Battle Angel Alita: Mars Chronicle, Vol. 11 by Yukito Kishiro

 Battle Angel Alita: Mars Chronicle, Vol. 11 by Yukito Kishiro-165 pages

⭐⭐⭐⭐

Synopsis: Yoko, Erica, and Keun are all taken back to Grünthal for further examination. Erica is tasked with proving herself an asset before she can be allowed to learn the ways of Panzer Kunst. To do so, she and a crew travel to the Canyons of Despair, where she faces off against Zoe with the Great Treasure of Mars on the line… FINAL VOLUME!

Thoughts: I enjoyed reading this final volume of Yoko, Erica, and Keun's story on Mars. This is Alita's (Yoko) origin story. To be honest, it's been a little while since I last read any volumes in this series, so it took a minute for me to remember some details of previous events. Overall, I continue to enjoy anything Battle Angel Alita. 

Soul Eater, Volume 1 by Atsushi Ohkubo

Soul Eater, Volume 1 by Atsushi Ohkubo

Soul Eater #1, 208 pages

⭐⭐⭐.5/5

Synopsis (from Goodreads)

Maka is a weapon meister, determined to turn her partner, a living scythe named Soul Eater, into a powerful death scythe - the ultimate weapon of Death himself! Charged with the task of collecting and devouring the tainted souls of ninety-nine humans and one witch, Maka and her fellow meisters strive to master their weapons as they face off against the bizarre and dangerous minions of the underworld. But the meisters' own personal quirks may prove a bigger obstacle than any sultry enchantress!

Black Clover Vol 36 by Yuki Tabata

 

Black Clover Volume 36

200 Pages | 2025

Summary: In a world of magic, Asta, a boy with anti-magic powers, will do whatever it takes to become the Wizard King!

Asta is a young boy who dreams of becoming the greatest mage in the kingdom. Only one problem—he can't use any magic! Luckily for Asta, he receives the incredibly rare five-leaf clover grimoire that gives him the power of anti-magic. Can someone who can't use magic really become the Wizard King? One thing's for sure—Asta will never give up!

As the battle against Lucius and his Paladins heats up, Noelle joins the fight with a surprising new power. But for the Clover Kingdom to win, they’ll need to rely on Asta once again. Can he arrive in time?

Black Clover Vol 35 by Yuki Tabata

 

Black Clover Volume 35

192 Pages | 2024

Summary: In a world of magic, Asta, a boy with anti-magic powers, will do whatever it takes to become the Wizard King!

Asta is a young boy who dreams of becoming the greatest mage in the kingdom. Only one problem—he can't use any magic! Luckily for Asta, he receives the incredibly rare five-leaf clover grimoire that gives him the power of anti-magic. Can someone who can't use magic really become the Wizard King? One thing's for sure—Asta will never give up!

With Ichika and the others in trouble, Asta arrives to save the day. Has he mastered his new Zetten technique, and will it work against Lucius’s Paladins? Meanwhile, Lucius launches his final attack on the Clover Kingdom. Can the Magic Knights prevent the end of the world?

Black Clover Vol 34 by Yuki Tabata

 

Black Clover Volume 34

208 Pages | 2024

Summary: In a world of magic, Asta, a boy with anti-magic powers, will do whatever it takes to become the Wizard King!

Asta is a young boy who dreams of becoming the greatest mage in the kingdom. Only one problem—he can't use any magic! Luckily for Asta, he receives the incredibly rare five-leaf clover grimoire that gives him the power of anti-magic. Can someone who can't use magic really become the Wizard King? One thing's for sure—Asta will never give up!

As the Clover Kingdom reacts to the news of Asta’s apparent death, the young magicless knight awakens in the mysterious Land of the Sun. Can he survive the hard training there and gain a new power that can challenge Lucius?

Black Clover Vol 33 by Yuki Tabata

 

Black Clover Volume 33

200 Pages | 2023

Summary: In a world of magic, Asta, a boy with anti-magic powers, will do whatever it takes to become the Wizard King!

