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Oct 14, 2023
I believe that this is just one volume (14 chapters), but there is a sequel titled "Makeup wa Tada no Mahou janai no Technique."
Makeup is Not (Just) Magic is pretty good at what it does: help beginners learn to use makeup based on their skin type and preferences. The art is cute and simplistic, and the explanations are short and concise, making them easy to follow.
Each chapter focuses on something specific like types of cleansers that exist and which one you should use based on your skin type (dry/oily/combination). They even cover how to handle moments like touch-ups after long hours of sweating. I
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seriously learned so much about all sorts of things, especially lipsticks/balms and how to apply them for specific effects!
The read itself feels much more like a fun comic guide than a manga you can get entertainment from, so I highly recommend it for someone who wants to learn simple tips and the basics of makeup more than anything else. For that purpose, it absolutely excels. For anyone who lacks confidence or wants to try a new look with a little guidance, this is a great place to start.
Reviewer’s Rating: 6
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Oct 18, 2022
Let's Go Karaoke! is a short read with a strange kind of humor that I was definitely not expecting. We've got a dull and anti-social middle school kid who's as witty as he is immature, but in such a refreshing way that I love his reactions to the absurdity around him, and a yakuza who just goes with the flow while also being pushy, pestering the poor boy. I think the book did a great job showcasing yakuza shenanigans, reminiscent of the Yakuza games (now called Like a Dragon in America!).
Anyway, the pacing is pretty impressive for a one and done volume. The development
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between the two, and the atmosphere surrounding them (Satomi's household, school, and the karaoke joint) add more depth to the small world they inhabit. The art itself is pretty weird, being a mix of (what I personally believe is) old-school bishounen style and sketchy indie manga. I personally like it and think it goes well with the kind of story being told. Seeing Satomi's deadpan face really does it for me lol.
The final chapter is an "Extra" depicting Kyouji's past before he became yakuza. It's hands down my favorite chapter, and was an unexpected treat that ended the book nicely.
Oh, BY THE WAY, this manga isn't BL! I've seen it around places and thought as much (didn't matter if it was or not to me, but was definitely given the wrong impression based on stacks, etc). There are little scenes here and there you could call "endearing," but you'd have to use your imagination real hard to think what most fujoshi would. But yes, no romance whatsoever!
Reviewer’s Rating: 7
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Jul 25, 2022
-I might update this as I get further into reading~
-Minor spoilers to set examples.
Introduction
There are quuuuite a few light novels centering on an unassuming (and extremely relatable) “normie” girl suddenly being thrust into a dream-like situation involving highborn nobles, many in which are handsome young men. Most of these are usually isekai and give the heroine a much more dramatic position in the plot, but this one is a lot more chill, and quite funny at that. So if you're here for drama, you might want to sit this one out.
Plot/Atmosphere
"Can Someone Please Explain What's Going On?!" (which is definitely not the actual translation of
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the title) focuses strictly on Viola (or Vi) and her everyday shenanigans in a famed knight's (and duke) home. As the synopsis already mentions, she gets whisked away with a contract, so there are no relations between her and Mr. Fisalis, just a mutual understanding with money involved. Most of the time is spent with Vi commentating on Mr. Fisalis' home, his maids and other staff, and how much she totally doesn't deserve any of it (in a hilariously self-deprecating way that would probably put the most humble of people to shame). In fact, she has a lot more fun dressing up as a maid herself and cleaning/remodeling the vacant home (much to the shock of the maids, and without the knowledge of Mr. Fisalis, of course). The story is written in first-person, so we get a lot of out Vi's monologues, and every situation is dramatically represented as her imagination wills it.
There are some sub plots that slowly uncover, like how Mr. Fisalis is using Vi so he can go off with his mistress, in which many of the maids believe is some sort of man eater. Mistress Calendula adds tension to the plot as she continues to try to get in touch with Vi, but has no luck considering the woman in question greets her in a maid's uniform and obviously gets confused as much (gag stories, amirite?).
Despite the predictability of the plot as far as the reader can call it, the story moves at such a slow pace that it begs to be enjoyed as one would enjoy any slice of life. It isn't meant to be taken too seriously.
