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A review by blackwolf294
Mushishi, Vol. 8/9/10 by Yuki Urushibara, William Flanagan
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.