It’s crowdsourcing time! Last year, I asked readers to share which manga podcasts they liked best. I compiled everyone’s suggestions and created a podcast directory at The Manga Critic. This time around, I want to know which sites you routinely visit for manga reviews. In particular, I’m looking for sites that publish print reviews, rather than sites that post video content. You can tweet or skeet (sorry) your suggestions to me, or leave a comment below.
NEWS ROUND-UP
The big news story of the week: Japanese police arrested two men for publishing Weekly Shonen Jump chapters before their official release date. The men allegedly used smartphones to photograph the material in question… Crunchyroll announced that Funimation’s app and website will be deactivated on April 2nd, and warned users that “Crunchyroll does not currently support Funimation Digital copies, which means that access to previously available digital copies will not be supported”… Brigid Alverson highlights some upcoming titles from Drawn & Quarterly… Makoto Ojiro (Insomniacs After School) is hard at work on a new series… and Tokyopop is running a special Valentine’s Day promotion.
ESSAYS AND PODCASTS
Jon Holt and Ayumi Naraoka translate Shimizu Isao’s 2005 essay “Natsume Sōseki and Manga.” [The Comics Journal]
If you’re on Bluesky, check out Katy Castillo’s helpful directory of anime, manga, and light novel publishers who have a presence there. [Yatta-Tachi]
The gang at No Flying No Tights compiles a helpful list of comics and manga that offer practical advice on how to declutter your home, make dumplings, and be a better citizen. [No Flying No Tights]
The Wonder of Anime podcast is back in full swing with an in-depth look at One Piece. [The Wonder of Anime]
Elliot and Andy take a deep dive into Ai Yazawa’s Neighborhood Story and Paradise Kiss. [Screen Tone Club]
The Manga Machinations crew convene a round table on Mari Okazaki’s Will I Be Single Forever? [Manga Machinations]
Over at Mangaroos, the gang discusses Atshushi Kaneko’s EVOL, a “wild, punk rock take on anti-super heroes and the decaying of our social fabric” that “may or may not be Sonic Youth fan fiction.” [Mangaroos]
REVIEWS
Sarah praises Since I Could Die Tomorrow, an honest look at menopause and middle age that, in her words, is “surprisingly life-enhancing”… Kara Dennison gives a big thumbs-up to Fool’s Night, which is currently available on the VIZ app… and Megan D. kicks off a month of Bad Romance with a review of You Like Me, Not My Daughter?!
- All About My Two Dads (Rebecca Silverman, Anime News Network)
- The Deer King, Vol. 2 (Adam Symchuk, Asian Movie Pulse)
- Ennead, Vol. 1 (Rebecca Silverman, Anime News Network)
- Gatchiakuta, Vol. 1 (Kevin Cormack, Anime News Network)
- Hollow Regalia, Vol. 1 (Demelza, Anime UK News)
- I Want to Be a Receptionist in This Magical World, Vol. 1 (Kevein R. Rodriguez, The Fandom Post)
- Imitation, Vol. 2 (Adam Symchuk, Asian Movie Pulse)
- In the Clear Moonlit Dusk, Vol. 6 (Demelza, Anime UK News)
- King in Limbo, Vol. 1 (Danica Davidson, Otaku USA)
- Lord Hades’ Ruthless Marriage, Vol. 1 (Vanessa, No Flying No Tights)
- Love’s in Sight, Vol. 5 (King Baby Duck, Boston Bastard Brigade)
- Medaka Kuroiwa Is Impervious to My Charms, Vols. 3-4 (Demelza, Anime UK News)
- My Lovesick Life as a 90s Otaku, Vol. 1 (Ian Wolf, Anime UK News)
- My Lovesick Life as a 90s Otaku, Vol. 1 (Johanna Draper Carlson, Comics Worth Reading)
- My Lovesick Life as a 90s Otaku, Vol. 1 (Danica Davidson, Otaku USA)
- One Hundred Tales (SKJAM! Reviews)
- One Piece, Vol. 6 (Sarah Smith, The Graphic Library)
- The Poetry of Ran, Vol. 1 (Matt, No Flying No Tights)
- Radiant, Vol. 17 (King Baby Duck, Boston Bastard Brigade)
- The Remarried Empress, Vol. 4 (Sarah Smith, The Graphic Library)
- She’s My Knight, Vol. 1 (King Baby Duck, Boston Bastard Brigade)
- The Shiunji Family Children, Vol. 1 (Kevin T. Rodriguez, The Fandom Post)
- Tokyo Babylon: CLAMP Premium Collection, Vol. 2 (Ian Wolf, Anime UK News)
- Under the Oak Tree, Vols. 1-2 (Merve Giray, The Beat)
- Unholy Blood, Vol. 1 (Adam Symchuk, Asian Movie Pulse)
- Wind Breaker, Vol. 1 (Sarah Smith, The Graphic Library)
- The World After the Fall, Vols. 3-4 (Noemi10, Anime UK News)