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Houkago is more than just a shoujo-ish adaptation of a mystery novel. At first glance, the characters seem bland, predictable, and especially the teacher is the prototypical flawless main interest. However, with each new revelation, his characterisation becomes darker. It is his human side that made me root for him, despite his faults. My advice: Don't go into this thinking that there will be some miraculous love story, don't expect some clever trick. Just enjoy how your evaluation of the situation, your perception of the characters changes. Achieving that sort of subtlety is more difficult than coming up with a good locked room murder. Kudos ... to the mangaka.

Noragami is a charming story about an obscure god with a shady past, few friends, and lots of resentful enemies. In a nutshell, it is Rurouni Kenshin with spirits. Despite the fact that the spirit-fighting trope is somewhat overdone (Bleach, Kekkaishi, etc.), Noragami manages to bring something new to the table: Focus. Oh, the first few minutes will fool you, but overall, each episode drives the plot forward. It's a pity that this show doesn't have more episodes. I strongly believe there is more to explore in that universe.
If you sword fights, likable characters, a female lead who is more than just a convenient plot ... device or a gorgeous bystander to entertain male viewers, and some drama... here you go.

This manga is one of those rare gems that you sometimes stumble across. To be honest, I did not expect much, especially because the title isn't particularly catchy nor is the artwork especially powerful or elaborate. But within the first five pages, this manga had me hooked: I had this uncanny feeling that I was reading something that was bigger than life. Boku Dake ga Inai Matchi reads like a Greek tragedy; by going back to save lives, to save himself, the protagonist destroys his own future.


Although the panels are very clean, almost to the point of being bare, the mangaka managed to keep the ... speed in the story, without relying on dazzling effects. It is the dialogue that cuts into you like a sharp razor.
This is one of the best mystery/crime stories I've read in a while - because despite the fact that you know the identity of the culprit (because it just had to be that person, in an ugly, hopeless way), it is still a gripping read. Unlike in other mysteries, I cannot find any fault with the protagonist for not figuring it out earlier... there is a reason, a very human reason for him not making the connection. Because it hurts to be betrayed by those that you look up to. At the same time, the story makes you feel guilty for judging a person without any evidence other than this horrible premonition. And, of course, Satoru doesn't have any time to stop and think things through... he is unable to realize that with each person that he "saves", he is painting a large target on his own back. Due to that, the reader begins to feel the noose tighten around their own neck.
The last selling point of this incredible manga is its depiction of women. I've read lots of manga, and I am fairly used to Japanese stereotypes. Despite the fact that this is essentially a story about a guy saving girls from being preyed on, it doesn't feel like the female characters are weak at all.