Hikizuru Oto
Harada is the master of subtly manipulative and evil characters. The ending was a bit more spelled out than most of her stuff, though. I feel like readers knew what the real situation was before the reveal, so it didn't need to be so overt. Still, creepy-crazy face is always off-putting in a fun way, haha.
RESTART (Harada)
Read this one already in one of her other anthologies, but I read it again because I love it and it makes me cry. Even though it's a little bittersweet, this one is actually a happy ending in its own way. They love one another, and that's all that matters, even if they had to go through that stuff to be able to admit it. At least now they can be together.
Kakkou no Yume
The entire time I was reading the five chapters that are currently translated, I was waiting for a moment when I'd stop hating the main character. He's selfish, pushy, manipulative, self-pitying, rapey, and cruel, and it didn't seem like that was going to change. I really, really WANTED to like this manga because the art is gorgeous, but I didn't see how it could possibly wrap up in a satisfying way. However, I somehow thought it was only six chapters long total, but it's ten. I looked through the raws, and though I can't read the dialogue, I think some of the things I was desperately hoping would be the case are actually what's happening here. So I feel fairly confident giving it five stars, rather than the two stars I'd have to go with if certain things were never fully addressed.
Kiseki to Amedama
This mangaka has a clear fetish for people saving a person at the expense of their own life and well being, only to discover that that person is a monster and not worth being saved. I actually liked the twisted elements of the story, but it was too short for what it was, and that open ending where you don't know if he pulls the trigger or not is frustrating. That aside, this Christ dude really needs to die. It sucks that someone he loves has to be the one to perish instead. Yet another thing that wouldn't have happened if Christ's dad had just killed him in the first place. And no, it clearly wasn't because he was abusive or angry his son was gay. He isn't gay, he's a pedophile. His father walked in on him having sex with an elementary school kid. Who the hell processed that guy as an adult after all that? Surely there had to have been some questions. Though I've read real life murder cases with fatal levels of incompetence, so I guess it isn't so far fetched.
Mou Ichido, Nando Demo
A little confusing at times (and was he in love with his actual sister? What?), but overall, it's a very sweet, touching story. Sad at times, for sure, but it has a happy ending, and that's what matters. I don't know if this piece was inspired by The Vow or by the story that inspired The Vow, which was a true story, but it's definitely a fascinating concept. There were things I would have changed, but I really did enjoy this manga. And I love the art. So pretty. I'm gonna go devour more of this artist's work and see if she'll be one of my faves.
Mic and Neo
I was torn between four stars and five until the ending. It was so sweet, so I had to go with five. Beautiful art as always, and the mangaka sure has her little kinks that seem to pop up a lot. She loves two moles on the uke, a seme with memory loss, and lack of communication of feelings causing issues, lol. But her work is great, and she never uses nasty tropes like rape to love, so her little quirks are fine by me. I actually guessed the twist right at the beginning (in a general sense) but I got so caught up in the story that I actually forgot and got surprised. XD That's the sign of a good manga. This isn't my absolute fave by her for a few reasons, but I did really enjoy it. She's quickly becoming one of my favorite mangaka.
Layers of Fear
Ooh, that was a pretty good one. Weird, for sure, but interesting and disturbing. That mother was horrible. I wish the older daughter could just live a happy life on her own. Definitely messed up, either way.
Kowagaranai de, Soba ni Ite
Aww. Well that was very sweet. A twist on a trope that's slowly growing in popularity: an accident causes one person to entirely forget their significant other. In the other versions, at least in the yaoi ones, the other partner stands back and secretly hopes they get their memories back. This is the first one I've read where they want the memories to stay gone for the good of their loved one. Overall, this was an enjoyable read, and I'm glad the two loved each other so much. I do wonder in all of these stories, though, how the other person never stumbles upon a picture of them together, or a voicemail, or a note they wrote, or anything that would tip them off. But whatever, it's all about the cute boys in the end. ^^
Bokurani Matsuwaru Etc
A little rushed at times, but ultimately sweet. I feel like the second story would have benefited by being a full novel, where the friendship is explored and deepened. As is, it's like a snapshot of something he saw happen, the end. He hints at wanting change, but nothing changes. At any rate, not a bad read. I feel like I've read it before, but it must have been a while ago, since it was just vague recollections.
Skies