What do you think?
Rate this book
赤羽骨子のボディガード [Akabane Honeko no Bodyguard] #1
Honeko Akabane's Bodyguards, Vol. 1
They have only one goal--to kill Honeko Akabane! One day, Arakuni Ibuki learns that his childhood friend, Honeko Akabane, is being targeted by assassins! Both of them are in Class 3-4 at Sosoji High School, and Ibuki is ordered to protect Akabane for one year. His goal is to ensure that she graduates safely, but he must do so without her realizing it. And so begins his secret life as a bodyguard at school! However, there seems to be more secrets within the so-called "Class 3-4"...?!
192 pages, Paperback
First published January 17, 2023
4 people are currently reading
95 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 89 reviews
July 6, 2025
My thanks to NetGalley and Kodansha for an eARC of this book to read and review.
DNF at page 82.
My apologies, but this was too OTT and stupid for me to be able to suspend the disbelief needed to read and enjoy it. It makes no sense that the father, who already has an ENTIRE CLASS of trained bodyguard operatives, tell the secret to the ONE kid in the class who ISN'T in on the secret, and expect him to help protect his daughter. The kid can fight, but he's not trained like the other kids are. Why even bring him into it?
And the kid seems to forget that ALL of the other kids in the class are really there for one reason and one reason only, pretend to be typical high schoolers, but protect the girl with their lives. Like he tries to be all tough with them and declare in not so many words, that he is top dog, which is honestly laughable.
He's also the typical hot-head yandare and YAWN.
The MC h for her part is oblivious. She does seem to like the MC H, but because of his violent and angry tendencies, she sees him as someone she needs to "help", which honestly isn't a healthy start to a relationship. Neither is the boy keeping the secret from her about her dad, the assassins, etc., but if he told her, he would probably be disappeared or something, so that makes sense. He could tell her that he likes her though, maybe TRY to have a normal and healthy relationship?
But then I realize they are teenagers who act this way to further the plot and try to relax, lol.
If you like silly, OTT action and classic tropes of high school mis/lack of communication, then this might be your thing. It just wasn't mine. The artwork isn't bad, but it wasn't enough to save this for me.
2, I really didn't like this one but YMMV, stars.
DNF at page 82.
My apologies, but this was too OTT and stupid for me to be able to suspend the disbelief needed to read and enjoy it. It makes no sense that the father, who already has an ENTIRE CLASS of trained bodyguard operatives, tell the secret to the ONE kid in the class who ISN'T in on the secret, and expect him to help protect his daughter. The kid can fight, but he's not trained like the other kids are. Why even bring him into it?
And the kid seems to forget that ALL of the other kids in the class are really there for one reason and one reason only, pretend to be typical high schoolers, but protect the girl with their lives. Like he tries to be all tough with them and declare in not so many words, that he is top dog, which is honestly laughable.
He's also the typical hot-head yandare and YAWN.
The MC h for her part is oblivious. She does seem to like the MC H, but because of his violent and angry tendencies, she sees him as someone she needs to "help", which honestly isn't a healthy start to a relationship. Neither is the boy keeping the secret from her about her dad, the assassins, etc., but if he told her, he would probably be disappeared or something, so that makes sense. He could tell her that he likes her though, maybe TRY to have a normal and healthy relationship?
But then I realize they are teenagers who act this way to further the plot and try to relax, lol.
If you like silly, OTT action and classic tropes of high school mis/lack of communication, then this might be your thing. It just wasn't mine. The artwork isn't bad, but it wasn't enough to save this for me.
2, I really didn't like this one but YMMV, stars.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 9, 2025
If you're able to suspend your disbelief, this is actually a lot of fun. The action and the humor are both delightfully over the top, but there are enough cute moments between the leads to keep me invested in their relationship as well.
May 2, 2025
I received an ARC through NetGalley for an honest review.
In the few week or so, after not really dabbling beyond some Beserk, I have absolutely fallen in love with manga and this was another absolute banger that I might never come across, but ended up completely knocking my socks off.
The premise is simple:
There's a whole bunch of assassins going John Wick 2 on a school girl and her childhood friend and classmates have to keep her both alive and none the wiser. Violent and ridiculous hijinks ensue.
The way the premise is realised is a perfect storm of all the classic tropes and all the fun that can be had from the high school hijinks and peril is exquisite.
The writing is engaging, ridiculous, and endearing, just like the fabulous cast of characters.
I absolutely need the second volume when it's translated!
In the few week or so, after not really dabbling beyond some Beserk, I have absolutely fallen in love with manga and this was another absolute banger that I might never come across, but ended up completely knocking my socks off.
The premise is simple:
There's a whole bunch of assassins going John Wick 2 on a school girl and her childhood friend and classmates have to keep her both alive and none the wiser. Violent and ridiculous hijinks ensue.
The way the premise is realised is a perfect storm of all the classic tropes and all the fun that can be had from the high school hijinks and peril is exquisite.
The writing is engaging, ridiculous, and endearing, just like the fabulous cast of characters.
I absolutely need the second volume when it's translated!
April 16, 2025
Spy X Family meets romantic comedy in this manga full of yakuzas, elite teenagers, and lots and lots of violence. Personally, I was really excited to read it because I just knew it would be totally my style—and I wasn't wrong. The first volume of this series starts off in the best way possible. Amidst all the action, the protagonist sets the stage while taking down a few assasins, since his job is to protect the hidden daughter of one of the most powerful yakuza bosses. To do so, he has the help of his entire high school class—who were hired since childhood to be Honeko’s friends and bodyguards, trained to kill.
However, class 3-4 can no longer be fully trusted, as there's a traitor among them (or possibly more than one) that needs to be uncovered and eliminated. The action in this manga is incredible, and the characters—each one different with unique skills—form a really compelling cast. Without a doubt, I can’t wait to read more.
Special thanks to NetGalley for providing this review copy.
However, class 3-4 can no longer be fully trusted, as there's a traitor among them (or possibly more than one) that needs to be uncovered and eliminated. The action in this manga is incredible, and the characters—each one different with unique skills—form a really compelling cast. Without a doubt, I can’t wait to read more.
Special thanks to NetGalley for providing this review copy.
April 30, 2025
Unbeknownst to her Akabane Honeko is the illegitimate child of the head of the Jingu Gangs boss and with him retiring his beloved daughter whom he has only ever wanted to have a normal life has a target on her head. So he does the most natural thing ever, enlists the help of her childhood friend Ibuki to keep her alive. Easier said than done when assassins could be lurking everywhere, even in her own class.
I've never been a huge of yakuza inspired manga, anime, and games but I gotta admit there's been a few that have come out over the last few years that have really caught my eye and this is definitely one of them. When the synopsis says it's a Assassination Classroom meets your white knight trope that pretty much nails it. Akabane's entire class is made up of elite assassins trained since childhood to protect her and like Assassination Classroom each of them have their own thing and their own quirky little personalities that either are the exact opposite of their specialty or are no brainers. Ibuki, of course, doesn't want to admit to anyone that (especially himself) that he's head over heels for Akabane although when push comes to shove and his emotions run high (which is actually all of the time) he'll admit it. And then, of course, say something stupid to Akabane. The art is great as well, and with this twist on the White Knight Trope, this becomes an adorable romance manga with an action twist. I'll be continuing this one for sure!
I've never been a huge of yakuza inspired manga, anime, and games but I gotta admit there's been a few that have come out over the last few years that have really caught my eye and this is definitely one of them. When the synopsis says it's a Assassination Classroom meets your white knight trope that pretty much nails it. Akabane's entire class is made up of elite assassins trained since childhood to protect her and like Assassination Classroom each of them have their own thing and their own quirky little personalities that either are the exact opposite of their specialty or are no brainers. Ibuki, of course, doesn't want to admit to anyone that (especially himself) that he's head over heels for Akabane although when push comes to shove and his emotions run high (which is actually all of the time) he'll admit it. And then, of course, say something stupid to Akabane. The art is great as well, and with this twist on the White Knight Trope, this becomes an adorable romance manga with an action twist. I'll be continuing this one for sure!
