I would give this manga a solid 9, but until I see more development in the future chapters, I'll hold off on rating it that highly.
Story - 9
The plot initially appears childish and slow-paced, and it remains deliberate even in the latest chapters. However, many questions are starting to be answered in the newest installments. Despite its seemingly silly premise at first glance, the story takes a darker turn as it progresses.
Art - 8
While it's not the best-drawn manga I've encountered, if you can overlook some inconsistencies in character designs, the artwork isn't bad. The visuals are serviceable and contribute adequately to the storytelling.
Characters - 8
If you dislike crybabies, Lag might not be your favorite character. Although his emotional tendencies are later explained, I appreciate seeing a male character express vulnerability. Niche, on the other hand, disappoints me due to her lack of growth throughout the series. I hope the story doesn't devolve into a juvenile romance, given the characters' young age. Gauche/Noir's development is quite enjoyable, though. While not all supporting characters are as well-developed as the main ones, the author is making strides, especially evident in recent chapters.
Enjoyment - 8
This manga demands patience. It's not something you'll immediately enjoy, but with time, its appeal grows. If you stick with it, the experience becomes far more rewarding.
Overall - 8
I may update this review later, as the manga shows great potential. It just requires time to fully develop, and I'm eager to see how the author will shape the story moving forward.
Tegami Bachi is decent. It starts off a little slow and ends rather abruptly, but these aspects don't significantly detract from the experience because you'll likely figure out the main mystery well before the characters do. What makes this manga truly worth reading is its world—a unique, captivating, yet consistent one.
When I delve into more conventional shounen, I often jot down mature elements and imagine what a seinen series centered around them might look like. With Tegami Bachi, this exercise yields unexpected results—this manga doesn't offer a middle ground. There's the plot, focused on the 12-year-old protagonist, with all the friends, dreams, and heartfelt moments, and then there's the bleak world filled with secrets so convoluted that they probably wouldn't even work in a more serious adaptation; everyone would have already perished. Not that this dichotomy isn't highlighted by the author himself: the older, more jaded cast does devise their own plan to save the world, which is, well, peculiar. These two threads somewhat collide—when the deaths of comrades are quickly downplayed—and complement each other—when it's easy to see why a bit of kindness would be valuable in a world like theirs.
It's not as though dark fantasy reigns unopposed in the world of Tegami Bachi: after all, it has its own metaphysics, centered around "heart," including the human heart. Heart is essentially the most crucial source of energy in their world. That's what I mean when I talk about consistency—everything of significance is heart-related: letters contain heart, Bees deliver letters, use heart to fight, monsters crave heart, etc. The world is also visually memorable, given the unconventional lighting, post-apocalyptic "moonscapes," star symbolism, and occasional bold fairytale-like designs.
The artwork is quite commendable. I didn't expect it to resonate with me, but it flows surprisingly well, with numerous stunning panels. The landscapes, Bee uniforms, and gear stand out as the better parts, while the enemies (bugs are bugs) are more mundane. The characters are a mixed bag; everyone looks overly sweet and somewhat alike.
There are three things about Tegami Bachi that potential readers should be aware of:
- First, Tegami Bachi is replete with crying, speeches about heart, and tearjerker moments. All these elements are plot-driven and world-motivated, and the tearjerkers are highly effective (I did shed a few tears, though perhaps my age makes me sentimental). Nevertheless, I feel compelled to warn you about attempts to tug at your empathy.
- Second, combat in Tegami Bachi involves heart bullets, and the side effect of any shot is a leak of heart, where people witness each other's memories and feelings. Somehow, this always aids the situation. However, the battles aren't exactly coherent or suspenseful as a result.
- And there are some distasteful elements, such as the sexualization of the aide to the main character, who appears loli-like and frequently jumps around without pants for comedic relief. She disrupts immersion even when dressed appropriately.
I can't say I'm particularly fond of the main cast. The manga deserves credit for presenting a low-key environment: Bees are technically postal officers, not superheroes. Their work allows them to meet many people, making the manga resemble a procedural at times. Side-characters are generally enjoyable and well-developed. Yet, the main character feels a bit too predictable and saccharine, and the relationships among the main characters lack conflict—all forces of attraction are quickly stifled, which, in my opinion, renders the interactions a bit bland.
The central tropes may not appeal to everyone: special kids are special, chance meetings (the most important characters simply bump into each other), and following one's inspirational figure (one of the major plotlines, if not the main one, revolves around a group of people trying to find one cool guy).
