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曇天に笑う [Donten ni Warau] #1
曇天に笑う 1 [Donten ni Warau 1]
「誇れ、己が生き様を。」時は明治、めまぐるしく変わる激動の時代。日ノ本最大の湖、琵琶湖を舞台に繰り広げられる三兄弟の物語。
160 pages, Paperback
First published March 15, 2011
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364 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 82 reviews
March 29, 2021
This anime made me cry. It's so sad. The beginning was full of happiness and comedy. But when I reached in the half, I was so shocked. I thought what just happened? I remembered the scene of One Piece when Ace was dead. And the second shock I got was in the end. THAT.PLOT.TWIST!!!! At the end of the story I don't know what that emotion is called. I was so shocked...at the same time so happy. Excitement? Thrilled? I don't know. But I know one thing this anime is so beautiful. I heard that second season manga is still ongoing. Can't wait to read.
March 9, 2021
So, the confusing thing here is that we have two timelines. The first one is the current events and it is talked about in the synopsis: three brothers live in a Kumo shrine and they are essentially bounty hunters. They catch and deliver criminals to this inescapable prison in the middle of the lake. That is about half of this volume. The other half is a flashback to 600 years ago. It introduces different characters and the main villain of the story, Orochi, a great serpent. It possesses a human body and brings about destruction. There is an adorable romance in this timeline as well. I did like the story of Kumo brothers, it's just that there wasn't much in it just yet, we only scratched the surface a little bit. But the flashback timeline made me really emotional, the romance especially. And I kinda wish the whole story was about that time and those characters. Overall, not a bad start to a series. It just felt weird to start with a flashback right away.
Thank you to Netgalley for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to Netgalley for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
January 10, 2025
Not a fan of feeling like I am in the middle of a series when it's only volume 1. There were some interesting things happening in this story, but it felt disjointed and since there's an anime, if anything I'll just watch that instead of reading the manga. It was kinda cool but I feel lost. The book is split into two parts, which are (supposedly) related but feature completely different characters and scenarios. I already forgot what the main story was about because I liked the flashback spinoff story better. This really wasn't for me, but largely because of the half-told way the book was written, and not because it was bad or boring or anything.
July 13, 2024
A captivating fantasy.
I was annoyed at first that the main story stopped mid book and the rest is a side story. However, my complaints soon vanished when this side story turned out to be beautiful and touching, and gave us more insight about the monster, Orochi, and how it manifested.
I’m filled with dread of who will be the Orochi in the main story. Hopefully not one of the boys. 🙏🏼😩
I was annoyed at first that the main story stopped mid book and the rest is a side story. However, my complaints soon vanished when this side story turned out to be beautiful and touching, and gave us more insight about the monster, Orochi, and how it manifested.
I’m filled with dread of who will be the Orochi in the main story. Hopefully not one of the boys. 🙏🏼😩
February 6, 2024
BEAUCOUP TROP DE POTENTIEL, c'est le T1 et je suis déjà fan des personnages principaux. Le choix d'incorporer une deuxième timeline et hyper intéressant, en plus l'histoire est beaucoup trop poétique (le titre à grave du sens finalement)
J'attends le T2 avec IMPATIENCE
J'attends le T2 avec IMPATIENCE
January 3, 2016
Cerita menarik, cowoknya cakep-cakep haha XDD
Satu buku isi 3 bab; satu cerita utama, dua lagi settingnya 600 tahun sebelum cerita utama (dan ceritanya lebih menyentuh dari cerita utama).
Satu buku isi 3 bab; satu cerita utama, dua lagi settingnya 600 tahun sebelum cerita utama (dan ceritanya lebih menyentuh dari cerita utama).
September 7, 2025
I started this having absolutely no expectations but it was so, so good. I finished the first volume so quickly, I couldn't bring myself to stop.
The characters and the setting are well done, I found myself getting attached to these characters too quickly.
Looking forward to reading the next volume!
The characters and the setting are well done, I found myself getting attached to these characters too quickly.
Looking forward to reading the next volume!
May 11, 2021
Check out my review over on my blog!! : https://hdsreadinglife.wordpress.com/...
May 4, 2019
(vol. 1-6 tamat)
Tiga bersaudara menjalankan tugas mengantar tahanan kriminal ke penjara di tengah danau, dibayang-bayangi ancaman dari siluman lintas generasi……
Seri ini sepertinya relatif kurang dikenal, padahal eksekusinya bagus dan tatanan plotnya lebih rapi daripada banyak komik aksi/fantasi yang jauh lebih panjang. Berlatar era Restorasi Meiji, Laughing Under the Clouds memiliki unsur-unsur politik, duel pedang, dan supernatural, yang akan terasa familiar bagi yang sudah sering baca komik bertema serupa. Namun, pada akhirnya komik ini bersinar karena para karakter dan tema hubungan antar mereka, baik itu berupa hubungan keluarga, loyalitas, maupun pembalasan dendam.
Hal yang paling saya kagumi dari eksekusi Karakara Kemuri pada judul ini adalah kontrol pace-nya yang sangat baik. Jumlah karakter dan sub-plot sebenarnya tergolong banyak, tapi jarang ada kesan ‘terburu’buru’ maupun ‘terlalu ditarik-ulur’ sepanjang narasi. Setiap ada karakter baru yang diperkenalkan, langsung ada dampak nyata terhadap cerita. Saya juga suka teknik saat penulisnya menyisipkan satu cerita tambahan di masa lalu, .
