Fruits Basket

Let me share something about Fruits Basket.

You learn a great deal from this manga.

I am incredibly glad I chose to read this manga. I don't think I've ever loved a manga as much as this one. The amount of tears I've shed for it is unbelievable, but I have absolutely no regrets because it was so worth it. If it were possible, I would gladly cry an entire ocean for it.

I'm in pain, but it's a good kind of pain.

The moment I thought, "Which manga should I write a review for?" Fruits Basket instantly came to mind.

How do you know if you'll enjoy it?

If you're into angst (like me), sign up now. You'll also love it if you appreciate slow-burning romances. It's not the type of romance that gives you butterflies; instead, it warms your whole being. It makes you say, "I want to fall in love slowly. And when I realize it, it's already too late."

This manga will forever be my favorite. Honda Tohru's spread of love and kindness really affected me and made me want to strive to be a better person. The art might not be top-notch, but it's a manga that has made me laugh, feel warm inside, and flood my room with tears—both from joy and sadness. It's a manga that can make you feel all three emotions at once.

The character development is amazing too. You can see the characters' behaviors evolving.

I hope you'll read it and understand that some things cannot be conveyed through reviews—they must be felt.

Story

In my opinion, it's quite original. Before Fruits Basket, I had never come across a manga that touched on the topic of zodiac signs. Trying something new doesn't always work out, but it did here.

The beginning hooked me immediately. The middle part is consistent, unlike some mangas that start strong but end poorly. The ending is one of those rare ones where I cried out of happiness. The only other manga that made me cry from joy was "Hana to Akuma" (highly recommended!)

Art

The art isn't extremely polished. You won't find slim ankles and well-defined bodies like in typical mangas, but the story more than makes up for it.

However, you get used to it after a while, and it somehow becomes appealing.

Character

This is my favorite part of the review where I can talk about the characters!

Every character is drawn exactly how they act. When you see Tohru, you just know she's going to be a pure cinnamon roll. And when you see Kyo, you know he's the wounded type. This overlaps with the art category, but it feels more appropriate under character.

When you see Akihiko, you know he's the type you'd beg not to approach the other characters.

Beyond their portrayal, the way their strengths and weaknesses balance out adds to the overall story, culminating in a masterpiece. Everything connects and builds up slowly to create something extraordinary. Do you see what I mean?

Enjoyment

I binge-read it and then regretted it later because there was no more left.

Overall

Amazing, amazing, amazing. Even though it's one of the first mangas I've read, I know none in the future can ever beat this one.

I hope this review helps you!!!

People often underestimate the complexity of children and teenagers. When you're young, your mind is like a blank slate that can be easily affected by negative experiences. As a teenager, you face numerous challenges, and the emotional baggage from those years can linger into adulthood. There's a common misconception in society that the problems faced by young people are trivial compared to the difficulties they'll encounter as adults. "Fruits Basket," a manga by Natsuki Takaya, tells the story of Tohru Honda and her life with the Sohma family, exploring themes of emotional hardship.

At first glance, "Fruits Basket" might seem like a light-hearted supernatural comedy, with its reverse harem setup and occasional cute moments. However, it soon reveals itself to be much darker and deeper as it delves into the troubled history of the Sohma family, particularly the twelve members associated with the Chinese Zodiac, including the cat. These characters have endured abuse, neglect, and emotional trauma. At the center of this narrative is Tohru Honda, an orphan at the beginning of the series.

Tohru is often criticized for being too perfect, but this characterization isn't entirely accurate. While she is kinder than most and embodies certain idealistic traits, Tohru is not infallible. She makes mistakes and has her own struggles. Her cheerful demeanor hides the pain she has endured. In fact, her constant cheerfulness serves as a coping mechanism for dealing with her hardships. People around her notice this behavior and sometimes comment on how overly happy she seems. As the manga progresses, we see glimpses of Tohru's vulnerability, such as when she mourns her lost parents, revealing that she is far from perfect.

