NO.6 [ナンバーシックス] 3

No. 6: The Manga #3

by Atsuko Asano, Hinoki Kino (illustrator)

聖都市《ＮＯ．６》を追われ、暴力・混沌の街、西ブロックで、ネズミとともに暮らしはじめた紫苑。この地でたくましく生きるイヌカシや力河と出会い、慣れないながらも懸命に生きようとする。一方《ＮＯ．６》では、紫苑を探しにいこうとする沙布に、魔の手が迫っていた……！　物語はさらに疾走する第３巻！　

Genres: Manga, Science Fiction, LGBT, Dystopia, Young Adult, Graphic Novels, Comics

160 pages, Paperback

First published January 6, 2012

About the author

Japanese profile: あさのあつこ

Reviews

[Mizumi · Rating 5 out of 5]

And so, the next chapter of No. 6 begins. Oh, Safu. (I love Safu ok.)
Volume 3 of the manga corresponds to volume 2 and part of volume 3 of the original novels, which it follows very faithfully. Some scenes have been removed or altered, but overall, it's a very faithful adaptation.

Once again, the translation is good, with some choices I'm quite happy with (like the line 'I'm attracted to you', which is often translated as 'I'm drawn to you'. The original Japanese said 'kimi ni hikarete iru', which does in fact mean 'drawn', if it weren't for the kanji being used here that really implies attraction. So I'm glad they opted for 'attracted'. (Come on, Shion isn't subtle and especially not in this scene.)) And in case you wondered after my last review, they're going for gender neutrality for Dogkeeper indeed. Yay! (Only one personal pronoun for Dogkeeper was used, in Kino's after notes, and it was 'them'.)

As usual, some extras are included after the main story: the short story 'the gift of a memory', set at the end of volume 1, and several four-panel comics which I love love love (he just really likes your white hair, Shion, ssh). Also included are the full original covers of the first three volumes, unfortunately not in colour, but hey! (The English covers are edited and given a more sci-fi look. However, the title font for the Japanese covers of the first three volumes was so big it covered half the art anyway.)

hm, it's been a No. 6 kinda year now that I look at my 'books in 2013' list... Oh ssh. Anyway, I love Kino's artwork for the series, and I just adore the characters, so screw it, five stars.

[Mal · Rating 5 out of 5]

[༻⛧ felix ⛧༺]

꒰➸ ࿐୭̥⋆*｡　

Nezumi: "you know, Shion, this has been bugging me for a while, but... your vocabulary is less developed than a chimpanzee's."

Shion: "you really shouldn't make fun of chimpanzees like that."

Nezumi: "i'm calling you an idiot, idiot! don't say things like i'm drawn to you so easily. those words are very important, precious words!"

Shion: "then what would you have me say? i love you?"

Nezumi: "the longer i talk with you, the crazier it makes me."

* 。. ゜✭・.・✫・゜・。*

this is hands down my fav panel so far lol

[Lulcia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Jak na razie, najgorszy tom.

[Carla · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another excellent installment of this manga. Shion continues to navigate life in the West District. He gets further aquatinted with Dog Keeper and hashes out his and Nezumi's conflicting ideas of how to best handle No.6. Meanwhile, his mom learns the dangers of the city government that rules them, and Safu catches some unwanted attention. I like the tension in developing character relationships, as well as its contrast with how much everyone both resents Shion for being so care free and adores him for being a sweet and carefree person. This series is my one exception to how much I hate reading dystopian works.

The end notes mention that this volume takes place roughly spanning vol3 and 4 of the novels.

[Yui · Rating 5 out of 5]

Die Reihe macht mich fertig. Ich hab immer so Angst um die Charas. 😨 Und dann hört das wieder so spannend auf. Argh!

[Martina Koa Alice · Rating 5 out of 5]

La contrapposizione tra i due protagonisti si fa sempre più evidente, come in quella tavola in cui c'è uno dalla parte del buio e l'altro nella luce che sembra sprigionare da lui, l'ho amata! Ho adorato i momenti in cui questa loro diversità li mette in contrasto, dà molto motore a tutta la storia.
Non credevo che rileggere questo manga mi sarebbe piaciuto così tanto, ma non vedo l'ora di continuare.

[Lau Suigeneris · Rating 4 out of 5]

Shion es un cinnamon roll, Nezumi es un little bitch, y los amo a ambos juntos y separados. Y siento que si yo fuera un personaje en la historia sería Inukashi con sus mil perros, soñá.

En este volumen tuvimos un poco de violencia típica de animé entre los protagonistas; Nezumi tirando a Shion a suelo y amenazándolo porque obvio 🙄

Al menos, como es un mundo distópico, uno puede excusar más esas cosas, ya que las condiciones son distintas y ✨peligro✨

Espero no se repita sí.

