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#mermaid scales and the town of scales

vixvaporub · 1 year

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Mermaid Scales and the Town of Sand | Aoi Uroko to Suna no Machi by Youko Komori - Chapter 11: All at Peace

#Mermaid Scales and the Town of Sand #Aoi Uroko to Suna no Machi #Youko Komori #msattosedit #josei #manga #mymanga #vixmanga #manga cap #mangaedit #anisource #animanga #monochrome #black and white #B&W

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kbmrjmd-art · 11 months

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The salty ocean breeze makes my hair frizzy. Mom’s hair is perfect, like a doll’s right out of the box… for some reason, that makes me sad.

#mermaid scales and the town of sand

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engshoujosei · 1 year

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Mermaid Scales and the Town of Sand

1 volume (omnibus)

Licensed by Viz Media

Everyone besides Tokiko denies the existence of merpeople, and yet the town holds a secret annual festival to honor them. Can she solve the mystery of what is real and what is fantasy…? When Tokiko’s parents break up, she and her father move from the bustling city to a sleepy coastal town to live with her grandmother. Starting sixth grade in a new school where everyone has known each other their whole lives isn’t easy. Things start to look up when local boy Yosuke, another outsider, wants to be friends. But then strange memories start to surface. Swimming in the ocean… Drowning… Getting saved by… …a merman? Yosuke denies the presence of merfolk, yet the townspeople hold a festival to honor them every year. Can Tokiko solve the mystery of what is real and what is fantasy...?

Status in Country of Origin

2 Volumes (Complete)

Tags:

Absent Parent/s

Atypical Art Style

Child Protagonist

City Girl

Coming of Age

Dead Family Member/s

Divorce

Elementary School

Family

Father and Daughter

Friendship

Important Non-Romantic Relationship/s

Legend/s

Lifestyle Change

Mermaid/s

Mysterious Elements

Near-Death Experience

Sea

Secret/s

Small Town

Subtle Romance

Uneasy Atmosphere

#Aoi Uroko to Suna no Machi #Mermaid Scales and the Town of Sand #drama #josei #mystery #psychological #school life #slice of life #manga #viz media #viz signature #KOMORI Youko #2013 #2010s #you #Shueisha #completed

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fantomcomics · 1 year

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What’s Out This Week? 2/22

This week is super special, Fantom Fam, because our very own Raven’s in a ding-dang book!

Godfell #1 - Christopher Sebela, Ben Hennessy, & Triona Farrell (and Raven on edits!)

One sunny day in the land of Kerethim, God falls dead from the sky. The impact sends out shockwaves that draw in royal families at war, shadowy creatures of the dark, and armies of the dispossessed, all coming to lay claim to parts of God's body. Into this power struggle wanders Zanzi Vuiline, a soldier and berserker trying to get home from a years-long war. Forced to fight her way through the strange landscapes in and on God's corpse, from the soles of its feet through the top of its head, Zanzi will acquire a mysterious traveling companion on her own pilgrimage.

Assorted Entanglements GN Vol 1 - Mikanuji

Discover a variety of stories about women's love, starting with Iori: twenty-eight-year-old office worker who sets out to drown her love and job sorrows in booze. When she wakes up next to someone, she can't believe her partner was Minami, a worker at the bar who doesn't want to forget what they have!

Banshees #1 (of 5) - Dave Dwonch, Jessica Balboni, Riccardo Facinni & Tim Daniel

Emily is entering her first year of college and looking to reinvent herself after the loss of her best friend. But when she discovers the terrible history of her dormitory, she channels her guilt into a new obsession: discovering the truth about The Lion, a serial killer that stalked her college campus for nearly a decade. But old ghosts can lay dormant for only so long...

