Feb-May Favourite Anime

I've been trying to catch up on recent anime as well as watch some seasonal shows since I haven't been watching as much anime as I used to, but I'm still so slow haha. Tbh, there are so many anime these days, I don't think I'll ever truly catch up, but I'll comment on some that I've quite liked :D

Seishun Buta Yarou wa Bunny Girl Senpai no Yume wo Minai (Rascal Does Not Dream of Bunny Girl Senpai)

Genre: Comedy, Romance, School, Supernatural

Episodes: 13
My Rating: 7/10

After seeing how much everyone seemed to love the main couple, I couldn't help but check this one out even though it didn't really feel like my thing. Surprisingly, I enjoyed it more than I thought I would though. The dynamic between Sakuta and Mai is definitely the highlight of this show considering how honest, straightforward and refreshing the two can be when it comes to their interactions. They both understand each other quite well, are unafraid to talk openly to the other about anything and yet still be cute at the same time. Although everyone loves Mai the most, I honestly enjoyed Sakuta's personality more. In terms of the story, it was rather engaging but lacks an overarching story to be explored and is instead more of a continuation of which girl is causing problems that Sakuta has to fix so he can go on his merry way to developing his relationship with Mai. Still made it enjoyable but also in essence, forgettable.

Basically, the story revolves around the idea that there is an occurrence and "disease" called the Puberty Syndrome that only affects teenagers but causes supernatural changes around them because of it. This happened with Mai where she began to slowly fade from people's memories and eyes making her essentially invisible to others. And here comes Sakuta, the man that was able to see her and that's how they bond and begin to fix other girls' problems lol. I quite liked the idea because it kinda visualises in different ways how the problems of the heart can affect the people themselves and how they perceive outsiders to view them. Also, I'm a sucker for emotional problems so that made it better haha. I guess what I enjoyed about it was how it felt kind of like slice of life with supernatural elements. The problems the girls have are relatable, and with Sakuta carrying the show as the aloof, straightforward and caring guy, it makes the problem and the girl fun since it's nice to see how Sakuta figures out what the problem is and how to resolve it. I'd say it's worth a watch just to enjoy Sakuta and Mai's relationship, but otherwise not anything special enough to make me curious enough to read the LN.

Hataraku Saibou (Cells at Work)

Genre: Comedy. Shounen

Episodes: 13
My Rating: 7/10

Honestly, science isn't something I've ever liked, but having this show as a pseudo biology lesson sounds pretty cool. The story revolves around our Red Blood Cell main character as you follow her around as a novice trying to understand her job in this human body. She gets saved by White Blood Cell quite a bit since he fights off bacteria and the whole story basically explores how the cells in your body react to stuff like colds, hayfever and other more serious problems that potentially affect the daily lives of humans and how the cells try their best to protect the body and fix the problems. Honestly, I quite enjoyed this one, I thought Red Blood Cell and omgg the Platelets are so adorablee! It's like learning a bit about your body in a nice anime visual medium with cute characters to make you relate to the cells in your body a bit more hahaha. It's a bit episodic sometimes with how they tackle a different problem or bacteria each time, but I think that's the charm it has with teaching you the different types of cells that react to different problems, how they grow to become what they are and do the job that they do. There's character development, a straightforward concept and a variety of characters that fulfill their roles to the best of their abilities and I think it's rather endearing. It's a pretty unique concept as well! Overall, it's an educational, fun and sweet show that might make you want to take care of your body a bit more haha.

The relationship between Red Blood Cell and White Blood Cell is very cute and you can't help but cheer the red one on all the time because she's so clumsy but hardworking. It's also quite funny with how bacteria killing is handled, but it can also be quite emotional with how this body is basically the world for these cells and so any problems that occur on the outside is literally shaking their world and causing danger to their homes everyday, it's an interesting and tough life for cells to live, and I think it's done very well to show that.

3-gatsu no Lion (March Comes in Like a Lion)

Genre: Drama, Seinen, Slice of Life, Sports

Episodes: 44
My Rating: 8.5/10

Honestly, I watched the first episode when the show first came out and the visuals, the music and the atmosphere really captured me, but I totally forgot about it until recently. Which then I binged the first season and then the second hahaha. Tbh, I loved it. Initially, the comedy and the sad moment transitions were a bit jarring in the first season since it flips between them quite easily and everything, but I think it actually works quite well into it because that's kinda how it is when it comes to life. You may be in a depressed mood, that guy may be in a depressed mood, but a lot of the time, these things are covered by the optimism and eccentricity of others as you get pulled into the flow of other people, and I think that it's pretty interesting and endearing. Anyway, the story revolves around Kiriyama Rei as he struggles to survive emotionally and mentally. He is a professional shogi player at a young age and although he may be called and blessed as a "genius", his road to becoming this genius was wrought with this sense that he essentially played shogi to survive because that was the only way he knew he could pursue if he wanted to survive. Rei starts off as a guy who is wallowing in loneliness and finding meaning to live and yet has no choice but to have this drive to continue to live, when he then meets the Kawamoto sisters who invade his life and give him what he has lost but always wanted - the feeling of a warm family. He also encounters other shogi pros and his teacher at school that are unrelenting on trying their best to interact with him even if Rei isn't interested.

