manga

Manga Review – Magia Record: Mahou Shoujo Madoka Magica Gaiden – Vol 1 – Iroha’s Beginnings

June 19, 2019 by Chikorita157 2 Comments

At last, the first volume of the Magia Record story adaption is finally out. The first volume focuses on the events from the first chapter and the start of the second in the game. Please note that this review contains story spoilers for the game that will be coming out in two weeks.

Author: Fuji Fujino (Illustration)/Magica Quartet (Story Composition)

Publisher: Manga Time KR Comics (Serialized in Manga Time Kirara Forward), Yen Press (English)

Original Release Date: March 23, 2019 (Japanese), Unknown, Recently Announced (English)

Where to Buy:

Physical: CDJapan

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Category: Mahou Shoujo Madoka MagicaTag: action, final impressions, mahou shoujo, manga, Manga Time Kirara

The Power and Popularity of Manga Time Kirara

May 9, 2019 by Chikorita157 7 Comments

Back in the late 2000s and early 2010s, there has been various debates about moe. Despite the critics, moe in general has eventually became mainstay in modern anime

I feel the main reason moe actually saved anime is of course the adaptations of Manga Time Kirara series and Houbunsha, a Japanese book publisher that is behind it all. The first few series in 2007 started receiving anime adaptions. The first being Hidamari Sketch and Doujin Work. After that, the rest was history after K-ON aired and became wildly popular.

Since the 2010s, there are usually anime adaptations of series from the family of Manga Time Kirara family of magazine air almost every season. Sometimes, there might be two that air in the same season. You might be wondering why I think Manga Time Kirara is the savior of anime and why these magazines are popular? I will explain why.
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Category: Editorials, Gochuumon wa Usagi desu ka?, Hinako Note, K-ON!, Kiniro Mosaic, New Game!, Tonari no Kyuuketsuki-sanTag: analysis, manga, Manga Time Kirara, opinion

Manga Review – Comic Girls – Volume 2 – More Koyume and Tsubasa Shipping Moments?

April 16, 2019 by Chikorita157 2 Comments

Now that Kaoruko settled in at the all-girls mangaka dorm, what happens next in the daily life of Kaoruko, Koyume, Tsubasa and Ruki as Kaoruko aims for serialization of her first series?

Author: Hanzawa Kaori (はんざわかおり)

Publisher: Manga Time KR Comics (Serialized in Manga Time Kirara Max)

Original Release Date: May 12, 2016

Where to Buy

Physical: CDJapan
Digital: CDJapan eBooks

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Category: Comic Girls, ReviewsTag: comedy, final impressions, manga, Manga Time Kirara, moe

More Thoughts on Manga: Physical vs Digital and the Problem of Manga Piracy

April 4, 2019 by Chikorita157 4 Comments

It has been a year since I started reading manga of series I enjoyed. This mostly consists of Manga Time Kirara series in Japanese. To me, it’s a good way to practice my Japanese language skills without the time commitment compared to other mediums such as video games.

Of course, there is more I want to touch upon the manga reading experience besides what I covered already. It includes the debate over buying physical or digital formats and of course the whole piracy debate with manga.
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Category: EditorialsTag: essay, manga, opinion, personal experiences

The Many Reasons You Should Start Reading Manga

March 15, 2019 by Chikorita157 7 Comments

For most people, watching anime is the most convenient form of entertainment for most people. It’s not too surprising since the voice acting, music and visuals make it a lot easier to experience the story opposed to reading it.

The reality is, anime productions are very expensive. In other words, some of the story will be left out so it can fit it in twelve or twenty-four episodes. When the show ends, you might want to experience more of the story since in most cases, most shows won’t receive another season. With that, there are some reasons why you want to read a manga or light novel.
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Category: EditorialsTag: essay, manga, opinion

Watashi ni Tenshi ga Maiorita! Volume 1 – Manga Review

February 8, 2019 by Chikorita157 2 Comments

It seems that there is a trend of older sister and young girl kind of stories with yuri as seem with UzaMaidand Happy Sugar Life. Watashi ni Tenshi ga Maiorita (私に天使が舞い降りた, Lit: An Angel Swopped Down to Me!) is one of those stories, but not as creepy compared to the other two.