Tohru's cheerful nature also helps lighten the mood of the story, which deals with heavy themes like parental and psychological abuse, neglect, and emotional dependency. Most of the characters, including Tohru and the Zodiac members, have experienced significant trauma. Without Tohru's upbeat attitude, the story could become overwhelmingly melodramatic. Even people who suffer from depression experience moments of joy, and Tohru represents this balance, making her essential to the narrative.

Natsuki Takaya excels at blending comedy with drama and romance in "Fruits Basket." Many anime and manga start light-hearted but quickly turn into melodramas, trying too hard to evoke emotions. "Fruits Basket" avoids these pitfalls by seamlessly integrating humor and serious themes. This balance keeps the reader engaged and hopeful, reminding them that things will eventually improve for the characters.

The characters in "Fruits Basket" are well-developed and interact realistically with each other. Notable characters include Yuki, Kyo, Hatori, and Rin. Each character has a detailed backstory and undergoes significant growth throughout the series. Tohru's friends, Saki and Arisa, also play crucial roles in her development. Surprisingly, even deceased characters like Tohru's mother, Kyoko Honda, receive attention through flashbacks, showing their profound influence on Tohru. This aspect of the storytelling is commendable.

While the characters shine, the artwork in "Fruits Basket" may not appeal to everyone. The shoujo aesthetic might be challenging for newcomers, although it improves over time. The main criticism is the lack of detail in some scenes and the reuse of character designs for minor characters, making it difficult to distinguish between them. Despite these issues, Takaya's art effectively complements the story.

In conclusion, "Fruits Basket" is one of the best manga I've read. It defies the stereotypes often associated with the shoujo genre, offering depth and emotional resonance. For those seeking a top-tier shoujo series, I highly recommend it. The original anime adaptation covers only the first part of the manga, so reading the full series is recommended for a complete experience. Although currently out-of-print, volumes are still available, allowing readers to enjoy this exceptional work.

"I don't think anyone is born knowing the reason why they're here. It's just something you have to find as you go along." --Tohru Honda

Back when the manga first came out, several of my classmates were reading it, but I couldn't bring myself to look at it properly. I found the plot silly and avoided it for a long time. However, one day while at the library, I stumbled upon a DVD set of Fruits Basket. This was in 2014, and although I knew it was quite dated, I thought, "Why not? I'm more open-minded now."

To my surprise, from the very first episode, I was completely hooked. I enjoyed every single minute until the final episode, which left me thinking, "What?! That can't be the end!" This led me to read the entire manga series in less than three days just to finish the story – such a beautiful story! While I'm disappointed that the anime will never be fully completed, I'm incredibly glad I read the manga!

Anyway! Moving on...

Story: 10 - Those who claim this manga lacks a plot need to delve deeper into its essence. There are timeless life lessons embedded within. The narrative centers around Tohru, a girl who is both strong and kind, embodying someone who hides pain behind a composed facade. This story is about overcoming a painful past. Every character has their own backstory, making the tale relatable in every aspect. Even Akito, who isn't particularly nice, has a past, a story, and a dream. :3

Art: 8 - I rated it an eight because the art style isn't my personal favorite. Considering the manga is over ten years old, I give it credit for being unique and distinctive. Each character has their own little quirks and features. ^^

Characters: 10 - Tohru is my all-time favorite female character. She's sweet, loving, and puts others before herself. She's truly inspirational, even if she isn't real. I wish I could be as selfless as her. (: But the other characters are equally amazing. Kyo is the stubborn one, Yuki is gentle, and Shigure is the pervert. XD There are so many wonderful characters in this manga, including the adorable Momiji!

