The Rose of Versailles volume 1 review

 

Book: The Rose of Versailles volume 1

Author: Riyoko Ikeda

Pages: 496

Date(s) Read: June 11^th, 2026 to June 18^th, 2026

Date Published: January 21^st, 2020

Rating: 5/5

Genre: Comics

Characters: 5/5

Writing style: 5/5

Story: 5/5

Ending:  5/5

Cover: 5/5

Format: Hard Cover

Date Bought: May 8^th, 2020

Book Cost: $25.68

Review:

The Rose of Versailles is an outstanding work of not only shojo manga but historical fiction.

 

In this work we follow the reign and life of Marie Antoinette through the eyes of her female commander of the royal guard, Oscar.

 

The characters are all quite compelling with different designs, motivations and personalities. They help give life to an already intriguing narrative. I particularly loved Oscar's character as she deals with trying to do right by a queen who is faltering in her duties to the people.

 

The art is stunning. This classic art is very shojo with big bright eyes, handsome features, and fabulous fashion. The drawings help move the story at breakneck speed.

 

If you love shojo manga and or historical fiction the Rose of Versailles is not to be missed.

Nana volume 1 review

 

Book: Nana volume 1

Author: Ai Yazawa

Pages: 384

Date(s) Read: June 15th, 2026 to June 18^th, 2026

Date Published: October 21^st, 2021

Rating: 5/5

Genre: Manga

Characters: 5/5

Writing style: 5/5

Story: 5/5

Ending:  5/5

Cover: 5/5

Format: Soft Cover

Date Bought: December 8^th, 2025

Book Cost: $0.00

Review:

Nana vol. 1 is an exceptional manga that mixes haute couture with a 1970s punk rock aesthetic.

 

In Nana, two girls, both named Nana, happen to meet on a train going to Tokyo. Each girl has her own reasons for starting over in the big city. Both Nana's are uniquely interesting and lovable. The narrative of both girls really grips you.

 

The art is stunning; no one's art is quite like Ai Yazawa. She has a wholly unique style and a fashion sense that's still hip and cool over 20 years later. Nana is worth it for the eccentric art style that helps enhance what is already a highly compelling narrative.

 

Its been over 20 years since I read Nana. It really stands the test of time. Decades later its still trendy and modern but completely unlike anything else out there. If you're looking for a more mature girls' comic, this is it.

Sailor Moon Eternal Edition volume 3 review

 

Book: Sailor Moon Eternal Edition volume 3

Author: Naoko Takeuchi

Pages: 348

Date(s) Read: June 15^th, 2026 to June 18^th, 2026

Date Published: July 1^st, 2019

Rating: 4/5

Genre: Manga

Characters: 5/5

Writing style: 4/5

Story: 4/5

Ending:  4/5

Cover: 5/5

Format: Soft Cover

Date Bought: April 20^th, 2020

Book Cost: $19.39

Review:

Fabulous art, fashion, and melodrama make up the next exciting installment of neighborhood story.

Neighborhood Story volume 2 review

 

Book: Neighborhood Story volume 2

Author: Ai Yazawa

Pages: 336

Date(s) Read: June 14^th, 2026 to June 16^th, 2026

Date Published: April 2^nd, 2024

Rating: 5/5

Genre: Manga

Characters: 5/5

Writing style: 4/5

Story: 5/5

Ending:  4/5

Cover: 5/5

Format: Soft Cover

Date Bought: November 7^th, 2024

Book Cost: $17.10

Review:

Fabulous art, fashion, and melodrama make up the next exciting installment of neighborhood story.

Sailor Moon Eternal Edition volume 2 review

 

Book: Sailor Moon Eternal Edition volume 2

Author: Naoko Takeuchi

Pages: 345

Date(s) Read: June 10^th, 2026 to June 11^th, 2026

Date Published: July 1^st, 2019

Rating: 4/5

Genre: Manga

Characters: 5/5

Writing style: 4/5

Story: 4/5

Ending:  4/5

Cover: 5/5

Format: Soft Cover

Date Bought: April 27^th, 2020

Book Cost: $17.63

Review:

Another solid installment in the Sailor Moon series featuring more character development, an epic final battle, and tons of melodrama.

Sailor Moon Eternal Edition volume 1 review

 

Book: Sailor Moon Eternal Edition volume 1

Author: Naoko Takeuchi

Pages: 302

Date(s) Read: June 9^th, 2026 to June 10^th, 2026

Date Published: July 1^st, 2019

Rating: 4/5

Genre: Manga

Characters: 5/5

Writing style: 4/5

Story: 4/5

Ending:  4/5

Cover: 5/5

Format: Soft Cover

Date Bought: April 24^th, 2020

Book Cost: $18.90

Review:

Sailor Moon is a fun fast paced shojo manga thats an iconic classic for a reason.

 

In Sailor Moon vol. 1 14-year-old Usagi Tsukino learns she is the pretty soldier Sailor Moon when she comes across a talking cat named Luna. As the story progresses, Usagi must find her other allies and the princess of the Moon as the leader of the team of guardians.

 

This manga has a beautiful romance, fun found family, and epic battle scenes. It's super fast paced, maybe too much sometimes but it's a nonstop thrill ride of action, comedy, and romance.

 

The art is delicate and beautiful. As the series goes on the art steadily improves. Chapters are broken up by stunning full color images.

 

This edition is not to be missed if you're a fan of the manga or an art aficionado.

Neighborhood Story volume 1 review

 

Book: Neighborhood Story volume 1

Author: Ai Yazawa

Pages: 312

Date(s) Read: June 8^th, 2026 to June 9^th, 2026

Date Published: December 5^th, 2023

Rating: 4/5

Genre: Manga

Characters: 5/5

Writing style: 4/5

Story: 4/5

Ending:  4/5

Cover: 5/5

Format: Soft Cover

Date Bought: May 25^th, 2023

Book Cost: $24.99

Review:

This Manga is an excellent shojo with a unique and distinctive art style.

 

In Neighborhood Story aspiring fashion designer Mikako goes to the cool Yaza arts high school with an eclectic group of artists and designers. As they go through their day-to-day Mikako starts to reevaluate her relationship with her childhood friend and neighbor Tsutomu.

 

The art style is really unique; no one else draws characters or cool fashion quite like Ai Yazawa. Comedic moments are well-timed, and the drama is very absorbing and addictive.

 

Everyone is in this motley crew of students has a particular individual personality and design. There's a lot of variation in this diverse group of friends, featuring an array of styles from punk rock to hip-hop.

 

A quick but compelling read, Neighborhood Story is still cool and inspiring 30 years later.