
“A Man and His Cat” by Umi Sakurai: A Heartwarming Tale of Unlikely Bonds
A Man and His Cat by Umi Sakurai truly turned out to be a charming read I never expected to need in my life. It’s the perfect combination of cute and sad, offering a glimpse into the life of a man who has lost his wife and a cat who, deemed ugly, was passed over by prospective adopters in favor of others.

“Our Colors” by Gengoro Tagame: A Journey of Self-Discovery and Acceptance
Our Colors by Gengoro Tagame struck me as truly creative. Once the title clicks with the story, it’s easy to appreciate just how brilliant the author is in their execution. The manga follows Sora, a high school student with a crush on his classmate Yoshida, as he navigates his journey of self-discovery and the complexities of being gay.

“Mabuhay” by Zachary Sterling: A Heartwarming Graphic Tribute to Filipino Culture
Mabuhay quickly demonstrated that it was much more than just a way to add to my reading tally—it turned out to be a genuinely captivating read. The central themes of family and staying true to oneself were not only presented beautifully but also resonated with me on a personal level.

Blue Flag: A Fresh Start – Volume 1
What truly impressed me was how quickly I became invested in these characters. In many rom-coms, characters can sometimes feel over-the-top, but in Blue Flag, they feel genuine and relatable.

Translating Culture and Fantasy in ‘Tabi Po: Bloodlust’
Reading this story brought me a deep sense of satisfaction. There’s a certain pride in seeing Filipino culture, mythology, and folklore vividly woven into a fantasy narrative.


3 - Beyond The Battle: Frieren’s Story.
Fern's growth as a mage is evident, though she still heavily relies on Frieren's teachings. Stark's unwavering determination continues to be a cornerstone of the group. The dynamic between the three is a fascinating aspect of the story.

2 - Beyond the Battle: Frieren's Story.
Volume two introduces us to Eisen, another member of Frieren's former party, adding depth to the world and its characters. Like Heiter before him, Eisen seeks an apprentice for Frieren, further enriching the narrative.

1 - Beyond the Battle: Frieren's Story.
Frieren took me by surprise and easily became one of my favourite manga series of the year. The story follows an elf, Frieren, who is part of an eclectic party of warriors: Himmel, Heiter, and Eisen, tasked with slaying the demon king.