Comic Corner Roundup: November
“Comic Corner Roundup” is a bi-monthly segment that compiles mini-reviews of comics, graphic novels, and manga that I’ve read recently. Here are my reviews for the month of November which include an aspiring group of music idols, a novice witch, and a dangerous love affair.
Ossan Idol! Even at 36, It’s Never Too Late! Volume 1 by Mochiko Mochida (2020)
Miroku Osaki is 36 years old, unemployed, and unhappy. Having been bullied in his childhood and even into his adult life, he became a shut-in after being unfairly laid off. For a long time, the only thing that brought him joy was online gaming. Then, he tried the popular idol game called “Let’s Try Dancing!” It was addicting… and transformative! Inspired by the game, Miroku decides to turn his life around. He begins singing karaoke and going to the gym, where he meets Yoichi, the director of an entertainment company who encourages Miroku to pursue his dreams.
Miroku only wanted to be good at the game he loves, but when he accidentally uploads a clip of himself singing and dancing, it goes completely viral! Can he really become an idol, even at his age?! Suddenly, it doesn’t seem so impossible!
Review: Being a fangirl of many music groups including J-Pop idols, Ossan Idol’s synopsis really intrigued me. Most male groups debut at a younger age and I like the concept of men in their 30s getting together to start a music project group and garnering attention to become something bigger. All three men of the group are introduced in this first volume. Most of the main focus is on Miroku and how he tries to reinvent himself and regain his confidence after suffering a huge blow in his life. Music was his motivation, and in a way his therapy to come back out of his shell. I think his story will resonate with those who also feel that music also helps to heal the soul.
I think the first volume of the series does a good job of setting the stage for the story and the overall tone of the narrative. It’s lighthearted, fun, and even is fulled of wacky, outlandish characters. I’m looking forward to reading more and seeing what obstacles the future idol group will face.
Final Verdict:
Flying Witch, Vol. 1 by Chihiro Ishizuka (2017)
Makoto Kowata, a novice witch, packs up her belongings (including a black cat familiar) and moves in with her distant cousins in rural Aomori to complete her training and become a full-fledged witch.
Review: Reading the first volume of Flying Witch gave me instant Kiki’s Delivery Service vibes with a touch of Yotsuba& (one of my favorite ongoing series). I also think it’s a series that will appeal to younger readers as well. The story follows Makoto a witch in training and her daily adventures of trying to hone her skills. It’s funny, and reading this first volume gives you the cozy feels. It’s a simple slice-of-life manga where fantasy and magic meet a mundane routine. From her daily interactions with family, to unsuccessfully crafting spells, it’s very entertaining to follow Makoto as the main character. She’s got a lot of charm and there’s just something about her that makes her likable and easygoing to others.
I enjoyed reading this first volume so much! I also picked up Volume Two so I suspect I’ll be reading that soon. It’s not too serious, made me laugh out, and I was curious to see what adventures Makoto will go on next.
Final Verdict:
Yakuza Lover Volume One by Nozomi Mino (2019)
When feisty college student Yuri is attacked at a party, she’s saved by Toshiomi Oya, the underboss of a yakuza syndicate. Despite her obvious attraction to him, she convinces herself that she’s not in the market for a bad boy type. But when they meet again, she finds herself irresistibly drawn to him—kicking off a steamy and dangerous love affair that threatens to consume her, body and soul.
After the attack at the party, Yuri goes to see Oya to thank him for saving her and as much as she hates to admit it, she can’t deny there’s an attraction. However, when tragedy strikes, Yuri attempts to turn her back on Oya and his dangerous lifestyle for good—but will the allure prove too great to resist?
Review: A manga that is definitely for more mature readers, Yakuza Lover takes readers into a whirlwind love story between a college student and a yakuza underboss. The romance in this one is definitely an “instalove” situation where they meet and things progress quickly. They do have heart-to-heart talks but the first volume sets up their chance meeting and from there launches into their new (and steamy relationship). I’ve read many shojo manga that has the good girl, bad boy trope but this story felt underwhelming and needed a bit more substance in the narrative. It didn’t come off as very plot-heavy, which I don’t mind sometimes, but while reading this first volume I felt like something was missing. Maybe it was missing character background? Which I assume they’ll get into in volume two.
I don’t know if I would continue with this series personally. I might borrow the books rather than buy them. I would like to try another series though by the author since I like the artwork style.
Final Verdict:
What comics, graphic novels, or manga have you read lately? Share your thoughts in the comment section below. If you have any recommendations feel free to share those as well.
Ossan Idol looks really interesting. Thank you for sharing these!
Such a fun manga find. Can’t wait to read volume two of Ossan Idol. Glad you enjoyed the reviews!
Aww, I literally was hovering on the request button for Flying Witch but, at the last minute, requested something else instead last week. (You won’t be sorry to hear, though, what I opted for instead. Email to follow.) I spotted a copy in the same library branch that I borrow my Yotsuba books from and made a note, so am tickled that you are recommending it as a favourite!
Yotsuba is such a joy to read. I re-read it often and I never get bored by it. I do recommend Flying Witch though such a fun series!