Monthly Comic Corner: November 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 November which features a family narrative, blooming romance, and reboot of a popular manga.
*Trying to get this segment back on track, I haven’t had as much time to read graphic novels. I can’t believe I have posted this since March.
My Brothers Husband Vol.1 by Gengoroh Tagame (2015)
Synopsis: Ten years ago Yaichi’s twin brother moved to Canada and married a man called Mike. A month ago, he died.
Now Mike has arrived to Japan to meet Yaichi and his daughter Kana. Yaichi has to face his own preconceptions and come to terms about who his brother really was. (description from Goodreads)
Review: With beautifully written and lovely illustrations, this graphic novel gives a closer look about the LGBT culture/views in japan (If you’re looking for another series that discusses this, I also recommend the manga What Did You Eat Yesterday?)
I loved the theme of family in this novel and there were so many tender moments that were heartwarming to me. It teaches important lessons about about love, acceptance and what truly makes a family. Kana’s inquisitive nature to ask questions about her uncle strengthens their bonds as well as she and Yaichi learn more about his twin brother after they lost touch.
I definitely want to read more of this story, it was every enjoyable and I liked the slice-of-life feel on top of the more serious discussion in the book.
Final Verdict:
“Say I Love You” Vol.1 by Kana Hazuki (2014)
Synopsis: FRIENDSHIP? FORGET IT!
Mei Tachibana has no friends—and she doesn’t need them! Ever since her “friends” betrayed her in elementary school, she’s sworn off friendship entirely. All it leads to is betrayal and heartbreak, and she’s well enough on her own. But everything changes when she accidentally roundhouse kicks the most popular boy in school! However, Yamato Kurosawa isn’t angry in the slightest— in fact, he thinks his ordinary life could use an unusual girl like Mei! He won’t take no for an answer, and soon Mei and Yamato embark on an unwanted friendship that will change both of them forever. (description from Goodreads)
Review: Say, I Love You is about main character, Mei who meets a boy named, Yamato (an outsider meets the popular boy story line). Mei has isolated herself due to past bullies and has put up walls around herself in order to shut others out. The reader can definitely tell that her pain runs deep within her and she doesn’t want to get hurt again. When Mei becomes friends with Yamato, he pulls her out of her shell and it helps her to work through some of her insecurities. While she falls in love will she also learn to be a more confident person?
The story line has been done time and time before, but I like the cast of characters and how it’s a coming of age tale. I think readers can not only resonate with Mei, but also some the struggles some of the others characters go through as they face obstacles in school and life. I initially picked this series up due to its popularity, and I heard there is a movie adaptation too.
I think I’ll continue reading this series.
Final Verdict:
“Fruits Basket: Another” Vol.1 Natsuki Takaya (2018)
Synopsis: Fruits Basket manga creator Natsuki Takaya will launch the Fruits Basket another sequel manga. The manga will take place after Tohru has graduated high school, and will feature a girl named Sawa who has just entered the high school. (description from Goodreads)
Review:
Fruits Basket is back! When I heard there would be a new story set in the same universe I was elated to see the return of one of my top favorite manga of all time. This time around, the story follows Sawa Mitomi (reminds me of Tohru, but is more shy) she shuts everyone out to due to fear of being rejected again as we see from her past. After meeting the Sohmas they help her to open up, heal, and make new friends.
There are many references to the original series, so newcomers to this sequel might be lost even though the seems a bit similar to the original (so far). Reading this book made me feel so nostalgic about Fruits Basket. It was entertaining and a fun read. I appreciated that the artwork is detailed/animated and the plot is very easy to follow There’s not too much to say about the story since volume sets up the plot. I’m curious to see how the story will continue.
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. 
