Manga Review: Ao Haru Ride, Volume 6, by Io Sakisaka

Rating (Out of 5): ~4

Publisher: Shojo Beat (VIZ Media)

Release Date: August 2019

Volumes: 13.

Spoilers?: No.

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

Volume: 1. 5. 7.

Goodreads Synopsis:

The popular shojo manga series that was adapted into the Blue Spring Ride anime!

Futaba Yoshioka thought all boys were loud and obnoxious until she met Kou Tanaka in junior high. But as soon as she realized she really liked him, he had already moved away because of family issues. Now, in high school, Kou has reappeared, but is he still the same boy she fell in love with?

Futaba Yoshioka has encountered her first love again in high school, but he seems different from the boy she once knew. Futuba feels as though the distance between her and Kou has grown since he and Yui have started keeping in touch. Then something unexpected happens between Futaba and Kou at the school festival.

Review:

It's the school festival; Kou is working at a crossdressing maid/butler cafe, and Kikuchi is performing with his band. While Kou is struggling with his feelings of obligation toward this other girl, Kikuchi is attemping to move in on Futaba.

It's a little hard to feel bad for Kou in this, and yet it's complicated. It's not helped by the fact that Kikuchi is a really good guy; he's adorable and fun, and I like him a lot.

In the background, Kominato is working for Murao's attention. I find this dynamic interesting, especially since Kou's brothers personality is a bit of a mystery outside of his relationship with Kou. He acts differently with students, and with Kominato and Murao in particular. I'm curious where that's going to go.

This is getting a bit drama heavy, and yet I'm still very into it. I'm looking forward to seeing where it goes next.

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