Hatsukoi Shinjuu
First Love Suicide Pact

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"...words have no mass but they're terribly heavy"


STORY: 7.5/10
If you haven't noticed from the (english) title already...Yes, this isn't going to be your typical happy go-lucky romance story. What starts off as a rather depressing and heavy introduction evolves into a beautiful tale of romance. The pacing and direction of the story flowed very well from beginning to end, the ups and downs of the protagonists' adventure together were narrated very well and surprisingly, there were a healthy amount of comedic scenes involved. What I truly admired in this department is the fact that the story never failed to remind you the dark themes it ... carried.


ART: 7/10
Let's be honest, after reading the first few chapters you'll realize you won't be seeing the second coming of Da Vinci as you progress further. Disappointing even, for 2013 standards. However, I will admit that something with the artwork paired with the mood of the story clicked. It felt natural even. The art-- the character's designs specifically, did gradually improve. Almost to the point where I thought I was reading a new manga with a different set of characters. I don't know if the mangaka worked their butt off and leveled up their pen game along the way or what, but it's a very noticeable and welcomed improvement. The implementation of the few "real life" photos early on were questionable at first but looking back at it, I can sort of understand the meaning behind them. The contrasted color pages were a nice touch, a bit pretentious maybe but overall a good addition.


CHARACTERS: 8/10
The creme de la creme of this manga. Our pair of protagonists Shinji and Kyoko has some of the best chemistry I seen in a relationship in a while. It could have been due to the nature of the manga that caused them to live with such reckless abandon or true affection for one another; but either way it really was a joy to watch and read. I won't give props to their strengths as they wanted to kill themselves as a means to escape reality but damn it all- it was a really humane way to depict these characters. The emotional growth that these two characters shared with each other as well as their own personal transition from start to finish was appreciable. There were a few supporting characters who didn't do much beside add to the overall dark themes and served as minor plot drivers but special shout out goes to the character Keiko and her story line. Her arc was powerful and really beautiful to read.


ENJOYMENT/OVERALL: 7.75/10
I feel like I should point this out but THERE IS a chapter 38 floating around on the internet. I doubt I can post it here but it is rather easily find-able so please read it and properly finish up the series before concluding and hating the series at only 37 chapters. While Chapter 38 isn't much it's still enough to offer a wrap-up to the manga.

Like arya stark, the main characters of Hatsukoi Shinjuu: "Shinji" and "Koyoko" worship the god of death only(Lol). Hatsukoi Shinjuu is a very thought provoking manga that is deserving of anyone's attention.

Death is certain but why do we live if we know we are going to die" blah blah blah, we live because we know we are going to die". Death is the strongest bond anyone can have with another person, knowing someone will be with you when it is your time to go. These concepts are what drives Shinji and Kokoyo through their unforgettable Journey.

The character progression of all the main characters ... introduced is just amazing to say the least. (With all the characters) you can tell they are learning from their mistakes and improving on them. They are all brought together through "Death".

From most manga or anime I have watched, it seemed like they always force a romance between two or more specific characters and gladly this manga is a black sheep in the herd. The romance between shinji and koyokyo is so well done and believable. Its one of the romances where you just want them to be happy.

Sadly nothing is perfect and this is clear in the finale. Its not particularly bad its just very vague and confusing. All in all, I honestly loved this manga so much and I think anyone should check Hatsukoi Shinjuu. *and if you do please message me as I would love to have a discussion about this manga!"

This is a pretty good manga if you can get past the whole idea of committing suicide. During the two characters journey together they find happiness as they inevitably know their destination.

I thought the characters were enjoyable, understandable and likable. The other characters that they meet during their journey is what I truly believe that helps them to find happiness.

Despite it being a good read for me, the ending was rushed as you didn't get really know one of the character's back story that well. This manga was most likely axed which gave it an unsatisfied ending for me. Although I did feel that the ... characters completed what they wanted to do before the end.

Overall if you want a quick read with a lot of feels then give this a shot but beware the ending is rushed.