[A Bookish ✧ Fable · Rating 4 out of 5]

God I Love This Series!

[Adibah Atiqa (persephtiyareads) · Rating 4 out of 5]

[Chapter 8-11]

Let me tell ya, IT 👏🏻 JUST 👏🏻 GET 👏🏻 BETTER 👏🏻

I feel so many things, I think so many things

Crisis is on hand with the spread of wasp within ‘Holy City’, No. 6. We got glimpse of introduction who actually run the authorities.

The dynamic between Nezumi and Inushaki(?) —sorry, I forgot the exact name, dive deeper and also I love how everyone despise and at the same time cling for Shion’s carefreeness.

Most likely they’re worried of him, not able to survive the harsh environment with his naivety but they’re also grateful for it because he have his way, the warmth you’re drawn to and make you feel such comfort.

Also some theory I can assume at this point:
-Youmin might be the father of Nezumi (his wife and son been taken away, his wife is a music teacher (or is it art?) gosh my memory of goldfish, that’s why probably Nezumi inherited the talent of signing)

All and all, I love it. I want to know more, this story is so addicting ✨

[Sofie · Rating 5 out of 5]

definitely my favorite volume so far!!!! i’m loving getting to see these relationships unfold as new characters are introduced, and shion and rat in particular continue to be such a dynamic pairing. the bonus story was BEAUTIFUL and really added even more depth to what was already an incredibly impactful scene. i’m really in awe of the tone of this series too, i can’t quite put my finger on it but it’s somehow cozy and horrifyingly dystopian and existential at the same time?????? idk how those balance out so well but it has me itching for more. trying my best to savor this series cause it’s so short and MAN am i loving every second of it

[Ester · Rating 4 out of 5]

4'5 stars.

Shion ya se está acostumbrado a la vida fuera de No.6 dentro del bloque oeste. Cuando todo parece ir más o menos bien, Nezumi recibe una nota de Karan, la madre de Shion. Safu, la mejor amiga de Shion, ha sido secuestrada por la Agencia de orden público y llevada a la prisión. En un principio, Nezumi no piensa hacer nada, pero no puede pasar por alto que Safu es amiga de Shion. Y Shion ya se le ha metido demasiado adentro.
Sin decirle nada, Nezumi decide pedirle ayuda a Inukashi. Pero Shion encuentra el abrigo de Safu en una tienda del bloque oeste. ¿Qué pasará ahora?

[Ray · Rating 5 out of 5]

The extras at the end of these make my heart feel things. I didnt get extras on the website i did my original read of the series on years ago. I dont remember most of whats happening from that original read too so it feels like getting to experience this story all over again 🥺

[L.M. · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story of No.6 is blurring for me between the light novels, the Anime, and the manga. It's a beautiful thing. I love these characters and their story so, so much. I never want it to end.

[♡ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Everyone wants to protect Shion and I Relate™

[Judith · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm somewhat sad that I gave pts. 1 and 2 five stars because now I want to give this one six 🌟 ...

[Nea Poulain · Rating 4 out of 5]

Asuman que leo esto porque me gusta estar triste.

[Izabela · Rating 5 out of 5]

!!

[Weronika · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 mega wciągające chce już czytać kolejną część

[nicky · Rating 4 out of 5]

nezumi is trying so hard to act like he doesn’t like shion omfg

[suvi · Rating 5 out of 5]

giggling and kicking my feet, I fear I am OBSESSED

[Dean Lovelace · Rating 5 out of 5]

was so cutie

[Vanessa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really need to read the novels of this, too because I feel like the manga might be closer to them than the anime was (and they're not THAT different - just some little things) and I think some of the interesting things brought up here stem from there. I thought Inukashi's story and motivations were easier to understand than in the anime, for example.

I think the art for this (very serious) story is super cute. Especially Shion, the rats and the dogs!

Nezumi and Shion are getting closer through fighting with each other (and touching). Shion never loses his cheerful nature, but we also see him getting serious from time to time. Meanwhile Nezumi's facade is unraveling, cause he actually cares for Shion and doesn't like it one bit.

Meanwhile, Shion's mother is worried sick about her son and meets a man who might know more about what's going on (I'm really curious if and how Yomi's story will change).
Safu is back from her exchange program, cause her grandmother died (that part of the story happened off screen in contrast to the anime) and she's desperate to meet Shion again. She's in love with him and wonders who this Nezumi is who makes stoic Shion come so alive. It's pretty sad.

I'm really enjoying this and am looking forward to the next volume!

[Crocat · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am, of course, enjoying this series, but I suspect that's only because I'm already a fan of the story, so the manga gives me an opportunity to see my beloved characters and storyline in a different iteration. Overall, the story seems a bit slow and though it's difficult for me to tell, I have a feeling I really wouldn't get attached to these characters if I hadn't read the novels first. In conclusion, it's a nice sort of bonus to the original, but I definitely think this story worked better as a novel.

