Manga Review: Yukarism, Volume 4, by Chika Shiomi

Rating (Out of 5): ~4

Publisher: Shojo Beat (VIZ Media)

Release Date: November 3, 2015

Volumes: 4

Spoilers?: No.

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

Volume: 1. 2. 3.

Goodreads Synopsis:

Seemingly afflicted by Yumurasaki’s fatal illness of the past, Yukari begins to get very sick in the present day… Meanwhile, Mahoro vows to kill Satomi before he can kill Yukari (as she believes he had killed Yumurasaki in the past)! Are these three fated to repeat their tragic connection?

Review:

I would definitely have loved more of this series, but it still ended very well.

We finally figure out what really happened in their past lives, and we see how it’s culminating in the present. It comes to a head, how their past selves are taking over their present. It takes a different turn than I expected, for one character in particular. But it gives their pasts a final end, a way to move on in the present.

I really just wanted Yukari and Mahoro to have a happy ending, and I’m really happy with how it happened. It was sweet and not too much, not too sappy, not rushed. It was perfect.

I loved this series. It was a surprising delight, and I’m so happy to have it. I really hope that VIZ picks up more of Shiomi’s other series, because I want more.

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

Manga Review: Yukarism, Volume 2, by Chika Shiomi

Rating (Out of 5): ~4

Publisher: Shojo Beat (VIZ Media)

Release Date: April 7, 2015

Volumes: 4.

Spoilers?: Not really.

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

Volume: 1. 3.

Goodreads Synopsis:

Yukari Kobayakawa, an accomplished author at the age of 17, writes with amazingly accurate details about historical Japan. It turns out he has the ability to travel back in time…to his past life as a renowned courtesan in the Edo period! As he goes back and forth between the past and present, he unravels the karmic relationship he has with his beautiful classmate Mahoro Tachibana…

Review:

I was surprised with this volume. While I enjoyed the previous one, this one was even better. It had me all caught up and excited in the action.

Yukari continues going to his past self, trying to figure out what the connection to his present is. He lets Satomi stay with him, take care of the house in place of his aunt.

Yukari is pretty much just along for the ride, entertained by life and the people around him, practically trying to take a back seat and let it all happen. But he’s getting more genuinely interested in the people around him, even while not realizing. He seems to be interested in Mahoro, the feelings slowly developing for him. They’re developing much faster for Mahoro, though.

Unbeknownst to Yukari, Mahoro and Satomi are having flashbacks, almost black-outs while their past selves take over. This is surprising for them, and for each other, as they have lingering hatred and betrayals. I was surprised with the twist thrown in about their identities, and the apparent betrayal hinted at from their pasts. I also love it, and am so excited about it.

This volume surprised me and really pulled me in, as I was hoping it would. And now I’m super excited to get the next volume.

Manga Review: Yukarism, Volume 1, by Chika Shiomi

Rating (Out of 5): ~3.5

Publisher: Shojo Beat (VIZ Media)

Release Date: December 2, 2014

Volumes: 4

Spoilers?: No.

Buy it here: Amazon. Barnes and Noble. Book Depository. Powells. RightStuf.
Volume: 2. 

Wishlist Thursday.

Goodreads Synopsis:

Yukari Kobayakawa, an accomplished author at the age of 17, writes with amazingly accurate details about historical Japan. It turns out he has the ability to travel back in time...to his past life as a renowned courtesan in the Edo period! As he goes back and forth between the past and present, he unravels the karmic relationship he has with his beautiful classmate Mahoro Tachibana... 

Review:

I’m already a fan of Shiomi from Rasetsu, so I’m already ready to love this series.

Mostly right now, though, I’m intrigued.

The entire reincarnation aspect I like, and I enjoy how the characters get a sense when they meet someone. It might seem a bit sudden, but I don’t mind that. Plus, since we get to see both times, I think it works out fine.

Yukari is a bit stuck inside his head, oblivious to everyone and thing around him. He’s just now learning about his past as a courtesan, and his curiosity takes it in stride. He’s pretty straight-faced about it. Mahoro is kind of adorable. I think she’s sweet, and her affection for Yukari is cute. I like her already, and am looking forward to seeing her develop, especially with the cliffhanger.

The artwork is pretty, though not overly done. I appreciate the characteristics for each person, and I’m enjoying how the story is set up and how it’s playing out.

I’m enjoying this already, and am looking forward to seeing how the storyline plays out, and how the characters develop.

A review copy was provided by the publisher, VIZ Media, and Erik Jansen from MediaLab PR. Thank you so, so much!