Black Jack Volume 1 by Osamu Tezuka (amazon)
It is very nice that we’re having so many Tezuka works translated into English. But while I appreciate works like Ode To Kirihito I don’t see myself wanting to reread it anytime soon. It was missing a certain element of fun that I usually expect from the creator [...]

This issue feels like it is treading water. A few things happen, but nothing particularly significant. At least Prince Carnelian has some funny lines.
The cover of the issue shows Amethyst and Carnelian on a bridge between worlds, surrounded by spooky looking disembodied monster heads. Carnelian is saying “We’ve only seconds to reach the Gemworld, [...]

Sugar Princess: Skating to Win Volume 1 by Hisaya Nakajo (amazon)
Hana Kimi remains my favorite series about a girl dressing up as a boy to get closer to her object of affection even though the ending in the final volume was a little rushed. So I was curious when I saw that another Nakajo series [...]

Here’s an overview from ICv2

Kyo Kara MAOH! Volume 1 by Temari Matsumoto (amazon)
I was intrigued when I saw that Tokyopop was publishing this manga, because I’d previously watched and enjoyed the anime a couple years ago. I still have the last couple discs of the first season lingering somewhere in my netflix queue and I keep meaning to finish [...]

Les McClaine is doing a week of 100 drawings, so I naturally commissioned an Amethyst Princess of Gemworld sketch from him:

I think this was the best $12 I’ve ever spent!

A little housekeeping note - I made an index page so these recaps are now listed in chronological order.
The cover of the fourth issue shows Amy, Emmy, and Taffy cowering in a basement. Dark Opal is standing in the doorway sayng “Hello girls…fancy meeting you here!” Carl aka Carnelian is rubbing his hands together [...]

Here’s where you can go to nominate your favorite title from 2008

Books
Pegasus Descending by James Lee Burke
Acheron by by Sherrilyn Kenyon
Crown Duel By Sherwood Smith
Lock and Key by Sarah Dessen
Your Scandalous Ways and Mr. Impossible by Loretta Chase
Manga and Graphic Novels
I thought I read more manga than this for the month, I’m guessing I forgot to log some volumes.
Time Stranger Kyoko
Forest of Gray City #1, 2
Mixed [...]

Over at the Neon Season there’s a call for donations. Check it out if you have some manga to spare that would be appropriate for a school library.