Every quarter we are running a Manga Review Contest where you can submit a review from a selected list of manga. If you want to participate or learn more, click the link. For Halloween, we picked romances Vampeerz My Peer Vampires Volume 1 and Hi, I'm a Witch, and My Crush Wants Me to Make a Love Potion Volume 1.
Vampeerz My Peer Vampires Volume 1 Review By Hailey
Vampire stories are always a fun time. Vampire stories with lesbians are an even better time. Vampeerz, My Peer Vampires combines both into a fun, laidback story about Ichika, a young girl who just lost her grandmother and winds up falling for a mysterious (seemingly) young vampire girl, Aria, who used to know Ichika's grandmother when she was younger. Aria seems to be on the hunt for some unknown object hidden in the home of Ichika's deceased grandmother, whereas Ichika is more than happy to follow this "frighteningly beautiful, super cute and very violent foreign girl." Through this treasure hunt, the two get to know each other just a little more until Ichika finds out what Aria is truly after, bringing forth too many questions that Ichika can't even begin to comprehend.
This was definitely a book judged by its cover and I'm so glad I did. I didn't need to read the description or see the themes listed to know this was Yuri. The cover alone is enough of an indicator, but what I found most intriguing was the art style. Personally, I find most Yuri-themed manga to look very similar to each other, with a rare few sticking out among the rest as being different, but in a good way. Though the backgrounds may be a bit on the simple side, the characters really pop out; highly detailed, full of life and expression, with a slightly realistic style. I could look at drawings of Ichika gushing over her new blood-sucking crush all day. Not only that, but the overall quality of this manga is so well done. I was surprised that it has a faux dust cover, a sturdy one at that.
If you're someone looking to explore what Yuri has to offer, this would definitely be a good start. If you're someone looking for a different twist on Yuri manga, Vampeerz would definitely be a good addition to your collection. Though the story can be a bit fast-paced, it left me wanting the next volume as soon as possible. Now, to play the unfortunate waiting game until the next volume, where hopefully we'll get to see more of their budding romance unfold.
Vampeerz My Peer Vampires Manga Volume 1
Ichika's life has taken a sudden turn. Her grandmother has passed away, so as family and friends come from far and wide to pay their respects, she finds herself in the spotlight as many of these old faces have taken an interest in her youth. As a fourteen-year-old, Ichika could be dating. She could be participating in extra-curricular activities. She could be looking to her future...But she hasn't done any of that. All of that will change when a young guest who she does not recognize visits her home. Aria seems to know quite a bit about her family and property, and while she may be there to say goodbye, she may have found her way into Ichika's heart.
Add to CartLearn MoreHi, I'm a Witch, and My Crush Wants Me to Make a Love Potion Volume 1 Review By Hailey
Hi, I'm a Witch, and My Crush Wants Me to Make a Love Potion. That title is a sentence in and of itself! For the sake of all of us, we'll call it Witch's Love Potion for short, as mentioned by the original story creator in their afterward. Without a doubt, a charming title as that most definitely comes with an equally charming story. Rose, also known as The Good Witch of the Lake, lives alone in her old little hovel, far from society. Her daily life consists of making simple potions or rare, expensive elixirs to sell, along with her typical chores and perhaps a visit from a family merchant friend every couple of weeks. Though the days are simple, they're quiet. Until one day, in walks the crush she's had for four years (and still going strong), Sir Harij Azm, a young noble knight who doesn't know her beyond that she's a witch. His request is one that causes her heart to ache: "I want you to make me a love potion."
Poor Rose is most definitely a relatable character in the most humorous of ways! Though she keeps a calm and collected external front, on the inside her emotions are a whirlwind of love, panic, and embarrassment, with just a hint of sadness. Her life as a recluse has certainly made interactions with strangers (especially her crush) an emotionally draining chore. This is a charming, somber romance between an introvert and an extrovert. It's a very well-balanced story, allowing its characters to feel a variety of emotions.
Going into this, I expected the story to be cute and fun. I wasn't expecting or even ready for Rose to have such a somber existence, portrayed in such a lovely and quiet way. It's a refreshing, easy-to-follow romance that's fun and most definitely has me impatiently waiting for the next volume. Fingers crossed, volume two continues the saga of poor Rose constantly being harassed by a smug deer from the other side of the lake.
Hi, I'm a Witch, and My Crush Wants Me to Make a Love Potion Manga Volume 1
"I want you to make me a love potion." With that single sentence from the object of her affections, the Good Witch of the Lake's crush ended in heartbreak. In a desperate bid to spend more time with him, she sends him on a wild goose chase for ingredients…but when he starts visiting every day to take care of her, she might have gotten much more than she's bargained for!
Add to CartLearn MoreCheck back every month for our manga review contest page as we will be adding new manga to the list! Don't forget to submit your reviews for a chance to win a $75 gift card like Hailey did!