Reviews

Happiness, Vol. 3 by Shuzo Oshimi

emma_not_watson_reads's review against another edition

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dark mysterious tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

vicki_1's review

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dark mysterious tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

berry_9029's review

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challenging dark emotional mysterious sad tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

umbookaholic's review against another edition

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4.0

*4,5

gostei DEMAIS desse volume!!!! por mais q a história esteja se revelando bem simples, esse segue a linha mais ~surtativa do primeiro volume e, felizmente, tá dando mais dimensão pras outras personagens e tá acrescentando novos elementos à história! tudibão MESMO

thebookwyrm400's review against another edition

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4.0

It is amazing how little I still don't know. Mr. Oshimi is going to have to answer my questions at some time.

m_h_dahl's review against another edition

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5.0

5 stars


Finally, the clever and immersive plot is back in this creepy sequel!

In my opinion, it is because Makoto's relationship with Nora, and her role in his discovery of the vampire abilities she has given him.

Nora becomes a mentor figure to Makoto, teaching him about the intricacies of vampire life and helping him to understand his own abilities.

At first, Nora appears to be a friendly and supportive presence in Makoto's life. However, as the story progresses, it becomes clear that Nora has her own agenda and is not entirely trustworthy. As the story progresses, Nora becomes more manipulative and controlling, leading Makoto down a dangerous path. She encourages him to embrace his vampiric nature to an extreme degree, encouraging him to drink more blood and become more ruthless. Meanwhile, Makoto becomes increasingly isolated from humanity, feeling a sense of alienation and loneliness that he cannot shake.

Despite this, Makoto feels drawn to Nora and becomes increasingly reliant on her guidance. This puts him in a vulnerable position, as Nora has her own motives and is not always honest with him. Makoto feels a sense of loyalty to Nora, who has taught him so much about his vampiric nature. At the same time, however, he realizes that he cannot fully trust her and that their relationship is becoming more and more toxic.

I love the way the manga explores the theme of power and the way that it can corrupt individuals and relationships. Makoto's increasing thirst for blood and his growing disconnection from humanity can be seen as a commentary on the way that power can change people and lead them down dangerous paths.

Also, what I really find fascinating with this series is how the manga portrays a society that is deeply flawed and unable to support those who are struggling. Makoto is unable to find a sense of belonging or connection with others, leading him to feel isolated and alone. Meanwhile, Nora takes advantage of his vulnerability and uses him for her own purposes, highlighting the way that individuals can be exploited by those who hold power over them. The manga also explores the complex and often damaging dynamics of human relationships. Makoto's relationships with both Nora and his former classmates who used to bully him, are fraught with tension and conflict, highlighting the way that power, jealousy, and emotional manipulation can poison even the most intimate connections.

In summary, I think this is a clever written manga-series that you should read if yu also happen to like horror and vampires. "Happiness" explores the dark side of human nature and the flaws of the social structures that we inhabit. Through its exploration of power dynamics, emotional manipulation, and toxic relationships, the manga offers a critique of the societal forces that can drive individuals towards isolation, alienation, and despair.

hades9stages's review against another edition

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3.0

I agree with Yuki. Run.

carli_likes_books's review against another edition

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challenging dark tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

stvrlight03's review against another edition

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4.0

「 book 13 out of 100 」

lipsandpalms's review

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3.0

I'm flying through these. My expectation is that the new vampire will be killed somehow. He killed his own mother and doesn't feel remorse for it. He's basically a vehicle for how the main character would act if he was raised without his family support and his very caring mother.

I'm not so interested in that story as much as the main character coming to terms with his vampirism and learning from the one who turned him. The idea that he can feed from her when he needs blood allows him to be a vampire while only being complicit in the murders and not directly culpable. It's a way to maintain his innocence while keeping his story in tension. While it's a good device, it seems a bit shoe horned.

The introduction of a shady group, not affiliated with the police, who know about the vampires seems a bit cliché. I'm not sure how else they could introduce a conflict though considering how powerful the characters are becoming at such a quick rate.