2018 Favourite Manga

Wow, I've neglected this blog for a year...  Apologies for that... I kind of forgot about this blog until I wanted to review what manga I read this year and then I remembered that I used to do monthly reviews here lol. Anyway, hopefully I won't go MIA again! It's the last day of 2018 and I've read a few manga that I really loved this year and a lot of them are getting anime adaptations next year, so even if you're not into manga, you can be happy that you'll get to see it in anime form! (unless the anime sucks...) Oh, and I haven't watched anime in a while so it'll only be manga this year! (sorry I skipped last year T_T)

Natsu no Zenjitsu by Yoshida Motoi (R18+)

Genre: Seinen, Smut, Drama, Romance, Slice of Life

Status: Completed, 35 chapters scanlated

Just a heads up but there are sex scenes, so no kids! :P On a serious note though, this might be my absolute favourite manga of the year just because of how well it depicted the characters and their emotions. I felt like I could really relate to both of the MCs not because I've experienced similar things but because of how well everything was shown, including the story.

It follows the story of Akira and Tetsuo who both meet and start a relationship and that's all you really need to know LOL. Because the rest is just how they face their situations, their problems and their relationship itself. I don't want to spoil it since I think it's definitely worth a read and Tetsuo may be very frustrating especially when *spoilers* he keeps "going after" another girl even when he's with Akira. I feel like it shows very well how a relationship can be very difficult for people at two different stages in their lives - Akira is an established woman that knows what she wants and is mature, but couldn't help but be captured by Tetsuo's passion towards art, whereas Tetsuo is still growing as a person, he doesn't know what he wants, whether he even really likes art and whether he really likes Akira or not, he just knows that she's always there for him and I guess he takes that for granted. In that sense, I did enjoy the ending even though it wasn't what we would have hoped to see but I think it was logical and probably for the best, because regardless of what we wanted, what Akira wanted the most was to see Tetsuo grow and I think she achieved that in the end.

Anyway, if you're into romance, finding yourself and an emotional rollercoaster, I recommend! It's a bittersweet story~

ReLife by Yayoi Sou

Genre: Comedy, Drama, Romance, Sci-Fi

Status: Completed, 222 chapters scanlated

It's kinda crazy to think ReLife has ended, I still remember first picking it up! Honestly though, things did get a bit dramatic and iffy near the end but I still enjoyed it a lot. I mean, Kaizaki and Hishiron are sooo cuteee! I think the highlight of this webtoon would have to be the characters, initially the story was engaging but I think it kinda flopped near the end tbh, but I was still happy to see it, so oh well.

Anyway, it follows our 27 y/o MC Kaizaki who is unemployed and can't find a job after quitting his last job (for a good reason). Here comes some shifty guy named Yoake who gives him a pill that will change his appearance back to a 17 y/o and says that he will offer him an employment opportunity if he takes part in this experiment to redo the last year of his high school life again. Great premise, entertaining, funny and lovable characters! The best thing about this is that you can see how much Kaizaki opens up and improves himself along with his new high school friends that he makes. You see them all grow together and it's just so cute. No one is perfect and you can really see how the cast of characters clashing together, interacting with each other makes them confront their weaknesses, their fears and support each other into becoming people who they want to be. 

Romance is slow but veryyyy cute because Hishiron is hilarious with Kaizaki, but they're so adorable. It really makes me miss high school and think that I might want a chance to redo it again too haha. Others are quite iffy about Kariu but I really enjoyed her character because I feel like she was the epitome of a high schooler; worried about grades, had to be the best, shy in love etc, and I feel like her existence was important to show how many high schoolers these days are constricted by these shackles, and that's why it made it so great for someone like Kaizaki who has experienced high school before to reach out to her and show her that some things you have to have the bravery to do now or you'll regret it. It's a wonderful read where Kaizaki helped out his friends so much with his perspective and they end up saving him in the end.

unOrdinary by uru-chan

Genre: Fantasy, Action, Superhero

Status: Ongoing, 122 chapters scanlated

I randomly picked this webtoon up when I saw that it was really popular on LINE webtoons and yes, I do really enjoy it! It's straightforward, colourful and interesting. It follows our protagonist John who is a "cripple" in the sense that he has no powers in a world where everyone else does (kinda like Deku in Boku no Hero Academia but that's where the similarity ends lol) as he struggles with all the bullying he must face because of it. Through all this, he becomes friends with the strongest girl in the school, Seraphina and they kinda tackle the problems of this society (which is inherent in the school), which is that hierarchy is everything and that the strong will always be at the top bullying those beneath them, which creates the domino effect where high tiers will exert their authority over mid-tiers and mid-tiers will then take out their frustrations over this on low-tiers like our protagonist. And of course, the government is overbearing and controlling in wanting to keep this hierarchy and thus try to stomp out any superhero mentalities where everyone should be equally treated.

I think this webtoon is great because it has a good balance of action and story. Our protagonist is not as simple as he shows to Seraphina, and we get to slowly see and experience through the characters the kind of injustice the different characters are faced with because of the structure of this society and how warped everyone is in following the "rules" of this society and playing by it. Seraphina and John are also great characters since they're both very cool and headstrong but caring towards others and each other, they're beautifullll. I also really dig the changes John is going through right now and am just waiting for everything to go down haha, gotta experience chaos in order for a new world to appear? XD

The Promised Neverland by Shirai Kaiu and Demizu Posuka (artist)

Genre: Shounen, Action, Drama, Horror, Mystery, Psychological, Tragedy

Status: Ongoing, 118 chapters scanlated

One of the upcoming anime for next year! Initially, I wasn't that big of a fan of TPN, especially when everyone kept saying it's like Death Note (I still think it isn't lol), it only aligns with Death Note  because there's a lot of thinking and planning etc that must be done for our MCs to survive in this world. Basically, it follows our protagonist Emma who lives happily in an orphanage with all the children she's grown up with until she realises what exactly this orphanage is. There begins all the planning, the deception, the danger and the journey for the MCs to overcome, to grow and save themselves and their friends. It sounds so boring from what I'm saying LOL and I think the beginning isn't that great imo but it definitely gets better and is quite interesting! It has all the elements of a good shounen (adventure, comrades, action etc), but there are also darker elements that tie along with death being nearly an everyday thing and how they have to learn to survive in this world relying on no one but themselves.

Definitely recommended and I hope the anime adaptation can solidly adapt the mystery and the fear that is portrayed really well in the manga, because I always feel like I can feel the danger that is imminent and how serious but interesting things are.

Dr. Stone by Inagaki Riichiro and Boichi (artist)

Genre: Shounen, Action, Adventure, Comedy, Drama, Sci-Fi

Status: Ongoing, 89 chapters scanlated

Dr Stone was one I didn't like as much at the beginning until everything was told from the perspective of Senku, because dang Taiju was boring, but Senku is AMAZING. His entourage is AMAZING too, Gen and Chrome are like the best guys EVER, I love them all haha. Anyway, one day all the people in the world are turned into stone and after many millenia, Taiju wakes up somehow and that begins the sci-fi adventures with Senku as they discover how to bring the world back into becoming the civilisation that they know of, fend off against others that do not go along with their ideals whilst experimenting with science to bring life back to all the people in this world as they try to find out how this all happened. Honestly, I didn't like it as much until Senku bonded with Gen and Chrome and they start their adventures in science by creating all different things that they need to kickstart getting back the necessities in this world to improving civilisation, and really, it's done in such an entertaining way! The science isn't very mind boggling either since Senku simplifies it for you lol, so it's just jam packed with fun, excitement but also a pretty nice story. 

The highlights are definitely the characters though. Senku is inherently kind and wants to save everyone but he's an interesting guy that has a lot of tricks up his sleeves too, and you have Chrome who is someone interested in science and is opened up to a whole new world once Senku brings all his ideas into being with his help. I really love how everyone cooperates to bring Senku's ideas into fruition, it's a fun but also emotional ride seeing them able to enjoy all those modern things they lost after they became stone. Definitely recommend reading it, but otherwise the anime is coming in 2019 as well, so hopefully that will be good!

