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放課後保健室 [Houkago Hokenshitsu] #4
After School Nightmare, Volume 4
As the dreams and nightmares continue, Mashiro finds himself more conflicted than ever. Sou remains a mystery even as they grow closer, while Kureha seems to be distancing herself even more. Tensions are high as friends fight and enemies form uneasy alliances, and as ever, the mysterious dream world grows even more dangerous...
200 pages, Paperback
First published January 16, 2006
About the author
Setona Mizushiro
144 books159 followersMizushiro Setona (水城せとな in Japanese, or 水城雪可奈 in Chinese language) is a popular mangaka who started out in the dōjinshi circles.
Her first real dabble in the world of creating manga was in 1985 when she participated in the publication of a dōjinshi. She remained active in the dōjinshi world until her debut in 1993 with the short single "Fuyu ga Owarou Toshiteita" (Winter Was Ending) that ran in Shōgakukan's Puchi Comic magazine.
Though her current drawing style is high on the aesthetic value, her earlier works had less finesse. Regardless of the lesser emphasis on the visual elements in her earlier works, her popularity grew largely due to her unparalleled grasp for storytelling. Her works are noted for their slightly askew plots and deep exploration of the human psyche. Even her lighthearted Shōjo works usually have darker underlying elements. With an incomparable ability to craft stories that puzzle, sadden, assure, pervert, and move the depths of one's heart, she has gained a cult-like following. Her works include shojo, josei, and yaoi, and have been translated into multiple languages, including English, Italian, French and German.
Her first real dabble in the world of creating manga was in 1985 when she participated in the publication of a dōjinshi. She remained active in the dōjinshi world until her debut in 1993 with the short single "Fuyu ga Owarou Toshiteita" (Winter Was Ending) that ran in Shōgakukan's Puchi Comic magazine.
Though her current drawing style is high on the aesthetic value, her earlier works had less finesse. Regardless of the lesser emphasis on the visual elements in her earlier works, her popularity grew largely due to her unparalleled grasp for storytelling. Her works are noted for their slightly askew plots and deep exploration of the human psyche. Even her lighthearted Shōjo works usually have darker underlying elements. With an incomparable ability to craft stories that puzzle, sadden, assure, pervert, and move the depths of one's heart, she has gained a cult-like following. Her works include shojo, josei, and yaoi, and have been translated into multiple languages, including English, Italian, French and German.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
October 3, 2017
I still like this series a lot but I wish it were moving forward at a faster pace. It's starting to feel as if the story got stuck in place, taking two steps forward and two steps back. Hopefully, that will change in the upcoming volumes.
November 9, 2019
Shunbashi’s unrequited crush on Kureha reaches its swan song while Ichijo decides to face his feelings for Sou without fear. What will this mean for Ichijo’s relationship with Kureha? Not that Ai is allowing him to go beyond a certain point in the dream. For the games in the after school nightmare continue with Ichijo discovering a new way to fight.
I found myself respecting Ichijo a little more for facing his feelings for Sou, yet felt a little sorry for Kureha since Ichijo was using her to wallow in denial. Not that Shunbashi’s interest in her seems any healthier, although he is trying to be considerate of her, plus he has several valid points in his criticism of Ichijo. Nor does he come off as bigoted or hypocritical as both Kureha and Sou do. At the same time, I sympathized with Kureha and Sou, even while I wanted to slap them, sympathized with the struggle each went through to be honest about what they feel. I’m more curious than ever about Ai and the Black Knight. For developing all of these elements in a beautiful, dreamlike, yet menacing style, I give this four stars.
I found myself respecting Ichijo a little more for facing his feelings for Sou, yet felt a little sorry for Kureha since Ichijo was using her to wallow in denial. Not that Shunbashi’s interest in her seems any healthier, although he is trying to be considerate of her, plus he has several valid points in his criticism of Ichijo. Nor does he come off as bigoted or hypocritical as both Kureha and Sou do. At the same time, I sympathized with Kureha and Sou, even while I wanted to slap them, sympathized with the struggle each went through to be honest about what they feel. I’m more curious than ever about Ai and the Black Knight. For developing all of these elements in a beautiful, dreamlike, yet menacing style, I give this four stars.
February 6, 2019
I am never going to write these up the way I wanted to, so I am just going to do a light brush over each volume and move on.