Blue Book #1 (of 5) - James Tynion IV, Michael Avon Oeming, & Klaus Janson

From the New York Times bestselling and award-winning cocreators of Something is Killing the Children, The Nice House on the Lake, The Department of Truth, and Powers comes this ambitious, nonfiction comic book experience depicting true stories of UFO abductions with an eye to capturing the strange essence of those encounters. In this debut issue, Tynion presents what he calls his "True Weird" stories. Tales of ordinary people encountering the strange and the impossible. Teaming with artist Michael Avon Oeming, they retell some of the most popular UFO and alien encounter accounts starting with the infamous Betty and Barney Hill abduction-the widely publicized and very first abduction that went on to shape and influence all future encounter stories.

Choujin X GN Vol 1 - Sui Ishida

Best friends Tokio and Azuma do everything together, even if most of the time it feels like Tokio is just stumbling along in Azuma's cooler, more talented footsteps. But when they're attacked one night by a superhuman mutant called a choujin, Tokio finally has a chance to shine-by turning into a choujin himself!

A First Time For Everything GN - Dan Santat

Dan's always been a good kid. But being a good kid doesn't stop him from being bullied and feeling like he's invisible, which is why he has low expectations when his parents send him on a class trip to Europe. At first, he's right. Stuck with the same girls from his middle school who love to make fun of him, Dan doesn't know why his teacher insisted he come on this trip. But as he travels through France, Germany, Switzerland, and England, a series of first experiences begin to change him-first Fanta, first fondue, first time stealing a bike from German punk rockers... and first love. Funny, heartwarming, and poignant, A First Time for Everything is a feel-good coming-of-age memoir based on New York Times-bestselling author and Caldecott Medal winner Dan Santat's awkward middle school years.

The Flower That Seems To Truly Dance GN - Saki Tsukahara

"No one can know about these feelings. But at least I can think of you while I dance." It's the 16th year of the Showa era (1941), and Soutarou Kuramoto, the son of a distinguished family, is returning from his studies abroad with something on his mind. As a child, he told his best friend, Haroumi Asuma, "I hate the way you dance".Determined to apologize, he visits Haroumi, but the young man - now a renowned dancer - deftly avoids him. Or perhaps there's another reason why he won't meet with Shoutarou?

Godzilla Rivals: Round One TP - Paul Allor, E. J. Su, Mary Kenney, SL Gallant, Adam Gorham, Rosie Knight, & Oliver Ono

Epic monster battles featuring some of Godzilla's fiercest rivals: Hedorah, Mothra, King Ghidorah, and Battra! Each story is an all-out, knockdown Kaiju brawl.

First, Godzilla and Hedorah smash their way through New York City while the search for the only scientist who can stop the chaos goes on in the streets below. Then, Mothra, the ancient and beautiful guardian of nature and humanity, is trapped in Lake Ikeda, but when one Kaiju awakens, Godzilla is close behind. When Mars invades Earth, Godzilla surfaces from Tokyo Bay and is pulled into battle with the flying saucers. Captured and taken by the Martians, Godzilla is forced to fight in a gladiatorial arena, where the King of the Monsters faces its biggest challenge yet: King Ghidorah. In the finale, at a quiet beachside town ravaged by constant sewage spillages and toxic waste dumps, something is stirring. Deep under the rolling hills that surround Hackney-on-Sea, Battra is awakening, driven by a single goal: to destroy mankind and save planet Earth.

Golden Record One-Shot - Rosemary Valero-O'Connell

A bilingual English/Spanish poetry magazine and autofiction chapbook lusciously written and illustrated by award-winning graphic novelist Rosemary Valero-O'Connell. An amalgamation of words and images brought together to become more than the sum of their parts, exploring the body as the site and host of all pleasure and pain.

The Great Cleric GN Vol 1 - Broccoli Lion & Hiiro Akikaze

After his untimely death as the hardest-working salary man in Japan, Luciel is reincarnated into the magical fantasy world Galdardia. Always the man with a plan, he recreates himself to be a healer, and sets about making his way in the world. But while Luciel knows a thing or two about making money, he knows absolutely nothing about Galdardia. All Luciel knows is, he's got a tough road (and a lot of long days) ahead...!

