Manga Maniac Cafe For the Geek in all of us

Title: Chibi-Vampire Vol 8

Author:  Yuna Kagesaki

Publisher: Tokyopop

ISBN: 9781427801135

May Contain Spoilers

So now that it seems that Karin and Kenta’s relationship might finally be going somewhere, a mysterious new rival has arrived on the scene.  When Karin trips over a stranger, sending them both to the ground, it’s the other girl that Kenta helps up.  After Karin learns that she’s their new co-worker, she’s struggling with jealousy and confidence issues.  Why does Kenta seem to get along with Tachibana so well? 

Ah, the cuteness of Karin continues.  Loved this volume for the ribbing Kenta endures when he wears his collar up to cover the bite marks on his neck.  When Karin dashes out of the room in embarrassment, the entire class naturally assumes that she’s given Kenta a hickey.  Both of them overreact so much that I couldn’t help but burst out laughing.  Not good, since I was reading in public.  I can overlook a few strange looks cast in my direction every now and again, I guess, for the sake of my manga.  Errr, yeah.

Karin’s friend Maki wants to help the young couple along, so she arranges a secret meeting with Kenta to learn how he feels about Karin.  Only in manga are people as dense as Kenta, and that’s a good thing.  Stop and think about what would happen if anyone was really this clueless.  The results would not be pretty, as they walked (or drove) around in a daze, so totally out of touch with their surroundings.  Maki’s advice when she realizes that Kenta possesses the romantic ambitions of a jellyfish brought on another laugh – go read some shojo manga.  Yes, the perfect vehicle to further his understanding of all things romantic. 

Includes a bonus story with a younger Karin and her new friend Maki.  Can a vampire really become friends with a human?  Not according to Karin’s family.

Grade:  B

Rated for Older Teen