Tegamibachi
Tegami Bachi: Letter Bee

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"You're the first man who's ever made me wear pants" - Niche

If a line like that by the 2nd chapter, doesn't strike your attention as amusing than Letter Bee(or Tegami Bachi in Jap) may not be the manga for you.

I was first attracted to this manga through the anime adaptations 1st season which had aired recently, and wanting to know what happened after ep.25 piqued my interest to read on.

Story - 8
Without going into detail and providing spoilers; TB is a unique tale on its own which escapes from the mediocrity of school life stories which seems to be the common setting for most manga ... these days, and although you may find similarities in reference to characters and traits from other manga(from hair that change to swords to 'special' eye powers), what TB does provide is a fresh new outlook in storytelling.
We are shown(what looks like) a post-apocalyptic world of AmberGround where an "endless night" governs over a man-made sun. Towns are scarce and only ways for communication to each town is through letter or parcel which are delivered by the Letter Bees. Government delivery workers entrusted with the population’s letters which carries their 'hearts' and emotions. Now if you like me, thought how can a postman's story be so exciting? As long as you think outside the square you will realize it’s not just about a story of mail delivery but a story about the emotions that come with that mail. There is also plenty of shōnen action goodness in TB as outside the towns of AmberGround reside giant insect-like monsters which only the Letter Bees can take down. Postman Pat dressed as Mad Max? Maybe.

Art - 8
Artwork can be visually stunning at times, and the fight scenes are understandable from panel to panel (which is uncommon for action manga as it can take a few reads before a fight scene can choreograph in my head). The post-apocalyptic background is what I believe breathes the story to life (and is visually done right) as it brings new depths of emotions to each character and the hardships that is AmberGround and living in that world. Although the creator of TB Hiroyuki Asada is not highly recognized(his past work is none I've ever heard of anyways), his tale through manga is at least noteworthy to capture audiences over and even screen an anime adaptation.

Character - 7
Within the TB world, we are shown the Letter Bees and their traveling companions known as 'dingoes'. Each Letter Bee is equipped with Shindajuus(or heart bullet guns) which are the only methods of being able to take a Gaichuu down as these insect-like creatures have shell-armor which an average gun would just tickle it. Whilst each Letter Bee has a unique story of their own alongside the main character Lag Seeing, what really captivated me was the introduction of their companions or dingoes. Dingoes came of any shape or form and fought alongside their Bees. From pet dogs, to wild panther-like creatures to seasoned mercenaries who fought if the Bee had the money to pay them. They also acted as trackers which have been shown as a common trait for most dingoes as well. One particular dingo I really liked is Niche, Lag’s personal dingo, who although looks human is not. Also known as “the Golden Sword”, Niche is similar to Eve from Kentaro Yabuki’s Black Cat(but in an even younger loli-body) and can manipulate her hair into blades. Like a newborn child, Niche’s personality(and curiosity) can at times be amusing and what I believe serves as on-going humor(and cuteness) for TB. You also meet other characters in TB which are unique in their own way, and just as emotional as the main characters.
The only reason why my score came to be a 7 instead of an 8 or 9(which some may find biased) is due to a certain character and their excessive display of being a nake-mushi(crybaby). I’m not sure where the author was going with that one as the emotions portrayed from other characters were heartfelt enough without the main character having to add to it in most(if not every) chapter.

Enjoyment - 7
Although I wouldn't go as far as saying its one of the better reads I've had in the past year, I can safely recommend TB for anyone of all ages.Whilst it does start off slow like all shōnen, its after a few chapters and learning the world of AmberGround and its residents that make TB an enjoyable read to past the time or for those waiting for the 2nd season of the adaptation to come out.

Tegami Bachi is ok. It’s a bit slow at the beginning and rushed at the end, but both of these things do not matter much, since you’ll solve the main mystery much earlier than the characters, and what makes this manga worth reading is the world – unusual, intriguing, yet consistent.