The plot gains momentum around the 30th chapter, and the ending feels rushed, possibly due to a chapter limit imposed on the manga. What captured my attention was the desire to explore more of the world, not the characters or plot, honestly. Yet, amidst it all, some genuinely powerful moments arise, like when a giant monster horrifically drains people's hearts from the sky or a bullet reveals that a character inside his heart stands alone and hopeless under the rain, allowing people to connect with him to alleviate his grief.
Structurally and by virtue of some characters, Tegami Bachi is a typical shounen, yet it leans so heavily towards friendship over battles that it begins to stand apart. Tegami Bachi may not be something that should be in your first dozen titles, but it's an intriguing read worth checking out if you're looking for different settings, striking high-contrast art, and perhaps an opportunity to shed heartfelt tears.
Not the most satisfying ending, but it's a great emotional story overall. The characters are interesting, especially for a kids' comic, and while there are a few clichés, it's not overly so. Additionally, I'd say this is a tasteful manga; I'd feel confident that a kid or young teen reading it wouldn't develop behaviors that could be demeaning or inappropriate towards others. The world-building is very cool, and every aspect of the plot and characters aligns with it, making it feel like a real world. I was really invested in it when I was around 13. I still come back to it for its stunning art! I'm struggling to think of a manga artist whose style I like more than Hiroyuki Asada's. He's incredibly skillful at line art, which perfectly matches the somber, mystical world of Tegami Bachi. And the color art is amazing too. Since I highly value art and world-building, that's why I'm giving it a 9. I would expect someone who doesn't appreciate art and world-building as much to give this series a lower score. <p>
"You're the first man who's ever made me wear pants" - Niche
If a line like that by the second chapter doesn't strike your attention as amusing, then Letter Bee (or Tegami Bachi in Japanese) may not be the manga for you.
I was first drawn to this manga through the anime adaptation's first season, which had recently aired. My curiosity about what happened after episode 25 led me to continue reading.
Story - 8
Without giving away spoilers, Tegami Bachi offers a unique narrative that stands out from the usual school-life stories common in today's manga. While you might notice some character traits reminiscent of other series (from hair that transforms into swords to 'special' eye powers), Tegami Bachi provides a fresh perspective on storytelling. We are introduced to a post-apocalyptic world called AmberGround, where an "endless night" governs over a man-made sun. Towns are few and far between, and the only means of communication between them is through letters or parcels delivered by the Letter Bees—government-employed couriers entrusted with carrying the population’s emotions and 'hearts.' If, like me, you initially thought how exciting could a postman's story possibly be? You'll soon realize it's not just about mail delivery but the emotions tied to those letters. There's also plenty of shōnen action in Tegami Bachi, as outside the towns of AmberGround lie giant insect-like monsters known as Gaichuu, which only the Letter Bees can defeat. Postman Pat meets Mad Max, perhaps?
Art - 8
The artwork can be visually stunning at times, and the fight scenes are clear and easy to follow panel by panel, which is rare for action manga where fights often require multiple readings to fully understand. The post-apocalyptic setting breathes life into the story, adding emotional depth to each character and highlighting the hardships of living in AmberGround. Although Hiroyuki Asada, the creator of Tegami Bachi, isn't widely recognized (his previous works were unknown to me), his storytelling is certainly noteworthy, having captured audiences enough to warrant an anime adaptation.
Character - 7
In the world of Tegami Bachi, we meet the Letter Bees and their traveling companions, known as 'dingoes.' Each Letter Bee is equipped with Shindajuus (heart bullet guns), the only weapons capable of defeating Gaichuu. Alongside the main character, Lag Seeing, each Bee has their own unique backstory. What truly captivated me were the dingoes, the companions of the Bees. Dingoes come in all shapes and forms, fighting alongside their Bees—from pet dogs to wild panther-like creatures to seasoned mercenaries who fight if the Bee can pay them. They also serve as trackers, a common trait among most dingoes. One dingo I particularly enjoyed is Niche, Lag's personal dingo. Despite appearing human, Niche is not. Known as "the Golden Sword," she can manipulate her hair into blades, similar to Eve from Kentaro Yabuki’s Black Cat, albeit in a younger loli-body. With the innocence of a newborn child, Niche's personality and curiosity provide ongoing humor and cuteness throughout the series. Other characters in Tegami Bachi are equally unique and emotionally engaging.
