Koudaike no Hitobito
latest re-read: 07/02/18 : ch45 @ otakumole (fin) *re-read multiple times <3 first time: last read: Ch 39. This is seriously too good! Can't wait for more..
I Love You Baby
Finished reading @ otakumole. It's so refreshing to read about their pure relationship. I wish there were more.. I super liked that there were no annoying love rivals in the picture and the manga focused more on their character growth..
Hanazakari no Kimitachi e
Wish to own the complete set of this manga! Too bad the art in the last few chapters changed (looked rush and less detailed)...
Kanata Kara
Wow. I've seen this manga cover before, and started to read the synopsis because I read somewhere that this won an award. However, simply by seeing the word "terrorist," I was put off and decided to look at others instead. And then one night, as I finished re-reading Hana Kimi (one of my favorite manga), I read a reply from a comment recommending this manga. So, I searched for it and saw that there were only 14 "chapters." I was kind of wishing this was a longer series, so I was reluctant to start, but once I clicked the first chapter and saw the number of pages and its format, I realized that the "chapters" here were actually volumes and I got more motivated to read. So yeah, that's just the history of how I stumbled upon this gem. Now, let's head on to what I thought about it. Just with first few pages, I got myself into it because they talked about an alternate world and I was excited to see how things would go. Being transported to another world and meeting Izark, Noriko's case was by far the most realistic I've seen so far. With the constant language barrier, it was nice to see her making efforts to learn their language, rather than unrealistically being able to understand (You know how in most cases, they just magically understand each other). It was cute how she blabbed on and Izark kept mumbling "I don't understand what you're saying." Oh, Izark! I have a huge crush on him, but he's exclusively for Noriko, and I approve. He's very gentle and kind. He wanted to act cold but his pure heart just can't leave Noriko alone (though he finally did, at one point, because he was concerned for her safety). I loved the romance, especially because it grew overtime and there were no annoying rivals who plotted evil deeds to keep them away from each other with misunderstandings. I loved how their love was so strong, and how Izark's feelings were made clear to us, readers as well. He's very cute and innocent with Noriko. Though his love was both his strength and his weakness, being that his fate was dependent on what happens to Noriko, I liked this aspect because it balanced out Noriko's constant need of him protecting her. In this case, they protected and depended on each other. It's not just one way. It was a give and take relationship. In just truly loved them as a couple and as individuals as well. The minor characters were also adorable and memorable. They really acted out their parts well, and the adventures were exciting and relevant. I loved how they didn't seem like just fillers. Everything had its purpose and since we're talking about huge territories, it made sense as to how many important people they had to meet and save from the clutches of evil. Btw, I also liked how their companions didn't abandon them after realizing their true identities. Sure, they parted because the couple were afraid of this, but it felt nice to see them relieved on their reunion. The friendships they made along the way helped them to become stronger. Back to the story, it was touching seeing Izark struggle to fight against this intense power within him because he wanted to protect Noriko. He fought well, and he was not evil despite being a beast. He's helped even his enemies. He's just too awesome. I liked how the main antagonists were actually from the smallest country yet they were basically the ones who controlled the evil acts. They weren't made to be too annoying, and you somehow feel with them. Anyway, overall, I'd say, this is a very underrated manga in my opinion. The female MC may seem very weak as she's actually powerless and she cries a lot, but contrary to the typical damsel in distress who just st*pidly acts on her own thinking "she only wants to help," Noriko actually fought knowing her limits and she thought before jumping into situations where she could be a nuisance. Her sense of awareness made her stronger than the others. I'd definitely re-read this in the future. I want more Izark! ps. The part where he teared up when Noriko asked him not to look at her after her hair was horribly cut, and he felt so angry with Rachef making Noriko feel that way, was very touching. It clearly showed how much he valued everything about her. Then, after her hair was cut and he saw him with her hair back to the way it was when they first met, he felt nostalgic and it was just very sweet how it made him realize how much his love for her has grown overtime. Ah really, I'm glad it wasn't limited to Noriko's POV/narration. It was very sweet reading Izark's thoughts and feelings, too.
