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A review by wrenl
Blue Flag, Vol. 8 by Kaito
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
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
4.0
(A review of the whole series)
There's something really special about this story. It takes itself seriously, and I appreciate that. The characters are caring and considerate and make some very messy decisions, but they stand by their decisions.
I love Taichi as a character. He feels so human. He's boisterous and awkward and feels like he's stuck in his perfect best friend's shadow. He's caring and goes out of the way for the people he cares about. I love how his character develops and how he interacts with the world.
The plot became a bit messy near the end when Toma was in the fight with his friends. I had a super hard time keeping up with the conversation between Taichi, Toma's friends, and Mami's friends. Yes, you can't judge someone's opinion because you don't know their past, but also homophobia is bad. It was such a confusing conversation. But the intent behind that conversation ties really well into this story about perspective and following YOUR dreams and values.
My biggest gripe (which according to the Reddit post I read is the biggest gripe for everyone else who read this series) is the time skip at the end of this volume. While I like that it shows how people and relationships change over time, and I'm happy Toma and Taichi get together in the end because they are very cute together, some of the reveals at Futaba's wedding feel out of place. Like who is that dude? Who is Masumi with? What is going on???
In my perfect little world, Masumi would be married to her wife and having a grand old time. I'm not sure about Futaba; maybe she'd be on her own with a little flower shop or something, maybe she'd be married in the countryside. But at least Masumi would be in a gay relationship.
Overall, I would recommend this series because it explores relationships and personal desire (not in a sexual way, think more life purpose way). There are some amazing friendships and surprising relationships (think Mami and Masumi's friendship). Just a beautiful manga for the most part
There's something really special about this story. It takes itself seriously, and I appreciate that. The characters are caring and considerate and make some very messy decisions, but they stand by their decisions.
I love Taichi as a character. He feels so human. He's boisterous and awkward and feels like he's stuck in his perfect best friend's shadow. He's caring and goes out of the way for the people he cares about. I love how his character develops and how he interacts with the world.
The plot became a bit messy near the end when Toma was in the fight with his friends. I had a super hard time keeping up with the conversation between Taichi, Toma's friends, and Mami's friends. Yes, you can't judge someone's opinion because you don't know their past, but also homophobia is bad. It was such a confusing conversation. But the intent behind that conversation ties really well into this story about perspective and following YOUR dreams and values.
In my perfect little world, Masumi would be married to her wife and having a grand old time. I'm not sure about Futaba; maybe she'd be on her own with a little flower shop or something, maybe she'd be married in the countryside. But at least Masumi would be in a gay relationship.
Overall, I would recommend this series because it explores relationships and personal desire (not in a sexual way, think more life purpose way). There are some amazing friendships and surprising relationships (think Mami and Masumi's friendship). Just a beautiful manga for the most part