Manga Review: Vampire Knight: Memories, Volume 3, by Matsuri Hino

Rating (Out of 5): ~3-3.5

Publisher: Shojo Beat (VIZ Media)

Release Date: July 2019

Volumes: 5+

Spoilers?: No.

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

Volume: 1. 2. 4.

Goodreads Synopsis:

Immortal tales of the past and present from the world of Vampire Knight.

Vampire Knight returns with stories that delve into Yuki and Zero’s time as a couple in the past and explore the relationship between Yuki’s children and Kaname in the present.

Yuki and Zero have decided to become a couple. Though relations between the Hunter Society and vampires have improved, bombs have been set off in the city and the “Vampire King” is claiming responsibility. Yuki, Zero, Aido and Kaien enter the battle to protect those they care about.

Review:

We explore Yuki and Zero's relationship more in this volume. The dynamic they have, as they're forming a romantic relationship, but also as the leaders of the vampires and the pressures from that.

This is mixed a little bit with new information regarding Kaname. Most of this is supposedly being told to him, but every once in a while we get to see him in real time, meeting his children and re-discovering himself and the world. This might actually be the most interesting part of the story to me.

We get to see some of the other vampires' stories, as well, and I do appreciate that. They all formed very close relationships, and I do like quite a few of those relationships and characters.

Mostly, I really just want Hino to write something new. She's one of my favorite mangakas, and this feels like reminiscing on an old series that's well over and deserves to rest. I want new content.

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

Manga Review: Vampire Knight: Memories, Volume 2, by Matsuri Hino

Rating (Out of 5): ~3.5

Publisher: Shojo Beat (VIZ Media)

Release Date: August 2018

Volumes: 4+

Spoilers?: No.

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

Volume: 1. 3.

Goodreads Synopsis:

Immortal tales of the past and present from the world of Vampire Knight.

Vampire Knight returns with stories that delve into Yuki and Zero’s time as a couple in the past and explore the relationship between Yuki’s children and Kaname in the present.

Neither the vampire aristocrats nor the vampire hunters approve of Yuki and Zero’s relationship. Zero must face opposition from the Hunter Society while also becoming the target of a vampire assassin. Meanwhile, Aido and Yori face obstacles as a pureblood vampire and human couple.

Review:

Seeing Kaname so many years later, with their kids, but with Yuki and Zero gone, is quite disconcerting to me. It feels odd, and kind of wrong. But also kind of sweet, knowing he is able to live again after such a sacrifice and after so many years have passed. It's sad, but kind of sweet, and kind of nice for him, I'm sure, even without Yuki. It's odd to me.

Aside from a little bit of that, we go back to seeing how Yuki and Zero decided to finally be together. Or, more accurately, how Yuki decided to get together with Zero, as everyone knew he was simply waiting on her. We see what leads up to this, how they struggle and argue with some people over it. We also get to see Ai's crush on Zero, and how maturely, and sweetly, it's handled by both of them.

Sayori and Hanabusa are probably my favorite characters in all this, though. Seeing them grow together and form a family, and seeing her decide and hold firm to her decision to stay human despite being surrounded and in love with a vampire, is really sweet, and I appreciate it. Their conversations and arguments are actually more interesting to me than the other characters. I'd like to just read a manga full of those two, as they steal every scene.

I don't mind this series, and I'll honestly read anything Hino writes. But I also wish that she'd write something new. I think I've almost had enough of these characters and their drama.

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

Manga Review: Vampire Knight: Memories, Volume 1, by Matsuri Hino

Rating (Out of 5): ~3

Publisher: Shojo Beat (VIZ Media)

Release Date: August 2017

Volumes: 3+

Spoilers?: No.

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

Volume: 2.

Goodreads Synopsis:

Immortal tales of the past and present from the world of Vampire Knight.
Vampire Knight returns with collection of stories that delve into Yuki and Zero's time as a couple in the past and explore the relationship between Yuki's children and Kaname in the present.
After a fierce battle between humans and vampires, a temporary peace was established, but Kaname continued to sleep within a coffin of ice...
Yuki gave Kaname her heart to revive him as a human being.
These are the stories of what happened during those 1,000 years of Kaname's slumber, and the start of his human life.

