“No matter who makes fun of you... Don’t ever make fun of yourself.” 

Inappropriate age gap aside (Hana is contemplating applying to colleges/what career she wants to pursue :o), this story is <i>dragging</i> with its filler. Still, the spotlight on Hiromi was refreshing from the usual back-and-forth between Takane and Hana. 

There's a lot going on here, but it's charming. The story doesn't follow the bare bones outline, so I think that's why it's entertaining and heartwarming, at times. It seems Dorothy's story is being calculated by some sort of gamemasters. I might be interested in a volume 2. 

CLEANEST LINEART EVER! The artwork alone is gorgeous and appealing. The mastery of gray tones, whites, and blacks is wonderful. 

For the story, I didn’t understand anything that was going on. This book is full throttle in showing and not telling, but I was confused for the most part ;__; I don’t know the setting but birds apparently carry a curse to turn you into a bird if you listen to them, a little girl and a fox are friends, but it seems time is running out for their friendship, and the Wind is personified like a parent to the MCs. 

The ending is unsettling, and we don’t get any loose ends explained. There’s a message here, but I’m trying to figure out what it was. Maybe don’t antagonize others because they’re different than you? But Pistuvi seemed to have some type of trauma toward birds and was he partially deaf? Why are there no other people around but the Wind and her husband? Where are Pistouvi’s parents? Why did the Wind give the Jeanne an ocarina? 

 I think this is a standalone, but I’ve got more questions. 

This series is just refreshingly adorable, loving, and kind. All the good parts that manga has to offer with none of the ills(no contrived fanservice, incest, no panty shots, weird age-gaps, sister complexes, etc) thus far. I mean it's only vol 2 tho, but so far so good. I loved that we're seeing more of the man's backstory. He was adorable as a child but grew up rather isolated due to his upbringing.

If you want to put your heart in a good mood or unwind after a hard day, then this is the manga for you. 

 As a newcomer to the Animporphs series, I liked it. The art style is very cartoony (maybe to a fault according to some reviewers), but the story has just the right amount of heaviness, suspense, and, of course, sheer wonder(ment) as the kids' discover the extent of their powers. I feel like I understood all the characters well.

 I used to love reading My Weird School as a kid, and I see it has expanded further. The transition to graphic novel is a little rocky but not bad. The authors even included a survey to review how they’re doing with their first comic attempt. You can tell the characters are copied-and-pasted and manipulated to do a few poses. I get it. Taking shortcuts as an artist is certainly fine, especially with lengthy projects like graphic novels. I only point it out because it gave the artwork such a stiff feeling. 

Anyway, the story’s nonsensical but fun. At one point, AJ and Andrea argue over killing aliens or not. Yeah, the story’s wacky as you would expect. There are a lot of well-meaning facts in the story from climate change to NASA. The running gag” …That’s when the weirdest thing in the history of the world happened” always felt like an awkward transition to me. But I fully also acknowledge I’m not the intended demographic. I’m sure kiddies will have a blast like I used to do with the chapter books as a kid. 

 Much better than the bore-fest of volume 1. I actually liked reading this. It was less of an animal encyclopedia (of course, animal facts abound) and focused more on the wacky design hijinks and characters. Next volume Ueda goes to Hell. 

Hard to rate something like this. I certainly cannot rate for enjoyment. Reading this made me burn in anger and my eyes water. Despite the cruel, dehumanizing events, this was not an easy read, but it was easy <i> to read.</i> It only takes a few times to get used to Northup’s manner of speaking. I almost read it all in one sitting.

In light of recent events, those who say “This is not who America is,” surely have their head in the ground. Of course, this place can be better—should be better—but it was built on mass racism, enslavement, and genocide. 

Anyway, I’m glad to have seen this in book form because I certainly could not have seen it visually. 

Honestly, the conclusion was rushed and the romantic element between Poppy and Cyrenic isn't truly explored. Sure, they have some delicious, fairytale kisses (all which are beautiful and extract the giddiest teenage girl squeals), but there isn't too much conversation about their relationship. They agree they need each other. I guess what's understood need not be explained. :p

I guess he's courting her now? going to get married one day? knights with benefits?

Also, we don't get to see

Poppy's mom.

I loved this, but, you all, already know I'm biased with princess/royalty/fantasy stories.

I don't mind too much because I love happy endings.

I would have been happy to read more about Cyrenic and Poppy and whatnot, but it is okay the series ended here. I just think this could have been extended to a third volume. 

 Listen. Since I was a little girl, I have always enjoyed Princess/royalty stories. I love the cliche "knight protects his princess," and they fall in love stories (like that Link and Zelda feel!). They're so good I want to spread them thick over wheat bread and make a sandwich. Sleepless is no different.

Yessssss! I really enjoyed this book. The artwork is beautiful, likable, diverse characters (I was surprised that Poppy's mixed), and the entire lore about sleepless knights leaves me wanting more. The political plot is also nicely-executed. I like that Poppy is both vulnerable and feisty, you know a multi-faceted character. And she wears a headwrap to bed. Nice.

Also, give me more Poppy and Cyrenic! That cliffhanger was no joke! 

I will say I wish Princess Rellen wasn't so prominent. The entire situation reminds of the Princess and the Frog/Charlotte fiasco. Poppy could be just as interesting without her. I don't want her to divert the spotlight.

Anyway, read it. I'm going to add this first volume to my bookshelf.