So really, the best thing about it all would definitely be the characters. The vast cast of characters is probably a normal thing, but here there is a great amount of them that are humanised and relatable to the point that it's hard to dislike any of them because they all have reasons for becoming who they are now, and seeing them interact with Rei is very intriguing. There are a lot of shogi matches shown, but as a person who knows nothing about it, I could still enjoy the anime, maybe people who know shogi might enjoy it even more since the author consults a shogi pro and has interacted with the shogi association to make it as realistic as possible. I also really enjoyed how Rei's opponents across the shogi board, as well as his seniors are fleshed out as characters, you get to see their motivations, how they've lived and what they strive for in a matter of minutes and yet you can't help but feel like you know them, and can understand why they are all as driven as Rei to win and to survive. The Kawamoto sisters are also amazing with how tough their lives are and yet how bright and loving they all are. Watching them makes you really think, these are the types of people that really love life and are kind enough to help others understand the enjoyment of life as well.

After reading the manga to the latest chapter (I definitely recommend the manga as well!), I would also like to say that Shaft really did justice to the manga and in a sense, it made it even better tbh. It recreated the feelings, the thoughts and everything so beautifully! You could tell how much they loved the original work. The addition of music and all the colours etc just made it so much more engaging and impactful, I definitely recommend watching the anime even if you've read the manga because it enhanced it in every way. This quality is maintained for both seasons and you could say it got even better in S2 haha. Everyone loves S2 more and I really do as well, but I did very enjoy that melancholic, tense and heavy atmosphere that S1 recreated so well so I think it's hard to compare the two when they follow different themes of life. S2 follows a bit more on how Rei has grown from a person that would feel bad for inconveniencing others to someone that would reach out to the people around him as much as he can to help them to the best of his ability. Seeing him grow so much is such a great highlight, but S2 is also heavy in another way as it tackles bullying. It was very emotional but also great and I think Hina's attitude throughout that arc was amazing. It really showed that even though this story is focused on Rei's growth, everyone else is also experiencing problems and growing as their own person as well.

Well, that was long LOL. As you can see from my paragraphs, I can't recommend this anime enough tbh and I could probably go on but it's long enough hahaha. I think if you love character growth and an emotional story, you'll really like this one :D

Kaguya-sama wa Kokurasetai: Tensai-tachi no Renai Zunousen (Kaguya-sama: Love is War)

Genre: Comedy, Romance, School Life, Seinen

Episodes: 12

My Rating: 7.5/10

I think this one took me until around episode 4 to really actually enjoy. Initially, I wasn't sure what all the hype was about, but then after they fleshed out the characters a bit and Ishigami came along, it really became a fine piece of comedy. The story revolves around Kaguya and Shirogane, the vice president and president of the Student Council as they try their best to make the other admit their feelings for each other. It basically follows their everyday life in the Student Council with Chika (secretary) who frequently sabotages them and Ishigami who just makes the whole situation so relatable and great as a viewer. A lot of people compare the mind games that the main couple does to get the other to confess as akin to how Death Note is, with how they're always thinking of a plan to counter the other's plan and a counter for that counter etc, and I guess in that sense, it kind of is like that. It's a great romcom where they are both so cute for not being honest, and it's pretty hilarious the extent they go to making the other fall into their traps to express their feelings. However, comedy aside, I also think it really does do a nice balance of comedy and romance and it actually does further their relationship and love even if it's not explicitly apparent until the last few episodes. Chika is also a great girl that foils their plans all the time haha. Definitely one to check out if you like romcoms! I have also read the manga and I can recommend that as well, it really developed their relationship and it is very satisfying to see too!