April 16, 2025
Kodansha Comics provided a galley for review.
The cover of this manga volume really got my attention. The contrasting black and white with the red all work well together to create an eye-catching visual.
The interior art has a very classic manga style to it. The line work is varied in its weights, thin to show off details while also heavy for emphasis. The faces and body language are all very expressive. It reminds me in so many ways of the manga I discovered back in the mid-1990's (which is a very good thing).
Is the story full of classic elements and tropes? Most definitely. However, that's part of its charm. It is not looking to reinvent the wheel. It is just trying to deliver a tale of action and romance in a known form. And for that, it does deliver. There are also a number of twists that send the story down an interesting path. I will be looking for the next collection of chapters.
The cover of this manga volume really got my attention. The contrasting black and white with the red all work well together to create an eye-catching visual.
The interior art has a very classic manga style to it. The line work is varied in its weights, thin to show off details while also heavy for emphasis. The faces and body language are all very expressive. It reminds me in so many ways of the manga I discovered back in the mid-1990's (which is a very good thing).
Is the story full of classic elements and tropes? Most definitely. However, that's part of its charm. It is not looking to reinvent the wheel. It is just trying to deliver a tale of action and romance in a known form. And for that, it does deliver. There are also a number of twists that send the story down an interesting path. I will be looking for the next collection of chapters.
June 19, 2025
A whole high school class protecting a girl from killers on the loose ? Count me in !
I enjoyed the aspect of the uncover students organizing themselves to stop hired assassins and the little romance between Akabane and Ibuki. They are idiots in love oblivious to the feelings of one another !
While it was an entertaining read, the plot didn't hooked me enought to continue the series. Especially when I think about the mafia's heir last development in the story.
Anyways, this story might appeal to Spy x family fans for the silliness of the actions and the art !
Thank you NetGalley for this ARC !
I enjoyed the aspect of the uncover students organizing themselves to stop hired assassins and the little romance between Akabane and Ibuki. They are idiots in love oblivious to the feelings of one another !
While it was an entertaining read, the plot didn't hooked me enought to continue the series. Especially when I think about the mafia's heir last development in the story.
Anyways, this story might appeal to Spy x family fans for the silliness of the actions and the art !
Thank you NetGalley for this ARC !
April 22, 2025
[Thanks to Kodansha and NetGalley for an ARC of this manga in exchange for an unbiased review.]
This was one of those manga that I nearly skipped past and at one point I just tossed my hands up, said ‘eh, why not?’ and, boy, I’m very glad that I did. It’s a ton of fun, all things considered.
Oh, it starts off pretty basic. Akabane is the strait-laced student council president and her childhood friend, Ibuki, is a delinquent. She’s hostile to his antics, yet receptive to his advances, if he made any, and I just described dozens of manga, many from decades earlier.
Yet this embraces the past while it does something with it. In another not so surprising move, Akabane is the secret daughter of a mob boss and assassins are constantly after her. Ibuki must protect her without her learning the truth of her lineage so she has the proverbial normal life.
And if it was just that, this would be an okay, if pedestrian, story with slightly exaggerated art that I don’t love, but gets the job done. Generic would about describe it. Except it really doesn’t.
If this sounds at all interesting, I wouldn’t read a lick of any other descriptions about this story. The reason this works in the end, even amidst a couple missteps, is because it escalates wonderfully.
Now, I have no expectations that this can possibly maintain the freight train of its narrative for much longer than it just did, but it’s a hell of an effective first volume that kept me engaged the whole way through.
Just as you get one reveal that seems like you’ll have another six volumes of material, there’s another reveal, then another. And it goes after them with wild abandon. I wouldn’t say my jaw dropped, exactly, but it did manage a pretty good descent. And did I cheer at parts of this manga? Yes, yes, I did.
Ibuki and Akabane are nothing new, but I like them. Ibuki has his moments when he’s an idiot, but can also be very clever when he needs to be. When he outfoxes a mob boss in the library it’s a good laugh and very clever (although I absolutely wish they’d kept it as gay as it seemed).
Akabane is quick to fume over Ibuki’s antics or if he somehow manages to miss her occasional advances, vintage Love Hina right there, and the two of them could stand a little more nuance, but they’re not totally cardboard.
This absolutely manages to overcome its sometimes slight characterization by going after its plotting full throttle. And, frankly, this is one time where I feel that actually pays off.
If you aren’t already interested in these stories at all, I don’t know that it’ll change your mind. My interest is admittedly very minimal, however, and I had a great time. So, it has merit.
4 stars - certainly not perfect, for all the reasons I listed, and maybe a couple more, but it’s a really good time that knows just how to keep upping itself to make it all work. Recommended for the target audience, for sure.
This was one of those manga that I nearly skipped past and at one point I just tossed my hands up, said ‘eh, why not?’ and, boy, I’m very glad that I did. It’s a ton of fun, all things considered.
Oh, it starts off pretty basic. Akabane is the strait-laced student council president and her childhood friend, Ibuki, is a delinquent. She’s hostile to his antics, yet receptive to his advances, if he made any, and I just described dozens of manga, many from decades earlier.
Yet this embraces the past while it does something with it. In another not so surprising move, Akabane is the secret daughter of a mob boss and assassins are constantly after her. Ibuki must protect her without her learning the truth of her lineage so she has the proverbial normal life.
And if it was just that, this would be an okay, if pedestrian, story with slightly exaggerated art that I don’t love, but gets the job done. Generic would about describe it. Except it really doesn’t.
If this sounds at all interesting, I wouldn’t read a lick of any other descriptions about this story. The reason this works in the end, even amidst a couple missteps, is because it escalates wonderfully.
Now, I have no expectations that this can possibly maintain the freight train of its narrative for much longer than it just did, but it’s a hell of an effective first volume that kept me engaged the whole way through.
Just as you get one reveal that seems like you’ll have another six volumes of material, there’s another reveal, then another. And it goes after them with wild abandon. I wouldn’t say my jaw dropped, exactly, but it did manage a pretty good descent. And did I cheer at parts of this manga? Yes, yes, I did.
Ibuki and Akabane are nothing new, but I like them. Ibuki has his moments when he’s an idiot, but can also be very clever when he needs to be. When he outfoxes a mob boss in the library it’s a good laugh and very clever (although I absolutely wish they’d kept it as gay as it seemed).
Akabane is quick to fume over Ibuki’s antics or if he somehow manages to miss her occasional advances, vintage Love Hina right there, and the two of them could stand a little more nuance, but they’re not totally cardboard.
This absolutely manages to overcome its sometimes slight characterization by going after its plotting full throttle. And, frankly, this is one time where I feel that actually pays off.
If you aren’t already interested in these stories at all, I don’t know that it’ll change your mind. My interest is admittedly very minimal, however, and I had a great time. So, it has merit.
4 stars - certainly not perfect, for all the reasons I listed, and maybe a couple more, but it’s a really good time that knows just how to keep upping itself to make it all work. Recommended for the target audience, for sure.
July 2, 2025
3.5✨
Honeko Akabane's Bodyguards follows Akabane, the unknowing daughter of a Yakuza member, and her classmates, who are all hired as bodyguards to protect her from assassins after there becomes a debate on inheritance.
A very action packed volume that had me not wanting to put it down and needing the next volume. You do have to suspend an element of disbelief but the writing and art style is engaging and addictive.
I am interested into how the romance elements will develop in future volumes as well as the running narrative.
Thank you to NetGalley and Kodansha Comics for providing an ARC copy in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own .
Honeko Akabane's Bodyguards follows Akabane, the unknowing daughter of a Yakuza member, and her classmates, who are all hired as bodyguards to protect her from assassins after there becomes a debate on inheritance.
