Sweet Rein, Vol. 1
by Sakura Tsukuba
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
This appears to be a typical Tsukuba story. Sweet, kind characters, Cute drawings, and a light airy fantasy.
I suspect the subject matter of a teenage Santa Clause and her transforming reindeer will strike Western audiences as strange (to say the least). I think we are used to seeing the traditions of this story manipulated, but not broken to the extent that this one does. But, this is the exact reason why I personally found this story enjoyable. There’s enough disassociation from the original stories that allowed me to “buy into” the fantasy — and enough elements remaining that the story was “fun” to read.
It is definitely going on my annual Christmas Reading list.
manga hoarder 