This is my fifth catch up post of the Yen Plus Anthology.

While I love Maximum Ride, something about this cover really turned me off. Fang looks awesome, but the other guy just looks crap. That said I like the Nabari no Ou one, it’s got a good feel to it.

Once again I’m starting off with the manga section. I really wanted to read Hero Tales, but it was moved to the back of the section *sobs*

The Manga Side

Nabari no Ou – Yuhki Kamatani

This months chapter was mainly about Raimei, it was certainly interesting learning more about what motivates her. Miharu’s character is interesting, but at the same time a bit annoying, his lack of motivation is really weird especially considering everything he learnt the past few chapters.

Soul Eater – Atsushi Ohkubo

I’m really starting to get into this series now. The past two chapters have been awesome, with some story finally as well as some good action. Really looking forward now to seeing how the story is going to unfold. That said, Crona’s a guy!!?? WTF I was sure he was a girl, I mean he’s wearing a dress!! Guess he’s sexually confused, though with everything else going on with him it’s not surprising hehe

Sumomomo, Momomo – Shinobu Ohtaka

Another dull chapter. Though we do get some action, something about this chapter just made me wanna give it up. That said I did chuckle over the way Nittai was trying to win over the girls hehe

Bamboo Blade – Masahiro Totsuka & Aguri Igarashi

Given the events of this chapter I’ve got some renewed interest in the story. I initially thought it would focus around the kendo battle between the two teachers. However since we’ve gotten there already, it looks more likely that they’re using this as a hook to set up a deeper story. We’ll see how this plays out in the coming months.

Hero Tales – Jin Zhou Huang & Arakawa Hiromu

I was looking forward to this chapter, and was slightly disappointed that nothing really happens in it. Considering the pace of the first chapter, the sudden change was a bit jarring. That said we did get to see Taitou getting beat up by his sister, which given who and what he is I found it bloody funny.

That’s a wrap on the manga side, time to flip it and look at the manhwa side

The Manhwa and OEL side

We get a new side of the mag this month, a new section called Otaku Pimp. This article is going to be a monthly insight into the Japanese Pop Culture.

The Favourite of the month this time is An Ideal World, and frankly I’m in full agreement. I reviewed it a while ago.

Next we get a long interview with NaRae the manhwa-ga behind Maximum Ride (well worth a read). I still can’t believe she’s a college student and does this series part time. She’s an awesome artist!!

Finally we have the Fan Art pages, which are oddly missing the editorial comments that the past two issues have had.

Maximum Ride – James Patterson & NaRae Lee 

Note: there is a chapter missing from the Anthology, it’s the last chapter of volume one and can only be found in the tankobon.

Another kick ass chapter with more story development and a daring rescue. I really the characters in this series, what’s more is I love all of them. Usually I only have one or two favourites, not this time.

I can’t wait to see how things unfold now they know the truth behind who they are, and whether they believe it.

Pig Bride – Kookhwa Huh & Sujin Kim

A mildly interesting chapter, but I got the impression it was more of a leading chapter, as in it’s leading up to something. (as in the calm before the storm). It was funny to see Doe Doe and Mu-Hwa stand off against each other, and even better to see Si-Joon getting embarrassed.

Sarasah – Ryang Ruy 

This is starting to interest me again, the political intrigue is really interesting, both parties trying to use Ji-Hae in some way has potential to be a good story. That said, I’m still missing a connection between the story now and the the first chapter. What was the need to killer her off in the first chapter to send her back in time? Possibly cause it was the only way to have her acting like a modern girl in the past?

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

A mildly entertaining chapter, but it’s fast losing it’s appeal to me. Being cute can only carry it for so long. It really needs to introduce something to make it worth while.

Time and Again – Jiun Yun

I can’t quite put my finger on it, but something about this series really appeals to me. This chapter reaffirmed my liking that I got from the previous chapter, and also made me wonder about where it’s going to go. We got a brief glimpse into Boek-On’s history, and though brief it does explain his personality a bit.

Nightschool – Svetlana Chmakova

awwwww I’m really feeling sorry for Alex now *sniff* Some interesting developments once again in this chapter, as well as the last one that really made me pause for thought. Damn I’m glad this is only a monthly wait

Jack Frost – JinHo Ko

hmmm an interesting chapter by all means. With some interesting hints and setting up for the future. Not really sure what to make of it, to much info dumped in this chapter. I’ll give it a few more chapters, but I can’t see where it’s going really. Which I both like and dislike.

Finally we have the Afterword, and Abby’s 4koma

Final Thoughts

Another good all round mag, though I wonder about the skipping of chapters. While I can understand it’s to entice people to buy the tankobon, but equally I think it’s a bit harsh. Not everyone can afford to buy every release out there.