My Favorite Ongoing Manga Series

I got into a car accident last week, so I've been a little behind in my reviewing. So, I thought I would tell you all which ongoing (still being released) manga series I am currently reading. These are some of my favorite series, but it doesn't include Genshiken or Death Note for example, because both of those series are finished.

BECK: Mongolian Chop Squad - In Volume 10 band is trying to take off, and Koyuki is trying to figure out his relationship with Maho (or if there's even a chance to have one with her). Volume 11 is due out on March 4th.

Bleach - The Bleach gang has returned from the Soul Society, now they have to deal with a new enemy, the arrancar, but are they the real enemy? Volume 23 is due out June 3rd.

Fruits Basket - More of the mystery of the Sohma family unravels. Will Tohru end up with either Yuki or Kyo? Fruits Basket 19 is due out on March 18th

Kurosagi Corpse Delivery Service - The team is still helping the bodies of the dead find their rightful resting place. Lots of creepiness and dark humor. Kurosagi Corpse Delivery Service 6 is already out, but I'm a bit behind. Volume 7 is out on July 25th.

Nana - Nana is trying to become a star with Blast while Hachi (other Nana) tries to decide between Nobu and Takumi. Nana 9 is due out on March 4th.

Ouran High School Host Club - Haruhi is settling in to life at the Host Club well, and the fun continues. I am behind on this series, only having finished 5 volumes, but there are 10 volumes out. I am hoping for some more consistent plot soon, but I still love the hilarity. I have to say though that the anime is even better, and if you can track it down, check it out.

Venus Versus Virus - Gothic lolita + supernatural = win! Volume 3 is due out March 18th

The Wallflower - The boys are still trying to turn Sunako into a lady and keep the fact that she's still lurking in shadows from her Aunt. In volume 4, Kyohei has to pretend to date Sunako to avoid her havign to go on a blind date. This is another series I am behind on. I have finished the first four volumes and love them more and more. Volume 15 comes out on April 15th.

BECK: Mongolian Chop Squad Volumes 1-7

Overall Rating: A+
Synopsis: Beck is a manga by Harold Sakuishi that follows Koyuki, a junior high nerd. At the beginning of the series, Koyuki leads a boring life, with a pervert as his only friend. That all changes when he saves a strange looking dog named Beck, and meets the dog's owner, Ryuusuke. The two become friends, and Koyuki starts down the path to being cool.

Beck centers around a band formed by Ryuusuke, and its rise to fame, but that's not what the series is about. The manga primarily follows Koyuki, and focuses on his trouble with girls, trying to learn to play the guitar, getting extorted for money by a bully, and his failing grades. Oh, yeah, and his swimming lessons from Saitou-san. The series touches on Koyuki's struggles in a way that makes the fact that he is becoming famous (at least at his school and in underground clubs) for his singing.

As the story progresses, it focuses more and more on the fledgling band, and its rise in popularity. At the end of volume 7, there is even an interesting subplot based around Ryuusuke's guitar, Lucille. It's these little things, subplots that don't focus on the band itself, but on its members that make Beck one of the better manga out there. It makes the characters intriguing, and I identify with the geek in Koyuki. Maybe one day, I can be in a Japanese punk band...