Re:Zero kara Hajimeru Isekai Seikatsu (Re:ZERO -Starting Life in Another World-)

Genre: Drama, Fantasy, Psychological, Thriller

Episodes: 25
My Rating: 8/10

I also watched one or two episodes of this when it first came out and then forgot about it, and now I've binged the whole thing as well! Hahaha, a lot of anime I've missed out on with my forgetfulness lol. This is an isekai that I really like~ It follows the story of Natsuki Subaru who somehow got summoned to another world when he left a convenience store (no trucks here hahaha), as he wanders around trying to discover what kind of place this is, he gets attacked by thugs and is saved by a kind hearted girl that is looking for her stolen insignia. As he decides to help her out, he ends up encountering something deadlier and deeper than he thought, and is *SPOILERS* brutally murdered alongside the girl he helped. But then to his surprise, somehow he wakes up with no wounds on himself and as he wanders again thinking it as a dream or something, but then he goes through similar events he had experienced before as if he was reliving that same day again. I don't even know why I'm trying to make it sound mysterious since I'm spoiling stuff all the time anyway LOL, but anyway, I like Subaru's story because he is essentially an active human (did gym at home) who got a bit better in terms of physical abilities after coming to this world, but still essentially "useless" compared to the abilities of everyone else. The only power he has which can be fortunate or unfortunate is that when he dies, he restarts his life from a certain point and he can redo things from there, and I think the anime shows the progression of how lucky and unlucky this power is very well.

A lot of people don't like Subaru and I have to say I'm not one of them lol, because I honestly thought his mental breakdown came later than I thought and it was shown very well. With this OP power and the experiences of having to die over and over again in different gruesome and painful ways, and even by people he thought he could trust would make anyone start to go a bit insane and I think that was depicted very well. It kinda shows how realistically an isekai would be for a normal person and how terrifying and painful it is to live with such a power in an unknown world, which is why Emilia's existence was such a breath of fresh air for him and as something he tried his best to live for since she is like his beacon of light. Rem is such a self-sacrificing great girl but you know where Subaru's heart lies. Anyway, the battles are great, the mental anguish, the pain and the death scenes are awesome because I felt like I could feel a bit of his pain a lot of time and how uncomfortable it was to see him die like he did a lot of the time. I also like how Subaru learns from his previous mistakes and does his best to rectify things after each death, and I think the breakdown was necessary for him to continue since you could tell his joking facade was how he temporarily coping with everything, so that's my thoughts for that. Overall, I love how it deals with Subaru's tough and lonely journey of having to redo so many things, cultivate relationships again, and having to live a truly lonely life as the only one that knows and that can know he has such power and yet always being burdened with this struggle to survive beside the person he wants to live for. It's saddening, it's crazy but this is definitely one of the isekai anime that I remember and love.

February Manga of the Month 2019 (MotM)

A biiiiiiiit late for this one, but better late than never! XD I quite like the ones this month, their genres are quite varying though hahaha.

Kannou Sensei by Yoshida Motoi

Genre: Drama, Romance, Seinen, Slice of Life

Status: Ongoing, 17 chapters scanlated

I didn't expect to like this one as much as I did, but then I realised it's by the same author who wrote Natsu no Zenjitsu (and Koi Kaze btw!), and now I see why! The author really knows how to make an atmosphere, because in both of these manga, you can really feel how real and heavy the atmosphere is without it being crazily solemn, it's just so..alluring and I can't help but get dragged into the story's pace. This is one that should be read by a mature audience (18+) btw, and I guess considering it delves into the relationship between an older man and a younger woman, it may not necessarily cater to a lot of people's tastes either, but it has great art and dialogue, making it a mesmerising manga.

The story follows Rokurou who is an older man (in his 40s?) working as an editor whilst writing literary fiction on the side, something he probably feels to be rather mundane in his life. But then one day, he chances upon a beautiful girl and helps fix her shoe or something (that scene was drawn so beautifully, very captivating)and from then on, he can't get her beauty and her off his mind. Coincidentally, he meets her again at the cafe she works at and then he starts to try and court her (but not overbearingly). The girl seems very persistent on rejecting his advances, but you can tell it's not because she's uninterested but that there's some other reason. Oh and because of her, he decides to delve into writing a genre he wasn't very keen on, which is erotic fiction. 

Whether it's her beauty he's obsessed with, that majestic first meeting or there's just something about her that captivates him (or all of them), I don't know, but I do enjoy how sexually suggestive and tense the scenes can be, whilst also having a very innocent side to the whole thing - since although the man is mature, he is unmarried and I guess inexperienced, and although the girl is young and in like her 20s, she's got this mysteriously heavy aura alongside the innocent blushing and cute stuff she does. It's a very fascinatingly portrayed relationship between people, I love how they interact and how everything develops because it really makes you can't wait to see how tense, alluring and possibly awkward their next interaction would be or if it'll actually turn out to be a very sassy and heartwarming interaction between them that develops their relationship.