A very action packed volume that had me not wanting to put it down and needing the next volume. You do have to suspend an element of disbelief but the writing and art style is engaging and addictive.
I am interested into how the romance elements will develop in future volumes as well as the running narrative.
Thank you to NetGalley and Kodansha Comics for providing an ARC copy in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own .
July 5, 2025
Wanted to give this a fair shake because the concept is interesting, but I hate almost everything about the execution (“a gay kiss! …oh but actually the evil guy’s a cross dressing woman with hots for the hero now” was my final straw).
April 20, 2025
High school comedy romance with a twist. Honeko Akabane, daughter of lawyers and a do-good high school president, is the secret daughter of a yakuza boss. Fight over his successor has put a target on Akabane’s head too, but her bio-father is determined to protect her.
He enlists her school mate, childhood friend and school delinquent, Arakuni Ibuki, as her bodyguard. He must keep her safe without her knowing or learning that her life is threatened. Easier said than done when a wave after another of assassins come after her. To make matters worse, she’s determined to reform him and make him a decent person, so she’s constantly stopping him from fighting.
The job might be too much for Ibuki, but luckily he’s not alone. The entire class consists of highly trained bodyguards there to protect Akabane. Unfortunately, they don’t trust him and consider him a liability. That doesn’t stop them from putting him in the frontline of protecting Akabane. He doesn’t mind. Because he might have a slight crush on Akabane—which he won’t admit to. He definitely has a secret mission given to him by Akabane’s father: unearth the mole among her classmates.
This was a fun, action-packed start to a series. A lot happened, all of it involving assassins. Their boss won’t give up, and after Ibuki managed to enrange them, he now has a target on him too. And it’s personal.
Art was good and slightly old-fashined in style, as if this was from the 90s, even though the original is only a couple of years old. I liked the story, even if it lacked depth in the middle of all the action, and would like to read more.
I received a free copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
He enlists her school mate, childhood friend and school delinquent, Arakuni Ibuki, as her bodyguard. He must keep her safe without her knowing or learning that her life is threatened. Easier said than done when a wave after another of assassins come after her. To make matters worse, she’s determined to reform him and make him a decent person, so she’s constantly stopping him from fighting.
The job might be too much for Ibuki, but luckily he’s not alone. The entire class consists of highly trained bodyguards there to protect Akabane. Unfortunately, they don’t trust him and consider him a liability. That doesn’t stop them from putting him in the frontline of protecting Akabane. He doesn’t mind. Because he might have a slight crush on Akabane—which he won’t admit to. He definitely has a secret mission given to him by Akabane’s father: unearth the mole among her classmates.
This was a fun, action-packed start to a series. A lot happened, all of it involving assassins. Their boss won’t give up, and after Ibuki managed to enrange them, he now has a target on him too. And it’s personal.
Art was good and slightly old-fashined in style, as if this was from the 90s, even though the original is only a couple of years old. I liked the story, even if it lacked depth in the middle of all the action, and would like to read more.
I received a free copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
April 29, 2025
Thanks to Net Galley and Kodansha Comics for an ARC!
I really liked this manga. From the beginning, I knew it would be my cup of tea, mainly in the drawing style.
We meet the male protagonist, who is tasked with protecting his childhood friend (for no saying crush), who turns out to be none other than the illegitimate daughter of a yakuza boss. This puts her life in danger. So, the protagonist is tasked with taking down the killers alongside going to the same school clase.
It reminds me a bit of the trope "lady and knight," but in bodyguard format. The relationship between them is very cute. There are enough scenes about their feelings to root for them, but it doesn't quite reach the level of a shoujo manga.
What I enjoyed most was the amount of action the manga has. It's not so much that you can't understand what's going on, but it's enough to enjoy a good fight. Love the action-romance balance in this.
And what I loved most by far was the design of the side characters (spoiler: bodyguards yakuzas disguised as all classmates). I think the vast majority have an unique appearence, and although not all of them appear for long in this volume, it makes me curious to get to know them better. It has a lot of potential; I will continue reading. :)
Ofc it's not perfect, it's that type of manga that you have to forget the logic thinking a bit to enjoy it reading, but thats how almost every manga works anyway.
Highly recommended for a light and enjoyable read with action and a touch of romance.
4/5 🌟
I really liked this manga. From the beginning, I knew it would be my cup of tea, mainly in the drawing style.
We meet the male protagonist, who is tasked with protecting his childhood friend (for no saying crush), who turns out to be none other than the illegitimate daughter of a yakuza boss. This puts her life in danger. So, the protagonist is tasked with taking down the killers alongside going to the same school clase.
It reminds me a bit of the trope "lady and knight," but in bodyguard format. The relationship between them is very cute. There are enough scenes about their feelings to root for them, but it doesn't quite reach the level of a shoujo manga.
What I enjoyed most was the amount of action the manga has. It's not so much that you can't understand what's going on, but it's enough to enjoy a good fight. Love the action-romance balance in this.
And what I loved most by far was the design of the side characters (spoiler: bodyguards yakuzas disguised as all classmates). I think the vast majority have an unique appearence, and although not all of them appear for long in this volume, it makes me curious to get to know them better. It has a lot of potential; I will continue reading. :)
Ofc it's not perfect, it's that type of manga that you have to forget the logic thinking a bit to enjoy it reading, but thats how almost every manga works anyway.
Highly recommended for a light and enjoyable read with action and a touch of romance.
4/5 🌟
April 19, 2025
Enjoyed this way more than I was anticipating! Action packed and there are good twists throughout. I felt a decent connection to the characters even though it’s only the first volume and found the plot fun and engaging so I can’t wait to read the second one!!
I did subtract 0.5 due to the oddly timed upskirt panty shot. Felt misplaced with the rest of the book, totally unnecessary.
°❀⋆.ೃ࿔*:• Thanks to NetGalley and Kodansha for providing this arc in exchange for my honest feedback. °❀⋆.ೃ࿔*:•
I did subtract 0.5 due to the oddly timed upskirt panty shot. Felt misplaced with the rest of the book, totally unnecessary.
°❀⋆.ೃ࿔*:• Thanks to NetGalley and Kodansha for providing this arc in exchange for my honest feedback. °❀⋆.ೃ࿔*:•
April 22, 2025
Thanks to Kodansha Vomics and Net Galley for a chance to read an Arc
This was a cute easy to read manga chocked full of tropes that are as familiar as they are enjoyable
There is potential here for a series that has side characters were everybody is somebody’s favorite.
Our leads are down bad for each-other in a way that’s endearing rather than infuriating
There is fan service though. I did not love getting jumpscared by an upskirt of a minor and hope that’s not indicative of of the rest of the series. I’d give the next one a shot but I’m weary
This was a cute easy to read manga chocked full of tropes that are as familiar as they are enjoyable
There is potential here for a series that has side characters were everybody is somebody’s favorite.
Our leads are down bad for each-other in a way that’s endearing rather than infuriating
There is fan service though. I did not love getting jumpscared by an upskirt of a minor and hope that’s not indicative of of the rest of the series. I’d give the next one a shot but I’m weary
April 22, 2025
This was a manga volume that I flew through!
It's a bit cliche but it did what it had to do!
It was entertaining and enough to pass the time!
I'm not sure if I will continue with the series in the nearby future but that was pretty fun!
It's a bit cliche but it did what it had to do!
It was entertaining and enough to pass the time!
I'm not sure if I will continue with the series in the nearby future but that was pretty fun!
August 12, 2025
Excited for the concept of this manga!!
Thank you to the Publisher and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this manga.
Thank you to the Publisher and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this manga.
April 18, 2025
*Thanks to NetGalley and Kodansha Comics for copy for review*
This was just okay. While it has an excellent set up it felt to slice of life for an action manga. Similar to Assassination Classroom so I would recommend if you enjoyed that.
