Azumanga Daioh - Rivals (Vol. 3) Review

As this popular shojo (girls') series continues, English teacher Yukari's self-defeating rivalry with gym teacher Nyamo fades into the background. Tomo, Yomi, Sakaki, Kaorin, Chihiro, Chiyo, and Osaka begin their sophomore year, and are joined by Kagura, an athletic girl who's desperate to challenge Sakaki to a contest--any contest. Although physically talented, Sakaki remains oblivious to everything except the stray cats she chases, invariably getting bitten for her trouble. When exam time rolls around, Kagura, Osaka, and Tomo proclaim themselves "the Knuckleheads," and vie for the lowest scores. Cheerful 11-year-old Chiyo rediscovers the pleasures of jumping rope, which her old friends tell her is once again popular in elementary school. Untroubled by mecha , monsters, supernatural events, and boys, the girls in Ms. Yukari's class pursue their pleasant daily routines. (Rated 13 and older: cartoon violence, minor risqué humor, alcohol use) --Charles Solomon