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beneaththetangles · 2 years

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Reader’s Corner: No Longer Heroine, My Wonderful World, and Wait for Me Yesterday in Spring

As one classic series nears its end (Maison Ikkoku), other manga and light novel series are just beginning, with our reviews including a romance that we thought was quite a lot better than early reviews indicated (No Longer Heroine). We also dig into the latest from an author whose last novel was the subject of our last Light Novel Club meetings and which just received an anime adaptation.

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Maison Ikkoku Collector’s Edition, Manga Vol. 9

It doesn’t seem possible that a series whose humor (and every chapter) is based on romantic misunderstandings could ever resolve in a romantic and fulfilling way. But somehow, as Rumiko Takahashi guides one of her classic series near its conclusion, she’s able to handle her subjects, Godai and Kyoko, gently and meaningfully, even as the trademark miscommunications continue. Yet, the two have matured, particularly in the second half of Maison Ikkoku‘s run, so the same irresponsible failures by Godai and overreactions by Kyoko will not do. Instead, Godai must succeed as a responsible adult, while Kyoko has to resolve her relationship with Mitaka once and for all. That latter bit is at the heart of this volume, creating a number of tender moments as the main love rival in the series takes center stage and puts his heart on the line. And though his storyline in these chapters naturally involves a crude misunderstanding, it’s also gentle and sensitive, reminding readers that Takahashi is as adept at drama and romance as she is at humor. The volumes ends, though, on a series of sudden and impassioned events that draw us right to edge of the manga’s climax. Only one volume remains, and the biggest misunderstanding of all—one that could permanently break apart Kyoko and Godai—may have been saved for the very end. ~ Twwk

Maison Ikkoku Collector’s Edition is published by Viz Media.

READ: Maison Ikkoku Collector’s Edition Reviews (Vol. 1 // Vol. 2 // Vol. 3 // Vol. 4 // Vol. 5 // Vol. 6 // Vol. 7 // Vol. 8)

Death’s Daughter and the Ebony Blade, Light Novel Vol. 1

Imagine you’re watching a gritty, realistic war movie, complete with standard war story characters—the inexperienced private, the by-the-book NCO, the martinet staff officer, the grandfatherly general, etc. Except suddenly Goku shows up with Ultra Instinct and derails absolutely everything, leaving both sides befuddled by his absurd power and eccentric behavior. That’s kind of what this fantasy-adventure war-story comedy is like, and it’s great! Having been raised in isolation by a mysterious, grim-reaper-like being that calls itself Z, Olivia ventures out into the world after her caretaker disappears. She stumbles into a continent-spanning war, ends up joining the side that is losing, becomes a hero, and starts turning the tide. Olivia’s unconventional upbringing has made her totally OP, but also quite lacking in what others consider common sense. She’s basically the funny man to a whole cast of straight men. I found this story quite entertaining and will definitely pick up the next volume. ~ Jeskai

Death’s Daughter and the Ebony Blade is published by J-Novel Club.

Wait for Me Yesterday in Spring, One-Shot Light Novel

Frustrated with his dad and with the burdens of Tokyo life, Kanae Funami ditches spring break supplementary classes and hightails it back to Sodeshima, his backwater hometown. Things have changed little back home. The town is still and quiet, almost dying; his grandmother and sister still live in their childhood home; and his childhood friend Akari Hoshina still wanders the seaside paths. But tragedy strikes swiftly, and in its aftermath, Kanae finds himself thrust five days into the future. What emerges is a weighty but hopeful story about the passing of time, loss and healing, and the disarming power of kindness in the face of cruelty. It’s a beautiful vision: a vision of a universe where there’s a good ending for all who seek it (and sometimes even for those too tired to try). Sadly, this vision is obscured by a convoluted time travel setup, which goes unexplained even as the author takes great pains to convince us it’s the most natural thing ever. And the outpouring of melodrama clashes sharply with the book’s subtle, reflective setting. These things aren’t new for Mei Hachimoku, either; I noticed a lot of similar issues in The Tunnel to Summer when we read that for the light novel club. Ultimately, though, it’s that beautiful vision that keeps me coming back to this novel, even if it does make waiting for the next Hachimoku release in English a little harder to bear. ~ sleepminusminus

Wait For Me Yesterday in Spring is published by Seven Seas.

