The writing is so clunky I almost DNF this but the art is gorgeous and I love the premise! (I wasn't sure if the writing was terrible or if TokyoPop had used AI to translate, but at the end the author said something about the chapters being too long, implying material had been left on the editing floor. It's a shame.) Anyway, I'm hooked! I need to buy this one but read volume 1 on Hoopla for now. It's BL and the author promises a happy ending so I'm sold.
The pacing in this was genuinely so terrible, I kept trying to check to see if pages were stuck together, because it felt like entire scenes were missing.
I am curious how this is meant to have the happy ending the author's note promises, since Kabuto appears to be a true, fully dead ghost, and not the traditional "it turns out he was simply in a coma all along" fix-it scenario. Not nearly curious enough to continue reading, though, because I have no faith in the story arc making any cohesive sense.
Koton is...a first year high schooler, I guess? A guy calls him that later on, even though Koton said near the beginning that he'd assaulted his father "in my first year of high school, not that long ago." I'd assumed he was at least a second year, but it doesn't particularly matter, because he's drawn like he's about 35.
It's absurd. Just make this story about two grown men if you just want to draw giant beefy characters...
Anyway, he's "secretly very kind" and has a habit of rescuing people through such violent actions that no one notices the reason behind him smashing people's heads into the ground or stabbing them or whatever. I have no idea why he was fighting someone on the first day of school, but I barely understood why he was fighting anyone in any of the other scenes, either.
Only Kabuto seems to get it: he died in an alleyway, also while trying to rescue someone, although that story hasn't been shown yet. When Koton wanders into that same alley and does one of his random violent acts of kindness to save a woman who was being harassed, Kabuto latches onto him and follows him home.
They immediately form this codependent relationship that we're supposed to recognize as being in love, although there's really not much development there. Kabuto just keeps telling Koton how wonderful and handsome he is, and encourages him to interact with other people more and push his hair out of his face. And of course as soon as Koton's hair's out of his face, people start going "oh he's hot" and then they forgive the violence a little bit.
Which I feel like is kind of the target audience for this series. People who don't really care what Koton's doing or why, as long as there are enough panels of his abs on full display.
The central relationship is okay, and it could be interesting to see how it's possible to develop a human/ghost relationship into something lasting. But we get other characters tossed in, too, like the other first year who also latches onto Koton and seemed very creepy and unsettling but is maybe meant to actually be his friend...? He feels incredibly fishy, but I can't tell if that's just because the narrative is really confusingly structured.
There's some weird scene where the three of them (Koton, other dude, and ghost) are walking by in the distance and then are suddenly being confronted by some delinquents who weren't even framed to be anywhere close to their walking trajectory....and the delinquents are trying to get someone (unclear who???) to beat up someone else for reasons (???), except Koton ends up punching several of them, including maybe the guy who was apologizing to him (???).
And then he threatens them and the scene transitions to an entirely different setting. Except later on there's another encounter where the delinquents seem to be more afraid of Fishy Dude, who sounds like he'd threatened them after Koton had already beaten them up?
I literally have no idea what was going on a lot of the time.
Then! This other girl suddenly shows up. It turns out she's the daughter of the man Koton had stabbed when he was a kid. But she says oh, no, it's totally cool, you were just protecting your little sister from being kidnapped, we're fine, just kidding, I'm going to stab you in the side as soon as I'm walking home alone with you.
Kabuto panics and runs off to find Fishy Guy to call an ambulance to save him, but then because he's too far away from Koton he starts to lose consciousness and forget who he is and what he was doing, so Koton pulls the knife out of his side and runs off to find him, and that's this volume's cliffhanger.
It's just not good storytelling. And the art's frankly too messy to be attractive enough to make up for the messy writing.
Juzgado por su apariencia desde niño, Tsubaki Koton es un tiarrón de dos metros tope de cachas que desprende un aura terrorífica. Con el pelo siempre en la cara y sus dientes de sierra, todos lo ven como un monstruo sediento de sangre en su nuevo instituto, y más cuando empiezan a correr rumores desgarradores sobre él y el ser testigos de las peleas en las que Tsubaki se mete y acaba manchándose la ropa de la sangre de sus víctimas.
Pero tal vez Tusbaki no sea un delincuente despiadado ni sus víctimas corderos indefensos.
Y eso es lo que ve un fantasma que lo sigue desde el lugar donde murió intentando salvar a alguien en apuros hasta su casa, en la cual se manifiesta y, por primera vez desde que dejó el mundo de los vivos, alguien es capaz de volver a ver a Kabuto Yûki.
