Moon Lovers: Craving For My Fake Vampire Mate

"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.

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>

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.

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.

"hidden gem, but not really." This is how Tegamibachi can be described.  

CHARACTERS:  

- Lag, the protagonist, is characterized by his empathy. While some might label him a crybaby, his emotional responses are appropriate given the circumstances he faces. He balances his vulnerability with initiative.  

- Gauche shines as the standout character, with his amnesia handled exceptionally well. Instead of resetting after regaining his memory, his old and new memories merge, creating an internal struggle between loyalty to the Letter Bees, the protagonists, and his ties to the Reverse group, the antagonists.  

Niche's character isn't inherently flawed, but the author's portrayal of her is problematic and inconsistent. Her background as a trafficking victim and her trust issues are overshadowed by unnecessary fanservice scenes, which ironically contradict the arc focused on these themes. Thankfully, such scenes decrease in frequency as the story progresses.  

Story:  

The manga's opening and middle sections are enthralling, filled with mystery and suspense. The mysteries in the narrative are like a hydra; just when one issue seems resolved, new complications arise. The story effectively integrates past events and characters into later chapters.  

HOWEVER, the story falters in the final 30 chapters, leaving readers confused. It appears the author may have faced editorial pressures or cancellation threats, resulting in a rushed and poorly paced conclusion.  

Several plot points are introduced but left unresolved, such as Zaji's sudden trust issues despite being one of the most open and sociable characters. The ending raises more questions than it answers, leaving a desire for a proper epilogue to address loose ends.  

TLDR:  

Tegamibachi starts strong and maintains momentum through the middle, but stumbles toward the end. It becomes cluttered with fast pacing and unresolved plot points, leading to an unsatisfying conclusion.  

Beginning 7/10  
Middle 7/10  
Ending 0/10  

Overall, this story ranges from a low 7 at best to a 5 at worst. You should only read it if you're okay with a disappointing ending.

This is my first review, and I write this because many people seem to overlook this manga. It's not the most popular, and in my opinion, critics were unnecessarily harsh. And I consider myself quite picky.<br /><br />

8 Story: The narrative is solid with a relaxed pace. Overall, the story is quite good, and I have no complaints there.<br /><br />

10 Art: The art is simply fantastic. While it may not be the most detailed, the world-building of AmberGround and its presentation are truly awesome. With the eternal night setting, you get really cool shadowing and lighting contrasts, and reading the panels gives you chills. I've read many well-drawn mangas, but I've never seen one with such a cozy feeling in how the characters and scenery are depicted. Additionally, the fights and enemies look very epic. The art is probably the strongest point of the manga.<br /><br />

9 Characters: The main cast is highly enjoyable, with Lag and Niche as the primary characters. They don't act too surprisingly but are always fun to watch and never annoying. However, the side characters truly shine. All of them are really cool and never feel hollow like in most other mangas. Even minor side characters get their moment to shine. So, it happens that some of my favorite side characters are from this manga (I just love Zazie and Jiggy Pepper).<br /><br />

10: It's pretty clear that I thoroughly enjoyed the manga. I've never read anything similar to it; it's truly a unique masterpiece that stands out with style and class.<br /><br />

10: Overall: Read it (if you're cool).

Despite its flaws, Tegamibachi's positives are more than enough for me to recommend it to someone.  

Let's begin with what Tegamibachi does well:  
- The main cast is interesting, and the character development and interactions are really good. Each character has a relatively fleshed-out backstory that drives them forward. Gauche's issue is handled very well and really emphasizes that the heart is what matters most in this story. There are a lot of tearjerker moments and many heartwarming ones, even revolving around characters you'll see only once. People have complained a lot that Lag is a crybaby, but you need to keep in mind that he's a very compassionate 12-year-old kid on his journey to self-discovery. Niche is okay, and thankfully, the author realized quickly enough that the underpants gag grew tiresome.  

- The world and world-building are equally very good. Lag and co.'s travels around the world have this adventuring atmosphere that makes you somewhat excited about what they're going to discover next. Amberground is a land filled with mysteries that keep you wanting to keep reading in the hope that your questions will be answered.  

- Tying everything together is very clean art that makes clever use of lighting to drive home the idea that this land is almost devoid of light and life. The characters are also really well-drawn, and this manga has some of the most expressive eye drawings I've seen.  

