Not bad. It was entertaining though full of gross-out humor. Some jokes like the FBI and police wire jokes may go over kids’ heads. There’s an obvious twist that was teased throughout the comic, but it was still fun. Also, I enjoyed the robot a lot. 

 Too much going on, too quickly, but it’s fun. When you’ve large casts like this, it’s best to introduce everyone slowly otherwise you feel like you’re meeting someone new every page. The funky style and the color palette give this story personality. 

If the storytelling improves, I’d read volume two. 

And Rumbler dude’s Bang! Reminds me so much of Yusuke’s spirit bomb. I say this in a positive affectionate way. Every time he uses it, it’s interesting. 

 I can’t make myself care about anything here. The plot is serviceable and the art is fine, but I’m not hooked with the introduction. Red/Gideon is a bland everydude, probably meant for the reader to self-insert on. I don’t care about his princess friend, and the manga doesn’t respect her either with those needless panty shots. I like apothecary theme/skills, but in this manga it doesn’t interest me. 

The blessings ordeal, finding out your affinity/life’s purpose and how it affects the characters (mentally, personality-wise, career) isn’t bad but not enough for me to continue. 

I’m also suspecting, as this is how it usually goes, that Red’s stronger than he appears in some way, and his party is going to need him someday. 

Cute, lighthearted. the war paint hasn't aged well

 I’ve only read two of Butler’s books (this one included) but her mind was so vivid. This isn’t just highbrow alien smut. The whole post-apocalyptic world abducted by curious aliens is believable. One of the scary things about her work is everything is so plausible; I feel like it could happen like with The Parable of the Sower. 

There’s still an overall sci-fi core with the alien freakiness, space, new technology, and regenerative food. And there’s an emphasis on language-learning, which I love. I enjoyed Lilith so much. I felt her emotions, her frustration, confusion, and determination. She was put in a binding plight, but she made the best of it. 

Also, I love how racially diverse Butler’s work is. Usually, the black people die first in those horror/sci-fi worlds but not here. The fate of the world doesn’t come down to the usual chosen one. Fight or flight is in full effect here as well, because—well, that's human nature when confronted with something scary or repulsive. 

 Here come crazy cooking reality tv show shenanigans! I thought this was pretty cute overall. Nicole was very one-note and flat for the antagonist, and the story arc is nothing you haven’t seen before. Some plot threads get tied messily as well. But the adorable artwork (aww, I can’t get over how cute Rose is) and lightheartedness is the appeal.

I would like to read another story from the author. 

I really love this series, and I hope my opinion on it doesn’t change anytime soon. Lovable characters, no degeneracy, fun humor, and a gooey emotional core. 

Aww, the lotus flower jewelry warmed my heart <3 And Sein helping Fern and Stark with their communication issues. <3333333 

I was ambivalent at the obvious FernxStark pairing, but now I can see its appeal. Fern’s awkwardness/aloofness is gonna make her lose out on a decent cutiepie if she doesn’t stop hiding behind her feelings.

 

Charming