Enjoyment: 10 - As mentioned earlier, I finished reading this in less than three days. There are 23 volumes, people! I barely slept during that time. I couldn't do anything else until I finished it. It's a truly beautiful story, and my love for it grew with every page. I promise you, the ending will leave you feeling fulfilled. :3

Overall: 10 - I highly recommend this to any fan of anime (since most anime lovers also enjoy manga). Unless you're like me and only read certain ones. For those who aren't big readers, give this one a try! You won't be disappointed.

I wrote this assuming you read the description!

I gave this series a 10 in almost every category (the only exception was art, which admittedly started off unimpressive but did improve). It is my all-time favorite story. Whether you bring me novels, animes, comics, cartoons, movies, or anything else, I'm confident this series will reign supreme.

At first glance, it might seem like your typical shoujo series: a cute, optimistic orphan girl living in a fantasy world with handsome guys and harboring a secret about them. But it's far from ordinary! Natsuki Takaya crafts characters that come to life in their own right. No character is perfect (even the seemingly flawless main character has her dark secrets).

The "curse" affecting the family she becomes involved with is no laughing matter. Essentially, the curse means that members of this family transform into animals of the Chinese zodiac (plus the cat) when hugged or bumped into by someone of the opposite sex. As the series progresses, this initially silly premise reveals its darker side, showing how those under the curse have sacrificed much—love, family, memories, and hope.

You see through the eyes of every character, from the main character's deceased mother to the head of the "Prince Yuki Fan Club." This constant shift in perspective makes it impossible to completely hate any character, as the mangaka always seems to make you empathize with them.

Despite its serious undertones, the series remains lighthearted. It's sweet, cute, and hilariously strange in ways you wouldn't expect. If you give this series a try, I can guarantee you won't regret it!

This is the first manga that had me literally rolling on the floor with laughter or shaking my screen in tears of rage and sorrow. Fruits Basket is like a rollercoaster you can't escape. Initially, after watching the anime, I didn't expect much from the manga due to some plot holes left unresolved. But as I delved into the manga, I realized the anime was merely an OVA in comparison. The anime felt like a poor imitation of this magnificent manga. The story's diversity was so incredible that I couldn't stop reading. At first glance, around volume 7, one might think it's just a fun, sunny story with no sadness or conflict. Boy, was I wrong. Most characters' pasts were devastatingly heartbreaking, making me cry for hours—something rare for me. Near the end, the story became so intense and dramatic that I felt like my eyes would pop out or my brain would explode—or both. The art in Fruits Basket was simple, almost stick-figure-like, nowhere near the beauty of Vampire Knight's art. But that wasn’t the point. The simplicity of the art becomes appreciated, and you realize how essential it is for telling such a diverse story. If it had beautiful art like Vampire Knight, your brain might genuinely explode, thinking it too good to be true.

I think I got whiplash from this series. So many times, I was hit with a plot twist I never saw coming. This was beautiful. To this day, it remains my favorite manga series of all.

I can't even begin to describe how incredible this manga is. I might be a bit biased because it was the very one that sparked my obsession, but there are solid reasons why it's among my favorites. Fruits Basket, despite being laden with clichés, tells an endearing story that truly touches your heart. You come to love all the characters, even those you initially disliked. At first, Tohru’s naivety might irritate you, but gradually she grows on you, and you find yourself rooting for her through every trial she faces.

My absolute favorite character is Kyo; he tugs at my heartstrings, and I always wished I could comfort him and ease all his worries and frustrations. Honestly, I could go on endlessly, providing detailed lists about why you should read this manga, but that would take too much time. So, to wrap up this review, I'll simply say that I highly recommend Fruits Basket!

Story [7/10]: I genuinely enjoyed Fruits Basket, but I found there were too many side stories happening simultaneously. The relationships, Yuki's student council issues, problems with Akito—it was all a bit overwhelming at times. There was just so much going on all at once.

Art [9/10]: The artwork was beautifully detailed and well-drawn overall. My only gripe is that in the later chapters, Tohru didn't quite look like herself anymore. I often got her mixed up with Machi if it wasn't immediately clear who was who. This might have been due to the author's hand injury, but it stood out to me.

