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とつくにの少女 / Totsukuni no shōjo #11
A Menina do Outro Lado Vol. 11
Desafios e muita magia estão presentes no capítulo final da história que ficará gravada em sua alma
O tão aguardado momento chegou, marcando o ápice de uma narrativa envolvente que tocou os corações de leitores de todos os continentes. O volume final de A Menina do Outro Lado, a fábula épica que conquistou o coração dos darksiders, promete abalar todos que trilharam essa mágica jornada com Shiva e Sensei.
Nesta sensível saga repleta de alegrias, desafios e sofrimentos, o que começou como uma relação improvável entre uma menina e uma criatura que carrega consigo uma temida maldição se transformou em uma amizade profunda. Ao longo de uma trajetória longa e tortuosa, os dois conviveram com diferenças e aprenderam a confiar um no outro, não apenas enfrentando juntos os desafios do mundo caótico ao seu redor, mas também reconhecendo e superando seus próprios medos, angústias e inseguranças, tendo a esperança como uma poderosa aliada.
Corpo e alma, luz e sombra, o lado de dentro e o lado de fora — dualidades se entrelaçam em A Menina do Outro Lado, e este poderoso mangá demonstra que, apesar dos contrastes que permeiam esse universo, os opostos nem sempre precisam travar batalhas. E que os sentimentos verdadeiros têm o poder de promover transformações profundas até nos mais irredutíveis.
O destino, porém, manteve suas cartas escondidas e, agora, consequências de ações do passado emergem abruptamente, forçando-os a tomar uma decisão que colocará suas determinações à prova como nunca, sendo capaz de estremecer os alicerces de suas existências. O tempo, intransigente, não concede pausa e pressiona Shiva e Sensei a darem o passo adiante, por mais incerto e nebuloso que seja o futuro.
Ao longo dos 11 volumes de A Menina do Outro Lado, fomos testemunhas de uma história poderosa sobre a criação do afeto e o amor entre duas criaturas tão diferentes, mas com muito a compartilhar. Enquanto cada conto de fadas tem um ponto final, esta história está destinada a ressoar muito além da última página virada.
A inspiradora história de amizade, adaptada também para filme de animação, atravessa fronteiras e conquistou fãs mundo afora. Produzido pela Wit Studio em março de 2022 com direção de Yuutarou Kubo e Satomi Maiya, o longa-metragem foi indicado ao prêmio na categoria Narrative Feature no Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival 2022. Ele também foi exibido em maio de 2022 no AniFilm International Festival of Animated Films, na República Tcheca, e lá foi o favorito do público, tendo conquistado o prêmio da audiência. Em junho foi projetado no Festival de Cinema de Animação de Annecy, na França. No mês de julho foi exibido na 25ª edição do Fantasia International Film Festival, em Montreal, Canadá. Em fevereiro de 2023, foi projetado durante o Festival Internacional de Filme de Animação de Bruxelas.
Nagabe nasceu em Tóquio em 1993. Graduou-se em Artes Visuais pela Universidade de Musashino. Ainda durante a graduação estreou como autor de mangá com a obra Buchō wa Onee (Akane Shinsha). Totsukuni no Shojo (Mag Garden), lançado no Brasil pela DarkSide® Books como A Menina do Outro Lado, o mangá inovador que nos remete a livros ilustrados e coletâneas de poesias, tornou-se um grande sucesso com mais de 1,1 milhão de cópias vendidas ao redor do mundo. Gosta de coisas antigas e que dão sensação de ternura, e acaba, por vezes, adquirindo muitas cadeiras.
“Nagabe consegue criar algo sentimental e poético, sem tirar os momentos bem-humorados entre Shiva e Sensei. [...]A arte é excepcional. Seu traço sabe explorar as nuances suaves da narrativa, ao mesmo tempo em que o domínio de luz e sombras cria um contraste que casa muito bem com toda a história. [...] A obra fica melhor a cada volume.”
— Legião dos Heróis —
Um mangá muito bem estruturado e com um conteúdo de dar inveja. A Menina do Outro Lado explora muito bem o sentimento de impotência quando se trata das pessoas que você ama.
— The Feminist Patronum —
“Em um universo em que o diferente e o ‘estrangeiro’ são vistos de maneira negativa, Nagabe mostra a importância e a beleza das relações de afeto.”
— Nebulla —
“Uma fábula dark que precisa ser lida, apreciada e discutida. A narrativa de Nagabe engrandece e facilita a compreensão de temas sociais tão importantes e que precisam cada vez mais estar em debate.”
