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beorn_101's review
4.0
This is the first volume that inserts some pretty real tension into the events in the story. Without spoilers it's tied to some reveals and, of course a character's backstory.
This moment is pretty dramatic and works well, though it veers dangerously close to being problematic. That said, I think it veers back into acceptable and even embracing some of the qualities brought forth in the arc.
This moment is pretty dramatic and works well, though it veers dangerously close to being problematic. That said, I think it veers back into acceptable and even embracing some of the qualities brought forth in the arc.
meganders22's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
campanulafield7's review
adventurous
funny
mysterious
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? It's complicated
5.0
meorawr's review
adventurous
emotional
funny
informative
lighthearted
mysterious
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
4.75
slyjaski15's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
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
4.25
marianaa__'s review against another edition
4.0
This manga surprises me after every volume.
Besides the nice art, the premise was what caught my attention: there are many space-themed manga, but I'd never seen one about kids being stranded in space. I expected a light, fun reading, with occasional discussions about survival and the teenage years. Kanata no Astra does give me that, but also so much more. There's this mystery around this accident actually being premeditated, so many complicated family relations... And every time I think I've predicted something, everything takes an unexpected turn and I end up surprised. (That's an impressive feat). After every chapter there's something to be discovered about the situation, and about the characters themselves. Their friendship grows, as well as develop individually. The protagonists are diverse and unique, and each one brings something to the narrative. Each one is given their spotlight. That's what I love the most. Honestly, I couldn't ask for more.
But this manga keeps giving me more, without having to ask. I think this volume is a good example. I'd thought about the possibility of Luca being a girl, but when he (I'm using male pronouns because he said he identifies as male) revealed he was intersexual, I was so surprised. I've never seen any type of media address intersexuality before! (To think I'd see that in a manga, of all things...) And it did so in such a beautiful way. I got emotional. The way Luca talks about how he's aware of both his male and female parts, his attraction to boys and girls, that his body is still growing and changing and that he wants to be sure of his gender and sexuality in the future... I mean (!!!) This honestly got me.
Sure, there's fanservice. And I'm not a person who is fond of it, let me add. In this volume, for example, there's the classic Beach Chapter, an excuse for the female characters to wear swimsuits and talk about each other's breasts. But, honestly, it's possible to overlook it if the manga gives a good narrative and good characters. It's not constant, just occasional.
A minor point also: in a rare occasion, I've seen a positive representation of journalists (!) It may seem silly, but it's so unusual. I love this profession, but it's rarely represented as a good thing. It's always a crazy person, or someone who is unethical and does everything just to get a story. Here we have Ulgar's brother, a source of inspiration to him, who was an investigative journalist, compromised with exposing corruption and such. The manga even addresses how journalists are constantly threatened and even murdered not to get a compromising story out. Ulgar wants to be an investigative journalist, just like his brother. This was so nice to see.
Something worth mentioning is that the anime - there are only two episodes out, but I can already see it - gives the audience even more character growth. Overall, it follows the manga very faithfully, but brings these subtle changes that add interesting points. They are for the best. That's honestly amazing.
So, after this long review, I can just say I want to see just how deeper this manga can go, and how much more it can surprise me. (Even if it's only five volumes long).
Besides the nice art, the premise was what caught my attention: there are many space-themed manga, but I'd never seen one about kids being stranded in space. I expected a light, fun reading, with occasional discussions about survival and the teenage years. Kanata no Astra does give me that, but also so much more. There's this mystery around this accident actually being premeditated, so many complicated family relations... And every time I think I've predicted something, everything takes an unexpected turn and I end up surprised. (That's an impressive feat). After every chapter there's something to be discovered about the situation, and about the characters themselves. Their friendship grows, as well as develop individually. The protagonists are diverse and unique, and each one brings something to the narrative. Each one is given their spotlight. That's what I love the most. Honestly, I couldn't ask for more.
But this manga keeps giving me more, without having to ask. I think this volume is a good example. I'd thought about the possibility of Luca being a girl, but when he (I'm using male pronouns because he said he identifies as male) revealed he was intersexual, I was so surprised. I've never seen any type of media address intersexuality before! (To think I'd see that in a manga, of all things...) And it did so in such a beautiful way. I got emotional. The way Luca talks about how he's aware of both his male and female parts, his attraction to boys and girls, that his body is still growing and changing and that he wants to be sure of his gender and sexuality in the future... I mean (!!!) This honestly got me.
Sure, there's fanservice. And I'm not a person who is fond of it, let me add. In this volume, for example, there's the classic Beach Chapter, an excuse for the female characters to wear swimsuits and talk about each other's breasts. But, honestly, it's possible to overlook it if the manga gives a good narrative and good characters. It's not constant, just occasional.
A minor point also: in a rare occasion, I've seen a positive representation of journalists (!) It may seem silly, but it's so unusual. I love this profession, but it's rarely represented as a good thing. It's always a crazy person, or someone who is unethical and does everything just to get a story. Here we have Ulgar's brother, a source of inspiration to him, who was an investigative journalist, compromised with exposing corruption and such. The manga even addresses how journalists are constantly threatened and even murdered not to get a compromising story out. Ulgar wants to be an investigative journalist, just like his brother. This was so nice to see.
Something worth mentioning is that the anime - there are only two episodes out, but I can already see it - gives the audience even more character growth. Overall, it follows the manga very faithfully, but brings these subtle changes that add interesting points. They are for the best. That's honestly amazing.
So, after this long review, I can just say I want to see just how deeper this manga can go, and how much more it can surprise me. (Even if it's only five volumes long).
quitesimplyreading's review against another edition
adventurous
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
amanda_mh's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.75
Wow this novel hit hard, I’m loving this series, I love how we get to learn more about each character as the books go on okay Luca being intersex is seriously beautiful, what a great way to show intersex representation I’ve never read about it before. I’m so glad it was in there
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death
sheepy13's review
5.0
Well here it is, what all anime and manga needs, a beach scene and all the female cast wearing bikinis (they are an institution at this point)
Really this volume has so much going for it, more of the groups backstories are revealed along with some secrets they were hiding from the others, one of which involving luca that I felt was really well put across in the revelation, then the comedic effect he uses in regards to it was fun to see.
The final few panels ends with so much mystery and suspense that the fourth volume is going to be really good, of that i have no doubt
Really this volume has so much going for it, more of the groups backstories are revealed along with some secrets they were hiding from the others, one of which involving luca that I felt was really well put across in the revelation, then the comedic effect he uses in regards to it was fun to see.
The final few panels ends with so much mystery and suspense that the fourth volume is going to be really good, of that i have no doubt