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rereader33's review against another edition
5.0
Despite the snoozefest that was the short story, I'm definitely giving this volume five stars for the tense arc regarding Matoba and the adorable story where Natsume and his yokai friends play tag. It was fucking adorable and yes, I did vomit rainbows afterwards, don't judge me.
Something I really want to discuss is what I think is this series's biggest strength-it's a great introduction to yokai fantasy (if that's a thing) but it's also a great yokai fantasy for seasoned fans of the subgenre (like me). I discovered this after thinking about how, while it's not even close to Noragami's level of worldbuilding or In/Spectre's level of yokai knowledge, it's still a fun and engaging series to read. Hell, Natsume and Nyanko-sensei are characters I hold dear to my heart, and neither are anywhere CLOSE to Yato and Yukine or Kuro and Kotoko in terms of emotional depth and development. But you know what? I. DON'T. FUCKING. CARE. It doesn't matter that I've read series that are better than this with more complex and interesting characters, I still love this series and am excited to read the next volume.
Not only that, but this would easily be my first pick when introducing new readers to yokai fantasy. It has a simple story, easy characters to understand, is fairly episodic, and the artwork is good. Yes, it's repetitive and yes the stakes aren't always high, but I think that's for the best when introducing people to this subgenre. Start'em off small, then introduce them to the heavy stuff.
Obviously, this series isn't going to be for everyone, and I totally get that. I'm not saying everyone should run out and read this now (although I certainly won't stop you), all I'm saying is that from the standpoint of someone who loves yokai fantasy over most other fantasy subgenres, I think it's amazing that this series is so enjoyable but also think it's a great introduction for new fans.
Thank you for coming to my Ted Talk, have a nice day, and PLEASE give this series a shot.
Something I really want to discuss is what I think is this series's biggest strength-it's a great introduction to yokai fantasy (if that's a thing) but it's also a great yokai fantasy for seasoned fans of the subgenre (like me). I discovered this after thinking about how, while it's not even close to Noragami's level of worldbuilding or In/Spectre's level of yokai knowledge, it's still a fun and engaging series to read. Hell, Natsume and Nyanko-sensei are characters I hold dear to my heart, and neither are anywhere CLOSE to Yato and Yukine or Kuro and Kotoko in terms of emotional depth and development. But you know what? I. DON'T. FUCKING. CARE. It doesn't matter that I've read series that are better than this with more complex and interesting characters, I still love this series and am excited to read the next volume.
Not only that, but this would easily be my first pick when introducing new readers to yokai fantasy. It has a simple story, easy characters to understand, is fairly episodic, and the artwork is good. Yes, it's repetitive and yes the stakes aren't always high, but I think that's for the best when introducing people to this subgenre. Start'em off small, then introduce them to the heavy stuff.
Obviously, this series isn't going to be for everyone, and I totally get that. I'm not saying everyone should run out and read this now (although I certainly won't stop you), all I'm saying is that from the standpoint of someone who loves yokai fantasy over most other fantasy subgenres, I think it's amazing that this series is so enjoyable but also think it's a great introduction for new fans.
Thank you for coming to my Ted Talk, have a nice day, and PLEASE give this series a shot.
theseventhl's review against another edition
5.0
In this volume of Natsume Yuujinchou (I just can't get used to calling it by its translated name!), we get an eerily close work into the world of exorcists, examine the relationships of one Natsume Takashi, see yokai learning how to play shadow tag, and see one of manga-ka Yuki Midorikawa's earlier short works – which, it will surprise no one, involves the supernatural world blending in with the human world. All in all, another outstanding volume of manga that deserves praise as well as fannish examination. And, of course, plenty of squee over Nyanko-sensei being typical adorable stubborn-headed Nyanko-sensei.
Read the rest of my review at Nagareboshi Reviews!
Read the rest of my review at Nagareboshi Reviews!
baudleaires's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
reflective
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
3.0
haruarus's review
adventurous
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
onigirigiri's review against another edition
5.0
MATOBAAAAAA!!!
As usual, Natsume always leaves me feeling refreshed.
As usual, Natsume always leaves me feeling refreshed.
brinipor's review against another edition
adventurous
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
Whenever my fox son comes to town, I have a good time.
joanarcherknight's review
emotional
inspiring
reflective
medium-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
5.0
protovulcan's review against another edition
emotional
mysterious
reflective
medium-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? No
4.5
I love the introduction of Matoba and Natsume realizing there's some real bastards out there. He wanted to fit in with people for so long but now he's growing attached to yokai and seeing humans aren't perfect either.