Shall We Have Dinner Tonight? by Park See-In

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

Status: Complete, 46 chapters scanlated

I've read a bit of this webtoon before but lost the name until I found it again and then binged it because it was so good (my favourite of the lot this month). It really runs true to the definition of slice of life because it does that aspect very very well. It has a very simple premise where two strangers spontaneously decided that they would meet up every week to have dinner together and share their past love stories over food, since they both don't have people they can share a meal with, and it's literally that. It revolves a bit more around romance in the last part of the story but it goes in quite naturally and imo very realistically.

What I love about this webtoon is the interaction between food and their stories. It was done very naturally just like any person would in reality - people talking about the food and the relating it to a past memory. The food they eat usually interrelates with a memory of a past relationship or memory (with the guy relating it to each woman he went out with, and the girl relating it to every memory she had with the guy she had dated for most of her life) and you can see the author put in effort into both the food and the relationships and I loved that. Another thing that was great was that initially, every memory of their past relationships would be an interesting story for the reader, but as they continue to share their memories and thoughts, you start to build up an understanding of both characters, their feelings and why their relationships didn't work out, and eventually recognising that even though they're just sharing stories, they're sharing very personal stories and memories of the past easily with each other and that made them get closer and trust each other as more than just a dinner partner. They learn to reflect on their past relationships through these talks as well and what went wrong etc and I think that was really nicely done too. The story has a very steady pace and I enjoyed every bit of it. The characters are very likeable and are unreserved about talking about their life, they're real, communicative and honest in their own different way. 

Doukyonin wa Hiza, Tokidoki, Atama no Ue by Minatsuki Tsunami and art by Futatsuya Asu

Genre: Comedy, Drama, Shoujo, Slice of Life

Status: Ongoing, 14 chapters scanlated

I honestly found this manga just before I realised there was a anime for it! LOL, tbh though, I find the manga to flow better and be less draggy and awkward in some parts, but just in case you want to see the cat in action, then definitely watch it because the cat is SO CUTE. Anyway, story revolves around Subaru who doesn't like dealing with people, he's practically been a introvert that only likes to read books since he was a kid and that worsened when *SPOILERS* his parents passed away.  He writes novels as a living and one day he chanced upon a stray cat and spontaneously decided to take it in. Then comes all the awkward but super adorable moments of him trying to understand the cat and the cat trying to understand him as they live together. Within this, there are other characters such as his new editor that's a cat lover (but can't own one because his wife is allergic) so he visits Subaru often, the girl that works at the pet shop and Subaru's best friend etc that all unwittingly bring Subaru out of his shell slowly, and helps him change his mind that maybe interacting with people isn't so bad after all. It's a pretty heartwarming story and I love it.

The best and most unique part of this manga though is that you first read Subaru's perspective and then you kinda re-read the same events happening but this time in Haru's (the cat) perspective, her thought process and her story, so you just kinda watch why things happen the way they do and then it gets explained in Haru's perspective to let you understand this human-cat relationship haha. Haru is SUPER cute and adorable btw, she's so sweet, loving but also hurt (emotionally), so it really shows that just as Subaru is learning to interact with others, so is Haru, and so the both of them coming together has only made them more receptive of others and to learn how to appreciate the other's presence. I think a lot of cat owners would resonate with the events that occur but regardless, it's a very cute, fluffy, a bit sad but touching tale on how a cat and a man learn to cope with their life and loneliness as they experience new things and emotions together.

Sun-ken Rock by Boichi

Genre: Action, Drama, Comedy, Mature, Romance, Seinen

Status: Complete, 171 chapters scanlated

18+ only!!! LOL, yes I needed to emphasise that because there are some things in this manga that are very graphic and detailed (yes, the sex scenes LOL and anything in relation to that), it mostly revolves around the fights and interactions with violence but there is sex, there is nudity and there is also rape, so if you don't want to see that, don't read because it definitely happens often enough. There are quite a few negatives about this one, but overall I still really enjoyed it, mostly because of the MC and Tae-soo, and I guess Yumin (FMC) but she really doesn't appear that much and when she does, it's mostly sexual or terrible (that ending lol). ANYWAY, first things first, the story revolves around our MC Ken who is in love with his high school friend Yumin, but she rejects him saying that she's going to Korea to become a police woman. As the love crazed man that he is, he decides to follow her to Korea and become a policeman as well, but unlike her, he is unable to pass the tests to become one so he kinda becomes a NEET lol. That is until he meets a guy named Tae-soo who asks him to become the leader of their gang and that's when his story and destiny changes as he heads it with his strength and justice. 

