Overall, this manga was very enjoyable. The story was cute, heartwarming, and also funny. There were many different characters in the story, and they were all delight. I particularly enjoyed seeing the adorable friendship between Ume and Pequeño.

I hope that there will be more in this series and I look forward to further works by this author!

This was such a wholesome manga!
The art style was adorable, the characters were cute and all loveable. It’s more of a cozy manga as this isn’t really a rise and fall plot but that doesn’t make it any less enjoyable. The only problem I had was that the beginning’s pacing was a little off so much happens in like one to two pages. I know it’s to set up the rest of the manga but it could’ve been fleshed out a little more, also the ending felt very abrupt. I believe it’s a standalone but it feels like it could be a duology or series. I thought there would be more romance in it but that doesn’t take away from my enjoyment like the pacing issues did.

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Niko Izuki for this early copy!


This manga is such a cute, fun and charming read with a unique premise. The art style is something I really enjoyed in this one, the main 3 men were some of the most beautiful characters I have ever seen! and so full of personality, perfectly matching the tone of the story.

The characters are quirky and lovable, and their interactions bring a lot of warmth and humour. Some moments had me genuinely laughing out loud. While not overly deep, it’s a delightful manga that’s both visually appealing and entertaining and gives a good needed giggle!

Definitely worth picking up if you’re looking for something lighthearted with a supernatural twist.

This is definitely one of my favorite manga of the year. Each character I wholeheartedly adored! Can't wait for this to continue. Definitely gave me Devil is a Part-Timer or Blood Lad vibes which only made me love it that much more.

A Vampire in the Bathhouse was such a cute read. It’s very much a slice of life story where we follow Luka who learns about a human bathhouse and decides to visit it from the demon realm. Once there, he meets Sakura and falls in love with the cozy bathhouse 💖

My favorite character in this manga absolutely had to be Umenosuke. He was such a cutie pie! He’s Sakura’s younger brother, and it’s clear how much he loves his older brother. He’s a very caring little boy, so he’s super sweet with Sakura, Luka, Pequeño, and Yomi. It’s no wonder everyone likes him because his sweet temperament makes it inevitable!

Luka was also a fun character! Despite coming from a privileged background in the demon realm, he’s fully invested in working at the bathhouse. He helps Sakura clean and run the bathhouse without complaint and, in fact, it makes him very happy! I, of course, loved the fact that everyone in the town immediately loved him because he’s gorgeous 😂 It’s a fun trope.

Finally, Sakura was great too. He found both Luka and Yomi over the top, but he was still nice to them. He’s a bit of a grouch, but it works in contrast to the over the top personalities of the vampires.

All in all, I’m excited to have this volume in my collection! I preordered it based on the cute cover alone, and having read an eARC through Netgally I’ve confirmed I’m definitely keeping it!

This is such a wholesome story full of crazy vampires, demons, reluctant romance, and a bathhouse. The artwork is beautiful, the story is well paced for a slower more wholesome BL. I enjoyed how the MC, Sakura, really didn’t fall for the Vampire, Luka’s charms so easily. Luka had to do things Sakura’s way to gain any traction in their connection. I enjoyed the fun characters that caused all kinds of chaos in the story and created some really funny moments.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the e-Arc of this novel in exchange for an honest review.

I decided to request this one as it was on ‘read now’ and I thought it looked fun. I used to love reading manga when I was younger, but I haven’t read any in years so I thought I’d give it a go again.

Unfortunately, this one just isn’t for me. To be fair, I haven’t read much of it, but nothing is making me want to continue. The art style is really nice and I like the character art, but it’s the story that is lacking for me sadly.

Obviously it could get better after what I’ve read, but as I have quite a lot of books on my TBR (over 100 physical books on my shelves!), I can’t bring myself to spend time on a novel I’m not enjoying.

