Monthly Comic Corner: June Edition
“Monthly Comic Corner” is a segment that compiles mini-reviews of comics, graphic novels, and manga that I’ve read for the month. Here are my reviews for the month of June which features crazy school antics, demons, and slice of life stories.
Outcast by Kirkman & Azaceta Volume 1: A Darkness Surrounds Him
Synopsis: Kyle Barnes has been plagued by demonic possession all his life and now he needs answers. Unfortunately, what he uncovers along the way could bring about the end of life on Earth as we know it. (description from Goodreads)
Review: Outcast follows the story of Kyle Barnes, who tries to live an isolated life due to his fear of hurting others. Being around other puts them in danger of being possessed as demons are drawn to him. He is haunted daily by his past and through developing an acquaintance with a Reverend he finds he has the power to exorcise demons.
This is a definitely engrossing story that has similar themes to The Exorcist, but Kirkman makes the story his own. There was enough character background shown to grab the reader’s attention without giving away spoilers too soon. The artwork uses vibrant, but darker tones to fit with the story’s theme and it adds to the overall setting of the story. I’m really interested to see how this series will play out and I’d also like to check out the TV adaptation as well.
Final Verdict:
Nichijou Volume 1 by Keiichi Arawi
Synopsis: Nichijou follows the everyday lives of various people in the town of Tokisadame, mainly focusing on the energetic Yūko Aioi, the bright and cheerful Mio Naganohara, the quiet and deadpan Mai Minakami, the anxious robot Nano Shinonome, her eight-year-old creator the Professor, and a talking cat named Sakamoto, along with an ensemble cast of characters. Random and/or outlandish events regularly occur throughout the series, mainly through the mundane situations each character undergoes.
Review: Nichijou is a fun (school) slice-of-life story in which the artwork style immediately reminded me of some of my favorites series: Yotsuba! and Azumanga Daioh. The characters are cute with their roundish faces and I found them to be chibi-like throughout most of the story. The story follows a somewhat typical school-girl manga story format except with crazy antics. One girl is a robot, there are random fights with deer, and extremely deadly games of rock, paper, scissors.
This light, nonsensical manga is set up short (almost) one-shot stories. The characters are funny and the situations made me laugh out loud. Compared to other manga in this same genre, Nichijou really didn’t stand out to me nor make a big impression. It’s easygoing, but it misses that special spark. I did enjoy getting to know the characters in this first volume, but I don’t think I’ll continue with the manga. Perhaps, I’ll try the anime?
Final Verdict:
What Did You Eat Yesterday?, Volume 1
Synopsis: A hard-working middle-aged gay couple in Tokyo come to enjoy the finer moments of life through food. After long days at work, either in the law firm or the hair salon, Shiro and Kenji will always have down time together by the dinner table, where they can discuss their troubles, hash out their feelings and enjoy delicately prepared home cooked meals! (description from Goodreads)
Book Review: What Did You Eat Yesterday? is a slice of life manga about a couple (a hairstylist and a lawyer) who navigate daily life in Japan while relishing gourmet meals at night. I love manga with food, some of my favorites include Yakitate!! Japan and Kitchen Princess, so I was excited to read this book. There a variety of recipes featured in each book which are delicious and easy to follow!
While the book focuses on the couple’s love for food, it also shows one perspective of what LGBT life is like in Japan. It’s a moderately paced story and I enjoyed seeing how Shiro and Kenji interact with each other, work through their arguments, and their work/family life. This slice of life manga feels very realistic without being too over-dramatic, and i found it to be on the calmer side of manga. I will continue with this series!
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. 🙂
*Disclosure: This post contains Amazon affiliate links!
