Fruits Basket

I'm penning this from the viewpoint of someone who usually dives into action-packed stories - think vampires, bounty hunters, ninjas. Lots of combat, zero mushy moments. That's my usual preference. I decided to give Fruits Basket a read because I found the anime charmingly sweet, in that gentle, sensitive way with a touch of humor. A nice break.

Right off the bat, some issues stood out: occasionally, the speech bubbles were confusing, making it hard to tell who was saying what and in what sequence. But honestly, it wasn't distracting enough to ruin the experience. Also, initially, it seemed to mirror the anime's shortcomings. Tohru, our main protagonist, came across as overly naive and not particularly relatable, solving everyone’s problems while constantly crying or tripping over her own feet. She felt like a classic Mary Sue character. Stopping an abuser with just words? Not very believable.

However, as expected, the manga delves much deeper. Tohru is no longer the typical Mary Sue by the later chapters. You understand why she gets entangled with the cursed boys, and it's not just about being "nice." Her motivations evolve, revealing other feelings at play. You witness her and numerous other characters grow throughout their high school years. You see them let go of dependencies to mature into true adults. Backgrounds that were previously unknown shed new light on their dimensions.

One unforgettable issue is Hana's backstory. Cast out like a witch, burdened with uncontrollable powers. It had a vibe reminiscent of Marvel’s X-Men. Among all the heartwarming volumes of Fruits Basket, that single chapter about Hana brought me to tears.

The artwork and bubble placement were quite puzzling for me, but the overarching story was remarkable. It's a shame the anime didn't progress further along the storyline because there was so much more to offer. The depth of each character is astounding, and I believe anyone would appreciate this series.

This series was fantastic. It was humorous yet deeply dramatic. I became truly engrossed after the first book. The series was intriguing, making me eager to find out what happens next and wonder if "this will happen?" or "that." The main character's innocence is striking, adding to the humor of the series. Each of the Sohma's has a uniquely distinct personality. Initially, it feels like a tragedy, but as you continue reading, you'll experience laughter, tears, and moments of anger over the unfolding events.

--Five Spoiler-Free Reasons Why You Should Read the "Fruits Basket" Series--

1. Characters.
The characters are exceptionally crafted. This series boasts a vast array of characters, and Takaya manages to give each one significant depth without exaggeration. Readers will find themselves deeply connected with every character in this series.

2. Story.
Although marketed as a "romantic comedy," this series transcends simple categorization. Initially reluctant due to its genre label, I found it far from typical romantic comedies. The author describes it as a "domestic drama," which is apt but not fully encompassing. The narrative seamlessly blends humor, heart-touching moments, sorrow, and inspiration. One chapter might have you laughing out loud, while the next plunges into deep darkness. It's a story told for the sake of storytelling, unconcerned with fitting neatly into any specific genre.

3. Complete, Focused Series.
This manga series is relatively short, consisting of only 23 volumes. Every event contributes significantly to characterization, development, and plot. Unlike many ongoing series that stretch indefinitely, Takaya concluded the series thoughtfully, despite its popularity. She could have easily extended it further, showing remarkable restraint.

4. Better than the Anime.
If you enjoyed the anime adaptation, reading the manga will be an even greater delight (though beware, it may lessen your enjoyment of the anime). While I appreciated the anime, the manga offers a richer experience. Characters are more profoundly developed in the books. For instance, Tohru comes across as somewhat preachy in the anime, a trait absent in the manga. Additionally, the anime covers only the first eight books, leaving much of the story untold.
~4a. Side Note About Scanlations.
I wouldn't recommend scanlations. Initially, I sought online fansubs but found them filled with confusing and inaccurate translations. If budget constraints are an issue, look for used copies on Amazon or eBay; that’s how I acquired my collection.

5. The Hype is Justified.
Skeptical about diving into this series due to its hype? Understandable, but in this case, the acclaim is well-deserved. If you're at all curious, give it a try—you won't regret it.

This was one of the first manga series I got into during my early years. I absolutely love it. I have up to book 13, but I read the entire series online. It's incredibly heartwarming and tear-jerking.

Okay, the title might sound a bit silly, but trust me, as you keep reading, it gets better and better. It's so cute yet emotional and inspiring. Each character is relatable; I feel like I know everyone in real life because I can easily find someone who reminds me of Tohru, Arisa, Saki, Shigure, Hatori, and so on.