Characters
With all that time spent at the palace, we get to know a handful of characters, including two maids (the head maid, and Vi's personal maid), a butler, the head cook and the gardener. So far, none of the characters are special, and are mostly there to inform Vi of happenings or add to her vivid imaginings of the Fisalis home. None are dull or annoying, at the very least, but don't expect too much from the supporting cast. Mr. Fisalis himself is barely around and is mostly a quiet and serious guy, at least so far. Mistress Calendula is the antithesis to Vi, what with a haughty and loud demeanor, and confidence for days. She also serves as a clever gateway to know another side to Mr. Fisalis we otherwise wouldn't get. Vi is the real star here, however, and thankfully so, since we spend all of our time exclusively in her head.
Art/Quality
As a light novel, there isn't too much to mention art-wise. The characters are drawn with good detail but are otherwise generic-looking and can be guessed their role/vocation by design alone (which isn't really a bad thing). There are a handful of illustrations throughout that do the job of showcasing scenes, but it may not encourage a "wow."
The writing itself is very basic. It serves the plot and its characters just fine, but don't think you'll be impressed by any of it (or reaching out for a dictionary every few pages like I usually would, ehe////), it's much less prose and more like a written diary of an energetic and goofy girl. The choice of first-person narrative heightens the experience and helps the reader connect with Vi.
All in All...
"Can Someone Please Explain What's Going On?!" can be a whole lot of fun if your standards aren't too high. If following a girl through the life of nobility with a keen sense of sarcasm, as well as a penchant for overdressing a scenario sounds fun to you, then you might want in. We all know where it might end up, but that's one of the main reasons to pick up something you know you might enjoy, right?
Reviewer’s Rating: 8
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Apr 14, 2022
This is my first review! Apologies for imperfect grammar~
Super minor spoilers just to set examples~
Note: I have not read the original novel, other manga, or watched the anime to cross-reference information.
Introduction
Getting into Dive!!, most people would think, “This is, like, Free!, right?”, what with the focus on handsome boys, the subject matter of water sports, and even sharing the one-word title completed with an exclamation point (or two)! Why wouldn’t you, right? Well, aside from the actual sport (one is about competitive swimming and the other strictly diving), that couldn’t be more wrong.
Plot/Atmosphere
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Dive!!, instead, is a politically charged drama, placing its young and ambitious characters in an adult’s gritty world as they face their own issues with identity. The plot doesn’t pan out like many of the high-octane shonen sports with easy tropes like training regimes, a huge cast of characters with wacky personalities, friendship, or even a lengthy explanation of the sport––not to say that those aren’t good, of course. Sure, there is rivalry and even heartwarming moments of budding friendship, but this story is far from lighthearted.
What we get instead are characters constantly being disillusioned by what they want from the sport, what they want from themselves, and the expectancy of the coaches and other adults that are meant to raise them. It’s so interesting and unexpected how these elements play out and mingle, and how the characters find inspiration and resolve in the struggles of others.
Characters
The cast is fairly unlikeable in the traditional sense of “anime characters,” thanks to their flawed personalities. Our main man Tomoki has issues with his girlfriend thanks to his obsession with diving, even going as far as to accept whatever outcome with a shrug (although other interesting developments emerge from it). We’ve also got the spiteful and egotistical success story in Youichi, and rough and stubborn Shibuki to murk the waters even more. It might not be the best choice if you’re looking for something akin to, let’s say, Haikyuu!! since diving is a solo sport after all; these guys are not here to make friends or form synergy.
Art/Quality
The art is nothing special. The inks and panel work are done well and the diving scenes are quite dynamic, with many varied angles and thick lines. The designs of the characters are generic, though, and backgrounds are pretty sparse. Personally, they don’t take away much from the overall experience, at least for me. The translation work (for Yen Press’ release) is pretty good, albeit with a few rare grammatical errors here and there.
Fan Service?
Is there fan service? Barely. Aside from the guys being almost naked the majority of the time, there isn’t anything else to get excited over (except for maybe a joke or two about flashy speedos). There is a very spicy female coach by the name of Kayoko Asaki, though. *chef’s kiss*
Last, But Not Least...
The one thing I disliked about this manga is how short it was at a mere 3 volumes. Nothing felt too obviously rushed, but with the complex issues brought up about the sport and the Olympics, I really wish it was expanded to make a lasting impact. It felt like a demo of something much more that we’ll never get. Maybe the original novel does it best, as is usual for these kinds of adaptations.
If you’re interested in something that focuses on a different aspect of sports anime and manga, then I highly recommend checking Dive!! out. If it doesn’t impress, it’ll at least leave a desire for more of this kind of storytelling.
Reviewer’s Rating: 8
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