This was just okay. While it has an excellent set up it felt to slice of life for an action manga. Similar to Assassination Classroom so I would recommend if you enjoyed that.
Read
June 1, 2025Gonna be honest, I found this boring and derivative even before the gratuitous panty shot.
June 16, 2025
This manga gave me Spy x Family vibes, but set in a high school romance context. The concept feels unique and fun, and I was hooked right away.
I did feel like some parts started to get a bit repetitive. The story sometimes loops around the same dynamics without much progression, and it honestly drained my interest. A little more development or surprise would make it even better.
The art style has that old-school manga charm, which adds to its nostalgic feel. I'd totally recommend this to everyone, especially younger teens around 13-15.
It’s lighthearted and fun .
I did feel like some parts started to get a bit repetitive. The story sometimes loops around the same dynamics without much progression, and it honestly drained my interest. A little more development or surprise would make it even better.
The art style has that old-school manga charm, which adds to its nostalgic feel. I'd totally recommend this to everyone, especially younger teens around 13-15.
It’s lighthearted and fun .
October 16, 2024
Joyride by Kesha captures the essence of the series. The series can be so unhinged and ridiculous, but it’s so entertaining. Plot twist after plot twist. Some leave you shocked, but there are a couple that had me scratching my head thinking, “what does this serve?” Ex. Umishiro.
The story is fast paced. I like the main characters, mostly Sumihiko. Otherwise, the supporting characters really fade into the background. You can dedicate pages introducing them, but I won’t remember them because there are 15+ people to remember, and they’re insignificant until they need the numbers to fight villains. There are chapters where Ibuki has moving interactions with them that help them realize who they are, their potential, etc. but I forget them afterwards, so that was basically pointless. The characters designs aren’t super unique/similar to popular shonen series, so that also doesn’t help me remember them.
I’m not a fan of the harem romance. Having two/a love triangle is already too much drama. The bodyguard plot, villain showdowns, criminal underground politics, and school life supply more than enough intrigue. There is no need for a love triangle or any love polygon.
The story is fast paced. I like the main characters, mostly Sumihiko. Otherwise, the supporting characters really fade into the background. You can dedicate pages introducing them, but I won’t remember them because there are 15+ people to remember, and they’re insignificant until they need the numbers to fight villains. There are chapters where Ibuki has moving interactions with them that help them realize who they are, their potential, etc. but I forget them afterwards, so that was basically pointless. The characters designs aren’t super unique/similar to popular shonen series, so that also doesn’t help me remember them.
I’m not a fan of the harem romance. Having two/a love triangle is already too much drama. The bodyguard plot, villain showdowns, criminal underground politics, and school life supply more than enough intrigue. There is no need for a love triangle or any love polygon.
April 4, 2024
3.5 Sterne
Gefällt mir bis jetzt gut, ich finde den Zeichenstil auch einfach super.
Aber alles geht ziemlich schnell, dadurch das die Zeichnungen (obwohl sie sehr toll sind) fast zu detailliert an manchen Stellen sind, fand ich es echt etwas schwer mich auf den Dialog zu konzentrieren und emotional mitzufühlen. Dadurch hat es bei mir mit dem Lesen etwas länger gedauert. Die Idee finde ich ist aber mal was anderes und sehr spannend. Freue mich auf den nächsten Band.
Gefällt mir bis jetzt gut, ich finde den Zeichenstil auch einfach super.
Aber alles geht ziemlich schnell, dadurch das die Zeichnungen (obwohl sie sehr toll sind) fast zu detailliert an manchen Stellen sind, fand ich es echt etwas schwer mich auf den Dialog zu konzentrieren und emotional mitzufühlen. Dadurch hat es bei mir mit dem Lesen etwas länger gedauert. Die Idee finde ich ist aber mal was anderes und sehr spannend. Freue mich auf den nächsten Band.
August 22, 2024
Un manga molto carino in cui la protagonista non sa di essere la figlia del capo dello yakuza e proprio per questo motivo il suo migliore amico insieme agli altri studenti della loro classe sono pronti a proteggerla da coloro che vogliono farle del male.
June 22, 2025
Honeko Akabane's Bodyguards (Book 1) is a manga by Masamitsu Nigatsu. The story is basically about a girl (Honeko Akabane) who was put in foster care as a child, but her father one day turns up to the house of her classmate (Arakuni Ibuki) and asks the classmate to become the girl’s bodyguard. She is the guy’s daughter and, since the classmate is her childhood friend and in the same class, the father would like for him to protect her. However, it turns out that the rest of the class are her bodyguards, too; born into the role and trained to protect her. However, the girl must never find out about people wanting to kill her.
My opinion of the book is that it feels pretty bland. I’ll admit that there’s a lot of action and that it feels fast paced because of how many fight scenes go on throughout the book… But… I don’t know… The book leaves me feeling as if nothing much happened at all. There weren’t many portions giving more information about characters, and very little development to any of them. There are heaps of characters in the main class, yet barely information provided about any of them. For me, they may as well not have been there. There’s very little information about the secret father of the girl. Even with the two main characters, I know barely anything about them. I know that the girl wants to be a lawyer and that she regularly catches the boy being mean to people (because she doesn’t realise he’s protecting her)… But… It feels like I know almost nothing about her, despite the entirety of the book being dedicated to her and all these people wanting to protect her. With the main antagonists as well, it felt just as limited on what information was provided.
And there’s also aspects of it being repetitive. A lot of information seems to be repeated. Such as moments where they’ll be shots of the entirety of the class, and them proclaiming that they’re going to protect her. I get that it’s trying to build up the drama of the book, but it feels repetitive when it happens multiple times. And the same for other information that gets provided.
The romance aspects felt completely out of place, if I’m blunt. Later in the volume, it turns out that the main boy has fallen in love with the girl. Though, for me, it felt awkward because there’s no real build up to this and no real display of these feelings. It definitely felt like a forced romance, with no natural feeling place in the book. And then the main protagonist saying that she wants to marry him…? What? Why, though? That felt very forced, too. So, in my opinion, the romance portions feel like they don’t belong in the book. The romance should have been left out; especially the bit with the love triangle.
The illustration work is pretty good, and the art does a good job of capturing a lot of the action of what’s going on. A lot of the characters look pretty cool. There’s great work at showing all the scenes, with the fights. Especially the work done on posing and creating interesting focal points.
Overall… Mmmmm… It’s a “no” from me. When I first heard about the book, I thought it was an interesting premise. But upon reading the actual story, I admit that it’s very lacklustre. I would have liked for there to be more information and development of the characters, who they are and to read about how they change throughout the story. But there are way too many characters shoved in for it to be viable. I know basically nothing about any of the characters. And the same for the rest of the story. I get that there’s a lot of fights going on and that, no matter where she goes, there are a lot of people trying to kill the main girl. But I would have liked more development to the story. In my opinion, it felt like the story wasn’t going anywhere and not leading to anything. If you just want to see cool fights, you might enjoy the book. For me, I just didn’t like it. I don’t think I’ll read any further into the series.
My opinion of the book is that it feels pretty bland. I’ll admit that there’s a lot of action and that it feels fast paced because of how many fight scenes go on throughout the book… But… I don’t know… The book leaves me feeling as if nothing much happened at all. There weren’t many portions giving more information about characters, and very little development to any of them. There are heaps of characters in the main class, yet barely information provided about any of them. For me, they may as well not have been there. There’s very little information about the secret father of the girl. Even with the two main characters, I know barely anything about them. I know that the girl wants to be a lawyer and that she regularly catches the boy being mean to people (because she doesn’t realise he’s protecting her)… But… It feels like I know almost nothing about her, despite the entirety of the book being dedicated to her and all these people wanting to protect her. With the main antagonists as well, it felt just as limited on what information was provided.
