Tag: manga

Quick Picks for Reluctant Readers (#QP2026) Feature Review: The Kiss Bet Volume 1 by Ingrid Ocho


Sara Lin is a high school senior and has never been kissed. Her best friend Patrick has made a bet with her to get her first kiss before the year is over. This bet will ultimately lead to many hilarious, yet embarrassing events. After she asks to kiss a stranger in the subway who later turns out to be her math tutor, the bet becomes all the more complicated and comical.

The Kiss Bet will immediately draw in reluctant readers with its cover, which pops with color and features the two main characters. The artist and author, Ingrid Ochoa, captures the moods and facial expressions of her characters perfectly in each panel. The story moves along in each chapter, with the text and art layout being easy to read and follow. There is laugh-out-loud humor, and moments where teens will relate to Sara Lin’s cringe-worthy, yet honest behavior. 

Comparable titles include Jenny Han’s To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before, Dungeons and Drama by Kristy Boyce, and Arden High: Twelfth Grade Night by Molly Horton Booth, Stephanie Kate Strohm, and Jamie Green.

–Jacqueline Bush

Great Graphic Novels (#GGN2026) Featured Review: Space Punch, Vol 1 by ZD

  • Space Punch, vol. 1
  • by ZD
  • Kana / Abrams Books
  • Publication Date: January 07, 2025
  • ISBN-13: 9781419777943

Space Punch is a debut manga series opener that is fast-paced and action-packed, taking readers to a mafia-governed city where crime, violence, and corruption are the ways of life. Zack, a confident police sergeant, and younger brother Joe, a noodle delivery boy, live two very different lives. But conflict arises with the governing mafia group, and Joe and Zack must prepare themselves to fight back with everything they have. While training and strengthening their plan, the brothers find mysterious artifacts left behind by their late father that shake up their lives and change the fate of everything.  

Space Punch takes on superhuman, science-fiction elements while still being set in a realistic world with high-stakes conflict and crime. Drawing readers in from the start, this story begins with a high-speed police chase involving slightly-cocky older brother Zack and a mafia gangster. The art style is edgy and draws readers in with dramatic facial expressions, fun hand-to-hand boxing, and lots of explosions. Classic manga artwork paired with the dynamic storytelling from author ZD bring this superhuman story to life. 

Hand off Space Punch to readers who like sci-fi influenced manga and anime series, like My Hero Academia and One-Punch Man. If you have readers who are looking to dive more into the science-fiction manga/graphic novel realm like this one, consider handing them Cosmos by Ryuhei Tamura, Family Force V by Matt Braly, or Sword Art Online by Kiseki Himura. Readers wanting more of the boxing plot line might be interested in checking out Chasing Pacquiao by Rod Pulido.

– Abbey Pignatari

Great Graphic Novels (#GGN2026) Featured Review: Blades of Furry, Vol. 1 by Emily Erdos & Deya Muniz

Battle skating is a competitive sport that combines figure skating and martial arts on ice. Rookie battle-skater, Emilie, finds himself having to battle the reigning champion, Radu, in one of his first competitions after another competitor injures themselves. During the match, when Emilie gets a small cut, he discovers Radu’s secret, he is a vampire and vampires are banned from competing. Instead of sharing his secret though, Emilie and Radu help each other become better competitors and find themselves falling in love.

Originally published on Webtoons, this graphic novel is the first compilation of the series and includes new content. It’s action packed and swoonworthy. This sporty romance is not only funny and charming, it’s also full of secrets and family drama. The vibrant artwork and characters you love (and others you love to hate) will have you anxious for the next volume.

With Blades of Furry’s combination of queer romance, animal characters, ice skating and martial arts, fans of Beastars by Paru Itagaki, Heartstopper by Alice Osman and Check, Please! by Ngozi Ukazu will fall head over heels for this series too.

-Loren Spector


Great Graphic Novels (#GGN2026) Featured Review: Spacewalking with You, Vol. 1 by Inuhiko Dornoda

  • Spacewalking With You, vol. 1
  • by Inuhiko Doronoda
  • Kodansha Comics / Penguin Random House
  • Publication Date: May 27, 2025
  • ISBN-13: 9798888774380

High school student Yamato Kobayashi is struggling. He can’t seem to keep a job and has almost given up entirely on school. When Kobayashi meets transfer student Keisuke Uno, a sometimes loud and talkative student who keeps a notebook of rules to make his life easier, his life starts to change. Soon, the two are friends, Uno helping Kobayashi to focus better and Kobayashi helping Uno to take chances and go for what he wants. 

