Manga Review: Waiting for Spring, Volume 13, by Anashin

Rating (Out of 5): ~4

Publisher: Kodansha Comics

Release Date: September 2020

Volumes: 14.

Spoilers?: No.

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

Volume: 1. 12. 14.

 

Goodreads Synopsis:

 

Towa and Mitsuki are finally a couple, but Mitsuki feels like she needs to step up her game to make his heart race. She goes to the ever-composed Kyōsuke for help, and he suggests a surprise birthday party for Towa. However, when she brings her boyfriend to the party venue, she finds an even bigger surprise waiting for them both!

 

Review:

 

Now that our main couple is finally together, we're getting to see them settle into a relationship together. Taking some steps toward being closer, and particularly we see how far Mitsuki has grown, as she gets to make a speech for the new class.

A good part of this volume also shows Ryuji officially making his feelings known to Nana, and her response. The initial response was a surprise, but I'm really happy with how it concludes. I had high hopes for them as a couple, and I want to be optimistic for how it'll go.

I definitely thought this was the final volume, but it looks like we're getting one more to conclude everything. I'm happy to see where the group ends up as the series ends.

Manga Review: Waiting for Spring, Volume 12, by Anashin

Rating (Out of 5): ~4

Publisher: Kodansha Comics

Release Date: December 2019

Volumes: 13.

Spoilers?: No.

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

Volume: 1. 11. 13.

Goodreads Synopsis:

Waiting for Spring manga volume 12 features story and art by Anashin. Mizuki is a shy girl who’s about to enter high school, and vows to open herself up to new friendships. Of course, the four stars of the boys’ basketball team weren’t exactly the friends she had in mind! Yet the five quickly hit it off. Will true love ultimately find Mizuki in this latest volume?

Review:

The penultimate game to change everything happened, but not quite as the boys wanted it to. But their little bet gets a twist thrown in afterward, so not surprising how things turn out. I actually kind of appreciate how it worked out anyway.

We finally get some real, cute scenes between Mitsuki and Towa, as their relationship finally moves forward.

Somehow, it feels like the impending romance between Nana and Ryuji have just as much importance, as we've gotten to see him pining, but also he's made some pretty impressive actions regarding his feelings for Nana, maturity that has been surprising. I'm rooting hard for him to win this.

It's clear the series is coming to a close, and I'm really happy with how it's wrapping up so far. I'm excited to see how it goes from here, and what other cuteness we'll get.

Manga Review: Waiting for Spring, Volume 11, by Anashin

Rating (Out of 5): ~3.5

Publisher: Kodansha Comics

Release Date: July 2019

Volumes: 13.

Spoilers?: No.

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

Volume: 1. 10. 12.

Goodreads Synopsis:

It’s time for the New Team Tournament, and the stakes are high. If Seiryo wins, the basketball team’s ban on dating will be lifted, and if Mitsuki agrees, she and Towa can finally be an official couple. But then, Towa has a dream that he misses a crucial shot and loses to Aya … Could it be an omen?!

Review:

Both sides are amping up for the big game. There's a lot at hand, it feels like. Towa is trying hard and he's determined to win this, even if Aya is a hard competitor. They're both using this game as a reason to be bigger in real life.

Mitsuki is also using this as a reason to finally be honest about her feelings. No matter how it goes, though she's clearly rooting harder for one side.

There's a couple of sweet moments in this volume, and the new year happens. But mostly there's lots of anticipation, and then it's finally here. The game happens with a little twist at the end, which doesn't change anything for Mitsuki.

I still really like the main couple in this series, and I'm excited and curious to see where they go next.

Manga Review: Waiting for Spring, Volume 10, by Anashin

Rating (Out of 5): ~4

Publisher: Kodansha Comics

Release Date: January 2019

Volumes: 11+

Spoilers?: No.

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

Volume: 1. 9. 11.

Goodreads Synopsis:

A sweet shojo story of a soft-spoken high school freshman and her quest to make friends, Waiting for Spring will delight fans of earnest, fun, and dramatic shojo like Kimi ni Todoke and Say I Love You.

