K-ON! by kakifly

Pages (Paperback): 128 pages

Publisher: Yen Press

Released: November 30, 2010

Description: In an effort to save their high school's memberless pop music club, four high school girls sign up for the after-school jam session. They may have rescued the club, but it's going to take some work for them to crank out any music. Yui Hirasawa loves pop, but she's never played and instrument or read music before. With the help of the other club members, Yui learns everything she needs to know to become and excellent lead guitar player. But the real test of her rock star potential is yet to come. What will her fellow students say when the pop music club performs at the school festival?!

Review: I've heard a lot about this manga, and anime, but never really took an interest in it. Then, I came across the manga and decided to take a read, just to see what the hoopla was all about. I'm glad I did, because K-ON! takes an incredibly simple concept and makes it charming and fun to read. As you read it, you want to root for the girls to succeed and be friends forever. I enjoyed it.

Grade: 9 lines out of 10

Pet Shop of Horrors by Matsuri Akino

Pages (Paperback): 200 pages for book 1

Publisher: TokyoPop

Released: June 17, 2003

Note: This is a review of the entire series and not just the first volume, even though the information above is for the first book.

Description: A smoke-filled alley in Chinatown harbors Count D's Pet Shop. The pets sold here aren't your everyday variety and the Count prides himself on selling Love and Dreams in the form of magical creatures that come with an exclusive contract. But buyers beware. If the contract is broken the Count cannot be held accountable for whatever may happen. A fascinating and macabre look into the very soul of human nature.

Review: I absolutely loved this manga. The artwork is good. The plot, while sometimes repetitive in the earlier stories, still leaves you wondering what will happen to the owners who break their contract. Count D is clearly the star of the show. He's funny, charming, but cold at the same time. As the series progresses, he does loosen up a bit, thanks to police buddy Leon. I loved it!

Grade: 9.5 lines out of 10