Walau mayoritas protagonisnya laki-laki, komik ini berlabel demografi shoujo, sebagaimana terlihat dari gaya garis gambar dan desain karakternya yang cenderung halus/lembut dan (baca: semua tokoh cowok penting terlihat ‘cantik’). Secara keseluruhan, saya cukup oke dengan gambarnya, khususnya desain beberapa karakter seperti Nishiki (si cewek ninja ‘setengah matang’ yang bermotif warna setengah hitam dan setengah putih). Ada penekanan tersendiri pada penggambaran konflik batin dan perkembangan emosional karakternya, tanpa jadi terlampau klise atau mendayu-dayu. Di lain sisi, kelihatan jelas kalau adegan pertarungan bukan salah satu keunggulan sensei ini. Adegan-adegan duel cenderung selesai begitu cepat atau seadanya saja, tidak disampaikan melalui visualisasi panel yang cukup besar atau mendetail.
Bagaimanapun, daya tarik utama dari judul ini terletak pada penggambaran hubunganbromance dalam arti harfiah ketiga kakak beradiknya; Tenka, anak sulung yang selalu penuh tawa; Soramaru, anak tengah yang selalu merasa berada di bawah bayang-bayang Tenka; dan Chutaro, si bungsu yang bisa tumbuh tanpa beban berkat kasih sayang kakak-kakaknya. Ada pula berbagai sub-plot asmara, rivalitas, dan hubungan guru-murid yang turut berkembang di sela-sela cerita, dan saya rasa semua itu sudah tersampaikan dengan baik.
Tiga setengah bintang dibulatkan ke atas, untuk rapinya eksekusi atas plot yang begitu padat, dan penyampaian tema ‘tersenyumlah di bawah langit yang berawan’ yang begitu mengena.
Tiga bersaudara menjalankan tugas mengantar tahanan kriminal ke penjara di tengah danau, dibayang-bayangi ancaman dari siluman lintas generasi……
Seri ini sepertinya relatif kurang dikenal, padahal eksekusinya bagus dan tatanan plotnya lebih rapi daripada banyak komik aksi/fantasi yang jauh lebih panjang. Berlatar era Restorasi Meiji, Laughing Under the Clouds memiliki unsur-unsur politik, duel pedang, dan supernatural, yang akan terasa familiar bagi yang sudah sering baca komik bertema serupa. Namun, pada akhirnya komik ini bersinar karena para karakter dan tema hubungan antar mereka, baik itu berupa hubungan keluarga, loyalitas, maupun pembalasan dendam.
Hal yang paling saya kagumi dari eksekusi Karakara Kemuri pada judul ini adalah kontrol pace-nya yang sangat baik. Jumlah karakter dan sub-plot sebenarnya tergolong banyak, tapi jarang ada kesan ‘terburu’buru’ maupun ‘terlalu ditarik-ulur’ sepanjang narasi. Setiap ada karakter baru yang diperkenalkan, langsung ada dampak nyata terhadap cerita. Saya juga suka teknik saat penulisnya menyisipkan satu cerita tambahan di masa lalu, .
Walau mayoritas protagonisnya laki-laki, komik ini berlabel demografi shoujo, sebagaimana terlihat dari gaya garis gambar dan desain karakternya yang cenderung halus/lembut dan (baca: semua tokoh cowok penting terlihat ‘cantik’). Secara keseluruhan, saya cukup oke dengan gambarnya, khususnya desain beberapa karakter seperti Nishiki (si cewek ninja ‘setengah matang’ yang bermotif warna setengah hitam dan setengah putih). Ada penekanan tersendiri pada penggambaran konflik batin dan perkembangan emosional karakternya, tanpa jadi terlampau klise atau mendayu-dayu. Di lain sisi, kelihatan jelas kalau adegan pertarungan bukan salah satu keunggulan sensei ini. Adegan-adegan duel cenderung selesai begitu cepat atau seadanya saja, tidak disampaikan melalui visualisasi panel yang cukup besar atau mendetail.
Bagaimanapun, daya tarik utama dari judul ini terletak pada penggambaran hubungan
Tiga setengah bintang dibulatkan ke atas, untuk rapinya eksekusi atas plot yang begitu padat, dan penyampaian tema ‘tersenyumlah di bawah langit yang berawan’ yang begitu mengena.
August 23, 2021
OK, so, spoiler but not a spoiler --- only about the first third of this book is actually -this- book. The story you're promised on the back, about the three brothers and the mega prison and everything? Yeah, about a third. And I really enjoyed that part.
Then the final two thirds was a wholly different story. Sure, they're related to some extent. But practically, they don't really have much to do with one another. So I have to admit, I kind of felt cheated. Maybe if this happened later in the series I would have been more accepting. And it's not like thew side story was bad per se. But paying full manga trade prices for 80 pages of what the book was advertised to be about, which..... eh.
That said, while the first bit has plenty of action, it's much more about character -- about who our main character is, about who his brothers are through his eyes, what the time period is, etc. It's a solid start and hopefully the next volume will be more about the actual story.
As for the second story, it's a cute, bittersweet romance fantasy. It seemed fine for what it was. :)
Then the final two thirds was a wholly different story. Sure, they're related to some extent. But practically, they don't really have much to do with one another. So I have to admit, I kind of felt cheated. Maybe if this happened later in the series I would have been more accepting. And it's not like thew side story was bad per se. But paying full manga trade prices for 80 pages of what the book was advertised to be about, which..... eh.
That said, while the first bit has plenty of action, it's much more about character -- about who our main character is, about who his brothers are through his eyes, what the time period is, etc. It's a solid start and hopefully the next volume will be more about the actual story.
