+Anima

Well, it had such a promising concept, but it turned out to be quite disappointing. There's no direct conflict or clear objective, and it all seems to lack action. The entire story was too short, yet the chapters were overly long. It appears that at the end, they're right back where they started, seemingly just to give the author an excuse to work on another manga. I'd say this is more appropriate for children.

Story: If you're looking for mangas with intricate plots or overarching stories, this one might disappoint you. It lacks a central narrative, instead offering a series of random adventures that leave you wondering about their purpose.

Art: The artwork is charming and well-executed, though not groundbreaking as some might claim. The backgrounds and scenery feel somewhat generic and uninspired, making the overall setting feel a bit bland.

Characters: The characters are well-defined but can come off as cliché. They don't undergo significant development or change throughout the story. While you learn about their pasts, they remain largely static despite the adventures they encounter.

Enjoyment: This manga is perfect if you're looking for something light and cute to pass the time without much need for deep thinking.

Overall: It's more suited for younger readers or those with leisurely time. If you're seeking a meaningful read, you might want to look elsewhere.

Do not expect any twists, rivalries, jealousy, suspense, betrayal, or other dramatic elements in the main plot—because there is no main plot. This manga focuses on random adventures in a world populated by +anima.

There are hints at a past advanced civilization in one chapter, but these potential storylines are never fully explored. To sum it up, "It's like a beautiful +anima that spreads its wings but never learns to fly."

I'm quite surprised that there isn't already a review for +Anima.

+Anima is a unique manga with an intriguing storyline and characters. Although it doesn't follow a strict plotline, focusing instead on the characters exploring new places and meeting new people, it remains highly enjoyable.

The character development is excellent. At the end of many volumes, Natsumi Mukai includes a couple of pages describing the characters in detail. As you read through the manga, you'll notice how the characters evolve, gaining distinctive traits that make them stand out.

I truly loved this manga for its exceptional art, captivating characters, and overall enjoyment. It's still ongoing, so there's plenty more fun to look forward to!

*Review may contain vague, minor spoilers*

+Anima is a unique manga: oddly engaging and memorable, lighthearted and fun but with some occasional emotive moments. It has a charm that I haven't quite seen in any other series to date.

STORY (8): While there are many series involving shifters or animal-human hybrids, +Anima gives it a fresh spin. The concept remains relatively original. With the tension between the +anima and regular humans, there's potential for battles and epic confrontations. However, this isn't what the series aims to be. Instead, it's a character study about how fear and dislike of their kind affects four normal children struggling to find their place in a world that largely rejects them.

Set in an original, yet plausible world before technology existed, the manga follows the four main characters as they meet each other and embark on a journey to find peace. They have various adventures and misadventures along the way, meeting different side characters. The pasts, motives, and histories of each main character are revealed. Though not strictly slice-of-life or episodic, the story has a similar feel, with no strong plot direction until later twists reveal more going on behind the scenes. Despite this, it's highly enjoyable throughout.

The story's tone is mostly lighthearted and carefree. Targeted at a young audience, it still appeals to all ages, with depth appearing in some chapters interesting to older readers. Characters are easy to get attached to. The series contains elements of both shoujo and shounen, but strong elements of neither. There are small amounts of action and hints of romance, but neither is a focal point.

The manga mixes comedic and serious moments. Most chapters are lighthearted, but some are surprisingly moving and emotional, especially when focusing on the characters' tragic or bittersweet histories. Even in these chapters, the manga maintains its unique charm and aesthetic, making it likable.

I've seen complaints about the ending, saying it lacks memorability or climax. Personally, I disagree. The ending had one of my favorite conclusions out of all manga and anime series I've seen! The tone shifts towards the last two volumes, leaving some questions unanswered, but overall it's very satisfying. True, the epilogue is rushed, but it definitely has an emotional climax, fitting the series' focus on the four main children.

If you need constant action or unwavering seriousness, +Anima might not be for you. But if you want something charming, fun, and focused on characters, you'll likely enjoy the plot throughout all 10 volumes.

CHARACTERS (10): The series shines in its characters. Without good characters, the plot would lack emotion and fall flat. The characters bring the story to life and make you care about its movements.

Some side characters lack depth, coming and going quickly, but the main four characters are well developed. Cooro is an energetic, food-loving boy who seems to always smile. Husky is irritable and defensive, claiming to hate girls despite being effeminate himself. Nana is outgoing and slightly bossy but insecure. Senri is the oldest, oddly silent. At first glance, they might seem like typical archetypes, but they have depth, unique personalities, lively dialogue, and reasons behind their actions. They're quirky and likable, hard not to become attached to, and their interactions are entertaining and evolve over time.