[GlutenFreePixels · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5
Shion might be my spirit animal.

[Dani (ダニ ¦ 다니) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Something about this is just really good. Definitely here for a romantic relationship of the main two if there will be one.

[sophie · Rating 5 out of 5]

once again no notes. really liked seeing nezumi being a manipulative lil bitch lol, his dynamic with inukashi is so layered and interesting

[Nico · Rating 4 out of 5]

This series is just awesome.

Love Dogkeeper infinitely and her interactions with Shion. Love Rat and his wicked mood swings and deadly smile that probably shouldn't make me even more attracted to him. Love Shion's character development and that he's not rolling over and staying true to himself ( even if it makes me want to shake him sometimes). Love the romance really starting to kick up and that Rat slowed things down when Shion was jumping headfirst in without knowing all the facts. Love the art and all the perspectives/expressions. Did I mention I love Rat? Yes? Suck it up, here I go again. Love Rat's hardened exterior and how cracks are forming everywhere. Love watching Rat's emotions get away from him and how he tries so hard to find control... And love how he fails anyway. Love how Rat's entire personality relaxes around Shion to the point where things slip out (which is something he's apparently trained himself to prevent). Love that Rat is still trying to teach Shion how to survive so they can be equals and Shion won't get hurt. Love that Rat's so petrified he and Shion will end up enemies. Love that scene where Rat straddles Shion with a knife to his throat (another thing that I probably should not have found hot, but oh well, Hell looks fun enough). I think what I'm getting at is that I'm trash for Rat and the only person I'd allow being with him other than me is Shion. Because I'm generous like that.

Things I didn't love and brought this one down to 4 stars instead of 5: Safu. I just don't like her. I might spoil myself and find out if this turns into a love triangle because that would break my goddamned heart, but I'm guessing the attraction is a 1 way deal in that Shion just sees her as a friend. I hope. (I beg.) Along that vein, I understand her capture really helps the story along, but I'd be content to spend 99% of the time in West Block with Shion and Rat and Dogkeeper. This volume definitely had more time away from them, which made me a bit sad (but again, I understand why). I like Karan a lot though, so I'm interested in where her plot goes.

I will absolutely be reading the next volume.

[Jennifer · Rating 2 out of 5]

Okay, I've read through volume 4, and I'm giving up on this series. It was interesting enough to want to find out what happened, but not enough to keep me reading beyond what we already had checked out from the library. I do not recommend them. I haven't liked the dynamics that have been emerging in volumes 2-4. I'm not saying every character has to be nice, or even nice all the time, but I wasn't happy with one character being abused (hit, talked down to, kicked, etc.), and the other character just taking it and begging for the friendship to continue. I know it's part of the plot and characterization, but it just made me upset that they acted like this and that the one didn't stand up for himself enough. It is not okay to be treated like this. Ever. Yes, it happens in real life. I get it. It just makes me more angry to see it in literature. It's left for the readers to judge as the relationship is show without commentary or bias, but since I won't stand for it in real life, I won't in literature either.

Because I was pre-reading this series for my almost 12 year old who loves manga, I was uncomfortable with the same-sex relationship innuendos that were introduced in volumes 3 and 4. It's not that I'm homophobic or anything. I just don't see it necessary to the plot (unless this is the focus of where the plot is heading, and if so, my son is too young for these themes). I won't be encouraging him to read this series.

All that aside, I did enjoy the references to classical literature, especially Shakespeare. And I enjoyed the art work.

[Paul Spence · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’m not completely hooked by this series yet, in the “I need the next volume now” way, but I’m definitely interested. I’m very intrigued by where the story is going.

I’m liking Shion. He’s growing closer to both Rat, who’s making it hard, and Dogkeeper, who’s a little uninterested but obviously growing weak against his persistence. Dogkeeper, for instance, gives him a job washing the dogs. Shion is almost adorable at this point. He hasn’t completely won my heart, but his innocence and genuine happiness and do-gooder attitude just about has me. He is really quite cute.

I’m not sure if this series actually goes into yaoi territory, but it’s already seeming right on the edge. There is obviously an attraction between him and Rat. Safu might mess that up, though.

There was a plot twist with Safu in this volume, and I’m not sure how I feel about it. I guess I’m just not sold on her yet, though. Still, it left us with a cliffhanger, and is very clearly going to upset Shion.

There’s also some very dangerous things happening behind Shion’s back. Rat has proven that he can be quite the merciless manipulator, in a not-good way. That gives me the feeling that bad things are coming from that side, along with the ones from the government and their bug disease.

I’m enjoying this series so far. The plot lines are getting interesting and dangerous, and I’m also starting to get fond of the characters.