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Manga Review: Lycoris Recoil Official Comic Anthology: React (2022) by Spider Lily Ft. Various Mangaka

Chisato Nishikigi and Takina Inoue
When the Creator and fans collaborate in one manga.

“Lycoris Recoil Official Comic Anthology: React” is a vibrant, supplementary collection for fans of the hugely popular “Lycoris Recoil” anime series created by Spider Lily. Through these diverse artistic contributions, the anthology specifically dives into the lighter, more comedic and different aspects of the beloved characters, consistently offering fresh, humorous glimpses into their daily routines and interactions at Cafe LycoReco.

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Lycoris Recoil Official Comic Anthology: React cover

The anthology primarily focuses on slice-of-life scenarios, giving us a peek into the daily happenings at Cafe LycoReco when Chisato and Takina are off-duty from their intense Lycoris missions, whether they’re devising new menu items, dealing with cafe finances, or just interacting in their wonderfully distinct ways. The core appeal here is getting to spend more time with these beloved characters, seeing their chemistry play out in a variety of humorous and often heartwarming situations, providing a relaxed, fun extension of the anime’s universe.

A significant aspect of “Lycoris Recoil Official Comic Anthology: React” is the artistic variety it presents, with each chapter drawn by a different artist. This means we get to see Chisato’s infectious energy and Takina’s dry wit interpreted through diverse visual styles, some more exaggerated, and others softer, offering fresh perspectives on their designs and expressions.

The strengths of these vignettes often lie in their ability to capture the specific quirks and endearing qualities of the characters. We’ll find plenty of laugh-out-loud gags stemming from character misunderstandings or exaggerated reactions, as well as tender moments that reinforce the bonds between the characters, particularly Chisato and Takina’s evolving friendship.

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These short stories are often quick, punchy reads, perfectly suited for a casual pick-up-and-put-down experience, and they succeed at delivering pure, unadulterated fan service in the best possible way. This provides extra glimpses into the everyday charm of the “Lycoris Recoil” world that the main narrative might not have time to explore, all while maintaining the franchise’s signature appeal.

However, as with most anthologies, this manga does come with a few inherent limitations. The varied artistic contributions, while a strength for diversity, can also lead to inconsistencies in quality, both in terms of artwork and narrative execution. Some stories might feel more polished and impactful than others, occasionally leading to moments that don’t quite hit the mark or feel slightly out of character for the established personalities.


For those hoping for plot progression or deep dives into the “Lycoris Recoil” lore, this particular anthology frankly offers none of that. It’s crucial to understand that it serves as bonus content, and is entirely separate from the main series’ narrative arc. This manga was designed for enjoyment of the characters in isolated comedic or heartwarming situations, not for advancing the series’ overarching story, which could be a con for readers expecting more substantial narrative additions.

In the end, all credit goes to the various mangaka involved, as “Lycoris Recoil Official Comic Anthology: React” delivers quick bursts of humor and charm that lets readers further immerse themselves in the world of Cafe LycoReco. This anthology proves to be a perfect supplementary treat, celebrating what makes the franchise so beloved even in its simplest forms, and it really is an enjoyable and worthwhile read for dedicated fans of the anime series.

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