by Xochie on October 15th, 2008, 12:59am

---

User rating of this review - N/A out of 5
Story/Plot - 5 out of 5
Characters - 4 out of 5
Drawing Style - 4 out of 5
Enjoyment - 5 out of 5
Overall - 4.8 out of 5

Click here for series information

Plot/Story
This plot follows our main hero, Hamel, as he journeys through the land, towards the North, where Maou Kestra (the evil ruler) resides. Throughout the journeys, they encounter evil monsters, new enemies and odd friends as characters are revealed.
Sound like the average, or less-than-average, shounen?
Hah, then you've never been more wrong.
Violinist of Hameln (VoH) is a stunning manga that can make you laugh and cry, craving for more or just wanting to sit there and take it in.
The story is very unique, and I like how it only has a few arcs, and most are all contributing the the plot. The story itself isn't that down to earth, when you think about it, but the manga-ka makes it so easy to understand that you can just grasp it.
5/5 for Plot and Story

Characters
As I've said before, the characters are very nice. Personally, I like them all a lot, but they are really, underneath the cover, your average Shounen characters. The main guy (Hamel), who wants strength/revenge. The girl (Flute), who is always morally supportive and cheers up the main guy. The out-of-nowhere guardian (Oboe) who always gives advice. Etc, etc.
But of course, not forget how Hamel would use anyone just for a good bargain, and how Flute whacks anyone who crosses her. How Oboe isn't just an info-giving character, but revealed as a important part of the plot, and that each character gives his/her little spin of VoH-ness.
4/5 for Characters


Drawing Style
The drawing does actually remind you of the sharpness of comics, rather than manga, with it's old-school faces and eyes. But actually, not only does it improve gradually throughout the series (though it does keep it's original and awesome style), you'll quite fall in love with this style. Even though it may not be everyone's favourite, it's certainly not too hard on the eyes, and some (like me) may adore it as you read on.
The panel arrangements are fantastic, as well. The placements of scenes and actions is cleverly done, and very nice. They definitely contribute to the overall laugh level (or cry level ^^).
4/5 for Drawing Style

Enjoyment
Overall, I say, this series is pretty much enjoyable. Very enjoyable. As many people as said, you can be laughing your head off, unable to breath in a few pages, and then the next feel send you gasping, head spinning, before you utterly sympathize and feel like you're going to cry.
Each chapter is tremendously long (and it gets longer as you progress =.=), but when you're up to that level, you'll be unable to put it down/close the window/delete the bookmark. It's definitely a long series, but the times you're bored will practically be non-existent.
5/5 for Enjoyment

Overall
Overall, I rated it an 4.8/5. Even though it's definitely one of my favourite mangas, and horrendously underrated, it's still got it's fault, and I'll be an idiot to rate it 5/5. But it's definitely ever-so-close.
If you don't feel like punching me in the face for not giving it 5/5, then you are one of those rare people who dislike this series.
!$@##
4.8/5 for Overall

---