Asta is a young boy who dreams of becoming the greatest mage in the kingdom. Only one problem—he can't use any magic! Luckily for Asta, he receives the incredibly rare five-leaf clover grimoire that gives him the power of anti-magic. Can someone who can't use magic really become the Wizard King? One thing's for sure—Asta will never give up!

In the battle for humanity, Yami, Nacht, and Yuno give it their all against the king of devils, but it may not be enough. It’ll be up to Asta and Leibe to surpass their limits together and finally avenge their mother!

Black Clover Vol 32 by Yuki Tabata

 

Black Clover Volume 32

192 Pages | 2023

Summary: In a world of magic, Asta, a boy with anti-magic powers, will do whatever it takes to become the Wizard King!

Asta is a young boy who dreams of becoming the greatest mage in the kingdom. Only one problem—he can't use any magic! Luckily for Asta, he receives the incredibly rare five-leaf clover grimoire that gives him the power of anti-magic. Can someone who can't use magic really become the Wizard King? One thing's for sure—Asta will never give up!

To save Yami, the Black Bulls storm their way into enemy territory. And with a powered-up Asta joining the fight, the battle may be going their way. But when the most powerful devil in the underworld finally makes his appearance, the entire world may be on the verge of destruction!

Black Clover Vol 31 by Yuki Tabata

 

Black Clover Volume 31

184 Pages | 2022

Summary: In a world of magic, Asta, a boy with anti-magic powers, will do whatever it takes to become the Wizard King!

Asta is a young boy who dreams of becoming the greatest mage in the kingdom. Only one problem—he can't use any magic! Luckily for Asta, he receives the incredibly rare five-leaf clover grimoire that gives him the power of anti-magic. Can someone who can't use magic really become the Wizard King? One thing's for sure—Asta will never give up!

Noelle and her family have finally taken revenge against the devil who killed their mother, but they can’t celebrate just yet. One member of the Dark Triad remains, and it’ll be up to Yuno to put an end to this battle once and for all!

Black Clover Vol 30 by Yuki Tabata

 

Black Clover Volume 30

192 Pages | 2022

Summary: In a world of magic, Asta, a boy with anti-magic powers, will do whatever it takes to become the Wizard King!

Asta is a young boy who dreams of becoming the greatest mage in the kingdom. Only one problem—he can't use any magic! Luckily for Asta, he receives the incredibly rare five-leaf clover grimoire that gives him the power of anti-magic. Can someone who can't use magic really become the Wizard King? One thing's for sure—Asta will never give up!

The battle against the Dark Triad intensifies as Magna and Noelle join the fray. They’ll need to use their most powerful spells to stand a chance against these vicious devil users. But is this fight just a prelude to even greater horrors…?

Black Clover Vol 29 by Yuki Tabata

 

Black Clover Volume 29

192 Pages | 2022

Summary: In a world of magic, Asta, a boy with anti-magic powers, will do whatever it takes to become the Wizard King!

Asta is a young boy who dreams of becoming the greatest mage in the kingdom. Only one problem—he can't use any magic! Luckily for Asta, he receives the incredibly rare five-leaf clover grimoire that gives him the power of anti-magic. Can someone who can't use magic really become the Wizard King? One thing's for sure—Asta will never give up!

Having finally mastered Devil Union, Asta must head to the Spade Kingdom to help his friends. But he’s gonna need some help getting there. And will he be ready for the devilish terrors that await him?

Black Clover Vol 28 by Yuki Tabata

 

Black Clover Volume 28

192 Pages | 2022

Summary: In a world of magic, Asta, a boy with anti-magic powers, will do whatever it takes to become the Wizard King!

Asta is a young boy who dreams of becoming the greatest mage in the kingdom. Only one problem—he can't use any magic! Luckily for Asta, he receives the incredibly rare five-leaf clover grimoire that gives him the power of anti-magic. Can someone who can't use magic really become the Wizard King? One thing's for sure—Asta will never give up!

