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thekohanacritique's review against another edition
5.0
Definitely glad that I got to read all 10 volumes of Urushibara's "Mushishi" and got to live through the stories a co-existence of living things, not visible to the naked eye, with humans and the multitude of experiences narrated in this anthology. The stories really make you think about human life in comparison to other lives - all things exist -be it with or w/o purpose - they are all allowed to live in what we know and call "nature". There's tragedy, existentialism, love, family and bonding - everything in this manga plants deep roots, just like the mushi.
There's so much to talk about this manga that I possibly couldn't write in a review but I genuinely wish I could give more than 5 starts to this manga!
There's so much to talk about this manga that I possibly couldn't write in a review but I genuinely wish I could give more than 5 starts to this manga!
alexaela's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
relaxing
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
blackwolf294's review against another edition
5.0
This will be a long review, so apologies in advance!
This omnibus volume contains volumes 8, 9, and 10. The storytelling is fantastic. It's been great re-experiencing these stories in their original manga form. Just like when I am done with another rewatch of the anime version, I am sad this journey has come to an end. But I also look forward to re-reading these in the future. This has also made me want to rewatch the anime again, so I will be doing that soon too.
It's hard to put into words my love for this series. At the most basic level, it is about people's relationship with nature. It's strange, calming, ethereal, delightful, peaceful, at times hopeful and at times sad--but never overwhelmingly so. The art is close to watercolor at times, and it fits with the dreamlike, almost floaty feeling the series gives off. Ginko is a wonderfully crafted, mysterious character, as well.
I've loved the translation notes at the end of each volume. It's so interesting to learn about what the different kanji mean, as well as little snippets about the art of translating the Japanese language into English. These types of translation notes are something I don't think I've ever seen included in a manga before. So fascinating and unique.
This series is a bit of an enigma for me. The first time I encountered it, it came out of nowhere and surprised me with how much I loved and connected with it. I don't often re-read or re-watch things--there's only a few instances I can think of--but I have watched the anime adaptation of this series more times than I can count. And the most amazing part is that it never gets old for me. I could watch it a thousand more times, and I'd still love it. And now I find I feel the same about the manga. Reading or watching this series is like a comfort, almost like coming home.
I hope you'll give this series a chance, too, and discover the magic it holds.
This omnibus volume contains volumes 8, 9, and 10. The storytelling is fantastic. It's been great re-experiencing these stories in their original manga form. Just like when I am done with another rewatch of the anime version, I am sad this journey has come to an end. But I also look forward to re-reading these in the future. This has also made me want to rewatch the anime again, so I will be doing that soon too.
It's hard to put into words my love for this series. At the most basic level, it is about people's relationship with nature. It's strange, calming, ethereal, delightful, peaceful, at times hopeful and at times sad--but never overwhelmingly so. The art is close to watercolor at times, and it fits with the dreamlike, almost floaty feeling the series gives off. Ginko is a wonderfully crafted, mysterious character, as well.
I've loved the translation notes at the end of each volume. It's so interesting to learn about what the different kanji mean, as well as little snippets about the art of translating the Japanese language into English. These types of translation notes are something I don't think I've ever seen included in a manga before. So fascinating and unique.
This series is a bit of an enigma for me. The first time I encountered it, it came out of nowhere and surprised me with how much I loved and connected with it. I don't often re-read or re-watch things--there's only a few instances I can think of--but I have watched the anime adaptation of this series more times than I can count. And the most amazing part is that it never gets old for me. I could watch it a thousand more times, and I'd still love it. And now I find I feel the same about the manga. Reading or watching this series is like a comfort, almost like coming home.
I hope you'll give this series a chance, too, and discover the magic it holds.
books_and_keys's review against another edition
adventurous
reflective
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
bookaddict3's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
5.0
mergs_scribbles's review against another edition
4.5
I’m really happy with what we got of Ginko’s backstory. The mangaka does an awesome job of slowly revealing more information about him throughout the series. A lot of writers tend to give the entire backstory all at once but I enjoy this gradual process a lot more.
I’m sad to see this series come to an end though. The storytelling is absolutely beautiful and I will miss it so much.
raerei's review against another edition
5.0
Re-read volumes 1-5,7-10 since I appear to be missing my copy of volume six. I can't help but love this series and it's half-creepy, half-awe-inspiring mushi.