Hana to Rakurai

After reading this manga, I have so many thoughts on my mind, that I don't really know with what should I start. Actually, about my state now... this is that unusual moment, when I really have much stuff in my mind but the feeling is as if it was completely empty. What is for sure, I am overflowing with this pleasent, warm feeling which usually appears after reading something good. I thought this would be relaxing lecture that does not involve thinking and any sort of effort. I thought I needed something like that. But when I read Hana to Rakurai I actually realized, primo, thatthis is nothing like short, simple and silly love story, and secudno, that THIS is what i really needed. The story is short - only 8 chapters - but it is built in very clever way. There are no superfluous plots, everythink builts tight and structured shape; there are none missing plots either, although you desires more. Good author knows where to stop the story and Watanabe-san has really nice timing. Emotions are not overstated, you can feel them thanks to climat, not because you are constantly reminded about them. (9) Art is really nice and suits each situation. (9) Characters are created really, really well. What I liked the most is that most of the times whenever someone new appeard, I already had an idea about what this person may be like - they features were stated so nicely as well as not pushy. They simply felt r e a l. (9) As you can tell by now, I enjoyed this manga very much. I am grateful for this warm feeling to the story. I apriciate mangaka for making me feel like I can do anything. Hana to Rakurai also gives you oportunity to cry a bit, especially if you are soft-hearted like I am, there are humorous moments as well, but what I will remember for longest is the motto that is in there. (10) I wish this manga could gain more attention, because it surely deserves it. If you like soft stories with love, friendship, life, a little bit of drama and beautiful idea, than spare some time and read it. It for sure on't take long, and I can't imaging regretting something like this.

“Flower and Thunderbolt” tells about a second year high schooler girl named Futamura Umiho who wants to make love confession to her classmate who she just met in April after class announced. One day she was sad while muttering to herself. Then there was someone who responded. She accidentally met Aisaki Yachiyo, who is a member of the Action Committee *I don’t know the exact term in English because I read it in my language, so … I’m sorry if there any mistake*. That's where the story starts. Story (9/10) I think the plot the author made was good enough for manga with just contains two volumes.Not too slow, nor too fast. The delivery flows well as the story progresses with the introduction of the characters involved in the story. All backgrounds told clearly can be easily understood. For romance manga, this manga presents a less complicated story. There is no love triangle, no harem, and also no significant conflict. There is only a simple love story and some heartwarming moments. Rejection is definitely there. There is no love story without any rejection. Art (8/10) The cover of this manga successfully made me read this manga. They are colorful and attract people to read them. Nothing special about the art. The art of the manga is like the shoujo manga in general, but it looks more rough than the others. At first I was not satisfied with the art. After I finish this manga, I realize that it is a touch of the creator. In the end, I quite liked her art. The creator can also describe the emotions felt by the characters. The chibi version of the character is used when the character is feeling emotionally sad, angry, excited, or blushing. That feature makes it more fun to read. Character (8/10) Since there are only a few characters that often appear in the story, not much development of characters can be told. The dominant development seen from Umiho who previously hesitant in conveying her feelings. She finally had a courage to confess to the person she likes. In addition, she looks happier after she meets Yachiyo. On the other hand, Yachiyo acts as the one who always supports Umiho to overcome the problems she faces. She does her job well to develop Umiho’s character. Enjoyment (9/10) Reading "Flower and Thunderbolt" is a new experience for me because the story in this manga is calming, unlike other manga involving many romance spices that seem cliché and unnecessary. The manga is straightfoward in telling the story. I like every detail in the story. However, it took me several times to read that I understand the piece of story in it. Overall (8.5/10) I enjoy reading this manga. Although it only contains 2 volumes, but there’s no hanging story without any certainty. I think I know the reason why the creator named this manga "Flower and Thunderbolt". Flower depicts the beauty that had not yet existed but in the end bloom after being fertilized by something, while the thunderbolt depicts the unexpected things of one's past that makes us surprised. I recommend this manga to you who need an alternative romance manga if you are bored with complicated romance manga.