Oct 3, 2018
i really enjoyed this manga. I read it as it came out in North America so I was able to not binge read and appreciate the plot more.
The story deals with a military force who protect books. For some people this may be ridiculous but to me it was quite realistic (but maybe that's because I enjoy reading a lot). the premise reminded me of Bootleg or Chocolate Underground. I enjoyed how every action in the series had purpose. It wasn't all just that oh we did a thing, it's all good, nothing matters now and it really showed how interconnected the
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plot was from start to end. I liked how the characters were not just all good or evil, the manga showed that it was much more complex than that which is something very realistic.
in terms of characters, i felt they all grew. the manga takes place over the span of 11 years; although if you don't count the flashbacks and initial encounter between the two main characters it then, 6 years. throughout this, we see all the characters grow up and mature, especially Iku and Tezuka. I liked how Dojo, although in love with Iku, didn't mention the past. He treated everyone fairly and although he was physical with her the context made sense (ie for training). Komaki is an interesting character who we don't get to see too much of in terms of growth. I wish we were exposed more to him. Shibazaki is smart, beautiful and cunning. She is my favourite character and she's always in control.
Moving on to plot. I loved the plot and how slow and realistic it was. It showed the complexities of adult relationships and workplace romances. I enjoyed how Dojo and Iku's relationship was more than just romance. they had mutual trust and respect for each other and that really made me ship it more. the manga didnt just focus on romantic relationships but also familial and friendships. it expanded the world and showed us the characters better. the plot was full of action and showed the reality of fighting for what you believe in.
Iku was a very typical shoujo heroine but she moved past that. She was short tempered, atheltic and unfeminine. However she grows to become calm, rational and use her natural talents to assist her. she also works hard and while is optimistic, becomes more realistic later on. She does cry a lot, especially later on and this can be annoying but I liked it. It showed that you can be a badass and emotional, those two arent exclusive.
one thing that did make me :/ was komaki's relationship with Marie. Marie was the age of consent but seeing as komaki was somewhat of a power figure in her life and how she felt indebted to him, it just felt wrong.
Overall i think this manga is very well done and that if you enjoy a realistic romance with lots of action, this is a great manga. I would actually list this as josei rather than shoujo tbh.
Reviewer’s Rating: 9
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