No Longer Heroine, Manga Vol. 1

I told myself that I had zero plans to pick up No Longer Heroine because of overwhelming negative reviews for the series I had seen prior to its release. After a spontaneous trip to the bookstore though, I walked away with volume one in hand and a deep curiosity about whether I would like it. While I always love my wholesome shojo heroines, the heroine of this story, Hatori, is far from typical. Never mind the fact that she proclaims herself the heroine of her own love story and her childhood best friend, Rita, the hero. After all, she knows him better, and has loved him longer, than anyone else. Every other girl that tries to win his playboy heart doesn’t really have a chance. She’s got destiny on her side, so there is no rush to confess and let him know her feelings, right? This story was hilarious! I came in nervous and expecting not to like it, but ended up enjoying it far more than I anticipated. Hatori’s actions are funny more often than not because of her facial expressions—but that doesn’t change the fact that she’s an internal snob, is rude, and can be mean. While that might sound like a turnoff to read this, I love how as the story progresses: she knows she these things about herself and wants to change. Rita is also quite the interesting hero and felt a little bad for him at times, but I definitely want to see how their “love story” will unfold! No Longer Heroine was surprisingly refreshing and such a fun read! ~ Laura A. Grace

No Longer Heroine is published by Yen Press.

My Wonderful World, Manga Vol. 1

I became aware of dyslexia the way many Americans did—through an episode of The Cosby Show in which teenager Theo Huxtable learns that his struggles in the classroom arise from this learning disorder. It was a cultural milestone for the country. But judging by the very existence of My Wonderful World, including the author’s note at the end of volume one where the mangaka admits never even hearing about dyslexia until about a decade ago, Japan may have never had a similar moment. So this series functions as an introduction to dyslexia through the eyes of Shinobu Asakura, a young man who cannot read or write well and has difficulty holding down even part-time work. When he uses his cell phone to help him cope at his new job and is consequently let go, he serendipitously meets a cafe manager who explains to Shinobu that—like himself—he seems to have dyslexia. Shinobu’s new friendship with the manager opens doors—and create struggles—that are explored through the rest of the volume. Though he now identifies himself as dyslexic, he still struggles with how to interact with the world—with (as the manager explains to him) what exactly it is he wants to say. I think that’s what I appreciated most of this manga volume: it isn’t just the primer for understanding the disorder, though it will help many readers in this way; it also portrays Shinobu in an authentic life, with his foibles and struggles. This is a strong start for an important work. ~ Twwk

My Wonderful World is published by Kodansha.

Trapped in a Dating Sim: The World of Otome Games is Tough for Mobs, Light Novel Vol. 5

The Alzer Republic arc of Trapped in Dating Sim, especially the storyline in volume five, is a misstep for what has otherwise been a wildly entertaining series. After reaching a peak in volume three, which resolves the arc portrayed in the recent anime adaptation, volume four swept Leon, Marie, and the “Idiot Brigade” to a kingdom run by arrogant nobles who obtain power from holy trees. Volume five continues this study-abroad arc, but travels down an unsavory path in which the possessive Loic makes political dealings and military maneuvers in an attempt to secure Noelle as his bride. Loic is vicious and abusive in this novel, which could make for an interesting tale but ends up feeling flat, uncomfortable, and—maybe worst—unimaginative for a story that’s been fun for its creativity and wink-wink attitude toward isekai and otome light novels. Most of the rest of this volume feels similarly dull. Some of that is because the Alzer Republic is just less interesting than Holfort: its hallmarks are a misplaced pride in their military based on the power of the Sacred Trees (which don’t get the same sort of rich mythology as the Juraian trees of Tenchi Muyo) and the noble houses (filled with flat characters) that rule the nation. Even less forgivable is how Noelle is reduced to a crying victim, left to be rescued while her own powers and will are stripped from her. Just as Asuna depends on Kirito or Rukia on Ichigo, Noelle awaits rescue by Leon, who has little to do in this series until called upon. His usual biting banter with Luxion is largely replaced by Loci’s abuse of Noelle, leaving Trapped in a Dating Sim to feel for the first time like a more typical isekai, and a rather boring one at that. Even so, there are some bright points, including Marie’s developing relationship with Leon; the characterization of Lelia, whose relationship with Noelle feels like the antithesis of Hertrauda and Hertrude from volume three; and the Idiot Brigade, who in the absence of Leon and Luxion must serve as the only source of humor for most of the volume (our crown prince handles this job exceptionally well). And thankfully, as the volume ends, there are signs of better storytelling ahead. I’m hopeful that even though a return to Holfort is still a ways away, this series will move back on track and return to what it does best: having fun at the expense of isekai and otome tropes with a lead and companions that are at their best when interacting with one another in all their goofiness and glory. ~ Twwk