When I read more traditional shounen, I tend to take notes of mature details and to imagine what a seinen built around them would’ve been like. With Tegami Bachi this exercise yields unusual results – this manga doesn’t have a middle ground, there’s the plot, centered around the main 12 y.o. character, with all the ... friends, dreams and heart moments, and then there’s the bleak world with secrets so messed up, that it probably wouldn’t even work in a more serious interpretation, everybody would have been already dead. Not that this dichotomy isn’t underlined by the author himself: the older more jaded cast does create their own plan to save the world and it’s, er, peculiar. These two currents sort of clash – when deaths of comrades are quickly downplayed, sort of compliment each other – when it’s easy to see why a bit of kindness would be valuable in a world like theirs.

It’s not that dark fantasy can rule unchallenged in the world of Tegami Bachi: after all it has its own metaphysics, centered around “heart”, including the human one. Heart is basically the most important source of energy in their world. That’s what I mean when I talk about consistency - everything of importance is heart-related: letters contain heart, Bees deliver letters, use heart to fight, monsters want heart, etc. The world is also memorable visually, considering the atypical lighting, postapocalyptic “moonscapes”, star symbolism and occasional bold fairytale-like designs.

The art is considerably good. I didn’t think it’d click with me, yet, as it turns out, it flows surprisingly well and there are plenty of gorgeous panels. The better parts are the landscapes, Bee uniforms and gear, the more boring are the enemies (bugs are bugs), the characters are a mixed bag, everyone looks way too sweet and somewhat similar.

Three things about Tegami Bachi should be pointed out for the sake of potential readers:
- Firstly, Tegami Bachi is full of crying, speeches about heart and tearjerker moments. It’s all plot-related and world-motivated, tearjerkers are perfectly effective (I did cry a bit, tho, probably, my age makes me sentimental), yet I feel the need to warn you about attempts to exploit your empathy.
- Secondly, fighting in Tegami Bachi is also done with heart bullets, and the side effect of any shot is a leak of heart, when people see each other’s memories and feelings. Somehow that always helps. But the battles are not exactly readable or tense as a result.
- And there’re some distasteful things, like the sexualization of the aide of the main character, who looks like a loli and usually jumps around without pants for a comedic relief. And she is immersion-breaking even when dressed.

I can’t say that I dig the main cast too much. I must give it to the manga, that it’s nice to see a low-key environment for a change: Bees are technically post officers, not superheroes. Their work makes them see a lot of people, so at times the manga resembles a procedural. Side-characters are mostly enjoyable and well-rounded. Yet the main character is a bit too predictable and saccharine, and the relationships between the mains are conflict-free, all forces of attraction - the few promises of potentially interesting disagreement are quickly stiffled, which, in my opinion, makes the interactions a bit too bland.

The tropes that play central part and may be not to everyone’s liking are special kids are special, chance meetings (the most important characters simply bump into each other) and following one’s inspirational figure (one of the major plotlines, if not the major, is about a bunch of people trying to find one cool guy).

The plot picks up around the 30th chapter, the ending is a bit rushed, I guess the manga got an axe chapter limit. What drove my attention was the wish to see more of the world, not the characters or plot, to be honest. Yet, between it all some truly powerful moments form, when, say, a giant monster nightmarishly drinks people’s hearts dry from the sky or a bullet reveals that a character inside his heart stands alone and hopeless under the rain and people can connect to him to alleviate the grief.

Structurally and by worth of some characters Tegami Bachi is a typical shounen, yet on the scale of friendship and battles it’s so skewered towards the former that it starts to stand apart. Tegami Bachi probably isn’t something that should be in your first dozen of titles, but it’s an interesting read worth checking out if you look for different settings, pretty high-contrast art and, maybe, a chance to shed heartfelt tears.

Be gentle with me because this is probably my first manga that I'm up to release date's with.

A story about a land, covered in pure darkness. With no light other than radiance of a man made star, hanging over the main capital. Under the light of this star, a job is being taken place, a job to deliver letters, and the heart contained in these letter's. The story follows a young boy named Lag seeing and his dingo (familiar) Niche, and her snack Steak. Together, they take on the task of defeating giachu, and delivering letter's at any cost. Their goal. To save their dear ... friend, and become recognized as the head bee.