Irmina GN - Barbara Yelin

In the mid-1930s, Irmina, an ambitious young German, moves to London. At a cocktail party, she meets Howard Green, one of the first black students at Oxford, who, like Irmina, is working towards an independent existence. However, their relationship comes to an abrupt end when Irmina, constrained by the political situation in Hitler's Germany, is forced to return home. As war approaches and her contact with Howard is broken, it becomes clear to Irmina that prosperity will only be possible through the betrayal of her ideals. Based on a true story, this moving and perceptive graphic novel perfectly conjures the oppressive atmosphere of wartime Germany, reflecting with compassion and intelligence on the complicity that results from the choice, conscious or otherwise, to look away.

Liquid Kill #1 (of 6) - Max Hoven, Aaron Crow, Gabriel Iumazark & Toni Infante

For the staff and clientele of a mysterious island hotel, it's just another night of luxury and vice until members of Liquid Kill (a notoriously violent, all-female militia), lay siege. Demanding compliance or death as they gather intelligence, the adrenaline quickly floods the halls as the team eliminates all threats with ease in their search for their kidnapped leader. That is until something is unleashed... something hungry. If there's anyone prepared for the evils on the island, it's these fearless killers, but when the undaunted begin to falter, their foe must be truly monstrous.

Local Man #1 - Tim Seeley & Tony Fleecs

Once the star recruit of the media sensation super-team THIRD GEN, JACK XAVER had it all. But when controversy sends CROSSJACK crawling back to his mom and dad's basement in the Midwest, Jack struggles to fit into a world he left far behind. And then the bodies start piling up.

The Lonesome Hunters TP - Tyler Crook

An old and out-of-practice monster hunter in hiding crosses paths with a young girl that forces him to confront these chaotic creatures. As the beasts invade their tenement they set off on a supernatural road trip to stop these ancient evils in a story that explores the ways that youth informs adulthood and how early traumas can haunt us in old age.

Mermaid Scales & The Town Of Sand GN - Yoko Komori

Everyone but Tokiko denies the existence of merpeople, and yet the townspeople hold a festival every year to honor them. Can she solve the mystery of what is real and what is fantasy? And learn to live with the truth? When Tokiko's parents break up, she and her father move from the bustling city to a sleepy coastal town to live with her grandmother. Starting sixth grade in a new school where everyone has known each other their whole life isn't easy... Things start to look up when local boy Narumi, another outsider, wants to be friends! But then strange memories start to surface. Swimming in the ocean... Drowning... Getting saved by... ...a merman?

Moriarty: Clockwork Empire #1 - Frederic Duval, Stevan Subic & Lenka Simeckova

In a London opium den, a monster is killed by the police with seven bullets to the body. At the Diogenes club, an investigator and his partner thwart the Machiavellian plans of a card-playing automaton, and that evening the monster's alter ego will come out of the hospital unscathed... and Holmes and Watson are on the case!

Never Satisfied GN Vol 1 - Taylor Robin

The full-color, critically acclaimed graphic novel series that started as a webcomic! In a seaside city flanked by towering statues, a diverse group of magicians live and work with their familiars-animal companions unique to themselves. To young magicians, there is one job coveted more than any: representative champion of their city. Lucy Marlowe is a non-binary apprentice out to prove themself to an apathetic master. The other apprentice magicians reach out to Lucy and each other, but as the competition heats up, it's unclear if friendship can bloom when they are all pitted against each other. Can anybody truly understand anyone else? And at what cost does glory come?