Trapped in a Dating Sim: The World of Otome Games is Tough for Mobs is published by Yen Press.

READ: Trapped in a Dating Sim Reviews (Vols.1-2 // Vol. 3)

Shortcake Cake, Manga Vol. 8

I think prior to this volume, if someone were to say Shortcake Cake is a “fluffy shojo” I would quickly and heartedly agree. However, with volume 8, I would be hesitant to agree because there seems to be a gradual transitioning in this volume. Now don’t get me wrong! We definitely have lots of fluffiness in this volume because it begins with our couple officially heading to Ten’s home to see where she grew up and (much to Riku’s surprise) meet her family on Christmas Eve. Not only that, but they have an excellent and super romantic moment at New Year’s (which I’m pretty sure turned my heart to mush)! Yet within these moments, we see there is a deep sadness to Riku due to his past that hasn’t been quite “unveiled” like this in previous volumes. Yes, we know things have happened that have involved his brother Rei, but this volume looks like it’s going to be the catalyst in bringing Riku’s past to light. Based on these events and newfound knowledge about Riku’s family, I have a strong feeling it is going to be very heartbreaking in learning more about Riku’s past. Not quite sure my heart is ready, but I did love how we are getting to know a side character (Shingen) that we’ve briefly seen/met so far! I feel cautiously optimistic for the next volume even if my heart did feel heavy at the end of this one. ~ Laura A. Grace

READ: Shortcake Cake Reviews (Vol.1 // Vol. 2 // Vol. 3 // Vol. 4 // Vol. 5 // Vol. 6 // Vol 7)

Shortcake Cake is published by VIZ Media.

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“Reader’s Corner” is our way of embracing the wonderful world of manga, light novels, and visual novels, creative works intimately related to anime but with a magic all their own. Each week, our writers provide their thoughts on the works they’re reading—both those recently released as we keep you informed of newly published works, and those older titles that you might find as magical (or in some cases, reprehensible) as we do.

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pikahlua · 1 day

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MHA Chapter 421 spoilers translations

This week’s initial tentative super rough/literal translations under the cut.

1 おまえらもかよ omaera mo ka yo "You guys too, huh?"

2 そっちもな socchi mo na "And you as well."

3 警察から"まだ戦える者は"って……！けいさつから"まだたたかえるものは"って……！ keisatsu kara "mada tatakaeru mono wa" tte......! "[I heard] from the police, 'Who is still able to fight?'......!"

tagline A組続々… エーぐみぞくぞく… EE-gumi zokuzoku... Class A, one after another...

4 相澤先生が黒霧を味方につけたって聞いてーーーあいざわせんせいがくろぎりをみかたにつけたってきいてーーー Aizawa-sensei ga Kurogiri wo mikata ni tsuketa tte kiite--- "I heard that Aizawa-sensei got Kurogiri to join our side---"

5 友だちがまだ戦ってんの見てーー… ともだちがまだたたかってんのみてーー… tomodachi ga mada tatakatten no mite--... "I saw that my friends were still fighting--..."

6 行かずにいられましょうかいかずにいられましょうか ikazu ni iraremashou ka "And I felt like I had to go."

7 意識がある内は…どこへだって！いしきがあるうちは…どこへだって！ ishiki ga aru uchi wa...doko e datte! "As long as I'm conscious...to wherever you go!"

8 勝つ為にここまでやってきたもんねかつためにここまでやってきたもんね katsu tame ni koko made yatte kita mon ne "We've come this far for the sake of winning."

