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Haruma Ichinose, a 17-year-old high schooler, is admired by many girls at his school. Confident and charming, he faces no competition for their affection until Yuki Mogami arrives. However, Yuki isn’t a rival in the way Haruma expects—she’s a girl. Taller than Haruma and equally admired, Yuki’s charm frustrates him. But soon, Haruma begins to question whether his feelings are really competitive or if they’re leaning towards something more romantic. A Unique Take on Shojo Tropes She’s My Knight turns classic shojo tropes upside down. At the beginning, Haruma behaves like the typical hot-headed male protagonist, but his frustration stems from Yuki being both taller and more popular. As they spend more time together, Haruma realizes that his feelings aren’t antagonistic at all—they’re romantic. The story places Haruma in traditionally “female” roles, challenging gender norms in a fun and unexpected way. For example, in one scene, Haruma trips, but it’s Yuki who catches him. In another, he tries the classic “hand-on-wall” trick, but it falls flat, both because Yuki is oblivious to his intentions and because she towers over him. The manga openly plays with these dynamics, often having Haruma in the “heroine” role and Yuki in the “hero” role, creating an amusing twist on gender expectations. Haruma’s Struggle with His Role Throughout the first half of the manga, Haruma struggles to embrace his role as the “heroine.” He attempts to act more traditionally masculine, offering to carry boxes for Yuki and feeling emasculated by their height difference. However, as the story progresses, Haruma grows more endearing as he begins to accept his feelings for Yuki and stops worrying about societal expectations tied to his gender. His awkward attempts to court Yuki—like imagining himself snuggling with her at a fireworks show—are both funny and heartwarming. Interestingly, Haruma never desires Yuki to be more feminine or less tall. In fact, he becomes most flustered when Yuki unintentionally courts him, highlighting the story’s playful subversion of traditional gender roles. Yuki: The Unaware Love Interest While Haruma’s feelings evolve, Yuki remains oblivious. She’s kind and supportive to everyone, often responding kindly when someone shows affection without fully understanding their intentions. Because the story is told from Haruma’s perspective, Yuki’s internal world remains a mystery. However, readers do learn small details about her, such as her relationships with her brothers and childhood friends. Her occasional lack of awareness of social cues adds to her charm, making it easy to see why both Haruma and others at school have fallen for her. Saisou’s Art and Storytelling Saisou, the mangaka behind She’s My Knight, is best known for My Tiny Senpai, which received an anime adaptation in 2023. However, She’s My Knight is their only work currently available in English. It’s clear that Saisou has a firm grasp of both comedy and character development. The story feels deliberate, with strong character voices and comedic timing that plays with shojo tropes in an entertaining way. The artwork complements the humor perfectly, with highly animated panels that vividly capture the characters’ emotions. While the backgrounds remain fairly standard—depicting school grounds, the beach, and the mall—the character designs and their expressions stand out. The visual comedy is particularly well done, making this series an excellent candidate for an anime adaptation. Translation and Extra Content The translation, handled by Mari Au and the amimaru company, is smooth and error-free. Some might find the translator notes, which are placed between panels instead of at the end, a little distracting, but they offer useful explanations in real-time without taking you out of the story. She’s My Knight Volume 1 packs a lot of content into one book. Alongside the thirteen regular chapters, there are seventeen bonus chapters, extra content from Haruma’s friend Miyoshi’s point of view, and additional material. Fans of the series will appreciate the sheer amount of content they get for their money. Final Thoughts: A Fun, Light-Hearted Romance She’s My Knight brings something fresh to the English manga market by flipping shojo conventions and exploring gender roles in an engaging, light-hearted way. Haruma’s journey from a hot-headed protagonist to someone who accepts his feelings and embraces the unexpected is a fun, enjoyable ride. Fans of romantic comedies and gender role reversals will find this manga worth checking out.