The Princess Of Convenient Plot Devices GN Vol 1 - Mamecyoro & Kazusa Yoneda

Stepping into the world of your favorite book might sound like a dream come true, but for Maki Tazawa, this very opportunity presents a unique challenge. A passionate lover of BL novels in her previous life, Maki now gets to spend her days as princess Octavia, and enjoy the company of her favorite fictional couple-her brother, the crown prince Sirius, and his lover Lord Sil. But two men can't produce an heir! As the story goes, in order to solve the problem of succession, princess Octavia agrees to a political marriage and offers up her own child to the throne. But this Octavia can't accept such an unfair fate! So what if she lives in a BL novel? Her OTP achieved true love and she's determined to do the same!

Project Nought HC - Chelsey Furedi Ren Mittal's last memory in the year 1996 is getting on a bus to visit his mystery pen pal, Georgia. When he wakes up in 2122, he thinks he might be hallucinating... he's not! Tech conglomerate Chronotech sponsors a time-travel program to help students in 2122 learn what history was really like... from real-life subjects who've been transported into the future...and Ren is one of them. In 2122, Ren's life in the 1990s is practically ancient history-and Ren's not sure how to feel about that. On top of it all, he learns that his memory will be wiped of all things 2122 before he's sent back to the '90s. Adding to Ren's complicated feels, he's forming a crush on his student guide, Mars. And when he crosses paths with the absolute last person he expected to see in the future, he has a bigger problem on his hands: what if Chronotech isn't the benevolent organization they claim to be, and he and his fellow subjects are in great danger?

Rituals One-Shot - Nicole Goux

In lush illustrations, artist Nicole Goux captures the sacred rites of getting ready to go out: the quiet before the party, the anticipation before the date, and the spiritual creation of self in the safe space of your inner sanctuary.

Scramblues GN - Mame March

Kurosaki is the designer in charge of the CD jacket design for the powerhouse musician Eddie.As he sees beyond Eddie's surly exterior and catches a glimpse of the man beneath the affectation, he begins to think about the message and emotions that Eddie tries to convey through his music. And at that moment, Kurosaki realizes that Eddie's voice is the thing to guide him on his course. But how can he communicate what he truly feels?

Sins Of The Black Flamingo TP - Andrew Wheeler, Travis Moore, Tamra Bonvillain & Aditya Bidikar

OCCULT NOIR. MIAMI SLEAZE. Sebastian Harlow is the Black Flamingo, a flamboyant and narcissistic thief who gets his kicks stealing mystic artifacts from the wealthy and corrupt of Miami's occult underground. When his latest job leads him to his biggest score so far, the hedonistic outlaw discovers something he wasn't looking for-something to believe in.

The Snake Who Loved A Sparrow GN - Nna Natsuo

In a world where forest creatures can take human form, a member of the sparrow clan, Komazu, is one day saved from a boar stampede by a cold but eye-catching white snake named Shiratoh. Dealing with both animal problems (fear of predation by their common enemy, the eagle), and human problems (class differences, loneliness, and prejudice), these two boys learn to overcome the difficulties that come their way through an open mind and heart.

Sotus GN Vol 1 - BitterSweet (A) Kei

SOTUS is an educational system in which upperclassmen impose "trials" upon underclassmen. Arthit, leader of the engineering seniors, plans to put his new juniors through a harsh training regimen to earn the symbol of their major-the gear. However, a first-year named Kongpob causes new headaches for Arthit when he declares he'll snatch the gear from him: "I'll make you my wife!"

Star Wars: The Nameless Terror #1 (of 4) - George Mann (A) Eduardo Mello, Ornella Savarese

Even in the shining light of the High Republic, there are shadows lurking in the galaxy. A Jedi mission to the planet Dalna suddenly comes under attack by unknown assailants. As the knights retreat to an ancient structure, it quickly becomes clear that they are far from safe. Something evil stalks the ruins, a ruthless predator, an unknown terror, a Nameless Fear!