Bokutachi wa Benkyou ga Dekinai by Tsutsui Taishi

Genre: Shounen, Ecchi, Comedy, Romance, Harem, School Life

Status: Ongoing, 93 chapters scanlated

Initially, I didn't have the best impression of this, since Nisekoi ended right before this came out and I thought it was going to be another boring harem with someone like Chitoge winning (omg, I do not like her btw lol), so yes it didn't start out very favourably to me and I didn't think it was that good until I kept reading, and I actually like the characters much more than I thought. Tbh, I like all the girls as well! They all have different personalities but they're not annoying at all, but instead, they're all so cute in their various ways. Makes it hard to choose but I still like the teacher the best!

Anyway, story is centered around Yuiga who is studying for his college entrance exams, and the school strikes a deal with him that if he can teach these two genius girls into getting better results in what they're weak at, he'll get a good recommendation or something like that. Anyway, so he has to teach the science wiz Ogata literature(?) and the literary genius Furuhashi math/science or whatever it was, but basically the opposite type of subject that they find it hard to grasp, and that's how his ordeals begin. The cute thing is that these geniuses actually want to pursue a career in the subject they're most weak in and they have very admirable and understandable reasons for trying so hard to do that, and I find that really cool. At the same time, we also have his childhood friend that is great at swimming but weak at English, and the teacher that is someone that had to give up on pursuing her dream to settle down into facing reality that sometimes no matter how hard you try, some things you can't have a career in if you're not good enough, and I feel like Yuiga and his friends will be able to show her that this may not necessarily always be true!

Anyway, it has all the typical harem stuff with chapters focusing on different girls, and you can really see how much he helps them all emotionally and with their studies, but at the same time, he also has his weaknesses and the girls cheer him up in their own way too. It's quite wholesome and cute, so I'll recommend this if you're into the harem kinda stories, I sooo want the teacher to be  the one! XD But I will admit that any of the others are really nice too.

Dame na Watashi ni Koishite Kudasai by Nakahara Aya

Genre: Comedy, Drama, Josei, Romance, Slice of Life

Status: Completed, 40 chapters scanlated

As a fan of Lovely Complex, there was no way I wasn't reading this one. However, it does start out rather weirdly just because I felt like Shunin was just plain mean and the MC very silly and stupid to the point that it was frustrating lol. But as they interact and go through their respective love life problems with each other, their bickering becomes very cute and sweet. Anyway, our heroine here gives her all to love, but gives it all to the wrong men and in the wrong way, because she's basically buying expensive things for young pretty boys to the point that she's broke and now unemployed, but luckily for her, she meets her former boss who helps her out by giving her food and a job until she finds a proper job lol. It has all the usual quirkiness that Nakahara has in her heroines and it is a pretty funny but sweet story.

Honey Lemon Soda by Murata Mayu

Genre: Shoujo, Drama, Romance, School Life

Status: Ongoing, 29 chapters scanlated

This one goes along with the shoujo cliche with the cool guy and plain girl thing, but this one just feels so much cuter to me! It's basically the story of a shy girl that gets the help of the cool guy when she's bullied, and then because the guy is such a cool ray of sunshine or whatever, she decides that she wants to change and be more like him. I really like this one because I feel that even though the heroine is shy, she tries really hard and quite fast too, she's not completely wishy washy and usually when she decides on something, she goes through with it no matter how embarrassing it is. She doesn't really cry either, oh and the guy helps her just the right amount!~ He doesn't help her do everything, instead he pushes her to better herself so that she can stand up for herself and do things on her own, he gives her independence and doesn't help her every time she's in trouble, instead he lets her grow and I think that was really nice to see that mutual respect they had for each other, and how he helps her grow without babying her, and I guess that's the best part about it!

Jigokuraku by Kaku Yuuji

Genre: Shounen, Action, Adventure, Drama, Historical, Romance, Tragedy

Status: Ongoing, 41 chapters scanlated

So, Gabimaru is a former ninja assassin that has been sentenced to death but has now been given the "chance" to go to this island and find the elixir of immortality in order to be freed from death by the shogunate. Our protagonist is a badass that will not allow himself to die so easily since he's got someone he wants to go back home to, and so alongside with the appointed executioner that will follow him around the island (that will kill him if he tries to run etc), they and all the other death row prisoners find that this island is much more dangerous than they thought it was, and now it cannot be helped but to wonder whether this elixir really exists and whether anyone will actually be able to leave this island alive.

Anyway, action in this one is nice! I like it, kinda bloody and hard to get attached to some characters and see them die, but you can really see how each of these characters have their respective motivations in needing to survive, however, this island isn't nice enough to grant those wishes. Luckily, our MC is strong and cool but also cares for no one, so really, it's a story revolving around action and survival, I quite like it.

Domestic na Kanojo by Sasuga Kei (R18+)

Genre: Shounen, Ecchi, Smut, Drama, Romance, Slice of Life, School Life, Harem

Status: Ongoing, 212 chapters scanlated

This is another one that's getting an anime adaptation soon too! Note that there are sex scenes and there is nudity! Basically, if you've read Good Ending (by the same mangaka), you'll know that you're gonna be in for a lot of drama, and I mean A LOT hahha. Anyway, Natsuo likes his teacher Hina but wants to forget about her, so he goes to a mixer and ends up having his first time with another girl called Rui because she wanted to experience how sex is like. Little did he know that his father is remarrying and he just so happens to now have both Hina and Rui as his new stepsisters! So, yeah, you can just imagine the drama that ensues as they all bond together and all the love triangle stuff, because basically a lot of the story is revolved around both sisters liking him and Natsuo finding his own place as an author.

Tbh, I really like it despite the drama, and I guess I do kinda like the drama (except the crazy stalker guy lol) since I feel like it makes sense and the actions that the characters took are understandable. Most people love Rui the most and I find her so adorable too, but I can't help but feel so sorry for Hina and she's a good girl too, sigh. Anyway, if you're into drama, love triangles, romance problems and also growing up problems then you'll like this haha.

Aaaand I'm done! 2 hours until 2019, but anyway, happy new year! Hopefully I'll go back to monthly reviews but no guarantees since I haven't been reading much new manga these days, but we shall see! XD

Top Heartbreaking Manga/Anime Deaths

Mini Life Update

I've been MIA for 3 months!! Apologies for anyone that actually reads this blog of mine, I just got really busy with uni. As proof of that, I got two Ds and two Cs LOL, not that they're great results but definitely better than what I thought. Anywho, since I've been busy and haven't actually been reading any new manga (it took a while for me to catch up on all the manga I didn't read since I was focusing on uni lol), I thought I'd do a little list~

Top Heartbreaking Manga/Anime Deaths

I'd say my top 5 are the ones that every time I think about them, my heart breaks and I'd literally cry every time I think about them (no kidding). Every time I think about their deaths, the tears just come and my heart just hurts. The rest aren't as emotional for me but I do think about how saddening or maddening their deaths were and how much of a lost it was for them to be gone. 

I really wanted to do a just manga one but I realised that there aren't THAT many deaths that affected me so I had to include anime too lolol. I didn't include any of those tragedy kinda anime/manga btw because their genre and main stream of story kinda revolves around the emotional ties that they have so I wanted to include deaths that are either more unexpected or just not part of the main course of things I guess, if you know what I mean lol~

Needless to say, THERE ARE MAJOR SPOILERS so be prepared. I'll also most likely mention other deaths in the same manga/anime that broke my heart too so yay~ lol.

1. Honjo Ren (NANA)

(By JacquelineDickinson)

To this day, the thought of Ren's death brings me to tears. But the reason for the heartbreak is not only because I really liked Ren himself, but the repercussions of his death were so severely devastating that it just wasn't possible for anyone to truly have a happy ending anymore. Every time I think about how Yasu tried to break the news to Nana but he says that he doesn't know what words could possibly save her from the pain that was to come, I start bawling. It really makes you think, at what point did things go wrong? At what point did it have to lead to this outcome? When Ren left and joined Trapnest? When Ren and Nana reunited? Why did everything have to happen this way? Ren and Nana's relationship was so strained because of their respective goals and past actions but they still loved each other as much as they were possessive of each other. They just couldn't find a way to hold on to each other properly anymore.

The way Ren died was so...saddening. I don't think it's easy to pinpoint it as particularly one person's fault though because in the end, even if the reporters weren't there, he would have still went to see Reira, he would have still chased after that cat he saw as Nana and in the end if he wasn't taking drugs, Reira wouldn't have needed to do what she did anyway. It was an unfortunate accident that took place because of all the things that happened and ultimately changed everyone's lives. What's most heartbreaking for Ren's death is the destruction and change to the lives of everyone else, the guilt that Reira and Nana will forever have to bear over his death and not being able to see Ren happy. Ren was silly but also deeply broken as Nana was and I really wanted them to be able to be what they needed for each other, I really wanted to see them happy together again. Their relationship wasn't the most healthy but it was undeniable that they couldn't live without one another.