Cooro stands out as a particularly interesting, surprisingly unique character. His personality is complex, not as it seems at first glance. This becomes increasingly apparent as the series progresses. Unfortunately, some people miss this, which is too bad because it adds emotional depth. The more you pay attention to the characters, the more interesting the series becomes.

However, if you dislike the characters, the manga won't hold much else for you. The plot is almost entirely character-focused and driven, so your engagement depends directly on your attachment to the cast.

ART (10): High-quality art makes the series stand out. It can switch from striking, beautiful pieces to chibi-style drawings almost panel by panel, making it eye-catching and pleasing. The mangaka draws consistent, large amounts of detail, from finely crafted environments to intricate patterns and accessories on clothing. Characters have great, readable facial expressions, bringing them to life and making them memorable.

ENJOYMENT AND OVERALL (10): With an interesting setting and concept, character-driven story, striking artwork, unique, lovable cast, and a satisfying mixture of lighthearted fun with enough seriousness to keep it interesting and emotion to make it memorable, +Anima is a rare, underrated gem.

It was one of the first series I read when I started getting into manga several years ago, but it still stands as one of my all-time favorites today. Again, don't go into it expecting it to be action-driven. There are plenty of series for that, and with its setting and concept, the manga could've easily gone in that direction, but it doesn't. Instead, it gives the spotlight to its characters and uniquely charming aesthetic, and I've yet to see another series do this better.

It's not for everyone, but if this sort of thing appeals to you, even as a change of pace from more serious, dark series, I highly recommend +Anima.

I wasn't sure what to expect when I started reading +Anima. I knew very little about it, other than it being a Shonen manga. So, I gave it a read.

Well, it's somewhat... boring. In the story, random people possess genes that give them animal-like characteristics. For instance, some have bird wings, others have lion claws, hawk eyes, bat ears, and so on. Similar to X-Men, these individuals face hatred and persecution from society.

The main characters, Cooro and his friend, are simply trying to find a good place to live. That’s essentially the plot. They travel and travel without much happening. There isn’t even a substantial plot until about the second-to-last volume.

The characters come off as bland, and the main character is so carefree, cheerful, and plain that I just couldn't connect with him!

There isn't anything particularly wrong with the manga; it was just too calm and dull for my taste. However, for those who enjoy more laid-back Shonen adventures, this might be right up their alley.

Story: The plot receives a 7/10 because it doesn't stand out as extraordinary. The four main characters—Cooro, Husky, Senri, and Nana—travel through the world of +Anima in search of a true home. While this premise might not seem unique, it becomes more engaging as they meet various villains, friends, and other +Anima along the way.

Art: This is, in my opinion, the strongest aspect of the manga. The artwork is incredible, with everything drawn to its fullest potential. The characters are beautifully illustrated, and Mukai Natsumi has done an outstanding job with her art. You will undoubtedly fall in love with the visuals.

Character: Another strong point of this manga is its character development. Each character has strengths, weaknesses, likes, and dislikes. At the end of each chapter, Mukai Natsumi often includes character charts so you can compare them. Most readers will likely find themselves relating to one of the characters. The manga also focuses on supporting characters that Cooro, Husky, Senri, and Nana meet during their travels, making it easier to find someone to relate to.

Enjoyment: I gave enjoyment a 7/10 because I generally prefer shounen-style stories. Despite that, this manga was enjoyable and kept me engaged.

Overall: Overall, this manga is very good. What made me truly appreciate it was the artwork and characters—they were both exceptional. While the story wasn't as impressive, its originality made it special. Reading this manga allows you to sit back, relax, and immerse yourself in the world of +Anima.

I'm very selective when it comes to manga, but this one really caught my attention!

I started reading it just to fill the gap between Naruto and D.Gray-man updates, and I ended up devouring everything that's been posted so far (up to chapter 41 on the site).

The artwork and stories are amazing. You get drawn in by each character and keep wondering about them. The manga adds twists and turns, giving you even more to ponder on top of what already has you hooked. For instance, there are beautiful illustrations and short clips explaining why Senri sometimes has no mouth.

This truly is a wonderful manga. If you enjoy anime and animals, it's a must-read. It's comical, beautiful, suspenseful—offering everything you could want.