Sweet Poolside GN - Shuzo Oshimi

From the creator of Blood on the Tracks, Shuzo Oshimi. A charming story of two middle-schoolers that have a close shave with love! Two middle school swimming club students have problems on opposite ends of the spectrum: Toshihiko Ota is troubled by hairlessness and bullied by his peers, while Ayako Goto garners attention for being too hairy. One day Ayako approaches Toshihiko with a crazy request-will he shave her body hair for her? A perfect example of Oshimi's unique blend of the sweet and the perverse, this is ultimately an innocent, charming love story.

This week is JAM-PACKED with goodness, so whatcha scooping up, Fantomites?

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beneaththetangles · 1 year

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Reader’s Corner: A Condition Called Love (Vol. 1), Chitose is in the Ramune Bottle (Vol. 3), and More Valentine’s Day Picks

Happy Valentine’s Day, readers! Serendipitously, this week’s light novel and manga reviews mostly all center on romance, with a few digging into a deeper kind of love as well. Are they enough to get your hearts stirring? Do they hint at an even greater quality of love? Read on to find out!

Alya Sometimes Hides Her Feelings in Russian (Vol. 2) • Boss Bride Days (Vol. 1) • Chitose is in the Ramune Bottle (Vol. 3) • A Condition Called Love (Vol. 1) • Mermaid Scales and the Town of Sand • Unnamed Memory (Vol. 2)

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Mermaid Scales and the Town of Sand, Light Novel (2-Part Standalone)

“Everyone has a place inside of them that others can’t see. A deep, dark, lonely place.” For 6th grader Tokiko, that void is symbolized by the ocean in the seaside village she and her dad have moved to after her mother left the family. But the beach is also a place of hope, as Tokiko remembers her visit there as a child when a merman saved her from drowning. This sets the stage for one of the loveliest coming-of-age stories I’ve ever read, a two-volume omnibus release which follows Tokiko as she adjusts to life in a new school with new friends and a “new” family (comprised of her father changing roles and beginning a different job, as well as her grandmother). The story plays out peacefully and beautifully with Tokiko navigating this unfamiliar life with courage. New friendships play a key role, including that with Yosuke, who delivers the quote on loneliness above and harbors his own pain. He’s a special character, but so is Tokiko, who possesses a kindness that affects those around her. She’s also developed with the sensitivity, naivete, and fantastical thinking of a girl her age. The simple style of the character designs is fitting and supports the manga’s nostalgic and fantastic feel. The writing is also masterful—there’s humor, tension, and innocence in every corner of the story—most appropriate for a tale of an optimistic adolescent dealing with such upheaval in her life. Originally released in Japan a decade ago, Mermaid Scales and the Town of Sand has been given new life with VIZ Media’s English-language release. What a gift that we’re able to read this tale which, like its heroine, is clever, beautiful, and encouraging. ~ @animepopheart

Mermaid Scales and the Town of Sand is published by VIZ Media. It releases on February 21st.

Unnamed Memory, Manga Vol. 2

Unnamed Memory has thus far followed the pattern of a “mystery of the week” series. Though perhaps unusual for a fantasy setting, it works well for this manga because the two leads carry what could be a mediocre procedural so well. Oscar and Tinasha are full of personality and demonstrate admirable character. They’re extremely likeable. But they’re even better together, with banter that shows the kind of chemistry you’d see in the best buddy detective series, particularly those with leads of opposite sexes, like in Castle or The X-Files. The two play off each other so well that they make the mystery more compelling than it should be, while also creating a desire within the readers to see the two romance each other. This isn’t to say that there isn’t a bigger plot involved. There is, and this volume gets us closer to the central story of the show. But at this point, we still don’t know exactly what the deal is with those attempting to hurt Oscar or what Tinasha’s past is all about. We don’t know if those stories will be compelling, either. For now, though, it doesn’t matter. I’m happy to just sit back and enjoying the Oscar and Tinasha show. ~ @animepopheart

Unnamed Memory is published by Yen Press. It releases on February 21st.

