Thoughts on Kare Kano

Well, several months after first writing this review of Kare Kano, I've finished the entire series. At the end of volume 21, I felt much the same way I did after reading the first two volumes (See this post for my past thoughts). The characters continued to do things that annoyed me. (I hesitate to go into specifics because the examples that come to mind are huge spoilers for people who might want to read the books.) Yet in spite of this, I was still compelled to read more and find out what happened to them.

One thing I really appreciated about the series was the feeling that it told a complete story. The final volume even had a "where are they now" chapter set sixteen years after their high school graduation. However, even this chapter included one of those "I hate what this character is doing" moments that perpetually kept me from enjoying the series as much as I could have.

Another positive aspect of the series was the overall message about the redemptive power of love. The supporting cast could also really shine, providing just the right touch of drama or comedy in key moments.

Despite my mixed feelings about the series, I would still recommend readers give it a try to see if it's to their liking.

Quick Book Review - The Dreaming by Queenie Chan

Amber and Jeanie are twin sisters accepted into their aunt's exclusive boarding school. But strange things abound. They must pretend to be sisters born a year apart because the Vice-Principal won't let twins attend the school, a strange darkness engulfs the grounds each night, and the girls are constantly plagued by the dreams of trees dripping blood. However, when one of their friends disappears in the middle of the night, things go from strange to downright terrifying. The dark lines of the manga art style are especially well-suited to conveying the bleak and creepy setting. I thought The Dreaming did a great job of building a scary atmosphere, and it ended on a classic cliffhanger sure to make you seek out the next volume.

Random Reading Thoughts

I just can't resist the library. I have piles of books to read, but I can't resist checking out the new releases and browsing around the place when I'm in the area. I rarely leave without at least one book, if not several. I think it's a sickness. Does anyone else have this problem?

Have you ever been the first person to check out a library book? That happened to me with two books yesterday. It felt like I'd found a new treasure, and I was excited that I was the one who got to it first.

For instance, I returned volume 2 of Kare Kano to the library, and noticed volume 3 on the shelf and immediately snatched it up (it was one of the new books I was talking about). Now, I'm looking up information on future volumes. Yet I can't say that I entirely like the series. I get annoyed with the characters, and I've found some of the situations they've ended up in fairly contrived or silly. Yet I still find myself wondering what happens to the main characters and their relationship. I don't know if that makes me a hopeless romantic or just hopeless.

Book Review - Kare Kano: His and Her Circumstances

Miyazawa is the perfect student, popular and adored by her classmates, and first in everything. At least she was. Until Arima came to her school. Are these two destined for rivalry or romance? Find out in Kare Kano.

Interested in manga?

One of my favorite sources for quick reviews of new manga is Anime News Network's Right Turn Only column. You can find the most recent edition here. The site has also upped its number of longer manga reviews recently with the hiring of additional reviewers. Look to the right-hand side column for the latest additions, or search the site for a particular title.