9 今日踏んばれなきゃきょうふんばれなきゃ kyou funbarenakya "Today we have to stand firm."

10 何の為にヒーローを夢見たかわかりゃしねえ！だからよお〜〜なんのためにヒーローをゆめみたかわかりゃしねえ！だからよお〜〜 nan no tame ni HIIROO wo yumemita ka wakarya shinee! dakara yoo~~ "For what reason did we dream of becoming heroes! That's why!~~"

11 みんな…！ minna...! "Everyone...!"

1 オイラたちが OIRA-tachi ga "We"

2 来た‼︎ きた‼︎ kita!! "are here!!"

tagline No.421　WE ARE HERE　堀越耕平ナンバー421　ウィー・アー・ヒア　ほりこしこうへい NANBAA 421 UII AA HIA Horikoshi Kouhei No. 421 WE ARE HERE Kouhei Horikos

1 灰色の肉が並んでいる… はいいろのにくがならんでいる… haiiro no niku ga narande iru... (literal.) "Gray bodies are lined up..." (context.) "You are all just gray bodies to me..."

2 本来ならば僕は弔の一部として…もろともうちくだかれていたのだろうほんらいならばぼくはとむらのいちぶとして…もろともうちくだかれていたのだろう honrai naraba boku wa Tomura no ichibu to shite...morotomo uchikudakarete ita no darou Originally, as a part of Tomura...I probably would have have been destroyed along with him.

3 だが daga But,

4 与一が砕ける音を聞いた時よいちがくだけるおとをきいたとき Yoichi ga kudakeru oto wo kiita toki when I heard the sound of Yoichi smashing to pieces,

5 僕の世界は色褪せたぼくのせかいはいろあせた boku no sekai wa iroaseta the color of my world faded.

6 執心を喪いしゅうしんをうしない shuushin wo ushinai "I've lost my passion,"

7 故にゆえに yue ni "therefore,"

8 喪失の穴に通る攻撃はなくーー… そうしつのあなにとおるこうげきはなくーー… soushitsu no ana ni tooru kougeki wa naku--... "there is no attack that can pierce through my loss--..."

9 僕は止めを免れたのだぼくはとどめをまぬがれたのだ boku wa todome wo manugareta no da "I am the one who escaped the final blow."

10 今なら理解るいまならわかる ima nara wakaru (kanji: rikairu) "Now I understand,"

11 緑谷出久みどりやいずく Midoriya Izuku "Izuku Midoriya."

1 悲劇こそが人を強くするひげきこそがひとをつよくする higeki koso ga hito wo tsuyoku suru "It is tragedy that makes people stronger."

2 そう思わないか？そうおもわないか？ sou omowanai ka? "Don't you think so?"

3 どうだろね dou daro ne "I don't know about that."

4 あんたらみてーに起伏に富んだ人生じゃねえからあんたらみてーにきふくにとんだじんせいじゃねえから antara mitee ni kifuku ni tonda jinsei ja nee kara "My life is not full of ups and downs like all of yours."

5 「明日の実技置いてかれねーよーに」とか…そういう事でしか俺は頑張ってこなかったな「あしたのじつぎおいてかれねーよーに」とか…そういうことでしかおれはがんばってこなかったな「ashita no jitsugi oitekarenee yoo ni」 toka...sou iu koto de shika ore wa ganbatte konakatta na "I had no reasons to try my best other than things like...'I don't want to be left behind at tomorrow's practicals.'"

6 それに sore ni "Also,"

7 今日まで大変そうだったよきょうまでたいへんそうだったよ kyou made taihen sou datta yo "until today, he seemed like he'd had it rough,"

8 かつてガンギマリだった彼はかつてガンギマリだったかれは katsute GANGIMARI datta kare wa "and one time his face was so intense and distant*." (Note: What Sero is saying here is that one time Shouto had this look on his face that is described by the Japanese slang word: gangimari. Gangimari refers to an intense, eyes-wide face that comes from a marijuana high. It also refers to a feeling of emptiness that comes with the high. If you search for images of the face, you'll see it's often a frightening look. I believe Sero here is referring to the face Shouto makes at him in their sports festival battle in chapter 34, so I believe this description is meant to refer to how Shouto was overwhelmed with anger and mentally somewhat removed from the fight itself.)

