Digging further into Megumi’s character.
Creative Staff
Story/Art: Kanae Hazuki
Translation: Alethea and Athena Nibley
What They Say
It’s been a full year since eccentric loner Mei Tachibana set out onto the seas of love with the self-assured Yamato Kurosawa, but there’s a storm ahead! Yamato’s friend Kai has confessed his feelings for Mei. Will it sow the seeds of doubt, or just deepen her affection for Yamato? Meanwhile, Megumi’s scheming forces her into greater and greater social isolation. With all this churning in the background, what’ll happen when Mei and Yamato leave for an overnight anniversary trip?
Content: (please note that content portions of a review may contain spoilers):
Thanks to Yamato’s brother taking his sister out of the picture, the two lovebirds are left to enjoy their time alone. Though the topic of going “all the way” comes up, they ultimately end up deciding to continue taking it slow instead. Meanwhile, Megumi makes the mistake of getting drawn into the world of internet comments, which certainly doesn’t help her emotional state in the slightest. Faced with her inner feelings, she gives up and isolates herself with junk food in her apartment.
With Mei’s permission, Yamato rushes off to try to solve the issue. On his way he runs into Momoko, and learns that Megumi has been ignoring her for quite some time. Meanwhile, Megumi sinks further into depression as even trying to drown herself in junk fails. Thanks to some forcefulness on Yamato’s part, though, the two friends are finally able to make up.
Finally, Mei has a chance to pretty herself up when the festival comes around, and Megumi tries to figure out how to better live her life.
In Summary
With this volume, we finally get the payoff of Megumi’s story, and it fortunately comes across quite well. Her breakdown is done fantastically, and perhaps more importantly, so is her road to redemption. It really is quite nice to see the character reevaluate herself and try to grow, and it feels natural and steady rather than an abrupt change, which is certainly appreciated. Add to this a few cute little moments for Yamato and Mei’s growing relationship, and you have a volume that’s easily one of the best in the series thus far.
Content Grade: A-
Art Grade: B-
Packaging Grade: B+
Text/Translation Grade: B+
Age Rating: 16+
Released By: Kodansha Comics
Release Date: April 28th, 2015
MSRP: $10.99
