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4.34 AVERAGE
4.34 AVERAGE
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
slow-paced
Rin's story has to be one of my favorite parts in the whole manga. This volume also had some of the best art I've seen in this manga. Also the ending!!! Haha!
As Takaya said in the notes for the last volume it would be more appropriate if Rin was on the cover for this volume rather than the last one, as she features so heavily in this one. She's another Sohma with a tragic childhood of abuse and trauma, which have clearly left her with mental health issues. Her relationship with Haru and Hiro's slightly unlikely friendship with her show that she does have a lighter side though, even heavily hidden under her spiky personality. That always appealed to me when I first read this series, probably because I was equally hot headed and contrary. She seems like the character who would benefit the most from Tohru's support but she's also the one least likely to accept help without a fight.
Reading Rin's story and her desire to break the Sohma curse made me think more about how it can be seen as a critique of the sense of duty family members feel for each other, even in the face of abuse and trauma. The way Rin talks about how it can be seen as a good thing from the outside but trap the people who are involved in it is particularly evocative to me. It's just one of the many elements which show the depth of this manga, beyond the lightness in the earlier volumes.
Reading Rin's story and her desire to break the Sohma curse made me think more about how it can be seen as a critique of the sense of duty family members feel for each other, even in the face of abuse and trauma. The way Rin talks about how it can be seen as a good thing from the outside but trap the people who are involved in it is particularly evocative to me. It's just one of the many elements which show the depth of this manga, beyond the lightness in the earlier volumes.
This one was odd. We randomly get a look at why Rin is the way she is and her [sexual] relationship with Hatsuharu. I thought it was weird. Almost like a filler episode. It had no real impact on the story thus far. I feel bad for Rin and I really wanted to smack that little bastard, Akito, throughout most of it. Who does this to people and is allowed to get away with it? I really don't understand at all why no one ever stepped in to help Yuki. He was horribly abused. Naturally the focus shifts back to Rin and ends on a good note. Mostly. Looking forward to #15.
This is volume is just so heartbreaking and touching at the same time... We learn a little more about Yuki's past and it pulled at my heartstrings. *sniff* Its just so sad about what happened to Yuki... Unwanted by his family, hated, hurt, lied to.... D,X
This is a very exposition heavy volume. It certainly sets Rin up as one of the most pitiable zodiac members - but then from the first mention of her you can tell she is isn't going to be like Hiro or Ayame...
Akito's actions really go from bad to worse, what happens to Rin is terrible, and what is said to Kyo and Yuki (the latter being shown in the next volume) is not any better.
I like that Yuki has that brief interaction with his mother, it shows real character growth - and I also like the interaction near the end with Machi. But I think the biggest ... surprise or whatever you want to call it is the revelation at the end of this volume. This is explained more in volume 15 but it has been building since the events at the beach-house a couple of volumes ago.
I could do with less Kimi... I find her more annoying than Hiro, but if I remember the focus will soon move onto the zodiac curse and away from the school so it shouldn't be too much longer before she disappears from the series!
Akito's actions really go from bad to worse, what happens to Rin is terrible, and what is said to Kyo and Yuki (the latter being shown in the next volume) is not any better.
I like that Yuki has that brief interaction with his mother, it shows real character growth - and I also like the interaction near the end with Machi. But I think the biggest ... surprise or whatever you want to call it is the revelation at the end of this volume. This is explained more in volume 15 but it has been building since the events at the beach-house a couple of volumes ago.
I could do with less Kimi... I find her more annoying than Hiro, but if I remember the focus will soon move onto the zodiac curse and away from the school so it shouldn't be too much longer before she disappears from the series!
emotional
inspiring
fast-paced
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I made the mistake of reading this before work started so when it was time to go I was on a really sad part about Rin and Haru. I couldn't get it off of my mind so for the first hour of work I was on the verge of tears.
emotional
funny
fast-paced
Loveable characters:
Yes