Review: THE REPRISE OF THE SPEAR HERO

 You might be surprised to see me give another chance to another installment in this regrettable franchise, but considering this one is all about second chances it only seems fitting.

THE REPRISE OF THE SPEAR HERO (Yari no Yusha no Yarinaoshi), based on the original light novels by Aneko Yusagi and character designs by Minami Seira with art by Neet.  First published in 2017 and first published in North America in 2019.

PLOT:  

Motoyasu Kitamura was summoned to another world to become the legendary Spear Hero…at least, until he died.  Curiously, upon dying he wakes up once more at the moment of his summoning, with only fragmentary memories but his skills and levels intact.  The one thing he does remember clearly from his past is Filo-tan, the beautiful bird-girl who spurned him before.  This time around he’s determined to find her again and win her heart!  To do so, Motoyasu needs to protect her past and future ‘father’ Naofumi the Shield Hero, even if it means dying over and over until he gets it right.

Review: BASTARD!!

 Let's escape the stress of the everyday world (if just for a bit) with some fantasy manga.  We could all probably use the break.  To begin, we'll look at some classic western-style fantasy, viewed through a heavy metal lens.

BASTARD!! (Basutado!! Ankoku no Hakaishin), by Kazushi Hagiwara.  First published in 1988 and first published in North America in 2002.

PLOT:

The fantastical kingdom of Metallicana has long been at war not just with other kingdoms but also with powerful wizards set on conquest.  It's here where young Yoko lives with her high priest father and her darling, innocent adopted brother Lucien.  When their kingdom is threatened, she and her father must perform a dark ritual upon Lucien, transforming him into the reincarnation of the tall, strapping, foul-mouthed sorcerer Dark Schneider.  Dark Schneider has no interest in saving anyone but himself, but his love of the ladies and his connection to Lucien allows Yoko to hold some control over him.  Their kingdom is saved, but Dark Schneider's resurrection draws forth opponents from his past seeking revenge (and who are unafraid to use those around him as bait).