Pinocchio Manhwa
Aww. I first read this on... I don't remember when. Probably 2014? And now, I re-read it in August 8, 2016. The story still got me. It's truly memorable and close to my heart. I still wanted more than how it ended, but I guess that's left to our imagination. I loved this story because I was feeling for the characters. I felt bad for Haram when her love for Hanbit was not reciprocated (or at least, he didn't realize it then) but I was glad when she finally accepted her feelings for Gaon. Gaon. This guy made me tear up a lot. I was so sad for him but admired him at the same time. He's bright and he tried his best to make up for what he's lost. He created happy memories after being with Haram, and even when he knew it was pointless, he still continued to love Haram. When his memories came rushing back to him and he teared up? I was so hurt for him. He's a coward, but he's also brave. Anyway, I was glad that when he finally made his decision, he ended up being happy. Hanbit. Oh, this hot guy. He's the guy you'd admire from afar. The mysterious, cold but gentleman type. I loved and hated him at the same time. Really. Especially his strange quirk? Ugh. Okay. Nobody's perfect, so even a guy like him's supposed to have a weakness. But really? His weakness was so annoying. He couldn't stand it when girls cry in front of him, so he makes it up to them. That's why when girls confessed to him, when he rejected them and they started to cry, he just went along with them. Then, of course. A weakness like that was meant to be spoiled by a desperate girl. And that's how Sujin took advantage of him. I hated his high school self for giving in to her tears despite feeling strange about it. He knew she was his friend's girlfriend but he believed that they really broke up. Really? Even if that were the case, he shouldn't have accepted her that instant. And of course, Bakha was also to blame. He didn't listen to him until the end so he obliviously asked him to take care of her instead. So Hanbit may have felt more guilty for that so he forced himself to respond to Sujin's advances more. Hah... But I also hated how even when he finally became a college student, he has not changed. He even had that horrible experience in high school, and what? He still let his weakness get to him, subconsciously leading Yeojin (the singer) on when he saw her cry... And of course, when Haram confessed and cried (despite being warned by Yeojin) because she somehow wanted to take advantage of it, he actually said he'd do anything she wanted if she just stopped crying. I think anyone sane would feel unsatisfied. There are times when we want someone desperately that we'd think we'd do whatever it takes, as long as they become ours... even when they don't love us in return... But when it actually happens, we feel unsatisfied and become greedier. Anyway, this Hanbit was so frustrating as how he could calmly deal with Sujin like that. He already knew she wasn't normal, so why'd he expect that she'd back off after being told off so nicely? He didn't learn from his past mistake at all, being drugged and dragged to her home again. This is why I think guys who are nice to everyone, or too gentleman tend to become bothersome. Because they can't say "no" firmly or reject someone who clings desperately, they "sacrifice" themselves. They say they don't want to hurt that "someone" who asks desperately so it's better if they hurt themselves instead to satisfy the other. But what does that really do? It only hurts more people. I just wish guys like him would reject others firmly when they're really not interested. They may look bad or rude, but it's because of situations like this that I tend to think it's good enough if the guy treats me well, even if he treats other people indifferently or they think he's bad. Of course, that's selfish of me, but we can't please everybody anyway. No matter how good we try to become, there will always be someone who thinks otherwise. So instead of wasting time trying to reach out to a lot of people, I think it's wiser to just spend time creating more memories with people who actually appreciate you. Okay, I got carried away, but I think Hanbit's story was just so memorable that I can't help but want more of him. Like, how would his life go on? How will he meet "The One" and deal with his weakness? The main story was of course, around Gaon. And I really liked his story, too. He even made me tear up. I liked his personality, especially because even if he's nice to everyone, he knew how to draw the line. Like, when Yeojin asked him to stay with her instead, since it wouldn't really matter who he's with as long as he gets a companion, but he firmly refused and said he wanted to stay with Haram. This is what I want. Like, even when at that time, he still wasn't aware of his feelings for her, he remained faithful to her. This is really what I'm looking for in a guy. Of course, he's not perfect as well. He's a bit childish and it may seem like he only