Creative Staff
Story/Art: Sakura Tsukuba
Translation/Adaptation: Sheldon Drzka
What They Say
After a vision is revealed to Namiki that his brother Junya will suffer a serious injury on the basketball court, he is prepared to do anything to prevent the accident. But Junya would rather put himself at risk than allow his brother’s precognitive powers to protect him.
Content: (please note that content portions of a review may contain spoilers):
Just before an exhibition basketball game at school, a brush with one of the freshmen players from the visiting team reveals that he is in for a serious injury during the game. Determined to avert disaster, Kanade convinces Arou and Namiki to help her circumvent the accident. However, this boy isn’t just any ordinary teen — he’s Namiki’s estranged younger brother Junya! Quick acting by Namiki prevents Junya’s accident, but afterwards neither brother makes a move to reestablish ties. Junya harbors anger towards his brother while their encounter brings up sad and bitter memories for Namiki. However, Kanade, unwilling to leave things as they are, does her best to get the brothers to reconcile. Will her encouragement be enough to bring Namiki back to his family?
Just as Volume 5 was all about Arou, Volume 6 belongs to Namiki. Several flashbacks as well as three separate encounters with Junya provide a very clear picture of why Namiki developed into the aloof cynic he is. While Kanade probably grew up with the most supportive family environment possible for someone with her “gift,” Namiki most definitely did not, and Tsukuba clearly shows how the ordinariness of his younger brother only exacerbated Namiki’s situation.
Aside from Namiki saving Junya from injury and the appearance of a random “panda ghost,” there’s not much real action in this volume. However, there’s plenty of inner reflection (by both Namiki and Arou), angst, and a bit of cross-dressing by Namiki at the school festival.
This volume includes a table of contents, an eight page mini manga about the naming of Namiki’s dog, and Tsukuba’s usual “Sakura Mail.”
Content Grade: B+
Art Grade: B+
Packaging Grade: B-
Text/Translation Grade: C+
Age Rating: 13+
Released By: CMX Manga
Release Date: January 18th, 2006
MSRP: $9.99