Characters [10/10]: The characters are absolutely wonderful! I can't say I disliked anyone. I love how they're just regular people (except for the whole turning into zodiac animals part). There are no villains trying to take over the world here. Everyone feels very human, and their reactions throughout the story felt realistic and relatable. This was easily my favorite aspect of the manga.

Enjoyment [9/10]: It took some time for me to get used to the manga style since this was my first one, but once I did, I couldn't put it down! While I usually enjoy lots of romance, I thought Fruits Basket handled it wonderfully without needing constant kissing scenes. I do wish I had read it from a physical volume rather than online the first time around, though!

Overall [9/10]: A truly wonderful manga. I highly recommend it to anyone with plenty of free time because it's quite lengthy.

To be completely honest with everyone, when I first heard the name of the anime (which I watched before reading the manga), I initially dismissed it as something too silly to bother with. However, I was pleasantly surprised. It's far from a waste of time.

Fruits Basket truly stands out as one of the most touching and human mangas I've ever encountered. This series has a universal appeal that can resonate with anyone, regardless of where they are in life. There's genuine value here, despite how it might sound cliché. Fruits Basket is significant; it conveys profound messages and carries a lot of emotional weight. If you're looking for a story that balances lighthearted moments with deeply emotional and sometimes challenging ones, give Fruits Basket a try. You won't regret it, especially if you enjoy shoujo manga like I do.

Placing this manga alongside other shoujo series feels almost disrespectful because many shoujo works tend to be mediocre (and yes, I've seen and read plenty of them). Fruits Basket transcends its genre. It’s more mature, and while it does use some common tropes, the exceptional writing and well-developed characters make those tropes work beautifully. I could go on about this, but I'll just urge you to give it a chance. By now, it's considered a classic for good reason.

I believe you'll fall in love with everything about Fruits Basket—the characters, the storytelling, the writing—just everything. Thank you for reading! If you decide to dive into Fruits Basket, whether by reading or watching, I hope you enjoy it. :)

Fruits Basket was among the first manga I ever delved into, and it immediately captured my attention due to my longstanding fascination with zodiac signs, including the Chinese ones. What kept me hooked was the compelling drama and romantic elements. The protagonist, Tohru Honda, resonated with me because she shares traits that I recognize in myself: a people-pleaser who detests conflict and finds it nearly impossible to be rude to others. Yet, she exhibits remarkable determination when it comes to achieving what she desires, though these desires are never for her own benefit. While her shyness and reluctance to stand up for herself can be frustrating at times, she remains an incredibly likable character.

Though I appreciate most of the characters, Shigure, with his lecherous tendencies, and Akito, the sadistic figure, were not among my favorites. However, I suspect many readers share this sentiment. The artwork is stunning, adding another layer of appeal. Overall, I recommend Fruits Basket to fans of shoujo manga who enjoy a touch of psychological depth woven into the narrative.

For fans of shoujo manga, Fruits Basket is often hailed as a must-read. Despite hearing this for years, I struggled each time I attempted to get into it. The initial chapters felt juvenile and predictable, leading me to put it aside repeatedly, only to try again later. After starting over ten times, I finally pushed through the awkward beginning and discovered one of the most touching stories I've ever encountered. The mangaka executed a masterful bait-and-switch with this series or perhaps channeled some profound personal experience into her work. Either way, it's brilliant.

>Story-----------------10

At first, Fruits Basket seems like a lighthearted story where you'll spend 130+ chapters laughing at the heroine's clumsiness and enjoying sweet moments between her and her potential love interests. Each character has a troubled past but hides their pain well, even from the reader. As the story progresses and relationships deepen, you start seeing how deeply their childhood traumas affect them. Despite its supernatural elements, this manga is essentially a slice of life tale.

