Everyone has a favorite teacher; that dedicated, funny, sympathetic role model who helped shape your formative years and provided comfort from the often callous and vicious world of school angst and the pitfalls of growing up. Think about that person for a moment, and what made them great. Picture them in your mind, hear the memory of their voice in your ears. Got a clear image of them? Good.

I bet your mental image looks nothing like this:

This man is Eikichi Onizuka, age 22, virgin, and for a class full of misfits and “social rejects,” he was that favorite teacher, the man who challenged and taught them all about the “real world.” How? By just being himself, and teaching them how NOT to act.

Great Teacher Onizuka was one of those “unlikely anime,” the type that is completely devoid of fantastic elements, lolicons, twenty minute power-ups and skimpy clothing, but still manages to pull the viewer in and keep them interested. Rather than deal with otherworldly enemies threatening human existence, it focused more on the trials and tribulations of being a high school student, which at times could be just as chaotic, and just as terrifying. It lacked “good guys” and “villains,” eschewing instead for a whole lot of gray-shaded cast members who were as petty as they were devoted to their jobs. In short, GTO (as it was so fondly referred to) was a sort of “dirty shonen” slice of life series, more concerned with its world and residents than impressing its reader base.

And that was not a bad thing at all.

A lot of that appeal centered around the aforementioned Onizuka, himself a social misfit more concerned with sex and violence than educating the youth of Japan. A former biker gang leader, he somehow managed to leave the “thug life” behind, enroll in a “5th rate college” and graduate with a degree in…something. You never really find out how studious he was, nor where his “academic” inclinations actually lie, given his preoccupation with porn, fighting and “keeping it real.” But next thing you see, he’s trying to find gainful employment, and failing miserably. Blame his bleached hair, his “yakuza tendencies” or the constant mountain of arrogance that he’s the proud king of, but poor Onizuka can’t seem to catch a break.

All that changes the day he meets, then loses, the “girl of his dreams:” a spunky high school student whom the future Great Teacher is absolutely positive he will finally lose his virginity to. And just as they’re about to do the deed, she literally jumps out a window and into the arms of another man. Who does he lose this wellspring of sexual energy to? Her high school teacher, a dumpy, bespectacled man with a sour face and apparently all the pull in the world. On that day, he swears to become the best teacher in Japan. Why? To get laid.

Let’s put aside the blatantly horrendous motivation for this decision, and focus on Onizuka for a moment. What does he have to offer his students? Forget about the three “R’s,” as Onizuka can barely read himself. Valuable lessons on life? Does one really want to accept the words of a “reformed” biker and generally viewed “lowlife?” Common sense? Not at all, since he’s doing this for the worst reason possible. For all intents and purposes, this man should never be anywhere near children, let alone given the task of teaching them. And yet, that’s exactly what he does.

Finally scoring a job at a prestigious private academy, Onizuka is immediately given the worst class in the school, made up of people either just like him, or well on their way to becoming just like him. Wannabe gang-bangers, unmotivated geniuses, promiscuous girls, awkward kids, and all manner of students who just don’t fit in. These are the students destined to fall through the cracks of the educational system, that the rest of the faculty have given up on, but can’t simply expel because their tuition checks have already been deposited. So, shunted off to the side and ignored, they plod through one ineffective teacher after another, until Eikichi ends up at their door one day, the latest in a long line of schmucks suckered into teaching the class. The “Great Teacher” brings in bluster in the door with him, trailing arrogance like a proud bridal train, ready to talk some “sense” into these students. How do they take to this new teacher, so completely “different” from any they have ever encountered before?

As far as they’re concerned, Onizuka isn’t any different from the others, except maybe that he’s dumber than any one of them, and starving for respect and attention. And they hate him.

Why? Because they can see right through him. They know he’s not a teacher. They know he only cares about having fun. From his “tough guy” facade to his horrible sense of humor, this is a man worthy of only their contempt, which they heap on him in droves. hell, the only reason he’s even in this class is because they’ve driven off every single other teacher assigned to them, and the administrators hope that they will do the same to Onizuka.

Until he starts saving them, one student at a time. Whether it’s giving them a reason to live, putting their problems into perspective, telling them to get over themselves (often with associated punches, kicks and getting his own ass handed to him), helping them get “revenge” on those who wronged them, teaching them to stand up for themselves or just not take any s**t from “the man,” the Great Teacher imparts whatever wisdom and street smarts he can, while often taking lumps and plenty of attitude along the way. It’s like the School of Hard Knocks, 90210-style.

