Manga Review: Kare First Love, Volume 9, by Kaho Miyasaka

Rating (Out of 5): ~3.5

Publisher: Shojo (VIZ Media)

Release Date: 2006

Volumes: 10

Spoilers?: Some.

Buy it here: Amazon. Barnes and Noble. Book Depository. RightStuf.

Volume: 1. 8. 10.

Goodreads Synopsis:

Four-eyed high-schooler Karin has never thought of herself as the glamorous type, so why is this hot guy on the subway taking pictures of her? Does he actually like her or is he just some kind of subway perv? Things get complicated when the most popular girl in Karin's school, Yuka, starts showing an interest in Kiriya (yes, that picture-taking guy on the subway) and sees Karin as her rival! Can Karin build up her self-esteem (and ditch her glasses) enough to stand up to jealous Yuka--and experience first love?

Review: 

"'I always say if you have a problem, deal with it right away. Especially if it’s a relationship issue.’” Yes.

This volume was much more calm than almost all of the previous ones. Possibly because the series is drawing to a close. In a way it’s nice to take a break from the drama, but at the same time it’s kind of weird seeing as how expected it is at this point.

Mostly this volume was about Kiriya and his family. His dad is pushing, Kiriya has decided to enter a photography contest to prove something to his father, but he broke his leg when he saved his father from an oncoming car. His father is still not being very nice, but Kiriya’s mother wakes up, and forms a relationship with Karin.

Karin and Kiriya have a small fight, but it’s rather understated and both of them are stubborn, and mostly it’s because Kiriya is upset and confused because of his future, wanting to keep with photography but also wanting a good relationship with his family.

I still have a problem with Kiriya and Karin simply because they don’t seem to have learned to actually talk to each other, to have matured as much as I think they should have. I don’t know, they are acting more mature, comforting each other and whatnot, so maybe it’s just the actual development that I’m missing. I’m not sure. I’m a little unsatisfied, though.

Kiriya’s relationship with his family is a lot better now, so that’s good. His relationship with his friends is better, and they all still hang out.

The next volume’s the last one. I’m not sure exactly how it’s going to end, aside from it being happy (because of course it will be), but I’m looking forward to it.