Comic Book Review: The Best of DC #38: Superman Vs. the Supernatural

Cover by Hannigan & Smith

Comic Book Review: The Best of DC #38: Superman Vs. the Supernatural edited by Nicola Cuti As I’ve mentioned before, Superman’s impressive array of powers at the top of the super-scale make him a hard character to write challenges for. This led to the invention of Kryptonite and its subsequent overuse as a plot device.… Continue reading Comic Book Review: The Best of DC #38: Superman Vs. the Supernatural

Anime Review: Onmyoji (2023)

Seimei explains some natural philosophy to Hiromasa.

Anime Review: Onmyoji (2023) Abe no Seimei was a documented historical person who lived during the Heian Era of Japan. He was an onmyoji, a practitioner of onmyudo, an art that combined study of astrology, the traditional Chinese elements and other natural philosophy to make predictions and influence events. Indeed, he was considered the pre-eminent… Continue reading Anime Review: Onmyoji (2023)

Manga Review: Mob Psycho 100: Reigen–The Man with Level 131 Max Spirit Power

Manga Review: Mob Psycho 100: Reigen–The Man with Level 131 Max Spirit Power by ONE Aritaka Reigen is the head of the Spirits and Such agency, which investigates and deals with apparently supernatural phenomena. His track record is pretty good, even if he himself seems a little fishy from time to time. Somehow, when Reigen’s… Continue reading Manga Review: Mob Psycho 100: Reigen–The Man with Level 131 Max Spirit Power

Manga Review: Rin-ne #35

Manga Review: Rin-ne #35 by Rumiko Takahashi Quick recap: Rinne Rokudo is a part-human shinigami (death spirit) who helps lost spirits find the proper afterlife. Due to unfortunate circumstances, he’s poor and destined to stay that way for the indefinite future. He’s assisted by his black cat familiar Rokumon, and a female classmate named Sakura… Continue reading Manga Review: Rin-ne #35

Manga Review: Mob Psycho 100 Volume 1

Manga Review: Mob Psycho 100 Volume 1 by ONE Arataka Reigen is a psychic for hire, taking on people’s supernatural problems for a fee. And quite reasonable fees at that! In reality, of course, most people’s supernatural problems aren’t supernatural at all. Con artist Reigen uses his fast tongue and improvisational skills to deal with… Continue reading Manga Review: Mob Psycho 100 Volume 1

Comic Book Review: Snake Tales

Comic Book Review: Snake Tales edited by Mike Howlett Ophiophobia (fear of snakes) is a common phenomenon (Hi Mom!) and has plagued humanity from ancient times, even appearing in the Book of Genesis.  Even humans not afflicted with undue fear of the legless reptiles tend to distrust them, and snakes are often cast as villains… Continue reading Comic Book Review: Snake Tales

Manga Review: Weekly Shonen Jump (USA)

Manga Review: Weekly Shonen Jump (USA) It’s the first anniversary of my blog!  To celebrate, I thought it would be nice to update the very first review that appeared here.  http://www.skjam.com/2012/12/09/manga-review-shonen-jump-alpha/ Shounen Jump is still Japan’s number one best-selling manga anthology title.  Although the primary market is still middle-school through high school boys, people of… Continue reading Manga Review: Weekly Shonen Jump (USA)

Manga Review: Shonen Jump Alpha

Manga Review: Shonen Jump Alpha Let’s start with something hefty, shall we?  Shounen Jump is the #1 manga anthology magazine in Japan, selling in the millions of copies.  Its emphasis on the themes of “friendship, struggle, victory!” have made it a favorite of both its primary demographic of teenage boys (“shounen”) and the general public.… Continue reading Manga Review: Shonen Jump Alpha