Manga Review: Behind the Scenes!!, Volume 7, by Bisco Hatori

Rating (Out of 5): ~3.5

Publisher: Shojo Beat (VIZ Media)

Release Date: August 2019

Volumes: 7.

Spoilers?: No.

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

Volume: 1. 6.

Goodreads Synopsis:

Ranmaru Kurisu comes from a family of hardy, rough-and-tumble fisherfolk and he sticks out at home like a delicate, artistic sore thumb. It’s given him a raging inferiority complex and a permanently pessimistic outlook. Now that he’s in college, he’s hoping to find a sense of belonging. But after a whole life of being left out, does he even know how to fit in?!

The Art Squad has always felt like home to its members, but as their chief’s final year winds down, doubts being to assail them all. Tomu worries he has no talent, Ruka decides to quit the club early to live up to family expectations, Izumi’s amnesia finally starts to get to him, and Maasa plans to give up zombies in order to find a man. Now it’s up to Ranmaru, the newest and most neurotic club member, to save the spirit of Art Squad!

Review:

I really liked where this series went in the previous volume, and for most of this volume. Ranmaru took a drastic turn for the better, finally gained some confidence and some courage. He pushed Goda to get back into his real passion, and along the way several of the other characters finally discovered what they wanted to do.

It was all going so well into a really sweet conclusion, even if some of the romances weren't quite perfect.

I had mixed feelings about where the main romance was going already, and then a curve-ball gets thrown in at the last second. I don't want to spoil how it ends, but I don't appreciate how the main romance concluded. I don't care for that pairing, and honestly don't feel it was necessary. I was perfectly happy with them having a normal relationship, not a romantic one. Basically every other part of the story was great and concluded in a sweet and fun way, and I like how it all wrapped up, even with the jump forward in time. Just that one part that leaves me a little wicked out.

Aside from that, this was a really fun series, and I liked the theme of it, and the characters. I do wish we got a little more with the side characters. And I really hope we get to see whatever Bisco Hatori releases next.

 A review copy was provided by the publisher, VIZ Media, for an honest review. Thank you so, so much!