Manga Review: Noragami: Stray God, Volume 21, by Adachitoka

Rating (Out of 5): ~4

Publisher: Kodansha Comics

Release Date: March 2020

Volumes: 22+

Spoilers?: No.

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

Volume: 1. 20. 22.

Goodreads Synopsis:

CURIOSITY KILLS

Yukine was harboring the fugitive stray at Kofuku's place, but when Kofuku comes home with an entourage of shinki, his new friend vanishes without a trace. When Yukine goes out looking for her, he only finds her former master instead. The encounter ends a bit too peacefully, and Koto's words nag at Yukine, but the questions they raise are dangerous ones...

Review:

While Kazuma and Yato are off training and preparting to kill Yato's father, Yukine is complicating things with the stray. In the beginning it might have seemed like an innocent friendship forming despite everything, but we all knew it wouldn't be. Of course she's planting seeds in his head, whether she wants to or not, and now things are spiraling quickly.

Hiyori hasn't shown up too much, but when she does, she's trying to help them. She doesn't need to be the role that shows up and takes care of things out of nowhere, but it's nice to see her standing up for them when she sees the opportunity. Even the other gods are meeting up and debating on what to do here.

This is becoming increasingly messy, and awfully dangerous for everyone, at this point. These slow releases are awful, too. I need to know what happens next!

Manga Review: Noragami: Stray God, Volume 20, by Adachitoka

Rating (Out of 5): ~4

Publisher: Kodansha Comics

Release Date: June 2019

Volumes: 21+

Spoilers?: No.

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

Volume: 1. 19. 21.

Goodreads Synopsis:

GEARING UP

Yato has promised Hiyori that he's going to confront his father, and now there's no turning back. The first thing he'll need is a shinki powerful enough to take the crafter down, but vessels that can survive an attack from Chiki aren't easy to come by. As he contemplates his options, he realizes an even bigger problem: now that Bishamon knows what the crafter looks like, her life is in grave danger...

Review:

Things are getting complicated.

As Yato is off on a potentially suicidal mission, the crafter is only messing up more things. It looks like Bishamon is in danger, and for some reason Yukine can't seem to leave the stray alone. Yukine and the Stray are an odd companionship, but I suppose it makes sense. I'm wary at this point, though.

Yato ends up with a somewhat surprising choice for help in his mission against the crafter/his father. It's not surprising, because we all know that Kazuma will go to any lengths for Bishamon. And yet, it's very apparent how dangerous this could be.

This series can be extremely light and funny, but when it's serious, it can go so dark at times. Both themes are done very well, too.

I'm glad this series is back to somewhat normal releases, as I can deal with consistent twice a year releases. And I love this series so much.

Manga Review: Noragami: Stray God, Volume 19, by Adachitoka

Rating (Out of 5): ~4

Publisher: Kodansha Comics

Release Date: December 2018

Volumes: 20+

Spoilers?: No.

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

Volume: 1. 18. 20.

Goodreads Synopsis:

TRIAL BY PLEDGE

With Bishamon badly injured and Yato and Yukiné arrested by the Heavens, Tenjin has invoked their very last hope: a Trial by Pledge. If the plan works, Amaterasu will pardon all perceived wrongdoings, but the stakes are high. Three gods must pledge the lives of their most trusted shinki. The score is tied when Daikoku volunteers himself as a sacrifice...

Review:

After that awful cliffhanger, and such a long wait, this honestly felt a little anticlimactic. It was still awful and intense, but maybe there's been too much time to still feel the drama of it all.

After the turnout of the god's trial, we get a bit of a reprieve. The characters get to go back home and recover, process what happened and attempt to move forward. There's a scare as Ebisu is kidnapped (and how Ebisu and his team reacts is honestly fantastic), and then Yato wants to do a flashmob surprise for Yukine's birthday.

But of course, nothing good lasts forever. Because the stray is still hanging around, causing trouble for Yukine... and Yato has to make some possibly-drastic decisions regarding his dad.

Once again, not a great cliffhanger, and who knows how long till the next volume. This is probably one of my favorite series, and I really want to know what happens next. I will be waiting not-so-patiently for it.

Manga Review: Noragami: Stray God, Volume 18, by Adachitoka

Rating (Out of 5): ~4.5

Publisher: Kodansha Comics

Release Date: June 6, 2017

Volumes: 18 (Hiatus)

Spoilers?: No.

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

Volume: 1. 17.

Add on Goodreads.