And there’s also aspects of it being repetitive. A lot of information seems to be repeated. Such as moments where they’ll be shots of the entirety of the class, and them proclaiming that they’re going to protect her. I get that it’s trying to build up the drama of the book, but it feels repetitive when it happens multiple times. And the same for other information that gets provided.
The romance aspects felt completely out of place, if I’m blunt. Later in the volume, it turns out that the main boy has fallen in love with the girl. Though, for me, it felt awkward because there’s no real build up to this and no real display of these feelings. It definitely felt like a forced romance, with no natural feeling place in the book. And then the main protagonist saying that she wants to marry him…? What? Why, though? That felt very forced, too. So, in my opinion, the romance portions feel like they don’t belong in the book. The romance should have been left out; especially the bit with the love triangle.
The illustration work is pretty good, and the art does a good job of capturing a lot of the action of what’s going on. A lot of the characters look pretty cool. There’s great work at showing all the scenes, with the fights. Especially the work done on posing and creating interesting focal points.
Overall… Mmmmm… It’s a “no” from me. When I first heard about the book, I thought it was an interesting premise. But upon reading the actual story, I admit that it’s very lacklustre. I would have liked for there to be more information and development of the characters, who they are and to read about how they change throughout the story. But there are way too many characters shoved in for it to be viable. I know basically nothing about any of the characters. And the same for the rest of the story. I get that there’s a lot of fights going on and that, no matter where she goes, there are a lot of people trying to kill the main girl. But I would have liked more development to the story. In my opinion, it felt like the story wasn’t going anywhere and not leading to anything. If you just want to see cool fights, you might enjoy the book. For me, I just didn’t like it. I don’t think I’ll read any further into the series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 11, 2025
Review of Honeko Akabane's Bodyguards 1 by Masamitsu Nigatsu:
Premise and Genre:
Honeko Akabane's Bodyguards 1 by Masamitsu Nigatsu is a school-action manga that blends high-stakes suspense, comedy, and a dash of romance. The story centres on Arakuni Ibuki, a delinquent high schooler recruited to protect his childhood friend, Honeko Akabane-the secret daughter of a yakuza boss. The twist: assassins are constantly after Honeko, and Ibuki joins a whole classroom of bodyguards tasked with keeping her safe, all while she remains blissfully unaware of the danger and the elaborate operation surrounding her.
Strengths:
• Engaging Premise: The setup is reminiscent of Assassination Classroom and Nisekoi, mixing the "knight in shining armour" trope with school life and underworld intrigue.
• Pacing and Plot: The manga wastes little time getting to the action, with fights and threats coming fast. The story avoids stagnation, frequently shifting the status quo and introducing new twists to keep the reader engaged.
• Character Dynamics: Ibuki is a standout protagonist-boisterous, street-smart, and relatable. The ensemble cast of Class 3-4 is diverse, with each bodyguard bringing unique skills, though I wish I could have seen the supporting cast have more moments to shine.
• Art Style: The manga features classic, clean manga art with dynamic fight scenes and expressive character designs, making action sequences easy to follow and visually appealing.
• Tone and Nostalgia: The series delivers a nostalgic vibe, reminiscent of 90s anime where secret-keeping and double lives were central themes. T
Weaknesses:
• Honeko's Characterization: Honeko is too often kept in the dark, making her more of a plot device than a fully realized character. Her obliviousness, while a source of comedy and tension, can undercut her agency and depth. I hope future volumes will expand her character more.
• Predictability: While the story is fun, it follows familiar beats and tropes of the genre. The romance, though present, is not the focus and develops more quickly than in similar series.
• Supporting Cast: The spotlight tends to stay on Ibuki and a few others, leaving some of the bodyguards underdeveloped in the first volume.
Overall Impression:
Honeko Akabane's Bodyguards 1 is a lively, entertaining start to a series that promises action, humour, and a touch of romance. Its blend of school life and yakuza drama, combined with engaging art and a fast pace, makes it a strong recommendation for fans of shonen manga with ensemble casts and quirky premises. While it leans on familiar tropes, its execution and nostalgic charm set it apart, and the evolving dynamics keep the story fresh.
Recommended For:
Fans of Assassination Classroom, Spy x Family, and anyone who enjoys action-comedy manga with a school setting and a quirky, ever-changing plot.
Premise and Genre:
Honeko Akabane's Bodyguards 1 by Masamitsu Nigatsu is a school-action manga that blends high-stakes suspense, comedy, and a dash of romance. The story centres on Arakuni Ibuki, a delinquent high schooler recruited to protect his childhood friend, Honeko Akabane-the secret daughter of a yakuza boss. The twist: assassins are constantly after Honeko, and Ibuki joins a whole classroom of bodyguards tasked with keeping her safe, all while she remains blissfully unaware of the danger and the elaborate operation surrounding her.
Strengths:
• Engaging Premise: The setup is reminiscent of Assassination Classroom and Nisekoi, mixing the "knight in shining armour" trope with school life and underworld intrigue.
• Pacing and Plot: The manga wastes little time getting to the action, with fights and threats coming fast. The story avoids stagnation, frequently shifting the status quo and introducing new twists to keep the reader engaged.
• Character Dynamics: Ibuki is a standout protagonist-boisterous, street-smart, and relatable. The ensemble cast of Class 3-4 is diverse, with each bodyguard bringing unique skills, though I wish I could have seen the supporting cast have more moments to shine.
• Art Style: The manga features classic, clean manga art with dynamic fight scenes and expressive character designs, making action sequences easy to follow and visually appealing.
• Tone and Nostalgia: The series delivers a nostalgic vibe, reminiscent of 90s anime where secret-keeping and double lives were central themes. T
Weaknesses:
• Honeko's Characterization: Honeko is too often kept in the dark, making her more of a plot device than a fully realized character. Her obliviousness, while a source of comedy and tension, can undercut her agency and depth. I hope future volumes will expand her character more.
• Predictability: While the story is fun, it follows familiar beats and tropes of the genre. The romance, though present, is not the focus and develops more quickly than in similar series.
• Supporting Cast: The spotlight tends to stay on Ibuki and a few others, leaving some of the bodyguards underdeveloped in the first volume.
Overall Impression:
Honeko Akabane's Bodyguards 1 is a lively, entertaining start to a series that promises action, humour, and a touch of romance. Its blend of school life and yakuza drama, combined with engaging art and a fast pace, makes it a strong recommendation for fans of shonen manga with ensemble casts and quirky premises. While it leans on familiar tropes, its execution and nostalgic charm set it apart, and the evolving dynamics keep the story fresh.
Recommended For:
Fans of Assassination Classroom, Spy x Family, and anyone who enjoys action-comedy manga with a school setting and a quirky, ever-changing plot.
February 6, 2025
Encore un nouveau manga que j’avais repéré. Le résumé a clairement piqué ma curiosité. J’avais envie de voir ce que cette histoire allait donné et je n’ai pas été déçue le moins du monde! C’était excellent, clairement ce premier tome pose les bases de l’histoire sans pour autant nous ennuyer. Il démarre sur les chapeaux de roue, on a une bonne dose d’actions et c’est tellement addictif qu’on veut savoir la suite. On veut savoir ce qu’il va se passer et surtout voir comment l’histoire va évoluer!