The manga remains on hiatus even though the author has stated that she will return to finish it but that date is still TBA, hence I am hopeful but also complacent. It's been on hiatus for many years after all, I mean even I'm older than the main characters now lol. But really, every time I read NANA again, I hate having to see Ren's death again, I still find it so unbearable to witness again and again even though I love the manga so much. There's no such thing as enough tears shed when it comes to this.

2. Portgas D. Ace (One Piece)

I still remember vividly the day I read the chapter Ace died in. It wasn't any better when it seemed like Luffy's efforts were fruitful and then it all just went downhill. But the moment the vivre card disappeared made me cry a river. Any hope was diminished the moment it disappeared. I literally could not stop crying that day. 

 Ace has always been a favourite character of mine because of how caring he was to Luffy and the good relationship they had as well as being a bit quirky but cool. I really liked the big brother that he was, he was always a character I looked forward to seeing and so when he got captured, when everyone went to rescue him, when Whitebeard died, I got really desperate hoping he'd survive, so it was really devastating to see it all end like that. It felt even worse to see Sabo feel extremely guilty for not having been able to come to Ace's aid as well. I have a soft spot for big brother type characters T_T

What's most heartbreaking over his death is the fact that Ace had a really bright future, he was capable, young and I wanted to see him and Luffy together for so much longer. I wanted to see his potential as Gol D. Roger's son and to continue taking care of Luffy in his own way. His personality was one I had become really fond of and am most nostalgic of.

On another note, when Going Merry went down, that was really saddening too T_T it was such a hardworking boat and it even wanted to keep on going on journeys together with them, it was so terrible to have to see it go, it was such a precious part of the crew.

3. Sagara Souzo & Oniwabanshu (Rurouni Kenshin)

Many might not even remember Captain Sagara but when I first watched Rurouni Kenshin, the soundtrack that played, his appearance, his existence and his dream for the future really shook me. Enough that over the years, I had forgotten many things about Kenshin but his death and the members of the Oniwabanshu were ones I may have forgotten the events of, but never forgot the feelings of. Needless to say I bawled when I watched those scenes again.

Rurouni Kenshin probably set my standard of bishounen back in the day as a kid because really, Aoshi and them are all so cool but I guess Sagara Souzo really took my heart as a kid lolol. Honestly, I was so sad that he had to be killed in such a way. He was the one that brought the other people together to fight for the new government and so it makes it even worse that he kinda brought them to their deaths. I guess the worst thing was being used as scapegoats by the government for them to go back on their words and then being known as liars to the people and scorned by them. When really, the Sekihoutai and Sagara were people who dreamed of an era of peace, they worked so hard for it believing in the new era and a better world but they were instead betrayed by those creating this new era. How could Sanosuke really believe in the future that these people were going to create? It was heartless and disgusting and I guess that was the kind of insight their deaths brought about for the story, the fact that the era was still beginning and that even though they were trying to bring about peace, there were still things that remained unchanged and corrupted that Kenshin had to help out with. The turmoil and bloodshed that comes with the changing of eras was quite piercing to the heart.

As for the Oniwabanshu, the way they died really made me cry my heart out as well, because you could understand how important Aoshi was to them and with what kind of feelings they sacrificed themselves for. I guess what touched me as a kid and as an adult now was that Aoshi did everything for his comrades that couldn't survive in the new era because they weren't needed anymore. Their set of skills, their forms of work and their frightening appearances were ones difficult to find ways to fend for themselves and so Aoshi wanted to at least prove that they were the best regardless of their current loss of livelihood. What caused a lot of anger as well was that they were unfairly killed by a gatling gun and that they in the end had to rely on their enemy (Kenshin) to save Aoshi but I guess that was most difficult for Aoshi to swallow. It was really hard to see Aoshi have to bear all their deaths especially when he was also the one responsible for them as a leader and the one that took them on to this path of life.

4. Kite (Hunter x Hunter)

"Not Meruem?! Blasphemy!" Is what others might say and I'll admit that Meruem's death was quite saddening though when I watched the 2011 anime. I don't remember enough about it in the manga because I wasn't a fan of the Chimera Ant arc  lolol, I'll have to read it again. Oh and I know technically Kite isn't dead but really, his appearance was something that I really liked so him being a little girl will just never be the same, sigh...

Anyway, I've always had special feelings towards Kite as the first character to appear in the manga and because of the words he said to Gon at their first meeting shouting at him that he had to kill that bear because of Gon's ignorance. It was also because he looked cool and unique hahaha. But for me, I guess it's also because I got attached to the mystery that surrounds Kite as well, it felt like another checkpoint kinda thing to Gon reaching his dad since he was Ging's disciple, so like Gon, there was this respect alongside the idea of him being a sort of goal too. I mean considering how they depicted Ging's personality before you get to meet him, it was always this sort of eccentricity that made you curious about how special Kite was to be able to become his disciple. In addition to the care, thought and patience he had with Gon and Killua in teaching them things. So for me, it was always really depressing that the more we got to discover about him, the closer it led to his death. I was quite heartbroken when I saw his head T_T

 I know that some people think it was dramatic for Gon to act the way he did for Kite but I think that translated better in the manga especially since Kite was only really introduced in the Chimera Ant arc in the 2011 anime, which made me quite angry since Gon always felt this respect for Kite and always regarded him as a sort of goal as well and so you could see how important of a figure Kite played better in the manga. So it never felt unnatural to me, especially when I loved Kite as much as him.

Another death I was really heartbroken about was Gotoh. He's one of the few that are extremely caring and loving (in a normal way) towards Killua and so I was really sad when Hisoka killed him. What's even more sad is that this fact is probably hidden from Killua considering the effect it would have on him... But I was always attached to him in a way because of the arc when they go to save Killua from his home. He was a fair person that was genuinely concerned for Killua but he also understood him and I really liked that about him.

As for the Spiders, I have to admit that Pakunoda's death always hurts me quite a bit because of her faith and love for the Spiders that she had. Her loyalty and strong emotions towards Chrollo and the original members was one that I couldn't help but love about her and understand. Her ability was also extremely unique. Talking about the Spiders though, the loss of  Kortopi and Shalnark was quite shocking and terrible considering how unique their abilities were as well, sigh. I actually liked Shalnark quite a bit too...T_T

5. Euphemia Li Brittania (Code Geass)

Euphemia's death was utterly heartbreaking, mostly because of how it happened and because she was such a kind and wonderful person that it was terrible for her to have to be remembered in such a way. It was hard to not like Euphemia seeing the way she carried herself and treated everyone around her and clearly, from the fact she was so loved by so many and how her death affected so many of the characters, you could see how important she was to our main characters and for a good reason too. I guess for me, I was devastated that considering how kind she was and how determined she was to change things. it was saddening to have to see her last actions be a complete contradiction of the person she was and for Lelouch to have to carry the burden of accidentally killing her and even having to tarnish her reputation. I didn't expect it and would really wish that didn't have to occur T_T

Another death I was really sad to see was Shirley's, she was so innocent and all she wanted to do was support Lelouch. I really really liked her because she was really cute and kind as well. It didn't hurt me as much as Euphemia's death did but it was still quite sad.

6. Nicol Amalfi & Tolle Koenig (Gundam Seed) 

Nicol was a young boy that had aspirations and dreams aside from being a pilot and so it was really difficult to see all of that crushed when he was killed. He was such a gentle guy that always helped and supported Athrun whilst having his own views of desiring to protect his homeland and his family, he was quite the model kind child. It was also difficult to have to face Tolle getting killed as well because Tolle just wanted to be helpful to everyone. In terms of the repercussions of their deaths though, although Nicol's death is what prompted Athrun to finally lose control and "kill" Kira, I think Tolle's death was quite confronting as well, especially when Miriallia wanted to kill Dearka for his ignorant comments, it was really hard to see her like that. So really, both of their deaths were quite a turning point for both Kira and Athrun and so it has always been saddening to think of their futures destroyed like that. It was then that they finally realised that they were being really naive about their actions and the biggest representation of how their hesitance has caused people to die.

