Ao Haru Ride (Blue Spring Ride) by Io Sakisaka
Published from April 13, 2011 to May 25, 2015 by Shueisha
Genre: Shojo, Romance
13 Volumes/Book Series
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars (MAL 8/10)
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Get it on Amazon: https://amzn.to/2QhTk43
Futaba Yoshioka used to be an attractive and popular middle-schooler—well liked by the opposite sex, but ostracized by the girls. Nevertheless, she was able to brush all that off, because the only opinion that truly mattered to her was that of Kou Tanaka, a classmate with whom she shared a shelter from rain once, followed by quite a few other precious and significant memories. She even succeeded at making plans to meet with the quiet and innocent boy at the summer festival, but a simple misunderstanding, and Tanaka’s subsequent disappearance, left her walking the halls of her school friendless.
Now in high school, Futaba is not your typical adolescent girl. Determined to become a class favorite this time, she avoids all unwanted attention and, instead of acting cute and feminine, only stands out through her tomboyish behavior and disheveled look. But still, her world is soon turned upside down when the only boy she ever liked unexpectedly comes into her life once again—except he goes by the name of Kou Mabuchi now, and it is not his name alone that has gone through a sea change.
Review
I don’t actually read manga but I love watching anime. But then, when I already watched the anime version of this manga, I was really disappointed by its ending. But I was caught up with my never-ending reading list so I just let it pass.
But one day, while I was browsing my Facebook newsfeed, I came across the latest post of a friend of mine regarding the anime version of this manga. So I said, finally! I know someone who also watched this anime. So yeah, I’ve posted a comment about this anime and then one thing leads to another. She told me that she also felt that the ending of the anime was a cliffhanger so she read its manga afterwards. And then, she told me interesting things about it so right there and then, I know I’ve got to read it too.
At first, I find it really confusing to read. I don’t know if I should read it left to right or the other way around. But after finishing few volumes, I’ve finally gotten used to it. See? I’ve evolved again, eh? From reading books to finally reading manga.
Oh well, back to this manga. I will review this manga as a whole and not on each volume because if I do, I’m afraid it’s going to be very long, hahaha.
Ao Haru Ride or also known as Blue Spring Ride in English is a great story indeed. The idea of me reading this manga is a bold evident itself eh? It always amazes me the way this author thinks. I just love how humor, lovestory (which is actually what this is all about), friendship, sorrow, and even family blended in this single manga. Unlike other books, the blending of this manga is not confusing at all. I guess I have to thank the sketches eh? I don’t remember reading a story magazine before so the feeling I had while reading this manga is really amazing.
Kou (main male character) caught my attention the very first time I saw him (anime) because he’s cute, hahahaha. And also, I like the mysterious aura that he exudes, especially when he has a scene with Futaba, ayeiii! This story is really “kilig to the bones” and I proudly admit that I’ve been to the point of shouting my heart out everytime there’s a sweet scene between Kou and Futaba. And oh, did I tell you that I almost suffocate myself with a pillow just so they couldn’t hear me scream everytime there’s a kissing scene? Haha, yeah bookworms, I did just that!
I don’t have any complaints or violent reactions with the main characters, actually, I love them all! Especially Murao, haha. I still can’t get off my mind the scene where she wrote that she wants Mr. Tanaka (Kou’s older brother) to be her husband haha, that was really epic! I also love that the author tackles the part where two close friends liked the same guy. What could actually happen eh? Well, you’ve got to see the anime or read the manga to find out. *wink
I love the conflict though I admit that I hate how Kou reacted to it. I came to the point that I wanted to strangle him, and then I realized that he’s my crush so I just forgave him, haha. The awakening part is my all time favorite. I mean, atlast! Happily ever after. Not cliffhanger like other anime but it’s HAPPILY EVER AFTER ending! OMG! OMG!
I could have given this story a 5-star rating, but I’m sorry Kou, my love for you wasn’t enough to lit the remaining star above. I still can’t recover on how stupid you were during the conflict part. So yeah, that’s just the reason for the wandering 1-star above, hahaha.
If you haven’t heard of this anime/manga, dang gurl, you are missing out.
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