Author: Mukunoki Nanatsu (椋木ななつ)

Publisher: Ichijinsha (Comic Yuri Hime)

Published: June 1, 2017

Where to Buy: CDJapan
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Category: Reviews, Watashi ni Tenshi ga Maiorita!Tag: comedy, Comic Yuri Hime, final impressions, manga, moe, yuri

New Game! Volume 7 – Manga Review

January 6, 2019 by Chikorita157 Leave a Comment

In 2017, the second season of New Game had aired. It focuses on the life of Aoba and her friends working on another video game titled PECO. The 7^thvolume starts where the second season left off with PECO finally going on sale. Also, Kou finally arrives in Paris as she meets her new boss.

Author: Tokuno Shotarou (得能正太郎)

Publisher: Manga Time KR Comics (Serialized in Manga Time Carat, English release Licensed by Seven Seas Entertainment)

Original Release Date: March 27, 2018 (Japanese) Unknown (English)

Where to Buy: CDJapan
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Category: New Game!, ReviewsTag: comedy, final impressions, manga, Manga Time Kirara, moe, Video Games

Comic Girls – Episode 12 (END) – A Temporary Farewell

June 21, 2018 by Chikorita157 4 Comments

Obviously, Tsubasa fears having to live with her strict parents again.

As Kaoruko faces her deadline, her friends prepare to move out. Will she be able to finish the manuscript?
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Category: Comic GirlsTag: comedy, drama, final impressions, manga, moe

Comic Girls – Episode 11 – Kaoruko Looks For Inspiration

June 14, 2018 by Chikorita157 2 Comments

Besides being a mangaka, Koyume dreams of working at a sweets shop with Kaoruko.

Now that the dorm’s demolition comes near, Kaoruko is destined to get at least one piece of work approved.
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Category: Comic GirlsTag: comedy, manga, moe

Comic Girls – Episode 10 – Ruki’s Christmas Anxieties and Tsubasa’s Secret Identity

June 7, 2018 by Chikorita157 2 Comments

Koyume and Kaoruko prepares for the holidays.

At last, it’s Christmas time. However, Ruki doesn’t seem to like the holiday.
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Category: Comic GirlsTag: comedy, manga, moe

Comic Girls – Episode 9 – Tsubasa’s Secret Girlish Side and Diet Woes

May 31, 2018 by Chikorita157 2 Comments

Koyume celebrates her first colored pages with some sweets.

Yes, there is more Tsubasa and Koyume moments where that came from.
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Category: Comic GirlsTag: comedy, manga, moe

Comic Girls – Episode 8 – Kaoruko’s Disappointment and Nijino’s and Mayu’s Surprise Visit

May 24, 2018 by Chikorita157 2 Comments

Kaoruko is definitely getting her hopes up too much.

It seems that Kaoruko can’t catch a break as she received yet another rejection.
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Category: Comic GirlsTag: comedy, manga, moe

Comic Girls – Episode 7 – Kaoruko’s Quest to Become Mature

May 17, 2018 by Chikorita157 2 Comments

Kaoruko is willing to help her new friend out.

At last, Kaoruko goes to Akihabara. It’s obvious how everything turns out.
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Category: Comic GirlsTag: comedy, manga, moe

Comic Girls – Volume 1 Manga Review

May 11, 2018 by Chikorita157 2 Comments

I guess I am on the roll with all these manga reviews. With that, we will focus on the first volume of Comic Girls, which focuses on Kaoruko dorms at an all-girls mangaka dormitory.

Author: Hanzawa Kaori (はんざわかおり)

Publisher: Manga Time KR Comics (Serialized in Manga Time Max)

Original Release Date: April 27, 2015

Where to Buy: CDJapan
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Category: Comic Girls, ReviewsTag: comedy, final impressions, manga, Manga Time Kirara, moe

Comic Girls – Episode 6 – Kaoruko’s Big Scare and Tsubasa’s Reveal

May 10, 2018 by Chikorita157 2 Comments

It seems that another girl have a liking for Kaoruko besides Ruki.

Suddenly, a long-black haired and ghost-like girl shows up around the dorms and Kaoruko becomes scared. Who is she?
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Category: Comic GirlsTag: comedy, manga, moe

Comic Girls – Episode 5 – Beachside Fun and Koyume’s First Date

May 3, 2018 by Chikorita157 3 Comments

At last, the moment everyone is waiting for is finally here. Not just a beach episode, but Koyume going on a date? Yes, it’s true.
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Category: Comic GirlsTag: comedy, fanservice, manga, moe

Slow Start – Volume 4 – Manga Review

May 2, 2018 by Chikorita157 1 Comment

There is no surprise that the Slow Start anime brought a lot of fun and cute moments. With that, I decided to start where the anime left off with the fourth volume.