The gender binary stuff (and the way sexual attraction is conflated with gender -- ie, the gender of the person Mashiro is attracted to is meant to determine Mashiro's own gender) is hugely problematic now, although at the time I first read it I was amazed to find manga dealing with gender stuff in this much depth at all.
The gender binary stuff (and the way sexual attraction is conflated with gender -- ie, the gender of the person Mashiro is attracted to is meant to determine Mashiro's own gender) is hugely problematic now, although at the time I first read it I was amazed to find manga dealing with gender stuff in this much depth at all.
June 19, 2024
What exactly does it mean to be a girl or a guy? It is as simple as long hair, a cute smile and a frilly skirt? Or does being a woman require something else? Is a man simply a sense of duty, an urge to protect and a stoic attitude that can win any girl? If those images and ideals are stripped away, then what is left?
Read the full review on Well, Are They? A Queer Review blog
https://wellarethey.blogspot.com/2024...
Read the full review on Well, Are They? A Queer Review blog
https://wellarethey.blogspot.com/2024...
July 12, 2021
This series keeps getting better with every volume. This is where the series starts to get more melancholy. Once again the discussion of gender identity is fascinating, and the characters are so well crafted. I highly recommend the series.
CW: Blood, Violence, Gender Dysphoria, Sexual Assault in a character's past, dub con, Depression
CW: Blood, Violence, Gender Dysphoria, Sexual Assault in a character's past, dub con, Depression
October 30, 2020
Book #155 in the year 2020
Ichijo breaks off his deal at the last minute when the Giraffe has the chance to graduate. Shinasa may have discovered Ichijo's secret and then he ends up in the Dream Class. Things excalate with Sou.
Ichijo breaks off his deal at the last minute when the Giraffe has the chance to graduate. Shinasa may have discovered Ichijo's secret and then he ends up in the Dream Class. Things excalate with Sou.
April 16, 2021
I feel like most of this volume was a repeat of things that have already happened in the series. Only a few things seemed to have progressed in the story but nothing major. I hope next volume we get closer to solving the mystery of graduation or figuring out who the students are in the dreams.
January 11, 2018
See my review for Vol 1.
September 4, 2023
The Shinobashi plot line was pretty emotional. Good progress on the Sou/Ichijo chemistry. By the end I was like NO SHE’S NOT THE ONE FOR YOU so that seems like a good sign.
July 18, 2014
4.5 stars.
I feel like Mashiro blushes WAAY too often. Every time I see him and he's near Sou or in the dreams he seems to be blushing. It's kind of getting annoying...
What I realized, is that the teacher for the dream classes knew Mashiro's secret, so that might mean she might know all his current relationship problems are. 'Singing in high pitch voice': "STAAALKERISH."
I'm not exactly sure if Sou is gay, liked Mashiro before, found out he was half female and possibly ended up liking him more, or if he doesn't care and he just wants Mashiro's female half. As bad as that sounds, (and it is), its still a great possibility.
I really liked Shinbashi's true form, but I'm kind of sad... [no spoilers this time ;3]
Mashiro is so obsessed with "being a guy", that whenever he denies that he is a female too, the way he says it makes him sound desperate and untruthful, (which is true in both cases).
He just says: "I'm not a girl, I'm a guy." 'Blush blush blush.'
I really do pity Kureha, because she doesn't want to be alone. Without Mashiro, she feels she is nothing basically, and at some point or another they both are going to need to graduate. (He's already passed up several opportunities.) Maybe they could graduate together. Hmm...
The summary seems to be wrong to me, because both on the back and the inside front cover it mentions Shinonome and how he and Mashiro struck a deal together. If my memory serves me correctly, (which trust me, it often doesn't) Shinonome left in the last volume and never appeared once in this volume. :/
Since its not that long, and I'm actually quite interested how Mashiro will go about his problems (hopefully ditching Sou), I will finish this series.
I am determined!!
I feel like Mashiro blushes WAAY too often. Every time I see him and he's near Sou or in the dreams he seems to be blushing. It's kind of getting annoying...
What I realized, is that the teacher for the dream classes knew Mashiro's secret, so that might mean she might know all his current relationship problems are. 'Singing in high pitch voice': "STAAALKERISH."
