Hitsuji no Uta

I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed this manga. Despite not being a fan of horror or depressing series, I decided to give it a try after seeing a recommendation that mentioned vampires.

To be honest, I'm not quite sure how to review this. There's something about the story that captivates you and doesn't let go until the very end. The narrative is fabulous, maintaining a steady pace throughout the volumes without ever becoming confusing or boring.

The artwork is stunning. It's not your typical shoujo or shounen style; instead, it resembles something from an older horror book. It's absolutely beautiful. Chizuna looks almost like a painted doll in some frames, as if she doesn't quite belong where she is.

Character development is also excellent for a seven-volume manga. The characters start out interesting, but as you read on, you uncover more layers and discover their complexity.

In terms of enjoyment, I was completely engrossed throughout the entire series. It was delightful, keeping me interested and curious about what would happen next. I'll likely re-read the story several times in the coming months.

Overall, the story was a wonderful journey. I enjoyed it so much that I plan to purchase the books for my collection. If you appreciate psychological themes and bittersweet endings, I highly recommend it.

Some additional notes:

When I mentioned vampires, it's not in the literal sense. The main characters, Kazuna and Chizuna, have a disease that makes them crave blood to the point of violence. Hence the 'vampire' label. If you're looking for traditional vampires with bats and sunlight aversion, this isn't for you.

There is some light incest in the manga. The only physical interaction is kissing, but if that bothers you, you might want to avoid it. They are related but haven't been in contact since they were young, so they're essentially strangers.

If you've finished chapter 46 and like its ending, do not read chapter 47. I wish I hadn't read it because it slightly soured my opinion of the series. There's an author's note in the Tokyopop versions explaining the 47th chapter, but I think stopping at chapter 46 is better. It has a good ending.

Quite frankly, I was taken aback by how engrossing this manga turned out to be. It's typically only the exceptionally good yet lesser-known mangas that manage to pull me in this deeply. Any attempt I make to describe Hitsuji no Uta probably won't do it justice, but I'll give it a shot anyway.

The characters are incredibly dynamic, and impressively so. Throughout the narrative, they evolve, mature, take steps forward, retreat, and then advance again. Nothing in this manga feels entirely certain; it seems to lack the usual stereotypes and definitive actions that many other mangas tend to have (which isn't to say those aren't good, but something completely devoid of them is quite refreshing). While I'm not particularly fond of happy endings, this manga blends tragedy with a satisfying conclusion in a way that pleases fans of both genres.

I picked it up on a whim after reading Toume Kei's Kurogane twice, but the artwork still managed to astonish me. It retains the same dark atmosphere while adding an extra layer of sophistication through cleaner lines.

This manga overwhelms me in every aspect; describing it is quite challenging. It's akin to discovering a treasure buried under a pile of junk. When you're tired of mainstream titles like Naruto or Bleach and crave something darker and more sophisticated, this manga will not disappoint.

The manga may not boast a stellar script or art, but it undoubtedly delivers on its role as a melancholic tale.

This is because the story doesn't focus on the theme of "vampires," but rather on the profound sadness of witnessing a loved one suffer from an incurable disease, the overwhelming sense of helplessness and sorrow in the face of an unchangeable reality.

Death is portrayed in a natural manner, and you can foresee the outcome by the middle of the manga. It’s a quick read that prompts reflection on life and existentialism, though it lacks the depth found in works like Neon Genesis.

The manga is certainly enjoyable if you appreciate this type of sad, nihilistic narrative, albeit presented in a somewhat superficial and ordinary fashion.

I give it a general score of 7, mainly because I have a fondness for reading sad stories.

Peace out <3

Everybody already pointed this out in other reviews, but there's something captivating about this story that keeps you hooked, even if it seems slow. You'll find yourself entertained regardless.

The tragedy genre permeates the entire narrative subtly. Navigating through the panels feels like wading in lightly clouded water. The story maintains a good pace and consistency, though the understated Shakespearean storytelling might frustrate some readers. I found it tolerable given the romantic-vampiric-tragedy theme.

The artwork is decent, with my favorite aspect being the use of visual elements such as Chizuna’s beauty as a sub-theme and the portrayal of her relationship with Kazuna through textless panels. It creates an intimate space untouched by others’ judgments or labels.

The characters' strengths lie prominently in Chizuna and Kazuna, particularly in how they handle their circumstances. This aspect resonated deeply with me.

The quote "We are lambs with wolves' fangs and wolves' hunger..." left a bittersweet aftertaste at the end, even as the final chapter tried to reconcile the unfortunate nature of the tale.

I enjoy bittersweet stories, and this one fits the bill perfectly. The pacing was just right—not too fast nor too slow—and the length felt appropriate. The artwork could have been better, but considering its time of creation, it's acceptable. I particularly liked Chizuna’s character design. As for the narrative style, it isn't my preferred method, so I’d rate it a 7.

Hitsuji no Uta offers a compelling psychological drama centered around a cursed family and their intricate interpersonal relationships. While many of the main characters can be melodramatic, especially the painter, the sister stands out as the most fascinating and multifaceted character. The artwork is commendable too, effectively complementing the story's tone without detracting from the experience.

However, the primary flaw lies in the author's decision to reset the entire narrative with the final chapter. It’s akin to watching a film only to discover at the end that it was all just a dream. All the character development, growth, and emotional investment built up throughout the series are rendered meaningless.

If not for that last chapter, I would rate this manga around a 6, appreciating its interesting albeit exaggerated characters and plot developments. But because the conclusion undermines everything that came before, I wish I had never read it in the first place.

If you're on the fence about picking it up, let me simplify your decision with just three words: "JUST READ IT."

Yes, it truly is that good. This story is an experience you don't want to miss. Don't be swayed by its horror or other genre tags; dive right in. It will evoke every emotion imaginable and leave you heartbroken. But then, it offers a balm for that pain.

I intended to keep this review brief, but the captivating nature of the manga wouldn't allow it. So here are more teasers about the Manga:

The pacing is impeccable, with a well-distributed narrative across the volumes. It never feels rushed or dragging. The characters are fully developed, not half-baked.

The storyline moves with purpose and direction, culminating in a satisfying conclusion.

So, yes, you, the one reading this review, do us all a favor—stop wasting time and start reading it now! XD