As for the second story, it's a cute, bittersweet romance fantasy. It seemed fine for what it was. :)
May 24, 2021
Only the first chapter is the main story - the rest is still important, but it was definitely a bit of a surprise/disappointment.
September 22, 2023
Undicesimo anno dell'Era Meiji. La capitale è oppressa da rivolte interne che si scagliano contro il governo e la sua politica di apertura all'occidente. Tre fratelli hanno il compito di traghettare i criminali fino a una prigione isolata, situata in mezzo all'enorme lago Biwa.
Ma sopra la città in cui vivono i tre giovani il cielo è perennemente nuvoloso, perché? Quali sono i segreti di questo luogo? E cosa si cela dentro le mura della prigione? Un barlume di risposta ci viene dato nella seconda metà del volume, attraverso due capitoli che narrano una storia vecchia di 600 anni...
Primo volume dalle premesse interessanti. I disegni sono belli e puliti, l'autrice sa come disegnare i begli uomini. L'ambientazione storica poi contribuisce a rendere la storia accattivante, immersi tra samurai caduti e soldati.
Si poteva fare qualcosa di più sull'edizione italiana, ma complimenti a Goen per aver portato questo titolo in Italia.
Ma sopra la città in cui vivono i tre giovani il cielo è perennemente nuvoloso, perché? Quali sono i segreti di questo luogo? E cosa si cela dentro le mura della prigione? Un barlume di risposta ci viene dato nella seconda metà del volume, attraverso due capitoli che narrano una storia vecchia di 600 anni...
Primo volume dalle premesse interessanti. I disegni sono belli e puliti, l'autrice sa come disegnare i begli uomini. L'ambientazione storica poi contribuisce a rendere la storia accattivante, immersi tra samurai caduti e soldati.
Si poteva fare qualcosa di più sull'edizione italiana, ma complimenti a Goen per aver portato questo titolo in Italia.
August 3, 2015
La historia transcurre en el año 11 de la era Meiji (1828) y muestra un poco la transición por la que Japón pasó cuando abrió sus puertas a la cultura extranjera, la desaparición gradual de los samurái y, debido a los incipientes crímenes, se encontró la solución de crear una prisión en un lago de la cual no se puede escapar: Gokumonjo.
Además de ello, hay una leyenda, la cual se nos explica en este mismo volumen y es, sin lugar a dudas, sobre la que girará la historia.
Si bien encontré un poco confuso el cambio del tiempo entre los capítulos 1 y 2, deduje que este volumen es un prólogo a lo que ocurrirá en los próximos.
El dibujo es maravilloso. Está lleno de detalles y se pone énfasis en las expresiones de cada uno de los personajes. Y, ya que he tocado este tema, debo decir que me gustan los diseños y el carácter de cada uno de ellos, en especial Tenka, el hermano mayor.
Además de ello, hay una leyenda, la cual se nos explica en este mismo volumen y es, sin lugar a dudas, sobre la que girará la historia.
Si bien encontré un poco confuso el cambio del tiempo entre los capítulos 1 y 2, deduje que este volumen es un prólogo a lo que ocurrirá en los próximos.
El dibujo es maravilloso. Está lleno de detalles y se pone énfasis en las expresiones de cada uno de los personajes. Y, ya que he tocado este tema, debo decir que me gustan los diseños y el carácter de cada uno de ellos, en especial Tenka, el hermano mayor.
December 21, 2020
De momento la historia se comienza a insinuar.
Preciosa la segunda historia introductoria. Lo que más me seduce de este manga es sin duda el dibujo. Para mí fue lo que hizo que me animara a comprar el tomo aún cuando no soy mucho de historias de samurais.
Preciosa la segunda historia introductoria. Lo que más me seduce de este manga es sin duda el dibujo. Para mí fue lo que hizo que me animara a comprar el tomo aún cuando no soy mucho de historias de samurais.
May 4, 2015
By far one of the best mangas that I have ever read. I watched the anime first when it was over, I had to get more so I read the manga and relived it. I love the characters and the plot is great.
June 30, 2020
To be perfectly honest this first volume was super confusing and I'm not really sure what to think about it one way or the other 8'D
The first volume appeared to show two different timelines; the past and the present. The present introduces three brothers that act as guardians of an inescapable (Alcatraz-like) prison in the middle of a lake (and occasionally catch prisoners who go missing on their way to said prison), and the past introduced the concept of this sort of snake-like demon (the "Orochi") that resurrects itself once every 300 years.
Obviously there's a bit more to it than that... but I'm not sure what that is at this stage... 8'D
Chapter notes below for personal reference: (potentially spoiler heavy)
The first volume appeared to show two different timelines; the past and the present. The present introduces three brothers that act as guardians of an inescapable (Alcatraz-like) prison in the middle of a lake (and occasionally catch prisoners who go missing on their way to said prison), and the past introduced the concept of this sort of snake-like demon (the "Orochi") that resurrects itself once every 300 years.
Obviously there's a bit more to it than that... but I'm not sure what that is at this stage... 8'D
Chapter notes below for personal reference: (potentially spoiler heavy)
March 20, 2021
(*Slight formatting issues--Had to read on the NetGalley App on my phone which made some panels hard to read)
I love these types of stories that are set in historical Japan and have supernatural elements. The story sets off with an introduction to the Kumo family, three brothers who help the government with ferrying prisoners to the Gokumonjo Prison that sits in the middle of a lake. In the midst of the first chapter, we see the dynamics of the brothers and follow them as they catch a few prisoners. This is the "present" story.