The reason my score is a 7 instead of an 8 or 9 (which some might find biased) is due to one character's excessive display of being a nake-mushi (crybaby). I'm unsure where the author was going with that aspect, as the heartfelt emotions portrayed by other characters were sufficient without the main character needing to add to it in nearly every chapter.
Enjoyment - 7
While I wouldn't say it's one of the best reads I've had in the past year, I can confidently recommend Tegami Bachi for readers of all ages. Like most shōnen series, it starts off slowly, but as you delve deeper into the world of AmberGround and its inhabitants, Tegami Bachi becomes an enjoyable read, perfect for passing the time or for those eagerly awaiting the second season of the anime adaptation.
Popular Reviews
Story - 9
The plot initially appears childish and slow-paced, and it remains deliberate even in the latest chapters. However, many questions are starting to be answered in the newest installments. Despite its seemingly silly premise at first glance, the story takes a darker turn as it progresses.
Art - 8
While it's not the best-drawn manga I've encountered, if you can overlook some inconsistencies in character designs, the artwork isn't bad. The visuals are serviceable and contribute adequately to the storytelling.
Characters - 8
If you dislike crybabies, Lag might not be your favorite character. Although his emotional tendencies are later explained, I appreciate seeing a male character express vulnerability. Niche, on the other hand, disappoints me due to her lack of growth throughout the series. I hope the story doesn't devolve into a juvenile romance, given the characters' young age. Gauche/Noir's development is quite enjoyable, though. While not all supporting characters are as well-developed as the main ones, the author is making strides, especially evident in recent chapters.
Enjoyment - 8
This manga demands patience. It's not something you'll immediately enjoy, but with time, its appeal grows. If you stick with it, the experience becomes far more rewarding.
Overall - 8
I may update this review later, as the manga shows great potential. It just requires time to fully develop, and I'm eager to see how the author will shape the story moving forward.
When I delve into more conventional shounen, I often jot down mature elements and imagine what a seinen series centered around them might look like. With Tegami Bachi, this exercise yields unexpected results—this manga doesn't offer a middle ground. There's the plot, focused on the 12-year-old protagonist, with all the friends, dreams, and heartfelt moments, and then there's the bleak world filled with secrets so convoluted that they probably wouldn't even work in a more serious adaptation; everyone would have already perished. Not that this dichotomy isn't highlighted by the author himself: the older, more jaded cast does devise their own plan to save the world, which is, well, peculiar. These two threads somewhat collide—when the deaths of comrades are quickly downplayed—and complement each other—when it's easy to see why a bit of kindness would be valuable in a world like theirs.
It's not as though dark fantasy reigns unopposed in the world of Tegami Bachi: after all, it has its own metaphysics, centered around "heart," including the human heart. Heart is essentially the most crucial source of energy in their world. That's what I mean when I talk about consistency—everything of significance is heart-related: letters contain heart, Bees deliver letters, use heart to fight, monsters crave heart, etc. The world is also visually memorable, given the unconventional lighting, post-apocalyptic "moonscapes," star symbolism, and occasional bold fairytale-like designs.
The artwork is quite commendable. I didn't expect it to resonate with me, but it flows surprisingly well, with numerous stunning panels. The landscapes, Bee uniforms, and gear stand out as the better parts, while the enemies (bugs are bugs) are more mundane. The characters are a mixed bag; everyone looks overly sweet and somewhat alike.
There are three things about Tegami Bachi that potential readers should be aware of:
- First, Tegami Bachi is replete with crying, speeches about heart, and tearjerker moments. All these elements are plot-driven and world-motivated, and the tearjerkers are highly effective (I did shed a few tears, though perhaps my age makes me sentimental). Nevertheless, I feel compelled to warn you about attempts to tug at your empathy.
- Second, combat in Tegami Bachi involves heart bullets, and the side effect of any shot is a leak of heart, where people witness each other's memories and feelings. Somehow, this always aids the situation. However, the battles aren't exactly coherent or suspenseful as a result.
- And there are some distasteful elements, such as the sexualization of the aide to the main character, who appears loli-like and frequently jumps around without pants for comedic relief. She disrupts immersion even when dressed appropriately.
I can't say I'm particularly fond of the main cast. The manga deserves credit for presenting a low-key environment: Bees are technically postal officers, not superheroes. Their work allows them to meet many people, making the manga resemble a procedural at times. Side-characters are generally enjoyable and well-developed. Yet, the main character feels a bit too predictable and saccharine, and the relationships among the main characters lack conflict—all forces of attraction are quickly stifled, which, in my opinion, renders the interactions a bit bland.