The thing I loved about this manga would undeniably have to be Ken's will and his strength. Not only is he a physically strong guy already, but he knows he isn't the strongest, so he hones his strength through proper training and then maintains a strict daily routine to keep himself strong because he believes that his body is one of the only things he can truly control. Not only that, he's also a very sentimental, sweet and kind guy that tries his best to live the way he thinks is right and he invariably influences the people around him to also believe in the same kind of morals - to protect the weak and do away with injustice. However, it doesn't fail in being unrealistic because it may seem naive to live like this, but with Tae-soo helping Ken, anything that needs to be done which is in a grey area, Tae-soo does behind Ken's back because he wants Ken to always stay true to who he is and to lead them like that, because that's the kind of leader he wants to follow to the end, and I really admired that about Tae-soo. I really loved how faithful and loyal the guys were to Ken and his beliefs and omg, gotta say, Boichi's art is superb! Ken looks amazing, fight scenes are awesome and Yumin is very hot and beautiful for sure. The characters also go chibi sometimes and that's really cute for the comedic factor lol. I think the story really develops well both how the gang evolves, how they get stronger, how they become involved in the grander scheme of things in society and all the underground dirty stuff that goes on, whilst retaining Ken as the man who tries his best to right all this (whilst fighting against himself as he questions whether what he does is right and whether he really wants to stay a gang leader), and even though it doesn't always work out, you'll know that Ken will beat the crap out of someone in a cool way lol.

There are some negatives though, which is that you should not expect anything from the girls, because they're legit there to be sexualised, the girls barely get any proper fights (maybe except Yumin near the end) and are there just to swoon over Ken. Yumin has a more developed relationship with him but her character kinda goes down the drain near the end because of the (I assume) rushed ending. The rushed ending kinda ruined it for me tbh but I still enjoyed at least 2/3 of it even with the questionable way it deals with the women in it though lol. It's a fun manga about the mafia and violence, so I'd say come here for the fights but you'll also leave with some heartwarming feels as you also get influenced by Ken into being someone that should never give up :D

January Anime & Manga of the Month 2019 (AMotM) - or more correctly, webtoons month

I am aliveee! Back and kicking with some anime and manga/webtoons for January! I haven't been watching anime for quite a bit so I've been binging a lot this month with some ongoing anime in the season, but we'll see if I like them enough to talk about them lol. Anyway, a lot of webtoons this month, mainly because I went to check out LINE Webtoons and I found many popular ones that I really enjoyed so here they are~ oh and if anyone is curious, I made an anime list, (slowly updating my manga list b/c my main list is on manga updates lol) it's not perfect but it's probably got most of the anime I've watched, and btw my rating system is that 6 is all right but I definitely wouldn't watch it again, 7 is good but I probably wouldn't watch it again, 8 is I quite liked it and would watch again and 9 is I really loved it and have probably watched it a few times already haha.

ANIME

Isekai Maou to Shoukan Shoujo no Dorei Majutsu (How Not to Summon a Demon Lord)

Genre: Comedy, Ecchi, Fantasy, Harem, Magic

Episodes: 12

It might be weird to describe this as wholesome since it's quite ecchi but if you disregard those parts, it is rather wholesome lol. It follows the usual isekai trope with our protagonist (not the dying one :P) being summoned into a fantasy world, which is actually very similar to the game he plays, Cross Reverie. In the game, he was the strongest and was called the Demon Lord for being OP in terms of level and gear. Anyway, he's summoned by two girls called Rem and Shera, the former being petite and flat-chested and the latter being very busty and ditzy, so you know, the typical stereotypes. They attempted to do a ritual to enslave him, but failed and they were enslaved instead. So they kinda go on their merry journey to get rid of these chains whilst bonding with each other. Anyway, the story follows the three of them as Diablo (protagonist) tries to hide that he's incapable of talking to any person because of how much of a shut-in he was, so he does his best impersonation of how he thinks a Demon Lord would act and does that to overcome his social anxiety barriers, which in turn makes it very enjoyable and funny because he acts all haughty when he's really such a softie.

Tbh, when I first started this, I was just curious about how uncensored this anime was LOL, I'll admit that it had its' questionable moments with how far the ecchi went but it was still fine (for me anyway lol). Mainly because I actually really enjoyed the show for what it was. It's no masterpiece or anything but I really think it has a great balance of fighting, emotional moments, ecchi, sweet moments and humour. It was mainly entertaining for Diablo's character and how he deals with various situations, and it doesn't have a concrete plot but despite that, it was a joy to watch as an anime where you can just sit back and chill without thinking too much. You just take in everything as it is. I also liked how even though Diablo is OP, it's not really because he has any super powers or anything, he's just overlevelled compared to the rest of them, and because he has a ring that reflects all magic, so you do see him struggle and think of ways to get out of situations and protect the two girls through his wits, rather than overwhelming power all the time.

