Yurara

In Shiomi’s third title to come to the U.S., title character Yurara Tsukinowa is a high school student with the unique talent for seeing ghosts and for feeling their pain. Preceded by her “weird” reputation (her gift often has her bursting into tears or staring off into space), she’s shunned by her classmates—all except for the handsome and playful Mei Tendo and his best friend/arch rival, the cool, attractive Yako Hoshino. As it turns out, the two hottest guys in school share not only the same class as Yurara but also the same ghost-seeing ability. Together, the threesome form a “yin” and “yang” type of ghost busting. With Mei and Yako, Yurara discovers her inner self—a self-confident and compassionate girl who can release spirits from their suffering. As in many shojo narratives, the outer Yurara struggles with her insecurities and appears meek and helpless. Shiomi develops her characters in an entertaining and intricate manner and presents the story with clean, detailed art. For readers who like their shojo with an edge, Yurara is Land of the Blindfolded with teeth. (June)