Honeko Akabane’s Bodyguards Vol. 1
Get ready for high-energy action with Honeko Akabane’s Bodyguards! This manga is so popular it even got turned into a live-action show this year, and now you can read the original manga series from Kodansha. The story is full of twists and turns, focusing on Honeko Akabane, who has a big secret: her dad is a powerful yakuza boss. Protecting her is her childhood friend, Ibuki Arakuni, a bit of a troublemaker himself. But it’s not just Ibuki – the entire class of 22 students are secretly trained bodyguards tasked with keeping Honeko safe. The problem? None of them really like Ibuki being in charge.
But there’s a reason for all this protection. Hidden among the 22 bodyguards is a spy, because someone is trying to harm Honeko. So, while Ibuki is trying to keep Honeko safe from outside threats and also deal with his own feelings for her, he also has to figure out which of his classmates is secretly working against them. As the first volume ends, things get even more complicated with the arrival of Honeko’s half-sibling, who poses a new danger. This series is full of action from the very beginning and doesn’t slow down. If you are a fan of manga like Kill Blue or Shinobi Undercover, you will definitely want to pick up Honeko Akabane’s Bodyguards. It’s a thrilling ride with plenty of fights, mystery, and even a bit of romance mixed in. The characters are interesting, and the plot keeps you guessing. It’s a great choice for readers who love action-packed stories with a school setting and a touch of intrigue.
Honeko Akabane’s Bodyguards Vol. 1 is available now.
The Dashing Zaddy and His Icy Protégé Vol. 1
For something a bit different, Kodansha has just released a unique Boys’ Love (BL) manga called The Dashing Zaddy and His Icy Protégé. This series plays with expectations, as neither of the main characters are quite what they seem at first glance. Hiwatari, the younger character, is very attractive but has a very cold and distant personality. On the other hand, his boss, Takanashi, who is 40 years old, seems to have it all – good looks, a great personality, and a successful career. However, beneath the surface, things are not so simple. Hiwatari, despite his cold exterior, is actually a very kind and sweet person. And Takanashi, the seemingly perfect “zaddy,” has been struggling with erectile dysfunction (ED). But here’s where things get interesting: whenever Hiwatari is close to him, Takanashi’s problem disappears. He’s confused about why this happens, but readers might already be guessing the reason – could it be love?
The Dashing Zaddy and His Icy Protégé is filled with charming and cute artwork, and it’s got a good sense of humor. The English translation keeps the light and funny tone of the original manga. If you enjoy BL stories that are more on the humorous and lighthearted side, this is definitely a manga you should check out. It’s a fun and heartwarming story about overcoming personal challenges and finding unexpected connections. The manga explores themes of vulnerability, acceptance, and the surprising ways love can blossom in the most unexpected places. The dynamic between the “icy” Hiwatari and the “dashing” Takanashi is entertaining and engaging, making it a delightful read for fans of romantic comedies and BL manga alike. It’s a refreshing take on workplace romance with a touch of humor and a lot of heart.
The Dashing Zaddy and His Icy Protégé Vol. 1 is available now.
Spacewalking with You Vol. 1
Finally, for a manga that’s likely to become a modern classic, take a look at Spacewalking with You, another fantastic Kodansha manga. On the surface, it seems to be about two very different high school friends, but it goes much deeper. It’s a thoughtful and insightful story about navigating life when you feel different from everyone else. Kobayashi is a delinquent student who’s not good at schoolwork or holding down a job. He just assumes he’s simply not capable. But his perspective changes when he meets Uno, who is seen as “weird” by their classmates. Kobayashi discovers Uno’s notebook, filled with helpful tips for dealing with everyday challenges, things to help him stay grounded when things get overwhelming. Kobayashi realizes that these tips might be helpful for him too.
Together, Kobayashi and Uno start to understand each other’s unique ways of seeing the world and learn how to support each other as they “spacewalk” through the complexities of modern society. Spacewalking with You will deeply resonate with anyone who has been diagnosed with autism, ADHD, or similar conditions, especially later in life. It beautifully captures the feeling of finally understanding why you’ve always felt different. The artwork is stunning, especially the two-page spreads that visually represent how Uno experiences the world. But the manga also explores the experience of those who go undiagnosed, who might be seen as simply “lazy” or “unmotivated” because their struggles are not understood. More than anything, Spacewalking with You is a story filled with hope. While the world around Kobayashi and Uno might not always understand them at first, they gradually find ways to help each other and themselves. It’s a heartwarming and important manga that promotes understanding, acceptance, and the power of friendship in a world that isn’t always designed for everyone. It encourages empathy and celebrates neurodiversity in a beautiful and accessible way. This manga is not just a story; it’s an experience that can offer comfort and validation to many readers.