Dans ce premier tome, Ibuki Arakuni, voyou notoire de son lycée n’en croit pas ses oreilles lorsqu’il apprend que son amie d’enfance et camarade de classe, Honeko Akabane, est la cible d’une horde de dangereux assassins ! Il en revient encore moins quand un grand chef yakuza le supplie de devenir le garde du corps secret de cette dernière… Afin qu’Honeko puisse mener une vie d’élève normale jusqu’à la fin de son lycée, elle ne doit rien savoir de ses origines qui la lient à la pègre ni quoi que ce soit de tous ceux qui veulent sa mort ! Une année périlleuse de protecteur clandestin commence pour Ibuki, d’autant plus que sa classe, la terminale 4, renferme bon nombre des secrets…
Déjà ce que je retiens de ce titre c’est l’humour. Mais qu’est ce que j’ai pu rire pendant ma lecture! Franchement ça fait trop du bien de lire une histoire qui nous fait autant rire, un vrai bonheur pour le coup vraiment. En fait c’est surtout les situations mise en scène qui sont drôles ou parfois les réactions des personnages etc. Bref, je me suis régalée pour le coup. Le fait que l’histoire parle d’espionnage, de yakuzas et de bagarre, moi personnellement j’adore ça. Le fait que Akabane soit entourée de gardes du corps sans même savoir que sa vie est menacée, c’est excellent. Toute sa classe est aux ordres de son père biologique j’ai trouvé ça complètement dingue. J’ai adoré le personnage de Ibuki, ce mec est complètement fou. Il m’a tellement fait rire celui là, je suis fan de son personnage pour le coup! Et la façon qu’a Akabane de toujours l’engueuler, le pauvre il s’en prend plein la tronche à chaque fois alors que lui il veut juste l’aider et lui sauver la vie. À un moment donné, l’histoire prend une autre tournure et ça rend l’histoire encore plus passionnante. Je n’en dirais pas plus pour ne pas spoiler mais j’ai trop hâte d’en apprendre plus en tout cas!
Ce premier tome était tout simplement incroyable. Il envoie du lourd direct et on n’a clairement pas le temps de s’ennuyer. L’histoire est beaucoup trop bien et j’ai super hâte d’en savoir encore plus. J’ai aussi très hâte de voir comment l’histoire va évoluer au fur et à mesure. Franchement je ne regrette pas de m’être plongé dans ce manga parce que je me suis régalée!
Dans ce premier tome, Ibuki Arakuni, voyou notoire de son lycée n’en croit pas ses oreilles lorsqu’il apprend que son amie d’enfance et camarade de classe, Honeko Akabane, est la cible d’une horde de dangereux assassins ! Il en revient encore moins quand un grand chef yakuza le supplie de devenir le garde du corps secret de cette dernière… Afin qu’Honeko puisse mener une vie d’élève normale jusqu’à la fin de son lycée, elle ne doit rien savoir de ses origines qui la lient à la pègre ni quoi que ce soit de tous ceux qui veulent sa mort ! Une année périlleuse de protecteur clandestin commence pour Ibuki, d’autant plus que sa classe, la terminale 4, renferme bon nombre des secrets…
Déjà ce que je retiens de ce titre c’est l’humour. Mais qu’est ce que j’ai pu rire pendant ma lecture! Franchement ça fait trop du bien de lire une histoire qui nous fait autant rire, un vrai bonheur pour le coup vraiment. En fait c’est surtout les situations mise en scène qui sont drôles ou parfois les réactions des personnages etc. Bref, je me suis régalée pour le coup. Le fait que l’histoire parle d’espionnage, de yakuzas et de bagarre, moi personnellement j’adore ça. Le fait que Akabane soit entourée de gardes du corps sans même savoir que sa vie est menacée, c’est excellent. Toute sa classe est aux ordres de son père biologique j’ai trouvé ça complètement dingue. J’ai adoré le personnage de Ibuki, ce mec est complètement fou. Il m’a tellement fait rire celui là, je suis fan de son personnage pour le coup! Et la façon qu’a Akabane de toujours l’engueuler, le pauvre il s’en prend plein la tronche à chaque fois alors que lui il veut juste l’aider et lui sauver la vie. À un moment donné, l’histoire prend une autre tournure et ça rend l’histoire encore plus passionnante. Je n’en dirais pas plus pour ne pas spoiler mais j’ai trop hâte d’en apprendre plus en tout cas!
Ce premier tome était tout simplement incroyable. Il envoie du lourd direct et on n’a clairement pas le temps de s’ennuyer. L’histoire est beaucoup trop bien et j’ai super hâte d’en savoir encore plus. J’ai aussi très hâte de voir comment l’histoire va évoluer au fur et à mesure. Franchement je ne regrette pas de m’être plongé dans ce manga parce que je me suis régalée!
February 11, 2025
Vous aimez le côté barré et survitaminé de Spy x Family et ses combats contre les méchants ? Venez donner sa chance à Secret Bodyguard qui est totalement dans son prolongement !
Je n'attendais rien de ce shonen et pourtant j'ai été des plus agréablement surprise. J'ai aimé la narration pleine de rebondissement. J'ai aimé le ton loufoque et humoristique. J'ai aimé l'humour appuyé de l'auteur et ses gags autour de la maladresse sentimentale des héros. Ce fut vraiment très plaisant et dynamique à lire, plein de bonnes idées.
Nous y suivons la fille cachée, donnée à l'adoption à des avocats, d'un parrain de la pègre japonaise. Celui-ci découvre qui son nom a fuité dans son entourage et qu'on cherche à la tuer. Il met donc près d'elle, sans qu'elle le sache, toute une floppée de garde du corps, dont l'ami d'enfance de celle-ci, un loubard dont Honeko prend soin depuis toute petite.
Totalement cliché et totalement assumé, ce duo de personnages est des plus drôles et attachants. Honeko, 1/ ne sait rien de ce qu'il se passe et ne voit pas qu'on la protège de tueurs ; 2/ est la parfaite petite présidente du BDE (bureau des élèves) qui est responsable et à qui on aime demander conseil. Mais, et c'est là que ça devient intéressant, c'est aussi une fille avec du caractère, qui n'hésite pas à réprimander Ibuki malgré son look et son attitude de voyou. Elle a du caractère ! Et comme lui, elle est d'une maladresse extrême dans l'expression de ses sentiments, ce qui est très drôle et donne lieu à des scènes cocasses.
Ibuki, lui, est de base juste un camarade de classe au sang un peu trop chaud depuis toujours, dont elle aime s'occuper. Mais on découvre en plus en lui un garçon amoureux qui ne s'assume pas, ce qui donne à nouveau lieu à des scènes extrêmement drôles, tant il transpire et bafouille de maladresses. J'ai aimé ce décalage en plus entre son look de voyou et qui il est vraiment. Comme bien souvent, ce n'est pas vraiment un voyou mais plutôt un justicier au grand coeur. Cliché parfaitement utilisé ici ;)
D'une lecture dont je n'attendais rien, je ressors extrêmement séduite par ce nouveau divertissement désopilant, qui reprend beaucoup de ressorts de Spy x family : les surprises, les secrets, l'action qui se passe derrière la concernée dans qu'elle le voit, les relations maladroites, l'humour et le côté décalé. Personnellement, je suis assez fan mais je sais aussi que ce n'est pas le genre de série que j'aime voir s'éterniser. Heureusement elle ne fait que 12 tomes. Affaire à suivre, donc ;)
Article complet : https://www.sanctuary.fr/avis/151056/
Je n'attendais rien de ce shonen et pourtant j'ai été des plus agréablement surprise. J'ai aimé la narration pleine de rebondissement. J'ai aimé le ton loufoque et humoristique. J'ai aimé l'humour appuyé de l'auteur et ses gags autour de la maladresse sentimentale des héros. Ce fut vraiment très plaisant et dynamique à lire, plein de bonnes idées.
Nous y suivons la fille cachée, donnée à l'adoption à des avocats, d'un parrain de la pègre japonaise. Celui-ci découvre qui son nom a fuité dans son entourage et qu'on cherche à la tuer. Il met donc près d'elle, sans qu'elle le sache, toute une floppée de garde du corps, dont l'ami d'enfance de celle-ci, un loubard dont Honeko prend soin depuis toute petite.