The majority of reviews I’ve seen for this have been really good and positive though, so if you’re a fan of manga and think this sounds good, I’d definitely still give it a go! Maybe I’ll even come back to this in a few months to see if my own opinion has changed :)

thank you to the publisher and netgalley for the e-arc!!

i love slice of life now!! ahhh Luka, Sakura and Ume's daily life in the bathhouse is such slapstick comedy (chat am i using this right) but also actually very heartwarming to read. i love the dynamic of a family they have going on, especially with the inclusion of the people and community that makes it special, which Yomi learns later on.

i thought the blood pact and magic would play more of a role in the bigger plot but i love how this is a very homey story altogether.

The story is light and funny with some heartwarming moments and the art is just beautiful, all the little details making it even more gorgeous and enjoyable. The characters are hilarious and well, I just loved the whole thing! Very wholesome manga, maybe the most wholesome I've read so far!

Book Review: A Vampire in the Bathhouse by Niko Izuki
Overview:
A Vampire in the Bathhouse, written by Niko Izuki and published by Kodansha Comics, is a heartwarming and hilarious comedy manga released in April 2025. The story centres on a “hot vampire” who, seeking a break from his supernatural woes, finds unexpected solace in a family-run bathhouse.
Plot and Characters:
The manga introduces readers to a charming vampire protagonist who is tired of his immortal routine, stumbles upon a traditional Japanese bathhouse. Rather than terrorizing the locals, he simply wants to relax and unwind. The family operating the bathhouse is initially bewildered by their unusual guest, but as the vampire’s quirks and vulnerabilities emerge, the dynamic shifts from suspicion to acceptance and camaraderie.
The narrative thrives on the contrast between the vampire’s supernatural mystique and the mundane, everyday warmth of the bathhouse setting. The family’s interactions with their immortal guest lead to comedic misunderstandings, heartfelt moments, and a gradual deepening of friendship.
Themes:
• Found Family: The story explores how bonds can form in the most unexpected places, with the bathhouse family and the vampire gradually becoming a surrogate family for one another.
• Comedy and Heart: The manga balances slapstick humour with genuinely touching scenes, making it accessible and enjoyable for a wide audience.
• Self-Acceptance: The vampire’s journey is as much about finding a place to belong as it is about learning to accept himself, quirks and all.
Art and Style:
Niko Izuki’s artwork complements the story’s tone, blending expressive character designs with detailed backgrounds that capture the cozy atmosphere of the bathhouse. The comedic timing is enhanced by visual gags and exaggerated reactions, while quieter moments are rendered with warmth and subtlety.
Strengths:
• Engaging Characters: Both the vampire and the bathhouse family are well-drawn and endearing, making their interactions a highlight.
• Atmosphere: The unique setting adds charm and novelty, standing out among supernatural comedies.
• Balance of Humour and Emotion: The manga succeeds in delivering both laughs and heartfelt moments.
Potential Drawbacks:
• Light Plot: Readers seeking high-stakes drama or intense action may find the story’s slice-of-life approach too gentle.
• Familiar Tropes: While the “supernatural meets everyday life” formula is well-trodden, the manga’s execution keeps it feeling fresh.
Conclusion
A Vampire in the Bathhouse is a delightful, feel-good manga that offers a refreshing twist on vampire lore. With its blend of comedy, warmth, and found-family themes, Niko Izuki’s series is perfect for readers looking for a cozy, uplifting read with supernatural flair.

Hello this was so cute and humorous! It had been awhile since I’ve read a manga but this was such a treat. It was easy to read, and was fairly fast paced. I finished it in an hour or so, will there be more because I think I need to see more of their relationship!

What a cute little manga! The art is really what kept me hooked throughout. The amount of detail the artists put in this short story was so lovely. I did find the story/plot to be lacking. Didn’t feel much character development and felt like more often than not the story just abruptly ended.

LGBTQIA+ representation was done really well, didn’t come across forced like they were trying to check a box. Yomi was my favorite though especially with his shifting form lol.

