Reviews

Rosario+Vampire, Vol. 1 by Akihisa Ikeda

mehsi's review

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4.0

A friend of mine on Twitter is reading the second season, and had to re-read some of the books so she could read the new volumes she bought. That brought the idea in my head to also re-read this series. I will just be re-reading the first season though, the second one is still a bit too fresh on my mind.

It was definitely fun to go back to the world of Rosario + Vampire! I missed the characters, the humour, the silliness. Though I definitely miss the art from the later volumes. I am still amazed at how much the art changed. From a bit more cartoony to gorgeous details.

In this volume we are introduced to our MC, Tsukune. We also meet Moka, and her alter ego hidden in her rosario. Then there is our succubus Kurumu. Later we meet Gin who I know will grow out to be a great character but in this one was still a perverted *insert some bad words*.

Tsukune is, sorry to say, a wuss. Then again, I can imagine why. He is now stuck in a world with monsters. Monsters everywhere. It is only thanks to the teachers wanting their students to practice their human form that he isn't found out. Though of course some monsters may have an idea what he is, since he still smells like a human.
He becomes a bit braver by the end, though that is mostly thanks to Moka. He really likes her a lot, and wants to stay with her. Plus what life does he have in the human world? After all he failed all (how does one even do that) exams for other schools.
I am still a bit amazed that he was allowed to enter, I believe we do find out some hints as to why later, but at the moment it is a bit confusing.

Moka is sweet, but I was a bit annoyed with how easily she just bit Tsukune, never asking if he really wanted this. I get that he tastes yummy girl, but really, that is not a valid reason to just bite him out of the blue. But she does get it later on in this volume, and I was definitely happy with it. I know she will get better as the story continues and I can't wait to see that happen.
Her alter-ego, hidden in a rosario? Still loving her, and how kick-ass she is!

Kurumu was a bit annoying at the beginning, I wished she would get the hint, but in overall she is a sweet girl, plus I can kind of see why she was acting like this. I know she, like Moka, will get even better and that I will be rooting for her.

The idea of a monster school and a monster world is a fun one, and I can't wait to see that getting explored more. Plus I want to see more different monsters, we already got a whole batch of them in this one. From werewolves, mermaids to succubi to vampires, and more!

There is a lot of humour in this one, and I enjoy it a lot. It makes the book so much fun in between Tsukune trying to survive his day, and the battles that happen because he is with Moka.

There is also a bit of fanservice. Mostly it is underwear shots, and often during the battles that happen.

And I guess I am back to shipping Moka and Tsukune again. :P I know I did a lot of shipping when I first read the series (and also when I first watch the anime when it aired). These two are just perfect together!

The book also sets the stage for the whole monsters x humans debate. I know this is one of the biggest things in the manga, as it also expands to the next season. It is quite interesting that they added such a serious topic in the manga, and are able to weave it in the story so it matches. Also Tsukune will play a big role in this debate, he already shows his feelings on the topic a few times in this manga, and I know that later he becomes even more of an ambassador for the cause.

I am not sure if I am looking forward to the next volume, it brings one of the most annoying characters in the entire series. A girl who, even at the end of season 2, I can't like. But I will keep reading, as I know that some epic stuff is going to happen.

Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com

bookishwelshie's review against another edition

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4.0

Tsukune is the only human in a monster high school. On his first day, he meets a vampire called Moka, who he quickly discovers has a taste for his blood. She is one of the most powerful beings in the whole school and she seems to have taken quite the liking to him! When Moka removes her rosary necklace, she transforms into a really powerful vampire. This proves to be incredibly handy when they are facing adversaries. A lot of other male creatures in the school appear to take a liking to Moka, but she has an attachment to Tsukune.
I am intrigued to see where their friendship/relationship goes and if anything will stand in the way. I found this manga to be fun and interesting! Made me want to check out the anime at some point.

Trashy vampire high school stories are my absolute fave, I blame being brought up on Buffy and Twilight lol

vegandanimal's review

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5.0

Having just watched the anime, I decided to read the Manga (I normally do it the other way around) - and I have to say, this is even better than the series! Great artwork, great characters, great stories. Highly recommended.

cyber_klown's review

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funny fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? N/A
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

thaliahero's review

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lighthearted fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.0

itsybitsygingie's review

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funny lighthearted fast-paced

3.75

Is it extremely problematic? Absolutely, but it is my nostalgic problem manga. I read this when I was a freshman in high school and now I'm doing a reread of the whole series. Looking forward to reading the rest. 

yodamom's review

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3.0

Cute story with nice illustrations and interesting characters. A human troubled boy is sent to a school for monsters, vampires, werewolves, mermaids... where he meets and is attracted to a vampire girl. This vampire girl is attracted to him too, well his blood for sure. There is a bit of boy/girl trying to snatch them action that is humorous. It seems everyone wants him or they want her and they really only want each other.
This first book wasn't great but it has a lot of promise. I think the characters slowly building up will to a fun crazy high school story.

pastelpageturner's review

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3.0

Meh....not sure if I'll read the others.
It seems to repeat itself with each chapter.

dragnfary's review

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challenging dark funny mysterious fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

myriadreader's review

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adventurous funny fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.5