Fruits Basket

Okay, so I'll start by mentioning that this was my first manga ever. I've reread it several times since then, but it still carries a certain nostalgia that I will try to set aside for this review. Feel free to take my scores with a grain of salt.

Story (10): Tohru Honda is an orphan and a typically hard-working shojo manga heroine who ends up living with the Sohma family (for reasons I won't delve into here; they're not crucial). She gradually uncovers that the Sohma family harbors a secret: a curse. Thirteen family members, known as the 'Juunishi', have been cursed with zodiac signs, transforming into their respective animals when hugged by someone of the opposite sex. Combine this with the fact that Tohru is living with two attractive boys her age, you might expect a cute love triangle and a cast of adorable supporting characters, right? Not quite. Takaya cleverly plays on these expectations, revealing unexpected depth in characters initially perceived as one-dimensional through their backstories or actions (there is, however, a love triangle). The 'curse' lives up to its name. Best of all, upon rereading, you notice Takaya has been subtly hinting at the ending and plot twists throughout the series, well before revealing them (using recurring symbols and dialogue). Even after multiple reads, this story remains excellently crafted.

Art (9): Takaya definitely improves over time (comparing the first book to the last is astonishing). There are a few awkwardly drawn joints, and the characters appear out-of-proportion in the initial books, but this doesn't detract from the storyline. One of my favorite aspects of Takaya's work is her use of space: her panels are impeccable, and there are instances where I've paused simply because the panels were striking (mild spoilers: Kyo thinking "Is he using her?" comes to mind). Overall, her work is very well executed.

Characters (10): This is what makes the series so endearing. Every character, even those initially uninteresting, becomes three-dimensional over time. You'll love them, cry for them, hate them (I've never despised a character more than a certain one in Furuba), and eventually think of them as family – albeit a highly dysfunctional one. They are so well-written, making the series truly worthwhile. If you read this series for anything, read it for the characters. If the storyline rates a 10, this deserves a 12.

Enjoyment (10): Despite having read numerous manga and watched countless anime over the years, this remains in my top three. I honestly believe reading this influenced me to become more like Tohru (I read it at an impressionable age), and I still enjoy paging through it. It's also worth noting that while offering a wonderful storyline and valuable life lessons, Fruits Basket is surprisingly funny. I've been caught laughing aloud in public places while reading it.

Overall (9.5; I rounded down for my official score): The only reason this isn't a ten is due to my deep nostalgia and love for the series. That said, I genuinely believe this is one of the best I've ever read. I wholeheartedly encourage you to read it and buy it if possible (it's out of print now). I hope you enjoy it!

Fruits Basket is one of the finest manga I have ever come across. It's the kind of book that leaves an indelible mark, much like a cherished childhood memory. The characters undergo remarkable growth and development throughout the series.

The narrative begins on a light-hearted note but gradually delves into darker themes as you progress. Despite this, it remains utterly captivating, even for those who typically shy away from such genres. Each volume manages to evoke both laughter and tears, often within the same reading session.

In terms of artwork, it evolves alongside the story, reflecting its progression beautifully. Every time I revisit the first volume, I'm struck by how different it looks compared to later volumes and how significantly the art has improved. The emotional depth conveyed through the illustrations is truly remarkable. It resonates deeply; at least it did with me. When the characters felt sorrow, so did I. Their happiness became my happiness. You get the idea.

AAAHHH!!! What a refreshing series! It's like after reading it, you feel as if you've sipped from some magical water that tastes incredibly good. (WHAT DID I JUST SAY?) Anyway, before I say something really foolish, I must write a review first.

STORY (9) - Why? Yes, it's unique; it's something you'd wish for in your wildest dreams. It's about romance and everything like any other shoujo manga BUT! It's not just your average lovey-dovey manga; it has an intriguing plot and a story that may astonish you. Comedy, romance, and magic—all perfectly blended into one delightful, refreshing manga. But I can't lie... it does feel a bit rushed. I hoped for a satisfying ending, which I got, but I still wanted to know what happened to the other characters... anyway, just read it, and you'll understand what I mean.

ART (8) - In the initial chapters, the drawings are cute, detailed, with pencil strokes that give off a genuine manga vibe. However, as the volumes progressed, the art changed. I think the author had some issues with her hand or something, but honestly, I didn't mind much. In the end, I focused on the story, the comedic antics of the characters, and the emotional parts of the manga.

CHARACTER (10) - Yes, A PERFECT 10! Each character has both a funny side and a dramatic side. This shows that no character is perfect; they all have problems that affect their lives, emotions, and how they interact with others—just like us.

