Rakuen Le Paradis (楽園Le Paradis)  is the manga equivalent of Bertie Bott’s Every Flavor Beans.  There’s just no other way to describe it. For every story that makes me feel “ahhh” there’s a story that makes me go “ewww.”

In Volume 11, there are a few “ahhs.” Because Hayashiya-sensei’s Seijukuki Jinmei Vega   has just been completed and collected into a volume,* (with Drama CD and without) there is nothing from her. But there is another chapter of Nishi UKO’s “Collectors” which, as always, plumbs the depths of obsession, as we learn that Shinobu uses a barcode reader to catalog her books and Takako would rather die than wear a pair of Shinobu’s sneakers. ^_^

Takemiya Jin’s “Omoi no Kakera” builds toward a climax. Mayu rescues Mika from having to deal with her first lover, an older woman who still holds too much power over Mika’s emotions. Mayu really steps up here, putting the whole story together in an instant and taking decisive action. Mika tells Mayu the truth and determines to not cede control of her life to this person who hurt her so badly.

And, exceptionally amusing is Nishi UKO’s “Up and Down” in which a new neighbor unintentionally plays havoc with a woman’s feelings. I don’t know why, but I just love stories that end up with happy families. ^_^

Ratings:

Overall – Variable doesn’t cut it…let’s try spasmodic

The stuff that’s bad is, in places, *really* not to my taste, but the stuff that’s good is so wonderful I find myself dipping into the jar over and over. ^_^

*Yes, I caught the news about Hayate x Blade ending this AM, thanks. Since it’s another magazine entirely, it’ll keep for the YNN report. ^_^