7. Uchiha Itachi (Naruto)

Even before Itachi's past was revealed, I've always believed and thought that Itachi really loved Sasuke and so when his past was revealed and you could see that he loved Sasuke even more than you initially thought, it was quite heartbreaking. Especially when he had to bear the responsibility and burden of the deaths of his clan and the hatred of his beloved brother when all he really wanted was to protect Sasuke and Konoha. The guilt he had to bear, the scorn he had to take and how his life had changed into one of a criminal's was one that really made me tear considering he was already a favourite character of mine before this. I think I've got a soft spot for big brother characters to be honest.

8. Kanou Shou (History's Strongest Disciple Kenichi)

I'm really sad that the anime for Kenichi has never received any more seasons because I really think Kenichi is a pretty solid manga despite the fanservice, I actually really enjoyed it. Shou was always a really strong and cool character that really cared for Miu. He and Kenichi had this relationship of rivalry in terms of love and martial prowess and he was quite a formidable guy to be compared with and to fight against. Honestly, I was quite attached to his character and love for Miu that when he died, I was really sad. He definitely doesn't regret it but I always find it so disheartening when someone of his martial caliber was killed by something like a gun. Everyone's been training so hard to achieve their respective goals to spread the greatness of their individualistic arts and their deaths get tainted by things like guns, it's just so terrible.

9. L (Death Note)

I really do like L for his quirkiness and his relationship with Light. He always worked at a sort of disadvantage since Light was aware of him being L and worked closely with him so I always admired L for being so capable and smart whilst also feeling a bit attached to Light himself as a sort of friend. They were enemies but also comrades and it was always enjoyable to see their exchanges with each other whether it be with their wits or their casual conversations.

I have to admit though, the way Light won and killed L was really smart (for me anyway lol) and definitely a magnificent way to end their battle. I wasn't a fan of the way of everything that happened after L died though because it seemed more like Light lost because he became complacent and more prone to idiotic mistakes that just wasn't him and I guess that's what can happen when you don't have a considerable foe over the years but that wasn't the type of manga I signed up for or was into lol. I didn't feel any heartbreak towards Light's death though because I just thought it was quite degrading and embarrassing of Light's character to have turned into someone like that to plead to Ryuk to help him. I loved it when Ryuk reiterated that he was only like a bystander overseeing what he would do but would never interfere. It's definitely a contrast to Rem and the other shinigami that were willing to sacrifice themselves and break the rules to save Misa. But yeah, I really enjoyed L's interesting and cool character and was really sad to see him gone but I couldn't help but acknowledge the author's skills in bringing it to such a great climax. I've never watch the anime btw hahaha~ only read the manga XD since it seems that the ending for Light was kinda different apparently?

10. Fujiwara no Sai (Hikaru no Go)

Initially, I watched the anime and loved Sai because of how cute he was always asking Hikaru to let him play Go. Eventually, I read the manga and realised how heartbreaking and how different it was of a manga without Sai there. Sai has always been beside Hikaru teaching him about Go, training him and also providing entertainment with his desire and love to continue playing Go even after death. When he played online and when he played games against Touya and his dad, they were such cool and iconic moments! I loved how Sai was both funny, adorable but also seriously cool, he really made Hikaru no Go unique. Therefore, although I understood the author's reasons for Sai disappearing (not really death since he's already dead I guess lmao), he was also everything that made the manga different from other shounen manga and so when he disappeared, it was still interesting but in a normal shounen manga way if that makes sense lol. It also made the whole manga more serious and lacking since there was no more comedy and fun that Sai brought so it was really saddening.

Sai's disappearance was also extremely heartbreaking because he didn't want to disappear either. He knew his time was coming but he wanted to keep on playing, he thought it was unfair as well and that just made it all the worse that he had to disappear like that with Hikaru calling him selfish as well. I mean, I know Hikaru's a kid but sometimes the way he treated Sai really infuriated me and made me sad because Sai put all his heart in teaching and training him but sometimes he just wasn't that grateful for it and was quite selfish and he called Sai selfish! I mean Sai may be unreasonable sometimes but it was really mean of Hikaru to say that! So yeah, I was pretty devastated that Sai had to disappear with regrets that he couldn't keep playing Go, couldn't keep watching over Hikaru and lamented over the fact that Hikaru was the one chosen to be the one that would be closest to or achieve the Hand of God I guess and that he wasn't. It was really hard to see him like that.

Other Honorable Mentions~

11.  Nuriko (Fushigi Yuugi)

As a young girl, Fushigi Yuugi was probably one of my most prominent exposures to shoujo. Initially, it's hard to like Nuriko (for me) because I thought he was annoying lol since he was always mean to Miaka but as you slowly get to know him, you realise how sincere and kind of a person he is. But I guess what hurt the most was when he realised his feelings for Miaka and became one of the first important characters that you get attached to and die. Honestly, I really didn't expect that any of them would really die until Nuriko did and once he did, many of the others did as well and it just broke my heart. Nuriko was always very smiley, optimistic and fighting with Miaka but he was really gentle and strong, oh and I guess persistent hahaha, he was a character you couldn't help but come to like and so it was saddening that he wasn't there to be beside Miaka through the rest of the journey when he really wanted to...

12. Miyazono Kaori (Shigatsu wa Kimi no Uso/Your Lie in April)

I know I said I wouldn't include those tragedy kinda emotional anime lol but I really liked how important of a role Kaori played in Kousei's life and how she wrote that letter, because that letter really made me cry. It was obvious what her lie was from quite early on in the story because as a person who delved in music and considering her parent's reactions, there was no way she didn't know who Kousei was, so the only reason she would lie was because she wanted to get close to him without giving him the burden of someone in the same kinda industry who expects something from him. Honestly, I really like Tsubaki as well because as someone who understands that there are some burdens you can never share as a person who doesn't know anything about music, I can feel how difficult it must have been to have to watch over Kousei without being able to do anything even though you knew he loved the world of music and was unable to let go of it.

So really, Kaori was really a shining star at night that was able to bring colour into his world again. It was just saddening that her love was reciprocated but she wasn't able to spend any real time of romance with him but I guess playing a duet with Kousei, talking to him and spending time with him was what she always wanted to do ever since she was a child so at least her dream did kinda come true and I guess at least she was able to at least do that...but it was saddening that he never really knew that she loved him all along until she died...

13. Maes Hughes (Full Metal Alchemist)

Hughes was always that super happy character that treated the Elric brothers with such care and hospitality that it was hard to dislike him. I mean, every time he talks about his little girl and his wife, he's just so happy and loving that you can't help but want someone like him as a husband. His love and appreciation for his family is above everything and he is also very serious about his work, which in turn led to his death. All because he was a step ahead of others in discovering things he shouldn't have that the Homunculus found out and killed him. Honestly, having to see him die the way he did was so hard because he was such a bright shining ray of light in the anime that it was so saddening to see him disappear. I missed him quite a bit T_T

Nina is also a tragic example of how alchemy can be used and how troubling it is to see a child so supportive of her father and yet was used as experiment material. The worst was most definitely when you realised that the dog was Nina and that she still sort of retained a part of her that wanted to play with Edward because that was downright depressing that you had to see a kid end up like that for believing in her father.

I saw other lists including Clannad but really, I played the game and Nagisa and Ushio are alive and well for me lolol so it doesn't really count hahaha~ Also, although I liked Clannad (anime), I wasn't a fan of the Clannad After Story (anime) as much. However, in terms of the visual novel, I really enjoyed the different routes and the After Story route with Ushio, I think the novel portrayed it much better and so much more beautifully that honestly, there's no reason to not play the novel if you loved the anime because it's that good. The other routes were really good as well with the other girls, the only ones I weren't really fond of was Kyou's and Ryou's tbh but I really like Kyou as a character so hnggg. Otherwise, Kotomi is still my favourite girl, Fuuko makes me cryy and laugh, Sunohara's was actually really sad but good, Kappei's was a sad but it was a good bromance, Yukine's was so peaceful and nice, Misae's was so heartwarming and Tomoyo's was kinda nice and funny lolol. Anywho, it's a great visual novel, totally worth your time and tears.

And that's it!~ That was a long post lolol, I tried to shorten it but I guess here and there I just couldn't stop blabbing about things hahahaa. I mean, they are heartbreaking so it requires many words T__T

April Manga of the Month (MOTM)

Been a bit MIA but I've read two "new" manga in the process! As usual, studying is quite time consuming. The two manga I read are quite different from each other this month, but they do correlate upon the theme of growth and development of the MC as a central aspect to the entirety of the story.