A Condition Called Love, Manga Vol. 1

When I read titles like A Condition Called Love, more and more I realize that I absolutely loveeeeee shojo manga. In this new romance series, the sixteen-year-old heroine, Hotaru, has an ambivalent view of love and feels she probably will never have her own love story. When she witnesses an ugly breakup between a girl and the male lead, Hananoi, and sees him sitting alone in the snow, she shares her umbrella with him and some encouraging words. Much to her surprise, the next day he approaches her in class and asks if she will date him! This first volume completely swept me off my feet, and I could not stop reading once I started! Hotaru is a very compelling character and one I easily—and quickly—found myself cheering for. I found it refreshing to once again follow a heroine who really has no idea what she should do as a girlfriend—similar to Satomi in Ima Koi: Now I’m in Love—and thought it amazing how Hananoi encouraged her to just be herself. She doesn’t need to change who she is to be more “girlfriendy,” and he doesn’t expect her to change herself for him. And speaking of Hananoi, I am very intrigued by his character! I feel there is some very sad trauma he has experienced, making some of the things he says…alarming and concerning. I am definitely wanting to see this young man find healing and have already preordered the next two volumes in hopes of seeing that come to pass—as well as seeing this love story continue to unfold. ~ @lauraagrace

A Condition Called Love is published by Kodansha.

Chitose is in the Ramune Bottle, Light Novel Vol. 3

The first half of Chitose is in the Ramune Bottle, Vol. 3, took me two weeks to get through; the last half, two hours. This is fitting with the pattern in all three volumes of the series so far, each of which starts out nearly unreadable before finishing well. While I’ve given a variety of reasons for the poor starts, I’ve now concluded that generally it’s because each volume begins with the more superficial “fun” aspects of the story before digging into emotional material and “getting real,” with author Hiromu excelling in the latter while failing in the former. Take volume three, for instance. Asuka (who?—we’ll get to that momentarily) takes center stage here, as she must decide whether to challenge her father and pursue her dream of college in Tokyo after graduation or to continue to be the obedient daughter she always has been and stay in Fukui. The banter and characterization are terrible in the first half. It’s superficial, not particularly humorous, and just plain forgettable. The characters aren’t memorable either, with Chitose’s harem devolving into this blob of girls; on the surface, each has some characteristic telling them apart, but they really aren’t distinct enough to be anything more than “faceless popular girls.” Among the few characters that are distinctive are Chitose and Asuka, but she loses her distinction in this volume. The unique characteristics given her in her small appearances in volumes one and two disappear as she folds into this one “girl character” the author has created, having the same basic personality as all the rest once you peek beneath the surface. Thankfully, that “one” character is a compelling one, which helps make her physical and metaphorical journey in the second half of the volume interesting, even with (and somewhat because of) the author just throwing in stock event after stock event from romcoms past. Chitose is also easy to root for—the real Chitose, that is, who narrates most of the events, not the one the author explains him to be. Because this much is clear: Chitose is a good dude, but there’s no way he should have five beautiful girls fawning after him. I’d rather it be a harem that doesn’t make sense, like in almost every other harem series, then as a reader be told that yes, this harem does make sense because Chitose is actually Mr. Perfect, when he’s just written as a really nice guy and that’s all. There’s nothing in his characterization that would compel an entire student body to hate him and for all the beautiful girls to flock to him to be his “sidepieces.” But when I get lost in the novel and am able to forget that setup, I can just focus on the heart of the tale, which is heartwarming and romantic—so much so that I’m anticipating volume four. Well, at least the second half of it. ~ @animepopheart

Chitose is in the Ramune Bottle is published by Yen Press. It releases on February 21st.

