Hybrid child by Shungiku Nakamura

 

Commonly mistaken as a doll, the Hybrid Child is a toy that can adapt human abilities—from reading books to conveying emotions. Their capability relies on the degree of affection their owner provides them. Nurture them with the best affection and the model will flourish.

Together for 10 years, the slothful Kotarou Izumi believes that Hazuki—a Hybrid Child whom he owns—will be in his life for eternity. But everything comes crashing down when the artificial human suddenly collapses.

Hybrid Child manifests the struggles of the Hybrid Children and their owners through three brief narratives.

My Rate: 8 (amzn.to/3J9CMUj)

Shout Out Loud! by Satosumi Takaguchi

 

Nakaya, a high school sophomore and ice hockey player, has just lost his mother and ends up moving in with Shino, his long-lost father. Shino's anime voice acting job recently ended, so he finds work on boys' love radio dramas to make ends meet. He gets paired up with the ever-cool Tenryu, and the two bond while another co-worker hits on Shino. Meanwhile, Nakaya is forced to consider dropping out of school, but pressure to get serious about ice hockey is building up! This new, awkward father-son duo must learn how to get along and live together in spite of all odds...and most important, that when you need to shout, you shout out loud!

My Rate: 8 (amzn.to/4aHK3Gk)