Akashic Records of Bastard Magic Instructor #14

Volume 14 of Taro Hitsuji and Aosa Tsunemi's magic-academy series puts its leads front and center: a long-haired blonde in a dramatic black dress channels swirling fire with her gloved hands while a dark-haired young man in a white uniform conjures crackling lightning behind her, the two figures set against a nighttime cityscape far below. Original character designs by Kurone Mishima give both characters a sharp, expressive energy that's been a hallmark of this series. If you've been following along, this 2022 volume looks like a rewarding continuation of the action and magical spectacle the series does so well.