Kaze Hikaru Vol 5-6

[meganbmoore]

Was anyone else a bit surprised that the manga actually directly referenced shudo, and had Saito seriously considering it? (Granted, Sei is a girl, but…) Mind you, the manga hasn’t exactly shied away from the subject, I just wasn’t expecting it to be so bluntly addressed. I’m not really fond of the shoujo crossdressing trope where the friend who doesn’t know the heroine is a girl falls for her and gets confused and wonders if he likes boys now, but this was a pretty good handling of it, though I’m concerned that most of Saito’s scenes now seem to revolve around his liking Sei but not liking boys and being jealous of Okita. I also have problems believing that he really doesn’t know that Sei is a girl.

The series itself is becoming more and more obviously an excuse to write about the Shinsengumi as historical fact as opposed to an independent adaptation (not that the mangaka has ever pretended otherwise) but I don’t mind. I’m glad the mangaka brought up the belief that Okita coughed up blood at Ikedaya, because that’s always struck me as odd in my sketchy knowledge of his history. (Also: WHEE! First battle!)

I liked the bit where Kondo wanted to adopt Sei as his son, and they had to think of a way to get out of it. I also like how Okita got extremely jealous over it (though I suspect he lumped a few other things in with jealousy). Though, since Okita wants to follow Kondo into death if necessary and Sei plans to do the same if Okita dies, I am concerned by the prospect of Sei acquiring followers, especially as she’s working on a reputation of being a demon in battle. Not to mention the fact that the mangaka is required to kill Okita eventually. And if she doesn’t and ends the manga before we reach that point, then we’ll be left with Sei’s vow…

 

Comments

[mscongeniality.livejournal.com]

The Saito stuff does get tempered as the story goes on. As far as the manga-ka dealing with things bluntly, I think that's one of the aspects I like best. Not just shudo, but things like seppuku or even just fallout from their actions.

Is it bad that I kind of prefer Saito/Sei to Okita/Sei?

[meganbmoore.livejournal.com]

Well, Saito, you know, lives. Less heart stomping that way.

OTOH, Sei has him so clearly categorized as a replacement for her brother that I'm not sure I could buy her feelings changing to that.

And now I'm caught up with the Kaze Hikaru manga that I have, and must get more.

[mscongeniality.livejournal.com]

I could, but it would have to be done right. It's not going to happen, though so it's all pretty much a moot point.

Sadly, I am caught up to the released volumes and there won't be another one until February. :(