otakulys's manga / #photography(4)

Kurayami Ni Strobe

Complete | hayakawa nojiko | 2011 released

I'm definitely a fan of this mangaka. Her art is so pretty, and her stories always have a nice little hint of hope between the main pair. And other characters, apparently, haha. This is a cute one, though I wish she'd explored the homophobia element more. Usually I prefer a world where being gay or bi is the norm, but when it's slice of life, coming of age stuff like this, I enjoy seeing the boys come into their own. The snippet with the poor bullied boy was interesting and sad, and I was looking forward to the guys facing and overcoming bigotry thrown their way. Oh well. It was a sweet manga regardless.

Kodomo no Kamisama

Complete | Misu Shinya | 2000 released

I shouldn't have read this when I'm sick and sleep deprived. It would have hit me hard anyway, but it was particularly brutal now. So sad, but very sweet. I cried really hard, and I'm still kind of crying. Honestly, I started crying the moment she revealed why the others didn't know her. I knew how it was gonna end. Very sad, but sweet at the same time. Heartbreaking, but there's that little glimmer of love that never left, even if he doesn't remember.

Sayonara Focus

Ongoing | Haruta | 2014 released

The first story was really sweet (love the supportive friend!) but it felt very unfinished. There were hints of things that never came up. Like I thought he'd find the photo he took of him sleeping and realize he'd been pining from the start. I also thought something was up with the guy he was assisting, but that went nowhere and was never mentioned again. Regardless, it was a sweet little one shot, so hey. The second story was sad but interesting. I liked the open ending, because I think on the one hand he's taking control and freeing himself, but on the other hand, he's letting go of more than just the bad. Anyway, only two stories here so far, but they were good. ^^

Ten Ni Todoku Shiro

Complete | Hiiro Reiichi | 2007 released

Very sad. Kind of awkward, but honestly, I didn't hate it. It made me cry a lot, partly because I cry easily but also just because of how I'm feeling lately. I feel like it could have been better, but you know, whatever. It was an interesting, if predictable, little read. Sad but at least in a way that kind of has hope.