I'm not exactly sure if Sou is gay, liked Mashiro before, found out he was half female and possibly ended up liking him more, or if he doesn't care and he just wants Mashiro's female half. As bad as that sounds, (and it is), its still a great possibility.
I really liked Shinbashi's true form, but I'm kind of sad... [no spoilers this time ;3]
Mashiro is so obsessed with "being a guy", that whenever he denies that he is a female too, the way he says it makes him sound desperate and untruthful, (which is true in both cases).
He just says: "I'm not a girl, I'm a guy." 'Blush blush blush.'
I really do pity Kureha, because she doesn't want to be alone. Without Mashiro, she feels she is nothing basically, and at some point or another they both are going to need to graduate. (He's already passed up several opportunities.) Maybe they could graduate together. Hmm...
The summary seems to be wrong to me, because both on the back and the inside front cover it mentions Shinonome and how he and Mashiro struck a deal together. If my memory serves me correctly, (which trust me, it often doesn't) Shinonome left in the last volume and never appeared once in this volume. :/
Since its not that long, and I'm actually quite interested how Mashiro will go about his problems (hopefully ditching Sou), I will finish this series.
I am determined!!
May 18, 2010
Well, I don't know.. in this volume, the main character's friend who's in love with the main character's girlfriend is a wuss. Or really strong. He sacrifices time and again for her happiness. Even though she's afraid to get close to him and she's all attached to the main character.
Dude can tell that the main character isn't wholeheartedly in love with the girl, but he wants her to be happy. So he acts as a sort of go-between, encouraging her to give the main char a chance and encouraging the main char to get his/her head on straight and stop jerking her around.
And it's either terribly noble and romantic, or it's totally pathetic. I can't decide. But in either case, neither the main character nor the girl deserve it. They're just balls of useless angst.
The English translation has a couple of blank squares at the start of scenes, where I expect some information to be. The name of the location, the date, 'as the leaves turned to blah blah'.. something. But they're just blank squares with no text in them. Did part of the translation not get done?
I'm also getting sick of being told what an obento is. Every time one shows up, there's a little asterisk telling you to check the translation notes. You'd think if someone didn't know what one was when they started the manga, they'd know by volume 4 and 5!!
Dude can tell that the main character isn't wholeheartedly in love with the girl, but he wants her to be happy. So he acts as a sort of go-between, encouraging her to give the main char a chance and encouraging the main char to get his/her head on straight and stop jerking her around.
And it's either terribly noble and romantic, or it's totally pathetic. I can't decide. But in either case, neither the main character nor the girl deserve it. They're just balls of useless angst.
The English translation has a couple of blank squares at the start of scenes, where I expect some information to be. The name of the location, the date, 'as the leaves turned to blah blah'.. something. But they're just blank squares with no text in them. Did part of the translation not get done?
I'm also getting sick of being told what an obento is. Every time one shows up, there's a little asterisk telling you to check the translation notes. You'd think if someone didn't know what one was when they started the manga, they'd know by volume 4 and 5!!
September 13, 2012
As Ichijou Mashiro’s hard kept secret is revealed to his classmates, Mashiro’s dream world is turned upside down. The after-hours class Mashiro signs up for is not at all what he expects it to be. Passing the class is his only chance of graduation and the horrors he finds there are only the beginnings to the mysteries yet to be revealed.
This dark series is filled with controversial and emotional issues that take the reader on a journey through what the characters are feeling and what they experience. There is always some sort of twists throughout causing the reader to re-think about the issues involved.
Interesting concept to say the least! The story itself invokes a creepy mysterious concept taking place throughout the school. I was impressed with the complexities of the students and situations involved throughout the series. Reading this series the author does an amazing job of making the reader feel the characters pain and suffering.
Note: This review was completed after reading volumes 1-10.
This dark series is filled with controversial and emotional issues that take the reader on a journey through what the characters are feeling and what they experience. There is always some sort of twists throughout causing the reader to re-think about the issues involved.
Interesting concept to say the least! The story itself invokes a creepy mysterious concept taking place throughout the school. I was impressed with the complexities of the students and situations involved throughout the series. Reading this series the author does an amazing job of making the reader feel the characters pain and suffering.
Note: This review was completed after reading volumes 1-10.
