I really liked this one. I think Marvel has found its stride with the Kamala Khan character. Here, she sees the fallout of shouldering too much responsibility. It’s the cliché “ask for help” storyline, but it works so well.

One thing I didn’t like how Malik was automatically Kamala’s responsibility. I get families help each other and baby-duties typically fall on the girls of a family, but her parents weren’t very gracious with that. If they had a line saying they need Kamala to help out because they work and can’t get Malik themselves, it would’ve made them seem more understanding.

I also loved the artwork! Very cartoony and rich with a painterly coloring style.

I don’t think I mesh well with this author’s storytelling style. It’s a little too dry and plot-driven for me. It wasn’t until the 200-pg-mark that I began to find the story engaging. 

But I thought the last third/the ending was well done. All the loose ends began to come together. I liked how smoothly the magical realism elements flowed. And the Storyteller app was fun. 

I think this was created with a lot of heart. How kids handle grief can vary, but the majority of this story Dylan doesn’t even know

his grandad has died

, so it’s just the countdown to the inevitable. Eventually, he does find out, but he still doesn’t understand.

I really felt for the mom with her frustrations.

The writing wasn’t very strong in some areas, and the dialogue could be cheesy. Since Raven doesn’t know Gar, why would she agree to share a motel room with him??? I know she had lost her wallet, but stranger danger. I feel her sharing the room with him could’ve happened more plausibly. I’m excited to read the next book.

But the artwork was lovely as always. Raven had some cute outfits!

And the appearance of …

Robin (Damian)! Looking sharp. I would love a Robin Jacket like that. He and Max, Rae’s foster sister, have some flirtation going on.  Interesting since Damian in the cartoon adaptions has something with Raven. Wonder how Starfire fits into this.

:D

 This one really impressed me! I loved the focus on familial bonds, and the character designs were snazzy—Sith, Omar, and Addie stand out in particular. I also liked that each character got some spotlight because in big groups some characters get neglected. All the plot points get resolved and tied with a pretty bow at the end. 

 Aww, such a fitting end! We also see the end of Daichi’s character development, and I enjoyed it. I even began to like Seiya after a while. 

 Oh snap! This series is getting so good. I love that Najika is cheerful, but that’s not her sole trait. She goes through grief and insecurities too. I’ve said it before but tropes aren’t bad; it depends on how you use them. Kitchen Princess takes old tropes but uses them in a refreshing way. I have had French fries and chicken tenders a 100x, but they still taste good, y’know. 

Akane’s feelings also reach a resolution, and I think it was handled well. 

Something I love in the city of my soul is that

Daichi is doing his father’s business, but his personality hasn’t changed. Any other manga would’ve had him lose his way and have to remember to be kind again. I’m also so amazed that a shoujo had the guts to kill a character off.

 

New character alert! -3 point deduction for his character design.

Lazy much? But eeee, I think he’s the Flan Prince

 

Man, this shoujo knows how to be cheesy and charming with just a pinch of melancholy. Najika goes back to the orphanage/foster home, and it’s very heartwarming. Akane’s still annoying as ever, but her motivation makes sense. She even gets some character development.

Also, shoutout to Fujita the teacher. In any other manga, he would've been a lecherous pervert trying to hit on Najika. But here he's professional and just wants the best for her as a student.

This is the first love triangle I’ve seen where I honestly don’t know who will win.

SN: That bonus story with Komugi … ;__;