Spacewalking With You features teens who are coded neurodivergent, but do not have a diagnosis (the author addresses this in the author’s note). Kobayashi and Uno are as different as can be, but their friendship strengthens both of them. The artwork is whimsical with exaggerated expressions. The storyline is heartwarming and handles tough topics such as mental health and learning how to thrive in a world not built for you in a gentle way.

Hand this manga to fans of comical slice of life stories like Komi Can’t Communicate or Hirayasumi. Those who appreciate the friendships forged in A Silent Voice will also appreciate Spacewalking With You.

—Kim Keown Farnsworth


Great Graphic Novels (#GGN2026) Featured Review: You and Me on Repeat by Mary Shyne

Two former friends, Chris and Alicia, are trapped in a time loop on their high school graduation day. Chris thinks he needs the “perfect first kiss” with his crush to break the cycle, but Alicia has other plans. They must work together to remember the past, relive the hurt, and come together to break free and move forward together.

Mary Shyne gives us a swoony, witty rom-com that strikes a perfect balance between humor and emotional depth. The fears of growing up, life after high school, and losing friends will be relatable to teens. The dialogue is fast paced but still allows time for the deep moments to hit the feels. The monochromatic palettes that signify each time loop support the story by bringing out the mood in each scene.

Teens who enjoy the romance found in the time loop like See You Yesterday by Rachel Lynn Solomon would find this read swoon-worthy. Teens who are interested in queer identity like Mariko Tamaki and Rosemary Valero-O’Connell’s Laura Deen Keeps Breaking Up with Me would enjoy this graphic novel.

–Jessica Duong


Great Graphic Novels (#GGN2026) Featured Review: RuriDragon by Masaoki Shindo

  • RuriDragon, Vol. 1
  • by Masaoki Shindo 
  • VIX Media LLC
  • Publication Date: January 7, 2025
  • ISBN: 9781974738311

RuriDragon is about a high school girl, Ruri, who wakes to find that she has horns! Ruri is informed by her mom that she had inherited some draconic traits from her dad, who is a dragon, and she is half dragon. Throughout the school day Ruri discovers new dragon traits, like she can breathe fire. Ruri now must figure out how to control her dragon abilities, and balance school with the help of her friends and family.

The story is a slice of life manga with a mix of fantasy elements with Ruri going through school and friendships, but dealing with her new dragon powers. Readers will be laughing, as the main characters discovers her dragon traits, but also being going “aww” with some of the touching moments in the story. Shindo illustrations also help bring the story to life! When Ruri breathes fire you can feel the flames leap off the page. Overall, Masaoki created a great manga that draws readers in with a unique and fun story that is well illustrated.

Readers who enjoy Frieren will enjoy Ruridragon for its detailed illustrations and leisurely paced style.  This is also the perfect book for fans of Hirayasumi because of the large slice of life elements present.   Fans of Generation Witch will also enjoy this manga because of the fantasy elements in a school setting. 

 -Kyler Wesner


Great Graphic Novels (#GGN2026) Featured Review: Eden of Witches vol. 1 by Yumeji

  • Eden of Witches vol. 1
  • by Yumeji
  • Harry N. Abrams
  • Publication Date: November 12, 2024
  • ISBN-13: 9781419777936 

Plants and animals once thrived and flourished – until humankind rose up and ravaged the land. Now the world is nothing but a wasteland of rocks and ruins, and the last link to nature remains hidden: witches. Feared and hunted by humankind, witches possess the rare ability to communicate and cultivate nature. Humans blame them for nature’s collapse, so the witches hide away in secret sanctuaries overflowing with forbidden greenery, cut off from the outside world. One young witch apprentice, Pili, is forced to leave her oasis and travel with her amurd wolf companion, Oak, in search of the ancient forest called Eden. But without the knowledge of how to navigate the harshness of the outside world, and the constant risk of being discovered as a witch, will Pili and Oak be able to find Eden? 

Eden of Witches by Yumeji weaves a complex narrative about the destruction and protection of nature, pairing it with the themes of community and belonging. Readers will see the longing for connection and innate trust that Pili sees in the people she meets, bringing her joy and innocence into a harsh, unforgiving world. Oak, the grumpy companion and Pili, the determined new witch, develop a unique relationship as they learn more about each other. The beautiful depictions of nature, with stark contrast between barren landscapes and lush plant life add to the depth of the storyline. Yumeji created a complex magic system and a high stakes adventure that will leave readers eager for the next volume. 

