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Despite his kind-hearted and sensitive nature, Ian Hasumi is known as "Ian the Liar" for one reason: he can see things that nobody else can. This includes fairies and "Tokage," a malicious doppelganger with lizard-colored green hair. When Ian reunites with Rin Ishinagi, his childhood friend and the one person who once believed him, news of "fairy murders" begins to spread around the city.
Victims of these murders are easily identified by the wing-like bloodstains on their backs. One day, Ian stumbles upon a murder scene where he encounters Kaito, a mysterious man who also discovers the crime. Kaito owns an odd shop that sells crystal cubes with insects frozen inside. Insisting that Ian did not see anything, Kaito gifts him a crystal cube with a lizard inside before bidding him farewell.
Unfortunately for Ian, Tokage uses the cube in an attempt to take over his body, leaving Ian as a spirit destined to perish. Determined to change his fate, Ian makes a contract with none other than Kaito and his stingy fairy companion—all while hoping to reunite with Rin again.
Included one-shot:
Volume 3: Psycho Knocker
Fairy Cube was published in English by VIZ Media under the Shojo Beat imprint from May 6 to November 4, 2008. Before releasing it, VIZ Media previewed the series in the April 2008 issue of the Shojo Beat magazine. The series was published in German by Carlsen from December 22, 2006, to June 22, 2007, and in French by Delcourt from January 24 to June 20, 2007.
Story: 8
Going into this Manga, do not expect a cheerful fairy tale. Instead, anticipate something akin to the Brothers Grimm stories, drawing heavily from the folklore of various cultures and showcasing the darker aspects seldom seen today. While it concludes on a happy note, there's an underlying sadness as well.
Art: 8
The artwork appeared slightly overdone with feminine aesthetics, even though I am female. I appreciated the detail in the wings, but at times it was difficult to distinguish between characters.
Character: 6
The characters start off strongly, weaken towards the middle, and finish beautifully. The middle section might discourage some readers from continuing.
Enjoyment: 8 & Overall: 7
I must say this was a good story perfect for a single read but perhaps not one I'd revisit. Most characters didn't resonate with me, although I did connect with the most 'lonely' ones in the series.
Fairy Cube is a remarkable manga. Despite its brevity, it packs a punch. It keeps readers on the edge of their seats until the very end, at least that was my experience. This story falls into the "fairy tale/fantasy with a dark twist" category. Its plot is engaging, though you'll need to read the entire work to grasp the full narrative.
The characters are superbly crafted. Given the manga's short length, there isn't much room for extensive development, but it manages quite well. Almost every character has some connection to one or two others through past events. By the end, all these characters come together in a beautifully intertwined finale, which I found excellent.
As mentioned, it's a "fairy tale with a dark side," and this element adds to its entertainment value. That dark twist makes it even more enjoyable.
If you're a fan of fairies, dark fairy tales, and plot twists, this is definitely something you should check out!
This was an adorable, brief tale. I enjoyed it immensely. The narrative is filled with unexpected twists and turns. The conclusion matched the story flawlessly. I would suggest this to anyone in search of a romantic story intertwined with action and fantasy elements. It was absolutely worth every moment spent reading! :)
I would give this a 6.5 if possible. Having read many works by this artist, this one ranks as my least favorite so far. The theme is intriguing, but the execution feels rushed. There are some twists, yet it felt somewhat lacking in content and pacing (though achieving that within three volumes can be tough). The art remains beautiful as always. However, similar to another review, I probably wouldn't reread it. Unlike her other works, this one didn't captivate me as much. The first volume did a good job of drawing readers in, but for me, interest started to wane by the middle of the second book. It almost seemed like there was too much crammed into those three volumes, leaving me with mixed feelings.
Fairy Cube is a manga created by Kaori Yuki, who both wrote and illustrated it. It blends elements of romance, mystery, and horror, drawing inspiration from Irish mythology. The narrative unfolds in an alternate realm known as "The Otherworld," inhabited by fairies and various supernatural beings. Known for its moody gothic ambiance and detailed art style, Yuki's work shines through in this series.
Ian Hasumi is a quiet teenager with the unique ability to see fairies. He is often labeled a liar since no one believes his claims except for his childhood friend Rin. Following a series of fairy murders, Ian encounters a mysterious stranger at one of the crime scenes who gives him a Fairy Cube, entrusting him with its safekeeping. Tragedy strikes when Ian is killed by his own father while trying to protect Rin, who has been accused of the murders. Now existing as a spirit, Ian receives help from the stranger who provided him the Fairy Cube, embarking on a journey to aid Rin and thwart the malevolent plans of the villainous Tokage.
What I appreciate about this manga is that it steers clear of portraying fairies in the stereotypical Disney manner. There’s a definite Yu-Gi-Oh vibe, particularly with the romantic subplot and the protagonist being an outcast. The dual character theme also adds depth to the story.
The tale is concise and moves at a brisk pace, making it possible to read through in a single day (Psycho Knocker offers additional storylines within the manga). Despite its brevity, the storytelling remains robust and feels complete from beginning to end. The mystery gradually unravels as you progress, ensuring an engaging and satisfying reading experience.