Soryo, Fuyumi translated by Shirley Kubo. MARS: Horse With No Name. Tokyopop, ISBN 978-1591828648 208 204 pp. $

This anthology does not deliver the promise of the cover blurb: an exploration of Kira and Rei’s first meeting. That scene does appear, and figures prominently in the plot only because the real focus is on the friendship/competition that develops between Rei and Tatsuya. Tatsuya is Kira’s best friend, and has been in love with her, like, forever. And so, he can’t stand to see anyone treat her badly. He doesn’t know at this point that Kira and Rei are going to get together, but since we do, the dramatic tension is heightened.

The story adds little to the character of Rei, and indeed, may contain spoilers for anyone who reads this before the series. The title story is followed with two short stories that I couldn’t relate to previous characters in the series. An optional purchase.