1 悲しー事なんざかなしーことなんざ kanashii koto nan za "[I think] such sad things"

2 あるよりない方が良いだろ‼︎ あるよりないほうがいいだろ‼︎ aru yori nai hou ga ii daro!! "would be better not to have than to have!!"

3 赫灼かくしゃく kakushaku Flashfire

4 熱拳ねっけん nekken Fist

1 早くリカバリーガールの元へ…！はやくリカバリーガールのもとへ…！ hayaku RIKABARII GAARU no moto e...! Quickly, to where Recovery Girl is...!

2 婆さんも怪我人(?)をX続けて限界(?)だ…XXできるかどうか… ばあさんもけがにん(?)をXつづけてげんかい(?)だ…XXできるかどうか… baasan mo keganin(?) wo X tsudzukete genkai(?) da... XX dekiru ka dou ka... (Note: This line is only partly legible. I've skipped figuring it out in the interest of time and may come back to it later. The gist of this line is something like "The old lady is also at her limit with injured persons... Whether or not anything can be done...")

3 あんたいても母さんたち熱いだけだあんたいてもかあさんたちあついだけだ anta itemo kaasan-tachi atsui dake da Even with you here, mom and the others will only be hot.

4 行きなよいきなよ iki na yo So go.

5 まだ少しでもまだすこしでも mada sukoshi demo Even if it's [just] a little,

6 力が出るんならちからがでるんなら chikara ga derun nara if you can muster [any] strength...

7 ってな！ tte na! "That's what"!"

8 荼毘に勝ったって聞いた時ちょっと思った！だびにかったってきいたときちょっとおもった！ Dabi ni katta tte kiita toki chotto omotta! "When I heard you won against Dabi, I thought about that for a moment!"

9 ……ありがとう… ......arigatou... "......Thank you..."

10 戦える奴召集完了たたかえるやつしょうしゅうかんりょう tatakaeru yatsu shoushuu kanryou "Recruiting of those who can fight complete."

1 ガイズ‼︎今日が分水嶺だ‼︎ ガイズ‼︎きょうがぶんすいれいだ‼︎ GAIZU!! kyou ga bunsuire da!! "Guys! Today is a watershed [moment]!!"

2 行こう‼︎最後の大仕事だ!!! いこう‼︎さいごのおおしごとだ!!! ikou!! saigo no ooshigoto da!!! "Let's go!! It's the last big job!!!"

3 手負いのヒーロー…これだけの数がいて何も感じないのは…寂しいものだなておいのヒーロー…これだけのかずがいてなにもかんじないのは…さびしいものだな teoi no HIIROO...kore dake no kazu ga ite nani mo kanjinai no wa...sabishii mono da na "Wounded heroes... With just this number of them here I don't feel anything... How lonely."

4 オールマイトに届きえぬ屑肉にオールマイトにとどきえぬくずにくに OORU MAITO ni todokienu kuzuniku ni "You scraps of meat who can't match All Might,"

1 掃き掃除だはきそうじだ hakisouji da "I'll sweep and clean you up."

2 逸らせえ‼︎ そらせえ‼︎ sorasee!! "Deflect!!"

1 速ぇ…！はえぇ…！ haee...! "Hurry...!"

2 一つの挙動に数十人で対処しなきゃひとつのきょどうにすうじゅうにんでたいしょしなきゃ hitotsu no kyodou ni suujuunin de taisho shinakya "If dozens of you have to deal with a single action."

3 戦いになんねえ！たたかいになんねえ！ tatakai ni nannee! "this won't become a battle!"

4 みんな離れないで‼︎ みんなはなれないで‼︎ minna hanarenaide!! (literal.) "Everyone, we can't be apart!!" (contextual.) "Everyone, we can't be scattered!!"

5 一かたまりになって戦おう！ひとかたまりになってたたかおう！ hito katamari ni natte tatakaou! "Let's fight as one bunch!"

6 行かなきゃーーーいかなきゃーーー ikanakya--- "I have to go---"

7 体が…！からだが…！ karada ga...! My body...!