The next two chapters jump to 600 years prior to the events of the first chapter--which I found a little odd, but ok--and introduce a whole new set of characters. I think these chapters were included to introduce the Oroshi curse, but I just found it a little odd, since it takes up the majority of the first volume and I get the feeling we aren't going to see these characters again. One of them is from the Kumo family, while the other main character of these chapters is from an infamous Abe family of exorcists. We learn that the Orochi demon serpent is reborn every 300 years into a human vessel. That may or may not be important for the "present" story.
Overall, I am curious to see where the story leads because this is right up my alley of usual reads, but I did find it to be a little bit of an odd first volume.
Thank you to NetGalley and Tokyo Pop for an ARC copy!
I love these types of stories that are set in historical Japan and have supernatural elements. The story sets off with an introduction to the Kumo family, three brothers who help the government with ferrying prisoners to the Gokumonjo Prison that sits in the middle of a lake. In the midst of the first chapter, we see the dynamics of the brothers and follow them as they catch a few prisoners. This is the "present" story.
The next two chapters jump to 600 years prior to the events of the first chapter--which I found a little odd, but ok--and introduce a whole new set of characters. I think these chapters were included to introduce the Oroshi curse, but I just found it a little odd, since it takes up the majority of the first volume and I get the feeling we aren't going to see these characters again. One of them is from the Kumo family, while the other main character of these chapters is from an infamous Abe family of exorcists. We learn that the Orochi demon serpent is reborn every 300 years into a human vessel. That may or may not be important for the "present" story.
Overall, I am curious to see where the story leads because this is right up my alley of usual reads, but I did find it to be a little bit of an odd first volume.
Thank you to NetGalley and Tokyo Pop for an ARC copy!
October 26, 2015
1) Deutsche Rezension
2) English Review
1) Deutsche Rezension
Das hier war gemäßigt vergnüglich, aber es gab so einige Dinge über die ich mich schnell wunderte, und so einige der Erklärungssprechblasen sind leicht plump. Und leider wurde die ganze Sache schnell merkwürdig. Wenn sie den generellen Konflikt zeigen wollten, hätten sie nicht das riesige Gefängnis gebraucht, noch den Ronin oder die politischen Veränderungen. Und hier ist das größere Problem mit dieser Geschichte: Es hat nichts mit dem Rest des Bandes zu tun, das ist eine Geschichte die 600 Jahre früher spielt.
Und diese zweite Geschichte…. Der Manga konnte die Erklärungen zu Orochi nicht geben ohne den Quatsch zu haben, dass Hirari kaum was darüber weiß, obwohl seine Familie sich geschworen hat es auszulöschen und auch dafür bekannt ist mehr Ying-Yang Meister zu produzieren als jeder andere? Soll ich wirklich glauben, dass er nicht zumindest ein paar Sachen aufgeschnappt hat? Außerdem versucht Hirari Botan zu beschützen obwohl er sah wie sie gerade vier oder fünf untote Ninjas pulverisiert hat. Sicher, es wurde später gesagt, dass sie Zeit braucht um ihre magischen Lieder zu singen aber er wusste das nicht, da Bilder/Geschichte das nicht gezeigt hat. Also war es am Ende das alte "Frauen brauchen Schutz" und nichts anderes, was hier wirklich keinen Sinn macht, besonders da sie bereits einen Typen hat der ihr aushilft. Es gibt einen Unterschied zwischen Helfen-wollen und so zwanghaft "beschützen" das man die Leute um sich behindert und leider bestraft diese Geschichte Hirari nicht dafür sondern verstärkt es nur als etwas Gutes. Nicht zu vergessen, dass diese zwanghafte Liebe zu ihr ebenfalls schräg ist.
Auch keine Ahnung wie hier irgendjemand wissen konnte wo sich Orochi versteckte, wir wurden sicher nicht mit irgendwelchen Hinweise gefüttert, noch das irgendjemand Verdacht gezeigt hatte in Bezug auf Orochis Versteck. Das scheint als hätten Sie es während des Schreibens erfunden.
Das Ende war Standard. Orochi wurde natürlich hauptsächlich von Hirari (dem Köder) besiegt und nicht dem Kerl der eigentlich darauf trainiert wurde zu kämpfen und Botan zu beschützen, und selbstverständlich wurde Hirari durch Botans Güte von seiner Depression (weil er ein lebender Köder war) geheilt… ziemlich Standard um ehrlich zu sein. Alles in allem sollte diese Geschichte ein Extra am Ende der Serie sein und nicht im ersten Band.
Plus es gibt Erklärungs-/Übersetzungsprobleme:
Sicher, das Wort "Tanuki" bedeutet Marderhund, allerdings ist die Notiz darunter irreführed da es einfach als Fabelwesen dargestellt wird, es sind aber echte Tiere, was die Übersetzer hätten wissen müssen.
Was ist mit diesen unterschiedlichen Wörtern für Botan? Sie sagt Hirari dass sie ein beschworener Dämon ist, dann wird sie als Schutzgeist bezeichnet und dann als Shikigami. Wo ist da die Logik?
2) English Review
This was moderately enjoyable but there were certain facts that I wondered about pretty fast, and some of the expository speech bubbles are a tad clumsy. And sadly the whole thing got odd pretty fast. If they wanted to show the general conflict they would not have needed the giant prison, the Ronin and all the political changes. And here is the bigger problem with the story: It has nothing to do with the rest of the volume; that is a story that plays 600 years earlier!