De apariencia angelical y con un fuerte sentido de la justicia, a Kabuto no le ha pasado desapercibido que, aunque de forma bruta, Tsubaki lo que pretende metiéndose en peleas es defender a las gentes inocentes y débiles de las cuales se aprovechan matones sin escrúpulos o gente poderosa que disfruta pisoteando a los que están escalafones más abajo. Y eso Tsubaki no puede soportarlo, aunque esconde esa gentileza en sus torpes formas de actuar a través de los puños.
Pidiéndole que le deje acompañarlo al instituto, centro en la que el propio Kabuto estaba matriculado hasta que pereció, la compañía e influencia del bello fantasma harán que, aunque siga con su cara de vinagre y su pelo en la cara, el corazón de Tsubaki se vaya calentando al no sentirse solo y, sobre todo, comprendido por primera vez en su vida. Su existencia ha comenzado a cambiar gracias a un ser inmaterial que lo ha poseído y que, al parecer, está en el mundo de los vivos porque tiene algo pendiente.
Siendo una obra que trata el tema de las apariencias y los cánones sociales, así como las injusticias y las luchas diarias de los distintos personajes por no ser juzgados, malinterpretados o rechazados, los cuales no han tenido una vida fácil, Himemiko nos tare una serie marcada por la violencia y a la vez de una belleza desgarradora a través del amor y de la comprensión humana, aderezado con un romance imposible, y a fuego lento, entre un humano y un fantasma.
This is a supernatural manga about two high schoolers in Japan. One who looks more like an adult gangster than a young teen, and another who's dead. A ghost. The one still alive, Tsubaki Koton is large, silent, and rather strong. He's just transferred again to a new school cause he keeps getting into trouble, fights and such, and rumors are constantly spread about him.
After saving a lady who was being accosted in an alley after school, a ghost who happened to have died there (possibly recently?) decides Tsubaki is cool and decides to follow him home and haunt him. For whatever reason, Tsubaki's apartment makes it so he can actually see and hear the ghost and realizes it's a very pretty and confident teenager like him. And is not afraid of the idle threats Tsubaki gives him.
This is kind of a fast pace first volume, getting into it quickly where the ghost, Kabuto Yuuki follows Tsubaki around and realizes just how misunderstood and kind-hearted Tsubaki is. As he used to be a popular kid when he was alive, he does his best to help Tsubaki have a better school life. This works and leads to other people interested in him, some with other kinds of intentions. The way the others latch onto Tsubaki is a bit too quick for my liking, but it's high school and sometimes friendships happen that quickly.
I love the character dynamics between Yuuki and Tsubaki. It's not insta love or insta lust, but they both def feel a connection to each other beyond haunter and hauntee. We learn how Tsubaki became partially the way he was, and how he was involved in a crime in his youth that might have started his path of rumors and scandals and people just treating him as the monster they presumed him to be.
This was a lot sweeter than I expected, and the first volume will end on a bit of a cliffhanger which makes me eagerly await volume two. I enjoyed the art style of this mangaka, where everyone looks distinct, and have fantastic facial expressions. You're drawn into every panel. What I don't like, which I've seen in a few other manga over the decades, is that Tsubaki literally looks like a Gym-bro Man pretending to be a teenager, similar to how 30-year old actors are usually casted for 15-year old characters in teen shows and movies. He looks ridiculous compared to everyone else, and just doesn't feel natural. On his own, he's fantastic looking and could easily see him in a mafia type storyline. But at least, Yuuuki doesn't look like a child and does look like the older pretty boy teen he was when he died. Loved the page where we get a proper face reveal of Tsubaki.
Thank you to Edelweiss for giving me an e-arc of this!
Now, the cover is gorgeous, with a full art rendition of our "monster". But it certain gives an impression that this manga would contain smut, even if censored or fade to black style. It's rather erotic with his gaze looking at the reader as he kisses what we presume is Yuuki's fingers. And yet at least for this first volume, there's nothing like that between them. Barely even thoughts. It certainly gives a different impression, but is attention grabbing.
Was really interested in the story of this one. I liked the characters and am excited to see what happens next! I also thought the artwork was well done, but didn't really fit the story that well. The artwork made it feel like a horror novel and kind of made me feel a bit on edge, but the story didnt really reflect that. the author note at the end also said there is going to be a happy ending, which also doesnt really fit with the whole horror-vibe of the art. Anyway though, there artwork was kinda confusing, but the story is interesting and I really liked the characters.
Imagine if the only person who believes in you is a… ghost.
From the first day of his transfer to a new high school, Tsubaki Koton attracts attention by getting into fights. Lonely and misunderstood, the other students fear him and take him for a monster. Forced to accept his fate the days go by while his actions are wrongly judged. That’s when Kabuto Yuki appears before him. While everyone took Tsubaki for a bully, Kabuto understood who he really was and softened his heart filled with despair.