Hikaru no Go by Hotta Yumi, Art by Obata Takeshi

Genre: Comedy, Drama, Psychological, Shounen, Slice of Life, Sports, Supernatural

Status: Complete, 191 chapters scanlated

Hikaru no Go isn't the most popular of its time but when it came out in 1998 to the years after, it was popular enough that it'd be hard to not know about it. It follows our MC Hikaru who encounters a ghost called Sai that has been devoted to playing Go since the days he were alive and through Sai';s influence, Hikaru eventually becomes interested and follows his own path to getting better at Go and finding joy and satisfaction in it. 

Hikaru no Go is a childhood favourite, so it's hard for me to dislike it despite its flaws. Let's start with what's good. Quite frankly, what made this manga so special to me would have to be Sai's existence. Not only was he great comedy and support alongside Hikaru, he was also very interesting and highly skilled with Go and so it was always exciting to see him be able to fight against those of the modern era, whilst being so fun and cute. I also think Hikaru's development as a character and Go player was done quite well, even though I still do not like him haha. The fun of this manga would lie in seeing Hikaru grow to be a pro and how he and Sai grow together as they learn things of their worlds from each other. It's also great that you don't really need to actually know anything about Go to understand what's going on but it will most certainly make you curious about the game.

Personally, I had many things I disliked LOL. It can be hard to like this manga if you dislike the main characters and so I couldn't like the manga as much as I wanted to because Hikaru was never a character I could like. Mainly because he was selfish I guess. I never really felt like he treated Sai nicely considering how much Sai did for him. But, I guess he's a "kid" so he's not as empathetic towards what Sai had to go through and why he's so persistent about playing Go. I still didn't like it though. Also, the manga is mainly focused on Hikaru and Akira so really, everyone else was quite disposable and forgettable besides them because it just seemed like every other character was a stepping stone for them rather than people I could really care about. My favourite character was Kaga and he practically becomes non-existent so....

The ending is also a negative. Mostly because it ends very abruptly as if it just suddenly got cut off (which it probably did) since after certain events, the manga lost what was special about it. It wasn't a bad manga afterwards but it also lost what made Hikaru no Go so fun and special in comparison to other manga. I guess you can say, it just became another general sports manga, so it was not bad, not good. So, because of the abrupt ending, there is no conclusion and no wrapping up of anything making it quite unsatisfactory. 

Overall, I enjoyed it because Sai has always been the greatest highlight for me and seeing Sai watch over Hikaru as he grows was nice. It also makes Go seem really fun and interesting so I'd recommend it if you're interested in stuff like these sports and character growth.

Koe no Katachi (A Silent Voice) by Ooima Yoshitoki

Genre: Comedy, Drama, Romance, School Life, Shounen

Status: Complete, 62 chapters scanlated

Recently, I watched the film for this and really enjoyed it. I think the adaptation of it was done very well in the limited time it had for the movie and the only gripe would be that the granny's death part could have been more elaborated as it is in the manga since the growth of Ishida was very importantly shown with his talk to Yuzuru in that there are many people around them that are their friends and that they can rely on. It was really sweet and touching.

Anywho, if you haven't heard of it, this is a story about bullying, redemption, growth, disability and a bit of suicide. So, it does touch on some sensitive themes if you're deterred from that. It revolves around how our MC and the rest of the class bullied the FMC when they were children causing her to transfer schools. As the main bully, our MC had shouldered the blame for being the perpetrator and eventually becomes the one bullied. 5 years later, with the ostracisation continuing well on to his high school years, he finds that he wants to do something for the girl he bullied before killing himself. However, with his sincerity, he gets through to her and they instead find meaning to live through each other.

The characters are most definitely the highlight of this one. Frankly, I really liked Ueno but hated Kawai. The fickleness, the fakeness and everything about Kawai irked me. Whereas the bluntness of Ueno got through to me, since really, she tried to be like our MC in a way. I really liked the MC the most though, mainly because he knew and understood the weight of his actions after and he doesn't actively seek redemption, but he gets it anyway because of the person our FMC is. He merely wanted to make our FMC happy now because he knows that he can't give back the happy childhood he stole from her and you can really see how hard she tries to do this. He never forgives himself but he wants to do whatever he can for her and it touched me. It also goes through our MC's own difficult passage towards forgiving his past classmates that bullied him as well. Some things seem to be resolved too easily at the end but it was still quite a good manga.

I'd recommend this if you're interested in seeing the story of someone who realises their past grave mistakes and tries to change the present instead of dwelling in the past. He has his weak moments of course but so does the FMC and I find that his struggles are very realistic and portrayed very well. It made me teary seeing how difficult it was for him.  It's not too deep of a story but it definitely has its moments and that makes it easier to read without totally breaking your heart haha.

Some people complain about the MC and FMC not properly getting together at the end but I think with their respective goals and mindsets towards the future, they're practically together lol. Overall, I enjoyed the manga and would recommend the movie if you're too lazy to read it haha. The music, animation and VA is quite beautiful and fitting.

March Anime & Manga of the Month (A&MOTM)

Rurouni Kenshin by Watsuki Nobuhiro

Genre: Action, Comedy, Drama, Historical, Martial Arts, Romance, Shounen

Episodes: 94 (62+ are fillers)
Status: Complete, 255 chapters scanlated

Watsuki Nobuhiro will be continuing the Rurouni Kenshin manga in Spring 2017 to draw the Hokkaido arc he had planned to do long ago! I am soo excited! This was also the reason why I decided to read and watch Kenshin again. It's been a while since I last read it but it definitely does not disappoint! 22 years later, the anime and the manga are still capable of breaking and touching my heart. If only the Jinchuu arc will be animated one day as well. I mean, Hunter x Hunter (another of my all time favourites!!) got the Chimera Ant and Election arcs animated! So, I'm really hoping with the continuation in Spring, the anime will get a remake as well. Although, the anime definitely remains beautiful to this day (ignoring the anime originals).

If you don't know Kenshin, it is loosely based in the beginning of the Meiji era where swords have been banned and samurai have lost their means of living. As a killer who brought about this era, Kenshin hopes to atone for his sins of the past wielding his sakabatou (reverse-blade) in order to protect those who are weak/need help alongside his vow to never kill again. Eventually, he meets comrades and enemies that help him grow in this tumultuous era as he faces his sins of the past, the difficulties of living in the present and having to fight for the future.

In terms of pacing, the manga was perfect. Nothing was too long or too short. Everything was needed and done well. The Tokyo arc was a great foundation arc to introduce the main characters, their respective roles and with the enemies Kenshin encounters and the background of our characters, you are able to see  the problems with the current era and how hard it is for some to live in this present and Kenshin's role in all this. The Kyoto arc is where Kenshin and them fight for the future against those who have been betrayed by the Meiji era. Whereas, the Jinchuu arc is where Kenshin finally has to deal with the ghosts of his past in order to bring forth the future. I'd say that the main theme of the manga would be the difficulties of living in a new and peaceful era when it is bound by the destruction and deaths of the past that created it. In that respect, Kenshin portrays this theme so well.

The anime and manga are both really amazing and the soundtrack in the anime makes the watching of the anime very worthwhile even if you've read the manga. Although, the characters' designs etc are most beautiful in the manga, I mean Yukishiro Enishi was sooo cool! But Aoshi and Saito are still my favourites to the end.

In terms of characters, I'd say it's more difficult to find characters I didn't like haha. I mean, they were all so memorable and real. Whether it be Aoshi, Saito, Soujiro, Anji, Jin-e, Hiko and Enishi, they were all great characters that I could empathise with so well it was scary or they were just so cool, I was so excited hahaha. The main cast is of course very likeable as well despite some annoying times here and there with Yahiko (for me haha) but their roles were designated nicely and they played it out very well.

 However, I'd say the enemies in the Jinchuu arc were rather weak in impression and battle as they weren't very memorable. However, the main focus of that arc in the end was Enishi and Tomoe, so I have no major qualms over that.

Another weakness may also be the fights in Kenshin aren't the most "entertaining" for some, but me on the other hand loved it. I loved how it was the perfect display of battles being a psychological and mental fight as well as a physical one. This was especially apparent with Soujiro in my view.