treated Haram well because she's the person who picked her up, but he's very thoughtful as well. Of course, it hurt when he suddenly ran off with his necklace, but I think everyone needs to deal with some things by themselves. That doesn't mean that they don't need us though. It's just part of discovering more about themselves. Anyway, this situation with Yeojin really made me like him more because you see, I actually felt a pang in my heart when he started to go out of his way to see and hear her sing in the park. Even when it was actually because he wanted to make Haram listen to her, I felt jealous that he's paying attention to another woman. He even agreed when she demanded to stay with her for a day. So I was so glad and relieved when he answered that way. Okay, about Haram. Well, she's violent towards Gaon, but it was intended for comedic purposes since Gaon was childish, so I didn't mind so much. And even when she's emotionally hurting him with that thing with Hanbit, I can't exactly blame her because it was easier for her to accept that she has feelings for Hanbit. And it's probably because she's aware that Gaon's a ghost so she didn't think of the possibility of falling for him since the beginning. Well, she's selfish too, but like Jiwon (Purple hyung) said, selfishness is part of human nature, so it can't be helped. I'm glad that she somehow controlled her selfishness though, and it's relatable how she demanded him not to even crush on someone while she hasn't moved on. I think every girl would wish that of their unrequited love, but she actually voice it out. Anyway, I just really love this webtoon. I wanted to learn more about Gaon's life before he became a ghost and after he and Haram finally got together. I wanted to see more of Hanbit and how he becomes more sensitive to other people's feelings. I wanted to see more of Eden who's had a brother complex for Gaon meet his match as well. I wanted to know more about Garam and Hansol's blooming relationship, Bakha and Yeojin's on-and-off relationship, and I wanted some shounen ai for Mokyong (?) and Ran. XD I also wanted to see more of Purple hyung... I even wanted to see how Sujin was after the whole mess. Most importantly, I wanted to know more about how the supernatural phenomenon happened. Like, was it always like that? Or was it only the two of them who experienced their memories being sealed in one of their belongings? Anyway, I wanted to know more of this phenomenon and I wished to see more "ghosts" meet the ones who can see them and read about their stories too. Ahh, too much wishful thinking, eh? I wish I could at least make a fanfiction or something. This is very inspiring.
Ten Count
ch48 (fin: 01/22/18) Ch 34 // UGH. I'm currently filled with rage seeing that woman make a pass at Kurose and insisting to come together as if to bully Shirotani more. Ughhh please!!! I really hope Kurose reads between the lines and realize how Shirotani wants nothing to do with her. F***. If I see Kurose being kind to this girl and being insensitive to Shirotani, I'd really be pissed. C'mon, okay, people change. But the way she's acting doesn't seem like she's in it for a good cause at all. If anything, it seemed like she got attracted seeing Kurose so she purposefully dropped her keys near him so she'd have an excuse to invite him out. But surprisingly seeing Shirotani made her even more determined to pursue Kurose. Ugghhh please don't make Kurose naive in this situation... Please don't even give her a chance to make passes at him and make Shirotani jealous. I mean, c'mon! It took him long enough to finally have the courage to ask Kurose out and now this.. That's why I hope that Kurose keeps in mind how rare it is for Shirotani to take the initiative, so he shouldn'r give him any reason to doubt his feelings. Ughhhh I just can't wait for the continuation! I mean I hope the chapters are longer! I'm just so restless and I feel like throwing a fit remembering how she caused him this enormous trauma that made him live so hard until just recently. Please mangaka, do not torture us more than this! I want Shirotani to be happy. His situation is difficult enough. I don't want him to take even this typical and annoying b**** drama. -------- update: ch 35 // Wuhoo!! Shirotani could no longer pretend to be civil with her and without thinking, he just took and drank from Kurose's glass! Of course, seeing him like that made Kurose feel that the situation is more troublesome than he thought.. Ahh I was so pissed when he touched Kurose. If it were me, I'd slap her hand away immediately.. But I guess since Kurose is kind and gentle, he didn't want to publicly humiliate her just to be decent.. That's why when he leaned close to her ear to whisper those spiteful remarks, I felt so relieved and proud of him, because the gentle Kurose-kun seemed to have really snapped this time. Uwaaaah... I wish there were more pages.. I badly want Kurose and Shirotani to talk more about his trauma...
Aoyama Tsukiko Desu