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Piano no Mori
by barbapapa on October 27, 2006, 10:21am - 19 years ago

Rating - 9.6 / 10.0
Series Image
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User rating of this review - 5 out of 5
Story/Plot - 5 out of 5
Characters - 5 out of 5
Drawing Style - 4 out of 5
Enjoyment - 5 out of 5
Overall - 5 out of 5

Plot/Story
This story, like many of Makoto Isshiki's works, is a real slice of life/coming of age type of story. With in the center 2 young boys trying to struggle through school, expectations and downfalls. Filled with hope and insecurity, the young Amamiya-kun transfers to his new school. But things already go awry soon when he gets picked on by his classmates, ending up in a dare to play the spooky "Piano in the Forest" at the edge of town. That is, before our other protagonist shows up and puts a stop to this. A mysterious blonde boy, that goes by the name of Ichinose Kai steps up to the plate...

Characters
The characters are probably the strongest asset in this manga. The mangaka is known to set up misfortunate situations for his main characters; like how Kai is the son of a prostitute. His characters are never flat and 2-dimensional; they feel like real people with real feelings. And the interaction between them is usually very interesting to observe.

Drawing Style
Nothing spectacular, but Makoto Isshiki has a very simple, clean style which isnt lacking in any way. Character's emotions are portrayed very well. It may look more child-like for a seinen series; but it is without a doubt a book for people with a ripe mind.

Enjoyment
There's a lot to get out of it; even though I believe Hanada Shonen-shi is even better because it has more comedy in it. Commit to a different kind of manga, and you'll be pleasantly surprised, and I hope, even touched by this special series.

Overall
Well, what's left to say? I adore this manga, and I even went as far to revive the group that used to work on it so it wouldn't die an anonymous death.


 

User Comments
user avatar
^ ^  
by perpetual
14 years ago
Rating: 5.0  / 5.0

Just want to say: Great review

user avatar
No Subject  
by geeza
17 years ago
Rating: 5.0  / 5.0

umm this story is amazing, i must tell you. This one is one of the most waited manga in my country

user avatar
Love it  
by Eeled
18 years ago
Rating: 5.0  / 5.0

Great review, I absolutely love teh manga : ) Kai <3

user avatar
great review  
by ranmaru
18 years ago
Rating: 5.0  / 5.0

i completely agree with you 🙂 this is one of the best out there!

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No Subject  
by kevinkgood
18 years ago
Rating: 5.0  / 5.0

Very nice review. Sure convinced me to try it. Shall be my next manga series to read.

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