I don't want to spoil anything, but it's definitely worth reading. Don't just try it—read all of it. There are about 23 books, okay?

Fruit Basket stands out as one of the most unique shoujo manga I've ever encountered. Unlike many others that are light-hearted and carefree, Fruit Basket delves into realistic issues such as abuse, PTSD, depression, social anxiety, and abandonment. It portrays these themes in a remarkably authentic manner.

The central theme revolves around motherhood, with romance taking a backseat. The fact that the main characters share a platonic relationship is what truly sets it apart from other shoujos. The characters are well-crafted, each with depth and significant character development. Our protagonist, Tohru, might initially seem like a clichéd shoujo heroine, but she transcends this stereotype through her profound character development. She isn't just nice for the sake of being nice; there's a deeper reason behind her cheerful demeanor, which unfolds as the story progresses. Similarly, other characters also possess considerable depth, with intriguing parallels drawn between them, adding another layer to appreciate.

Whether it’s romantic or platonic relationships, Fruit Basket depicts them realistically, offering insights into human nature and psychology. Overall, Fruit Basket is a masterpiece. There is so much to discuss and analyze; I could talk about it all day long.

Story: There isn't really a coherent plot. A single idea seems to propel the narrative, but it feels forced. Throughout much of the series, the characters don’t even concentrate on this one issue that barely holds the story together.
Art: While it’s not the best I’ve seen, it's still quite good. The art is clean and original. These kinds of illustrations are enjoyable to look at.
Character: This is one of the main reasons I dislike this manga more than others. Let’s start with the protagonist. Honda is just too perfect. No one on earth can be without flaws. Characters with imperfections are far more engaging and make the story both more enjoyable and realistic. Honda’s perfection makes it hard for me to like him.
Enjoyment: I enjoyed most parts of the story. I loved the humor and the interactions between the characters.
Overall: I would rate it a 6 (fair).

When I was in middle school, I used to rent this manga from the library, but I never finished it because they didn't have all the volumes. Now that I'm an adult, I decided to purchase the collector's edition after receiving a Barnes and Noble gift card for Christmas. I bought and read the entire series within a month. This is the first manga series I've owned and completed.

The story is probably my favorite part of this manga. The synopsis gives a good idea of what it's about. If you enjoy folklore, fantasy, friendship, romance, and overcoming hardship, this story is perfect for you. The way the lives of all the characters intertwine is truly spectacular. It made me laugh, smile, gasp, and cry. I can't say much without spoiling it, but please READ THIS SERIES. The last volumes, chapters, and the ending left me very happy.

This was the first manga I ever read as a child, so I have a soft spot for the art. It's not exactly beautiful, but it's still appealing to the eyes. Many of the girls and younger characters are quite cute, and some of the males are quite handsome. The author broke her hand in the middle of the series, causing a drastic change in the art style, but it was easy to get used to. Personally, I preferred the older style as some characters looked too similar after the change, and some looked better before. However, I understand that it wasn't Takaya's fault. Some people think the art improved after the change, which I can understand since the style matured along with the characters, but my nostalgic self prefers the older style. The colored pictures in the collector's edition books are quite lovely.

There is a plethora of characters in this series, mostly Sohmas, who align with the animals of the Chinese Zodiac. Despite the many characters, I didn't find it difficult to learn their names and personalities. Most characters have distinctive personalities, making their interactions quite fun. Most (if not all) of the characters have been through extreme hardship. Even the ones who seem cruel still make you feel sympathetic for them. I can honestly say that many of these characters inspire me to be a better person. At a certain point in the story, new characters are introduced at school, and I struggled a bit to figure out their names and stories. I wish there had been more background on some characters, but the series can't go on forever. The character development is pretty great for most of the characters.

I spent a majority of this series crying tears of sadness and joy. This series will take you on an emotional roller coaster while telling an interesting story. I can honestly say it's a spectacular manga series, and I will probably reread it again and again. I have to give it a 10/10. (This is my first review, so I hope it's okay!)

I absolutely loved this manga. Being the first anime I ever watched, I felt compelled to dive into its manga counterpart, and I'm so glad I did. There are no regrets here; it's simply fantastic. Each character comes with their own backstory and unique personality traits, making them incredibly well-developed. Reading this, I found myself laughing out loud at times and shedding a tear or two at others. By the time I finished, there were no loose ends left untied—I felt thoroughly satisfied. The storyline itself is captivating and refreshingly different, incorporating elements of romance that I truly appreciated.

