This series of (mostly) four panel comics follows a group of girls (and some of their teachers) through a year of high school. The four panel format, similar to a newspaper comic, means that you are getting what amounts to a set of popcorn jokes that blend together into a coherent story, with one "deluxe" chapter in the traditional manga format. Some of the jokes fall flat, some are disturbing (one of the teachers readily admits he has a "thing" for high school girls), but the best are laugh out loud funny and may even draw on elements of earlier strips. The art is excellent at conveying feeling, even if sometimes you can't tell who is who. The not-so-good translation may also cause some confusion. While some of the jokes seem very much aimed at a male psyche, females won't be off-put, and will probably feel kinship with at least one of the five main girls. An interesting, funny read for those looking for something a little different. ( )

One of my favorite manga series, Azumanga Daioh is absolutely hilarious. It is mostly four panel comics but they all link into an overal storyline that is not only fun but touching. ( )