Mahou Josei Chimaka Chapter 1 review

Mahou Josei Chimaka Chapter 1 Story & Art by Kaiju Review

From the Publisher: “Fifteen years ago, magical girl Shimmer Shimmer Sky Patcher Chimaka lost her final battle against her greatest foe, broke up with her "destined" boyfriend, and practically flunked out of school. Now a chemical engineer at Squid Petroleum, Chimaka is older, wiser, and a whole lot more bitter. But when a surprise phone call alerts Chimaka to the fact that her ancient enemy is getting restless again, it's going to be up to Chimaka and her best friend Pippa to try to reignite Chimaka's old magic...and save the world!

For all you readers who wanted to know what happens after your favorite magical girl series left off...KaiJu brings you "Mahou Josei Chimaka"!”

Serialized in Sparkler Monthly, Mahou Josei Chimaka has surprisingly good artwork and a more or less compelling plot. The way it stealthily pokes fun at magical girl tropes was amusing to say the least. And yet, it still believes in itself whole-heartedly and is compelling enough to not be a mindless parody. The first chapter has me really excited for future chapters and I am legitimately curious where it will go from here. In conclusion I would say read this premiere chapter as it is maddeningly addictive.

Hi-Fi Cluster Chapters 11-18 review

Hi-Fi Cluster Chapters 11-18 story & art by Ippei  Goto  Review

                In this final stretch of chapters, Cluster is charging forward at full force (until the last chapter where it gives some sort of vaguely optimistic, tonally jarring epilogue). As of this writing it is unclear if Cluster will leave any sort of impact on manga readers in the west let alone be remembered. I’m going to lean towards no for both. Although there seems to be forthcoming series replicating the failed formula. There really is little to say about the manga itself beyond that. It had a neat concept and had some compelling moments but, ultimately, wasn’t long for the world. It is a short read, though, and while flawed  it is also entertaining so if you have a means of reading it in its entirety and have yet to do so I recommend  giving it a read.

Mushishi Next Chapter Season 2 Episodes 2-10 review

Mushishi Next Chapter Season 2 Episodes 2-10 Review

                It really is disappointing the television series could not tie up the franchise. That was my only expectation going into this season. The quality is standard for the show. The visuals and music are as soothing as ever. If one is in search of shows well off the worn path Mushishi is most likely the franchise for them. While it will more likely put the world to sleep and not so much revolutionize anything it remains among my favorite anime. Fare well Mushishi: your contribution to the world will not be forgotten.

Hi-sCool! Seha Girls Episodes 3-13 review

Hi-sCool! Seha Girls Episodes 3-13 Review

                Sega Hard Girls will always have a fond place in my heart. Yes, it was a cheap hours long advertisement for games well over a decade old and it most likely will not reach a greater than it already has but it was campy fun. If you are a fan of classic video games and enjoy bad in a good way shows I recommend giving Sega Hard Girls a test drive. It isn’t a huge commitment and who knows? You might find a hidden gem.

Orenchi no Furo Jijo Episodes 3-13 review

Orenchi no Furo Jijo Episodes 3-13 Review

               

Orenchi concludes on a positive, if standard, note and will most likely be among the many anime lost in the annals of history. It is cute and has its moments but nothing really stands out much. Nevertheless it was a pleasant diversion and served its function as fan service for fujoshi and fudanshi well. There really is little substance to this series and thus makes discussion of it difficult. It will be a fond memory for me for a while to come at least.

Terra Formars volume 1 review

Terra Formars volume 1 story by Yu Sasuga, Art by Yu Tachibana Review

From the publisher: “After humanity’s first manned mission to the Red Planet was lost, a second expedition arrives. The explorers prepare to exterminate the cockroaches that were used to transform the Martian environment, but are shocked to discover that the insects have mutated into giant, aggressive humanoids with one overriding goal—exterminate the humans! However, this crew of explorers has each undergone the “Bugs Procedure,” terrifying experimental surgery designed to make them more than human…”

If you ever wondered what a Hollywood movie would look like as a manga than this is probably it. That is not a compliment. Dripping with uncomfortable racism and constant numbing gore, this series is probably not for those with weak stomachs. It isn’t clever enough to be challenging either it really is a big dumb action flick in comic format. I really have nothing good to say about this. They actually have someone who has a big cigar in their mouth at all times. The one Chinese character is little more than a stereo type. I’m not kidding when I say that everyone is a cliché. At the very least the book moves along at a steady clip so I was out of my misery sooner. In conclusion I would say skip Terra Formars; it’s racist mindless garbage. 

Witchcraft Works volume 1 review

Witchcraft Works volume 1 story & art by Ryu Mizunagi Review

From the publisher: “There is something unusual about the Tougetsu Academy. While on the surface it may seem like just another private Japanese high school; hidden amongst its student body, though, are a few youngsters with some unique abilities. One of them is Honoka Takamiya. He may not know it yet, but inside him lurks something very powerful. And it is the job of the school’s idol, Ayaka Kagari, to protect Takamiya from anyone, or anything, wishing to capitalize on his innate abilities.

Dare to harm her “Princess”, and watch out— you’ll get burned!”

                The first volume is mostly character introductions and some world building. With that being said the comedy is ramped up to 10. The book also boasts stellar artwork. The plot is moving glacially. We see our first major plot development only during the final pages of the book. Pacing issues aside, this is a fun first volume. The humor seldom falls flat. In conclusion I would as perhaps loan this from a library before deciding whether it is for you. It has little reread value and will not be to everyone’s liking but if you enjoy something delightfully mindless this might be up your alley.

Review copy provided by the publisher.