Boss Bride Days, Manga Vol. 1

Excuse me while I shout this, but… I HAVE FINALLY FOUND A YAKUZA ROMANCE MANGA I LOVE!!! I have tried at least three different yakuza romance titles, and I have dropped all of them either halfway through volume one or at the end of volume one. Why is this one different? Because our heroine, Sakura, is a shut-in otaku who would rather stay home and play the otome game, Yakuza Boys. Her life turns upside down though when, on the one day she decides to go to school, she ends up saving an old man who happens to be the boss of a yakuza gang! Touched by her courage to help him, he tells his three grandsons that whichever wins her heart will succeed him as leader of the gang. Now Sakura finds herself in her own real-life yakuza “otome game”! While I will be the first to admit that I’m not a fan of reverse harems, the otome game feel made this story amazing! A lot of the elements are over the top (such as three guys suddenly wanting her affections) and remind me of some otome manga titles I’ve read in the past, like Kenka Bancho Otome: Love’s Battle Royale, and these definitely aren’t lost on our main heroine, Sakura, either. Speaking of which, she is such a great heroine because while she knows she is “weak,” the inspiration and courage she takes from her favorite character in the game is deeply relatable. Fictional characters inspire me all the time, and I was glad to see a cool heroine live out brave decisions because of that inspiration. I definitely highly recommend Bride Boss Days if you love yakuza romances (or want to try one!), otome games, and a story that will make you laugh! ~ @lauraagrace

Boss Bride Days is published by Kodansha.

Alya Sometimes Hides Her Feelings in Russian, Light Novel Vol. 2

It’s not easy to write a great romcom light novel. As simple as they may sometimes seem, they’re more than just tropey moments thrown together, building up to a romantic climax. Alya Sometimes Hides Her Feelings in Russian, which hits the hallmarks of good romcom without actually being one, demonstrates as much. Volume two, which continues the story of Masachika supporting Russian transfer student Alya in her bid for the student council presidency, doesn’t earn its “big” moments, whether romantic (the scenes fall flat when Alya shows her affection physically in both this volume and the last) or dramatic (a speech that brought an entire audience to its feet is in reality rather short and mediocre). And the titular character herself isn’t developed enough to elicit the protective emotion we’re meant to feel as readers and which should match the protagonist’s. But not all is lost. There are facets to the story that are done well. Masachika, for instance, is more than a bland character; he occasionally demonstrates a self-malice that feels both out of place and genuine, making him sympathetic. In fact, he’s more compelling than any of the volume’s (many) girls, though a few of them are interesting, too—particularly Masachika’s kind, fujoshi sister and Alya’s similarly kind and older one. And the scenes of regular school and student council activities, where the stakes are no greater than one day in the life of a high schooler, are cute and fun. There’s enough good writing in these sorts of fundamental parts of the volume to make me hope that future releases will improve in the other aspects as well, creating a more cohesive story and one that I can recommend. But for now, Alya Sometimes Hides Her Feelings in Russian is much like its heroine: flawed, basic, and forgettable. ~ @animepopheart

Alya Sometimes Hides Her Feelings in Russian is published by Yen Press. It releases on February 21st.

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“Reader’s Corner” is our way of embracing the wonderful world of manga, light novels, and visual novels, creative works intimately related to anime but with a magic all their own. Each week, our writers provide their thoughts on the works they’re reading—both those recently released as we keep you informed of newly published works, and those older titles that you might find as magical (or in some cases, reprehensible) as we do.

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theotakufiles · 10 months

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Mermaid Scales and the Town of Sand Manga

In the enchanting coastal town of Sand, a secret lies beneath its shimmering waters. Mermaid Scales and the Town of Sand reveals an extraordinary world where humans and mythical creatures coexist, and a young mermaid named Marina finds herself at the heart of a profound mystery.

Born with captivating scales that shine like precious gems, Marina leads a seemingly ordinary life by day as an innkeeper's daughter. But when the moon rises and casts its gentle light on the ocean's surface, she embarks on thrilling underwater adventures with her loyal dolphin companion, Delphine.

As Marina dives deeper into her watery realm, she uncovers long-lost legends and forgotten prophecies that hold clues to unlock the town's hidden magic. With each new revelation, she discovers her own destiny is intricately tied to saving Sand from impending doom.

