A review by mx_manda
Beastars, Vol. 5 by Paru Itagaki

5.0

Another excellent volume of Beastars, this one focuses more on Haru, her motivations for her decisions, and the tense politics of this world. In a world that is overwhelmingly populated—and ran—by herbivores, what does that mean for carnivores and their instincts to hunt and consume? When their strengths and talents make them (legitimate) threats, how do they integrate? And how much are they willing to be shamed for being what they are before they swing to the opposite extreme like the Shishi-gumi?

Can an herbivore and carnivore truly be friends?

This manga comments on many issues in the guise of a story about anthropomorphized animals. I love layered works that can be consumed and considered on different levels, depending on how deep I want to dig in. Any shorter and small woman can't help but empathize with Haru...and knows what it feels like to have everyone treat you like a child or something easily broken because of it. If you can find equal footing where it no longer matters, of course you grab for it and cling on. There is almost nothing worse than openly being viewed as small and weak by everyone...a cute thing to pity. That smile she hates so much. I totally know that smile. I hate it too.

Now to wait 2 months for the next volume to drop.