Another really solid volume with plenty of funny moments, but for some reason the series feels like it isn't going anywhere plot wise, least for me. I'm not sure if I'll continue this series anytime soon but it's oddness makes it enjoyable.
The opening chapters wrap up the homelessness storyline in a hearbreaking/amusing manner before meandering into a few awkward chapters of blah comic misunderstandings. The closing chapters pay homage to O. Henry's "The Ransom of Red Chief," also meandering a bit before finishing with a bang. The final page promises more exploration of the mythology next volume.
I wish the creator were a little more skillful in plotting and art, but this series still manages to pull me along.
This is my first review ever on good reads. I usually would not write one but this volume was very well done. I've enjoyed Hinamatsuri very much and was waiting for a sale to buy them all but just couldn't wait. Volume 5 was worth paying cover price for. The intro chapter was one of the most heartfelt and well done pieces of literature I have ever read. It dealt with having to move on and losing friends and family yet gave such a strong message of hope too. I found myself being so touched by it all with tears of just joy at the end. Cut to three chapters later with the ransom and I can't help but not stop laughing out loud. This series is just something else. I've never read anything so touching and then so funny. I can't even describe what kind of genre the series is. I can only say it's one of the most wonderful, hilarious and original manga I've read. Volumes 6-8 arrived today and I doubt I'll be able to wait for 9-12.
The opening chapters of Anzu's homeless struggles are surprisingly tearjerking. Hinamatsuri stops being just funny and ends up being bittersweet and sad? This isn't the funniest volume of the series, but the kidnapping 'arc' that starts at the end is solid.
A lot of stuff happens here - Anzu’s story sees a major shift, which results in comedy and heartwarming moments at the same time, Hitomi’s arc shows a growing discontent with Utako which is very funny to read as well, there’s a comedy story about a past member of the gang coming back and misunderstanding is used to great comedic effect. Lot of funny stories here and the humor is original.