“Looking different. Speaking a different language. Being afraid of someone for arbitrary reasons like that… is prejudice.” — Kei Kinjou-Dias to Sai-san. Minato and Akira Lee, along with Akira’s friends Ito and Kei, are adjusting to life in Touka-cho. Together, they create the Investigation Club to explore the strange events happening around them. While settling in, they meet two alien-like beings, Sai-san and the small, mysterious Hirata. These otherworldly characters find themselves stranded in town, while the group suspects the town’s fenced-off forest as the source of the bizarre glitches. Missing pets, people disappearing, and ghostly figures all seem to originate from this eerie forest. The Town’s Mysterious Glitches Many townspeople don’t accept aliens like Sai-san. They report their activities to the local police, who closely monitor their actions. When the young group encounters the local police officer, he looks disheveled, having possibly met some wild, predatory creature. The group considers whether the local library holds answers to the forest’s mysteries. If not, their only option might be to brave the forest themselves. Unique Art Style and Atmosphere Shima Shinya’s ultra-modern manga art style stands out in Glitch Volume 2. The art amplifies the unsettling atmosphere in Touka-cho, where both people and pets disappear, and giant ghostly figures move through the town. Concerns About the Pacing and Character Portrayal While the art and atmosphere shine, the story’s pacing and character portrayals raise some concerns. The plot moves slowly, even though only two volumes remain. This measured pace removes some of the tension and dread needed to build suspense. Additionally, characters often explain events in a way that feels overly expository. That said, certain scenes, like Minato slicing tomatoes, display Shinya’s talent for bringing everyday moments to life. The detailed depiction of an ordinary family moment against the backdrop of a strange, otherworldly event makes the scene stand out. Representation in Glitch The human characters seem carefully designed to reflect a wide range of gender-fluid and LGBTQIA+ identities. While this representation is positive, it can sometimes feel a little too deliberate. Minato is portrayed as ungendered, and their mother is a high-status single parent working in the medical field. Meanwhile, Ito’s mother is in a same-sex relationship, and Kei Kinjou-Dias, whose mother has disappeared, represents a mixed-race family. On the flip side, Hirata, the alien, is charmingly portrayed. A particularly memorable moment shows Hirata encountering a peach for the first time, adding a delightful touch to the story. Artistic Choices and Design The cover’s bold use of color—orange, lavender, and black—immediately draws attention. However, the two-page color spread at the front of the volume only features a monochrome image. This design choice feels like a missed opportunity to further engage the reader visually. As in Volume 1, Shinya includes a two-page illustrated preview of Volume 3, teasing what lies ahead. Translation and Presentation Yen Press delivers another high-quality trade paperback with clear translation by Eleanor Summers. Helpful translation notes at the back enhance the reading experience. The clean and well-spaced lettering by Abigail Summers makes the text easy to follow throughout the volume. Fans can look forward to Volume 3, scheduled for release in May 2024. Conclusion: A Fresh Take on Manga Despite some pacing and narrative concerns, Glitch Volume 2 remains a manga worth exploring. Its distinctive art style and genre-blurring mystery are unlike anything else in the manga world today. Whether the story turns out to be rooted in science fiction or an urban legend, Glitch is taking manga in an exciting new direction.

Volume 5 of Wistoria: Wand and Sword left us on a cliffhanger. Will and his group had safely returned from the dungeon, but our protagonist was about to take a crucial exam that could change everything. With Volume 6 in hand, it’s time to dive into what happens next. Will’s Setback At the end of Volume 5, we saw Will fail Professor Edward’s final exam. This failure means he can no longer pursue his dream of climbing the Tower to become a Magia Vander—where his childhood friend, Elfie, awaits him. Crushed by this setback, Will runs away from the dorms. His friends, concerned for his mental state, begin searching for him. Terminalia Festival and a New Threat As Will deals with his personal crisis, the school and surrounding town prepare for the Terminalia festival, an annual event marking the end of the year. During this festival, the five Magia Vander gather to renew the Great Barrier, which has protected the world for 500 years. Should they fail, the world will face destruction. However, the spell to renew the barrier is so draining that the Magia Vander can’t fight afterward. Unfortunately, this year’s festival becomes the target of a group of evildoers who teleport powerful dungeon monsters into the town. With the Magia Vander unable to defend themselves, it’s up to the students of Regarden Magical Academy to fend off the attack. The instructors provide backup, but the situation looks dire. When Will hears about the chaos, he rushes to the scene. But what can a failed student like him do against such powerful enemies? The Halfway Point and Rising Stakes In the afterword of this volume, artist Toshi Aoi reveals that the series has passed its halfway point. This news was surprising, as many readers likely expected Wistoria to run for much longer, especially with Fujino Omori, the author of DanMachi, at the helm. DanMachi is nearing its twentieth volume, not counting the side stories, so a longer run for Wistoria seemed likely. However, knowing there’s an end in sight offers some reassurance. In a crowded