I went into this story completely blind, I didn’t knew what it was about, I didn’t even read the back of the book, the only thing I knew was that it was a short two volumes series but I’m so happy I gave it a try because I ended up really loving it. I’m surprise with how much I enjoyed this first volume, in just a few pages I was already immersed in the story and fell in love with the characters personalities. Tsubaki is a tall and physically intimidating men, most of his classmates are afraid of him and quickly judge him for something he’s not, leaving him on his own without even giving him a chance to present himself, until one day, this little ghost appeared all of a sudden and decides to follow him everywhere. Kabuto is a charming men with the smile of an angel who lost his life in a mysterious way. Slowly, the two of them start to build a close relationship, Tsubaki helping Kabuto to relive some of the things he did during his living, like eating and being seeing by others and Kabuto helping Tsubaki with believing in him and making him feel that he’s not alone anymore.
I totally fell in love with the drawing style, he’s joining my little collection of the prettiest manga I own. The characters design of each character is so well done even characters that are on the background are so pretty (Ibitsu Hawatari you’re so fine…)
I need the next volume nooow, because what do you mean that was the ending and I need to know what happened to Kabuto !?
“When it comes to using my body, I’m capable of doing a lot, but I stopped using it a long time ago because no one places any hope in me. No one has ever wanted me, no one really knows me and I don’t want to see anyone.”
This is a gem, and I know some people will not like it because the pacing is a little unusual, but anyone who can overlook that is in for a very heartwarming story about friendship and love. Tsubaki Koton is a loner and feared not only by his peers but by his teachers too. He is big and he looks mean, and he doesn’t know how to make friends or even talk to people. But deep down he’s a good guy who tries to help wherever he can. It just doesn’t work out very often in his favor. He’s resigned himself to being lonely, but then Kabuto Yuki appears. Who is a ghost. Yuki wants to haunt Tsubaki, but then they start talking, and a friendship develops slowly. They start caring about each other, and because Yuki is so kind and believes Tsubaki should have all the good things, the people around him start to see Tsubaki in a different light. The relationships feel very real and develop slowly. Not only Yuki’s and Tsubaki’s feelings, but also the friendships around them. The art is amazing, and the plot keeps you in your seat. I have no idea if this will have a happy ending, as one of them seems to be dead already, but maybe Yuki is in a coma and doesn’t know that? Or maybe the author will kill Tsubaki off as well so they can be happy in the afterlife together. Whatever it might be, I’m looking forward to the next volume of this manga.
Les històries amb fantasmes em solen deixar força indiferent, però en aquest cas el carisma i la singularitat dels personatges juntament amb unes il·lustracions xulíssimes m'ha atrapat del tot. El protagonista és el "monstre", un noi ben corpulent, forçut, però solitari, a qui tothom li ha penjat la llufa de ser un buscabregues despiadat quan en realitat té un passat fosc i un bon cor. Un dia apareix el "fantasma", un company de classe del noi, popular entre les noies, amb aparença d'idol, però que ha mort fa poc ajudant una dona al carrer. No sé com explicar l'aura de misteri que envolta aquest còmic, el foc lent que es va coent entre els protagonistes i com resoldre el dubte evident: podrà avançar la relació quan un d'ells ja és mort? S'acaba amb un cliffhanger criminal, amb ganes de més!!!!
Wow, Story mit BL und nicht BL mit Story :D iuhihi. Allein deswegen kriegt es schon mehr Punkte. Die Story ist eigentlich noch sehr ... einfach? Tsubaki ist ein Schläger, den alle falsch verstehen - wobei er in der Tat wirklich ein SChläger ist, der seine Prinzipien hat und ich steh voll hinter denen. Da kriegt der Nerd auch mal eins auf die Fresse, weil er sich die SCheiße selbst eingebrockt hat. Gut so. Jedenfalls folgt Tsubaki ein Geist nach Hause - ein Mitschüler, der von Typen erschlagen wurde. Und der Geist fängt an sich in Tsubakis Leben einzumischen, während er gleichzeitig sieht, wie Tsubaki wirklich ist. Es ist sehr süß, aber es ist auch wirklich extrem dramatisch. Tsubakis Vergangenheit ist brutal und blutig. AUch die NPCs, die storyrelevant werden, ahben Dreck am stecken oder eine dramatische hintergrundgeschichte.