Mizuki is a shy girl who's about to enter high school, and vows to open herself up to new friendships. Of course, the four stars of the boys' basketball team weren't exactly the friends she had in mind! Yet, when they drop by the caf� where she works, the five quickly hit it off. Soon she's been accidentally thrust into the spotlight, targeted by jealous girls. And will she expand her mission to include... love?

Review:

Since Aya is still healing, Towa suggests they all go to a hot springs that's supposed to be good for that. It ends up being a big group event, with everyone going, though some more reluctant than others. We see that Aya, who initially refused, has some underhanded tactics. Towa isn't interested in him at all, only doing this for Mitsuki, but Kyosuke sees right through Aya.

Despite the rocky way this starts, the group ends up getting along rather well. They all have different ideals and ways of looking at things, and there are some interesting discussions during this trip. There are also some pretty sweet moments between Mitsuki and Towa. That ending, in particular... Oh man, they're so cute.

I really like this series. The guy friendship is very real, and I love seeing the guys hanging out. I also really like Nana, and of course the main romance. Aya keeps me constantly conflicted; I want to hate him, but then he makes me like him about halfway through. He's not a bad guy, but I'm never quite sure what he's planning. I do think he doesn't treat Mitsuki equally, though, and instead acts like he has to protect and shelter her, and that's not fair to her. Which is just more of a reason that she is better with Towa—those two are on very even footing.

I can't wait for the next one, of course. Following this series very closely.

Manga Review: Waiting for Spring, Volume 9, by Anashin

Rating (Out of 5): ~3.5

Publisher: Kodansha Comics

Release Date: November 2018

Volumes: 11+

Spoilers?: Light.

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

Volume: 1. 8. 10.

Goodreads Synopsis:

A sweet shojo story of a soft-spoken high school freshman and her quest to make friends, Waiting for Spring will delight fans of earnest, fun, and dramatic shojo like Kimi ni Todoke and Say I Love You.

Mizuki is a shy girl who's about to enter high school, and vows to open herself up to new friendships. Of course, the four stars of the boys' basketball team weren't exactly the friends she had in mind! Yet, when they drop by the café where she works, the five quickly hit it off. Soon she's been accidentally thrust into the spotlight, targeted by jealous girls. And will she expand her mission to include... love?

Review:

We get some surprising drama involving Nana in this volume. Turns out she had a pretty impressive ex-boyfriend, who she's a little stuck on still, and then he shows back up. When Ryuji finds out, it depresses him, but he actually ends up trying to be very mature about it. I think it shows how true his feelings for Nana really are, and it's sweet how she reacts to that, as well. I was pleasantly surprised with how this plot line turned out, and I rather like Nana and Ryuji, if they ever get going.

Aside from that sweetness, Aya is causing more drama for Mitsuki. After confessing to her, he saves her again, only this time he ends up hurting himself. When Mitsuki finds out, it makes her more determined to help him. This triangle between Aya, Towa, and Mitsuki is getting very messy, I think. Aya is making it more complicated, while Towa and Mitsuki are trying to take it slow and grow enough first. It's very... annoying, at this point. Frustrating.

This is still a very fun series, and I love the sweet little romantic moments. I'm looking forward to the next one, as always.

Manga Review: Waiting for Spring, Volume 8, by Anashin

Rating (Out of 5): ~4

Publisher: Kodansha Comics

Release Date: October 2018

Volumes: 11+

Spoilers?: No.

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

Volume: 1. 7. 9.

Goodreads Synopsis:

A sweet shojo story of a soft-spoken high school freshman and her quest to make friends, Waiting for Spring will delight fans of earnest, fun, and dramatic shojo like Kimi ni Todoke and Say I Love You.

Mizuki is a shy girl who's about to enter high school, and vows to open herself up to new friendships. Of course, the four stars of the boys' basketball team weren't exactly the friends she had in mind! Yet, when they drop by the café where she works, the five quickly hit it off. Soon she's been accidentally thrust into the spotlight, targeted by jealous girls. And will she expand her mission to include... love?