Story (9)
I never have been a big manga fan, untill recently. I just happened to be browsing my local Book's a million, when I saw this manga's cover. I didn't really grab it untill the next time I can back and it caught my eye again. So I grabbed it, sat down and fell in love. The story drew me in. A boy with a goal, giving all of his heart to do what he believes in, staying adamant throughout his journey to save his friend geuche and become head bee, while never turning his back to help out anyone in anyway he can.

Art (8)
I may not be the most adept manga reader, but the beauty in these pages kept me glued untill the story line took holld on me. It painted a constant scene in my head, even while away from this book. Spending long hour's of the day thinking this over, and re-reading it just for the visual pleasure. If your someone who love's manga just for the art. This is a must see.

Character (10)
EVERY character has some form of important roll, and almost every one with a medium roll is shown multiple time's throughout the manga. The background to everyone had me feeling like I knew them all. It felt like everytime someone left a scene I just couldn't wait to have them back with the group. And their goal's were so strongly outlined and had such deep meaning, that somehow they had become mine while I was reading, just hoping for all nice things to fall into these people's path's. If you want to feel like your geting to know someone deeply, I recommend. Mabey you won't get close to them like I did, cause this was my first real manga experience, but I surely hope you do.

Enjoyment (10)
If you havn't caught on by now, your dense. I freaking loved this manga. Bought the first 2 chapter's the day I picked it up. Read, and re-read them for a week. 24/7 thought's about this manga going on. Mabey a little kiddy, but hey it's so good you don't really notice it. >.> well you might but it's so freaking good who cares.

This is my first review adn I write this because a lot of people seem to sleep on this manga. It is not the most popular one and in my opinion the the critics were to harsch for no reason. And I am actually very picky myself.

8 Story: The story is solid with an relaxed pace. Overall the story is quiet good and no complains there.

10 Art: The art is simply awesome. It may not be the most detailed one but the world building of AmberGrounds and presentation is just so awesome. With the eternal night setting you have really cool shadowing and lightning ... contrast and reading the panels just gives you the chills. I've read a lot of good drawn mangas but i have never seen one with such a cozy feeling with the way the chracarters and the scenery are drawn. On top of that the fights and enemies look very epic. The art is probaly the strognest point of the manga.

9 Characters: The main cast is really enjoyable with Lag and Niche beeing the main characters. They don't act to suprising but are always fun to watch and never annoying. But characterwise the side chars are really shine out. All of them are really cool and never feel empty like in most other mangas. Even small side characters get at some point their spotlight and shine bright. So it actually happens that some of my favourite side chars are from this manga (Zazie and Jiggy Pepper i just love them)

10: Quiet clear that I really enjoyed the manga and never have I read something similar to it, it truly is a unique masterpiece that stand out with style and class.

10: Overall: Read it (if you are cool)

I would give to this manga a solid 9 but until I see more development in the future chapters, I'll refrain from rating it so higly.

Story - 9
The plot seems to be childish and silly when you read it, it was very slow and it's still very slow during the last released chapters, but I realized many questions are being answered lately in the newest chapters, furthermore even though at a first glance it will look silly to you, it gets darker and darker.

Art - 8
I won't say it's the best drawn manga I have read, but if you can exclude the "off models" most ... drawings aren't half bad.

Character - 8
If you can't stand crybabies, then you might hate Lag Seeing to death, even though later in the manga it is explained why he's such a crybaby, it doesn't affect me at all, in my opinion, it's good for a male character to show its emotional side most of the times. About Niche, I was disappointed by her, simply because she's always the same through the whole manga, I don't want this story to turn into a pathetic romance, they're 12 years old after all. I also enjoyed a lot Gauche/Noir's development. Not all the supporting characters are developed as the main characters, but as I said before, the author is working on it and by the reading the latest chapters, I can see he's making many efforts about it.

Enjoyment - 8
Once again, to enjoy fully this manga, a lot of time is required, it's not something you'll enjoy at first glance, but if you have patience you'll enjoy it much more than before.

Overall - 8
I might edit this review later, because the manga has a lot of potential, it just takes time to develop and I'm still looking forward to knowing how the author will decide to develop this story.