Review:

I guess this takes place during the time that Kaname is asleep, though parts are background and future; it's a bit mixed together.

The volume opens with Sayori, as we get to see her first impression of Yuki, and on through her life as Yuki's friend, as she grows older and they don't. Seeing her relationship with Hanabusa develop is really sweet, as he's a character I've always enjoyed, even if you know it'll be bittersweet.

We see glimpses of the other vampires, as they go on with their lives. We see Yuki and Zero as their relationship gets time to develop; they're always around each other, even if they're conflicted. And we get to see Yuki's kids as they grow older, Ai and Ren, as they wait for Kaname to wake up and tell him what's happened.

While the differences in timeline didn't really bother me, some of the story still felt a little off. I don't know if it's that Ren and Ai seemed under-developed or if I just didn't really care for them. And then Yuki and Zero's relationship... After everything with Kaname, I'm still conflicted on how I feel about them.

I'm going to read more, but I would like Hino to move onto something else, start a new story. I think I'm over this series, maybe.

Manga Review: Shuriken and Pleats, Volume 2, by Matsuri Hino

Rating (Out of 5): ~3.5

Publisher: Shojo Beat (VIZ Media)

Release Date: November 1, 2016

Volumes: 2.

Spoilers?: No.

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

Volume: 1.

Goodreads Synopsis:

The creator of Vampire Knight returns with a tale about a female ninja in modern Tokyo.

When the master she has sworn to protect is killed, Mikage Kirio, a skilled ninja, travels to Japan to start a new, peaceful life for herself. But as soon as she arrives, she finds herself fighting to protect the life of Mahito Wakashimatsu, a man who is under attack by a band of ninja. From that time on, Mikage is drawn deeper into the machinations of his powerful family.

With her final mission as a ninja fulfilled, Mikage strives to lead the life of a normal high school girl. But the shadows of her former colleagues threaten to mar the peaceful skies. Mikage encounters someone she thought she’d never see again...

Review:

I wasn't quite expecting a wrap-around, closed ending, but I like that that's how it's worked out. It feels more settled and resolved that way.

Mikage is trying to have a normal high school life, like her previous master wanted. She just keeps getting dragged into ninja business, though; she can't help but wanting to help, it's ingrown into her. Even going so far as continuously saving this boy in her school, who just shines so bright she can't handle it.

And then there's a new reveal with her master.

I won't spoil it, but I was surprised by the reveal. I didn't expect the story to go in that direction, but I guess it makes sense. The romance I didn't expect to go there, either; I guess I believed it was going to start fresh? I don't mind the way the story went, though I expected to. It fit.

This was a cute little series. It was a little harder to get into as some of her previous ones, but I still enjoyed it, and I'm happy with the ending.

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

Manga Review: Shuriken and Pleats, Volume 1, by Matsuri Hino

Rating (Out of 5): ~3.5

Publisher: Shojo Beat (VIZ Media)

Release Date: March 22, 2016

Volumes: 2.

Spoilers?: No.

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

Wishlist Thursday.

Goodreads Synopsis:

When the master she has sworn to protect is killed, Mikage Kirio, a skilled ninja, travels to Japan to start a new, peaceful life for herself. But as soon as she arrives, she finds herself fighting to protect the life of Mahito Wakashimatsu, a man who is under attack by a band of ninja. From that time on, Mikage is drawn deeper into the machinations of his powerful family.

Review:

Mikage has been trained her whole life to be a ninja, and she’s devoted to the master she’s been given, who treats her like a daughter. When she’s forced to move on from him, she finds herself helping a new man under attack by ninja. She’s not quite ready to move on, but decides to stick by this man until he’s safe, at least.

I like that we’re given a real reason for her devotion to her previous master. He took care of her, and she looked at him like a father, when her real one was never there for her. He wanted her to be a normal girl, and so now she’s going to try and fulfill his last wish.

I’m intrigued to see more of her time at school. She’s an odd one there, what with her ninja training and instincts, and I liked the few glimpses we got of her there. It looks like she might be forming some friendships, and I hope there’s more of that in the next volume.

I’m an always fan of Hino, so of course I will be following this series. I’m looking forward to the next one.

