mschlat's review against another edition
3.0
I read the first two volumes of this back in 2008 and 2010 and was honestly surprised to see a concluding volume --- I though the whole series was in limbo. The first two volumes were interesting enough; you have a young Daniel Wells traveling to Japan as an English teacher, only to find himself lost in the culture and adrift without purpose. He doesn't try to learn much of the language and his only diversions are a futile pining after another American, an affair with a Japanese teacher, and strange goings-on with some European expatriates. While there's a bit of tension, Daniel's depressed state overwhelms the narrative for the most part.
The third and final volume doesn't help that much. The story of Daniel Wells ends somewhat abruptly, only to continue in some oddly-named "appendices" that jump in time (which reveal that most of the mysteries of the expatriates weren't that interesting). The best part is an epilogue that continues the prologue from the first volume about the teacher that comes to replace Wells. He appears to be a stand in for the author, and his inner monologue is much more textured than the rest of the series. You read about his struggles with teaching, his willingness to experiment, and his growing comfort with the language and culture. I'd have much rather read a story about him than Daniel Wells.
The third and final volume doesn't help that much. The story of Daniel Wells ends somewhat abruptly, only to continue in some oddly-named "appendices" that jump in time (which reveal that most of the mysteries of the expatriates weren't that interesting). The best part is an epilogue that continues the prologue from the first volume about the teacher that comes to replace Wells. He appears to be a stand in for the author, and his inner monologue is much more textured than the rest of the series. You read about his struggles with teaching, his willingness to experiment, and his growing comfort with the language and culture. I'd have much rather read a story about him than Daniel Wells.
cjordahl's review against another edition
4.0
Book three was a very good conclusion to the series. The four appendices and the epilogue were the best parts of the series for me, with their new dimensions, story wrinkles, and thoughtfulness. Despite the frustration I feel about the protagonist's personality, I feel an affection for this series of graphic novels.
hollowspine's review
4.0
Worth the wait.
Tonoharu has been a beautiful and painstaking reading experience. I relished reading through Dan's awkward social life, his bizarre expectations and often unrealistic idealized longings for romance. This final installment brought everything together in a totally satisfying way. As a long time reader I was a little nervous that after waiting for so long to read each book I wouldn't get everything I wanted from the ending, or there would be no ending, but I loved the ending.
For new readers, rejoice, you don't have to wait years to read the entire series, you may read them all in one sitting if you so choose, however, I do believe the wait added to the experience of this graphic novel, knowing the amount of work and detail that was put into each page and lending the weight of Dan's extended time in Japan gave me perspective as I read each part.
I would highly recommend this both comic book readers and non-readers alike, this is a great experience and something different from most comics out there.
Tonoharu has been a beautiful and painstaking reading experience. I relished reading through Dan's awkward social life, his bizarre expectations and often unrealistic idealized longings for romance. This final installment brought everything together in a totally satisfying way. As a long time reader I was a little nervous that after waiting for so long to read each book I wouldn't get everything I wanted from the ending, or there would be no ending, but I loved the ending.
For new readers, rejoice, you don't have to wait years to read the entire series, you may read them all in one sitting if you so choose, however, I do believe the wait added to the experience of this graphic novel, knowing the amount of work and detail that was put into each page and lending the weight of Dan's extended time in Japan gave me perspective as I read each part.
I would highly recommend this both comic book readers and non-readers alike, this is a great experience and something different from most comics out there.
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