— Delirium Nerd —
“O mangá mais precioso que já li. Cada traço de A Menina do Outro Lado carrega os contrastes delicados e cruéis de sua história. Uma obra que reverbera sobrevivência, tolerância e acolhimento.”
— Redatora de M*%$# —
O tão aguardado momento chegou, marcando o ápice de uma narrativa envolvente que tocou os corações de leitores de todos os continentes. O volume final de A Menina do Outro Lado, a fábula épica que conquistou o coração dos darksiders, promete abalar todos que trilharam essa mágica jornada com Shiva e Sensei.
Nesta sensível saga repleta de alegrias, desafios e sofrimentos, o que começou como uma relação improvável entre uma menina e uma criatura que carrega consigo uma temida maldição se transformou em uma amizade profunda. Ao longo de uma trajetória longa e tortuosa, os dois conviveram com diferenças e aprenderam a confiar um no outro, não apenas enfrentando juntos os desafios do mundo caótico ao seu redor, mas também reconhecendo e superando seus próprios medos, angústias e inseguranças, tendo a esperança como uma poderosa aliada.
Corpo e alma, luz e sombra, o lado de dentro e o lado de fora — dualidades se entrelaçam em A Menina do Outro Lado, e este poderoso mangá demonstra que, apesar dos contrastes que permeiam esse universo, os opostos nem sempre precisam travar batalhas. E que os sentimentos verdadeiros têm o poder de promover transformações profundas até nos mais irredutíveis.
O destino, porém, manteve suas cartas escondidas e, agora, consequências de ações do passado emergem abruptamente, forçando-os a tomar uma decisão que colocará suas determinações à prova como nunca, sendo capaz de estremecer os alicerces de suas existências. O tempo, intransigente, não concede pausa e pressiona Shiva e Sensei a darem o passo adiante, por mais incerto e nebuloso que seja o futuro.
Ao longo dos 11 volumes de A Menina do Outro Lado, fomos testemunhas de uma história poderosa sobre a criação do afeto e o amor entre duas criaturas tão diferentes, mas com muito a compartilhar. Enquanto cada conto de fadas tem um ponto final, esta história está destinada a ressoar muito além da última página virada.
A inspiradora história de amizade, adaptada também para filme de animação, atravessa fronteiras e conquistou fãs mundo afora. Produzido pela Wit Studio em março de 2022 com direção de Yuutarou Kubo e Satomi Maiya, o longa-metragem foi indicado ao prêmio na categoria Narrative Feature no Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival 2022. Ele também foi exibido em maio de 2022 no AniFilm International Festival of Animated Films, na República Tcheca, e lá foi o favorito do público, tendo conquistado o prêmio da audiência. Em junho foi projetado no Festival de Cinema de Animação de Annecy, na França. No mês de julho foi exibido na 25ª edição do Fantasia International Film Festival, em Montreal, Canadá. Em fevereiro de 2023, foi projetado durante o Festival Internacional de Filme de Animação de Bruxelas.
Nagabe nasceu em Tóquio em 1993. Graduou-se em Artes Visuais pela Universidade de Musashino. Ainda durante a graduação estreou como autor de mangá com a obra Buchō wa Onee (Akane Shinsha). Totsukuni no Shojo (Mag Garden), lançado no Brasil pela DarkSide® Books como A Menina do Outro Lado, o mangá inovador que nos remete a livros ilustrados e coletâneas de poesias, tornou-se um grande sucesso com mais de 1,1 milhão de cópias vendidas ao redor do mundo. Gosta de coisas antigas e que dão sensação de ternura, e acaba, por vezes, adquirindo muitas cadeiras.
“Nagabe consegue criar algo sentimental e poético, sem tirar os momentos bem-humorados entre Shiva e Sensei. [...]A arte é excepcional. Seu traço sabe explorar as nuances suaves da narrativa, ao mesmo tempo em que o domínio de luz e sombras cria um contraste que casa muito bem com toda a história. [...] A obra fica melhor a cada volume.”
— Legião dos Heróis —
Um mangá muito bem estruturado e com um conteúdo de dar inveja. A Menina do Outro Lado explora muito bem o sentimento de impotência quando se trata das pessoas que você ama.
— The Feminist Patronum —
“Em um universo em que o diferente e o ‘estrangeiro’ são vistos de maneira negativa, Nagabe mostra a importância e a beleza das relações de afeto.”