8 戻ったのはあくまで数分もどったのはあくまですうふん modotta no wa akumade suufun "Only a few minutes were returned [to you],"

9 腕を失う少し前まで… うでをうしなうすこしまえまで… ude wo ushinau sukoshi mae made... "to a little bit before you lost your arms..."

10 継戦のダメージは残ったままだけいせんのダメージはのこったままだ keisen no DAMEEJI wa nokotta mama da The damage from the rest of the battle remains.

11 …どれ程長く激しい戦いを… …どれほどながくはげしいたたかいを… ...dore hodo nagaku hageshii tatakai wo... "...What a long and violent battle..."

12 …っ ... "...gh!"

13 僕は…OFAをなげうちましたぼくは…ワン・フォー・オールをなげうちました boku wa...WAN FOO OORU wo nageuchimashita "I...relinquished One For All."

1 ないのか⁉︎ nai no ka!? "It's gone!?"

2 歴代の"個性"は……でも… れきだいの"こせい"は……でも… rekidai no "kosei" wa......demo... "The successive generations' quirks are......but..."

3 ��い時間だったけど… みじかいじかんだったけど… mijikai jikan datta kedo... "[I had it for] a short time, but..."

4 "無個性"の僕に染みついてる… "むこせい"のぼくにしみついてる… "mukosei" no boku ni shimitsuiteru... "it's ingrained in me [as I'm] quirkless..."

5-6 オールマイトがそうだったように OORU MAITO ga sou datta you ni Just like with All Might.

7 まだ残り火がありますまだのこりびがあります mada nokoribi ga arimasu "I still have the [lingering] embers."

1 残り火があれば…AFOあいつは… のこりびがあれば…オール・フォー・ワンあいつは… nokoribi ga areba...OORU FOO WAN aitsu wa... "If I have the embers...then that All For One..." (Note: This line is partly cut off, so I made some educated guesses.)

2 ……緑谷 ……みどりや ......Midoriya "......Midoriya,"

3 傷薬と包帯あと…体を冷やしちゃいけないきずぐすりとほうたいあと…からだをひやしちゃいけない kizugusuri to houtai ato...karada wo hiyashicha ikenai "After a wound salve and bandage...don't let your body relax."

4 避難先の方々からだひなんさきのかたがたからだ hinan saki no katagata kara da "It's from the people who evacuated."

5 メンズノンノの全サ第五弾Tシャツ…！メンズノンノのぜんサだいごだんTシャツ…！ MENZU NON NO no zen SA daigodan T SHATSU...! "A Men's Non-No one-size-fits-all fifth edition t-shirt...!" (Note: Men's Non-No is a men's fashion magazine.)

6 走ろう☆ はしろう☆ hashirou ☆ "Let's run ☆"

7 僕らは君の力が必要だし君も僕らの力が必要だぼくらはきみのちからがひつようだしきみもぼくらのちからがひつようだ bokura wa kimi no chikara ga hitsuyou da shi kimi mo bokura no chikara ga hitsuyou da "We need your strength, and you also need our strength."

8 この手を握ってくれ青山くんこのてをにぎってくれあおやまくん kono te wo nigitte kure Aoyama-kun Please grasp my hand, Aoyama-kun.

1 頑張れ…‼︎ がんばれ…‼︎ ganbare...!! "Do your best...!!"

2 皆みんな minna "Everyone"

3 一緒に戦ってくれてるよいっしょにたたかってくれてるよ issho ni tatakatte kureteru yo "is fighting together!"

4 デクさん DEKU-san "Mr. Deku!"

5 緑谷兄ちゃんみどりやにいちゃん Midoriya-niichan "Big Bro Midoriya!"

6 デク…！ DEKU...! "Deku...!"

1 頑張れがんばれ ganbare Do your best!

tagline 少年は走るーーーしょうねんははしるーーー shounen wa hashiru--- The young man* runs--- *(Note: This word can mean "boy," but it's also the word All Might uses for Izuku that often gets translated as "young man." Both work.)

#my hero academia leak translations #mha 421 #bnha 421 #my hero academia manga spoilers #final arc spoilers #the pothead sero fics are about to explode

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