Tokyo Tattoo Girls / 刺青の国 (Review)

Reviewed by Justin D Williams

After a calamity befalls Tokyo, some of the city’s survivors find themselves with powerful abilities bestowed on them by colorful tattoos. The city is cordoned off from the world, its inhabitants isolated. To create peace, each of the city’s 23 Wards is controlled by a powerful group known as a “Clan.” Together, these Clans form the “Syndicate.” It’s rumored that escape from the devastated city is possible, but only for the person who manages to defeat all 23 Clans...

Lenni Reviews: "A Strange and Mystifying Story" by Tsuta Suzuki

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*This book was sent to me in exchange for an honest review and is rated 18+

After the unfortunate death of his grandfather, Akio Yamane has no family left and believes he will soon join them. The Yamane family is cursed and Akio is indeed terminally ill. Delirious with fever, Akio desperately prays to a talisman his grandfather said would protect him and summons a demon he names Setsu. Akio begs Setsu to cure his illness and never dreamed how intimate Setsu's "treatments" would be.

Setsu is a straightforward character and he's written in a way that his brusque nature doesn't come off assholeish like Eiri Yuki from Gravitation. You can tell he cares for Akio yet since he isn't human he doesn't bother with the niceties or waste time yet remains likable. Setsu and Akio play off each other well and the story doesn't waste too much time on the typical slapstick. The sex scenes are mildly censored; naughty bits kept in shadow or vague outline and strategically placed word bubbles abound. But it's still hot and the story is cute. 3.5 out of 5.

Note: There are also two side stories: Nylon Vinyl and The God's Don't Exist. The first is a contemporary teacher/student relationship and the second is a historical romance. They are pretty short so there isn't much time for development but they were amusing sides to the main story. It would have been interesting to have them tie into Setsu somehow; as he has been bound to Akio's family for many years. But they're still cool.

Lenni Reviews: "Streak of Chalk" by Miguelanxo Prado

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Raul lands on a tiny, nearly deserted island where the only other non-resident there is a mysterious woman named Ana; who claims to be waiting for someone. 

To quote the book: "This island predisposes you to believe in things that you wouldn't believe in under ordinary circumstances." Therefore, we can't be sure what we're seeing take place in the book is real. The art style does a great job of projecting that mysterious atmosphere; looking like oil or acrylic paintings. Some of the panels are REALLY dark, though; making it hard to make out some details.

Raul isn't exactly the most likable of the small cast of characters. He's pushy and arrogant; thinking because a female is near him, obviously, she must want to get with him and just can't understand why she doesn't fall into bed with him. Then the only other male characters introduced are also sexist assholes. Then it's over.

While lovely, this is not a book for me. It felt like it was trying to hart to mean something and as a result, it didn't feel like it meant anything. But man, is it pretty. 3 out of 5.

The Promised Neverland Vol 1 (Manga Review)

By Justin D Williams

Emma, Norman and Ray are the brightest kids at the Grace Field House orphanage. And under the care of the woman they refer to as “Mom,” all the kids have enjoyed a comfortable life. Good food, clean clothes and the perfect environment to learn—what more could an orphan ask for? One day, though, Emma and Norman uncover the dark truth of the outside world they are forbidden from seeing.