market of shonen series, a shorter, well-paced story can stand out more than one that drags on. This is especially true for battle shonen like Wistoria. As we hit this pivotal point, the story ramps up the drama. Will’s expulsion from the academy and the attack on the festival push the plot forward in exciting ways. The chapters are filled with thrilling action scenes and much-needed worldbuilding. Wistoria has sometimes struggled to balance its action with developing the setting, but this volume strikes a good mix. The Great Barrier and the Magia Vander are central to the story, so learning more about them deepens our understanding of the world. Add in another gripping cliffhanger, and this volume will leave you eagerly anticipating the next installment. Translation and Release Wistoria: Wand and Sword Volume 6 is brought to English-speaking audiences by Kodansha, with translation by Athena and Alethea Nibley. As always, the translation reads smoothly, and there are no notable issues. Volume 7 is set to release in English in March, and although the schedule has slowed down now that we’re almost caught up with Japan, the wait won’t be too long. Final Thoughts Overall, Wistoria: Wand and Sword Volume 6 delivers a solid entry in the series. While I was surprised to learn we’re already past the halfway mark, this knowledge gives me confidence that the story will continue to deliver as it heads toward its conclusion. If you’ve enjoyed the series so far, Volume 6 won’t disappoint.

It’s the perfect time to cozy up with a heartwarming romance manga. Today, I’m diving into 15 Minutes Before We Really Date Volume 1, published by Yen Press. Does it offer the lighthearted romance you need? Let’s find out. A Sweet High School Romance The story centers on Yuuki and Natsuha, two high school seniors with just six months left before graduation. They’ve lived next door to each other since childhood, fostering a close bond. Naturally, throughout middle and high school, rumors circulated that they were dating, but in reality, they’ve always just been friends. However, with college applications leading them in different directions, Natsuha suddenly proposes that they try dating. After all, they’re both single, already close, and have nothing to lose, right? Yuuki doesn’t seem fazed by the idea and agrees, given they spend most of their time together anyway. But transitioning from childhood friends to lovers proves harder than they imagined. Hidden Feelings We quickly learn that Natsuha has had feelings for Yuuki for quite some time. She even felt hurt when he spent the summer complaining about not having a girlfriend, unaware that she would have gladly dated him. Unlike Yuuki, who never seriously considered dating her, it’s interesting to watch their relationship evolve, knowing Natsuha’s deeper emotions. I’m eager to see when Yuuki will start recognizing his own feelings for her. Short, Sweet Chapters 15 Minutes Before We Really Date Volume 1 contains fourteen short chapters, along with three bonus chapters. These range from five to ten pages, offering glimpses into the characters’ lives without overstaying their welcome. The structure feels similar to It Takes Two Tomorrow, Too, though here the chapters follow a more continuous narrative. Several chapters focus on their first day as an official couple, as well as their first date. These scenes highlight the awkwardness of trying to change from friends to something more intimate. The bonus chapters break up the narrative nicely, offering insights from other characters or events that happened before the main story began. One such chapter introduces Yuuki’s little sister, who’s thrilled that her brother and Natsuha are finally dating (she thinks it’s long overdue!). She even secretly follows them on their first date. It seems she might have a budding romance of her own in the future. Perico’s Unique Art Style This series marks mangaka Perico’s debut work in English, and their first long-running series in Japan. The series originally started as a Twitter comic, which explains the short chapters and the artwork’s unique style. Perico’s art feels sketchy, almost as if it was drawn in pencil without inking. This sometimes makes the characters look a bit blurry, especially when compared to the crisp color pages. The larger format used by Yen Press might also contribute to this effect. It takes a few chapters to get used to the art style, especially since the structure can feel scattered. Perico often switches between traditional panel layouts and more experimental formats, creating an unconventional reading experience. However, despite the chaotic feel, the free-form art seems to reflect the characters’ uncertainty in their new relationship. Perico’s approach, though unexpected, ultimately works for this particular story. Translation and Release Yen Press brings 15 Minutes Before We Really Date Volume 1 to the West, with Caleb Cook handling the translation and Rachel J. Pierce taking care of the lettering. The translation flows smoothly, and although there are no translation notes, there’s little need for them, as the story doesn’t rely heavily on cultural references. The dialogue reads well, and there are no significant issues with the release. The series has already concluded in Japan with six volumes released between 2019 and 2023. In English, Yen Press plans to release Volume 2 in April, but there’s no word yet on when Volume 3 will follow. It seems we might have to wait for a slow, steady release schedule. Final Thoughts 15 Minutes Before We Really Date Volume 1 has its quirks, but at its core, it’s a sweet and simple romance. The lack of heavy drama keeps the story light, and with only six volumes in total, it’s unlikely to overstay its welcome. If you’re looking for a gentle, feel-good romance to enjoy, this series is well worth picking up.