Now let's move on to the main issue, which is the last 30-40 chapters of the story.  
Tegamibachi's peak, as others have mentioned, is around the midpoint when the gang has to battle a really strong foe endangering the entire world. At the same point, some mysteries about the world are solved, with even newer, bigger ones presented. At this point, you feel that the story has enough momentum to start solving the loose plot points and reach a satisfying conclusion, but this is where the author dropped the ball hard.  
Instead of moving the story forward, he introduces some new characters, presents them as an antagonizing Plan-B, and proceeds to a very rushed ending that leaves open A LOT of questions and plot points—either about characters or about the world itself. To give you some context, the strong foe I mentioned above is a struggle that lasts more than 15 chapters, whereas the "final boss" takes place in just 6.  
I can only attribute this rushed ending to editorial pressure, but still, for a manga that has had such a good way of handling mystery, it feels very awkward to the point where you wish there were an extra 2 chapters to explain what the hell happened afterward.  

Keep in mind that the ending itself (i.e., what happened to the main cast) is very good and, if you take into account the entire manga's characterization, rather moving. But those 30 or so chapters leading to that ending were spent badly on unnecessary stuff.  

To conclude, Tegamibachi has some very good messages and heartwarming moments, has some good mystery that will get your gears turning, but drops the ball near the end. Still, for all those good moments, I'd say you should give it a chance.

A series that loses sight of its main plotline.<br /><br />Some light spoilers up to volume 12 in this review. Nothing too major, as the main story takes a brief pause before resuming. <br /><br />The series revolves around delivering letters... mostly. There are three core concepts: the artificial Sun, being the best bee and delivering letters, and battling Gaichuu, the primary adversaries in the series... or so it seems. It's not entirely clear. The protagonists, known as Letter Bees, are individuals who deliver letters that contain more than just words on paper; they carry the sender's heart or a fragment of their soul. Letter Bees wield weapons called Shindan, which use the user's heart/soul to fire. They work with their Dingo sidekicks to find the weak points of Gaichuu and eliminate them with their Shindan. This setup largely defines the first 15 volumes until the author suddenly remembers the main character's mother's story and abruptly returns to it.<br /><br />The main character lacks charisma for about 18 volumes. A constant crybaby, he undermines any emotional weight the story could have had. When a scene calls for him to cry, it feels hollow due to how hard it is to take him seriously. It's disappointing, but what can you do? You can choose not to read the manga. That’s a bright idea.<br /><br />The action and story were surprisingly underwhelming. Though initially intriguing, the narrative unfolds in one of the most tedious and poorly paced ways possible. The story has two arcs: discovering the truth about the main character's mother and why she was taken to the capital. However, this central storyline takes a long hiatus. For about 10 volumes, a massive Gaichuu attacks people's hearts. While this is a significant issue, this antagonist is incredibly dull. It's merely a giant monster with no distinct personality or viciousness. The "heart-taking" mechanic, where the Gaichuu borrows souls that can be returned after the protagonist inevitably defeats it, eliminates any real tension since the characters face no genuine danger.<br /><br />What I appreciated about the series were the characters and world-building, though these aspects also falter. The rare moments of meaningful character interaction are bogged down by excessive exposition about irrelevant details. Imagine playing a video game and finding a codex under a bed that explains minute details about things you can't connect to. That's the primary dialogue in Tegami Bachi. It's frustrating because there are some great characters who are severely underused. Jiggy Pepper and the Bearded Dingo were undoubtedly the best characters in the series.<br /><br />The main character's Dingo, Niche, was also problematic. I liked her humor and some of her action scenes. There's a running joke about her not wearing underwear, which would be fine if it didn't become repetitive and uncomfortable due to how often the author included it.<br /><br />I thought this was a good series, but no one on Discord during my live reactions has said so. Everyone agreed it was boring, and I understand why. Many characters are sidelined, and numerous plotlines are abandoned without explanation. It's incredibly disappointing.<br /><br />If there's one redeeming quality, it's the ending. The conclusion is bold. Yes, everything leading up to it was an asspull, and the way the actual ending unfolded was also an asspull. But the consequences were thought-provoking enough to make me consider it a decent wrap-up. Either the author had the courage to take risks, or they realized throwing some action on screen was necessary.<br /><br />Overall, I'm disappointed. I considered giving the series a 5/10 because I'm not made of stone, but after typing all of this, there were too few enjoyable moments to justify a recommendation. If push comes to shove, I wouldn’t recommend this series. I’ll go back to playing Hades—it was far more entertaining.