And that second story… The manga could not get the explanation about Orochi out without having the nonsense of Hirari barely knowing what that is, despite being from a family that is not only dedicated to wiping it out but also is known for creating more ying-yang masters than any other? Am I really supposed to belief that he would not at least pick up some basics simply because it's in his face all the time? Then again Hirari tries to protect Botan and consider her needing protection despite seeing how she pulverized four to five undead ninjas. Sure it was stated later that she needs time to cast her magic songs but he didn’t know that since the artwork/story did not show that. So in the end it was the old "women need to be protected" and nothing else, which really makes no sense here, especially since she already has a support guy to help her out. There is a difference between wanting to help and being so desperate to "protect" that you act as a hindrance to people around you and sadly the story doesn't punish Hirari for it and instead enforces that this behavior is something good. Not to mention that his obsessive love for her is weird as well.
No idea how anybody here knew where Orochi was hiding either, we sure as hell weren't given any clues in that regard, nor that anybody showed suspicion about who was being possessed by Orochi. This seemed made up as they go along.
The ending was standard. The Orochi was defeated of course basically by Hirari (the bait) and not the guy that is actually trained to fight him and protect Botan, and of course Hirari was saved from his depression (due to being living bait) by Botan's goodness.... pretty damn standard to be honest. All in all, this story should have been an extra at the end and not in the first volume of the series.
Plus we have explanation/translation issues:
True, the word "tanuki" means raccoon dog, however the note below got it misleading as they are not simply mythological creatures, they are actual animals, which the translators should know.
What is it with these differing terms for Botan? She tells Hirari that she is a summoned demon, and then she is referred to as a protective spirit and then a shikigami. Where is the sense in that?
2) English Review
1) Deutsche Rezension
Das hier war gemäßigt vergnüglich, aber es gab so einige Dinge über die ich mich schnell wunderte, und so einige der Erklärungssprechblasen sind leicht plump. Und leider wurde die ganze Sache schnell merkwürdig. Wenn sie den generellen Konflikt zeigen wollten, hätten sie nicht das riesige Gefängnis gebraucht, noch den Ronin oder die politischen Veränderungen. Und hier ist das größere Problem mit dieser Geschichte: Es hat nichts mit dem Rest des Bandes zu tun, das ist eine Geschichte die 600 Jahre früher spielt.
Und diese zweite Geschichte…. Der Manga konnte die Erklärungen zu Orochi nicht geben ohne den Quatsch zu haben, dass Hirari kaum was darüber weiß, obwohl seine Familie sich geschworen hat es auszulöschen und auch dafür bekannt ist mehr Ying-Yang Meister zu produzieren als jeder andere? Soll ich wirklich glauben, dass er nicht zumindest ein paar Sachen aufgeschnappt hat? Außerdem versucht Hirari Botan zu beschützen obwohl er sah wie sie gerade vier oder fünf untote Ninjas pulverisiert hat. Sicher, es wurde später gesagt, dass sie Zeit braucht um ihre magischen Lieder zu singen aber er wusste das nicht, da Bilder/Geschichte das nicht gezeigt hat. Also war es am Ende das alte "Frauen brauchen Schutz" und nichts anderes, was hier wirklich keinen Sinn macht, besonders da sie bereits einen Typen hat der ihr aushilft. Es gibt einen Unterschied zwischen Helfen-wollen und so zwanghaft "beschützen" das man die Leute um sich behindert und leider bestraft diese Geschichte Hirari nicht dafür sondern verstärkt es nur als etwas Gutes. Nicht zu vergessen, dass diese zwanghafte Liebe zu ihr ebenfalls schräg ist.
Auch keine Ahnung wie hier irgendjemand wissen konnte wo sich Orochi versteckte, wir wurden sicher nicht mit irgendwelchen Hinweise gefüttert, noch das irgendjemand Verdacht gezeigt hatte in Bezug auf Orochis Versteck. Das scheint als hätten Sie es während des Schreibens erfunden.
Das Ende war Standard. Orochi wurde natürlich hauptsächlich von Hirari (dem Köder) besiegt und nicht dem Kerl der eigentlich darauf trainiert wurde zu kämpfen und Botan zu beschützen, und selbstverständlich wurde Hirari durch Botans Güte von seiner Depression (weil er ein lebender Köder war) geheilt… ziemlich Standard um ehrlich zu sein. Alles in allem sollte diese Geschichte ein Extra am Ende der Serie sein und nicht im ersten Band.
Plus es gibt Erklärungs-/Übersetzungsprobleme:
Sicher, das Wort "Tanuki" bedeutet Marderhund, allerdings ist die Notiz darunter irreführed da es einfach als Fabelwesen dargestellt wird, es sind aber echte Tiere, was die Übersetzer hätten wissen müssen.
Was ist mit diesen unterschiedlichen Wörtern für Botan? Sie sagt Hirari dass sie ein beschworener Dämon ist, dann wird sie als Schutzgeist bezeichnet und dann als Shikigami. Wo ist da die Logik?
2) English Review
This was moderately enjoyable but there were certain facts that I wondered about pretty fast, and some of the expository speech bubbles are a tad clumsy. And sadly the whole thing got odd pretty fast. If they wanted to show the general conflict they would not have needed the giant prison, the Ronin and all the political changes. And here is the bigger problem with the story: It has nothing to do with the rest of the volume; that is a story that plays 600 years earlier!
