Manga Review: Haridama Magic Cram School

In Haridama Magic Cram School, two teen sorcerers-in-training study for their exams – but they're being tested on subjects that are much more exciting and difficult than history, math or science. They must use their smarts, spells and swords to battle magical monsters, and survive long enough to make it to their next exam.

Okay, I'll admit we're not exactly in new territory here. Haridama is a by the book, shonen manga story with all your favorite ingredients: the slightly under-achieving hero, his smart cookie girl companion, swords, monsters, cool teachers and nasty rivals. But Atsushi Suzumi (the creator of Venus vs. Virus) puts it all together in a short but satisfying one-shot manga package that doesn't overstay its welcome, so who's complaining?

Check out my review of Haridama Magic Cram School from Del Rey Manga, and see if this shonen scholastic fantasy fable earns a gold star, or gets the dreaded "try harder next time" stamp.

Image credit: © 2005 Atsushi Suzumi