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

Wishlist Thursday[148]: Shuriken and Pleats by Matsuri Hino

Shuriken and Pleats 1 by Matsuri Hino

Publisher: Shojo Beat (VIZ Media)

Release Date: March 1, 2016

Volumes: 2.

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

Goodreads Synopsis:                           

When the master she has sworn to protect is killed, Mikage Kirio, a skilled ninja, travels to Japan to start a new, peaceful life for herself. But as soon as she arrives, she finds herself fighting to protect the life of Mahito Wakashimatsu, a man who is under attack by a band of ninja. From that time on, Mikage is drawn deeper into the machinations of his powerful family.

Why?:

Matsuri Hino is one my favorite mangakas; I love her artwork and her characters. While I did enjoy Vampire Knight, MeruPuri is still one of my favorite series and one I re-read often. I can’t wait to read this one. I don’t even care what it’s about, honestly. I will always pick up her series.

What’s on your list?

Manga Review: Vampire Knight: Fleeting Dreams and Vampire Knight: Life

Vampire Knight: Fleeting Dreams by Ayuna Fujisaki and Matsuri Hino

Rating (Out of 5): ~4

Publisher: Shojo Beat (VIZ Media)

Release Date: December 2, 2014

Spoilers?: No.

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

Teaser Tuesday. Wishlist Thursday.

Goodreads Synopsis:

A collection of short stories based on Vampire Knight

Deranged Love
A dying Rido reflects on his obsessive love for Juri.

Gifts for Yuki
Kaname wants to reward Yuki for doing well on her studies with tutor Aido.

Hidden Love
This is the story of Sara’s first love.

Queen of the Abyss
After Zero parts ways with Yuki and returns to being a vampire hunter, he encounters a vampire named Shien.

Review: 

I am a fan of Vampire Knight, and definitely one of Matsuri Hino (I love her art), but I’m also happy that VIZ is taking a chance with special releases and seeing how they do. And I’m glad at least some of them are doing well. I hope this does, too.

First of all, I have to say that the artwork in this book is reason enough to pick this up. I didn’t know there would be art aside from the cover and one color page, but there are sketches throughout the book. And they are gorgeous. They go with the stories, and they are just so pretty. I was pleasantly surprised by that.

Second, there are six stories in this book. Some of them were a little hazy in reference to the manga for me, especially the one about White Lily. The one about Rido and the one starring White Lily were a little odd to me, particularly in their obsessions. The one about Yuki and Kaname was very cute, if a little too long. And I liked seeing Aido--I'm a surprisingly big fan of his.

The last story, about the set of characters after the end of the manga, was very nice. It was cute at times, as well as a nice conclusion for the rest of the characters. The hidden gem of the book, though, was Sara’s story. It gave a new depth to her, and gave reason for her inclination for Ichijo, as well as just being a sweet story. Surprisingly, Zero’s story was not as exciting for me—it was an interesting storyline, a hidden piece of the manga, but not outstanding to me.

While I did enjoy most of the book, I will say that the writing was not amazing. It was a little plain, and at times read with the exaggeration of a manga, which I don’t think it needed.

Overall, though, it was a good collection of stories, and very worth picking up.

There was also mention of other Vampire Knight novels, and now I'm curious about if those will be released.

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

&

Vampire Knight: Life by Matsuri Hino

Rating (Out of 5): ~4

Publisher: Shojo Beat (VIZ Media)

Release Date: December 16, 2014?

Spoilers?: No.

Buy it here: Amazon. Barnes and Noble.

Goodreads Synopsis:

A digital-only exclusive! This special chapter reveals more about Yuki and Zero’s relationship at the end of volume 19.

Review:

There was no doubt that I would be picking this up, and I’m glad they released it. It clears up some things about Yuki and Zero’s relationship after the end of the manga.

It starred a surprising amount of Yori, which I liked, as well as some surprising hints of romance. Mostly, though, the conclusion it gave for Yuki’s relationships with Kaname and Zero was very needed. Yuki’s sorrow of what happened with Kaname was expressed sweetly, as well as Zero’s over Yuki. Also, it was very pretty, of course.

This little chapter is more than worth picking up, if you read the rest of the manga and want to know what happens next for them. It clears up some things, and is a worthwhile, sweet conclusion.