Guided by a group of quirky yet wise friends – including an ancient sea turtle sage, mischievous seagull siblings, and a curious human boy who stumbled upon their secret – Marina embraces her role as protector of not only her fellow merfolk but also the vulnerable balance of nature itself.

Throughout this enthralling series filled with breathtaking explorations underwater and unlikely alliances above land, Mermaid Scales and the Town of Sand weaves together themes of friendship, bravery, environmental stewardship, and self-discovery. Together with their newfound companionship transcending species boundaries, Marina and her friends embark on an epic journey that will change not just their lives but also reshape the future of both land and sea forever.

Will Marina uncover the key to vanquishing dark forces threatening Sand? Can these diverse beings come together to preserve harmony between humans and mythical creatures? Dive into Mermaid Scales and experience an enchanting tale that will leave you captivated by its beauty while reminding us all about our responsibility to protect our wondrous world for generations to come.

Attention all manga lovers! Are you eager to dive into the enchanting world of 'Mermaid Scales and the Town of Sand'? Now is your chance to support the brilliant manga author by purchasing this captivating series at gekimanga.com. Immerse yourself in a tale where mythical mermaids explore a surreal town, unravel mysteries, and embark on thrilling adventures. By purchasing this manga, not only will you satisfy your craving for a captivating narrative, but you will also contribute directly to the success and appreciation of an exceptionally talented mangaka. Don't miss out on the opportunity to own this masterpiece – visit gekimanga.com today!

#Mermaid Scales and the Town of Sand #Manga #illustration #comics #art #mangastyle

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b3crew · 1 year

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REVIEW | "Mermaid Scales and the Town of Sand" | B3 - Boston Bastard Brigade

When we’re young, dealing with new circumstances and surroundings can be a challenge. Sometimes it leads us to become accustomed to these new things; other times, it can make us question the whys and hows of this world of ours. For Tokiko, the main focus of Yoko Komori’s 2013 graphic novel Mermaid Scales and the Town of Sand, it’s a little bit of both. And from this new experience of hers comes both sad realization and happy opportunities.

The story begins with Tokiko and her father moving to a coastal town. Her mother is absent, an odd thing considering the two have moved to her birthplace. While taking a look around, Tokiko finds herself by the seashore, as she reflects on an incident from when she was four. Back then, she almost drowned, but — according to her — a merman saved her. Coming back into the presence, she meets Yosuke, whose looks awaken a feeling of sadness in her heart.

With her mom missing-in-action, Tokiko seeks to find something to fill the hole in her heart that was made by that absence. While dealing with that, she also does her best to get along with her new classmates, as they attend school, buy candy, and play at the beach. But there’s something about Yosuke that drives Tokiko closer to him, and it has plenty to do with the merman that rescued her. On top of that, it appears that there’s a great secret being kept from the kids about the town itself, one involving a deity.

A lot of Mermaid Scales and the Town of Sand focuses on Tokiko going back-and-forth between the past and present. She thinks of her mom and her delicious breakfasts, but also knows that things weren’t too happy between her parents. While she misses her dearly, it quickly becomes apparent that the mom didn’t play as strong a part in her life as she thought. It’s why she finds it easy to move to a new place with her dad, without leaving any hint to the mom as to where they went.

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vixvaporub · 1 year

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Mermaid Scales and the Town of Sand | Aoi Uroko to Suna no Machi by Youko Komori - Chapter 8: Depths of the Sea

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atthequillsmercy · 1 year

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Lenni Reviews: "Mermaid Scales and the Town of Sand" by Yôko Komori

(Image Source) *This book was given to me in exchange for an honest review. After Tokiko’s parent’s divorce, she and her father move to a small coastal town to live with her grandfather. After leaving all her friends behind, Tokiko is happy to find the locals are nice and her friend group grows quickly, including a solemn boy named Narumi. Together, they look for a secret place where there could…