I would love to see more from this artist, and more importantly would love to see them expand on their storytelling.

°❀⋆.ೃ࿔*:• Thanks to NetGalley and Kodansha for providing this arc in exchange for my honest feedback. °❀⋆.ೃ࿔*:•

This manga felt like it was written exactly for me, with every single thing I love about this type of slice-of-life cozy story.

Luka is a perfectly pretty prince of a vampire who discovers a bathhouse on the human realm. Curious, he magics his way there, finds out he really, really likes the bathhouse and the human running it, and decides to stay. Very simple opening and setup for what turned out to be an incredibly cute slice-of-life cozy found family story.

Running the bathhouse is Sakura and his grandfather, and his very young brother Umenosuke. Luka's appearance is weird, but they all kind of roll with it and he says in the bathhouse, helping them run it and bring in more business. Each chapter is its own little slice-of-life story as we watch Luka grow into being part of the bathhouse's core family, and experience life in the human realm.

The art is fantastic across the board. Each main character is very distinct, and the creator is great at both beautiful characters and cute characters.

It's all so cute. I loved it. It may not be for everyone, especially if you require plot and stakes and some tension, but if you just want something along this vein, it's a great read.

If you're looking for a fun, light manga, this one is for you.
Sometimes manga are so long and deep, but this one was fun, and I had a great time reading it.
I loved it, truly.
3.5

No. I went in thinking that this would be a silly, quirky story along the lines of "Thermae Romae Novae" or something. I enjoy comedies that derive their humor from mismatched elements, but this read like a child's version of a sexy fanfic. Stuff just happens with no real reason or connection. Not for me. I don't think sexual harassment is funny or cute, so... do not recommend.

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC.

This was such a fluffy BL!! I loved the art and the story from start to finish, and you can clearly tell that the author loves Japanese culture and wants more people to know about it (the bathhouse etiquette, the food, the community, the school activities, etc!).

I really wanted to love this, but it just felt long for no reason and nothing happened at all. There was/is a lot of potential, but I need something… anything to happen. A purpose for me reading it.

The art style is really aesthetically pleasing, so I did enjoy that portion. I also really loved the characters, but those didn’t save the story.

A demon Vampire finds himself quite content with humans in this fun and wholesome manga.

I absolutely adored this manga! It was such a fun and easy read. I loved the characters and the unusual slice of life we got to experience as Luka, our sexy vamp navigates the human realm with his lil familiar companion.

Wholesome, heartwarming and hilarious, I wanted more!! I cannot recommend this enough to anyone who loves slice of life and is looking for something light and fun to fill their time. Also sexy vampires, naked, in a bathhouse!

Thank you so much to Netgalley for an ARC of A Vampire in the Bathhouse in exchange for an honest and voluntary review.

This manga is an absolutely charming slice-of-life story—sweet, easygoing, and full of warmth. The characters are a delight, and I especially loved the playful dynamic between Sakura and Luka. But the standout for me was definitely the bond between Umenosuke and Pequeño. Their interactions were so wholesome and full of innocent wonder; they really brought a smile to my face.

The artwork is stunning, too. The creature designs—especially the vampires and demons—were particularly striking. Luka and Yomi had this beautifully haunting look that really contrasted with Sakura in the best way, giving them a mysterious, almost dreamlike aura.

3.5 ⭐

this was a nice and heartwarming manga.
I requested it blindly and was a bit disappointed because it's not a colored graphic novel, but the characters are very likable and cute.
It hints to romance, but is actually a very family centered story.
It might have a continuation in the future, and I would enjoy reading it..


Ⓟⓡⓔ—Ⓡⓔⓥⓘⓔⓦ

This is my first manga ARC 💛
It seems cute and funny... It's just a pity it's not a colored one because the art is beautiful. Still in excited for this

❁ Thank you to Netgalley, Niko Izuki and Kodansha Comics for the opportunity to read the ARC of this in exchange of my honest opinion ❁