RightStuf Synopsis:

 Now that Yato has defeated Takemikazuchi, he must protect Bishamon long enough for the thunder god to convince the Heavens to call off their punishment. Meanwhile, Yukin strives to keep Yato and the crafter alive to ensure Yato’s safety, but when Bishamon takes deadly aim at Kōto, Yukin resorts to drastic measures…

Review:

One fight ends, only for an even bigger one to start. Yato finishes his fight with Takemikazuchi, and then goes to help Bishamon. Meanwhile, we see that Kazuma has reached Bishamon, only for a painful departure. Hiyori is trying to do what she can to help, though I'm not quite sure what that is leading to. In the midst of this, we get a little backstory, regarding Kazuma's nickname for Bishamon and how it came about; we also see that Kofuku got her nickname from Daikoku.

And then Yato and Yukine get taken in, and it's just—it's... It's awful and I'm so, so upset about it. It's painful to watch, and then that cliffhanger... I cannot believe it's ending there.

This volume had me really worked up, and really upset.

I am so upset that it's on hiatus at this point in the series. I really miss those monthly releases about now.

(On a side note, I do hope that the author is okay, and it's not too serious.)

Manga Review: Noragami: Stray God, Volume 17, by Adachitoka

Rating (Out of 5): ~4

Publisher: Kodansha Comics

Release Date: October 2016

Volumes: 18 (Hiatus)

Spoilers?: No.

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

Volume: 1. 16. 18.

Goodreads Synopsis:

PLAYING WITH FIRE
The battle intensifies as Bishamon approaches the crafter. Kazuma and her other shinki are spared divine retribution, but Kazuma will stop at nothing to save his master from punishment. Meanwhile, Yato faces Takemikazuchi in an attempt to reason with the Heavens. But how can he fight a force of nature?

Review:

Veena is being attacked and trying to reach her goal. The Stray is not helping matters at all. Simultaneously, Yato is fighting Takemikazuchi, and it's quite a tough battle for him.

During all of this, Hiyori is trying to find something useful to do. She's trying to find them, and trying to help, but she isn't really doing much yet. Then there's Kazuma, who is on a mission to save Veena. His commitment to Veena is impressive, and I really do like their relationship. But, he's also committed to sacrificing himself if he has to, in order to save her. It's a bit unhealthy, and does not look very good for him at the moment.

In the last part of the volume, we get to see the history between Takemikazuchi and his shinki Kiun. It's rather dark, which is to be expected. His and Kazuma's relationship with their master is unsettlingly similar.

I absolutely love this series. I just need more of it.

Manga Review: Noragami: Stray God, Volume 16, by Adachitoka

Rating (Out of 5): ~4

Publisher: Kodansha Comics

Release Date: July 2016

Volumes: 17+

Spoilers?: No.

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

Volume: 1. 15. 17.

Goodreads Synopsis:

Now that Bishamon has found the legendary blessed vessel, she has one objective: to destroy the crafter once and for all. But freeing such a dangerous shinki is an act of high treason against the Heavens. Can she accomplish her goal before the execution squad comes for her?

Review:

Bishamon is out on her mission, not letting anyone know of her plans, even though her shinki want to help her. It leaves them feeling helpless, and Kazuma can't stand it when the gods decide that she's committing treason.

Yatogami is doing what he can, in the mean time, and Hiyori is feeling left out and helpless on her own. And then there's the Stray and Yato's father, working in the background, trying to mess things up. The shinki that Bishamon has found has her own agenda, as well.

I've fallen a little behind in this series, but I'm still obsessed. I love everything about it, and I can't wait to get my hands on the next one.

I love the little glimpses of humor, among all the major drama that's happening right now. Like Ebisu wanting money to rule all, and Kofuku getting drunk. The small moments of true caring are important, too; I like seeing how much Kazuma cares for Bishamon, and how even Hiyori wants to help her.

Manga Review: Noragami: Stray God, Volume 15, by Adachitoka

Rating (Out of 5): ~4

Publisher: Kodansha Comics

Release Date: June 21, 2016

Volumes: 16+

Spoilers?: No.

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

Volume: 1. 14. 16.

Goodreads Synopsis:

Yato is a homeless god. He doesn’t even have a shrine, not to mention worshippers! So to achieve his ambitious goals, he’s set up a service to help those in need (for a small fee), hoping he’ll eventually raise enough money to build himself the lavish temple of his dreams. Of course, he can’t afford to be picky, so Yato accepts all kinds of jobs, from finding lost kittens to helping a student overcome bullies at school.

Review:

Bishamonten is dealing with the aftermath of what happened with one of her shinki, as is Kazuma who had to help her. No one really knows what happened, though; they’re not allowed to. Bishamon and Yato are trying to figure out what to do, on their own, about the crafter/Yato’s dad. It’s complicated, but Bishamon has thought up a surprising possibility, and she goes after it in this volume.

There’s also a divine counsel in this volume, where all of the gods get together for a party, to debate on important things, and for a matchmaking. Yato meets some interesting new gods. He also causes some trouble for Hiyori’s possible future, though Kofuku also helps him with it. That should be interesting. We also get to see more of Ebisu, whom I still quite love.

