lindsmc's review against another edition
dark
emotional
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
baklava87's review
dark
emotional
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
dreadthemad's review against another edition
dark
emotional
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
keikoreadsmanga's review against another edition
4.0
This volume was emotionally draining but managed to pave path for moe in some ways
Enters a new character, Shiori, that becomes an accessory to deepen Rei's characterization by unraveling his past.
The stories told about his twin brother aren't actually the actual events—and the truth remains vague and buried deep in Rei's unconscious memories. He forced to alter his memories because of his terrible past the reason why he's kind of neurotic now.
Shiori on the other hand is a greedy, self-centered soul wanting to take back the world that was stolen from her by one awful and depressing incident (Sei, Rei's twin brother's suicide.) Making it harder for Rei to deal with her.
And Kira remained the good little lamb, understanding the situation and maturely treating it. Asking Rei to confront the issue and not run away from it. Kira's character should be that way or Rei will seriously lose himself. (This set-up reminded me of Kyo and Tohru from Furuba)
Rei is one hell of a troubled soul. And Kira's pure intentions are what will help him recover and free himself from the shackles of the past. It may also be the case that Rei might only be with her because he found comfort in her arms given that she reminds him of his twin brother a lot. But everything is still too early, they are still developing themselves and I don't really want to judge it prematurely by saying she's a rebound because it really doesn't feel that way and I don't want to think it's like that. Also, the cliffhanger is a shocker!
By the way, I haven't talked about this one in the previous volume, but I love that Harumi and Kira are friends now. 4 stars because Shiori really drained the hell out of me. I don't like that kind of drama. And I started this not really feeling anything good at all—Shiori's appearance is the reason why. But I love how Rei just wouldn't let her push or drag him around anymore.
Enters a new character, Shiori, that becomes an accessory to deepen Rei's characterization by unraveling his past.
The stories told about his twin brother aren't actually the actual events—and the truth remains vague and buried deep in Rei's unconscious memories. He forced to alter his memories because of his terrible past the reason why he's kind of neurotic now.
Shiori on the other hand is a greedy, self-centered soul wanting to take back the world that was stolen from her by one awful and depressing incident (Sei, Rei's twin brother's suicide.) Making it harder for Rei to deal with her.
And Kira remained the good little lamb, understanding the situation and maturely treating it. Asking Rei to confront the issue and not run away from it. Kira's character should be that way or Rei will seriously lose himself. (This set-up reminded me of Kyo and Tohru from Furuba)
Rei is one hell of a troubled soul. And Kira's pure intentions are what will help him recover and free himself from the shackles of the past. It may also be the case that Rei might only be with her because he found comfort in her arms given that she reminds him of his twin brother a lot. But everything is still too early, they are still developing themselves and I don't really want to judge it prematurely by saying she's a rebound because it really doesn't feel that way and I don't want to think it's like that. Also, the cliffhanger is a shocker!
By the way, I haven't talked about this one in the previous volume, but I love that Harumi and Kira are friends now. 4 stars because Shiori really drained the hell out of me. I don't like that kind of drama. And I started this not really feeling anything good at all—Shiori's appearance is the reason why. But I love how Rei just wouldn't let her push or drag him around anymore.
jjj_27's review against another edition
5.0
so we find out why sei killed himself, but left us on a cliff hanger? i really dont like shiori, she seems very spoiled and childish; to wait on someone for two years! Kira should learn how to speak up to Rei more. I mean I get that she’s kind of shy but still.
librovert's review against another edition
5.0
Rei is the type of guy that Kira couldn't stand; flirty, reckless, and a biker. When a chance encounter leads to Rei saving Kira from a teacher with bad intentions, neither of them know the extent to which the other will impact them.
On the outside, MARS is a typical coming-of-age story centered on the relationship between good girl and a bad boy. But underneath the romance lie stories of suicide, rape and murder; the idea that everyone has a secret to hide, even those who seem most innocent. When the dark pasts of Rei and Kira come to light, they struggle to keep their relationship together.
This is definitely one of my favorite manga series out there, I highly recommend it for the shoujo fan! :)
On the outside, MARS is a typical coming-of-age story centered on the relationship between good girl and a bad boy. But underneath the romance lie stories of suicide, rape and murder; the idea that everyone has a secret to hide, even those who seem most innocent. When the dark pasts of Rei and Kira come to light, they struggle to keep their relationship together.
This is definitely one of my favorite manga series out there, I highly recommend it for the shoujo fan! :)
lorenah_'s review
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
relaxing
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
ariireads's review
3.5
sighed a lot during this volume and was annoyed with the whole shiori ex girlfriend mess but we learn more about rei’s backstory and about sei so that was interesting
nicheinterests's review against another edition
emotional
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
sshakirahh's review
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Suicide, Violence, and Mental illness