Manga Maniac Cafe For the Geek in all of us

While I love the concept of anthology magazines, the format doesn’t work very well for me.  I end up purchasing them, but can never quite find the time to read through them.  As a result, they stack up in a corner, collecting dust, and when the collected editions of the stories are released, I find myself buying them, too.  I’d rather read a series in larger chunks, so the magazines usually go unread.  I did revisit Yen Plus during a plane ride down to Oklahoma, and here are my impressions of the series currently running, starting with the Korean-OEL side-

One Fine Day by Sirial – This title is very hit or miss for me.  This particular chapter I found charming, but previous installments have bored me.  “Mabrit’s Treasure”  follows No-Ah’s menagerie as they hunt for a pirate’s hidden treasure chest.  This is complete fluff, but the frenzied search for the buried loot entertains with expressive illustrations and a feel good ending.

Nightschool – Svetlana Chmakova – This is my current favorite Yen Press series.  I love the slightly dark, dangerous atmosphere, and think that Alex is a likeable, spunky heroine.  The magic elements are suspenseful, keeping me glued to the action.  If there is one reason to purchase this magazine on a monthly basis, this is it.   The story is unfolding in tight, tantalizing tidbits, and I can’t wait to read more.

Prom Night – George Alexopoulos – Two shy geeks plan a date to the prom, then deal with insecurity and self-doubt.  I didn’t like the art, but found the stammering, hesitant characters endearing.  This was a sweet story with the added bonus of being complete in one chapter.

Pig Bride – Kookhwa Huh & Sujin Kim – This series has solidified into a promising tale with quirky characters, a plot that keeps me guessing, and lovely art that draws you into the story. This is my second favorite title in the magazine, and this chapter ends with a huge cliffhanger that makes me want to read more.  Mission definitely accomplished with this one.

Time and Again – Jiun Yun – It’s hard for me to pick up a series in the middle, because it can be difficult to figure out what is going on and what the relationships are between the characters.  This story is about a wandering exorcist and the people he encounters.  The main focus, however, is on a desperate young girl trying to care for her ill father and the gamut of emotions she suffers because of it.  The art didn’t really grab me, but the end of the chapter did.  I’m curious to see what happens next.

Raiders – JinJun Park – This is a preview that will be running for two months.  Lots of action, adventure, and explosions revolve around treasure hunters.   Nothing here was unique or engaging to me.

Jack Frost – Jinho Ko – I don’t really care for this one, and found the first volume of the series gross.  I was happy that Noh-A’s head stayed firmly attached to her body for the length of the chapter.  The grotesque fan service was missing, and instead the action revolved around a high intensity battle.  I like the art, but the story elements don’t do much for me.

Review copy provided by Yen Press