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4.4 AVERAGE
4.4 AVERAGE
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
emotional
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This might be the most painful volume yet, but also the most satisfying. The focus on Mafuyu’s internal struggle after so many chapters about Hiiragi was refreshing and nostalgic.
emotional
inspiring
fast-paced
"Vivir a través de la música". Que bella forma de vivir.
Definitivamente de mis historias favoritas.
Es un alivio que por fin Sato haya podido cerrar ese capítulo de Yuki y continuar con su vida, que se diera cuenta que al enfrentar el miedo que sentía no iba a dejar atrás todo; sino que puede usar la música para preservar la memoria de a quien perdió, el amor que gano, y los recuerdos que quedan de todo lo que vivió.
Además que al fin aceptará que no había porque decidir, puede amar la música y también amar a Uenoyama
Definitivamente de mis historias favoritas.
Además que al fin aceptará que no había porque decidir, puede amar la música y también amar a Uenoyama
GENERAL REVIEW FOR THE COMPLETE SERIE
When I picked up “Given,” I was excited. A mix of music and romance sounded perfect, with characters dealing with their passions and personal pain. But, while I don’t dislike it, I can’t say I love it as much as I wanted to.
When I picked up “Given,” I was excited. A mix of music and romance sounded perfect, with characters dealing with their passions and personal pain. But, while I don’t dislike it, I can’t say I love it as much as I wanted to.
The story starts off strong. Uenoyama, a guitarist feeling burnt out, meets Mafuyu, a mysterious guy with a broken guitar and a broken heart. Their meeting sparks hope for both music and love. This setup connects two big human experiences: making art and opening up to love after loss.
But then the pacing gets messy. Uenoyama and Mafuyu go from strangers to lovers too quickly, making their connection feel less impactful. Their romance needed more time to develop. The rush makes it hard to fully appreciate the deep emotions both characters are dealing with - Uenoyama’s creative struggle and Mafuyu’s heavy grief.
Mafuyu’s character hit me hard. His fear of being abandoned and how he carries his past trauma is very relatable. When he worries about being left behind again, it’s really moving. The author does a great job showing how past losses can affect current relationships.
On the downside, there’s the relationship between Aki and Haruki, and between Mafyuu’s friend’s romantic relationship. It has some uncomfortable moments with dubious consent, which isn’t just awkward but also relies on outdated BL stereotypes.
Overall, “Given” has the potential to be an amazing manga with complex characters, themes of art and healing and deep exploration of grief and recovery. But it often prioritises drama over character growth and emotional depth. In a way it’s like a song that’s a bit offbeat, “Given” struggles to find its perfect harmony.
emotional
funny
sad
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:
Yes
⭐4.7⭐
No sé si me siento lista para dejar ir está saga, sinceramente, aunque ya se haya terminado, creo que siempre me acompañará aunque sea un poco. Quedé muy feliz con el final, quiero reelerlo pronto porque siento que aún no lo proceso del todo.
No sé si me siento lista para dejar ir está saga, sinceramente, aunque ya se haya terminado, creo que siempre me acompañará aunque sea un poco. Quedé muy feliz con el final, quiero reelerlo pronto porque siento que aún no lo proceso del todo.
Ein wirklich emotionaler und schöner Band. Ich bin froh, dass Ugetsu für Mafuyu eine Stütze ist und ihn ein wenig anweist, ohne ihn zu sehr unter Druck zu setzen. Ich bin auch froh, dass Mafuyu endlich Uenoyama richtig versteht, sich entschieden und ein neues Ziel gesetzt hat. Das Ende war einfach passend und schön. Alle haben ihren Platz gefunden, ihre Gefühle sortiert und schauen in die Zukunft. Und die Bonusgeschichte hat gezeigt, dass Mafuyu dieses eine Kapitel abgeschlossen aber nicht vergessen hat, und es etwas ist, das er immer bei sich trägt, jedoch sich nicht mehr davon überwältigen lässt. Die Reihe war ingesamt sehr schön, emotional und hat einen die Musik fühlen lassen - selbst ohne Ton. Empfehlenswert, auf jeden Fall. Und nicht nur für BL-Lesende.
I'm quite relieved to be done with this series because it honestly took a lot out of me. The fact I read it during a depressive episode added an extra layer of.... something to it. I'm a little curious to read this again one day (not anytime soon) when I'm in a lighter headspace and see if I feel any different about it. For now I can say I feel like this was a series that took from me more than it gave. There is no light, happy volume. They all hurt and for sometimes different reasons. These characters are very real in how flawed they are, their trauma, and the mistakes they make. It's very emotional and at times quite beautiful, but still draining. I do appreciate that things do not always get wrapped up with a bow. Well, there is a bow, but a more realistic one at least.
My favorite part of this volume was the Strawberry Swing story at the endbecause unfortunately Yuki was one of my favorite characters of the whole series. And I'm devastated about him more than I should be for a fictional character.
Possibly this series' biggest issue is that I think it bit off more than it could chew. There's so many characters and they all need their own characterization, their own plots, their own romances... and 9 volumes just wasn't enough to give everyone the satisfying growth and resolution they needed, imo. The addition of Haragi and his whole 'mix' was where it went the most downhill for me. I personally only cared about him and his buddy in terms of how they affected Mafuyu and his ability to move on, but instead they really just took time away from him.
I feel like it will take some time for me to sit with this series and form more feelings. I can say it's generally good but not a favorite.
My favorite part of this volume was the Strawberry Swing story at the end
Possibly this series' biggest issue is that I think it bit off more than it could chew. There's so many characters and they all need their own characterization, their own plots, their own romances... and 9 volumes just wasn't enough to give everyone the satisfying growth and resolution they needed, imo. The addition of Haragi and his whole 'mix' was where it went the most downhill for me. I personally only cared about him and his buddy in terms of how they affected Mafuyu and his ability to move on, but instead they really just took time away from him.
I feel like it will take some time for me to sit with this series and form more feelings. I can say it's generally good but not a favorite.
Mafuyu has to make a decision --with a little push from Ugetsu he goes to hear syh --for whom Ue is playing guitar. He has an epiphany when the band plays the song they finished for Yuki. Mafuyu chooses music and Eu. We see a few chapters right after Yuki's death with their mothers --including one with giving Mafuyu Yuki's guitar and a conversation with Yuki's mother after the first concert. Music is a way to keep people/memories with you.
emotional
hopeful
sad
medium-paced