I honestly really enjoy Diablo's character because he really knows what to say to the girls! Hahaha, I was really touched throughout the show by the way they connected and how he was always saving them emotionally and physically I guess lol. You can understand why they love him so much! It's also really cute how he does it in his Diablo persona as well, so he practically does it in a tsundere way haha. If you want something laid-back, ecchi but also kinda wholesome and funny with some nice fight scenes then this is a good choice :D

Goblin Slayer

Genre: Action, Adventure, Fantasy

Episodes: 12

I heard about Goblin Slayer when the light novel came out but I never really decided to check it out until the first episode became such a controversy because of the *SPOILERS* goblin rape. Tbh, it was unsettling but imo, it doesn't really show anything, imo, I thought how the mage was killed was probably the most traumatising moment for me. Maybe it's because I've seen unexpected goblin rape in other manga before (and I knew about it from all the people talking about it) and I could feel how disgustingly horrifying it was in those manga but not as much here. Nevertheless, it was still a very confronting first episode to say the least, and it really enforces the dark fantasy mood right on. However, just note that it's not as gritty and violent in the rest of the episodes, it basically goes back to being a rather normal fantasy story heavily focused on goblins.

The plot revolves around our protagonist Goblin Slayer (everyone is referred to/called by title in this world) who saves the girl Priestess when she went on her first adventure with a novice party to destroy some goblins in a cave, however, her whole party was decimated and she learnt first hand the true terror these "lowliest" creatures in this world were capable of. She was saved by Goblin Slayer and she continues her journey (despite her frightening experience) following him and learning adventurer skills (or goblin tactics XD) as she strives to become stronger and make herself useful in this world that has a neverending amount of goblins. They gather some companions along the way as they slowly show and spread how terrifying these goblins actually are.

I quite enjoyed this show, however I do have to say it's not because of the characters, because aside from Goblin Slayer, the rest are not very memorable, and I think Priestess is depicted more annoying here than she should be. I feel like I can tell that the author intended her to be someone who brings Goblin Slayer out of his one track mind of just slaying goblins and that's all, and makes her kinda be that light that shows him there are other things he should consider, other things he can do, other people he can bond with whilst still being focused on killing goblins, I feel like she is supposed to be there to stop him from limiting himself, and he is there to help her learn, so they kinda grow together by improving their weaknesses. But yeah, she's not that likeable in the anime lol. BUT, despite that, I do enjoy how detailed and inventive the story can be when it's mainly focused on goblins. I really enjoyed how Goblin Slayer is a man that is strong through accumulated experience and strategies and tactics, he never rushes head on into anything thinking he's the strongest person in the world, instead he utilises anything he can and has on hand and around him to fight these goblins. He never underestimates them and recognises their strength (even though the rest of the world thinks they're weak and that he's silly for only killing goblins) in adapting to their environment, and I guess their survival capabilities. I think what the story does well is how nicely it portrays the need to survive and how many people's lives are still being affected by goblins and yet are neglected. Goblin Slayer's back story also makes it very clear and understandable why he only focuses on killing goblins, so it makes for a nice solemn, bloody but also interesting story.

WEBTOONS

Something About Us (Our relationship is...) by Lee Yunji

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

Status: Completed, 98 chapters scanlated

This was a webtoon I read quite a while ago and then forgot about until recently, but I think it goes to show how much I liked it when I basically remembered the gist of everything even though I hadn't read it in so long XD I really liked the realistic depiction of the two main characters and their relationship. They started off as the best of friends where their connection was one of honesty, bluntness and a strong understanding of each other, to the point that the people around them would always think that they're more than friends. The story basically follows the two of them as they balance between friends and being more than friends due to the perceptions of others and their own feelings, especially when the girl slowly discovers through her jealousy that she really does like him more than a friend...

I really enjoyed the romance in this story. I liked how nicely paced it was and how they were both friends that wanted to protect their relationship and so they never really wanted to ever like each other romantically, until rivals appeared and one of them discovered that they wanted more than this. However, nothing is a fairy tale and even if one likes the other, those feelings may not necessarily be reciprocated, I think the girl's (sorry I forgot their names) feelings were depicted really well through her jealousy and her turmoil of liking him but not being able to be with him. In the end, they go through periods of awkwardness, sadness and sweet moments just like normal friends and couples and I think that's what I loved the most about it all; how natural everything was and how even though there were things they couldn't say and feelings they didn't know how to express, they eventually were able to do this, and really that makes their relationship all the more touching to see after it all. It's a story where you knew they'd definitely get together later on, but actually seeing them go through all these troubles and everything to get there was really realistic, interesting and engaging, I easily binged it all hahaha, definitely recommend this one!~

