▪	RELEASED BY:		DEL REY
		▪	AUTHOR / ART:		MICHIYO KIKUTA
		▪	FORMAT:		JAPANESE / B&W
		▪	PAGES:		224
		▪	RATING:		T
		▪	RELEASE DATE:		11/27/2007
		▪	REVIEW DATE:		11/15/2007
		▪	REVIEWED BY:		HOLLY ELLINGWOOD

Rill from the magic world arrives and he has something for Nina – a potion to remove the crystal pearl! If she takes it, she’ll no longer be putting Ichi and Zero in danger by them having to protect her from all the various magic users who want the pearl in order to pass the exam. But if she takes it, it also means she no longer will be around Ichi and Zero as they will no longer have the excuse that they need to stay with her to protect her. It seems the two guys feel the same way and the wizardry final exams are approaching. Only three days remain and more teams and tougher competitions are happening. Just what will Nina choose to do?

This is one of the most exciting volumes of Mamotte Lollipop so far in the manga series. A lot of stuff happens in this volume. There’s the big pivotal decision regarding the pearl and splitting up the trio. There are also the final exams which occur this volume. Readers will find out if Ichi and Zero make the grade and move up to become professional wizards…or not. A new twist is introduced that really throws a wrench in the works at a time when it’s least expected. With the climatic conclusion to the exams in these chapters, it would seem that this would be the end of the story. But due to this new twist, it may only be the beginning.

The group also gets the addition of a familiar and this is the cutest looking baby dragon you’ve ever seen! It’s adorable and honestly, I wish they made a plush toy out of it, it’s that cute. This manga has fun, comedy, and magical mayhem with a dash of romance in this manga. It will be curious to discover just how all these little love triangles sort themselves out.

Manga extras include some fun fan art, a preview of the next volume in the original Japanese, and two bonus stories. The larger of the stories reveals Rokka’s past with Ichi and her attachment to him. It’s sweet. The second is a very, very short little after school look at Ichi, Zero and Nina. One of the most notable extras in this volume is a “Real Life Love Test” where you get to take a quiz and find out the results. It’s lots of fun.

IN SUMMARY:
The final exams are finally here in the latest volume of Mamotte Lollipop. Find out if Ichi and Zero pass and what happens to Nina and the crystal pearl. This isn’t the end though, a new twist brings out another arc for the group in this engaging comedy adventure.