I guess what I loved about Kenshin was that each character had their respective role in the manga but they were all very much "alive" despite that and I enjoyed it. Their reasons for fighting, their past and their techniques were entertaining but also heartbreaking. I can't tell you how many times I cried over these characters whether they be secondary or not. It most definitely follows the shounen 'genre' well but it also retains a lot of depth to it since our protagonist isn't a young boy and he carries a difficult and bloody past.

Personally, Kenshin is a top favourite of mine in terms of shounen, alongside Hunter x Hunter and it forever will be because I really enjoyed how it depicts the different circumstances the enemies became enemies in response to the new Meiji era. Naturally, things become solved but you can't help but understand how everything happened this way and why they stood up against this era they disagreed with. Instead of a clear black and white slate, what we are presented with would probably instead be the difficulties wrought with the introduction of a new era and how people can/cannot/will not accustom themselves to it. The Oniwabanshu that died and Sagara Souzo hurt my soul deeply. But in the end, which character didn't break my heart? I think that's a more difficult question to answer for me. I'd have to say Shinomori Aoshi still made the deepest impression on me (in terms of fighting style and story) and he will always be the one I love the most.

Some highlights I loved in the anime/manga

I love all of Kaoru's expressions! So funny and cutee! The first 30 or so episodes laid the foundation for the premise of Kenshin and the Kyoto arc can be said to be the true beginning of the fierce battles with the implementation of a new era considering Shishio Makoto's motives and destruction.

Kenshin and Misao's first meeting was so hilarious! Especially when they turn all chibi and he keeps dodging her attacks hahaha! They were so cute.

I have to say, I do enjoy that instead of wanting revenge on the imperialists that burnt his body so severely, Shishio wants to rule the country because he believes that the Meiji government is weak. To be fair, I can understand why he would think it's weak.

When Houji asked whether it was okay to take Aoshi on board since he seemed mentally broken and Shishio said "Such a thing doesn't matter, all of us here are broken in the same way as well " it really put into perspective many characters in the whole show that went through the chaos in bringing forth the Meiji era. Anyone who fought in it couldn't have left with no wounds physically or mentally.

When Kenshin told Grandpa that they could still save Aoshi, I really teared up especially when I saw Misao crying and Kenshin saying that the Aoiya is where he belongs. I want to see Aoshi back here.

When Anji said the world can't be saved by kindness and Sano said that but those children on that memorial tablet were saved by it, I just couldn't deal T_T

The fights with Soujiro were the absolute best. It was exciting, interesting and amazing. I personally love Aoshi's fighting style the most but Soujiro's is hard to not love, whether it be the live action or the anime, Soujiro and Kenshin's fights against each other are undoubtedly fierce and hard to pass up. If you are strong you live, if you are weak you die. The depth behind Soujiro's character was one I anticipated but was still hit very hard with especially when he asked why Kenshin didn't protect him, the anime reflected those emotions so well.

The atmosphere of Saito Hajime, Kenshin and Soujiro were done really well in the movie and the costumes were amazing as well. It was so easy to recognise them when they're all wearing their classic outfits. But hands down, the manga and the anime are the best. I mean, Aoshi shines best in those mediums after all :P Also, Yukishiro Enishi and Tomoe are really crucial, so the manga wins out in how perfect it was with the three arcs that made it feel complete. Some stuff obviously doesn't feel complete (which is probably why there's a Hokkaido arc) but it is mainly complete in the sense of the fight with the present, future and past.

Basically, Rurouni Kenshin is too lovely of a classic to pass up and too tormenting of a story to not relate to. Well, the characters are the ones who drive the story and their actions and experiences are what make this manga so great.

P.S I didn't watch the anime original (filler) episodes because there were way too many and I cbb because I know that the fillers will ruin my thoughts of it. It's not because the fillers are necessarily bad but because it would ruin the pacing of the story that I enjoyed so well since it was very decisive with no useless stuff. It was clear cut in story, battles, character emotions etc, everything was simple and concise making it amazing. Definitely would read and watch again and again.

Rurouni Kenshin Anime and Manga Differences + Opinion - Kyoto Arc

I've heard that the Kyoto arc is very faithfully adapted from the manga so this post might be useless but I'll note down anything I see anyway haha. (EDIT: There's more than I thought LOL, it's actually tiring! I'm probably just picky lol)

Meeting Makimachi Misao

Besides the bits and pieces of extra detail the anime decided to add such as Yahiko saying goodbye to Tsubame and stuff like that, the anime seems quite faithful to the manga. They also added that little bit of fighting when Misao meets Kenshin for the first time and tries to attack him but he keeps dodging. It was all done in jest though since they went all chibi and so I actually appreciated that addition in the anime since it made their first meeting really cute. Oh and when they were jumping up to a rooftop(?) to return the money Misao stole, in the anime, she slipped a bit but in the manga, she landed successfully with no trouble indicating that she is quite capable. The anime probably wanted to make it a bit funny but I honestly would prefer the manga in this since this directly refers to Misao's abilities and I think she deserved that little badge of capability for this one.

When Misao is chasing Kenshin in the forest and Kenshin thinks about Kaoru who he had left because he didn't want her to be in danger (he believes that Aoshi left Misao for the same reason), the anime flashbacks to a moment when Kenshin grabbed Kaoru's hand as they were taking cover from rain and Kaoru blushed. In the manga, Kenshin just flashbacks to her face. I'll admit that the touching hand scene is soo cute and squeal-worthy that I really liked it but then that would mean Kenshin had practically confirmed his feelings for Kaoru before that farewell scene and thus makes it not as groundbreaking as it really should be. Personally, I don't mind, I enjoy both versions. Btw this is also the moment I fell in love with Misao, because her sincere feelings for wanting to find Aoshi because she can't forget about him was one that really touched me.



Mishima Eiji

Besides some things being shown in a different order (which is totally fine since manga and anime are different and so storytelling wise they would change things up to make it flow nicely as a show), one thing I noticed is with Misao again loll. They added that little comedic part of her being scared of spiders and that's why Shishio's underlings found her and Eiji hiding in the bushes but really, she just appeared before them and smacked them, which I honestly prefer since Misao seems to rush head on into things more.

I still love how she says, "I, Makimachi Misao has no name to give to villains!" lmaoo. Oh and there was no taunting from the underling to Eiji on whether he's killed anyone before etc and then him trying to stab him but Misao stops him. I guess that addition in the anime exemplifies his hatred more. And the big brother that died doesn't get a flashback and Eiji's case is solved quite simply but concisely. The addition of the flashback was nice though because a brother's love is always something wonderful to see. There's other random little differences but they're not important enough to care about hahaha.



Training with Anji

Anji didn't tell Sano that the training would be really tough and advise against it for him, Sano also didn't show any of his skills as a fighter to Anji either. In the manga, he simply asked him what he thought about the Meiji government and that was all. I don't mind both but with the manga's simple clear-cut way, you could tell much more easily that what Anji valued above all else was Sano's feelings towards the Meiji government, whether he could succeed in the training or not is his own problem.

Also, in the anime Anji states that Sano must die if he can't learn the Futae no Kiwami since he never intended to pass this technique on to future generations and because Sano said he was willing to risk his life, but in the manga Anji just says that he must die if he can't learn it within the allocated time. It may not seem to be a big difference but I prefer the manga because it shows that shounen-esque resolve where if you want to learn something powerful, you have to risk your life for it. Not because you think it's a secret technique so you don't want them blabbing about it etc but because if you can't even learn it, then that means you're not worthy of your resolve and of this technique.

The part where Captain Sagara appears though still hurts my heart T_T the anime does it so well because of the soundtrack T_T and I really love Sano's VA as well so that helps a lot. This is one part I'd recommend over the manga just because the soundtrack is so beautiful T_T



Kenshin vs. Chou

It's pretty much the same as the manga I'd say with minor enough differences that I'd say whichever is fine. If you prefer your battles in motion, then the anime will be the winner though of course. The only thing I'll be nitpicky about is that in the manga Kenshin himself realised that the katana in his hand was a sakabatou afterwards alongside everyone else, unlike the anime where Arai Seikuu tells Kenshin to look at the katana and see that it was actually a sakabatou. I just feel like Kenshin should be the first one to be able to feel if it was a sakabatou or not from the impact he made even if he was convinced that it was a normal katana.