My Secret Brother (Unstoppable Siblings) by Willow

Genre: Comedy, Drama, Mystery, Romance, School Life, Shoujo, Slice of Life

Status: Ongoing, 163 chapters scanlated

Hanmi is a great main character, she's a bit rash but she's extremely straightforward, protective, strong and a girl that does not take crap from others. But she's got a weakness for the guy she likes, so on the first day of her transfer, without thinking too much about the consequences, she lied that she was dating Junhyuk (her brother but in terms of blood, is actually her cousin) to get Gun's (her crush) attention. Since no one knows that they're actually siblings, everyone thinks that they're the perfect couple and thus starts her dilemma of wanting Gun to come to like her even though she's in a relationship with Junhyuk lol. And it just goes crazy from there with them pretending to be a couple at school, yet she tries her best to continue to get Gun's attention (he's so adorable), but under all this innocent romance, there's a LOT of drama going on with why Hanmi changed schools, why Junhyuk distances himself from Hanmi, why Gun's brother treats him so badly and just everything intertwining together to interfere with their lives, but even then, Hanmi perseveres as strong as she is and with her personality that is ready to take on everything. She has her weak moments like any other person, but she is strong because even if she may feel down about some things, in the end, she always picks herself up to continue forward to fight for what she wants and I think I really like that about her as the heroine.

It definitely starts off more comedy-like and it still has a lot of humour in it, but the story definitely does get a lot more serious as it goes on, especially with their pasts unravelling, but one thing is always consistent and that is Hanmi's cute puppy love towards Gun and I found that really cute. Hanmi, Junhyuk and Gun are nicely fleshed out characters (Junhyuk takes a while to get proper screen time imo) with many different reasons and pasts for being who they are right now, but everyone is just trying their best to be happy and the people around them happy and it's just so sweet and yet difficult. Our heroine definitely doesn't have a good past, but she has changed and doesn't let it get to her as she tries to live the life she properly wants now, and I think the story shows stuff like that well, since both Hanmi and Gun think that their pasts would make the other dislike them, but Hanmi blows through it all to make it that the present them is what is the most important. If you like some drama, some nice romance and complicated relationships, then you'll probably enjoy this :D

NOTE: You can read the following webtoons on the LINE Webtoon site/app for free! Remember to give a heart if you liked the episode to support the author :D I don't get any benefits for this but I thought it would be a nice heads up for people if you end up trying these webtoons and liking them :)

I Love Yoo by Quimchee

Genre: Romance, Slice of Life, Comedy, Drama

Status: Ongoing, 89 chapters scanlated

Shin-Ae is a girl that's experienced a lot of crap and that makes her a character that has become rather recluse, she only associates with her best friend (which is overseas) and her best friend's sister and friend (which are now kinda her friends and yet kinda not b/c of their situation). Although she associates with them, she still prefers to be alone most of the time, but then one day, she is confessed to by a guy who she ends up bluntly rejecting. She then hears a guy whose friends with the rejected guy badmouth her for doing that, and badmouth her friends for associating with her, so she throws a drink at the guy but gets it on a guy named Yeong-Gi as well. Ever since then, they meet coincidentally in other situations making them can't help but become acquainted with each other and eventually become friends that support each other in need. She also meets Yeong-Gi's older brother  Kousuke and becomes acquainted with him too, even though she tries her best to distance herself from both brothers, but nope, not happening lol. The two brothers have very different personalities, with Yeong-Gi being the easygoing, nice, wanting to be friends with everybody, but seems to hide a tough upbringing with the stress from his family (especially the parents) and how he continues to disappoint them and yet be unable to get away from them, on the other hand, Kousuke is the perfect son for the family as he handles his job at the company well, is stern, relentless, confident and strives to always meet his parents' expectations. Yet somehow, even though they're both so different, they both become rather estranged with Shin-Ae, always wanting to protect her and help her in their own ways.

Romance and drama is definitely strong in this one, maybe more drama and self-growth though since Shin-Ae continues to have misfortune after misfortune thrown at her, and even though she gets to the point of breaking so many times, she ends up being emotionally supported by the people she has come to know and that helps her get through a lot of the troubles she has to deal with. Just seeing her difficulties due to being poor makes it so hard, so difficult that you forget about the romance lol. In terms of the inferred love triangle with the brothers, I can't help but think Yeong-Gi is the one that will be for her, just because he supports her in the way she needs, he always cheers her up, and yet she also cheers him up. Kousuke is cute too and I really like him, but I think it'll be difficult for them to get together because of his attitude and strictness that kinda drives her away? Like many of the other heroines mentioned, Shin-Ae is also another strong one that's unafraid to voice her discontentment if she has any. There are also many funny moments accompanied with the serious story that makes it very enjoyable too. I think the story portrayed really well the tribulations she suffers from being poor and from being a person that finds it difficult to communicate heart to heart with anyone, but she knows her flaws and has started to try to change that aspect of her recently, and I really like seeing her grow as a person more than the romance tbh haha.