His tenacity eventually overcomes even the most stubborn (or stuck up) of the students he encounters, and by year’s end, he manages to reform the worst class at the academy into something resembling a productive learning unit, while teaching even some of his “colleagues” the value of knowing themselves…or at least giving them lessons in self-extracting their heads from their own asses. A little humility goes a long way, and while Onizuka might not know the meaning of the word, he sure can impart its value on others.

That tenacity is the key to GTO’s appeal. Knowing from the outset that Eikichi Onizuka is an “eternal f**k-up who just doesn’t give a s**t” lends him a certain humanity that drives the story. You know he’s going to fail, yet you cheer for him anyway. When he occasionally succeeds, you celebrate with him. When he gets caught with his pants down (literally, on more than a few occasions), you feel for him, but also realize that it’s only going to make him more careful in the future. His crass manners have a certain charm to them, you root for him to find the “right girl,” and when he finally gets the better of his naysayers, you want to clap him on the back and buy him a drink.

Onizuka is the ultimate underdog. And like most underdogs, you want to see him win, regardless of whether its against “corrupt” educators, “conniving” students, or even his own shortcomings. You want Eikichi Onizuka to win. And I guess in that regard, he already has.

Gratuitous shot of…well, everything.

You can consumer GTO in a number of ways: the 1997-2002 manga, while out of print, is excellent. The 1999 anime is a faithful adaptation of the manga, and easier to track down. The 1998 J-Drama (with 99 sequel film) is a bit short on the plot, but the actor who plays Onizuka is phenomenal. Or you can look for the 2012 reboot. Honestly, it doesn’t matter: any version of GTO is worth consuming. Honestly, how many properties can say that these days? There is also a prequel manga “GTO: The Early Years,” and sequel”14 Days in Shonan,” both available now from Vertical Publishing.

Brave 10, an ongoing manga series published by Media Factory and written and created by Shimotsuki Kairi that focuses on the year before the battle of Sekigahara, which would thus end the Sengoku period in Japan, leaving Tokugawa Ieyasu, as Shogun. The main focus of the series is on Iga ninja, Kirigakure Saizo and Izumo Priestess, Isanami. The story mainly revolves around those two, and their growing friendship and love, more so on Isanami’s part, but it also showcases Sanada Yukimura growing what would be called in history, Sanada’s Ten Braves. All thought to be ten elite ninja bodyguards, always ready to protect Yukimura’s life.

 The original run was title Brave 10 under in Comic Flapper, but after June 2011, it was moved to Monthly Comic Gene and re-titled Brave 10 S, where it continues now. The genre is more so a comical, historical action. Giving into the over-the-topness of Shinobi, and the various ninja skills they possess, from controlling the elements, substitution jutsu, and even controlling fake creatures from far off places, than the heat of the battle. As I said before, the story mainly follows Saizo and Isanami, and after events happen that Ieyasu attacked the Temple for a certain reason, which is later revealed. Afterwards, a weird friendship was struck up with the two as she asked him to escort her to Ueda Castle, and to Sanada Yukimura. So the story uses historical references and other historical figures throughout this time period. The main villain is focused around Ieyasu, as well as, Hattori Hanzo and all his ninja glory with a group of four others, impressive ninja at his command. The manga does contain rather saucy moments, like Isanami not wearing much clothing when she is awakened by Saizo randomly seeing her on his futon. Or a bathing in the waterfall, Anastasia, and being completely bare chest and ass.

The art of the manga, definitely portrays, the high speed action of the ninja attacks, and assaults. Even when action isn’t the main focus of the story, the scenes, of them talking or gathering information from Yukimura, or Isanami giving Saizo a rude awakening in the morning, it’s quite crisp. The emotion portrayed by the characters is clear, and you know what going on, at least facially and from the bubbles. And such, characters like Rokuro, has a large following, and is considered a manho, said by fellow writer, here on the site, and that he is a beautiful ninja, and doesn’t need underwear. Isabel, I had to mention this! As you go, you can tell the artists get more comfortable with the drawing, they become even crisper, and more entertaining. As I mentioned before, the series is still continuing, but I can say when they release volumes or chapters, since they are slightly sporadic. Additionally, they also have a 12 episode anime, which can be seen on crunchyroll; with English subs. Hope you all enjoy this manga and anime as much as I do.