And that second story… The manga could not get the explanation about Orochi out without having the nonsense of Hirari barely knowing what that is, despite being from a family that is not only dedicated to wiping it out but also is known for creating more ying-yang masters than any other? Am I really supposed to belief that he would not at least pick up some basics simply because it's in his face all the time? Then again Hirari tries to protect Botan and consider her needing protection despite seeing how she pulverized four to five undead ninjas. Sure it was stated later that she needs time to cast her magic songs but he didn’t know that since the artwork/story did not show that. So in the end it was the old "women need to be protected" and nothing else, which really makes no sense here, especially since she already has a support guy to help her out. There is a difference between wanting to help and being so desperate to "protect" that you act as a hindrance to people around you and sadly the story doesn't punish Hirari for it and instead enforces that this behavior is something good. Not to mention that his obsessive love for her is weird as well.
No idea how anybody here knew where Orochi was hiding either, we sure as hell weren't given any clues in that regard, nor that anybody showed suspicion about who was being possessed by Orochi. This seemed made up as they go along.
The ending was standard. The Orochi was defeated of course basically by Hirari (the bait) and not the guy that is actually trained to fight him and protect Botan, and of course Hirari was saved from his depression (due to being living bait) by Botan's goodness.... pretty damn standard to be honest. All in all, this story should have been an extra at the end and not in the first volume of the series.
Plus we have explanation/translation issues:
True, the word "tanuki" means raccoon dog, however the note below got it misleading as they are not simply mythological creatures, they are actual animals, which the translators should know.
What is it with these differing terms for Botan? She tells Hirari that she is a summoned demon, and then she is referred to as a protective spirit and then a shikigami. Where is the sense in that?
March 18, 2021
Interesting to have Laughing Under the Clouds finally in English. I do enjoy manga about Japan's rich history. The manga is set in Meiji era when crime rate rose and prisons were full. Thus a new one was built, one that is inescapable called Gokumonjo, situated in the center of Lake Biwa. The three sons of Kumo are chosen to transport the prisoners to the prison, but there's something fishy about the prison. Actually I liked the history part of the story more, meaning the story that happened 600 years before our main story. Otherwise this first part was quite slow and we only see the brothers fighting criminals and such. Perhaps along the way we get to know them better, but at least now I didn't get enough of the series to say really anything about it.
The art looks OK, nothing spectacular, but it works with the story. The art is quite graphic and fighting is more like dancing in a sense. Still, Laughing Under the Clouds is nice, because you can't have enough series about Japan's history and aimed at girls too. Or published in English. So, a good choice and only six books long, so easy to approach.
The art looks OK, nothing spectacular, but it works with the story. The art is quite graphic and fighting is more like dancing in a sense. Still, Laughing Under the Clouds is nice, because you can't have enough series about Japan's history and aimed at girls too. Or published in English. So, a good choice and only six books long, so easy to approach.
January 31, 2024
So I actually saw the first volume of this series at Barnes & Noble sometime last year and kept meaning to read it. The art caught my eye instantly and I was really excited to see what the rest of the manga looked like. I was not disappointed, it really is gorgeous artwork throughout each page. Laughing Under The Clouds came out in 2011, sorry to say I am 13 years late in reading this.
The story takes place during the Meiji era of Japan. It follows three brothers whose duty is to transport criminals to an inescapable prison called Gokumonjo. Volume 1 has three chapters and only the first chapter is centered around the brothers. The next two chapters are about the prequel that happened 600 years before the main storyline.
I feel like normally this would really annoy me considering the first volume of main story line is only 1 chapter but I was surprised at how much I really enjoyed it. It really set up for the reader to have a great curiosity about how the prequel will come into play with what little information is presented from chapter 1. So far, absolutely loving it and will continue to read this series.
(I saw online this series is gutwrenchingly sad. Oh no 😅🤧)
⭐⭐⭐⭐/5
The story takes place during the Meiji era of Japan. It follows three brothers whose duty is to transport criminals to an inescapable prison called Gokumonjo. Volume 1 has three chapters and only the first chapter is centered around the brothers. The next two chapters are about the prequel that happened 600 years before the main storyline.
I feel like normally this would really annoy me considering the first volume of main story line is only 1 chapter but I was surprised at how much I really enjoyed it. It really set up for the reader to have a great curiosity about how the prequel will come into play with what little information is presented from chapter 1. So far, absolutely loving it and will continue to read this series.
(I saw online this series is gutwrenchingly sad. Oh no 😅🤧)
⭐⭐⭐⭐/5
April 6, 2024
Що ж, тут є неочікуваний сюжетний хід, який магічним підсрачником додає історії темпу.
В першому томі два таймлайни: кінець 19-го сторіччя в Японії і мінус 600 років, також в Японії. Перша історія про трьох братів, які ловлять злочинців в часи, коли заборонили ходити з мечами. Друга історія чи то про їх предків, чи якось з ними пов’язана, і в ній містика, йокаї і екзорцисти. Неочікуваний коктейль. В першій трохи драми про сім’ю, в другій драма про зраду та кохання тривалістю у надцять років до тієї, яку любить ніззя (ну, власне, можна, але це не логічно і кріповато). А ше є таємничий лиходій у масці, якого читачеві показують у флешбеках і у одній сцені “нормального” часу.
Шо по враженнях. Це середнячок. Фіг його знає, шо там далі, але поки що перший том закинув гачків, але лишився середнячком. Діалоги - як хащі, важко побудовані чи перекладені (фіг зара розберешся), в екшен-сценах губиться орієнтація у просторі і присутнє моє “улюблене” місиво із незрозуміло чиїх рухів. Компенсується нічогенькою графікою. Хотілося би більшо занурення у історичну епоху, але обидві історії не зовсім про те.
