Reviews - The Summer Hikaru Died, Vol. 1

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1.49k reviews for:

The Summer Hikaru Died, Vol. 1

Mokumokuren

4.29 AVERAGE

robinreadss's review against another edition

5.0

dark emotional mysterious reflective sad tense fast-paced

Plot or Character Driven: Character

Strong character development: Complicated

Loveable characters: Yes

Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

I really love the art style of this book, and how the thing inside Hikaru is shown as these patterns. The story delves into the grief that comes after death and how Yoshiki doesn't want his memory of Hikaru to fade, even if it causes him harm or pain through Hikaru's double. I feel as though this book has heavy undertones of queerness that can be seen throughout, and about dealing with that identity in a small town. It's shown as this intimate and scary thing of self discovery and even a personal hatred. Throughout the book, Yoshiki and even Hikaru are talked to about finding girlfriends in which they always refer into only needing eachothers company. This is only further enunciated with Hikarus double as this version has no filter or perception of societal expectations. He only holds Hikarus memories, even unable to decipher whether his feelings towards Yoshiki are his or original Hikarus.

Also Yoshiki literally sticks his hand inside double Hikarus insides and Hikaru says "feels good right there" this is serving a platter of gay.

I really enjoy the themes of this manga and will definitely continue it in the future. :]

"Whatever you are, havin' ya by my side is way better than not havin' you at all" - Yoshiki being definitely not gay.

natoriety's review against another edition

5.0

dark emotional mysterious reflective sad fast-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

I started reading it because of the anime and didn’t expect to get much more from the beginning of the manga but I sure did!!

There were scenes that were omitted and imageries that were portrayed in a different way. The mangaka draws emotions so beautifully and I can feel all the torment that Yoshiki is going through without him even speaking.

I also love how metaphor heavy the manga is—it is so obvious once you notice them and they change how you read everything.

An amazing read about homophobia both internalised and outright in a small village/town and how people cope when their loved ones “change”. Even without this metaphor, however, it is an amazing story and I adore the supernatural elements and how the creatures are drawn!!