When I saw that there was a new DBZ movie in the works and it was being written and directed by series creator Akira Toriyama for 2013 I lost my mind. The movie is entitled Battle of the Gods and it will be released on March 30 2013 in Japan only with Toei Company Ltd and 20th Century Fox, the US release has yet to be announced and the plot is as follows.

“The events of Battle of Gods takes place several years after the titanic battle with Majin Buu, which determined the fate of the entire universe. Bills, the God of Destruction who is tasked with maintaining some sort of balance in the universe, awakens from a long slumber. Hearing rumors that a Saiyan defeated Frieza, Bills tracks down this warrior: Goku. Ecstatic over the new challenge, Goku ignores King Kai’s advice and battles Bills, but he is overwhelmed and defeated. Bills leaves, but his eerie remark of “Is there nobody on Earth more worthy to destroy…?” lingers on. Goku and his allies must aim to stop the God of Destruction before all is lost. A mysterious character named Wiss also appears in the film”

Visit the films website here

Konami has heard the outcry from the fans to balance the Yu-Gi-Oh! trading card game for all, which is now the world’s most popular and highest selling card game worldwide as of 2012. So that means new sets and new special products. These will give duelists the chance to get some the rarest and most expensive cards in this current format of the game before the September ban-list. Konami has many new releases for both The Trading Card Game or TCG in America and EU; as well as the OCG or Original Card Game in Japan, and all other territories not out side of the the USA/EU. There are so many new products that we cannot put it all in one post. This will be part one of our Yu-Gi-Oh! TCG and OCG news coverage for the remainder of 2012 and into 2013.

Last Week Konami Released Yu-Gi-Oh! Hidden Arsenal 6 Omega XYZ which brought fourth the remaining Vylon Monsters (Light Machine type Monsters) that had yet to be released in America as well as more support for Laval, Gem-Knight, Steelswarm, Gishki, and Gusto monsters.

Next week on August 14th, the first wave of the 2012 tins will be released and will come with 4 promo cards, the featured card of the tin, three packs of the Photon Shockwave booster packs, and two Galactic Overload booster packs.

Heroic Champion – Excalibur Collectible Tin

Heroic Champion – Excalibur (Secret Rare)
Blizzard Princess (Super Rare)
Evolzar Laggia (Super Rare)
Wind-Up Rabbit (Super Rare)
Wind-Up Zenmaines (Super Rare)

Evolzar Dolkka Collectible Tin[

Evolzar Dolkka (Secret Rare)
Genex Neutron (Super Rare)
Scrap Dragon (Super Rare)
Dark Highlander (Super Rare)
Wind-Up Zenmaines (Super Rare)

The second wave of the Yu-Gi-Oh! collector tins release October 30, 2012 with one pack of Photon Shockwave, two packs of Order of Chaos, and two packs of Galactic Overlord.  The four promo cards will be revealed at a later date.
Hieratic Sun Dragon Overlord of Heliopolis Collectible Tin

Ninja Grandmaster Hanzo Collectible Tin

This newly announced tin for the Spell-caster Monster called the Prophecy Destroyer took everyone in the Yu-Gi-Oh! TCG circuit by storm, as this is a separate tin from Konami’s usual four tins per year line up. It will feature the card along with 1 Photon Shockwave booster Pack. two Order of Chaos boosters, one Photon Shockwave booster, and two Galactic Overlord boosters, however little is known about the monster as of yet.  There will also be the four promos that will accompany him in this tin.

Prophecy Destroyer Collectible Tin

Stay Tuned to Real Otaku Gamer for more Yu-Gi-Oh! Trading Card Game and Orignal Card Game New in part two our Yu-Gi-Oh! TCG/OCG News Blowout.

Friday marked the 20th anniversary of the popular manage series Bishojo Senshi Sailor Moon. During a live event celebrating the manga’s anniversary, creator of the series Naoko Takeuchi, publisher Kodansha, and the Japanese female idol group Momoiro Clover Z announced that a new anime adaptation is currently in the works.

Unfortunately, many details concerning the new series have not yet been revealed. Momoiro Clover Z will be singing the theme song to the new anime, but there is no confirmation on who will be playing Sailor Moon/Usagi/Serena, the Sailor Scouts, or Tuxedo Mask/Mamoru/Darien.

The new anime is slated to release worldwide summer 2013.

