Reviews

There are many wonderful aspects to this volume. Arakawa's skill is on display as usual. The dialogue, pacing, art, and even sequential paneling are all top of the line. There were some scenes that stood out for me, however. The second chapter in the volume, "Goodbye, Hero" was one such scene. It was entertaining and emotionally satisfying. The pacing and tension were masterly executed. Coupled with the art, the narrative was powerful as Aiza's growth on stage as a performer was juxtaposed with Kaori's struggles in physical therapy. Tsubaki's walk home and confession with Kousei was another scene deftly handled. Just the right touch of humor without interfering with the romantic mood. It was also a pivotal moment for Tsubaki's character arc.

Lastly, the last chapter features my favorite scene of all. It begins with Kousei's suddenly confident phone call with Kaori—taking the lead in the relationship and catching her off guard. That segues into Watari & Kousei visiting Kaori at the hospital, something that we've seen before, but this time Kousei confesses his love for Kousei to Watari, his best friend and supposed love interest of Kaori. This anxious yet light hearted moment is interrupted by the most frightening cliffhanger of the series. The art is superb, and the emotions were played as competently by Arakawa as Kousei on his piano. The faces of the boys capture the horror of the last and final chapter. And still, there was more as Kousei rushed a black cat hit by a car to a animal clinic. The cat has represented love as well as Kousei's personal struggle with finding a musical identity throughout the series. In this scene, it represents foreshadowing for Kaori and their doomed relationship. The final panel of the volume broke my heart.

When a mangaka can make me feel emotion as deeply as Arakawa has, I know that I have found a master of the medium. What an inspirational volume.

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