It’s the end of the month, which means it’s time for May Daze Manga Minis! We have three new releases to cover plus one catchup volume from a series I loved earlier last year, so let’s get right to it!
On and Off: Work-Life Imbalance Volume 1 (Square Enix Manga) – May Daze Manga Minis Advance Review!
Square Enix Manga has been on the ball with office slice-of-life titles recently! It’s a cozy genre that works well with its slow-burn storytelling. As part of its Comic Partner initiative, On and Off: Work Life Imbalance features a pair of usual office workers with some unusually fashionable tastes.
This manga revolves around the likeably handsome Sotaro Amata and no-nonsense Akira Hanku, two twenty-somethings working in the same office. While they assume their usual roles during work, they morph into completely different personalities: The boyish Sotaro becomes the Lolita Kanade while Akira becomes the cool punk Aki.
While dressing in their “Off” personalities, the two bump into each other through happenstance. What follows is a budding relationship between the duo, even if they don’t know who either truly is. How will this dynamic deepen after subsequent meetings?
It’s interesting to read these stories since I can relate to the age demographic of the characters. (I wish I could say I was in my late 20s still, but yeah…) I did enjoy the art and designs of the main duo’s alter egos, and the setup is there for a nice little romance.
However, in the grand scheme of things, this volume acts as a prologue and not that much happens here. I wouldn’t mind seeing more office antics between Sotaro and Akira, but I can see there being potential here. This is a fun, lighthearted look at the lives we live after we’re off the clock, and it’s a nice intro to those looking to try and read more diverse titles in their local comic stores.
Rating: 3 out of 5 UwUs
The Otaku Love Connection Volume 2 (Square Enix Manga) – May Daze Manga Minis Advance Review!
Wataru Otonari and fellow otaku shipper Mashiro Tomaki continue to fawn over their classmates Chihiro Kawai and Yuzuru Kakoi. While Chihiro is understandably still disturbed by Wataru’s eccentric personality, his infatuation with Yuzuru means he’ll tolerate the delusional classmate. Meanwhile, Yuzuru enjoys her newfound friendship with Mashiro, and they hit it off instantly.
Enter Supika Jogasaki and Yuri Hashibami, two new members in the shipping game. However, Supika is a BL fangirl while Yuri likes… well, guess. With these two in the mix, the interactions between Wataru and Chihiro as well as Mashiro and Yuzuru become a whole lot spicier! (In their minds, of course.) With otaku like these, who needs friends?
With this second volume, the issues I had previously are mitigated. Chihiro feels like a more developed guy, with motivations other than “lovesick for Yuzuru”. Meanwhile, Wataru’s more uncomfortable qualities pop up less, and he’s starting to be a genuine friend. The addition of the other supporting characters means that the relationship dynamics feel actively entertaining than just one-sided here. It’s multiple love triangles but in a way that pokes fun at everyone equally.
However, I do have to mention that you’ll need the help of the translation guide at the end due to the cultural references, and I don’t just mean things relating to Japanese school life! (I may have had to look up what RPF was since I didn’t know how that was different from RPS. Fun fact, it DOES make a difference!) This second volume makes the cast a whole lot more likeable and genuinely heartwarming!
Rating: 4 out of 5 UwUs
Killer Shark in Another World Volume 2 (Seven Seas)
Sometimes I just need some B-movie bliss to turn off my brain and enjoy goofy antics. Killer Shark in Another World is currently doing this for me, and it’s a lovely (and gory) comedy series, if not for the faint of heart.
Our hapless summoner Shiromi and her overpowered familiar Sharkiller continues their journey to defeat evil demons in the land. The new demon general Zeldan’s looking for a fight while Shiromi accidentally goes on trial in Yoggnorant for the crimes she’s committed in the previous volume. (Actually, it’s due to Sharkiller’s reckless behavior, but the townspeople will have none of that.) With a whole kingdom out for blood, and demons trying to invade said kingdom, how will the duo get out of this pickle?
This volume dives headfirst into the B-movie references, and even pokes fun at some non-shark films too. The fact that this volume’s villain is a Ghost Rider clone is entertaining. However, the method in which the story goes out of its way to explain how sharks are the most resistant to fire is possibly the best thing here. It’s a comedy of errors and Shiromi not taming her wild beast, and it’s glorious.
The same flaws I had in the beginning of the story are still here (nobody other than Shiromi is likeable, and even the summoner herself has her moments). However, I find it hard to hate a series that gives me a visual of a shark-shaped mushroom cloud while a whole kingdom gets blown to smithereens. It’s a series that wears its inspirations on its fin, and I love it so much for that.
Rating: 4 out of 5 UwUs
JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure: Steel Ball Run Volume 1 (VIZ Media)
Now that we’ve gotten the official anime announcement, it’s time to dig into an all-new JoJo adventure! Steel Ball Run is the series’ seventh part and the first of its new continuity. Featuring an All-American race to the finish, this one is a uniquely fresh jumping-on point for new fans!
Run by Steven Steel, the Steel Ball Run is a one-of-a-kind race from San Diego to New York, with a $50 million prize for the winner. In this race, there are different stages where the leader of the pack can earn advantages and prizes to help them near the end. One such racer is Gyro Zeppeli, who carries a pair of mysterious steel balls with him.
This part’s protagonist, Johnny Joestar, is a former jockey who becomes a paraplegic due to a shooting at a theater. When Johnny comes across Gyro during a heated duel, he accidentally gets affected by Gyro’s steel ball attack. Momentarily cured of his disability, Johnny decides to race in order to figure out the secret of Gyro’s steel balls. (Sounds weird out of context, but you get it.)
Since this is a reboot, you’ll see some familiar characters in passing. You get a version of Avdol as well as DIO (Diego Brando in this part). In addition, there are a few supporting racers that join the race, and they all feel like good contenders to take it all. Due to the mechanics of the race, this motley crew fight against each other constantly, which highlights how unique their group dynamic is.
The only real issue I have with the story currently is how long it takes to slog through to the beginning. The first half of this release (which compiles the first original volume) includes a ton of backstory regarding the race. It’s necessary to frame the rest of the story, but considering this is a new continuity, the pacing feels sluggish. Once the race begins proper in the second half, we get the classic JoJo storytelling we know and love. It’s interesting that the series trademark Stands take a backseat to the race at hand. They’re still here and start popping up as the race continues, but it’s nice to have some frantic action take control at first before the part gets wackier.
If you want to check out JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure but feel overwhelmed by the series releases so far, Steel Ball Run is a perfect place to get your feet wet!
Rating: 4 out of 5 UwUs
That’s it for our May Daze Manga Minis! Stay tuned for more great manga reviews here on Miso!