It’s the Dark Triad vs. the Resistance as the battle for the Spade Kingdom begins! To win it’s going to take the Clover Kingdom’s best—and for Asta and Yuno to surpass their limits like never before!

Black Clover Vol 27 by Yuki Tabata

 

Black Clover Volume 27

184 Pages | 2021

Summary: In a world of magic, Asta, a boy with anti-magic powers, will do whatever it takes to become the Wizard King!

Asta is a young boy who dreams of becoming the greatest mage in the kingdom. Only one problem—he can't use any magic! Luckily for Asta, he receives the incredibly rare five-leaf clover grimoire that gives him the power of anti-magic. Can someone who can't use magic really become the Wizard King? One thing's for sure—Asta will never give up!

Asta will need to get much more powerful if he ever hopes to defeat the demonic leaders of the Spade Kingdom. Things look bleak, but then a mysterious mage named Nacht appears—and he knows a few things about harnessing a devil's power. Does Asta have what it takes to learn how to control his own devil powers and rescue Captain Yami?

Black Clover Vol 12 by Yuki Tabata

 Black Clover Volume 12

200 Pages | 2018

Summary: In a world of magic, Asta, a boy with anti-magic powers, will do whatever it takes to become the Wizard King!

Asta is a young boy who dreams of becoming the greatest mage in the kingdom. Only one problem—he can't use any magic! Luckily for Asta, he receives the incredibly rare five-leaf clover grimoire that gives him the power of anti-magic. Can someone who can't use magic really become the Wizard King? One thing's for sure—Asta will never give up!

After a successful trip to the Forest of Witches, Asta and friends receive some well-deserved time off. But when the Magic Knights assemble in the capital for a special festival, a new adventure awaits Asta and Yuno!

Black Clover Vol 11 by Yuki Tabata

 

Black Clover Volume 11
200 Pages | 2018

Summary: In a world of magic, Asta, a boy with anti-magic powers, will do whatever it takes to become the Wizard King!

Asta is a young boy who dreams of becoming the greatest mage in the kingdom. Only one problem—he can't use any magic! Luckily for Asta, he receives the incredibly rare five-leaf clover grimoire that gives him the power of anti-magic. Can someone who can't use magic really become the Wizard King? One thing's for sure—Asta will never give up!

Asta and friends find themselves facing off against both the Diamond Kingdom and the Eye of the Midnight Sun. Can they defeat both forces and save the Forest of Witches? Perhaps an old enemy will help turn the tide of the battle!

Black Clover Vol 10 by Yuki Tabata

 

Black Clover Volume 10
200 Pages | 2018





























Summary: In a world of magic, Asta, a boy with anti-magic powers, will do whatever it takes to become the Wizard King!

Asta is a young boy who dreams of becoming the greatest mage in the kingdom. Only one problem—he can't use any magic! Luckily for Asta, he receives the incredibly rare five-leaf clover grimoire that gives him the power of anti-magic. Can someone who can't use magic really become the Wizard King? One thing's for sure—Asta will never give up!

With Asta's arms damaged beyond repair, the other members of the Black Bulls search for ways to cure him. The powerful magic in the Forest of Witches may offer a ray of hope, but what will Asta have to give up in order to receive the cure...?

Black Clover Vol 9 by Yuki Tabata

 

Black Clover Volume 9

192 Pages | 2017

Summary: In a world of magic, Asta, a boy with anti-magic powers, will do whatever it takes to become the Wizard King!

With the battle for the water temple finally over, the Black Bulls return home to the Clover Kingdom as heroes. But more trouble is on the horizon as the Diamond Kingdom launches an invasion! Can Yuno and the Golden Dawn repel the invading mages?

With the battle for the water temple finally over, the Black Bulls return home to the Clover Kingdom as heroes. But more trouble is on the horizon as the Diamond Kingdom launches an invasion! Can Yuno and the Golden Dawn repel the invading mages?