Sailor Moon Manga Gets New Anime Series in Summer 2013 [Anime News Network]

I’m a strong advocate for the storytelling power of graphic novels. Not just books devoted to super-heroics or collections of assorted back-issues, but those timeless and classic stories that only visual media can seem to properly execute. From the subtle commentary of “Watchmen” and “Maus” to the elaborate fantasies of “Bone,” down the personal explorations of “Local” and “Blankets” before landing squarely inside the pure fun of “Hellboy” or all those volumes of “Fables” I have sitting on my shelf.

But all that pales in comparison to the majesty and prevalence of the graphic novel within the scope of manga. Unlike American comics, we already are well-informed about the many genres and stories scuttling around the Japanese print medium. And many of these genres have introduced us to gems that at first might not even “feel” like an illustrated story.

Case in point: I just finished the fantastic “NonNonBa” by the incomparable manga-ka Mizuki Shigeru. For those unfamiliar with the name, Mizuki is one of modern Japan’s most respected creators of geki-ga, or manga written for adult males. A far cry from the weekly shounen action series or romantic shoujo, geki-ga manga often contains realistic stories, deep characterization and social commentary that we in the US would expect from novels written by a Tom Clancy or Nelson Demille. I wrote a review of one such title for my first ever article on this site back in 2010. But after finishing “NonNonBa,” I finally feel like I’ve taken a step into a much larger world.

Mizuki is known for two major contributions to the geki-ga stage: war stories, drawn from his own experiences during World War II fighting, and tales of ghostly youkai and other embodiments of the weird. In fact, Mizuki might be one of the foremost scholars on youkai theory currently in Japan, with his seminal works like “GeGeGe no Kitaro” and essays on exploring the hidden worlds of the supernatural. NonNonBa is something of a mix between these two very different types of stories: it’s an autobiographical look at his life growing up in pre-war Japan, and his introduction to those same monsters that would eventually populate his future works.

Much of the story is centered on the young “Gege” as he fights daily “wars” with neighboring boys, tries to navigate his schooling and watches as friends around him live and die. In addition there is a good deal of exploration into his own family structure, with a father who, despite being the only man in town to attend college, is content to be a simple bank teller and dream of opening a cinema; a terminally ill cousin who comes to live in the country before she passes; a mother descended from samurai nobility; and a brother torn between responsibility and personal desire. These characters revolve around a singular old woman known affectionately as NonNonBa, a former prayer woman who lives in poverty but manages to bring a touch of old-Japanese wisdom and grace to a slowly more chaotic world.

Azuki Haraki: old Japanese bean-counter

In addition to counsel, NonNonBa also provides young Gege with his first taste of the world outside his own, telling him stories of ghostly presences and lurking monsters who could appear in front of him at any time, whether for good or ill. Of course, Gege is drawn to these stories and begins to both devour them, and create his own, eventually utilizing them as an outlet for his own fears and frustrations. His interactions with one in particular, the Azuki Hakari (a bean-throwing goblin with a hairy face and sometimes sarcastic demeanor), set the tone for his future interactions with the weird, which play out alongside the occasionally sad events his life takes. Not as tragic as his war pieces, this story manages to blend hardship with the playfulness of youth, creating something that feels both authentic and rewarding to the reader.

Artistically, NonNonBa is unlike most manga available: not as many sharp edges or huge eyes, a very “realistic” character design that caricatures his friends and family, and lovely backgrounds that bring his small town to life. Not a lot of “action shots,” but plenty of facial expressions and diversity that relay emotion better than any amount of text could, which blend in well with the dialogue and general “mood” of the story. For readers unfamiliar with geki-ga as a whole, this book might come as a bit of a shock, but one that is easily overcome as the story comes “alive.”

As an introduction to both the genre and the works of Mizuki, this books shines as a readable, beautiful reflection on the life the young author led, and a powerful look into both his motivations and the world of pre-war Japan as a whole. Don’t let the lack of busty girls or powerful attacks detract from the splendid world Mizuki is offering a glimpse into- it will both inform and entertain the reader for the 400+ pages the story takes.

Sometimes we fans forget where we came from. It’s not really our fault. We have internet access, data flying everywhere, and untold stimuli waiting to be uncovered. So it’s not a surprise when we sometimes forget our humble roots of yesteryear. But we are also in a very unique position to return to those roots, and perhaps aid and abet them back to prominence.

Earlier today I was heading home from class when I decided to stop by the local library in search of something to watch on TV tonight. You see, I recently discovered how expansive and contemporary my library’s media collection actually is. Hundreds of movies, music and even games, all for free (if you can return it within 3 days), just waiting for someone to check them out. When it hit me, like the proverbial ton of bricks.

