Coral’s Reef (Coral’s Reef #1)

Romance blossoms among the adolescent residents of a mythical seaside town in this slice-of-life fantasy manga by Lumson. Sparks fly when sea sprite Coral, a teenage surf instructor, meets fire ifrit Nick Inferno, Magus Academy’s famed water polo sensation, at her secret surf spot in the creature-populated town of Reef Beach. But Nick lives too far away to properly woo, a fact that Coral laments to her family and friends, comprising dryads, kappas, and sirens, each of whom have species-specific magical skills. When Nick and his twin sister Ember transfer to Coral’s school, the proximity allows Coral to actively pursue him, despite Ember’s industrious sabotage of the duo’s burgeoning relationship. Shiei artfully employs shojo staples such as frequent blushing, sparkles and heart emanata, and chibification rendered in vibrant color. The teen cast is often seen sporting revealing swimsuits that emphasize their figures and drive home the beach-read vibes. Anecdotal sequences give way to emergent magic and mayhem via a surprise ending that heralds action-packed adventure for the protagonists, each of whom is portrayed with fanciful skin tones. Ages 9–12. (Oct.)