This was another fantastic volume. The humor is still the best, and balanced perfectly with all the serious moments, and the main plot is definitely getting deep and dark. I can’t wait for the next one, though we’ll be caught up then.

Manga Review: Noragami: Stray God, Volume 14, by Adachitoka

Rating (Out of 5): ~4-4.5

Publisher: Kodansha Comics

Release Date: May 17, 2016

Volumes: 16+

Spoilers?: Some.

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

Volume: 1. 13. 15.

Add on Goodreads 

RightStuf Synopsis:

Hiyori and her family are still dealing with the repercussions of the hospital disaster, and Yato is convinced Hiyori’s troubles are all his fault. He runs away, vowing never to see her again until he is a genuine god of happiness. Meanwhile, Bishamon is having fallout problems of her own…

Review:

Bishamon is trying to portray that everything is fine, but she’s floundering as one of her shinki is getting dangerously close to figuring out her real name. The God’s secret is starting to come to the surface, and it’s terrible. This also provokes Kazuma into using his friendship with Yukine to his advantage and find some information out. This, understandably, doesn’t go well with Yukine when he figures it out.

There’s a reprieve in the middle here where we meet Hiyori’s brother and grandmother, who have a surprising similarity with each other. Apparently her gift runs in the family. This is both fun, and a sweet moment between the family.

I just eat up every volume of this series, and I am loving it. Can’t wait for the next one, especially after that cliffhanger.

Manga Review: Noragami: Stray God, Volume 13, by Adachitoka

Rating (Out of 5): ~4-4.5
Publisher: Kodansha Comics
Release Date: April 19, 2016
Volumes: 16+
Spoilers?: No.
Buy it here: Amazon. Barnes and Noble.
Volume: 1. 12. 14.
Add on Goodreads 

Amazon Synopsis:

PLAYING WITH FIRE

Hiyori knows Kōto’s real identity, and she’s determined not to let him mess with her anymore. When he comes to pick on her again, she confronts him about Yato and refuses to back down. She’s not afraid of him, but incurring the wrath of Yato’s father comes with dire consequences.

Review:

Yato’s father is the worst. I hate him and what he’s done to Yato.
In this volume, he attack Hiyori, indirectly but right where it hurts. We see how horrible he really scarred Yato in the past, and then when he threatens Hiyori, the two close in to protect her. Surprisingly enough, Bishamon also tries to help Yato in the fight, because she’s after his father for her own reasons.
I do like the way that things end, how they turn out. I’m not surprised, because even though it was bad, I trusted that Yato would figure it out in a better way. I like the way it shows up his father, too, that jerk.
This volume is bad, and it gets very dark for a while. But it turns out pretty well, for the moment. I’m looking forward to seeing how things change next, where the story goes from here. Every new volume has a surprise, and I’m impressed with each one. I can’t wait for the next one, and I’m so glad that I don’t have to wait long yet.

Manga Review: Noragami: Stray God, Volume 12, by Adachitoka

Rating (Out of 5): ~4

Publisher: Kodansha Comics

Release Date: March 22, 2016

Volumes: 16+

Spoilers?: Some.

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

Volume: 1. 11. 13.

Goodreads Synopsis:

Noragami: Stray God volume 12 features story and art by Adachitoka.
Furious that Yato has released her, the stray plots revenge against her rival. While Kōto has Yato distracted, she confronts Yukiné and lets him know that the gods have a secret…and it’s one Yato will do anything to keep. Hiyori is curious about this secret, too, but keeping Yukiné’s past a secret may be the key to protecting him.

Review:

We get a couple of revelations in this volume. One of them being what the gods’ secret really is, but also relating to that, we get to see Yato’s past.

The gods’ secret at first just seems very sad for both parties, but the reveal at the end is horrible and not quite what I expected. Yato’s past is just horrible and sad and I hate his father. When he was a kid he was taught horrible things, because he was made to be a certain type of god that he’s rebelling against now. Seeing a kid killing people will always be a terrible image, especially when done gleefully, ugh. Horrifying. Even worse when you already love the character.

Seeing him start to learn that other people don't find killing good, and when he wants so bad to make people happy, is so sweet though.

I don’t see how his father is ever going to be seen as a good character in any way, and I really hope that doesn’t happen. What he did to Yato, and how he treated Hiiro as well. There’s no coming back from that.

I’ve said this before, but I love how this series can have such serious moments, but so smoothly mix in some humor to lighten it up. Like when Yato finds out that Hiyori and his father know each other, and went to the amusement park together? Hilarious.

This series is just excellent, and I’m kind of obsessed with it at this point. I can’t wait for the next one.