В першому томі два таймлайни: кінець 19-го сторіччя в Японії і мінус 600 років, також в Японії. Перша історія про трьох братів, які ловлять злочинців в часи, коли заборонили ходити з мечами. Друга історія чи то про їх предків, чи якось з ними пов’язана, і в ній містика, йокаї і екзорцисти. Неочікуваний коктейль. В першій трохи драми про сім’ю, в другій драма про зраду та кохання тривалістю у надцять років до тієї, яку любить ніззя (ну, власне, можна, але це не логічно і кріповато). А ше є таємничий лиходій у масці, якого читачеві показують у флешбеках і у одній сцені “нормального” часу.
Шо по враженнях. Це середнячок. Фіг його знає, шо там далі, але поки що перший том закинув гачків, але лишився середнячком. Діалоги - як хащі, важко побудовані чи перекладені (фіг зара розберешся), в екшен-сценах губиться орієнтація у просторі і присутнє моє “улюблене” місиво із незрозуміло чиїх рухів. Компенсується нічогенькою графікою. Хотілося би більшо занурення у історичну епоху, але обидві історії не зовсім про те.
August 6, 2021
Masterful storytelling, expertly crafted art, engaging characters
Divided into two parts, one set about 20 years after the 1868/69 Meiji Restoration and a prequel set 600 years in the past, Laughing Under The Clouds, Volume 1 is a case study in masterful visual storytelling. Pacing, characterization, setting and mood all feel effortless and near perfect. Volume 1, which centers around three samurai brothers who bring criminals to Justice, gives us just enough to want more of these heroes, while the prequel, which clearly lays a foundation for future plot developments, is a jewel of a story unto itself.
The drawing is smooth, polished and nearly flawless, as are the compositions. Gorgeous panel and page designs are achieved, generally, with only 4 tones, black, white, medium dark gray and medium light gray, and are expertly distributed to enhance the dramatic or emotional mood of each scene. The graphic special effects are cinematic in feel and simply spectacular, with several sweeping two page spreads.Danny
I immediately bought volume 2 when I finished volume 1.
Divided into two parts, one set about 20 years after the 1868/69 Meiji Restoration and a prequel set 600 years in the past, Laughing Under The Clouds, Volume 1 is a case study in masterful visual storytelling. Pacing, characterization, setting and mood all feel effortless and near perfect. Volume 1, which centers around three samurai brothers who bring criminals to Justice, gives us just enough to want more of these heroes, while the prequel, which clearly lays a foundation for future plot developments, is a jewel of a story unto itself.
The drawing is smooth, polished and nearly flawless, as are the compositions. Gorgeous panel and page designs are achieved, generally, with only 4 tones, black, white, medium dark gray and medium light gray, and are expertly distributed to enhance the dramatic or emotional mood of each scene. The graphic special effects are cinematic in feel and simply spectacular, with several sweeping two page spreads.Danny
I immediately bought volume 2 when I finished volume 1.
February 23, 2022
Cerita terjadi di tahun ke-11 era Meiji (1878-1879) dan menunjukkan sedikit transisi yang dilalui Jepang ketika membuka pintunya ke budaya asing, hilangnya samurai secara bertahap dan, karena kejahatan yang baru dimulai, itu ditemukan solusi untuk membuat penjara di danau Biwa yang tidak dapat dihindari: Gokumonjo. Selain itu, ada sebuah legenda, yang dijelaskan kepada pembaca dalam volume pertama ini dan, tanpa diragukan lagi, adalah legenda yang akan dikisahkan dalam seria ini.
Sungguh unik. Cerita intinya hanya 1 chapter LOL Pada chapter 2 dan 3 semacam side story bersetting zaman kumakura, bisa dikatakan ini adalah prolog dari apa yang akan terjadi di yang berikutnya (Tahun 11 Meiji).
Gambar Karakara Kemuri sensei luar biasa. Itu penuh dengan detail dan penekanan ditempatkan pada ekspresi masing-masing karakter. Saya harus mengatakan bahwa saya menyukai desain dan karakter masing-masing, terutama Tenka, si sulung :))
Sungguh unik. Cerita intinya hanya 1 chapter LOL Pada chapter 2 dan 3 semacam side story bersetting zaman kumakura, bisa dikatakan ini adalah prolog dari apa yang akan terjadi di yang berikutnya (Tahun 11 Meiji).
Gambar Karakara Kemuri sensei luar biasa. Itu penuh dengan detail dan penekanan ditempatkan pada ekspresi masing-masing karakter. Saya harus mengatakan bahwa saya menyukai desain dan karakter masing-masing, terutama Tenka, si sulung :))
November 28, 2021
Cuando leí la sinopsis de este manga, admito que no me atrajo mucho porque nunca he sido fan de los samurais (ni siquiera de Rurouni Kenshin), pero aún así decidí darle una oportunidad, ¡y resulta que estoy encantando! Aunque la historia de los hermanos Kumo parece un shonen más al principio, me di cuenta de inmediato de que no es el caso.
Reseña completa: https://tintanocturna.blogspot.com/20...
When I read the synopsis of this manga, I admit that I wasn't very attracted to it because I have never been a fan of samurais (not even Rurouni Kenshin), but I still decided to give it a try, and it turns out that I'm loving it! Although the story of the Kumo brothers seems like one more shonen at first, I realized immediately that this is not the case.
Full review: https://tintanocturna.blogspot.com/20...