ENJOYMENT (10) - This manga truly entertained me. It made me addicted. The laughs, sorrows, and lessons—I will never forget them after reading this manga. It teaches you that even if you fall, you can still learn to get back up, and when you meet people, they will be the ones who help you. You'll never know unless you try.

OVERALL (9) - Not every shoujo manga is perfect. So what if this is an old manga... I don't care. All that matters is that this manga genuinely changed who I am and what I can become. It showed me that even if you're a typical, simple girl, you can change the world if you believe and aren't afraid to show your feelings. Sometimes, it's okay to let it all out because that way... THEY WILL KNOW HOW YOU FEEL.

But then this manga... really needs more chapters... WHY?! WHY IS IT SO......

No, I won't spoil anything...

Okay... I managed to calm myself down a bit from saying something very foolish by avoiding spoilers... so here it goes: FRUITS BASKET... a must-read manga!

I HOPE YOU READ IT! :)

My absolute favorite manga ever. Period.

The characters, the plot, the style... everything is utterly captivating. Just the concept alone is incredibly unique - a family that transforms into Zodiac animals when hugged by someone of the opposite sex? Instant recipe for hilarity!

In the beginning, the manga is fairly light-hearted. Tohru starts off as an innocent and overly virtuous character, which can be somewhat grating at first, but she matures significantly throughout the story, making her personality quite lovable. Plus, since the series requires a full Zodiac, there's an extensive cast of remarkable characters. Each has their own backstory, distinct personality, and some relationships and characters are surprisingly delightful and unexpected.

The plot progresses slowly but steadily, driven more by the characters themselves rather than a standalone "story." But that's precisely what makes it so wonderful. Even with the magical animal element, it feels seamlessly realistic. You'll adore this manga from start to finish, and while you might feel heartbroken when it ends, the fantastic conclusion will leave you satisfied.

The artwork is exceptional, though a bit unsteady at the start. Takaya Natsuki really hits her stride in the middle of the manga, where it becomes simply marvelous. One impressive aspect is how she ages the characters over the multi-year timeframe of the series. Since the story spans several years, there's ample room for character development, which Takaya Natsuki fully exploits.

This is truly an amazing manga. Read it. Now. You won't regret it!

I find that people either absolutely love Furuba, which seems to be the majority, or they can't stand it. I believe it's hard not to like Furuba. Initially, I thought it would just be funny because the first seven volumes are packed with hilarious scenes, mainly due to the Juunishi transforming when hugged by the opposite sex. However, starting from volume six, everything shifts in a different direction.

The storyline, once revealed, is somewhat cliché in my opinion, hence the rating of 9. Don't get me wrong; it's a beautiful story that I keep learning from every time I read it. It's about growing up, becoming who you're meant to be, and finding your purpose. The pain the characters endure is almost unbelievable at times. Yet, I'm so engrossed in their struggles that it's hard to put down.

The characters are what make Furuba special. In reality, they'd be loners, depressing and sad, yet each one is believable. Their personalities range from overly happy (hiding their pain) to stubborn as a mule and downright conceited. Even 'God' fits this mold. Watching their growth is stunning and gorgeous, like witnessing the sunrise on a rainy day. I've laughed uncontrollably, cried until my chest hurt, and felt intense hatred while reading this manga. My favorite character is Kyo because he's adorable, and I think I'd react with anger too if I were him. The character I hated and grew to love was Yuki because, in my view, he grows the most. The one problem I have is with our main character. I both love and hate Tohru Honda. It's hard to describe her since she embodies everything—a mother, sister, friend, confidant, hero, and someone's reason for living. But she's also the saddest girl I've ever seen, filled with horrifying feelings. Losing her mother would break anyone. I love what she does for everyone in the story. If I met her, I'd treat her like the sun itself. But where else but in a manga do you find someone so selfless?

The enjoyment I have for this manga is absolute. I own every volume and often pick one up to read. There's a lesson in every chapter and words that, although no one in real life might say them, make me want to become a better person—someone who gives without expecting anything in return. It makes me want to smile, to be the reason someone else smiles, to be the rock someone can stand on. It's hard to read this manga and not feel ashamed of something you've done. It makes me ashamed that I don't act like Tohru. That's why I believe everyone should read this manga. It's heartwarming, sad, and a place where life continues to grow.

Well, when I saw the manga of Fruits Basket, I was thrilled.

Story.

The first eight volumes of the manga are exactly the same as the anime. The writers added some completed storylines and a finale. But I'm talking about the manga here. I like it because Haru is in love with Rin (the horse), and two horoscopes appear that don't show up in the anime: Rin or Isuzu, the horse, and Kureno, the rooster.

I enjoy the story more than the anime because it has more comedy and sentimentality. We learn about the pasts of some characters, such as Arisa, Hanajima, and Tooru's parents.