How many of you readers actually use the library? How many of you might view it as some outdated relic of youth, when books and movies were too expensive? How many of you have even been to one recently? I’m hoping a lot of you. I spend a lot of time at my local branch, reading, researching and presenting to the kids. I take advantage of the collection, and even contribute to it when I can. I was practically raised in my local branch, in fact- it’s one of the key reasons why I’m such a voracious reader.

But libraries are being increasingly seen as a thing of the past, suffering from budget cuts and reductions in both hours and books. Some people mention that they don’t have the same importance they once did, or that the money would be better used elsewhere. They have forgotten what libraries were- and are- and how important they can be to the modern generation.

Which is where we come in. We are fans. We know what we want. We have a powerful, collective voice. We have passion and fire. We can speak up.

But how do we speak up? Well, that’s up to you. For starters, look into whether or not your local branch has an anime or manga club. This might not sound very important, but trust me, it can be. Two years ago, I walked into my local branch and asked the very same question. Turns out they had one…sort of. It didn’t meet all that often, though there was a real demand from all the kids and teens reading from the manga wall. This question led to a series of lectures that have since worked their way throughout the library system where I live, and in turn have given these youths a new gateway into appreciating manga and Japanese culture. If your local branch doesn’t have one, then offer to run one. A few hours of your time could bring in plenty of potential new fans, and help spread love for your hobby. At the very least, it has the potential to bring in more people, and direct attention towards what the community wants.

Have a large collection of manga or novels you never read? Why not donate it, then? In a time when cuts threaten the acquisition of books, it often falls to the community to keep the library stocked. And believe me, the librarians will appreciate it. So will the patrons, when they see your books on the shelves and clamor to grab copies. Increased circulation might destroy your book, but it will show the demand and in turn (hopefully) lead to more and more acquisitions of similar style.

Donate your time, if anything else. Volunteering is a way to fill necessary roles while helping the library remain within budget. It also gives you access to books and administrators, who have the potential to listen to you in the end. Sometimes these same people are actively looking for feedback on how to improve standards or on what to order next. Sometimes they are seeking dedicated persons to implement projects or run prospective clubs. If you are there, and you are passionate, you might be able to help in ways you never thought of before.

Just because someone might say the library is dead, that doesn’t make it true. We tend to forget about them, or think “I haven’t been there in forever” when we walk by but not inside, but they are still a vibrant part of the community that deserves attention and a voice. Libraries are one of our best cultural creations, and a valuable resource for just about anybody. So I urge you to visit your local branch and see ways in which you can help. Contribute your time and your love to making the library great. Because it’s too easy to miss something, or become passionate about it, when it’s already gone.

The time is almost upon us for the release of Yugi’s signature God Card Slifer the Sky Dragon. The Card will join Obelisk The Tormentor and The Winged Dragon of Ra
as tournament legal cards in the TCG, and are signed by series creator Kazuki Takahashi. Read the Description’s for all 3 below

Obelisk the Tormentor
[Divine-Beast/Effect]
You must tribute three monsters to Normal Summon this card (you cannot set this card). The Normal Summon of this card cannot be negated. When this card is “Normal Summoned” cards and effects cannot be activated. This card cannot be targeted by Spells, Traps, Spell/Trap effects, or Effect Monster effects. If this card is Special Summoned it is sent to the Graveyard during the End Phase. You can tribute two monsters to destroy all monsters your opponent controls. This card cannot declare an attack the turn this effect is activated.

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THE WINGED DRAGON of RA
[Divine-Beast/Effect]
Cannot be Special Summoned. You must tribute three monsters to Normal Summon this card (you cannot Set this card). The Normal Summon of this card cannot be negated. When this card is Normal Summoned Spells, Traps, and the effects of other cards cannot be activated. When this card is Normal Summoned: You can pay Life Points so that you only have 100 left; this card gains ATK and DEF equal to the amount of Life Points paid. You can pay 1000 Life Points to target 1 monster on the field; destroy that target.

Slifer the Sky Dragon
[Divine-Beast/Effect]
Requires 3 Tributes to Normal Summon (cannot be Normal Set). This card’s Normal Summon cannot be negated. When Normal Summoned, cards and effects cannot be activated. During the End Phase, if this card was Special Summoned: Send it to the Graveyard. This card gains 1000 ATK and DEF for each card in your hand. When a monster(s) is Normal or Special Summoned to your opponent’s side of the field in face-up Attack Position: That monster(s) loses 2000 ATK, then if its ATK has been reduced to 0 as a result, destroy it.

