This is my fourth catch up post for the Yen Plus Anthology.

I like both covers of this issue, neither are the cutesy type we’ve had previously. but both have  a presence about them. Both covers are from the new series starting up this month, Hero Tales by the creator of FullMetal Alchemist; and Time and Again by Jiun Yun. Both a period settings.

I’m starting off with the Manga side this time around, because Hero Tales really appeals to me. Firstly it’s illustrated by Arakawa Hiromu who did Full Metal Alchemist, and there was something about the characters that reminded me of the now dead Chronicles of the Cursed Sword.

Hero Tales – Jin Zhou Huang & Arakawa Hiromu

Killer first chapter, starting with some cool full colour pages, swift and concise plot development, and hints of the love interest already. In a lot of ways this series really reminds me of Chronicles of the Cursed Sword. I’m really looking forward to how this series progresses.

That said, I did find that the character designs were a bit to comical at times. While I’m sure it was done deliberately to inject some humour, I felt that it was misplaced at times.

Soul Eater – Atsushi Ohkubo

Holy spats what a freaking awesome chapter!! It blew away my misgiving over the past few chapters in an instant!! Seems we may finally be getting into the story itself, and I have to admit that this was by far the best chapter of Soul Eater I’ve read so far. Damn I can’t wait to get my teeth into the next one now.

Nabari no Ou – Yuhki Kamatani

I liked this chapter a lot, mainly because it explained what the story is about so far. This is something I’ve been thinking the series needed to do or it would of failed. I loved the last few pages, and especially the:

Yes, that’s right. When did I say we were on the side of justice?

Now we’re acting like shinobi

So damned funny hehe. that said I noticed some grammar mistakes that I hope get fixed for the tankobon version.

Sumomomo, Momomo – Shinobu Ohtaka

*yawns* a totally dull and uninteresting chapter. While it’s true we get a brief glimpse of one of the families out to kill Koushi, it was disappointing. This needed a double chapter this month to really make the chapter any good.

Bamboo Blade – Masahiro Totsuka & Aguri Igarashi

Anyone care to tell me the point of this series? It’s lot is set up on the flimsiest of hooks I’ve ever seen, the art is plain, and flat at times, and so far there’s little to get excited about. The only saving grace is that some of the characters have interesting personalities. Like Sumomomo this double chapter is likely to send you to sleep more than anything.

That’s it for the manga side, quick flip and we’re into the manhwa side of things.

The Manhwa & OEL side

This month’s favourite was chosen by Abby Blackman, she chose Zombie Loan. Though I like Zombie, I have to admit I’m torn between it, Black God and Higurashi, No Maximum Ride this month as it goes on holiday until next month *sobs*

Time and Again – Jiun Yun

The second new starter this month. I went into this series blind not knowing anything about it, and really enjoyed it. The art is nothing new, and pretty atypical of both manhwa and the genre. However where this story seems to excel is the character. I loved Boek-On, he’s a sort of evil hero lol.

While it’s hard to say if a series is going to be great or not from the first chapter, I have to admit I have high hopes for this series after reading the first chapter.

Pig Bride – Kookhwa Huh & Sujin Kim

This chapter carries on it’s awesomeness from the previous one, and increases it to a new level. We get to see what the Pig Bride looks like without her mask….possibly, as well as getting introduced to the villain of the story. It looks like it could get really interesting from here.

The thing that’s looking a bit iffy to me is the potential love triangle between Si-Joon, Mu-Yeon and Ji-Oh.  Add in Mu-Hwa who seems to have an interest in Ji-Oh and we could get bogged down. That said if it’s done right it could be awesome

Sarasah – Ryang Ruy

I’d all but given up on this series to be honest. The past few chapters had been, well, crap. However this chapter revived my interest in it. Nothing like some well hidden and orchestrated political intrigue to rouse the interests of readers.

Not sure how it will progress, but at least it’s not a total waste anymore.

Goong Preview

Next up is a preview of the Goong manhwa that’s been released already. For more thought’s on it see my earlier reviews.

One Fine Day – Sirial

Another chapter I liked this month. I was rather surprised at how much I did like it TBH. However it’s still lacking that special something to make it really unique.

Nightschool – Svetlana Chmakova

*worships at the altar of Svetlana*

This chapter of Nightschool was freaking awesome once again. It started off light and funny, but the ending was killer as we get some odd hints, trying to figure them out is part of the fun

Gotta love Alex getting all jealous and protective over her Astral, I thought that was just so damned cute.

Jack Frost – JinHo Ko

Again we have another chapter that revived my waning desire to read. this chapter was awesome, and for once ecchi free. Lots of blood though, and lots of story as we finally seem to be getting into gear as two facts are revealed. I found these interesting, since they seemed to contradict each other. Looking forward to how that is balanced.

This ends the Manhwa and OEL side of things. We next have the pro art submission form, and two pages of Fan Art, which are rather funny to see. That said seems a lot of people for get to send in the release form with their submissions. Remember to send it in with your art folks or it’ll never get in!!

Finally we have the Afterword and Abby’s 4Koma, which was bloody funny this month

Final Thoughts

Two new series starting, one ending and one on holiday, yet still a kick ass mag. I was beginning to think it was growing a bit lacking (for me) since my liking of several titles was flagging. That said they revived mostly this issue and I found myself really getting into them again, especially the two new ones. Can’t wait to see them in the tankobon format