Art.

I really appreciate the art of the manga. Natsuki Takaya did an excellent job designing the characters. In terms of art, I particularly like the cat, Kyo.

Character.

As I mentioned, there are more characters in the manga. I've already mentioned two, but there are others at school, like Machi and Kimi. Some characters I dislike, but they contribute to making the story good.

Enjoyment.

I give it an 8 because some parts of the manga can be boring or confusing. However, these issues are minor overall. I like it for its comedy, which I think I've already mentioned. That's all, really. I highly recommend this manga. And if you've already seen the entire anime or plan to watch it, I still recommend reading the manga because it has a definitive ending, unlike the anime.

This was the first series I ever completed, and it sparked my interest in manga and anime. I hope to reread it someday if I can get my hands on the books, since Tokyopop removed their uploads from online manga sites.

Story: What I love about this series is its genre fluidity. One moment you're delving deep into introspection, and the next, you're laughing at Shigure's jokes. Despite these shifts, the story flows smoothly, making it easy to connect different parts of the series. The ending is excellent, wrapping up nicely and leaving a heartwarming feeling.

Art: Initially, the drawings felt strange. Maybe I was overwhelmed by Tohru’s large eyes! But now, it has become my standard for manga art, and I often compare other series' artwork to Fruits Basket. It's just a habit of mine.

Character: Character development in Fruits Basket is beautifully executed. You follow each character's journey, experiencing their joys and sorrows, which helped me connect with them deeply. I don’t think I’ll ever forget them.

Enjoyment: This series tops my list so far. I gave it 9/10 because reserving 10/10 means something even better might come along. So, for me, 10/10 is held back for now.

Overall: It’s very good, though I wish the anime was as great as the manga.

Okay, I decided a long time ago that my first review would be for Fruits Basket, so I guess it's about time. Before I start, I want to mention two things:

Firstly, I finished Furuba almost a year ago, but I occasionally re-read some chapters, and I still remember nearly everything.

Secondly, my English might not be perfect, so don't be surprised if something sounds off.

Story - 9/10

At first glance, it doesn’t seem extraordinary. It’s about a sweet girl who meets a family that transforms into cute animals when hugged. Adorable, right?

However, there is much more to Furuba than meets the eye. This story isn't solely about people turning into animals, so don't give up before you grasp its depth.

Furuba's narrative is darker than it appears. There are secrets, tragedies, and unresolved mysteries that transform this 'cute' manga into something profound, something unforgettable. Remarkably, despite all the sorrow and despair, it culminates in a happy ending. I admit, I cried buckets.

Art - 9/10

I initially considered giving it an 8, but then I remembered one of my favorite pages where Katsuya holds little Tohru with a smile. That made me realize how much I love this style.

Natsuki Takaya is undoubtedly one of my favorite mangakas. Her art style evolves significantly from the first to the last volume. Another noticeable aspect between book 1 and book 23 is how the characters mature. Using my favorite character, Kyo, as an example, I didn't notice the growth until comparing. Wow, she did an amazing job! Even as adults, the characters remain easily recognizable. This earns an extra point because I enjoy seeing characters grow (and sometimes start families, like in Clannad or Itazura na Kiss).

So, art gets a 9.

Character - 10/10

This is unquestionably the best part of Fruits Basket: the characters.

Let’s start with the main ones.

Tohru is probably one of my favorite shoujo heroines ever. Some find her unbelievable, but to me, it doesn’t matter. Manga isn’t reality, so she makes a fantastic protagonist. She’s kind, helpful, a bit slow, but has a heart of gold. Enough said.

Kyo and Yuki were also good characters. I can say that now.

Kyo was my favorite from the start, which might explain why I disliked Yuki initially. He acts mean and sometimes violent, but he genuinely cares about Tohru (an excellent tsundere). Yuki seems perfect at first, but later you see he’s flawed. After 23 books, I stopped hating him.

The supporting characters are just as important as the mains. They each have their own problems and personalities, and you watch them resolve issues with our lovable heroine’s help. Everyone gets a happy ending, and only two (fairly significant) characters don’t end up in love.

In the end, you’ll like at least one or two.

Enjoyment - 10/10

I adore Furuba wholeheartedly. It took a while to finish due to a bad internet connection, but I’m thrilled I did. So many moments and characters touched my heart, and by the end, I was bawling like a baby. The best manga I’ve read since birth.

Overall - 10/10

Everything worth saying has been said. A wonderful story, beautiful artwork, and lovable characters. I’d recommend Fruits Basket to everyone I know.