Leaving the Aoiya

I'm not sure why the anime changed this but when Kenshin decided to leave the Aoiya, he informed Misao and Okina properly as they were sitting down discussing it. Whereas, in the anime, he leaves after Okina tells him the whereabouts of Hiko Seijuurou and it is only when Kenshin is at the door that Misao realises that he's leaving the Aoiya. Because of this, we also miss out on the joke where Okina tells Kenshin to pay the bill for ten days worth of staying there and Kenshin turns to stone hearing it hahahaha.

In the manga, Kenshin's reason for leaving is much more pronounced where he explicitly states that he doesn't want to drag them into this, especially since Seikuu's family got dragged into it this time. I knew Kenshin felt that way but this wasn't explicitly show in the anime. Misao retorts stating that she knows kempo etc and that she's not like Iori (Seikuu's kid that was caught by Chou) but Kenshin says that in Shishio's eyes, they are the same and Okina accepts his reason for leaving.

Also, in the manga, they had not found Hiko Seijuurou's whereabouts yet so really, it enforces Kenshin's conviction to not remain here and have them get hurt because of him, whereas in the anime, it doesn't feel as strong since he needed to leave to meet Hiko anyway. As Kenshin leaves, Misao also shouts that Kenshin should take the advice that he gave to Eiji, 'to be happy' since if he only carries these burdens himself, he'll be miserable by trying to do everything himself. In the manga, Misao does not chase after Kenshin either.

Instead of Kaoru and Yahiko noticing Aoshi and then bumping into Misao on the streets as they watched people walk by trying to find Kenshin, Kaoru and Yahiko were actually working at the Shirobeko and had put up a notice looking for Kenshin. Personally, I prefer this because I thought it was pretty stupid and useless to be sitting on steps watching people pass by to see if you see Kenshin, like c'mon even if he does pass by, what are the chances you'll actually see him with the sea of people there? Misao goes to the Shirobeko to cheer herself up (3 days after Kenshin left) since Kenshin's an idiot (hahaha) and sees the missing person notice for Kenshin (which is so cute btw LOL, so sad they didn't animate this). As Misao sees the notice, she shouts "Himura!" and Kaoru headbutts her because of how excited she is that someone knows Kenshin.

In the background, Okina fires a signal flare to the sky for Kenshin to indicate he has found Hiko and it is shown that Hiko sees this and finds it unusual that people still use these flares, not that it concerns him. Later on, Kenshin visits Okina to know the whereabouts of Hiko, and Okina apologises that he wanted to help Kenshin until the end but his priorities are with protecting the Aoiya and Misao. Then we go back to Kaoru and Misao's awkward exchange because Kaoru doesn't know where to start, in which eventually incites some funny remarks from Misao where they misunderstand the idea of Kenshin travelling alone with her and having lived with her for a while hahaha. It was adorable. Kaoru is back to her usual self again and reacts madly to the idea that Kenshin has been playing with Misao all this time when Megumi and her were crying over his farewell so she decides that she's going to find Kenshin no matter what and shakes Misao hoping to get an answer LOL. It was only because customers of the Shirobeko noticed the signal flare as well that Misao was able to direct Kaoru and Yahiko to where Kenshin is. Basically, the anime kept the most important bits and omitted or changed the other stuff to make it shorter but still retaining the gist of everything.

Personally, I prefer the manga because the funny scene in the Shirobeko was a nicer first meeting between Misao and Kaoru and I feel like Kenshin's reason for leaving was much more developed in the manga rather than his usual simple excuse of not wanting to drag people into his troubles, since it is quite relevant that it was true this time in that Arai Seikuu did become involved mainly because Kenshin went to look for him and omitting that made Kenshin's reason for leaving less convincing, as he should have never involved himself with the Aoiya in the first place if he thought like that. Him stating the circumstance with Seikuu shows that things are different now because someone did actually get involved this time, so he must leave (even if it's probably too late now lol).

I also liked how Okina asked Kaoru the same question as Misao, where superficial feelings towards Kenshin would only hinder him etc and it was shown rather comically since Misao had already asked Kaoru. But I really liked Kaoru's simple response of a bow and saying something like "please" (since they want to know the exact location of where Kenshin went) with her hands gripping her kimono tightly showing her conviction and devotion to finding him. It was simple but important and I think I would have enjoyed seeing this in the anime since I always felt like Kaoru going to Kyoto was a serious decision but I always felt that they didn't show enough of it and so I always thought of her as more of a burden tbh. This simple gesture alongside her previous answer to Misao was very important to me.


Hiko Seijuurou

When Kaoru and Yahiko realise that Misao is part of the Oniwaban, before Kaoru tells Misao about what happened to Aoshi, she reiterates that she probably doesn't know the full details since she was not there. It was only in the anime that Kaoru was at Kanryuu's mansion.

When Aoshi sends a letter to the Aoiya for Okina, the middleperson who gives it to him in the manga are three little girls instead of one. I like that scene though, it was pretty funny hahaha. Not sure why they bothered changing it but it was funny. Also, when Okina and Aoshi meet, Okina actually orders some food so it's really like a little restaurant instead of him just sitting on the bench talking, so really, the anime just decided to omit that part which in my view was important in the sense that it created a proper setting. I always thought it was a weird scene imo because it was obvious that they were talking to each other and they made no effort to conceal it. They also shortened the conversation, since Okina did tell Aoshi that Kenshin was at the Aoiya but now he doesn't know where he is and Aoshi remarked that he was right under his nose and yet missed him.

I guess they wanted to make it more solemn and serious in the anime but when Kenshin kneeled down and asked Hiko to teach him what was left of the Hiten Mitsurugi style, I really liked how in the manga, he immediately refused and Kenshin had his stupid face hahaha. But I guess this is a matter of preference. I just enjoy Hiko's antics quite a bit and thought was funny. I also feel like they missed out on one of Hiko's important lines which was "You ishin shishi believed in justice and supported it. You certainly built the Meiji government out of the violence. But at the same time, to hide your wrongdoings, you buried in darkness whatever wasn't convenient" which completely words the exact problem of the Meiji government and all the problems that are occurring now. So I was rather sad that the anime cut this out and focused on Hiko stating that Kenshin had a role in creating Shishio Makoto and the vengeance he seeks now.

Also, reading the manga again, they most definitely shortened the conversation in the anime, it has the gist of it but the anime tries to create an impact through its animation effects etc whereas the manga keeps its' impact through what Hiko says. Hiko relents that what Kenshin thought as the 14 y/o that left was right in that the Hiten Mitsurugi Style is used to protect those suffering from the ages but its strength was meant to be based on the ideals of freedom and not choosing a side and becoming dogs of the government. It really showed that Kenshin never really understood the impact of his sword as a teenager and he is now reaping the consequences of it.

I also really don't like how in the anime they made Misao and Yahiko ask Kaoru what is she doing when Kenshin's just inside at Hiko's place since in the manga all she did was grip her kimono but no, the anime had to emphasise Kaoru's hesitance to entering making it really misleading! In the manga, you can feel that she is hesitant because he's just behind that door but in the anime, it seems more like her conviction is weak and everything she said before was just half-assed and it made me very annoyed at Kaoru in the anime. These little actions of hers in the anime  was so overdone that it made me think that she really should just go home because she isn't firm towards her decision of meeting Kenshin at all. I'm very disappointed that the anime makes this impression by adding all this crap. It doesn't help that I think the manga has the right balance of this and so when they follow the manga and add their own stuff like this, it just becomes over the top and annoying that Kaoru is so hesitant when she's really not that hesitant at all. They also cut out some little antics (again) that made it more cute and stuff.

Since they changed how Misao and Kaoru met as well, they couldn't add in the fact that Kaoru also said that at the Shirobeko, she felt like hitting him but when she saw him, she wasn't able to. I feel like they either didn't have the time or took these lines really lightly when they're actually really important because by Kaoru saying this, I could understand her feelings much more than her simple "I wanted to see Kenshin", that's the crux of it but these details on the side are very important. This is why communication fails these days! They leave out important details!

I feel like I'm complaining now but I guess I have a lot of problems with this LOL. Also, when Hiko decides to teach Kenshin the secret techniques, I could never really see why in the anime because he seemed so unimpressed with what Kenshin said by merely stating that Kenshin is still saying the same thing he said years ago when he left. Whereas, in the manga, he calls Kenshin stupid but understands that despite the years that have passed, Kenshin's conviction towards saving people has not changed and it shows through his expression and smirk that this is what he acknowledges about Kenshin's principles and why he is worth teaching the secrets. I know it's essentially the same, but details, details! Hiko carries a gentle expression along with the smirk as well so really.. I guess this is a drawing problem LOL. But nah, it's probably just the overall feel of everything.