Himuro, a descendant of a snow spirit, has ice powers that flare up whenever his emotions run high. Despite this, he’s your typical Japanese office worker—except for his deep crush on his co-worker Fuyutsuki. She seems aloof and cool, but secretly, she harbors feelings for him too. As the two grow closer, other supernatural co-workers approach Himuro for help with their relationship troubles. Can he offer advice while advancing his own love story? A Supernatural Romance in the Office Volume 2 of this office romcom offers ten new chapters and three bonus stories. The story builds on Volume 1, with more moments showing the couple growing closer. Like before, most chapters follow a familiar pattern: Himuro faces a problem—often related to his snow-spirit abilities clashing with the typical office life—and Fuyutsuki finds a creative solution to help him. This brings them even closer as he falls deeper for her, while she discovers more about his charming qualities. Their relationship sees some development, but it’s subtle. The slow-burn romance continues, which might frustrate readers hoping for quicker progress. The pair remain adorable, and their eventual union feels inevitable, but your patience for slow-burn romance will be tested. Whether you love this trope or not, it’s a central part of the series’ charm. Introducing New Supernatural Characters The volume doesn’t solely focus on Himuro and Fuyutsuki. Two new supernatural characters are introduced, adding more life to the office environment. We meet Komori, a female descendant of a fox spirit, and her male co-worker Saejima. Unlike Himuro and Fuyutsuki, these two have more outgoing personalities, which adds a fresh dynamic to the story. Komori’s fox-like powers, including the appearance of tails and ears when she’s relaxed, often embarrass her. However, she isn’t afraid to call others out in the office. Saejima, though blunt, has a soft side, especially when he goes out of his way to collect figurines for Komori. The pairing of Komori and Saejima provides a new dynamic for readers to enjoy. However, I found Komori’s fox abilities less exciting compared to Himuro’s ice powers. Himuro’s abilities are creatively tied to his emotions and Japan’s weather, making Komori’s simple animal features feel less innovative by comparison. The Phoenix Co-worker Another new character, Katori, enters the story. He’s supposedly a descendant of a phoenix, though the manga playfully adds a question mark after “descendant,” hinting he may actually be the phoenix himself. Katori and his female co-worker don’t get much time in this volume, but his potential as a character is intriguing. His mood swings—shifting from despair to optimism after a pep talk from Himuro—add humor. His fire-based powers, being the opposite of Himuro’s ice abilities, suggest exciting possibilities for future interactions. Katori’s backstory as Himuro’s childhood friend adds depth to their relationship. It raises questions about the world of the manga: Are all descendants of magical beings connected? Do they all work in ‘spirit-friendly’ environments? These are ideas the story could explore in future volumes. Stunning Artwork and Translation The manga’s art remains stunning. Fuyutsuki’s hair is beautifully detailed, and close-ups of her face highlight why Himuro is so captivated by her. The artist excels at bringing out the characters’ emotions with visual depth. Julie Goniwich continues to handle the translation, but I was disappointed to find no translation notes in this volume. One chapter mentions “Golden Week,” and it would’ve been helpful to explain it for readers unfamiliar with Japanese culture. Similarly, the theme park the characters visit in the final chapter seems based on Tokyo Disneyland, with references to character meet-and-greets and advanced planning. It would’ve been nice to get confirmation of these connections. Conclusion The Ice Guy and The Cool Girl Volume 2 delivers another charming, slow-burn romance between Himuro and Fuyutsuki. While the pace may frustrate those wanting faster romantic development, the humor and introduction of new characters keep the story engaging. The artwork continues to shine, making this an enjoyable volume for fans of supernatural office romance.