Main character Tohru is incredibly pure and often delivers profound insights reminiscent of Maya Angelou's quote, "I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel." Tohru embodies this wisdom for both the characters within the story and readers alike, offering a deeply moving experience especially if read during one's formative years. Her empathy makes everyone feel valued. We should all aspire to be like Tohru, striving to understand others better. It's akin to chicken soup for the soul, but in manga form.

The reason I give it a nine instead of a ten is due to its occasional confusion and the sheer number of characters, which can make it cumbersome to explore every dynamic. This complexity extends beyond just the zodiac members; friends get their stories, side characters get their moments, and even family members connected to the zodiac curse receive attention. Keeping track of everything can be overwhelming. The author ages up the characters realistically, but sometimes it was hard to remember who was who, even after they introduced themselves. It took multiple reads through all the volumes for me to fully appreciate them. Additionally, the romantic sparks between Kyo or Yuki towards Tohru felt muted as the story had many other elements to focus on. During the first few volumes, the romance was more apparent, but once all the zodiac members were introduced, things got muddled. There are entire volumes where one or more of the main trio are absent. While not terrible, as a young reader, this caused confusion when reading out of order. Now, owning all the volumes together, I treasure them and recognize how they shaped my teenage years. I believe every older child and teenager can benefit from Fruits Basket. Adults too, as the story provides valuable perspective on understanding others' lives and feelings.

It significantly influenced my life, and I highly recommend it to anyone struggling with empathy, seeking validation, or simply wanting to enjoy some drama. Fruits Basket is a shojo haven with something for everyone.

"If changing is a part of life, then why, why is it both cruel and gentle?" - Tohru Honda

There exists no word in any language on this planet that can adequately describe the emotions I experienced while reading and watching Fruits Basket. It was an utterly transformative experience, and even after all these years, I remain deeply grateful for having encountered this remarkable series. My love for the anime began with the 2001 version, which captivated me instantly, and I found myself equally enthralled by the remake when it debuted. Despite knowing what would happen, Fruits Basket still managed to evoke those same powerful feelings within me once more.

The storytelling in Fruits Basket is unparalleled in its delicacy and sweetness. Even as it tackles themes of abuse, death, sorrow, and pain, it does so with such humble elegance that leaves one speechless. It's heartbreaking yet simultaneously healing, possessing the unique ability to instill hope and a sense of future in those who have lost everything, making it seem almost natural. Perhaps it’s overly idealistic or too much like a typical shoujo story, but there’s no denying that Fruits Basket holds the power to change lives. It is undeniably a true masterpiece.

What resonated most with me was the story's perfect portrayal of fear in all its forms: the fear of losing someone, the fear of moving forward, of forgetting, of changing. Anyone who decides to read Fruits Basket must be prepared for a journey that will alter them. They must be ready to confront their past, present, and future through the characters' experiences. Each of us has a Kyou, a Yuki, and a Tohru inside us. Facing oneself is perhaps the bravest act a person can undertake, and this manga beautifully illustrates the healing process of someone who has just learned to do so.

It saddens me how shoujo manga is often overlooked by many people, especially when masterpieces like Fruits Basket exist. I hesitate to say more because I believe this is a story best interpreted individually. You should decide what Fruits Basket means to you, and that personal connection is what makes this manga so special and irreplaceable.

The plot of Fruits Basket is nothing short of brilliant! As you progress through the series, you can't help but become enamored with every character and fully engrossed in Natsuki Takaya's creation. In one moment, you'll be laughing uncontrollably, and in the next, you'll be deeply moved by sorrow. These emotional shifts will have you on an emotional rollercoaster.

This narrative brings a fresh perspective to the complexities of teenage life and love. Once you start reading, it's impossible not to get hooked!

Fruits Basket was my first manga, and at the time, I made significant progress through the volumes. However, I recently decided to start over with the books to avoid confusing myself with the events. Just something to keep in mind.

The series begins as a typical comedy filled with silly antics that you might find in almost any manga, leading one to believe Fruits Basket is a simple and lighthearted tale. But as you delve deeper into the story, you uncover dark secrets hidden by various characters. What's interesting about the series is how it delves deeply into practically every individual character, from the Sohmas to Tohru's friends. In my opinion, this makes them far more likable and gives them a sense of realism.

Natsuki Takaya's art style starts off somewhat off-putting (though this is just my personal opinion) but improves with each volume, eventually becoming much more pleasant to look at.

Each character in the story undergoes some form of development, even if the steps are quite small. Over time, you begin to notice a difference in their attitudes, again giving a sense of realism. You find yourself relating to the characters and even rooting for them.

If you have a lot of time on your hands, I highly recommend reading Fruits Basket whether you are new to the concept of manga or simply interested in it. Just keep in mind that the series is quite long and might take a few days to complete.