(Just read chapter 10) Lets get this out of the way first; this manga is NOT for everyone. The cliche shounen, high school setting and hi-jinks are nothing more than a backdrop for the real story. So if you're looking for lighthearted comedy and romance, GTFO.

That said, the shounen tag is pretty stretched here. The plot ultimately revolves around "what if the love/grudge of past reincarnations were revealed to you?" If you were a knight of the church in the past, what would you think if you met the future reincarnation of And she remembers exactly what happened.

Expect lots of brutal and tragic endings, alongside melancholy, quiet endings. If you like complex and thoughtful characters in your manga, this is outstanding to read. If you want simple, "good-vs-evil" characters and plots, move on.

... Last updated on March 18th, 2013, 7:47pm

I was pleasantly surprised by this manga. I wasn't expecting very much. I haven't picked up any new manga that I REALLY liked in a while, so I was looking for something new and interesting. I had refrained from shounen for a while because I was frankly tried of reading disasters.

But boy oh boy I am so happy that this one surprised me. I'm surprised it doesn't have a higher readership.

Basically as the description reads, these two have a long history of past lives. Almost every one of them gives you a different feeling to their dynamic. And don't assume each of these past lives involves romance like I did. Romance only matters in their current life, and even then it is the least focused on part of this manga. Revenge, karma, duty, justice, all of these themes play a role in every life.

Every life involves some kind of sadness or pain, yet happiness and self growth as well. I like the art style as well. It gives me... DETERMINATION!

But anyway, I suggest picking this up and having a read through. It's not that long, but it's a nice read.

Satoshi is a gifted writer and is developing beautifully. This is his best series to date from borth the art and writing perspective. The time jumps (the future arc was amazing) feel all very tough out and build upon another.
I will write a real review when the series finishes but have to counterpoint that this manga is a (great) romance.
No questions there. Read the 10/10 Billy Bat and Hi no Tori for an even better take on the themes present here.

... Last updated on July 5th, 2015, 5:53am

The thing I like about Mizukami Satoshi's manga is, every title has its story well thought. Or at least, appear well thought. I have yet to find loose end on any character development. If there is something extra to add to character's trait, but has no direct influence to the overall plot, the mangaka just introduce it in a passing. Sometimes with a generous dose of witty humor -- which I liked very much. That makes everything look solid. And it allow the plot to progress smoothly.

About Spirit Circle, I found the mangaka have grown more ambitious. He put Chekov's gun here and there, explaining fragments and bits without showing actual connection to the grand plot -- but only a hint.

He never done this before. He never developed storyline in 'burrying landmine' style. All his previous works is more of linear naration which only escalate in timely manner. And his new adoption have made me so excited! First, because we know that those landmines will be stepped upon. And second, because we've seen how epic Samidare's last arc could be. We know they will blow spectacularly!

I'm impatient to see how the grand plot unfold.

This mangaka have the best idea in parallel universe, reincarnation, time, souls - they are explained clearly by the end of the story and tied up everything beautifully. Anybody who like anything a little more high brow and deals with these topics should read this.

Simply said, Spirit Circle is one of the greatest manga ever written. Mizukami Satoshi is an unbelievably talented writer as demonstrated in Hoshi no Samidare, but Spirit Circle manages to even surpass that. It baffles me how he is able to express in 45 chapters all the emotions, depths, struggles and growth that most Seinen/Shounen authors cannot express in their entire careers.

I wished the journey could have lasted even longer, because what a journey it was. The tension between the main characters are amazingly drawn out; the supporting characters play important and impactful roles throughout the story, and yet the author still manages to leave the audience with so much possibilities to imagine for ourselves.

A must-read, timeless masterpiece for all manga fans out there.

After Wakusei no Samidare and this one I became a fan of Mizukami-sensei.
This is the best series I read in a while and enters my top ten with ease, the story is great and not a cliche or re-mash of other series (not that I know of at least), the sub-stories (past lives) were all meaningful and interesting too, chars were interesting or even great and seeing them on many different "lives" yet connected was interesting and it was great to see how the different lives play out in the end and even a relation with Wakusei no Samidare in the last chapter. I would have liked to see a bit of the future life of the main char but the route it takes it's clear enough so I'll have to conform with that.
Recommended for anyone, a great series.

The author makes such good use of nostalgia. I have no words at how good this manga is. He created such a deep universe in 45 chapters. I am so happy to be born in this era to be able to read this.

After reading hoshi no samidare and this one MIZUKAMI Satoshi officially became my favorite mangaka, sure he may not make long ass series like One Piece, Bleach or Naruto, but both of manga offer deep meaning making it whole different level from all other main stream crap. Definitely must read if you like hoshi no samidare.

This manga actually tackles life, and it does it well. Kudos to Mizukami, there is depth to this creation.

The only complaint I have is the digital copy I had by Crunchroll was realtively low resolution. Hopefully a better one will be available in the future.