In Volume 1 of The World After the Fall, Jaehwan learned that the Tower of Nightmare was merely a replica of the real tower, which stands atop the Tree of Illusion. This false tower sits at the tree’s roots, and Jaehwan has no desire to start again, despite the Dream Demon’s suggestion to do so. His goal is clear: to break through the tree and reach the top. After leaving the tower, he finds himself in the trunk of the tree, ready to push forward. Meeting Mino: The Witch of Destruction At the tree’s trunk, Jaehwan encounters Mino, the witch of destruction, who guides him through Chaos—a realm where the dead dwell. Although the people there seem human to one another, Jaehwan sees their true forms. His experience in the Tower of Nightmare gave him the ability to perceive the world’s deeper reality. Jaehwan’s power comes from his skepticism, which helped him break free from the limits imposed by the tower. Though he cannot share his ultimate mission, his presence might help others see the truth as well. A Mysterious New World Mino is puzzled by Jaehwan. His spirit is unlike anything she’s seen before, seemingly immune to corruption. In Chaos, the souls of the dead must constantly medicate themselves to avoid turning into fiends—monsters driven by corruption. Jaehwan, as a living human, doesn’t face this challenge, but he keeps this fact hidden. He recognizes the truth about these inhabitants: they are skeletons in disguise. Confusion in Chaos The World After the Fall Volume 2 begins with many new details that aren’t fully explained, leading to some confusion. In Chaos, there are fortresses and sects, though their purposes remain unclear. These sects aren’t on good terms with one another. Mino belongs to one, but it’s too soon to know whether she’ll become Jaehwan’s ally or enemy. Another new character, Captain Carlton Xavier, enforces order in his fortress. Jaehwan seems to hope Xavier will become a comrade, but as with Mino, it’s too early to tell where his loyalties lie. Power Levels and Fighting Scenes One element that remains vague is the concept of power levels. The strength of people in Chaos is linked to how much they have “adapted,” though what adaptation entails is not yet clear. We’ll likely learn more about this in future volumes. For now, what’s evident is that greater adaptation brings more power. Compared to Volume 1, this volume features shorter and faster-paced fight scenes. Jaehwan easily overcomes numerous enemies, as they are no match for him. The action is intense but not overly graphic, as Jaehwan primarily battles monsters and dead humans, leading to little bloodshed. This differs from Omniscient Reader’s Viewpoint, another series by the same author, which is much more explicit in its portrayal of violence. However, the monsters Jaehwan faces in The World After the Fall are hideous and bear the brunt of his ferocity. Conclusion The World After the Fall, written by singNsong, illustrated by Undead Gamja, and adapted by S-Cyan, continues its gripping narrative in Volume 2. You can read the digital comic on Webtoon or find the English print version published by Ize Press.