Monster & Ghost è una storia soprannaturale e romantica, intrigante e misteriosa, ideale sia per gli amanti di Halloween che per gli irrinunciabili romantici. Il volume mi è piaciuto e sono curiosa di scoprire come evolverà il rapporto tra il Mostro e il Fantasma, e quale sia il vero ruolo degli inquietanti personaggi secondari che ronzano intorno al Mostro. Tuttavia, nonostante lo abbia trovato interessante sia dal punto di vista della trama che dei disegni, la lettura è stata spesso nebulosa e di difficile comprensione. Sembra che manchino diversi passaggi a legare le varie vicende, e non mi è chiaro se sia un atto voluto dall'autrice o se sia una carenza dell'opera, solo proseguendo lo si potrà capire.
Au départ c'est la beauté des covers et des dessins en feuilletant qui m'a attirée et je suis bien contente de m'être laissée tenter alors que je lis très peu de mangas.
J'ai beaucoup aimé les personnages, surtout Tsubaki. Il a une apparence assez terrifiante au premier abord et un comportement un peu brusque, mais au fond il est hyper timide et très droit. Il déteste l'injustice et n'hésite pas à se battre pour les autres.
Kabuto est plutôt doux et lumineux. J'adore le fait qu'il fasse tout pour montrer aux autres la valeur de Tsubaki et à Tsubaki lui-même, qui finit par s'ouvrir davantage et se cacher beaucoup moins.
J'ai hâte de voir la romance arriver dans la suite en tout cas.
Not quite was i was expecting (but in a good way!)
Sometimes a bit horror, sometimes funny, sometimes a BL, but always drawn in such a perfect way it’s making me cry.
It’s a bit difficult to write a proper review after reading only one volume, because I feel like the story isn’t properly started yet. But I’m very taken by it and I’ll definitely read the next volumes too.
The author said there is a happy ending in the notes of this volume, I’m quite curious if it’s going to be a typical trope (like the main character it’s not totally dead) or if it’s going to be something new and interesting.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Thank you to Edelweiss and Tokyopop for the E-Copy! This E-Copy was sent to me in exchange for an honest review!
Monster & Ghost was PERFECT! The art style, the storyline, the yearning, the drama-All of it, I LOVED it. I went in thinking it would be a dramatic BL that I could read in one sitting and give maybe 4 stars. I did read it one sitting, in less than 30 minutes actually, but I couldn't give this less than 5 stars if you paid me. This is genuinely one of the best BL stories I've read in such a long time. I am a SUCKER for yearning. I need every volume of this ASAP.
Theres not much buildup or setup to what it seems will be a relationship. Everything moves very fast and there isn't time to get to know the characters beyond the obvious. I think there is more importance placed on the 'Monster's hot-ness and glow up. Though he looks 2-3x past high school age, the ghost looks and feels much younger and is just an archetype of cute and bubbly. I personally don't find that the characters mesh well together. I don't think I'd continue the series.
2.5 Sterne. Hat mich irgendwie nicht so gecatcht. Das Charakterdesign gefällt mir (vor allem das kleine Muttermal) und das Konzept (Monster & Geist) hat Potenzial, aber die Nebenfiguren waren nicht so interessant und der Plot kam mir für ein Schul-Setting etwas absurd vor.
I honestly didn't realize what I was getting into when I started this manga. But, I was so giddy with the budding friendship turned crush (?) and cannot wait to see where the story goes. The mangaka promised us a happy ending! Which scares but also excites me. Solid 4.
First of all, i absolutely loved it! The artwork was gorgeous, and i really enjoyed the storytelling. The character development was fantastic, and i’m so excited for the second volume because the characters are just adorable. But i find it totally unrealistic that he's still in high school i’m sorry.
This was an interesting manga. You have to boys that become friends as they truly see and accept each other. One a giant that is misunderstood and maligned by everyone and the other is a ghost haunting him who seems to have a crush. It’s a cool story that kept me engaged and I can’t wait to see where it goes next.
This was okay. I wasn't all that enamored with the story or the characters until the last parts of this book. It did leave off in a unique place, so I may continue the story just to see what happens.
Fantastic!!! I fell so for this book half way through. Such darkness that highlights the bond between the two main characters!!! I can't wait until the next book! The wah the artist drew the ML. The beautiful details in the muscles and also the change in the character are so perfect!
Read this on Hoopla app. I giving this a 4 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ the only person who believes you is… a ghost. I like this artwork and the story. Everyone scare of him because of his looks and the ghost is so opposite of him and sweet and gentle. I look forward to read vol 2.
surprisingly kinda wholesome? its good but the pacing felt weird and i feel like there was something off with the translation bc i was pretty confused at times. Its a cool premise though and the art is insanely gorgeous
Monster and Ghost is a short two volume story about a misunderstood delinquent with a tragic past and a ghost of a boy who was killed helping someone. Review under construction.*