Honeko Akabane’s Bodyguards, vol. 1

Story and artwork by Masamitsu Nigatsu

Kodansha, printed 1/28/25

Age ranking: Teen 13+

What do you get once you combine highschool romance with underworld crime? 

Effectively, no matter you’re pondering, I don’t suppose Honeko Akabane’s Bodyguards involves thoughts. What we get is a romantic comedy with a lot twists and intrigue, I grew to become instantly invested. 

Highschool delinquent Arakuni Ibuki and studious overachiever Honeko Akabane have been mates since childhood. They know all the things about one another, flaws and all.

Effectively, virtually all the things, however I’ll get to that later.

The way in which they name one another out (who’re we kidding, they argue CONSTANTLY), everybody thinks they’re a pair (foreshadowing). In fact, they deny it however the hidden emotions are there.