In The World After the Fall, after Jaehwan’s spirit breaks through the replica of the Tower of Nightmare, he finds himself in Chaos, located at the trunk of the Tree of Illusions. To reach the top of the tree where the real Tower of Nightmare lies, Jaehwan must climb it. However, first, he needs to tackle the chaos brewing in Gorgon Fortress. Jaehwan uses his skills, particularly his ability to copy Doctor Cheongheo’s Fiend Slash, to combat soul corruption in Chaos. This skill draws the attention of Gorgon Fortress’s leaders. The fortress’s lord faces imminent danger, and only Jaehwan can prevent his transformation into a fiend. If the spirit doesn’t receive regular purification, it will corrupt and become a monster. However, not everyone appreciates Jaehwan’s powers; some view the lord’s corruption as part of a sinister plan to seize control of Gorgon Fortress. Jaehwan’s only option involves fighting the traitors and stopping the lord, but doing so means he must kill him. Unfortunately, a Sovereign has taken over the lord’s body, making purification impossible. Thankfully, just before vanishing, the lord regains consciousness and bestows upon Jaehwan the power to rule Gorgon Fortress, appointing him as the new lord. Indifferent to his new title, Jaehwan declares that anyone who can defeat him in combat can claim the title of lord. If they lose, they must join the new Abyss Expedition that Jaehwan organizes. This expedition aims to gather revival fruits, which can revive souls. Although the inhabitants of Chaos previously participated in this quest, their last attempt resulted in despair, as those higher in the Tree of Illusions exploited them. The heads of the sects in Chaos see this as an opportunity and begin to challenge Jaehwan—only to lose time and again. To recruit more soul power, Jaehwan starts a tournament where the grand prize is the title of fortress lord. The game has officially begun. Clarifying Chaos and Its Inhabitants Volumes 3 and 4 offer much-needed clarity about Chaos and its residents compared to Volume 2. Earlier, terms like “sect,” “fortress,” and “adapted” appeared without explanation. Now, we learn that the souls of those who died in the Great Realm inhabit Chaos, which resides on the branches of the Tree of Illusions. Chaos consists of four fortresses, where inhabitants form sects that compete for dominance. The ten sects are ranked by power, and their leaders wield less authority than the four lords governing Chaos’s fortresses. These leaders aim to gain control of the fortresses. Additionally, some souls possess unique powers, with their power levels linked to how well they adapt to Chaos. Among them are Cheongeo and Jaehwan, who have awakened and defied the world’s limits. As the story unfolds, readers piece together information that characters mention, sometimes in passing. The more the narrative progresses, the clearer the world becomes, though many mysteries remain. Questions about the sovereigns and monarchs linger, and readers ponder why higher-ups in the Tree of Illusion pursue Jaehwan. Nevertheless, this series continues to deliver exhilarating action, promising more battles ahead. Visual Appeal and Printing Issues The covers of The World After the Fall showcase simple yet striking illustrations of Jaehwan, with spot UV highlights on the title and certain design elements. Volume 4’s cover maintains this aesthetic, although my copy suffers from misaligned spot UV elements on the spine and covers—likely a printing error. It’s unclear whether my volume is an isolated case or if the entire print run experienced similar issues. Conclusion: A Promising Series Continues The World After the Fall is crafted by singNsong, illustrated by Undead Gamja, and adapted by S-Cynan. Volume 5’s printed edition is set for release in February 2024 by Ize Press, while digital chapters are available on Webtoon.

Wataru Toda and Chiharu Saeki eagerly plan their third summer together. After returning from studying abroad for his second year at university, Chiharu reunites with Wataru, who balances his part-time job at the cinema with university studies. As both celebrate their twentieth birthdays, Wataru looks forward to legally enjoying a drink. However, it quickly becomes apparent to Chiharu and his colleagues that Wataru struggles with a low tolerance for alcohol. Despite his claims to the contrary, he gets tipsy after just one glass. When he goes out with his cinema coworkers, he soon falls into a deep sleep, prompting them to call Chiharu for help. This situation leads to Niimi-san, Wataru’s boss at the cinema, witnessing Wataru kiss Chiharu, eventually asking if the two are dating. Does he have ulterior motives, or does he possess unexpected empathy for their situation? Chiharu senses something has been troubling Wataru for a while, but Wataru struggles to articulate his feelings. Have they reached a pivotal moment in their relationship where they can’t move forward until Wataru confronts what’s bothering him? Unique Art Style and Relationship Growth Nagisa Furuya occupies a special place in the slice-of-life Boys’ Love genre, earning recognition for her distinctive art style and the realism she brings to evolving friendships. In this My Summer of You Volume 3, both Chiharu and Wataru officially reach the Japanese age of majority. At the time of the manga’s creation, this age was 20, though it dropped to 18 in 2022, while the legal drinking age remains at 20. But what does this milestone mean for their relationship? As both focus on university studies and part-time jobs, unspoken feelings linger between them. They cherish their summer time together, yet