SEVEN OF SEVEN: Vol. 3

Almost everyone lets their different personalities shine through occasionally, but middle school student Nana Suzuki has seven personalities running around simultaneously. Her troubles begin when she makes a wish on a magic gem, goes to bed and awakes with six of herself—each with a distinct Nana personality. At first, Nana and her family try to hide the fact that there are now seven Nanas, but it becomes impossible, and eventually all the Nanas wind up at the same school. They all like the same boy, Yuichi, a stud who's also the object of affection of Tsukie, Nana's arch rival. Tsukie and her clique are always trying to shame the Nanas in front of Yuichi. Most of Tsukie's schemes backfire, but she does manage to get in a few zingers. Besides dealing with Tsukie's chicanery, the Nanas also have to worry about passing entrance exams so they can attend the same high school as Yuichi. Just as the original Nana starts feeling overwhelmed, an eighth Nana appears, offering her the chance to be peaceful again. If she merges with the eighth Nana, all the other Nanas will be gone, leaving only one Nana. But Nana likes her new "sisters" and doesn't want their existence to end. Although the concept sounds outrageous, within a few pages, Imagawa's likeable cast makes it easy to enjoy this cute comedy romance. As the series is just three volumes long, this is a satisfying wrapup, but perhaps not the best place for first-timers to jump in. (Mar.)