Review:

While not enough happens with the confession, there's still a change. We get to see the other guys' reactions, which I appreciate. Seeing them all sit together and discuss things is so sweet. And then there's Reina, as her BL dreams are crushed a little.

We get to see Towa in his element for most of this volume, as Mitsuki visits his home. We meet friends and neighbors, and get to hear some cute stories about him, and then Mitsuki finally meets his grandfather. It's all very sweet. Plus, there's lots of flirty moments, and some light touches. It's super cute and fluffy, and I love it.

Of course, there's also some stuff with Aya, but all I really care about is Towa. He's just so cute, I love it.

I just can't wait for more. I'm so glad these releases are so close.

Manga Review: Waiting for Spring, Volume 7, by Anashin

Rating (Out of 5): ~4

Publisher: Kodansha Comics

Release Date: July 2018

Volumes: 10+

Spoilers?: No.

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

Volume: 1. 6. 8.

Goodreads Synopsis:

A sweet shojo story of a soft-spoken high school freshman and her quest to make friends, Waiting for Spring will delight fans of earnest, fun, and dramatic shojo like Kimi ni Todoke and Say I Love You.

Mizuki is a shy girl who's about to enter high school, and vows to open herself up to new friendships. Of course, the four stars of the boys' basketball team weren't exactly the friends she had in mind! Yet, when they drop by the café where she works, the five quickly hit it off. Soon she's been accidentally thrust into the spotlight, targeted by jealous girls. And will she expand her mission to include... love?

Review:

The school festival finally starts, and we get to see Mitsuki's hard work pull off.

Mitsuki's relationship with Aya-chan is complicated. I want to just dislike Aya and call it good, but then the story focuses on their relationship for a while, and we see him be cute and sweet to Mitsuki, and more mature than the boys, and we see that their relationship is nice. I might not want to like Aya, and am definitely not rooting for him, but I can appreciate his character, I suppose.

Aside from that, there's all the festival activities, the dressing up and picture-taking, and it's very fun. And then we finally, finally get to see Towa make a step forward with Mitsuki. It's not the step I thought he was going to take, and she didn't react how I thought, either, and yet it's super sweet, and honest, and it's mature on a different level, I think. It makes me super excited to read the next one.

I'm really quite hooked on this series. It's such good, fluffy, high-school shojo.

Manga Review: Waiting for Spring, Volume 6, by Anashin

Rating (Out of 5): ~4

Publisher: Kodansha Comics

Release Date: May 2018

Volumes: 9+

Spoilers?: No

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

Volume: 1. 5. 7.

Goodreads Synopsis:

A sweet shojo story of a soft-spoken high school freshman and her quest to make friends, Waiting for Spring will delight fans of earnest, fun, and dramatic shojo like Kimi ni Todoke and Say I Love You.

A MOST FESTIVE RIVALRY

In her efforts to become a more proactive person, Mitsuki has agreed to join the school festival committee. Now she must lead class in putting together a cafe for the day of the big event. Towa has agreed to help her, but his mind is elsewhere. His team is about to have a joint practice with Hōjō, and he and Aya will finally have a basketball showdown...!

Review:

The schools are having a joint practice, and it's a big deal. The boys are preparing for it, and Mitsuki wants to be there to watch. Reina also wants to be there, but to capture all the juicy BL moments.

The competition between Towa and Aya is heating up, and Aya is largely messing with them. Towa is taking it very seriously, though. I think he's also struggling with his feelings for Mitsuki, and whether he should be fighting for her like this; wanting to declare his feelings for her, and not.

Rui throws in a curveball here, as he declares that Aya isn't good enough for his Mitsuki. It's possible that Rui is developing romantic feelings for Mitsuki, but it feels more like a brotherly thing to me—he wants her to be happy, and wants her with someone who makes her happy. He doesn't think Aya is a good fit; but he might be okay with Towa.

After the joint practice, Mitsuki is overworking herself with the school festival. She's trying to impress and do her best, and it's taking its toll on her, as the cliffhanger shows.

This series feels like old-school shojo to me, dramatic and harem-y and fun. With a slow burn between Mitsuki and Towa that I love. I'm quite a big fan, and excited to see what happens next.

Manga Review: Waiting for Spring, Volume 5, by Anashin

Rating (Out of 5): ~3.5

Publisher: Kodansha Comics

Release Date: March 2018

Volumes: 9+

Spoilers?: No.

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

Volume: 1. 4. 6.

Goodreads Synopsis:

IN CIRCLES Summer vacation is in full swing! When Mitsuki and her friends go to the amusement park together, she’s faced with plenty of romantic date spots and superstitions. When she finally works up the courage to ask Towa to ride the Ferris wheel with her, her plans are interrupted and she has to think of another way…but just when Mitsuki’s about to throw in the towel, Towa picks up the game right where she left off. Alone together on the Ferris wheel, Towa’s confession of a secret past may be more than Mitsuki is ready to hear.

Review:

This volume contains the end of their vacation trip, and then Mitsuki finally goes on her “date” with Aya. Mitsuki is still trying to see Aya as a boy, while Aya is trying to compete with Towa for her affection, when Mitsuki is also still trying to get the courage to do anything with Towa. It's a very conflicted triangle, especially when Aya is the only one being upfront about his feelings.

There's some sweet tension between Mitsuki and Towa in this volume, particularly as they're growing close enough to hug and whatnot. The little touches between them is very cute and innocent, and I'm a big fan.

It feels like they're trying to make basketball a big part of this series, but I'm just not feeling it that much. They're using it to up the competition, at least, and as something for the boys to focus on. It is nice to see Mitsuki taking on some other responsibilities on her own, though, as something for her to grow from.

This is a fun school shojo series, and I'm really having fun reading it.

Manga Review: Waiting for Spring, Volume 4, by Anashin

Rating (Out of 5): ~4

Publisher: Kodansha Comics

Release Date: January 2018

Volumes: 9+

Spoilers?: No.

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

Volume: 1. 3. 5.

Goodreads Synopsis:

HOOP DREAMS The preliminary games begin, and Towa and the squad are all fired up! Mitsuki’s childhood best friend, Aya-chan, is also at the arena playing his best, and the stakes are high. As Mitsuki and Reina cheer on the Seiryo team, Mitsuki sees the boys sweep the floor and is inspired to work hard, too! But when a ref’s whistle cuts through the air, a close friend lies injured on the court…

Review:

The group starts their game, and it doesn't go how they all expect. Mitsuki and Asakura want to show up Aya-chan, but Aya-chan is older and better.

Afterward, they all deal with it differently. Some work harder to do better next time, there's some hurt feelings to get over, and one person even tries to punish himself by giving up the thing he loves. I do like the point being made that not everyone on their team is a good player, nor do they all work together as well as they should. While the four do work together amazingly, not everyone else works as well with them, and they cannot carry a whole team.

And near the end, we finally get a fun trip for the whole group. It's some fun anguish as Mitsuki has to decide where to go for it, and then they're out. There's some fun harem drama, mostly as the other guys get to tease Mitsuki—I'm glad that there isn't more than one of them falling for her (at least so far), it's appreciated. And hopefully we'll get to see Mitsuki take a stand, or make a move, soon.

Manga Review: Waiting for Spring, Volume 3, by Anashin

Rating (Out of 5): ~4

Publisher: Kodansha Comics

Release Date: November 2017

Volumes: 8+

Spoilers?: No.

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

Volume: 1. 2. 4.

Goodreads Synopsis:

COURTING ON THE COURT Mitsuki overcomes some hiccups in her friendship with Towa, and the two grow even closer! But before Mitsuki can celebrate, her old friend Aya is on the offense, vying for her attention. Mitsuki meets a new rival as well, and every day is as busy as every play. Meanwhile, with the Inter-High prelims just around the corner, Towa and his team must train hard to go up against the prestigious Hōjō High School’s star-player: Aya!

Review:

I don't understand how it's still so early in this series. It feels like I've read way more than three volumes, and I'm already pretty much in love with it. I keep thinking I'm further in the series than this.

I feel like we're really starting to get to know the side characters. The boys are all becoming more unique and interesting, and I enjoy their guy friendship. Reina is still a good girl friend to Mitsuki and adds some fun BL humor. We're getting more of a feel of Aya, though I don't particularly care for him.

Aya is definitely pushing things on between Mitsuki and Asakura. Aya keeps challenging Asakura, as he's clearly his only other competition for Mitsuki. I like how Mitsuki handles it in this volume. She still freaks out a little bit, but she also doesn't let them just compete it out between men, and I appreciated that. How Asakura goes along with it as well is nice. Then later, Mitsuki makes a new girl friend at school, though it's likely there could be more drama there later.

Even though this series is technically still getting started, I'm hooked. The budding romance between Mitsuki and Asakura just gets to me, and I love it already. I can't wait to read the next one.

Manga Review: Waiting For Spring, Volume 2, by Anashin

Rating (Out of 5): ~4

Publisher: Kodansha Comics

Release Date: September 2017

Volumes: 8+

Spoilers?: No.

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

Volume: 1. 3.

Goodreads Synopsis:

A sweet shojo story of a soft-spoken high school freshman and her quest to make friends, Waiting for Spring will delight fans of earnest, fun, and dramatic shojo like Kimi ni Todoke and Say I Love You.
Mizuki is a shy girl who's about to enter high school, and vows to open herself up to new friendships. Of course, the four stars of the boys' basketball team weren't exactly the friends she had in mind! Yet, when they drop by the cafe where she works, the five quickly hit it off. Soon she's been accidentally thrust into the spotlight, targeted by jealous girls. And will she expand her mission to include... love?

Review:

So we find out that Mitsuki's old childhood friend is actually a boy. This is a surprise to everyone, commences in some teasing, and results in Mitsuki freaking out a bit. Everything she remembers is suddenly in a different light.

Mitsuki is also growing quite close to Towa. They've formed a close friendship, which is clearly leaning toward more, but they haven't quite figured that out yet. At least, Mitsuki hasn't.

I'm surprised by how fun this series is—the humor gets me pretty good, and I really enjoy the guys just goofing around. I also like Mitsuki. She's relateable and not at all annoying. I really enjoy the forming romance, how sweet and budding it is so far.

This is fun, and I'm hooked. Can't wait for the next one.

Manga Review: Waiting for Spring, Volume 1, by Anashin

Rating (Out of 5): ~4

Publisher: Kodansha Comics

Release Date: July 2017

Volumes: 8+

Spoilers?: No.

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

Volume: 2.

Goodreads Synopsis:

A sweet romantic story of a soft-spoken high school freshman and her quest to make friends, Waiting for Spring will delight fans of earnest, fun, and dramatic shojo like Kimi ni Todoke and Say I Love You.
Mizuki is a shy girl who's about to enter high school, and vows to open herself up to new friendships. Of course, the four stars of the boys' basketball team weren't exactly the friends she had in mind! Yet, when they drop by the cafe where she works, the five quickly hit it off. Soon she's been accidentally thrust into the spotlight, targeted by jealous girls. And will she expand her mission to include... love?

Review:

Mitsuki is at a new school, because she wants a new start. But she's struggling to make friends. In a failed love confession, she ends up forming a friendship with the four most popular boys in school, though she has a hard time accepting this at first. When she makes some female friends, she also has to get around some prejudices before settling into these new friendships.

Mitsuki is a pretty normal girl, and while she struggles at times with other peoples' opinions, she ends up forming a stronger stance on these things. I do really like Asakura, and I think the rest of the guys are fun as well. I think we're slowly getting to know each other character and learning their personalities, and I like that. By the end of the volume, I felt like I had an idea who each person was. I also enjoyed the variety, and how the one girl friend that she finds, has a BL mindset.

This was a much more fun volume than I expected, and I'm really looking forward to reading the next one. I'm intrigued by where that cliffhanger is going, in particular.