Wataru, influenced by alcohol, reveals a hidden side of himself that changes their dynamic. Chiharu realizes that an action from their high school days still haunts Wataru, hindering their relationship’s progress. Bonus Story and Rating As in Volumes 1 and 2, this volume includes a bonus story where Wataru and Chiharu help at a traditional seaside inn for a friend and end up spending the night. This volume arguably deserves the OT rating among the three in this Boys’ Love series. However, it remains mostly implied, allowing readers to use their imagination. The emphasis lies on the evolution of the young men’s relationship as they become more attuned to each other’s feelings, making it a highly recommendable volume for LGBT+ sections in high school and sixth-form libraries. Color and Presentation Nagisa Furuya’s manga features her signature use of blue to evoke a sense of summer, good weather, and optimism, which continues in this volume, along with three of the four color pages at the front. The translation, as always, is expertly handled by Jocelyne Allen, and Nicole Roderick’s lettering ensures a smooth reading experience. The volume also includes a page of translation notes and a charming two-page afterword from the mangaka, originally featured beneath the dust jacket of the Japanese edition. Preview and Upcoming Works If this volume appears chunkier than usual, it’s because Kodansha has included the first chapter as a preview of Nagisa Furuya’s 2015 one-shot BL My Ultramarine Sky, set to release in late December 2023. I thoroughly enjoyed this title after reading it in French from Hana, and I look forward to sharing my thoughts on the U.S. edition soon.

In the castle, Princess Ria slowly matures as the only daughter of the ruthless emperor, Caitel. Thanks to her memories from a past life, she navigates her dangerous surroundings but just barely. Caitel seems to be opening his heart to Ria, yet he remains vigilant. His enemies wait for any opportunity to strike at him—or, in this case, at Ria—to inflict pain. Thankfully, Ria has the strongest knight in the empire, Asisi, by her side. After Asisi receives permission to retire from the war front, he requests assignment as Ria’s personal knight. Caitel grants this request, marking the first time Asisi has ever asked for anything. Their relationship, forged in childhood, grows complex as they navigate their past, with Asisi standing alongside Caitel when he seized the throne. Though their bond remains somewhat ambiguous, I would argue they could even be considered friends. Ria’s Growth and Challenges In this Volume, we witness Ria transition from a toddler to a seven-year-old. She begins to understand her father’s true character and the nature of those around her. Initially, she tries to charm them with her cuteness, but this strategy evolves into a key part of her personality. Perdel, the chancellor of the empire, becomes increasingly obsessed with her, despite having twins with his wife, Silvia. Daughter of the Emperor continues its slow-paced narrative. Over two volumes, Ria ages a few years but remains a child. The series adopts a slice-of-life theme, showcasing character development through interactions with Ria and depicting the little princess’s daily life. Initially, I felt the story aimed for Ria to survive and live freely away from the emperor. However, as the narrative progresses, that goal seems to shift, leaving me uncertain about its ultimate direction. Ria finds herself surrounded by protectors who genuinely care for her, including her father. Although Caitel acts like a tsundere, those closest to him recognize his deep love for his daughter, even if he stubbornly calls her his “offspring” instead of “daughter.” Small steps, right? I still hope for a plot twist to propel the story forward. Expanding Perspectives In these two volumes, we gain multiple perspectives beyond Ria’s and Caitel’s. Perdel is an intriguing character; his love for Ria is so intense that he would adopt her as his daughter if Caitel wouldn’t kill him for daring to look at her. Through Perdel’s eyes, we see how much Caitel has changed since Ria entered his life. We also delve deeper into Asisi’s personality. The rumors surrounding him are as grim as those about the emperor, but there’s more to Asisi than meets the eye. Despite his desire to end his life, Ria’s innocence ignites a protective instinct within him. For the first time, he yearns to serve and protect the little princess for as long as he can. Having endured an abusive childhood and years of warfare, Ria brings a glimmer of hope into his life. Focus on Relationships Unlike other manhwa series in the same genre, such as Why Raeliana Ended Up at the Duke’s Mansion, Daughter of the Emperor emphasizes the relationships between Ria, her father, and those around her, rather than on romantic interests. However, I still hold out hope for Ria’s future love interest. It would be fascinating to see the poor man who captures her heart deal with Caitel’s jealousy. The series leans heavily on dialogue and inner thoughts, with the omniscient viewpoint revealing the characters’ feelings at all times. Illustrations and Extras Volume 4 delights readers with a folded illustration of the characters, although Volume 5 lacks this feature. Both volumes, however, include bonus scenes at the end, offering additional insights into random events in the story along with a letter from the author. Daughter of the Emperor is written by Yunsul and illustrated by Rino. Yen Press releases the English edition, translated by Micah Kim. Fans can look forward to Volume 6, slated for release in January 2024.