Perfect for fans of Princess Mononoke, who will love the fight to protect nature against human corruption, and will also appreciate that Oak as a wolf-like companion. It also pairs well with Hayo Miyazaki’s graphic novel Shuna’s Journey, a beautifully illustrated adventure to find the source of a golden grain that will save the land. If you enjoyed the relationship between humans and nature, try Dragonfruit by Makiia Lucier where human greed disrupts the balance of nature.

– Brigid Burns


Great Graphic Novels (#GGN2025) Featured Review: Your Letter by Hyeon A. Cho

  • Your Letter
  • by Hyeon A. Cho
  • Ize Press/Yen Press
  • Publication Date: July 23, 2024
  • ISBN-13: 9798400901119

When Sori Lee stands up to a classmate’s bully, the bully’s attention turns toward her. Looking for a new start, Sori moves back to the small town where she grew up. On her first day at her new class, Sori finds a letter which helps her navigate her new school and which leads her on a magic-filled scavenger hunt for more letters, earning new friendships along the way.  

Your Letter is a heartwarming story that explores bullying and its aftereffects as well as being open to new adventures and relationships. The illustrations are expressive, whimsical, and presented in a variety of muted hues. Characters are Korean with a variety of body shapes and sizes. 

Give Your Letter to teens who enjoy the magical realism in Studio Ghibli films. Fans of anti-bullying manga such A Silent Voice by Yoshitoki Oima and Our Dreams at Dusk by Yuhki Kamatani will find much to love here.

— Kim Keown Farnsworth

Other Nominated Titles

Release Date: August 27, 2024
Release Date: October 1, 2024

Quick Picks for Reluctant Readers (#QP2025) Feature Review: Hockey Girl Loves Drama Boy by Faith Erin Hicks

Alix is a star on her high school hockey team, but loses it on the ice when dealing with a bully and it could cost her the dream of playing at the U-18 Women’s Hockey Camp. In order not to mess up her chance, she asks the popular theater kid, Ezra, for help in finding ways to keep her temper in check. Soon they are spending time together and learning that there is more to people than just appearances.

This graphic novel, with a bright eye-catching cover, breaks the stereotype of the guy being the jock and needing the girl to help calm him down so he doesn’t screw something up. Hicks covers themes that teens can identify with like sexual identity, dealing with bullies, parental abuse, single parent households and going for your dreams even if your parents don’t support them in a well-paced style of writing.

Comparable titles are King Cheer by Stephanie Kate Strohm, and Molly Horton Booth, Not Crushing on the Cowboy: A Coming of Age Romance by Mary Hicks, and the film She’s The Man.

–Lindsay Bailey

Great Graphic Novels (#GGN2025) Featured Review: You and I are Polar Opposites, Vol. 1 by Kocha Agasawa

  • You and I Are Polar Opposites, vol. 1
  • by Kocha Agasawa
  • VIZ Media
  • Publication Date: May 7, 2024
  • ISBN-13: 9781974743766

High schooler Miyu Suzuki is outgoing, energetic, and works hard to fit in with the crowd. Fellow student Yusuke Tani is quiet, calm, and willing to speak his mind even when it leaves him the odd man out among his classmates. These two couldn’t be more different – or so it seems. In reality, Suzuki and Tani have one thing in common: they like each other!

You and I Are Polar Opposites, vol. 1 is a charming romantic comedy manga series opener with an emphasis on the ecstasies and agonies of liking someone whose personality is fundamentally different from your own. While its opposites-attract premise is nothing new for the genre, a focus on healthy communication makes this title shine. It’s easy to see why Suzuki and Tani like each other, as each displays a genuine respect and affection for the other’s strengths of character. The art emphasizes the comedy aspect of this rom-com series, with plenty of funny reaction faces and a webcomic-influenced style.  

Hand You and I Are Polar Opposites to readers who enjoy the humor, well-developed side characters, and down-to-earth feel of Skip and Loafer. Readers who enjoy the opposites-attract element of My Dress Up Darling or the anime Aharen-san wa Hakarenai will also find a lot to love here. And for those who can’t get enough of a serious, glasses-wearing male lead, a bubbly female lead, and a central couple that starts dating in volume one, check out the series Let’s Do It Already!

–Meg Bowie

Other Nominated Titles

Release: March 26, 2024
Release: May 21, 2024