The Alpha's soulmate

Seriously, where's the unlimited ultimate after chapter 700?

Lol

do you still want the answer haha

when are you going to update the other chapters

enjoyed this read

Oniisama E is a beautiful, classic shojo manga that is definitely worth reading, particularly for those interested in the evolution of the yuri genre, as I think it had a significant influence on other series.  

I adore Riyoko Ikeda's traditional shojo art style, with its large eyes and dramatic tears. I'm utterly fascinated by how she portrays masculine female characters! They genuinely look like butch women! And the 70s fashion is stunning.  

(The one aspect that initially puzzled me about the artwork was the frequent use of solid black backgrounds purely for effect. I'm accustomed to black backgrounds behind panels indicating flashbacks, which led to some confusion in the first few chapters as I kept assuming I was jumping back in time when, in fact, the background held no such meaning... haha.)  

The plot is EXTREMELY melodramatic, and the series concludes rather abruptly with a bittersweet ending. There are no happily-ever-afters here, but I didn't find the sorrow overwhelming. It was refreshing that the angst wasn't centered around "I love her, but we're both girls" or similar themes. Instead, it's a fervent tale of high school first love that ends tragically.  

For a quick read that immerses you in the dramas and intense relationships of an all-girls high school, Oniisama E is one I highly recommend setting aside a day for. I hope this series gets officially licensed in English someday because I'd love to have a physical copy.

"Oniisama e... is a renowned shoujo manga from the '70s, crafted by the gifted Ikeda Riyoko. While the anime, which is equally fantastic in its own right, may be more popular in the West, the manga is equally remarkable.

The narrative of Dear Brother centers on the first-year adventures of Misonoo Nanako, a gentle and innocent girl who has just entered Seiran High School, an all-girls private institution. Writing letters to her former teacher, whom she regards as a brother, about her school life, Nanako soon discovers that school life isn't all rosy.

The manga delves into numerous very real, and even controversial themes (for the time it was published). With the elite sorority at the school, girls will go to any lengths to gain entry, leading to broken friendships, jealousy, verbal bullying, and gossiping behind one's back. This atmosphere of competition and animosity affects Nanako as she struggles to cope with it all. We also witness some darker aspects within the school—prohibited, sometimes even destructive love, capable of ruining someone and driving them to depression to the point of self-harm, drug use, family connections, and family secrets such as betrayal, infidelity, and illegitimate children... All of this is depicted in Dear Brother, delivered masterfully.

Regarding the characters, we have several main ones, with Nanako being the central figure. Her personality is that of a kind, caring girl. However, exposed to harsh bullying and the sick sorority, which essentially serves as a sort of old-fashioned "class system," being the most elite and beautiful yet ugly and hollow inside, sometimes even outright cruel, she changes and matures faster because of it. She also falls in love for the first time, grappling with complex thoughts about whether the love she feels is right and if it's acceptable to love other girls.

Shinoubo Mariko is introduced at the start as a jealous girl who falls in love with Nanako and will do anything to protect her and have her all to herself. She is a complex character who undergoes significant changes throughout the manga, suffering from her dishonorable family ties and her feelings towards others.

We see a lot of focus on the three most popular girls in the school. Fukiku Miya, the head of the sorority, is a very proud woman, sometimes even to the point of cruelty. She has many secret motives behind her actions and places herself above everyone else. Asaka Rei, known as "Saint Just-sama," is initially portrayed as very cold, but as we read, we uncover more about her and the reasons that led her to drug use and her past, suffering from being unaccepted by the only person she loved. And Kauro no Kimi, presented as the nicest and having the strongest sense of justice among the three, resists the existence of the sorority and has secrets of her own...

There are a few minor characters that contribute to developing the story and the character development of the main ones, resulting in character growth for all the girls.

When examining the art, well, it can't be said to be the best thing ever. For me, this old shoujo art style (sparks and big eyes) isn't particularly appealing. The lack of backgrounds can also be bothersome, but the great story compensates for it. The author excels at presenting character expressions and has a knack for dramatic effects (effects like shattered glass alongside a shocked character's face, the reactions of the characters are all highly dramatic), fitting perfectly with the tone of the manga. The character design itself is okay, I guess, although the author has always had a preference for good-looking girls who often resemble men, which isn't my thing. Other girls' appearances are also decent, with hair designed smoothly.

Overall, this is an excellent manga that manages to cover a wide range of different real topics (even if some are somewhat dramatic and not everyone can experience/relate to them) in a wonderful setting and dark atmosphere. A private high school for only girls creates a truly magnificent backdrop, regardless of whether it involves Yuri or not. The ending itself felt a bit lacking to me; it fits this kind of manga overall, but it is too abrupt, like "boom, end. Can't do anything about it." Although it bothered me, it didn't feel entirely terrible, though I'll leave that judgment to you. Enjoy the manga, enjoy the anime, both are great."

With all respect to the small yet devoted fanbase that continues to keep this nearly 50-year-old series alive, "Dear Brother" stands as a forgotten—or perhaps overlooked—classic. It provides a unique and exhilarating perspective on the evolution of Shoujo as a serious narrative form. At its heart, great Drama and Romance are not just about situations but the characters who drive and respond to them. "Dear Brother" excels in this regard, featuring an engaging protagonist with a deep self-awareness of her desires, alongside a compelling supporting cast capable of evoking both fear and affection.

This subtly anti-authoritarian tale is presented dynamically through Ikeda's still avant-garde panel layouts and dramatic compositions, serving as an inspiration for the future of manga and comics. However, this strength can also be a weakness; characters are so frequently depicted with exaggerated expressions and striking angles that it becomes challenging to distinguish fleeting reactions from moments of genuine despair, resulting in a somewhat monotonous tone.

"Dear Brother" encapsulates some of the more troubling aspects of Shoujo and Yuri genres, yet I contend that while certain themes are handled imperfectly, many scenes demonstrate more sensitivity than what is often seen today, within or outside these genres. Rei Asaka's substance abuse storyline occasionally borders on parody, but few modern narratives tackle teenage addiction with the gravity it demands—a challenge "Dear Brother" confronts head-on. Additionally, "Dear Brother" succeeds as a Yuri story even before the genre's conventions were established. Nanako explores her feelings for Rei both within and beyond their relationship, suggesting her attraction to women will likely persist beyond the manga's conclusion. While I don't claim "Dear Brother" is a flawless exploration of gender and sexuality, Ikeda's passion and authenticity elevate it above many contemporary stories with similar themes.

In summary, I would love to see more manga enthusiasts engage with "Dear Brother" seriously, regardless of their interest in Shoujo or Yuri. For this reason, I recommend this series to anyone willing to delve into its darker and complex subject matter.  

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