Reviews

Hikaru no Go, Vol. 1: Descent of the Go Master by Yumi Hotta

tuxedocatchronicles's review against another edition

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funny lighthearted medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.0

bumblebee's review against another edition

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One of my all time favourite manga. It's been almost 10 years since I last read it and I love experiencing the story all over again.

crowyhead's review against another edition

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4.0

These are about a sixth grader who is possessed by the spirit of an Edo-era go master, and develops an obesession with the game. They are bizarre, and silly, and yet I can't seem to stop reading them.

jamie_toomai's review against another edition

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2.0

My first manga. Let's just say I don't see a lot of manga in my future. So cheesy! Also, the main character is this hot-headed, angsty guy. Reminds me of that twit Harry Potter. But, I'm mildly interested in go these days, and these books are super quick to read, so I'll likely continue with the series.

Reading right to left was pretty easy to get used to. The thing I'm having a hard time getting used to is the ghost of the ancient go master in the story: It's just hard for me to imagine this character with long hair, full lips, ear rings, a petite up-turned nose, delicate smooth features, and hearts in the thought bubbles as a male...

katzen's review

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funny lighthearted fast-paced

3.75

Been watching and loving the anime so I tried this! The art style is super cute but I personally think the pacing in the anime is better.

eely225's review against another edition

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5.0

Whole series review: Just about a perfect non-sports sports manga. It doesn't overly dwell on the mechanics and strategy of the game but instead dives deep into how it would feel to get interested in something new and compete.

The thing I enjoyed the most was the sense that these characters dove fully into their world. It's a story about immersion and obsession with a single pursuit, a pursuit that is new and interesting every day. If only we could all relish our pursuits so deeply!

As a side note, I appreciate how the characters age. Hotta doesn't feel like every issue or plotline needs to resolve cleanly; friendships come and go. But by the end you get a good sense of a life wholly lived, whether there are board game ghosts around or not.

mergs_scribbles's review

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4.5

I have never delved into this genre of manga. Nor have I ever heard of Hikaru no Go until it was recommended to me on Insta. When I picked the manga up from my local library, I had no idea what to expect. 

I was hardly halfway through the first chapter when I realized this was a series I was definitely going to continue reading. 

The idea of a character learning to appreciate or even love something after experiencing the passion others have for it is very intriguing to me. The art is also very lovely. Some panels just jump off the page! 

I’m very happy I picked this volume up and will be definitely be reading more.

diamondxgirl's review

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3.0

I like the art and the story is fine but I don’t think I’ll continue reading

lilsuccubus's review

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3.5

I hate that the old Shonen Jump manga always had that condescending arrow with reading directions on so many pages. I know how to read a manga!! And if I didn't, one instruction is enough. Anyway, the premise is interesting and makes me curious about Go. The main character is kind of annoying, but he is a child, after all. It seems pretty unfair to all the Go players to be playing against someone possessed by an ancient Go master. I plan to continue the series.

empressnoriko's review against another edition

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5.0

A great story. Also a really good in depth look at the game of GO, the players and how one becomes a professional player. Fascinating. Also has a wonderful fantasy element.