January 30, 2010
Another character is invited to the dream class and Mashiro scores a victory against the knight. This also affords a glimpse - and a hint - to the reader beyond the armor.
Mashiro is beginning to internalize his lessons, realizing that he needs to act instead of react if he is going to resolve his conflicts. Kureha, also, changes; she has a surprise for the reader toward the end.
Volume 4 continues to showcase vulnerability and (relatively) chaste physical contact, both of which will appeal to the young-adult crowd. This series offers a safe way to explore gender concepts, gender differences, and the nature of love (which sounds WAY more mushy than the manga is) and can be as shallow or deep as the reader wishes to take it. This would be a good book to use as a starting point for other, heavier books that explore gender and gender roles.
Mashiro is beginning to internalize his lessons, realizing that he needs to act instead of react if he is going to resolve his conflicts. Kureha, also, changes; she has a surprise for the reader toward the end.
Volume 4 continues to showcase vulnerability and (relatively) chaste physical contact, both of which will appeal to the young-adult crowd. This series offers a safe way to explore gender concepts, gender differences, and the nature of love (which sounds WAY more mushy than the manga is) and can be as shallow or deep as the reader wishes to take it. This would be a good book to use as a starting point for other, heavier books that explore gender and gender roles.
February 13, 2008
Shinbashi catches Sou and Ichiro kissing. Misinterprets it but also understands why Ichiro cannot fully commit to Keruha while his feelings are torn. Shinbashi continues to love Kureha and talks to her on the phone to help her. Sou challenges Ichiro to get closer to him. The have an intimate encounter in Ichiro's room, until Shinbashi interrupts....gives Ichiro grief about leading Kureha on. Ichiro learns that Ai in the dream is Sou's sister. Shinbashi enters the dreams and graduates, requests Ichiro to love Kureha.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 10, 2014
I just flew through that one - picked it up and read it in one go. I'm sure there's lots of aspects about the story you could take issue with, but somehow I still love it... the tender scenes make me go jhagdhsgdgs and at the end of the volume I was quite shocked and sad (as in: touched - so shocked and sad in a good way, I guess). And it's not just the romance and the characters, but also the mystery as to what is actually happening.
May 19, 2012
This book was excellent. I enjoyed the plot and characters. I also thought it was rather nice, how the author told the meanings of each name. And how each name meaning was a color.
This series at the end will leave you wanting the next book ASAP!!! At the end of each book. It leaves you on the edge lol.
Two thumbs up!!! And breath taking!!
This series at the end will leave you wanting the next book ASAP!!! At the end of each book. It leaves you on the edge lol.
Two thumbs up!!! And breath taking!!
December 20, 2016
Mashiro continua a essere molto confuso sulla sua natura e ciò crea gravi incomprensioni sia con Kuresha che con So. Shimbashi, innamorato di Kuresha, si relega a Cirano, visto che la ragazza ha paura di lui. Nel sogno lui si trasforma in un cellulare e si diploma, visto che Kuresha non vuole abbandonare Mashiro e lui si adegua a questa decisione.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 18, 2014
it was the next book in the series.
china/japan and in a dream state.
sou or kureha. who should he date? who does he love?
kureha is dynamic. she is lonely, scared, and attached. "s-stay away!!" page 25
keep the people you love close.
dont use reading strategy.
i loved the book.
china/japan and in a dream state.
sou or kureha. who should he date? who does he love?
kureha is dynamic. she is lonely, scared, and attached. "s-stay away!!" page 25
keep the people you love close.
dont use reading strategy.
i loved the book.
October 2, 2007
Full review: http://oyceter.livejournal.com/646831... (minor spoilers for v. 1-4 in comments)
November 24, 2008
luuuuurved it! it was interesting...
January 22, 2010
[See review under vol. 1:]
Read
June 17, 2010F MIZ
asn
vol. 4
asn
vol. 4
January 26, 2011
The series seems to feel like it's faltering or stalling within this volume. Everything is basically at the status quo from beginning to end.
March 29, 2012
Lots of Shinbashi in this one, which is kind of nice because I find him much easier to handle than any of the other characters at the moment!
June 4, 2015
see full review @ Katie's Corner
May 3, 2016
I read it in italian.
February 12, 2012
Yummy, So. haha
October 14, 2013
I loved how the story was progressing. It was excellent. I can't stop reading.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews