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Jan 16, 2024
“A Zoo in Winter” is a pleasant find for an evening in which you want to relax, take a light read and plunge into the atmosphere of your newfound life, where there is hard but beloved work and relaxation over a glass with colleagues.
The readers are presented to a story of a guy named Hamaguchi, who wants to find a profession he likes. This desire leads him to the busy Tokyo, where the protagonist is introduced to the hardships of working on a manga, lack of sleep, passionate colleagues and nightlife with alcohol. And this is not a story about a childhood dream with drama
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and endurance. Here the main character realizes that he has overstayed in current life and needs to find what he likes more. By a happy coincidence he is able to experience something new that finally brings satisfaction. And this down-to-earth reading is the main source of pleasure. No action, just a piece of Hamaguchi's life, which has started to live like he wanted. And it was so pleasant to read that my hand did not allow me to swallow the whole book at once. I spread the reading out over three days - into three calm and pleasant evenings, where I, together with the protagonist, exhaled after submitting the manuscript on the deadline and smiled during moments of fun.
Therefore, if you need to spend a quiet and pleasant evening, I advise you to get acquainted with this book. A pleasant dive is guaranteed.
Reviewer’s Rating: 8
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Oct 17, 2023
Fields, whose solitude is broken by the heavy sighs of exhausted opponents. Snow of a frosty day, falling on the boring battlegrounds. And the last exchange of blows, taking away blood and life. Only a few will see the next day.
Behind the desires to avenge comrades, punish criminals, repay a debt and complete a mission are 30 volumes of manga. The story, which began as a bloody samurai slasher, ended with an epic confrontation between the characters you love. Each of them has a reason to fight to the last, and the reader has a reason to worry about each of them. After all, throughout
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this long history, the heroes went not only through story arcs filled with battles, but also their own personal ones. Each character is well written. Kagehisa and Kagimura, the main antagonists, deserve special mention. Their blades drowned in the blood of many people, especially innocent ones. They don't deserve forgiveness. But they are not stereotypical villains, but people who put their ideals above everything else, for which they will eventually pay. Every action they take has a justifiable reason, and that's why these antagonists turned out great. At certain moments they can even evoke sympathy or, at least, understanding.
Not a single conflict is forced; all relationships between the characters develop logically and organically. And this is one of the main merits of the manga. Blade of the Immortal is a story about people. About people who can make the right decisions and make mistakes. They can show humanity and then forget about it; only a few will be able to remember it (just look at the Dr. Burando story arc). And, of course, there may be the ones that want revenge, and question the necessity of it. As Renzo did, for example. But what about Rin's revenge, the one central to the plot?
Rin is a poor girl who went through the horror perpetrated by Itto-ryu: the family dojo was destroyed, her father was killed, her mother was treated worse than anyone else. Rin has every moral right to kill Kagehisa. But over the course of the story, she grew as a person. This was influenced by both good and disgusting people she met along the way. Rin showed independence, which led her to become an independent and courageous girl. Strong at heart, she remained decent and kind despite the cruelty she had to constantly face. She even helped Kagehisa, the main offender, survive during the difficulties in the Kage. Even though this is motivated by the fact that revenge must be carried out appropriately, and she promises Kagehisa to carry it out. And after this and other adventures, what a surprise it was that the girl, who had reconsidered her attitude towards revenge, and did not want to continue walking along the soul-devastating path of revenge... still kills Kagehisa! This is a twist that at first causes bewilderment. Did Rin cheat on herself at the last second? Were the words spoken to Renzo about the pointlessness of revenge a lie? Oh no. Although the promise to kill Kagehisa was fulfilled, it was with such a big reservation. After all, there was nothing personal in the murder of Kagehisa anymore. There was only a desire to save. To save other people from the return of the descendants of the head of Ittoryu, from unnecessary deaths and from setting on the path of revenge those who survive. The world no longer needs the revival of the path of the sword and other Rins to fight against their radical followers.
Concluding this review, one cannot help but remember the epilogue. Reading it makes you look back at the volumes you’ve read, remember the adventure that is over, and smile. Manji will also smile, holding Rin’s great-great-granddaughter by the hand, going on to his new adventure, and you will exhale, close the book and say: “What a great story.”
Reviewer’s Rating: 10
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Oct 29, 2022
The light novel consists of 4 stories based on one formula: the main character wants to see again a dear person.
The author Karate wanted to show the happiness that you experience next to the one who is close to you, evoking empathy from readers. But this task is impossible to achieve with any story. And the reason, it seems to me, is in characters. None of the main characters causes sympathy and compassion.
The second story was almost successful: a mortally ill boy understands the value of his life thanks to friendship. And, wanting to see his girlfriend again, stops neglecting his condition. Other stories cannot
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reach such a development of characters. Macaronia from the first - just eats macaroni and waits for 1000 years while humanity is dying. The alien from the third (who almost killed humanity) - mans up and proposes to his girlfriend, along with whom he destroyed the planets during dates. And the nameless protagonist from the fourth - will also experience the joy of friendship, but without a deadly illness and generally interesting history.