This manga is one of the first I ever read in the Shonen Jump magazines right there along with Naruto and Bleach. It has a special place in my heart because of that, and my rating of 9/10 likely reflects that. However, I will say this to those of you who have not grown up with this series. It is flawed. The ending is largely rushed and the beginning 4 or so volumes feels like a slog. If you can overlook those flaws, I promise you will experience an incredible world with some of the most unique art you've ever seen. The reason this manga ... is so beloved isn't because it has an extremely complex or hard to solve mystery, it's because of the characters, the immensely impressive worldbuilding, and the art. Those three things make this manga so much better than people want to give it credit for, and I hope you at the very least give it a chance.

Tegami Bachi world setting is definitely one of the most out-of-the-box I've seen. A Sunless world, where the Sun is a mere fairytale. A world of cat-eyed humans who seek to get closer to the artificial Sun. A world where memories and emotion matter the most. Also big insect monsters?! I'm sold.
The MC is a total crybaby, but I'm ok with that because of his true origin, and biologically he just entered the teen phase. Now that sounds a pretty childish world, but it doesn't! The truth between the artificial Sun, the Head Bee, and the capital of Amberground is definitely worth a read.

not the most satisfying ending, but great emotional story throughout. interesting characters (for a kids comic), not too cliche but a bit of it. also i would say its a tasteful manga, i would be confident a kid/young teen reading it would not develop behavior that can be demeaning or inappropriate to other. very cool world building and every aspect of the plot and characters follow it; feels like a real world. i was really invested in this at age 13 or so. still coming back to it for its gorgeous art! im struggling to recall a manga artist i like their art style of ... more than hiroyuki asada. very skillful at line art, matches the somber mystical world of tegami bachi perfectly. and the color art is amazing too. i value art very high, thats why im giving it a 9. i would expect someone who does not appreciate art and world building to give this series a lower score.

Despite it's flaws, Tegamibachi's positives are more than enough for me to recommend it to someone.

Lets begin with what tegamibachi does well:
-The main cast is interesting and the character development and interactions are really good. Each character has a relatively fleshed out backstory that drives them forward. Gauche's issue is handled very well and really drives forward that the heart is what matters most in this story. There are a lot of tearjerker moments and a lot of heartwarming ones even revolving around characters you'll see only once.
People have complained a lot that Lag is a crybaby but you need to keep in mind ... that he's a very compassionate 12yo kid on his journey to self discovery. Niche is ok-ish and gladly the author realized quickly enough that the underpants gag grew tiresome.

-The world and world building are equally very good. Lag's and co travels around the world have this adventuring air around it that makes you somewhat excited about what are they gonna discover next. Amberground is a land filled with mysteries which keep you wanting to keep reading in hope that your questions are gonna be answered.

-Tying everything together is a very clean art which makes clever use of lighting to drive forward that this land is almost devoid of light and life. The characters are also really well drawn out and this manga has some of the most expressive eye drawings i've seen.

Now lets move on to the main issue that is the last 30-40 chapters of the story.
Tegamibachi's peak as others mentioned is around the midpoint when the gang has to battle a really strong foe endangering the entire world. At the same point, some mysteries about the world are solved with even newer ones, bigger ones presented. At this point you feel that the story has enough momentum to start solving the loose plot points and reach a satisfying conclusion, but this is where the author dropped the ball hard.
Instead of moving the story forward, he introduces some new characters presents them as an antagonising Plan-B and proceeds to a very rushed ending that leaves open ALOT of questions and plot-points either about characters either about the world itself. To give you some context, the strong foe i mentioned above is a struggle that lasts more than 15 chapters whereas the "final boss" takes place in 6.
I can only attribute this rushed ending in editorial pressure but still for a manga that has had such a good way of handling mystery, it feels very awkward to the point where you wish there was an extra 2 chapters to tell you what the hell happened afterwards.

Keep in mind that the ending itself (ie what happened to the main cast) is very good and if you take into account the entire manga's characterisation, rather moving. But those 30 or so chapters leading to that ending were spent badly on unnecessary stuff.

To conclude, tegamibachi has some very good messages and heartwarming moments, has some good mystery that will grind your gears a bit, but drops the ball near the end. Still for all those good moments i'd say you should give it a chance.