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njnj's review against another edition
inspiring
mysterious
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
mergs_scribbles's review against another edition
4.5
This series just keeps getting more heartwarming with every volume. I really liked the addition of the bonus chapters in this volume. They were short and sweet but still packed a punch
eb2114's review against another edition
emotional
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
rereader33's review against another edition
5.0
Another great volume! I liked the inclusion of side stories in the last two chapters, especially since we got a Nyanko-sensei story! Praise be to Nyanko-sensei!
I don't really have a lot to say except I loved the chapter with the painting. I LOVE folklore or supernatural stories that involve paintings or artwork (thank you FF6 and Ib for cementing that love) and this story didn't disappoint. Also, Natsume's really growing as a character and I adore his interaction with the different yokai he meets.
Really enjoying this, a fun, relaxing read!
I don't really have a lot to say except I loved the chapter with the painting. I LOVE folklore or supernatural stories that involve paintings or artwork (thank you FF6 and Ib for cementing that love) and this story didn't disappoint. Also, Natsume's really growing as a character and I adore his interaction with the different yokai he meets.
Really enjoying this, a fun, relaxing read!
theseventhl's review against another edition
5.0
Originally posted here at Anime Radius.
Natsume's Book of Friends is a rare series: it is consistently high quality and has a clear message through every volume: the loneliness of human beings and the need for connections. In this volume, we see more of Natsume's kindness as well as his loneliness and how the two feelings constantly conflict inside of him as he lives between words - the world of humans and the world of yokai. We also see a direct parallel of living with the ability to see and interact with yokai in the form of Natori; his narrative occasionally crosses with Natsume's and shows how living between overlapping worlds affects two individuals differently. And then there is Nyanko-sensei, Natsume's devious guardian who keeps the human boy safe while always keeping one eye on the Book of Friends - Reiko's lasting legacy for her grandson.
Yuki Midorikawa's typical gorgeous art and storytelling skills really shine through on the pages of this book and add depth to Natsume's story. His story is one of a boy looking for acceptance after a lifetime of being shunned by people who should have loved him, and in these chapters we see how Natsume reaches out in his own way to achieve this. He does not always walk away from each experience feeling like he's found it, but you can see how each moment touches him and affects his own views on himself and the rest of the world. Whether it's helping a guardian spirit looking for a wayward evil force or protecting a fox spirit from bullies, Natsume constantly gives parts of himself to other people because of his internal belief that everyone is good inside and can be trusted. I would not call him naive so much as overly trusting; he is capable of being angry and upset when he is lied to or tricked, especially when it's done by someone he wants to trust wholly. You can see the conflict most clearly in his relationship with Natori, a man who communicates with the world of yokai on a regular basis as does Natsume but sees them much more differently.
The fourth volume of Natsume explores the character of Natsume in nuanced and multiple ways, showing us the young man as a human being and a teen and a seer of yokai as well as someone who is vulnerable yet strong enough to bear the pain of both of the societies he lives in. People who demand a fast-paced series should probably not pick up Natsume's Book of Friends; the development in story and characterization is slow and subtle but absolutely fascinating to watch unfold. With Nyanko-sensei as his highly humorous sidekick, Natsume's journey is an involving one that proves that you can have a supernatural manga that still comments on the human condition and remains wonderful while doing so.
Natsume's Book of Friends is a rare series: it is consistently high quality and has a clear message through every volume: the loneliness of human beings and the need for connections. In this volume, we see more of Natsume's kindness as well as his loneliness and how the two feelings constantly conflict inside of him as he lives between words - the world of humans and the world of yokai. We also see a direct parallel of living with the ability to see and interact with yokai in the form of Natori; his narrative occasionally crosses with Natsume's and shows how living between overlapping worlds affects two individuals differently. And then there is Nyanko-sensei, Natsume's devious guardian who keeps the human boy safe while always keeping one eye on the Book of Friends - Reiko's lasting legacy for her grandson.
Yuki Midorikawa's typical gorgeous art and storytelling skills really shine through on the pages of this book and add depth to Natsume's story. His story is one of a boy looking for acceptance after a lifetime of being shunned by people who should have loved him, and in these chapters we see how Natsume reaches out in his own way to achieve this. He does not always walk away from each experience feeling like he's found it, but you can see how each moment touches him and affects his own views on himself and the rest of the world. Whether it's helping a guardian spirit looking for a wayward evil force or protecting a fox spirit from bullies, Natsume constantly gives parts of himself to other people because of his internal belief that everyone is good inside and can be trusted. I would not call him naive so much as overly trusting; he is capable of being angry and upset when he is lied to or tricked, especially when it's done by someone he wants to trust wholly. You can see the conflict most clearly in his relationship with Natori, a man who communicates with the world of yokai on a regular basis as does Natsume but sees them much more differently.
The fourth volume of Natsume explores the character of Natsume in nuanced and multiple ways, showing us the young man as a human being and a teen and a seer of yokai as well as someone who is vulnerable yet strong enough to bear the pain of both of the societies he lives in. People who demand a fast-paced series should probably not pick up Natsume's Book of Friends; the development in story and characterization is slow and subtle but absolutely fascinating to watch unfold. With Nyanko-sensei as his highly humorous sidekick, Natsume's journey is an involving one that proves that you can have a supernatural manga that still comments on the human condition and remains wonderful while doing so.
aster_isk_m's review against another edition
hopeful
reflective
slow-paced
- Loveable characters? Yes
5.0
lost_inpages's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
5.0
kittykatrin's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.5
Very heartfelt and bittersweet as most yokai stories are, this volume had 3 cute short side stories at the end which explore natsume's past and his relationship with nyanko-sensei which was cute!
melancholymegs's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
raechsreads's review against another edition
4.0
In this fourth volume, we learn about yokai energies. Natsume is learning that he may be too trusting, but he still wants everyone, human and yokai, to be happy. The story has grabbed me and I need to know more.