I am also very sad that they cut out Hiko making jokes about how he's doing this because he's too lazy to look for another disciple and he's too lazy to deal with Shishio himself despite it being the easiest way for him hahahah. They also cut out the little bit where after Hiko says that if he learns the secret technique, Kenshim should be as strong as him and then he thinks nah, he's not that good and should only be able to touch his level of strength LOL. To which, I personally agree because I thought it was rather weird that the anime said he'd be on the same level as Hiko if he learnt it and that's all, because I honestly didn't think so. But that might be me being bias towards Hiko. However, Hiko is definitely stronger emotionally and that's a crucial part to fighting, so I still stand to my words.

Basically, I'd say I wasn't too impressed with how Hiko Seijuurou's part was done. However it isn't because it was bad, it's only because it could have been much better, especially since his master is such a great and cool character.


Shishio Makoto's Homura Dama

They definitely censored the part where Shishio sliced some random guy that tried to steal a sword too loll! I was actually really confused about this part because I wasn't sure if he was slicing thin air or not and it really made Shishio's ruthlessness and power lose some impact. The lack of Houji's reactions to the body catching on fire from his sword and not being able to see the sword leave the scabbard in the anime also made this cool scene seem rather mundane and useless as well. I also don't like how when Aoshi comes along with Soujiro to meet Shishio for info on Kenshin and Shishio says he's a strange guest, I'm not sure if it's a lost in translation thing but I always thought it was weird because it sounded stupid, as if he wasn't expecting Aoshi or something when he fully was and knew he would come. Honestly, I prefer the manga where he just says that Aoshi is the first outsider to come here.


Late night attack on the Aoiya

Danngg! The manga was so cool for this part, well not exactly cool but LOL the anime totally censored the part where the Oniwaban got some candles and nails to impale one of the guy's (under Shishio) hands and then sent him to report on the failure of their mission.. The guy also has a knife carved message (from Okina) on his back to Shishio's base stating where Aoshi and he should meet alone. Okina so ruthless! I would've liked to see  this in the anime but I can see why they cut it out considering the other violent stuff they cut out hahaha. I've always thought the Oniwaban at the Aoiya were rather weak physically and also weak-willed in terms of their strength and ability to engage in combat or anything so seeing this gives you an understanding that although they are living rather peaceful lives now, they still retain a bit of their skills and ruthlessness from the past.



Aoshi vs. Okina

Here and there are additions and minor changes but not enough to complain about haha. Although it was much more bloody when Aoshi slashed Okina, it was like dangg, all that blood splatter. But it's fine, in the end, the effect is mostly the same because of Misao's reaction to it.

However, I am very disappointed that the anime decided the cut the part where Aoshi actually did go to the Aoiya to ask where Kenshin was. In the anime, he tells Misao (after he nearly killed Okina) to tell Kenshin that he'll be waiting at Shishio's hideout. But, in the manga, he actually goes to the Aoiya and whilst the rest of the Oniwaban are flustered since even Okina could not stop him, Yahiko steps out to say that he thought Aoshi was better than this. It was quite terrible to have to see Aoshi actually say he'd kill them if they won't tell, but in the anime, I always wondered why he never bothered to go to the Aoiya when he said he would LOL. Yahiko tells him that even without Aoshi going to look for him, Kenshin will fight him anyway, to which Kaoru steps in telling Aoshi to not wield that bloodstained sword that only brings misery to himself anymore. Kaoru was really cool when she said that so I'm sad that the anime didn't let her have her cool lines haha.

I think the manga does a better job with this scene to show how determined Aoshi is in killing Kenshin and how much he's lost himself to it. It also makes more sense (obviously) haha.


Misao as the new Okashira

I also thought when Misao changed to her shinobi uniform (?) and her declaration in her mind that the Oniwaban is where all her happiness lies and thus she can't possibly go live as a normal girl made her decision to proclaim herself as the okashira flow much better. Also, her resolve was seen plainly with the fact that she says that even if the enemy is Aoshi, she will not hold back because she and Kenshin will stop Shishio. I really enjoyed her show of determination and was sad the anime cut these few lines out.

I was rather surprised that in the manga, Misao herself tells Kenshin that they must destroy Aoshi but in the anime, Misao is evidently distressed over the idea and does not want him to be killed. Maybe the anime people decided that it didn't make sense for Misao to tell Kenshin to destroy him and then be so shocked when Okina tells Kenshin to kill Aoshi. To be fair, I think Misao saying that was quite important because it shows the conflict between her feelings as Misao (herself) and her feelings as the new Okashira that is burdened with the Oniwaban now. When she said that Aoshi needs to be destroyed, she knew of it as the correct choice because of what Aoshi had done and become, but when Okina so definitively asked Kenshin to do this as a favour for him, I think it finally hit her that they really plan on ending his life and that made her realise that despite what has happened and what she thinks, she really doesn't want Aoshi to die. After all, Misao is only 16 y/o and immature, but despite that, I think any other person would be quite conflicted about such a thing and so I think having her say that in the manga portrayed the confusion in her heart well, whereas in the anime, it is instead perceived that despite what Aoshi had done to Okina, she had forgiven him. But, I guess it doesn't matter THAT much..



Houji's resolve

Omgg when Houji tore out his nails to show his loyalty and allegiance to Shishio, I was like danggg, it would have made such a great impact in the anime! But I guess you can't go too crazy in the anime LOL, but I still felt his undying loyalty (in a censored way) towards Shishio so I guess that doesn't matter.

Usui's entrance was cooler in the manga too hahaha!


Sanosuke vs. Yuukyuuzan Anji

Personally, I preferred the anime for Anji's story with the extra details they added to his back story and stuff making it easier to empathise with Anji's feelings. It showed the children's suffering and hope very well and how much Anji wished to protect those simple wishes and how much he devoted himself to Buddha and yet these children could not be spared.

I'm not sure if I like the idea where the anime made it that Sano was so injured that he had to stay there for a bit to heal his wounds before joining with Kenshin later, since in the manga he rubbed some of Megumi's medicine on him and walked pretty fine after the fight with Anji haha. I mean, I do like the idea of them making Sano to have more endurance than the anime shows since that's Sano's strongest factor haha. So I guess there were good and bad things for both haha, the soundtrack always makes things cool too!

Saitou Hajime vs. Uonuma Usui

I'd recommend the anime since it's moving + soundtrack but I do really love the manga as well <3 Either is good, I just really love Saito's VA so dangg hahaha. Splitting Usui's body in half in the manga is something I'm not too sure about either, seems a bit exaggerated but still cool since it makes Saito Hajime even cooler hahahah. Basically, both mediums are good.
 

Kenshin vs. Shinomori Aoshi

Pretty much the same I believe. But as usual, who can resist seeing Aoshi in action? <3 Personally, Aoshi's fighting style in the beginning and at this point are my favourites of the series so you can't blame me for wanting to see Aoshi animated hahaha. Needless to say, it was beautiful and I enjoyed the resolution to Aoshi's wounded heart in the manga and the anime. But dangg, Aoshi is the best looking guy too imo <3 and his soundtrack just makes the mood so solemn and heart wrenching T_T



Kenshin vs. Seta Soujirou

Minor differences such as the input of Senkaku and Soujirou talking together in the anime. Both versions were really good but I actually quite like the seizure-inducing (LOL) shukuchi (pretty much) that was constantly flashing in the anime hahaha. It also displayed how fearsome Soujirou was very well. But I do have to maintain that although the anime showed Soujirou's deep sadness very well (I cried T_T), the manga echoes a very strong heart wrenching pain towards Soujirou's experiences and his existence. They both made me cry so they're both good T_T



Kenshin vs. Shishio Makoto

Pretty much faithfully adapted in the anime. I'd recommend the anime for the soundtrack and to be able to see the movements of the battle/techniques better but otherwise, both were very enjoyable.


Overall, the Kyoto arc was mostly beautifully adapted in terms of the fights but lacked some emotions that could have been rendered better. Nevertheless, I love both and would watch and read Kenshin again and again. I think I love it just as much as Hunter x Hunter. That's a really big deal btw because I've rewatched/read HxH many times since I fell in love with it in primary school so that's nearing 20 years! Hahaha, but yeah, these are just future reference for me if I'm ever curious about the differences again XD And I'll be back to my normal reviews soon~~