This volume is basically “we’re getting the band back together.” Everyone’s trying recruit some of the past members to the ouendan. We get introduced to Tatsuhiko who is a meek and a little hand-grabby, some of it stems from his more touchy-feely Western upbringing and the other from not respecting Usami’s personal space (it’s played for laughs but comes off really creepy). Suga, basically 2nd-in-command, who is staunchly sexist and doesn’t believe Usami should be a member at all.

This series isn’t bad, but I can’t bring myself to care about the ouendan. It just doesn’t capture my interest. However, I did like Imamura struggles with self-acceptance, lonliness, and the lack of memories/friends he never had a chance to make before. When he gets down on himself, wondering if anyone even wants him around and if all he does is ruin things, it will be relatable to a lot of readers though CRINGY at some points.

 This manga is still wonderfully dumb. I particularly liked the short about the struggle to find pads during a zombie apocalypse. I love how Little Miss P makes learning about periods and misconceptions fun! 

Eh, well, Momoka’s parents react realistically about the age gap/Kuga’s impromptu proposal. Her daddy surely doesn’t approve and thinks Kuga is taking advantage of her innocence/youth. I enjoyed that Momoka’s dad gave him a hard time; he was not budging. But Kuga basically bribes his way into her parents’ good graces. Perhaps, Kuga’s down bad enough, but he’s too invested in Momoka who he just met. The dad’s verdict is

Kuga has to be chaperoned or monitored to date Momoka, and, once Momoka reaches 20, if he still feels the same, he can propose again then.

My library’s buying volume 3, but I don’t know how I feel about this series. Momoka being in hs is a no-no, but I like how the manga addresses it seriously. But the overall tone is ditsy and makes me think the series will be repetitive. There isn’t really anything making me want to continue this story.

Yeah, I won’t be continuing with this series. 2 things: they were acting so DRAMATIC at the dinner. he showed me how to be my true authentic self! girl, i guess. This was volume was overall boring and dryyyy

This was fun, and Akissi is still lovable and annoying. The way she's always grabbing up random babies makes me laugh. I did get a little bored with so many of the comic revolving around the strict teacher. But not bad! 

Since when did Pokemon become an educational show? This junk was BORING. I understand having to explain Dynamax, wild pokemon, and type advantages, all integral parts of Pokémon, but the delivery would fit right in PBS Kids. The dialogue is dry and the characters are flat. I acknowledge I'm not the intended demographic, but there's no storyline or character here, making me want to read more.

On a positive note, the artwork is cute, and I enjoyed the spotlight on SirFetch'd. Not to mention Sobble's a cutiepie.

 I like art and the more modern spin (more diverse, inclusive, and the active role technology plays) on Goosebump stories. The second story actually got creepy and is the best of the bunch. 

I liked this! It’s so easy to read, and I loved the progress from Juanita always downing herself to allowing herself to grow and discover her own desires. 

I didn’t like the movie adaption at first, but, since reading this, I think they did a good job translating the story to screen. However, I loved the backstories (I had no idea the lady in the movie was Junita’s sister, Juanita had a brother, and the story with Eddie is much more impactful here). The love scene is sensual and beautiful unlike the movie (sorry, not sorry). I wished they would have included the dancing in the rain bit. That scene was more romantic than the entire movie. 

Here, the story’s more about Juanita’s journey as it arguably should be, but I liked how the movie focused more on Nita and Jess and that

Juanita decided to leave herself in the movie and didn’t have to be convinced.

[rating from personal enjoyment]

A fitting end. I've to buy this one now too! I definitely want to read more from this author.