The artwork in this series is what I enjoyed the most. The eyes are so expressive while at the same time suggesting a deep intensity of sorts. In this sense, I would have loved to see the modeling/acting career take a front seat to it all, just for the sheer satisfaction of seeing so much artistic expression.

That aside, the story line started out with a lot of potential, and Kou & Natsume's relationship offered a lot of room for growth, character development, and intense moments. However, the author threw so many wrenches into the plot that things fell off kilter quickly. This choice wasn't necessarily bad however, because it added another realistic perspective to going through tragedy and navigating life when things don't go as planned. Asakura's portrayal of grief, trauma, and emotional scarring emphasizes the difficulty of the healing process. Characters in the story lash out, fall into themselves, feel unworthy, and are unable to cope. On one hand, this is all quite real, accurate, and 100% possible if people don't get/seek help in dealing with trauma. But on the other hand, this manga really misses a chance to develop it's characters, and it really leaves the reader frustrated and let down over and over again.

The most disappointing aspect of this manga is the missed opportunity to delve deeper into what it means to start life over when all seems lost. Just when it seems like there's an opportunity for the characters to grow/become more dimensional, they instead show no initiative to be better or move forward, and efforts from other characters to facilitate healing always fall flat. After a while the story began to feel tepid and stagnant. There is never time given to properly exploring Kou's psychological background and reasoning for his actions, though at times it is implied. Natsume's trauma plays out again and again, yet is sadly never remedied in a healthy way, and is actually severely triggering. The other characters remain one-dimensional, and their attempts to affect the plot are half-hearted and feel like a waste of time.

This story line is of course a reasonable and REALISTIC way things could play out in real life, which in it's own way is refreshing, yet heart wrenching. It kept me turning the pages, hoping that on the next one there would be some headway made. The consistency of the tragedy leaves readers mired in the story, clinging desperately to moments of joy while falling back, almost as familiarly as the characters do, into the dark pit of depression that holds them in a vice-like grip.

tl;dr
Overall, the story is worth a read. Despite the fact that it falls short in many ways, some of those ways are definitely my opinion and not hard facts. Asakura avoids the common cliches and brings to the table a raw and refreshing look at real life struggles and feelings, and tells a story that gets readers emotionally involved and painfully moved. Top it off with hauntingly beautiful and unique artwork, Oboreru Knife is a mature story with serious themes that stands apart from much of the lighthearted drivel that the manga world is rife with.

I picked this manga up, expecting to drop it after 10 or so chapters when I got bored of some crybaby heroine chasing after her prince. Superficially, that's what the manga seemed like in the beginning. But as you read on, things start weaving together bit by bit like a tapestry. At first, the story is told through Natsume, but then you begin to see other perspectives like Hana, Ootomo, and it really adds to the overall understanding of the plot and the attachment you feel towards the various characters.

Throughout the story, the characters change both physically and mentally. Most shoujo mangas people only 'grow' in terms of their relationships to one another, and rarely do they portray characters evolving and being changed by their experiences. With this, I felt like I was watching the characters evolve from kids to adults. Despite being shoujo, the topics are quite dark and profound.

The art is pretty good in general, but I'm not a fan of characters blushing on every panel. The story is really what convinces me to continue reading.

Comments that may contain spoilers up to Volume 14 below:


... Last updated on July 15th, 2014, 10:08pm

Up to the scanlated chapters so far, this is very good. Mangas like these, though unique, will become very stressful to read later because of the drama. For a "coming of age" story, it's rather intense... but I like how none of the characters are perfect. Even our main heroine has her dark side. However, since IT IS 12 volumes (and counting), I can't even... I hope my heart can sustain for that long lol. One overdramatic move, and it could really put you off. Kyou has the potential to be an ultimate douchebag.

... Last updated on February 14th, 2012, 9:10pm

It's very George Asakura. I mean from the art, the expression to the (somehow) storyline and progress. Its purely her.

Up till chapter 19, finally, it breaks out of the routine and ordinary. It finds frustration, tension and intensity within a new context. Some time, I keep telling myself, hey he understands it. Really. And when Natsume was thinking of him with her Polaroid I can see myself imagining and grippingly hoping it was reality too. Asakura knows her audience feelings rather well I suggest.

However, by looking at the translation progress, Evil Flowers is really taking their time. It would be great someday they pick it up again cause I know for some titles I enjoy from them, many are left in progress.

A good read. Sometimes, a real good read like this, I want to criticise and be harsh instead of encouraging like some others. I don't know. I guess it's okay. And maybe I've been reading way too many shoujos these past few months. I need to pick up some shounens or else my head will explode with the tardiness.

I actually totally love this manga. I love the story, I love the love interest and the honesty of their relationship.

This is a story about a 12-year-old model from Tokyo and a young country boy. But don't let their ages dissuade you! Natsume and Kyou are both very mature for their age, and the representation of 12 year old kids is very realistic in this manga (meaning they don't still say mommy, they don't look like they're either eight or seventeen, and they are all in the transition between childhood and adulthood). What starts out as a competition for Natsume becomes admiration and adoration between the two of them.

Perhaps the most interesting aspect of this manga is the tradition in the town. It is by no means prominent in the love story, but it's nonetheless a cool part to think about.

I've totally fallen in love with Kyou! And it's not because he has the character of a prince or a bad boy, but because he's the best of both and still has his own psychology. He's attentive and wise (for being a twelve year old) and totally bat shit crazy. (That means he's bleeding awesome in my words).

I don't understand someone's comment about how it becomes just a normal shoujo manga after the "big event". I don't think it did. The major difference between a normal shoujo and the post-event 'Knife is that 'Knife is much more realistic about what would happen. I can't wait for the next chapter!!

oh my, this is the first time, in my 19 years life, i was like "DEG" or "DOKI" (well u name it) seeing a twelve year old elementary boy (fyi, i'm a mature man adorer, so..). Sheeesh, whats happening to me?? Gyah! Well, talking about the content, it's generally good. It gives you a particular feeling through the ambience, the plot, the story telling, and especially the character.

... Last updated on August 12th, 2010, 6:02am

at first i was a little hesitant to read this cause it's a love story between kids, but as i read, i couldn't help but be drawn to the story. two thumbs up.

Can't believe I've only found this now. It's REALLY GOOD. The feelings are complicated and deep, yet simple enough to understand. The characters are well done too. Kyou isn't the normal bad boy, there's something more complex and baffling about his character. Natsumi is a strong in a very interesting way... though i would say her character is less unique than Kyou's. At any rate, I love it so far, can't wait for chap8!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I'm surprised that no one commented on this series yet...
I can't explain the plot all too well but in my opinion the tone and feel of this series is intense. While reading the chapters you can't help but feel a sense of excitement. It seems that things are slowly building up and I can only hope the climax's just as good as the build up.

But I want to address some things here