchise.

Tamara Lazic • April 05

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Review of Atelier Yumia: The Alchemist of Memories & the Envisioned Land

The boldest and best entry in the series to date, Atelier Yumia is an absolute triumph, combining open-world gameplay with addictive crafting mechanics and a thoughtful story.

Brett Michael Orr • April 03

#review • #webtoon

Review: Rainbow! Volume 2

Rainbow!, Volume 2 is a confronting and raw conclusion to the emotional series, diving into queer identity and childhood trauma, wrapped around a sweet same-sex romance.

Brett Michael Orr • March 29

#review • #webtoon

Review: Rainbow! Volume 1

Bright colors and uncomfortable truths collide in a masterpiece of visual design and narrative.

Brett Michael Orr • March 26

#column • #review • #manga

Manga Debuts: Hon nara Uru hodo

Ao Kojima's debut series Hon nara Uru hodo is a love letter to bookworms everywhere.

Demelza Ward • March 24

#review • #feature • #anime

The Sakamoto Days Anime Won Me Over When the Manga Could Not - Review

Sakamoto Days: when the manga isn't better, for once. We take a look at how this Winter 2025 anime compares to its source material and just why it might be better.

Kiira Fox • March 21

#review • #manga

Manga Review: The Ayakashi Hunter's Tainted Bride

Mamenosuke Fujimaru brings us stunning drama in her newest shoujo manga set in historical Japan.

Kiira Fox • March 13

#column • #live-action • #review

J-Drama Spotlight: Usotoki Rhetoric

The live-action adaptation of Ritsu Miyako's beloved manga series is the focus of J-Drama Spotlight this time around!

Demelza Ward • March 12

#review • #feature • #gaming

Review: A Veteran's Thoughts on Monster Hunter Wilds

The most accessible Monster Hunter ever comes with a few caveats for long-time players.

Brett Michael Orr • March 07

#review • #manga

Fairy Tail Creator Takes on Battle Academy Themes in New Manga - Dead Rock Vol. 1 Review

Kodansha US released Hiro Mashima's newest manga, Dead Rock, in English on March 4th.

Kiira Fox • March 06

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Manga Debuts: Hito no Yomei de Seishunsuru na

Anonymous Noise creator Ryoko Fukuyama returns with a brand new shojo series: Hito no Yomei de Seishunsuru na.

Demelza Ward • March 03

#sidebar • #column • #live-action • #review

J-Drama Spotlight: 119 Emergency Call

In the J-drama Spotlight, we discuss all things live-action by highlighting shows that prove interesting or discussing topics relevant to the world of Japanese dramas right now. First up - 119 Emergency Call

Demelza Ward • February 21