Reseña completa: https://tintanocturna.blogspot.com/20...
When I read the synopsis of this manga, I admit that I wasn't very attracted to it because I have never been a fan of samurais (not even Rurouni Kenshin), but I still decided to give it a try, and it turns out that I'm loving it! Although the story of the Kumo brothers seems like one more shonen at first, I realized immediately that this is not the case.
Full review: https://tintanocturna.blogspot.com/20...
May 3, 2021
I don’t quite have this manga figured out. I think I need book two to understand more of what is happening. Three brothers and a housemate (who appears to be 600 years old) ferry prisoners to the prison, or catch the ones that escape. Part of why I find it confusing is because of my limited history knowledge of the samurai. At times they seem evil and others times a hero. I only know what I have learned from movies and let's just say western culture does a bad job teaching eastern culture. I prefer the main story to the second story in the book that takes place 100 years earlier. And while I found this book interesting. I don’t think I found it interesting enough to pick up the sequel.
September 19, 2022
Liczba postaci które poznajemy w pierwszym tomie jest ogromna, przez co nie zdążamy zapoznać się z rządną bliżej. Są one dość ,,płaskie,, i pozbawione osobowości. Dodany też został rozdział specjalny(zajmuje prawie pół tomu) który dzieje się wiele lat przed wydarzeniami głównej linii fabularnej. Bardziej do gustu przypadły mi ostatnie rozdziały. Mocno średnia manga, jednak mam nadzieje że w kolejnych tomikach się rozkręci.
Niżej jest spojler dotyczący głównych bohaterów.
SPOJLER
Młodszy brat brat to po prostu dzieciak, osobowość najstarszego to po prostu bycie ,,cool,, najdoroślejszym i najlepszym, a jedyną motywacją w robieniu czegokolwiek przez średniego brata jest nieuzasadniona chęć bycia lepszym od najstarszego(nawet nie pamiętam ich imion)
Niżej jest spojler dotyczący głównych bohaterów.
SPOJLER
Młodszy brat brat to po prostu dzieciak, osobowość najstarszego to po prostu bycie ,,cool,, najdoroślejszym i najlepszym, a jedyną motywacją w robieniu czegokolwiek przez średniego brata jest nieuzasadniona chęć bycia lepszym od najstarszego(nawet nie pamiętam ich imion)
January 2, 2023
Sinceramente no entendía nada lo que quería expresarme este manga, pero con tres capítulos, tan solo tres, incluso podría decir que dos, me han trasmitido más que una serialización completamente de un manga. El Shoujo tiene eso emotivo que es increíble, y aquí lo hace con la historia de un Shinigami y un humano, donde si uno entiende un poco de mitología japonesa, uno sabe el amor imposible que existe entre estos dos personajes. Pero unos diálogos tan simples, tan apasionados, tan emotivos, es eso, la emoción que transmiten hacen que cambie de opinión sobre este primer volumen. Extrañísima la forma de contar la historia, pero veremos como lo van relacionado más adelante, si es que lo hacen.
January 13, 2023
💯 Read for the 2023 MacHalo Splendiferous Book Bingo Thingie (MSBBT™) challenge at the MacHalo Asylum 💯
Bingo Images:
•• 18. My Headache Is Killing Me ••
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April 29, 2023
I was not expecting the last few chapters to deviate from the original storyline! It was a wonderful addition I don’t remember seeing in the anime! I’m glad I got a little more backstory with those characters.
I absolutely love the Kumo brothers and their relationships with each other - with Shirasu as well (my heart still aches though)! I like how the setting focuses more on a traditionally-based Japan but adds a darker magical element I think is also based on Japanese culture.
On a slightly fangirlish note, I wasn’t prepared for the Kumo brothers to be more attractive in the manga than the anime…especially Sora! I wish I had more volumes of this manga!
I absolutely love the Kumo brothers and their relationships with each other - with Shirasu as well (my heart still aches though)! I like how the setting focuses more on a traditionally-based Japan but adds a darker magical element I think is also based on Japanese culture.
On a slightly fangirlish note, I wasn’t prepared for the Kumo brothers to be more attractive in the manga than the anime…especially Sora! I wish I had more volumes of this manga!
January 17, 2024
*4.5/5
Les thématiques de l'héritage et de la fraternité dominent cette série historique d'action. ⚡️ J'ai beaucoup aimé que ce soit le premier chapitre présenté ainsi que le long prologue autour de leurs ancêtres. Ça bouge, c'est attendrissant. 🌅
Les relations fraternelles sont basées sur la transmission mais aussi l'admiration formant un trio attachant et drôle. 💬 C'est une épopée périlleuse qui nous attend avec cette série qui dépeint très bien l'honneur des samouraïs et leur devoir. ⚔️ Une lutte entre un Japon traditionnel et un Japon moderne se joue au sein même de la société où évolue les frères Kumo.
Les thématiques de l'héritage et de la fraternité dominent cette série historique d'action. ⚡️ J'ai beaucoup aimé que ce soit le premier chapitre présenté ainsi que le long prologue autour de leurs ancêtres. Ça bouge, c'est attendrissant. 🌅
Les relations fraternelles sont basées sur la transmission mais aussi l'admiration formant un trio attachant et drôle. 💬 C'est une épopée périlleuse qui nous attend avec cette série qui dépeint très bien l'honneur des samouraïs et leur devoir. ⚔️ Une lutte entre un Japon traditionnel et un Japon moderne se joue au sein même de la société où évolue les frères Kumo.
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