We left off in Volume 6 with South Korean and Japanese S-rank hunters joining forces to raid the dangerous Jeju Island dungeon. For years, nobody could clear this dungeon due to the overwhelming strength of the magic beasts there. The hunters give everything they’ve got, but trust issues linger. The Japanese hunters have joined the raid with their own hidden agenda. In Solo Leveling Volume 7, we follow the hunters as they battle their way through the swarm of monster ants. When the Korean team finally confronts the ant queen, who appears to be the strongest monster in the dungeon, she shocks everyone. With her dying breath, she summons something far more terrifying—a magic beast, unlike anything the hunters have encountered. This creature talks, absorbs the abilities of its prey, and possesses such overwhelming strength that no hunter on the island can lay a scratch on it. Just as all hope seems lost, Sung Jinwoo, everyone’s favorite hunter, steps in. Although Jinwoo didn’t officially join the raid, opting instead to spend time with his family, he prepared for the worst. He placed his shadows among the team, ready to step in if things turned desperate. And that’s exactly what happens. Jinwoo swiftly defeats the monsters and gains a new army of undead in the process. Jinwoo’s incredible display of power doesn’t go unnoticed. The world watches, and other countries start making their moves. The United States is the first to offer Jinwoo whatever he wants, but they have no idea what they’re getting into. Jinwoo, though, remains focused and refuses to be swayed by empty promises. Yet, he’s not out of danger. A national-level hunter, ranked above S-rank, sets his sights on him, and mysterious new enemies begin to emerge. Non-Stop Action and Tense Fights Whenever I open a Solo Leveling volume, I expect high-octane action, and Volume 7 delivers. The pace never slows, especially with the intense raid on Jeju Island, leaving almost no time for dialogue between the characters. The author and illustrator, as always, don’t hold back when it comes to violence and gore. If you’re squeamish or can’t handle blood, you might find some scenes tough to get through. But if you love action-packed, no-holds-barred battles, you’ll enjoy the clashes between Jinwoo and the magic beasts. That said, don’t get too attached to any character, because there’s always a risk they’ll meet a tragic end. In this volume, hunter Cha shows more signs of having feelings for Jinwoo, leaving me curious about whether their relationship will develop in future volumes. A Shift in Perspective While Jinwoo remains the primary focus of the story, Volume 7 stands out for a reason. Since the Jeju Island raid is televised, even regular citizens can follow the battle in real time. The narrative shifts between the hunters fighting on the island and the citizens watching anxiously on TV. The news covers part of the story, allowing us to see the reactions of the public as they cheer for the hunters and for Jinwoo. This addition felt refreshing, especially considering the emotional weight of the Jeju Island dungeon. For years, it claimed the lives of many hunters, and the citizens had lost loved ones to the monsters inside. Now, they finally get to witness some closure as the magic beasts meet their end. International Intrigue and Language Barriers With multiple nations involved in this volume, we learn more about hunters from other countries and how they perceive the Korean hunters—particularly Jinwoo. Usually, I find it frustrating when characters effortlessly communicate across language barriers without explanation. How do they understand each other without translation tools or special abilities? Thankfully, the author avoids this issue by including interpreters when Jinwoo interacts with non-Korean speakers. The text even distinguishes between languages, making these interactions more believable. I appreciated this attention to detail. Conclusion As always, Solo Leveling Volume 7 keeps readers on the edge of their seats with its non-stop action and intense battles. While Jinwoo continues to shine as the star, the inclusion of different perspectives, both from the hunters and the general public, adds depth to the story. The introduction of new international players and enemies promises even more excitement in future volumes. With Volume 8 and the anime adaptation set to release in January 2024, Solo Leveling fans have plenty to look forward to.