Ranked #258

Sarashi Asobi (Manga)

So cute! You might need some tissues, though!

As the story itself progresses, it stresses the difference of what is human, and leaves a heart-warming sensation it's wake. What drives a Grim Reaper? What drives a human? Ai -as he is named by the story's protagonist- is bored with his job as a Grim Reaper. He seeks entertainment from his monotonous life. However, will his interference in Ren's life be what kills her? Or will he sacrifice his own...


Anyways, it is a good read; a very touchy story, and somewhat humorous. The first sidestory is a bit odd though(gender bender of the series) and the second sidestory is a tragedy. It has a sweet storyline and is worthy series to add to your collections. :) read more

it's official. tobina touya is now my second all-time favorite mangaka after reading SARASHI ASOBI. her unique yet adorable way of drawing her characters and the unforgettably non-stereotypical storylines of her series makes her an awesome and one of the best shoujo manga artists out there.

SARASHI ASOBI, which translates to "exposing game", is an adorable series about a lone, unentertained shinigami -- a student council president with a horrifyingly scary front, but underneath this mean exterior is a pure, lovable heart with the only intention of making her students happy -- the vice president with hidden secrets behind his smile -- and their love story.
it's not your typical supernatural shoujo series. the flow is smooth, transparent and very natural. no awkward transitions nor panels.

her art style is also unique to how shoujo manga is usually drawn, too. the anatomy and faces are very sharp and pointy, with matching long legs and incredibly thin bodies. very comical indeed. but still, it's a compliment.
the shinigami, in my opinion, is very adorably hot.

ROMANCE.
yes, there is romance. and it's very well-planned. it's so amazing how tobina-sensei makes her characters flow and fall inlove naturally. as i said, there were no awkward scenes and panels. no "wth? why did she suddenly turn like this..and that.. and this and that.." reactions.
the characters are vivid and wonderful. their expressions are priceless, and the moments are all precious. the way she handles the genre romance is very, very, veeeery impressive. they're just so honest, straightforward and breathtaking. plus, the drama isn't pushed too hard, making it more realistic as it blends too well with the romance.
ofcourse, all of these are done with the help of tobina-sensei's masterpiece art.
COMEDY.
yep. this series is one effin' hilarious. all through out. it's well balanced with the drama and romance. very, very impressive. the comedy isn't just thrown into the series like some guy trying to joke a clown. no. the comedy was very well-thought of, very effective, and unexpected.


what's the beautiful thing about SARASHI ASOBI is the way tobina-sensei storytells. the manga didn't ubruptly end when the two protagonists were finally together. she continued their journey for a little bit longer, and the story didn't stray from the main points.

there is also this extra oneshot at the end which will complete the main course. unfortunately, unlike sarashi asobi, this oneshot contains mild drama that concludes with a bittersweet ending. this is a most likely the very best 'dessert' in a series. after gobbling the scrumptious main dish, this oneshot portrays a bitter yet sweet sugar cold ice cream with sprinkles on top.
the combination of the main story + the oneshot is very amazing, and this will leave YOU being able to NOT forget the unforgettable SARASHI ASOBI as a whole.
(it's all thanks to the oneshot. *wink wink*)

---
it's not suprising to hear that sarashi asobi reached my top ten favorites. in fact, it's seated at the #2 spot. well, not suprising indeed. after all, the series that sits on the first spot is KEPPEKI SHOUNEN KANZEN SOUBI, another series from tobina-sensei. how wonderful. read more