Totalement cliché et totalement assumé, ce duo de personnages est des plus drôles et attachants. Honeko, 1/ ne sait rien de ce qu'il se passe et ne voit pas qu'on la protège de tueurs ; 2/ est la parfaite petite présidente du BDE (bureau des élèves) qui est responsable et à qui on aime demander conseil. Mais, et c'est là que ça devient intéressant, c'est aussi une fille avec du caractère, qui n'hésite pas à réprimander Ibuki malgré son look et son attitude de voyou. Elle a du caractère ! Et comme lui, elle est d'une maladresse extrême dans l'expression de ses sentiments, ce qui est très drôle et donne lieu à des scènes cocasses.
Ibuki, lui, est de base juste un camarade de classe au sang un peu trop chaud depuis toujours, dont elle aime s'occuper. Mais on découvre en plus en lui un garçon amoureux qui ne s'assume pas, ce qui donne à nouveau lieu à des scènes extrêmement drôles, tant il transpire et bafouille de maladresses. J'ai aimé ce décalage en plus entre son look de voyou et qui il est vraiment. Comme bien souvent, ce n'est pas vraiment un voyou mais plutôt un justicier au grand coeur. Cliché parfaitement utilisé ici ;)
D'une lecture dont je n'attendais rien, je ressors extrêmement séduite par ce nouveau divertissement désopilant, qui reprend beaucoup de ressorts de Spy x family : les surprises, les secrets, l'action qui se passe derrière la concernée dans qu'elle le voit, les relations maladroites, l'humour et le côté décalé. Personnellement, je suis assez fan mais je sais aussi que ce n'est pas le genre de série que j'aime voir s'éterniser. Heureusement elle ne fait que 12 tomes. Affaire à suivre, donc ;)
Article complet : https://www.sanctuary.fr/avis/151056/
April 21, 2025
Oh wow — now that was a ride! A brilliant mix of action, romance, and genuinely solid humor — the perfect feel-good read if you're looking for something to lift your spirits. I picked this manga purely because of the cover design, and now I cannot wait to get my hands on the next volume! 😊
When a yakuza boss personally reaches out to Arakuni Ibuki and drops to his knees in front of him, there’s not much Ibuki can do but accept the man’s request: protect his secret illegitimate daughter, Honeko Akabane. Rumors are spreading about the boss stepping down, and assassins are swarming in to eliminate any potential heir. Ibuki’s mission is to keep his childhood friend and classmate Honeko alive.
It’s a little over-the-top and absolutely extra at times — but that’s exactly what makes it so incredibly fun. I loved every second of it! The artwork is expressive, detailed, and no one is left in the background. As it turns out, Ibuki isn’t Honeko’s only bodyguard — their entire class 3-4 at Sosoji High School has been secretly trained for the mission. The only ones left out? Honeko (who has no idea) and Ibuki (who missed the training). The other 22 classmates? Elite-level specialists in everything from martial arts and firearms to hacking and knife-throwing. They were trained to act as one unit — and when they do, their enemies don’t stand a chance.
Oh, how I loved these characters! Sure, things felt a bit rushed and tidy at first, but the story quickly hit its rhythm and became pure joy to read. My favorite scenes? Definitely the ones with the whole class in action — especially the library ambush, when Honeko and Ibuki show up to study (which Honeko thinks is a date). Meanwhile, their classmates are silently taking down attackers between the bookshelves — in total silence, of course, because it's still a library and no one wants Honeko to notice a thing. The poses, the expressions… perfection! Ibuki is quietly freaking out — which honestly, who wouldn't in his shoes — and the whole thing plays out like an action movie in my head. Just chef’s kiss.
I honestly can’t recommend this manga enough. Maybe it was just the perfect thing at the perfect time, but I had an absolute blast reading it. Big thanks to NetGalley and Kodansha Comics for this incredible experience — I’m all in for volume two! 😊
When a yakuza boss personally reaches out to Arakuni Ibuki and drops to his knees in front of him, there’s not much Ibuki can do but accept the man’s request: protect his secret illegitimate daughter, Honeko Akabane. Rumors are spreading about the boss stepping down, and assassins are swarming in to eliminate any potential heir. Ibuki’s mission is to keep his childhood friend and classmate Honeko alive.
It’s a little over-the-top and absolutely extra at times — but that’s exactly what makes it so incredibly fun. I loved every second of it! The artwork is expressive, detailed, and no one is left in the background. As it turns out, Ibuki isn’t Honeko’s only bodyguard — their entire class 3-4 at Sosoji High School has been secretly trained for the mission. The only ones left out? Honeko (who has no idea) and Ibuki (who missed the training). The other 22 classmates? Elite-level specialists in everything from martial arts and firearms to hacking and knife-throwing. They were trained to act as one unit — and when they do, their enemies don’t stand a chance.
Oh, how I loved these characters! Sure, things felt a bit rushed and tidy at first, but the story quickly hit its rhythm and became pure joy to read. My favorite scenes? Definitely the ones with the whole class in action — especially the library ambush, when Honeko and Ibuki show up to study (which Honeko thinks is a date). Meanwhile, their classmates are silently taking down attackers between the bookshelves — in total silence, of course, because it's still a library and no one wants Honeko to notice a thing. The poses, the expressions… perfection! Ibuki is quietly freaking out — which honestly, who wouldn't in his shoes — and the whole thing plays out like an action movie in my head. Just chef’s kiss.
I honestly can’t recommend this manga enough. Maybe it was just the perfect thing at the perfect time, but I had an absolute blast reading it. Big thanks to NetGalley and Kodansha Comics for this incredible experience — I’m all in for volume two! 😊
May 10, 2025
Arakuni has been tasked by the bio father of Honeko to protect her against his enemies. Unbeknownst to Honeko, her Yakuza father had put her up for adoption at birth to protect her from the lifestyle. Unfortunately, someone within his ranks has leaked information about her existence. Her father plans on stepping down within two years, and people within and outside of his organisations want to annihilate because they believe she's the one who will be named heir of his criminal empire.
Arakuni has a longstanding crush on Honeko and swears to protect her from the onslaught of assassins.
This is a cutesy high school assassin rom-com.
I liked the pacing of the story. We get introduced to the characters and their plight rather quickly.
If you like Spy x Family and High School Assassin's, this story is right up your ally. There's humour and lots of blood, and Honeko is awfully oblivious about it all. The way the miscommunication trope is utilised in this story adds to the dynamic between Honeko and Arakuni. She senses that something is up but can't quite put her finger on it. Arakuni acts tough, but in front of her, transforms into the love sick teenager that he actually is. I found it cute.
Minor point of discontent: we get introduced to Honeko's brother. At some point, it's revealed that they have bound their chest with tape. At first, I hoped this was a bridge to let us know that they were enby or transmasc. After finishing the first volume, this doesn't seem to be the case. There is no explanation as to why they choose to introduce themselves as a man at first, and from the moment we as readers learn that they had breasts, that storyline is thrown in the bin and continues as a woman - both in appearance and how they're adressed - without further explanation. I feel like this was a missed opportunity to add more depth to her character. This is the first volume, so we might get the explanation as the story develops.
Arakuni has a longstanding crush on Honeko and swears to protect her from the onslaught of assassins.
This is a cutesy high school assassin rom-com.
I liked the pacing of the story. We get introduced to the characters and their plight rather quickly.
If you like Spy x Family and High School Assassin's, this story is right up your ally. There's humour and lots of blood, and Honeko is awfully oblivious about it all. The way the miscommunication trope is utilised in this story adds to the dynamic between Honeko and Arakuni. She senses that something is up but can't quite put her finger on it. Arakuni acts tough, but in front of her, transforms into the love sick teenager that he actually is. I found it cute.
Minor point of discontent: we get introduced to Honeko's brother. At some point, it's revealed that they have bound their chest with tape. At first, I hoped this was a bridge to let us know that they were enby or transmasc. After finishing the first volume, this doesn't seem to be the case. There is no explanation as to why they choose to introduce themselves as a man at first, and from the moment we as readers learn that they had breasts, that storyline is thrown in the bin and continues as a woman - both in appearance and how they're adressed - without further explanation. I feel like this was a missed opportunity to add more depth to her character. This is the first volume, so we might get the explanation as the story develops.