As a result, we have stories that do not cause any feeling except boredom. The stories themselves are not super awful, just VERY weak. It is better to read something else.
Reviewer’s Rating: 3
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Aug 28, 2022
TL;DR
Gou Tanabe delivers another great adaptation of one of the most popular Lovecraft's story. Monsters are scary and depicted in high detail. The mystery of Innsmouth is interesting and creepy. The manga is short and will be a great read for you, if you enjoy horror, Lovecraft or smelly fish.
Story:
Our story, just as any Lovecraft’s story, starts quite slowly. The main protagonist becomes an adult and decides to travel. He wants to see New England’s tourist attractions while making a family tree. His current destination point is his mother’s city called Arkham. That's a plan! Let's go buy train tickets!
Oh no, tickets are unaffordable.
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What to do? Well, there is a bus available. It will drive to Arkham, but with a stop in Innsmouth before that... Why cashier became awfully quiet? He insists on not staying in this awful city. What's the deal?
After having our first introduction to this mysterious, infamous, and "fishy" place (pun fully intended) our protagonist grows very curious of the city and decides to visit it. Yeah, strange-looking citizens with huge unclosing eyes, cases of tourist disappearances, and cult that oversees everything. What can go wrong? Adventure begins :D
Plot:
The manga consists only of 2 volumes. The first one is exposition. We get to see Innsmouth and try to find out the story behind it. By the end of it, the plot really kicks in. If you are not a fan of slow beginnings, I highly suggest to bear with it. Because after very interesting conversation in the end of volume 1 comes the juicy volume 2. It will not be read, it will be consumed.
Artwork:
Nothing to do here but to give praises. The artwork is clean. The spreads with Innsmouth's sceneries are gorgeous and feel real. The monster designs are a horror chef's kiss.
Conclusion:
Amazing story filled with mystery and horror. It may feel slow at the beginning, but the pay-off will be worth it. And the manga only lasts 2 volumes, which makes for a short and spooky read in the evening. Miskatonic University approves.
Reviewer’s Rating: 8
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Apr 10, 2015
Attack on Titan is the very popular manga nowadays. It inspired some anime adaptations: 26 episode long overrated TV series, OVAs and movies. The movie I am going to talk about is the recap of 1-13 episodes. Is it a nice recap that can be enjoyed as much, or almost, as the original adaptation?
No.
This movie should be watched only by fans in order to remember the story before watching the upcoming second season. Because creators had to put 13 episodes in one film, they didn't include important moments that are necessary to develop characters:
1) The movie DOESN'T show how the relationship between Eren and Jean
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was shaped during military training. Their conflict considering how to live and what to do in the world was shrinked to from-time-to-time quarrels.
2) The movie DOESN'T show a well done flashback about how Mikasa was saved by Eren, which gave the audience explanation why Mikasa feels strong for Eren. The movie only shows pictures of memories and Mikasa's inner thoughts about this matter. If a newcomer were to see this movie before finishing original TV series, he or she would be left with a lot of questions.
The movie is really fast paced. It provides a lot of action and less mystery about the world that characters live in. Their development was thrown away. And surely this movie was created to gain more money from fans (it seems that selling t-shirts, hoodies, coats, hats, figures ON EVERY CORNER is not enough).
I don't say that the movie is bad. But remembering how Gurren Lagann was recaped, especially the second movie, I conclude that creators didn't put much effort into production. Yes, the art is very good but only it.
Thank you for reading.
Reviewer’s Rating: 5
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Nov 26, 2014
"We invaded this planet? Invaded the Earth?"
Story-2
Who are humans? What is humanity's origin? This anime answers those questions. People are actually invaders, and "Ancients" are real earthlings. WHAT?
Art-2
It sucks. Can't say anymore.
Sound-9
Despite AWFUL sound effects, soundtrack includes famous classics like Erik Satie and Ludvig van Beethoven. I enjoyed listening to Gymnopedie and Moonlight Sonata.
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Characters-1
They are duller than Kirito and Asuna.
Enjoyment-10
This anime is so bad that, it is good. I was laughing throughout the whole watching.
Overall-10
Seriously, go watch it. There is no anime that would be as 'great' as Mars of Destruction. It is bad, silly and awful. But I wasn't angry at all after watching it. It was a funny experience. If you don't take this anime seriously and try to enjoy the stupidity, then you can like it somehow.
Thank you for reading.
Reviewer’s Rating: 10
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Nov 19, 2014
"We'll be together for all eternity"
Emotions are filling me up. Yet again I was able to experience the void of finishing something great. Due to ongoing of the manga, I had to read the original visual novel. It was long but worth reading.