Highly recommended. :)

(Apologies if this review seems scattered; I just wrapped up reading and wanted to jot down my thoughts right away, haha~)

Fruits Basket stands out as the most remarkable manga I have ever read and likely will ever read. It surpasses all my experiences with both manga and anime. Having gone through 22 of the 23 volumes, I can confidently declare it as my absolute favorite without any hesitation. The narrative is a perfect blend of romance, drama, and comedy—a love story torn apart by intense drama yet held together with moments of comic relief scattered throughout.

The depth of emotions and feelings conveyed in the story left me utterly astounded. It's the kind of tale that makes you traverse a spectrum of emotions, but ultimately leaves you feeling fulfilled. This effect is heightened by the exquisite artwork, which helps evoke your own emotions as you observe the expressions in each character’s eyes. As the volumes progress, witnessing the characters grow both in appearance and personality adds to the enjoyment. The details become increasingly captivating as you reflect on how much the characters have evolved from the first volume to the last.

Fruits Basket isn't just another manga you casually read online. Since obtaining the first volume, my ambition has been to own every single one. It's a profoundly deep story that keeps you engaged and offers insights you can apply to your own life and thought process. Each character possesses a distinct look, personality, backstory, and dynamic changes that make the reading experience even more delightful. Over the course of reading, I've experienced laughter, tears, blushing, anger, joy, and a myriad of other emotions. Volumes 1-22 proudly sit on my shelf while my other manga collections remain stored away elsewhere. Soon, volume 23 will join them to complete my set. Fruits Basket is incredible and highly recommended for anyone who appreciates a dynamic story filled with highs and lows, predominantly highs. Once I finish the series, Fruits Basket will undoubtedly be a manga I revisit, pulling it off my shelf whenever I need an emotional release.

This manga is essentially a source of happiness. Whenever you're feeling low and need something to uplift your spirits, dive into this story. I've read it in its entirety at least seven times and still find joy in every page. Each character is wonderfully crafted, with their own purposes, goals, and dreams, all constrained by a curse that limits their basic human interactions. If the final chapters don't fill you with sheer joy, then I'm not sure what will. Watching characters who have endured immense hardships finally break free from their pain and discover happiness is truly the best experience ever.

Let me tell you about Fruits Basket. This manga places a curse on a family that transforms them into Zodiac animals upon physical contact with someone of the opposite sex. It sounds amusing until you realize these people just want to live normal lives but can't. Even the one who plays God is genuinely sad, yearning for happiness but unable to achieve it due to an ancient curse that was never meant to be a curse.

Seeing these characters navigate their problems and overcome their curse is heartwarming. The backstory of the curse that started everything is my favorite element in all of manga. Now, I feel like reading it again.

As a side note: never, EVER watch the anime adaptation. It's terrible and ends at the worst possible moment without providing any satisfying conclusion.

I adored nearly every aspect of Fruits Basket, or Furuba. The storyline was thrilling, enriched with numerous intriguing subplots and abundant background details for each character. Natsuki Takaya's artistic style is something I greatly appreciate, with each character being distinct yet sharing some common traits. The series features a vast array of main characters, making it unique as I've never encountered a manga (or anime) that revolves around the zodiac.

Although delving into the painful pasts of the characters can sometimes be unsettling, it adds to their realism and vitality. I admire how each character has a small emblem that symbolizes them, and the series continually surprises with unforeseen twists. Overall, this might just be my all-time favorite manga series, and I eagerly look forward to finishing it soon.

-kemmec

Love, Love, Love this manga so much, and I haven't even watched the anime yet. I've re-read the manga twice already and can't wait to start the anime very soon. The reason I enjoyed this manga so much is due to its captivating storyline and intricate relationships. Every chapter brings a new surprise, evoking a myriad of emotions and creating a deep connection with the characters.

The diverse relationships between each character, combined with their unique personalities, make this an incredibly entertaining manga that I believe anyone can enjoy. It's a solid 10/10 in my book.

Thank you for reading my review. If you're feeling adventurous, go read Fruits Basket!

-Sid (a.k.a shiotanagisa1515)