“Positive Dance” Hourou Musuko has always been about growing up, but rarely have we seen it expressed more literally than it was here. In a nice change from recent trends, we get some real focus on Takatsuki. To be blunt (because there’s no other way to say it) she’s turning […] Read more
There’s really not all that much to say about chapter 21, except that it was pretty much over the top kawaii overload for 47 pages. The two brothers drafted into being the future husbands on the twins from hell, Layla and Leyli, actually have names – Sahman and Farsahmi. Sahm […] Read more
As much as I love Otoyomegatari, I think it represents one of the real problems of a monthly manga. I enjoy the new characters Mori Kaoru continues to introduce to this story, and Laila and Leyli are certainly a hoot. But when we get to see these characters so rarely, […] Read more
“Whispered Words” Whoa – now things are definitely heating up. I don’t know if you can technically call Hourou Musuko a “slice-of-life” – and no, I don’t want to open that can of worms – but one of the most magical things about Shimura Takako’s writing is the ability to […] Read more
“Mind Game” The long-awaited reunion finally happens, at the karaoke bar – Nitorin, Makoto, Chiba, Takatsuki, Sasa, Anna, and – seemingly the odd sock – Momo. I felt a little bad for her being stuck there with a “bunch of freaks” when Chi-chan bails with a cold – but at […] Read more
“Mii-tan’s Father – 2” I’m not at all sure how I feel about a new character being introduced at this stage of the game. We’re well over 100 chapters in, and seem nowhere close to wrapping up the arcs of any of the major characters. Many in the cast don’t […] Read more
I never would have expected this. No word yet on what “brief run” and “reboot” mean, but can we possibly hope that this, at long last, will push us towards the Holy Grail of adaptations, the Jinchu Arc? As surprising as this news is, it’s easy to forget Watsuki-sensei is […] Read more
“Mii-tan’s Father” This was a much anticipated chapter for me, based on that long overdue question new girl Minamoto asked Nitorin last time – “Do you like men?” While I think I know the answer, it still seemed as if things were finally getting to the heart of the matter […] Read more
“Half Knowledge” All in all, a fascinating chapter of Hourou Musuko this time, with a heavy focus on Nitorin and the double-life he’s still trying to lead. Once a month just isn’t enough for this manga. I’m always dying to know what’s going to happen next, and having to wait. […] Read more
“The Calm Before the Storm” A pretty quiet chapter, as befits the title – but there are implications of deeper consequences to come. While there’s a brief visit with Anna at the beginning of the chapter, the bulk of the attention is on Shu and his waiter/waitress job at the […] Read more