>Art---------------------10

The art style is clean without unnecessary details, which I appreciate. Characters have unique designs and are easily recognizable. While I wasn't particularly fond of their increasingly angular faces as they aged, it wasn't enough to detract from the overall quality.

>Characters-----------9

All characters are exceptionally well-developed, each with intriguing backstories that intertwine beautifully. With over a dozen characters, this is quite an achievement. The story doesn't just focus on the heroine or the "love triangle" but ensures everyone gets their moment in the spotlight, allowing readers to understand and relate to them individually and collectively. It's truly remarkable.

However, I rate it a 9 instead of a 10 because I'm selective about my heroines, and Tooru slightly misses the mark for me. Her role primarily revolves around helping other characters find courage through her kindness and generosity, which feels a bit cliché. She didn't develop as much as she could have since she was always existing for others. We get a glimpse of her "true" self near the end, which is touching, but it could have been more fleshed out.

>Enjoyment-----------10

I genuinely love this series and highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys shoujo or slice-of-life stories. I plan to re-read it once it's not so fresh in my mind because all the twists left me somewhat dizzy. I believe I can gain new insights from it next time.

I didn't read this very recently (I think it was a week or two ago), but I really enjoyed the anime adaptation of this manga, so I decided to give the manga a try (please forgive my fondness for these genres of anime/manga, but hey, it's what I like, so just accept me as I am) :P. Well, that and I seem to have shifted from being an absolute anime fan ONLY to becoming a Manga otaku and somewhat of a JPOP aficionado.

In short, it's a story about discovering one's purpose in life, I suppose. The central character, Tohru Honda, is the person who connects everyone together in this story (obviously), because she fills roles other characters seem to lack (like a mother figure, a friend who understands, etc.). In some instances, I could relate to the characters in some way (not to mention I love the idea of the Sohma family curse heehee!). But honestly, Tohru seems just too good to be true, making her feel less realistic than I would have liked. There is a limit to people's kindness, after all... anyway.

What kept me reading on, past all the cuteness and comedy, is that this manga does indeed touch on parts of life I can personally relate to, on some level.

If it interests you, go check it out yourself. I'm sure your own perception will differ since some people can connect with it on different levels based on personal experiences and all.

At the end, though, I can't say I'm sad at the ending (it's supposed to be happy, after all), but I can't say I'm entirely happy either... eh, oh well... maybe it's just me.

Of course, that still doesn't change the fact that it was a touching story in its own way, and I enjoyed reading it (even losing sleep over it heheh).

I am disappointed, however, by the decline in Natsuki-sensei's art style towards the end of the series, as I had a hard time recognizing certain characters after a while because they started looking generic due to a lack of distinguishing features. I understand, though, that this might be due to the mangaka's hand surgery, so I let it slide somewhat.

I first encountered Fruits Basket during my middle school years, and nostalgia heavily influences my perspective on this series. Consider yourself forewarned.

Language I read it in: English/Japanese

Story/Characters:

This tale masquerades as a whimsical fantasy rom-com but delves deeply into the themes of abuse and recovery. As characters navigate their trauma to find a path forward, the narrative transitions from light-hearted comedy to serious drama towards its conclusion. The balance between humor and emotional depth remains consistent, allowing readers ample time to connect with and cherish the characters.

Fruits Basket features an extensive cast, yet each character receives meaningful development through their own arcs. While this occasionally means the protagonist may not appear for an entire volume, the ensemble is strong enough that such absences never detract from the story.

Art:

The artwork evolves and stabilizes over the course of the series, which is pleasing to observe. Though not outstanding, it effectively serves its purpose without ever detracting from the narrative, making it more than acceptable.

Warnings:

The series contains significant depictions of child abuse, handled with sensitivity and gravity. However, if even the mere mention of such topics is distressing, this might not be the right read for you. Additionally, there is at least one on-screen death, discussions of suicide, and instances of stabbing and other violent acts towards the end.