Reviews

Beast Complex, Vol. 1 by Paru Itagaki

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sabesaw's review

3.5

I'm not usually a fan of reviewing a collection of short stories. I loved some of the stories and thought others were okay. There were some of the stories in this collection that I wanted to continue reading, but alas they ended.

The art style at the beginning was a little harsh. But Itagaki pointed out at the end that these were early stories. Her art got way better towards the last couple of stories.

My limited thoughts are the same did the following two volumes, loved some, liked some, thought others were okay.

helterskelliter's review

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4.0

In this collection of six short stories, carnivores and herbivores learn to live amongst each other in different ways. Often, the two groups find more common ground than anticipated.

For fans of Beastars, I think you’d enjoy this collection. It really adds on to the world-building and gives readers more insight into this beastly world.

Also, because this is a prequel series, you get to see the difference bits of inspiration that will eventually become part of the Beastars world. Which, I find wholly fascinating as a writer myself.

Definitely recommend!

sorabooksection's review against another edition

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5.0

Short stories of friendship and romance between carnivores and herbivores. Loved every chapter.

I highly recommend it as a quick read if you are bored and would like a new type of story about slice of life.

setaggu's review

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challenging emotional hopeful inspiring reflective fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

I really enjoyed this collection of short stories in the Beastars universe! Some were written before Paru Itagaki began working on and publishing Beastars, and you can tell, but they are still stories that were pleasant to read nonetheless.

I'll forever be a sucker for Itagaki's work- she just has an amazing way of investigating complex relationships (whether romantic, familial, platonic etc) that are awesome to experience and really make you think at times.

Some individual ratings for the stories themselves:
•The Lion and The Bat 3⭐️
•The Tiger and The Beaver 5⭐️
•The Camel and The Wolf 3.5⭐️
•The Kangaroo and The Black Panther 5⭐️
•The Crocodile and The Gazelle 4⭐️
•The Fox and The Chameleon 5⭐️

Content Warnings

chzdavmpr's review

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relaxing fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? No

3.75

moberle's review

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3.25

Okay, the first thing that needs to be mentioned about this collection is that it isn't (exactly) a Beastars spinoff. The first four stories were actually written before Beastars was published, so they lack some polish and a lot of the concrete worldbuilding that was established in Beastars. As a result, a lot of the stuff in this feels more like a precursor to Beastars rather than an avenue to explore new parts of that world. Many ideas that are brought up in here are returned to and fleshed out more in Beastars. I think there is only one story that truly feels like it's doing its own thing, and that one is hands down the best in the volume. It's still worth checking out, especially if you're a Beastars fan, just keep in mind the context of how and when these stories were written.

verzrc's review

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5.0

Beast Complex is a charming collection of 6 short stories from the Beastars universe and, after reading 11 volumes of Beastars, this manga was a very interesting and refreshing view into the wider world that Paru Itagaki has created. The only negative point I have is that we won't see any development of the characters in Beast Complex and they were all so interesting! You should definitely read this whether or not you've read any of Beastars.

juliav's review

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lighthearted reflective fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

keitacolada's review

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funny hopeful lighthearted fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.0

sprucewillow's review

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dark emotional funny hopeful reflective fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

Short stories haven't touched me like this since reading The Lottery in middle school. I love Itagaki's characters. They are so deep and well-rounded despite only being around for one chapter.

Content Warnings

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