Battle Angel Alita Mars Chronicle Vol. 10 by Yukito Kishiro

 Battle Angel Alita Mars Chronicle Vol. 10 by Yukito Kishiro-176 pages

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Goodreads Synopsis: The operation to track down Yoko is interrupted when Gyapollo launches an ambush in the night. A clever trap does some damage, but Keun knows a duel is inevitable, and that he must put everything on the line. Meanwhile, Yoko's solo adventuring leads her to a monumental discovery-if only she understood its significance…

Thoughts: I enjoyed reading this even more than the previous volume. Battle Angel Alita is easily still my favorite manga to read. I like the mix of genres (dystopian, sci-fi, fantasy, and manga). I am always rooting for Alita/Yoko. I am excited for the next volume to be released and to read more about Alita's origin story.

Battle Angel Alita: Mars Chronicle Vol. 9 by Yukito Kishiro

 Battle Angel Alita: Mars Chronicle Vol. 9 by Yukito Kishiro-176 pages

⭐⭐⭐⭐

Goodreads Synopsis: The cyber-martial arts saga that has spanned a solar system and over two decades in print returns, with creator Yukito Kishiro's new sequel that reveals the true story of Alita's childhood on Mars, and the mind-bending adventures that still await her...

Freed from the Fardarrig military, the Dejah Thoris can only enjoy a momentary peace before another dangerous foe descends upon Keun and the residents. The enemy’s name is Gyapollo, and he’s taken Yoko hostage and spirited her away! On top of that, he seems to have an enduring grudge against Keun, but why…?

Thoughts: I enjoyed reading this. Battle Angel Alita is still my favorite manga to read. I like the mix of genres (dystopian, sci-fi, fantasy, and manga). I am always rooting for Alita/Yoko. 

Black Clover Volume 8 by Yuki Tabata

 

Black Clover Volume 8

192 Pages | 2017

Summary: In a world of magic, Asta, a boy with anti-magic powers, will do whatever it takes to become the Wizard King!

Asta is a young boy who dreams of becoming the greatest mage in the kingdom. Only one problem—he can't use any magic! Luckily for Asta, he receives the incredibly rare five-leaf clover grimoire that gives him the power of anti-magic. Can someone who can't use magic really become the Wizard King? One thing's for sure—Asta will never give up!

As Asta and the Black Bulls continue their search for the magic stone in the Underwater temple, they are blindsided by Vetto of the Eye of the Midnight Sun. Can the rowdy Black Bulls work together to take down this fearsome foe?

Review: Outside of the main high stakes fight, which honestly is a very good one overall in the grand scheme of the manga's fights in general. Finral gets some awesome character development and a courage boost, plus we even get more of his background! His and his brother's backstory are some of my favorite written backstories throughout the manga. Vanessa also gets a chance to shine. Without the teamwork Asta, Finral, and Vanessa show, I truly believe they would have no chance. But see for yourself just how tough a foe they face this time. 

Black Clover Volume 7 by Yuki Tabata

 

Black Clover Volume 7

200 Pages | 2017

Summary: In a world of magic, Asta, a boy with anti-magic powers, will do whatever it takes to become the Wizard King!

Asta is a young boy who dreams of becoming the greatest mage in the kingdom. Only one problem—he can't use any magic! Luckily for Asta, he receives the incredibly rare five-leaf clover grimoire that gives him the power of anti-magic. Can someone who can't use magic really become the Wizard King? One thing's for sure—Asta will never give up!

After the battle with the Eye of the Midnight Sun, the Wizard King suspects that there might be a traitor among the Magic Knights. But who is it, and how can Asta help expose the crooked knight?

Review: The summary makes me not want to spoil anything, but I will say the "quest" to uncover this crooked knight is a very entertaining one to read, especially the very end. There may be more than just a crooked knight alone to uncover. Furthermore, in the aftermath, the story lightens up for some time and Noelle gets some much needed assistance in learning to control her magic from a girl she meets at the beach. With the faith of her friends and the help of a new friend, does she have what it takes? I guess you'll have to see for yourself! I enjoy this volume a lot as well for its character development and because of Page 50 very specifically.