June 15, 2025
3.5 stars
Honeko Akabane’s Bodyguards
-Volume 1 & 2 released
-Volume 3 Release May 27
-thanks to Netgalley+ Kodansha was able to read this eARC
I’m going to start off by saying I liked how volume one flowed. There's potential for this series.
We get that Ibuki is to protect Akabane then the entire class is guarding her from assassins, then into him also having a mission to see who the spy is within that group. The one thing that bothers me about this is how all these assassins are after her but she has no idea… I just feel like at some point she would notice what was going on or is she just acting like she doesn’t know. I’m also curious if she knows that her family is yakuza, because I feel like it would be hard to hide that with how many people seem to be involved with her family. She does mention her parents being attorneys, so my question is are they attorneys so they can help protect the family?
The art is fitting for this genre and the fight scenes don’t drag on- personally, it feels well balanced. Ibuki and Akabane seem to have had a good relationship since they were kids, so it seems natural to assume that things will progress as the series continues. Ibuki is a bit oblivious to the fact Akabane also likes him; although, everyone else can see how they feel about each other. The contrast in Ibuki’s personality is nice to see when he is with her as well, even though he tries to hide it.
Summary:
Ibuki is seen as a delinquent and childhood friend of Akabane’s, which is the perfect cover to carry out his mission that the head of the Honeko family asked of him. Without Akabane knowing, Ibuki is to be her bodyguard as information was leaked that she was the granddaughter of the yakuza family. To his surprise all of Class 3-4 are her bodyguards and now he also has to show his worth to these trained “bodyguards”. One catch is that Akabane cannot find out what is happening. Who leaked this information? Will Class 3-4’s cover be blown?
Honeko Akabane’s Bodyguards
-Volume 1 & 2 released
-Volume 3 Release May 27
-thanks to Netgalley+ Kodansha was able to read this eARC
I’m going to start off by saying I liked how volume one flowed. There's potential for this series.
We get that Ibuki is to protect Akabane then the entire class is guarding her from assassins, then into him also having a mission to see who the spy is within that group. The one thing that bothers me about this is how all these assassins are after her but she has no idea… I just feel like at some point she would notice what was going on or is she just acting like she doesn’t know. I’m also curious if she knows that her family is yakuza, because I feel like it would be hard to hide that with how many people seem to be involved with her family. She does mention her parents being attorneys, so my question is are they attorneys so they can help protect the family?
The art is fitting for this genre and the fight scenes don’t drag on- personally, it feels well balanced. Ibuki and Akabane seem to have had a good relationship since they were kids, so it seems natural to assume that things will progress as the series continues. Ibuki is a bit oblivious to the fact Akabane also likes him; although, everyone else can see how they feel about each other. The contrast in Ibuki’s personality is nice to see when he is with her as well, even though he tries to hide it.
Summary:
Ibuki is seen as a delinquent and childhood friend of Akabane’s, which is the perfect cover to carry out his mission that the head of the Honeko family asked of him. Without Akabane knowing, Ibuki is to be her bodyguard as information was leaked that she was the granddaughter of the yakuza family. To his surprise all of Class 3-4 are her bodyguards and now he also has to show his worth to these trained “bodyguards”. One catch is that Akabane cannot find out what is happening. Who leaked this information? Will Class 3-4’s cover be blown?
September 21, 2025
Humorvolle actionreiche Gangster-Highschool-Rom-Com
Was macht ein Yakuza-Boss, der seine uneheliche schulpflichtige Tochter vor seinen Feinden beschützen will? Genau- er schleust „Profis“ ein, die sich als ihre ganz normalen Mitschüler ausgeben, sie beschützen und jeden Auftragskiller eliminieren.
Doch unter den 22 „Schülern“ der Klasse 3D befindet sich ein Spitzel. Deswegen heuert der Gangsterboss noch Ibuki an, Akabanes Freund aus Kindheitstagen; er soll Akabane ebenso beschützen, aber vor allem herausfinden, wer von den 22 Assen der Verräter ist. Denn Masahito Jinguus Ruhestand steht bevor und durch die Frage seiner Erbfolge gerät Akabane ins feindliche Visier.
Akabane selbst weiß garnichts von ihrer Herkunft; sie wurde als Kind von einer Anwaltsfamilie adoptiert und soll ein ruhiges Leben fernab des kriminellen Lebens ihres Vaters führen. Und genau darin liegt dann auch das Dilemma verborgen; Akabane darf von den Attentätern und deren Eliminierung nichts mitbekommen, was heisst, dass jegliche Beschützer-Aktion vor ihr verborgen bleiben muss. Das führt natürlich zu allerlei skurrilen Situationen. Dazu kommt auch noch, dass sich Ibuki und Akabane eigentlich sehr mögen, aber ihre Gefühle zueinander nicht eingestehen wollen, was natürlich in zahlreichen Übersprungshandlungen und „Was sich liebt, das neckt bzw. streitet sich“- Dialogen endet. Ibuki könnte man auch als leicht überambitioniert bezeichnen, was seinen Beschützerinstinkt angeht, da er wirklich in ALLES und JEDEM eine Bedrohung sieht und auch mal „Unschuldige“ mit reinzieht, was für manch lustige Situation sorgt.
Der Humor steht hier sowieso ganz oben bei diesem Versteck-Verwechsel-Spielchen und die Logik kann man da auch mal ganz getrost beiseite lassen.
Der Band war leichte und spaßige Unterhaltung, die auf jeden Fall Lust auf mehr macht!
Was macht ein Yakuza-Boss, der seine uneheliche schulpflichtige Tochter vor seinen Feinden beschützen will? Genau- er schleust „Profis“ ein, die sich als ihre ganz normalen Mitschüler ausgeben, sie beschützen und jeden Auftragskiller eliminieren.
Doch unter den 22 „Schülern“ der Klasse 3D befindet sich ein Spitzel. Deswegen heuert der Gangsterboss noch Ibuki an, Akabanes Freund aus Kindheitstagen; er soll Akabane ebenso beschützen, aber vor allem herausfinden, wer von den 22 Assen der Verräter ist. Denn Masahito Jinguus Ruhestand steht bevor und durch die Frage seiner Erbfolge gerät Akabane ins feindliche Visier.
Akabane selbst weiß garnichts von ihrer Herkunft; sie wurde als Kind von einer Anwaltsfamilie adoptiert und soll ein ruhiges Leben fernab des kriminellen Lebens ihres Vaters führen. Und genau darin liegt dann auch das Dilemma verborgen; Akabane darf von den Attentätern und deren Eliminierung nichts mitbekommen, was heisst, dass jegliche Beschützer-Aktion vor ihr verborgen bleiben muss. Das führt natürlich zu allerlei skurrilen Situationen. Dazu kommt auch noch, dass sich Ibuki und Akabane eigentlich sehr mögen, aber ihre Gefühle zueinander nicht eingestehen wollen, was natürlich in zahlreichen Übersprungshandlungen und „Was sich liebt, das neckt bzw. streitet sich“- Dialogen endet. Ibuki könnte man auch als leicht überambitioniert bezeichnen, was seinen Beschützerinstinkt angeht, da er wirklich in ALLES und JEDEM eine Bedrohung sieht und auch mal „Unschuldige“ mit reinzieht, was für manch lustige Situation sorgt.
Der Humor steht hier sowieso ganz oben bei diesem Versteck-Verwechsel-Spielchen und die Logik kann man da auch mal ganz getrost beiseite lassen.
Der Band war leichte und spaßige Unterhaltung, die auf jeden Fall Lust auf mehr macht!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 89 reviews