hans_cosy_corner's review
4.0
Mars by Fuyumi Soryo is an absolute rollercoaster; but more on that in later volumes haha. Vol 1 sets the scene with a very stereotypical romance between the ‘bad boy’ and the shy art student; but don’t let the trope bore you as whoa mama this manga goes on to tug the heartstrings and baffle you as a reader. In the first volume things are nice and simple though; the characters meet and become friends. The art is very typical of a 1990s manga, but is consistent and beautiful. No strange hands here, folks. I can’t recall if this one specifically needs a content warning, but this series as a whole contains lots of violence, sexual references, mentions of SA and mentions of SH - do not go into it unprepared!
zoexash_'s review
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
keikoreadsmanga's review against another edition
4.0
I'm really surprised.
See, I don't really read book descriptions because I like surprises—but I honestly thought it was a science-fiction in a shojo context (I know that sounds bad and unappetizing but my mind works in mysterious ways, okay?) so I was really shocked when I found out it was your typical romance story in a campus setting, with character stereotypes and clichés and all—and they're not on another planet. And they don't walk on the dusty, rocky part of the moon wearing spacesuits (that was my initial thought, even though it says Mars and not Moon.) Thinking about that now, I think it was the title style that gave me that idea.
Anyway, I fell in love instantly despite the clichés. Forgive it, it's a 90s publication anyway. Also, the art style is so pretty—this is the first quality that got me really hooked. And the play on the series title, Mars is so witty! Mars as in the Roman God of War, Mars himself—so expect the hero to be extreme and intense at times. This detail reflects on the protagonist's love interest, Rei, being the standard bad boy, with motorcycles, jumping off floors, having sex with girls, smoking cigarettes, teacher's enemy no. 1—really bad news (lol, of course, he was hot) and crazily offering himself as the heroine's protector. Despite everything that makes him look like a red flag, I loooove how he's so soft and genuine when he's around Kira—and he doesn't take advantage of her weakness. Truth be told, though; Kira's character is continuously evolving. She isn't weak, she's just inexpressive, but she's a really tough and determined soul. This series' premise actually screams classic shojo, and I just love that it does.
I'm really glad I browsed titles because I swear I wouldn't find it anywhere else even on Goodreads... or maybe I would... but definitely not tonight.
Also, this quote!!
See the play on the series title?! I really adore details like this.
See, I don't really read book descriptions because I like surprises—but I honestly thought it was a science-fiction in a shojo context (I know that sounds bad and unappetizing but my mind works in mysterious ways, okay?) so I was really shocked when I found out it was your typical romance story in a campus setting, with character stereotypes and clichés and all—and they're not on another planet. And they don't walk on the dusty, rocky part of the moon wearing spacesuits (that was my initial thought, even though it says Mars and not Moon.) Thinking about that now, I think it was the title style that gave me that idea.
Anyway, I fell in love instantly despite the clichés. Forgive it, it's a 90s publication anyway. Also, the art style is so pretty—this is the first quality that got me really hooked. And the play on the series title, Mars is so witty! Mars as in the Roman God of War, Mars himself—so expect the hero to be extreme and intense at times. This detail reflects on the protagonist's love interest, Rei, being the standard bad boy, with motorcycles, jumping off floors, having sex with girls, smoking cigarettes, teacher's enemy no. 1—really bad news (lol, of course, he was hot) and crazily offering himself as the heroine's protector. Despite everything that makes him look like a red flag, I loooove how he's so soft and genuine when he's around Kira—and he doesn't take advantage of her weakness. Truth be told, though; Kira's character is continuously evolving. She isn't weak, she's just inexpressive, but she's a really tough and determined soul. This series' premise actually screams classic shojo, and I just love that it does.
I'm really glad I browsed titles because I swear I wouldn't find it anywhere else even on Goodreads... or maybe I would... but definitely not tonight.
Also, this quote!!
You can't play at his level. I don't think there's a woman in the world who could spar with him
See the play on the series title?! I really adore details like this.
mehsi's review against another edition
4.0
This was good! Loved getting the POV of Rei and Kira. Though the bullying, oof, no thank you.
margreadsmanga's review against another edition
5.0
I’m typically not a fan of the older series that were published by TokyoPop BUT THIS ONE!! I’m all in!! The hype for this series is real. It kinda reminded me a bit of Peach Girl (drama wise) and I can’t wait to read more!
I’m reading it through Amazon Prime for FREE!
Looking for more manga content?
Instagram & YouTube & More!
I’m reading it through Amazon Prime for FREE!
Looking for more manga content?
Instagram & YouTube & More!
jjj_27's review
5.0
this was my first manga ive ever read, growing up. I am so glad to be rereading it on the kindle. I love it it’s very cute and worth it
jessseadoesstuff's review
Not my normal genre but the series is available for free currently and I remember when this was such a big thing. It is very delightful and enjoyable. I knocked a star for a personal reason but it is accurate for the genre.
librovert's review
4.0
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! :)