Duelist looking to gain the power of this God Card should sign up to Shonen Jump Alpha here, and you will receive this card along with
Number 16: Shock Master and two other cards yet to be announced.
Later this year the card will be joined by a monster that will contain the power of all three of these monsters. The Creator God of Light, Horakhty. It will also be signed by Kazuki Takahashi.

[Divine-Beast/Effect]
Cannot be Normal Summoned or Set. Must be Special Summoned (from your hand) by Tributing 3 monsters whose original (printed) names are “Obelisk the Tormentor”, “The Winged Dragon of Ra” and “Slifer the Sky Dragon”, and cannot be Special Summoned by other ways. The Special Summon of this card cannot be negated. The player that Special Summons this card wins the Duel.

Be sure to check out Shonen Jump’s Website and yugioh-card.com for more information

This event, held yearly at the Morikami Gardens in Delray Beach, isn’t your regular convention. As an attraction for residents that prides itself in providing an insight on Japanese culture, it kept cos-players and anime fans in a separate area; as to allow regular guests to enjoy events such as traditional tea ceremonies, and shopping for things unrelated to anime or manga in peace. The Pikachu Stage was where all the panels, anime vendors, and dealers were all held, under one big tent, that provided nice shade and a con like atmosphere. However, the park’s beauty, in addition to its museum and the other activities, had everyone roaming and getting along. The costume contest brought a bigger crowd than expected. There were more people crowding around the chairs standing up than those sitting down, and surprisingly many of those people were just regular Joes interested in the wide array of costumes seen around. The costume contest went on for a long time, because of the many cosplayers present went with an intent to compete. Yet it was disappointing how many of the competitors modeled too fast for those taking pictures to get a good shot. Especially from the distance some were taken, given of how beautiful and detailed some of their costumes were. Hatsume Fair didn’t provide much in the way of otaku oriented entertainment, but the few ones given were very decent and educational. It also was a convention that had many cos-players and a laid back atmosphere that opened opportunities to meet more people. But what makes it very special, is that it all takes place in a beautiful place reminiscent of the traditional Japanese culture I’ve come to love just because of its uniqueness and rich history. All in all, I would definitely attend Hatsume Fair again, and I recommend it to anyone who wants to attend a con in a Japanese atmosphere.

The senior members of the Pop Music Club inch forward through their final high school year. The girls study for exams and goof off — but will they actually play any music?!

As usual there is next to no time for music, although now that’s more because they’re supposed to be studying for college than because their sitting around drinking tea (though there is, of course, plenty of that). Kakifly recycles a lot of the same old jokes for this volume: studying for tests proves that Ritsu is lazy and that Yui can’t focus, and casting Mio as Romeo in the class play opens the gate for more “Mio is so shy!” jokes. Mugi is still the most awkward character; it makes sense since one of her traits is an inability to fit in, but her constant desire to get punched like Ritsu can get grating. And there are the usual jokes that just can’t translate from Japanese, like Yui and Ritsu’s song titles and the lyrics to “Rice is the Dish” (you can figure it out from reading the liner notes, but once you explain it, it’s not funny). The manga has its moments, like the lengths Ritsu goes to make Mio tutor her (she climbs through a second story window), or Mio’s panicky behavior when she thinks Ritsu has a boyfriend. But as usual, while K-ON! may make you crack a smile, you’ll be hard pressed to really even chuckle at anything.

Azusa continues to be one of the more likable characters in the manga as she very realistically deals with the stress and sadness of her friends moving on. She worries that they’ve forgotten about the club in favor of doing the school play, and that now that they’re seniors that they’ll quit altogether. Azusa gives a long list of complaints about Yui and the others (particularly Yui), but in the end she has the most emotional reaction: “I promise, I won’t get mad anymore, just…just please don’t graduate…” But then her friends play a farewell song, and she becomes determined: “I’m gonna make the new Pop Music Club so much better than this one–!”

Even with the slight emotional upswing in at the end, K-ON! is still a shallow, goofy story that struggles to hold your attention for more than the length of one chapter. But, that’s not much more than what you can expect from a manga that’s more about hanging out than playing music. Still, for what it is, K-ON! is a fun time – a sweet manga to pick at that won’t make you feel too guilty for whiling your time away with it.

ISBN: 9780316188357 • MSRP: $11.99 • Yen Press • Released December 13, 2011

Review copy provided by the publisher.