-
MANGA: Mizu no Kioku
Mizu no Kioku – Sakuragi Yaya
1) The Memory of Water Shiina is an ex-swimmer who is now a chain-smoking high school teacher. He’s tried to leave his swimming past behind him, but upright student Kadokura won’t let that happen. 2) Forecast of Life’s Springtime Minori is the son of professional gardeners and he’s sick to death of flowers! Gardening club student Shoutarou kills everything he touches, and Minori feels sorry for him. 3) A Child’s Belongings Hiroto’s parents died in an accident and then he is approached by a businessman who wants to buy him. But he’s not interested in sex, he just likes to look at Hiroto in his school uniform. 4) Sweet Home, Bitter Brother Atsuhiro and Yousuke were childhood friends who became brothers at a young age. They’ve always been together with the slightly older Atsuhiro leading Yousuke. But Yousuke has feeling’s he can’t tell his “brother” and resolves to go away to college. 5) Paradise Game Hazuki Junya is a professional gamer who works for a video game company, but when he gets beaten by his new coworker and amatuer Hatanaki Ryouji he can’t believe it. A friendly rivalry and friendship starts between the two.
A collection of so-so stories with the second story being the stand out one-shot.
-
MANGA: Kiki
Kiki – Homerun Ken
A series of one-shots consisting of boys with horns, priests, etc. Chapter 3 – Picnic part 2 (continued from ch2) – Despite everything, Kaname seems to have found a bit of happiness with Kenichirou. But Kaname’s father doesn’t want to let Kaname go and is doing everything he can to keep them apart. Chapter 4 – In God’s Hands – Masato used to be a delinquent that was so naughty he was called the “Legendary evil.” However, he has reformed because of his love for Jouji, a priest. But pretty rich boy Kikunosuke has his eyes set on Jouji as well and isn’t about to let Masato have him! Chapter 5 – Dark Gray Heaven, Rainbow-colored Paradise – Kotegawa Hajime has an automata made that is a perfect replica of himself, and plans to have this automata take his place as heir to his father’s company. Unfortunately, just after telling his father’s secretary about his plan, Hajime loses his memories in an accident. Now no one, including Hajime himself, is quite sure which is the real Hajime and which is the automata.
A debut collection with stories that range from somewhat funny to somewhat tragic and twisted. They’re slightly entertaining and could use more humor and fluff.
-
MANGA: Maigo
Maigo (Missing Children) – Homerun Ken
1) Lost Children – Koyo Tomohiko and Fukube Naoto are childhood friends. But when Naoto gets a girlfriend and doesn’t have much time for Tomo anymore, Tomo’s pissed! But is friendship the only thing Tomo feels? 2) Diamonds are Forever – Taki Chisato and Kamitori Taichi have been goofing off instead of studying. Now their tutor, Taki’s cousin Atsushi, is punishing them for wrong answers… by making them kiss each other?! 3) Continuation of Diamonds are Forever. Chisato and Taichi are dating, but Taichi wants some of the physical benefits of dating. 4) Golden Star – Third year junior high student Murakami finds himself watching stoic classmate Takahashi play the piano every year for their school chorus. But Murakami really likes akahashi’s voice and wants to hear him sing. 5) Flower Scented – Mushano Kouji is a master wizard who teaches magic to children. But when 36 year old Sakurada Tsukihito asks to be his apprentice, Kouji doesn’t send him away. Sakarada is hopeless with magic, but great with housework, which is just what Kouji needs, but why does this man want to learn magic so badly?
A nice enough collection of mostly school boy stories. The first story was the standout for me but the last one was also cute.
-
MANGA: Out
Out – Hidaka Shoko
Yoshino moves to a building owned by his college friend, Kuga. While hanging out with him, Yoshino starts to admire Kuga for his decisiveness and free style of living. But what if Kuga’s feelings towards Yoshino aren’t only those of a friendship?
A serious salaryman story of decisions and hesitations.
-
MANGA: Amai Kaori ga Surun Desu
Amai Kaori ga Surun Desu – Natsume Isaku
Pastry chef Ishikawa is the object of affection for fellow employee Hashimoto. However, Hashimoto can’t seem to find the courage to confess – and Ishikawa has a problem of his own.
A lighthearted combination of love and pastries. Too bad it’s only a one-shot.
-
MANGA: Tight Rope
Tight Rope – Natsume Isaku
Chapter 1-4:The son of a sick mafia boss is constantly pressured to inherit his position as the “5th”. However, Ryuu wishes for nothing other than to marry Naoki and have a happy family. How will this go? Chapter 5:Doushiyoumo Nai Keredo Continuation Chapter 6:Tight Rope Extra
Childhood friends connected by a bond stronger than marriage makes a good excuse for boyxboy moments. This volume is mostly shounen-ai with a bit of yaoi action. It’s funny and sweet enough but I can’t help wishing for more fluff.
-
MANGA: Lily Colored Lovers
Lily Colored Lovers – Kojima Lalako
Adachi is worried how his crush thinks of him. Will he accept him for who he is?
A sickly sweet take on an uke-type character acting like a seme. An interesting concept that the author could have developed further.
-
MANGA: Kamatte Kawaii Hito
Kamatte Kawaii Hito – Sagami Waka
In order to overcome his debilitating fear of cats, Natsumi Hayato goes to visit a cat cafe. But could his reaction to one of the staff he meets there be even more difficult to conquer than his phobia?
The story’s pretty much so-so but yay for cats.
-
MANGA: Nanadome no Gomenne
Nanadome no Gomenne – Kojima Lalako
Stuttering, recluse Tooru believes he has seven things he’s sorry for. His twin brother Satoru knows all but the seventh…the very one that may shatter their way of life.
This manga packs a lot of drama for a one-shot and a kick in the gut climax.
-
MANGA: Room Share
Room Share – Isino Aya
Two guys living in one apartment. Which kind of things would they share with each other, which ones would they keep to themselves? Would they laze around together, eat together, maybe cook together or even sleep together..? Find out for yourself with this heart-pounding room share.
While I would have very much prefer it that this should be purely shounen-ai, this manga is downright hilarious. The artwork is also kind of nice and best of all are the magic moments that bring a secret smile to Oohara’s face.