The central tropes may not appeal to everyone: special kids are special, chance meetings (the most important characters simply bump into each other), and following one's inspirational figure (one of the major plotlines, if not the main one, revolves around a group of people trying to find one cool guy).
The plot gains momentum around the 30th chapter, and the ending feels rushed, possibly due to a chapter limit imposed on the manga. What captured my attention was the desire to explore more of the world, not the characters or plot, honestly. Yet, amidst it all, some genuinely powerful moments arise, like when a giant monster horrifically drains people's hearts from the sky or a bullet reveals that a character inside his heart stands alone and hopeless under the rain, allowing people to connect with him to alleviate his grief.
Structurally and by virtue of some characters, Tegami Bachi is a typical shounen, yet it leans so heavily towards friendship over battles that it begins to stand apart. Tegami Bachi may not be something that should be in your first dozen titles, but it's an intriguing read worth checking out if you're looking for different settings, striking high-contrast art, and perhaps an opportunity to shed heartfelt tears.
If a line like that by the second chapter doesn't strike your attention as amusing, then Letter Bee (or Tegami Bachi in Japanese) may not be the manga for you.
I was first drawn to this manga through the anime adaptation's first season, which had recently aired. My curiosity about what happened after episode 25 led me to continue reading.
Story - 8
Without giving away spoilers, Tegami Bachi offers a unique narrative that stands out from the usual school-life stories common in today's manga. While you might notice some character traits reminiscent of other series (from hair that transforms into swords to 'special' eye powers), Tegami Bachi provides a fresh perspective on storytelling. We are introduced to a post-apocalyptic world called AmberGround, where an "endless night" governs over a man-made sun. Towns are few and far between, and the only means of communication between them is through letters or parcels delivered by the Letter Bees—government-employed couriers entrusted with carrying the population’s emotions and 'hearts.' If, like me, you initially thought how exciting could a postman's story possibly be? You'll soon realize it's not just about mail delivery but the emotions tied to those letters. There's also plenty of shōnen action in Tegami Bachi, as outside the towns of AmberGround lie giant insect-like monsters known as Gaichuu, which only the Letter Bees can defeat. Postman Pat meets Mad Max, perhaps?
Art - 8
The artwork can be visually stunning at times, and the fight scenes are clear and easy to follow panel by panel, which is rare for action manga where fights often require multiple readings to fully understand. The post-apocalyptic setting breathes life into the story, adding emotional depth to each character and highlighting the hardships of living in AmberGround. Although Hiroyuki Asada, the creator of Tegami Bachi, isn't widely recognized (his previous works were unknown to me), his storytelling is certainly noteworthy, having captured audiences enough to warrant an anime adaptation.
Character - 7
In the world of Tegami Bachi, we meet the Letter Bees and their traveling companions, known as 'dingoes.' Each Letter Bee is equipped with Shindajuus (heart bullet guns), the only weapons capable of defeating Gaichuu. Alongside the main character, Lag Seeing, each Bee has their own unique backstory. What truly captivated me were the dingoes, the companions of the Bees. Dingoes come in all shapes and forms, fighting alongside their Bees—from pet dogs to wild panther-like creatures to seasoned mercenaries who fight if the Bee can pay them. They also serve as trackers, a common trait among most dingoes. One dingo I particularly enjoyed is Niche, Lag's personal dingo. Despite appearing human, Niche is not. Known as "the Golden Sword," she can manipulate her hair into blades, similar to Eve from Kentaro Yabuki’s Black Cat, albeit in a younger loli-body. With the innocence of a newborn child, Niche's personality and curiosity provide ongoing humor and cuteness throughout the series. Other characters in Tegami Bachi are equally unique and emotionally engaging.
The reason my score is a 7 instead of an 8 or 9 (which some might find biased) is due to one character's excessive display of being a nake-mushi (crybaby). I'm unsure where the author was going with that aspect, as the heartfelt emotions portrayed by other characters were sufficient without the main character needing to add to it in nearly every chapter.
Enjoyment - 7
While I wouldn't say it's one of the best reads I've had in the past year, I can confidently recommend Tegami Bachi for readers of all ages. Like most shōnen series, it starts off slowly, but as you delve deeper into the world of AmberGround and its inhabitants, Tegami Bachi becomes an enjoyable read, perfect for passing the time or for those eagerly awaiting the second season of the anime adaptation.
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