Another repeat of the same chorus.
Creative Staff
Story/Art: kakifly
Translation: Jack Wiedrick
What They Say:
As the dawn breaks on a new year, Azusa decides it’s time for the girls of the Pop Music Club to tuck away their tea and cakes, pick up their instruments, and bring the rock ‘n’ roll with another performance! But even though Afterschool Tea Time is starting to sound like a real band, Mio’s stage fright is going to make any live show tricky. What better way to cure shyness than with a part-time job… at a maid cafe?!
The Review!
A new year is starting once more, but the girls remain the same as always, complete with plenty of antics for their first shrine visit. Before long, Mio’s timid nature is brought up, and Tsumugi suggests they hold “special training” to help her become comfortable performing in front of crowds. Much to the delight of those seeking fanservice, this “special training” turns out to be working in a maid café. Though it certainly seems to help her smile and confidence, Mio of course ends up with much the same feelings as she started with regarding live performances.
Next, Mio finds herself the victim of a stalker. After getting some questionable advice from her clubmates and faculty advisor, she gets fed up and goes to the student council, only to find that the stalker was the former student council president, Megumi Sokabe! It turns out Megumi is the president of Mio’s fan club, and she was upset that, since she was graduating, she wouldn’t get to see Mio again. Though Mio is still somewhat creeped out, she is also flattered, and decides to give Megumi a special concert.
After the fun of Valentine’s Day, it becomes time for the class trip. There the girls have plenty of fun seeing Kyoto, looking at music shops, telling ghost stories, and going to the baths. When they return, Yui ends up leaving her guitar at school on a rainy day only to worry over it excessively. Later, the club room gets an air conditioner, the girls join Sawako to view a music festival, and Azusa gets a heavy tan. Finally, as the book comes to an end, we get to see how Ritsu met Mio and the two became friends.
In Summary:
This volume is certainly more of the same, with the same quirks, antics, and musical tidbits provided in the previous two books. It’s still all well and good, and if you were a fan of what has already been shown in the series before, you’re unlikely to be disappointed here. Unfortunately, though, this volume does very little to change things up. No significant new characters appear here, and the old characters don’t show off any new quirks, so this volume ends up feeling very much like what came before it. The content is fun enough if you enjoy the characters, but as it does very little to break the mold, it definitely feels like the weakest book in the series thus far.
Content Grade: B
Art Grade: B+
Package Rating: B+
Text/Translation Rating: A-
Age Rating: 13+
Released by: Yen Press
Release Date: August 16th, 2011
MSRP: $11.99
