Graphic Novels & Manga
The reviews which have a blue background are more suitable for Young Adult readers and have a more adult content which won't be suitable for all readers.
Silver Spoon by Hiromu Arakawa
Top-of-the-class student Yuugo Hachiken shocks his family and teachers and leaves the bustling city for sleepy countryside at Ooezo Agricultural High School. Being an academic ace, Yuugo assumes a rural school will be a breeze, but mucking out stables, gathering eggs, and chasing errant calves takes a lot more effort than he ever expected.
This is a big change in style from Arakawa – who I first came across with her Full Metal Alchemist series – but the kind, simple and often very funny view of life in rural Japan is a fantastic example of great characters growing and discovering how to be happy with who you are.
Mr Charlton
Scales & Scoundrels by Sebastian Girner
In a land overflowing with magic, mystery and money, treasure hunter Luvander is tired of being a penniless adventurer. In search of gold and glory, she sets off in search of the mysterious "Dragon's Maw", an ancient labyrinth, at the bottom of which slumber endless wealth...or certain doom.
Luvander’s ability to get into trouble drives this great adventure series that brings together all the expected lines from a fantasy adventure – Royal Prince on a quest to prove themselves, bodyguard suspicious of outsiders, a young dwarf figuring where they fit in the world – but as we learn more about each, there’s a real complexity and depth to the characters’ relationships and motivation.
Great action and adventure for any Dungeons & Dragons fan.
Mr Charlton
SLAM! by Pamela Ribon
Jennifer and Maise are looking for something new, something different and something exciting – and Roller Derby might be just the thing.
After joining Eastside Roller Girls on the same day, Jennifer and Maisie become close friends during the brutal "Fresh Meat Orientation” tryouts. But when they get drafted for two different teams they’ll have to figure out if the bond between them is stronger than the pull of a team when a win is on the line.
This comic is as energetic and exciting as the sport it depicts. A brilliant story of love, friendship, romance and overcoming adversity. This is a no-holds-barred look at young women fighting for their place in what is, still, a man’s world. Strong feminist protagonists who are defined by who they are, not what the world wants them to be.
Mr Charlton
Giant Spider and Me by Kikori Morino
Nagi is a great cook, but in this lonely, post-apocalyptic world she has no-one at home to cook for. Luckily, she has found a wonderful new friend – Asa a giant spider! Nagi and Asa make a delightful duo, spending their days sharing tea and throwing picnics, and proving that love (and delicious food) can bring together even the most unlikely of friends.
This series is simply delightful. Alongside the beautiful story of the friendship between Nagi and Asa, and how people react to seeing them together, this is also a recipe book for some yummy Japanese food!
Mr Charlton