Age Matters by Enjelicious

Genre: Romance, Slice of Life

Status: Ongoing, 44 chapters scanlated

Nice to have a mature heroine for a change! Rose is 30 years old but has recently been cheated on by her boyfriend with someone she perceives to be younger and prettier than her, and losing her job as well, making her question her capabilities in work as well as her femininity when it comes to romance. With her lost of confidence, she ends up living at her friend's place for a bit, and when this friend goes on holiday and tells her to take over for her for this mysterious job of cooking for the neighbour that the friend has never seen, she eventually accidentally sees his face and they begin to bond together, with her providing him meals and he trying to give her assurance that she's much more capable than she thinks. She doesn't find out until later that he's actually the young reclusive billionaire who became rich after developing an app, and now he's stressed about being able to keep up with the market and the expectations of the public and the people around him.

I really like their relationship. They initially started off as people who probably wouldn't have given each other the time of the day unless they met under the circumstances that they did, but as they talked to each other more and saw more of the other, they started to understand the difficulties that the other is facing and tries their best to help each other. He also ends up hiring her at his company practically as his secretary, and so he helps her reassure herself that she is not a hopeless and redundant person, and she tries to help him bond with his employees more and understand the need to take a break, so they actually match nicely even though she still just thinks of him as a kid haha. It's a nice, cute, everyday kind of work romance with the guy being a bit more on the childish selfish side of things (but still very adorable) and a woman that lacks confidence, yet still very strong and capable in holding her own.

True Beauty by Yaongyi

Genre: Romance, Slice of Life, School Life, Drama

Status: Ongoing, 27 chapters scanlated

This one kinda reminds me of My ID is Gangnam Beauty, with the heroine being someone that was bullied for being ugly. She ends up consulting an online community on what she should do and she eventually delves into the world of makeup and becomes a whole new person at her new school whilst hiding the fact that she actually is really ugly. She finally gets what she wants - friends and a normal school life, until a guy that she coincidentally met at the convenience store recognises her two different looks, and that's how their friendship begins. There aren't many chapters right now to really show what the webtoon hopes to portray right now, but I do enjoy how strongly the heroine tries her best to keep the normal life she has finally achieved and do her best to protect it as she discovers that maybe she wants to be a makeup artist that can bring this magic and confidence (that she was able to have through makeup) to others. The guy is also pretty nice and genuinely seems innocent and interested in her for their similar interests in horror, and can look past her appearance since he's seen both versions. I think it'll be nice to see her try her best to open up to others and embrace herself for who she is rather than how she looks.

Let's Play by Mongie

Genre: Romance, Slice of Life, Drama

Status: Ongoing, 64 chapters scanlated

I don't know if I've ever seen a gamer YouTuber in a story before! Anyway, the story follows our heroine Sam who is trying to achieve her dream of creating video games by making an indie game, but then it ends up getting a bad review from the gamer Marshall who doesn't play the game as she intended. This ends up making his fans give bad reviews for her game and making her rating as a developer very low and affecting her ability to make any more new games on that site. As she laments this, Marshall ends up moving into the room next door.

I think the thing I love the most about this webtoon is how well it visually and emotionally shows the insecurities and problems of each of the main characters and side characters. Sam is crippled with social anxiety and can find it difficult to communicate with others, Marshall can get overcome by depression, expectation from his fans, Marshall's girlfriend suffers from the insecurity of their relationship since they have to hide it from their viewers as popular YouTubers and other characters that play games with the heroine etc. They all have their respective problems and baggage weighing them down, and yet they all continue to try and live up to their own expectations and goals in life whilst handling these difficult emotions and problems. I feel like everything is portrayed very realistically and in quite a relatable way with how Sam tried her best to confront Marshall about the game and other things, and other stuff like how Marshall felt so bad that his viewers did such a thing when he found out. I think it's really interesting to see the different struggles in their lives and how they do their best to handle it and yet at times, how these problems can overcome them. This one is probably the webtoon I enjoy the most out of the ones above just because I feel like it's very simple but unique at the same time.

I think it's kinda messy LOL, so next month I'll just go back to separating the anime and manga posts XD

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