Author: Tokumi Yuiko (篤見唯子)

Publisher: Manga Time KR Comics (Serialized in Manga Time Kirara)

Original Release Date: July 12, 2017

Where to buy: CDJapan
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Category: Reviews, Slow StartTag: comedy, final impressions, manga, Manga Time Kirara, moe

Comic Girls – Episode 2 – Girls Outing and Kaoruko and Koyume’s First Day of School

April 12, 2018 by Chikorita157 4 Comments

The way Koyume done Kaoruko’s hair is cute.

At last, Kaoruko and Koyume begins their first day at their new school. Will they survive the first day?
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Category: Comic GirlsTag: comedy, manga, moe

Comic Girls – Episode 1 – Kaoruko’s and Koyume’s First Day at the Dorms

April 5, 2018 by Chikorita157 3 Comments

For a moment there, Kaoruko had a Hinako moment.

It seems that Kaoruko had trouble with her submission and feels down from all the harsh criticism. However, there is still hope for her to improve.
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Category: Comic GirlsTag: comedy, first impressions, manga, moe

Sakura Quest – Volume 1 – Manga Review

March 8, 2018 by Chikorita157 3 Comments

Given that this blog will be turning 10 years old next year, I want to expand my content. Aside from anime reviews and Japanese video games, I will cover some Japanese manga. I imported 9 volumes from different series, mostly leaving where the anime left off. All the manga I bought are Manga Time Kirara series.

With that, the first I will review is the manga adaptation of Sakura Quest.

Author: Kohinata Iroha (小日向いろは)

Publisher: Manga Time KR Comics (Serialized in Manga Time Kirara Forward)

Original Release Date: May 12, 2017

Where to Buy: CDJapan
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Category: Reviews, Sakura QuestTag: comedy, fanservice, final impressions, manga, Manga Time Kirara

Scanlations… and the State of the Manga Industry

June 20, 2010 by Chikorita157 1 Comment

After the Credit Crisis of 2008, the economy was taking a downward spiral of unemployment, foreclosure, loss revenue and such. Add the BP oil spill in the Gulf and it looks pretty dismal. It’s no doubt that the Manga industry is taking a big hit not only because of the recession, but the existence of scanlation sites and the lack of viable and legal alternatives.
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Category: EditorialsTag: editorial, fandom, manga, opinion, scanlation sites

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Manga Review – Magia Record: Mahou Shoujo Madoka Magica Gaiden – Vol 1 – Iroha’s Beginnings

The Power and Popularity of Manga Time Kirara

Manga Review – Comic Girls – Volume 2 – More Koyume and Tsubasa Shipping Moments?

More Thoughts on Manga: Physical vs Digital and the Problem of Manga Piracy

The Many Reasons You Should Start Reading Manga

Watashi ni Tenshi ga Maiorita! Volume 1 – Manga Review

New Game! Volume 7 – Manga Review

Comic Girls – Episode 12 (END) – A Temporary Farewell

Comic Girls – Episode 11 – Kaoruko Looks For Inspiration

Comic Girls – Episode 10 – Ruki’s Christmas Anxieties and Tsubasa’s Secret Identity

Comic Girls – Episode 9 – Tsubasa’s Secret Girlish Side and Diet Woes

Comic Girls – Episode 8 – Kaoruko’s Disappointment and Nijino’s and Mayu’s Surprise Visit

Comic Girls – Episode 7 – Kaoruko’s Quest to Become Mature

Comic Girls – Volume 1 Manga Review

Comic Girls – Episode 6 – Kaoruko’s Big Scare and Tsubasa’s Reveal

Comic Girls – Episode 5 – Beachside Fun and Koyume’s First Date

Slow Start – Volume 4 – Manga Review

Comic Girls – Episode 2 – Girls Outing and Kaoruko and Koyume’s First Day of School

Comic Girls – Episode 1 – Kaoruko’s and Koyume’s First Day at the Dorms

Sakura Quest – Volume 1 – Manga Review

Scanlations… and the State of the Manga Industry

Akiba Maid Sensou – Episode 1 – You Are An Akiba Maid

Do It Yourself – Episode 1 – Serufu’s First Taste of Building Things

Shinmai Renkinjutsushi no Tenpo Keiei – Episode 1 – Studying Hard and Becoming an Alchemist for Riches

Love Live Superstar 2 – Episode 11 – The Dream that is Becoming True and Wien’s Frustration

Uchi no Shishou wa Shippo ga Nai – Episode 1 – Mameda the Amateur Trickster and the Rakugoka