Creative Staff
Story/Art: Miyoshi Tomori
Translation: JN Productions
English Adaptation: Ysabet MacFarlane
What They Say
Things for Maria have been looking up – especially since she reconciled with her father, and her relationship with Shin has been progressing. Unfortunately, Shin’s hand injury gets worse, and the only way to treat it means an operation overseas…!
Content: (please note that content portions of a review may contain spoilers):
After a heartfelt goodbye towards John, the group finally heads back home. Maria doesn’t slow down, however, and soon declares that she’ll be having sex with Shin. Her female friends aren’t much use in terms of advice, but Yusuke swoops in and tells her how to really catch his attention. At first it looks like this new behavior is throwing Shin off, but it definitely does seem to have an effect on him. However, she’s left with an uneasy feeling all throughout their date. Shin helps Maria reconcile with Mr. Sakaki incase she ever has trouble with her voice again, and they have a great time at the amusement park. Even so, after they kiss Shin comes clean and admits that his hand is unlikely to heal fully, and the rehab will take a long while. He tells Maria they should break things off because he doesn’t want her seeing how he’ll become, and he goes to play for her one last time. Though the song is incredibly moving, Maria realizes that he’s given up on himself and chastises him.
Later on, Shin prepares to head to America for his operation, but since it’s during school hours nobody will be able to see him off. When talking to the guys, he admits that Maria is the only woman he’ll ever love, but he doesn’t want to tie her down. At Yusuke’s insistence he calls to give Maria a commitment, but before he can get the words out, Maria ends up asking him to sing her a song that she can use as her ringtone. He refuses and it’s left at that, but when Yusuke hears the story he desperately rushes Maria to see Shin off. Though they miss him, Maria finds a voicemail on her phone, complete with Shin singing her a song and admitting his undying love. As Maria sings along while listening, Yusuke secretly captures the video with his phone.
In an attempt to have her feelings reach Shin back, Yusuke uploads the video to Youtube. When Maria and company realize what’s happened, it ignites their passion, and they decide to make a music video together. Though it’s through the slightly cheap avenue of Youtube, will they manage to fulfill Maria’s passions and help her reach new heights?
In Summary
Once more, this series treats its readers to another incredibly moving entry. Shin and Maria’s emotions jump off the page, and Shin’s song in particular makes for a very powerful moment. Though Maria and Shin have interacted before, it’s never been so raw and direct as it is here. Add in some surprisingly risqué humor early on, and you have a very strong volume, leading well into what is sure to be a grand conclusion. Hopefully the finale will be able to live up to those expectations, because if it’s anything like this book it’s sure to be a fantastic ride.
Content Grade: A
Art Grade: B+
Packaging Grade: B+
Text/Translation Grade: B
Age Rating: 13+
Released By: Viz Media
Release Date: December 3rd, 2013
MSRP: $9.99