Story-9
Everything comes to the conclusion. Battler sets up the last game for Ange in order to show her other side of Ushiromiya family: kind, solicitous and loving. Why would he do that? Before answer is revealed, Bernkastel appears with something in mind. Knowing that she is the main antagonist, we can suspect that her intentions will not be good and nice. What is
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she up to? "Find that out" will be my answer.
Art-8
Just as always, art is very good. Emotions were passed through pages splendidly.
Characters-10
There are a lot of characters in the series. Everyone can find favorites. As for development, readers will witness Lambdadelta's progression as a 'real' witch (a witch that is meant to bring happiness). Her actions were a turning point in the story, which make readers respect her.
Enjoyment-8
Rating the enjoyment of this part of the story as a stand alone episode made me put an 8/10. There are more action scenes than mind games, so my expectations were not met in full way. Still, I was reading this episode with big interest.
Overall-9
Overall score for this episode is 9, but I want to put 10 for the whole series. This was on of the greatest experience since Higurashi. If anime adaptation were not bad, I wouldn't wait for a year to get acquainted with the manga adaptation. Umineko is the great story with elements of comedy, drama and mystery. If you want to read something intellectual and not cliche, I strongly recommend to give this manga a try. You will not regret it.
Thank you for reading.
Reviewer’s Rating: 9
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Oct 26, 2014
''Battler, from now on, I shall allow you to use the blue.''
Well, this episode doesn't have a review, which is strange. This episode finishes the first half of the whole story, and it's very important. I will try to explain why without going into spoilers.
Story - 9
As the battle of minds continues, the story progresses as well. Throughout the episode readers receive a lot of flashbacks of Maria's and mysterious character's, from the end of the third episode, pasts. Their backstories explain why those characters are here, which moves the plot greatly. Not only mind battle is included in this part of the story, but
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also focusing on feelings. Among the first four episodes, this one touches you the most. Of course this wouldn't be the Umineko, if there were no plot twists. Without spoilers I will say that when readers reach the climax, they are going to be swallowed by the very last chapter. What's in there? Find by yourself :D
Art - 8
Just like in previous episodes art is very good. Crazy and scary facial expressions will give you shivers down your spine.
Characters - 9
Characters are still interesting, because of the continuous development. Also, some new characters are introduced. Come on, Ushiromiya family members and witches with their furniture are not enough, right?
Enjoyment - 9
This episode is really enjoyable, it's interesting, touchy and gives more mysteries. Last chapter makes me want to read the fifth episode right away.
Overall - 9
I think this score is fair. You never get bored during the reading. You just want more and more. Make sure to get acquainted with Umineko series, if this haven't been done so far.
Thank you for reading.
Reviewer’s Rating: 9
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Oct 25, 2014
It's strange that there are no reviews for this manga. So let me explain why this episode of the story stands out more than the previous two and deserves 9/10.
Story - 9
The plot continues to show the great confrontation of minds, but in this episode we receive something slightly different. Instead of focusing only on battle where Beatrice and Buttler are trying to defeat one another, story provides us with Eva's and Beato's past. Without going to spoilers I want to say that their backstories are key features of this episode, because we get explanation of characters' motivations. This leads to a huge development of
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the overall story, where readers have to deal with plot twists.
Art - 8
Just like in the other episodes art is very good. Emotions of despair, fear, horror and madness are drawn in way that you will get shivers. There was a moment, where I turned over the page and got scared.
Characters- 8
Characters are interesting as always: Charismatic Buttler, foxy Beatrice, ambitious Eva and etc. You get attached to them pretty quickly. And also we get development of those characters, which really makes your reading experience more enjoyable.
Enjoyment - 10
Personally, I really enjoyed this episode. It gave me sleepless nights, because I wanted to know what happens in the next chapters (thanks to cliffhangers).
Overall - 9
I think it is a fair score for such nice experience. I can't wait to read next episodes. If you read this review without being acquainted with the Umineko No Naku Koro Ni series, try to give it a chance. It will definitely leave you enjoyed.
Thanks for reading.
Reviewer’s Rating: 9
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Oct 23, 2014
Let me start by saying that I liked the concept of this manga. Story itself is good. Still, there were some things that ruined my enjoyment:
1) Story could be much better. It reminds me of Elfen Lied, where secret organization tries to conduct researches in order to create a superior human being. In Elfen Lied everything is done right: we get a 113 chapter long story with a lot of details. In Variante case we get only 19 chapters. It is not enough for story to get developed well. It is just an action manga that tries to copy Elfen Lied.
2) With given 19 chapters
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only, characters do not develop enough. Author gives us pasts of Aiko and Hiromi, but their stories are very short. In Elfen Lied we get a big flashback which sets the drama and characters' motivations. In Variante we get really short flashbacks, which show development and motivations in some point, but cannot make us attach to the characters. We just do not have enough time to empathize them.
With all being said I want to tell that this manga is not bad, but because author did not give a detailed plot, it loses its potential. I give this manga 6/10, because I expected more from this story.
Thank you for reading.
Reviewer’s Rating: 6
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