Last Quarter

The best thing about this manga is the story. The characters, the art, and everything else just faded away while I was reading it. At the start you think that this is all it's ever gonna be. The protagonist met a boy who drew her in and blah blah. To be honest I didn't read the synopsis, so I guess that's why I felt that way. But as I read the chapters, I JUST COULDN'T STOP. I need to know what happened. The story draws you in, holds you tightly and exploits every bit of emotion it can get out from you. It's about true love.It's about life and death. It's about loss. It's about believing there's some place out there that you'll go to when you're dead. It's about hope. That never ending hope that we have inside us. This manga made me feel that there is nothing more important than love... not just the romatic love but all the other love we take for granted. The way the story was presented was one of the best I have ever seen... or read. It makes you believe it's shallow then slowly pull you down so deep you'll have trouble keeping up if you don''t get what's happening. I commented that the characters as well as the others faded away as I was reading it, but I still noticed how good it is that some of the main were kids. It just made the story more believable you know? That unconditional, strong love that only the pure ones can really give. Over all this manga made me so sad I wanted to cry. Just the thought of never being with the person I love again, or them forgetting me even if it's for the greater good, is so heart breaking I don't think I can get over it. JUST READ IT. It's one of the best stories ever and even if the art isn't the best or even if the other stuff were average, the story makes up for it.

I would like to stop for a moment and applaud Ai Yazawa for her efforts on this story. Story: 8/10 (Very Good) The story starts off in a rather mysterious way; as if the characters' world belong to only them. Imagine an invisible circle surrounding these characters, if you may. So, there is something spiritual at first... That spiritual feeling was very intruding, which allowed me to read further. The story appears to be possibly predictable at first, but then it takes a twist. Sometimes, the story was confusing as well, as readers could only continue to read more to find out the answers... I'm proud to say thatthis story was fulfilling. Through the characters' courage, the story moved forward as questions were answered, and hearts were put to ease. Art: 9/10 (Great) Ai Yazawa maintained consistency as she never drew anyone readers could not recognize. Ai Yazawa has a great attention to eyes. The eyes were very helpful in recognizing and understanding the emotions of the characters. Ai Yazawa also made sure she drew important scenes well. Everything Ai Yazawa drew was relevant to the story. Characters: 8/10 (Very Good) There are a number of events that reinforces the characters to develop and make their own choices. The characters were also honest with how they felt, as they expressed (and cried) at their vulnerability, which made it much easier to understand them. All of the characters developed from hopeful idealists to recognizing that no matter what one does, sometimes, the things you wish for cannot come true. Thus, the characters learn their own limits in their abilities and face reality as they recognize the things that they can do instead. Interestingly, the main characters are children - I think sometimes people tend to underestimate children as being too young or lacking the knowledge to really do anything. But these four characters proved that despite their young age and frame, they had the will to help those in need. They were remarkable supporters and friends; even though the series is so incredibly short, it was amazing to see the way the children developed. Enjoyment: 9/10 (Great) I was surprised to discover how much I enjoyed this series - the characters slowly grew on me as I was touched by their determination to both help others and realize when it was time to let go. Despite being such a short series, I found tears roll down my cheeks toward the ending. Ai Yazawa had beautiful monologues to depict the way the characters felt. It was easy to understand the characters' stubbornness, as they desired to achieve goals that were not within their power... The helplessness and sorrow the characters felt were completely understandable. I really enjoyed the hope that occurred at the end of the series. Ai Yazawa tried to be very realistic when she depicted the ways the characters continued their lives. Despite any losses that occurred, it was encouraging to see the characters strive toward their futures. I thought this story was a great reminder to readers to live life to its fullest without any regret.

I was hesitating to read 'Kagen no Tsuki' since I had a bitter experience with Nana that I eventually dropped it, and was left in a haze with 'Paradise Kiss' but at least it was a worthy journey with a realistic ending that fits the series and I came to accept it and love it. However, this time the manga wasn't as heavy as it's precedents were but it had all the element of success and enjoyment from the very start. It honestly felt like I was watching a movie. Events unfolded smoothly and although we knew alot of key factors on what's going on, itwas still exciting unfolding all the details and joining the four friends in their emotional trip. Story:9/10 - Art:8/10 - Character:8/10 - Enjoyment:10/10 - Overall:9/10 Kagen no Tsuki is mysterious and exciting but it doesn't dig as deep that you would feel drained after reading it like the mangaka's other works that I mentioned above. It's a great short read and I do recommend it. And I wish the mangaka would have made it into a series that centers about the four friends as they uncover other mysteries.

Kagen No Tsuki is a supernatural mystery manga written and illustrated by Ai Yazawa. The story focuses on Mizuki Mochizuki, a highschooler who meets and falls madly in love with Adam. Adam is the front man of British rock band Evil Eye. Mizuki has a date with Adam and as she crosses the street to meet him, she is hit by a car and falls into a coma for a long time. Hotaru was looking for her cat and follows it into an abandoned building and hears someone playing a piano. Hotaru brings her friends to meet the pianist but discovers that only shecan see her. The pianist is Eve, the ghost of Mizuki who has no memories except for Adam. The story focuses on the mysteries of Eve and trying to figure out what really happened along with her group of friends. The art by Ai Yazawa is really stylish and impressive and is up to her usual high standards. I loved the mysterious broody atmosphere and while the story is very sad, there is hope for Adam and Eve as they expect to reunite in heaven. The characters were interesting and I really liked the idea of kid detectives trying to solve a mystery. You can feel a lot of sympathy for the lost lovers in this manga. The story is a bit off beat but this only adds to its charm. It’s a short manga that can be completed in a day or so with 3 volumes. Overall, it was a decent mystery story.