— Nebulla —
“Uma fábula dark que precisa ser lida, apreciada e discutida. A narrativa de Nagabe engrandece e facilita a compreensão de temas sociais tão importantes e que precisam cada vez mais estar em debate.”
— Delirium Nerd —
“O mangá mais precioso que já li. Cada traço de A Menina do Outro Lado carrega os contrastes delicados e cruéis de sua história. Uma obra que reverbera sobrevivência, tolerância e acolhimento.”
— Redatora de M*%$# —
180 pages, Hardcover
First published April 9, 2021
About the author
Nagabe
40 books946 followersPlease also see ながべ.
He studied Fine Arts at Musashino University. At first, he was more interested in illustration, printmaking, and painting than in manga. However, when he considered the best way to make a living from his art, he decided to focus on the world of Japanese comics and trained himself, rather than the usual approach of working for several years as an apprentice to an experienced manga artist.
He was still a student when his first work, The Boss Is an Onee, was published. He soon attracted attention for his distinctive drawing style, his fantastical and melancholic plots, and his use of fantasy characters and anthropomorphic animals.
He studied Fine Arts at Musashino University. At first, he was more interested in illustration, printmaking, and painting than in manga. However, when he considered the best way to make a living from his art, he decided to focus on the world of Japanese comics and trained himself, rather than the usual approach of working for several years as an apprentice to an experienced manga artist.
He was still a student when his first work, The Boss Is an Onee, was published. He soon attracted attention for his distinctive drawing style, his fantastical and melancholic plots, and his use of fantasy characters and anthropomorphic animals.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 639 reviews
November 14, 2021
So here it is, the final volume in the series, and it left a bittersweet taste in my mouth. Sweet because there's a happy ending after a fashion for Teacher and Shiva, and bitter because there's no real closure. The curse is still unbroken, the explanation for its existence is still mostly a mystery, and there's been no clue as to how it can be broken, if it can be in the first place.
It's a profoundly unsatisfactory conclusion to the story, that leaves too much to speculation, and giving us that ending for the main leads almost feels like we readers have been thrown a bone for consolation. I'm left more sad than anything, because I had expected a better wrap-up given the arc of Shiva in the Inside with the king, that had led me to believe there would be a solution to the curse and further, clearer explanations as to its nature and the Outsiders.
It's a profoundly unsatisfactory conclusion to the story, that leaves too much to speculation, and giving us that ending for the main leads almost feels like we readers have been thrown a bone for consolation. I'm left more sad than anything, because I had expected a better wrap-up given the arc of Shiva in the Inside with the king, that had led me to believe there would be a solution to the curse and further, clearer explanations as to its nature and the Outsiders.
December 16, 2021
Well, it's over with volume 11, and as (at a glance) almost everyone seems to say, the ending is ambiguous, confusing, and unsatisfying. So many unanswered questions about the curse, the Mother, and so much more. The first two issues involve Teacher's own speculation about what is going on, and is frustrating for him but also for us. At least Teacher and Shiva eventually get to meet again, and their situation seems to be somewhat resolved, but only somewhat.
So, what are we left with: Ten volumes of mystery and atmosphere where we love the artwork and love the gentle relationship between Teacher and Shiva, in a world of humans and. . monsters, of good people and bad, but as with some ofter recent fantasy series (such as Gideon Falls), volume eleven, the big finish, falls flat. I recommend you pick up any volume for the art alone. It's very intriguing, the magical feel of it, but the world-building? I'll read other reviews for insights.
Looks like there will be a twelfth volume of side stories.
So, what are we left with: Ten volumes of mystery and atmosphere where we love the artwork and love the gentle relationship between Teacher and Shiva, in a world of humans and. . monsters, of good people and bad, but as with some ofter recent fantasy series (such as Gideon Falls), volume eleven, the big finish, falls flat. I recommend you pick up any volume for the art alone. It's very intriguing, the magical feel of it, but the world-building? I'll read other reviews for insights.
Looks like there will be a twelfth volume of side stories.
![Profile Image for s.penkevich [hiatus-will return-miss you all].](https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/users/1735525095i/6431467._UX200_CR0,11,200,200_.jpg)
June 9, 2025
I’m not crying you’re crying…while watching me cry. Okay fine but holy shit. I loved this series so so so so so much but all good things must come to an end and, well, uhhhhhh, it could have been a better ending. A lot is left unexplained and the way this wraps up is going to haunt me for awhile. Teacher and Shiva were too lovable for it to just sort of fizzle out this way without a further exploration of the curse and we still don’t know if it is even possible to have a resolution for it. Gonna be sad looking at trees now. This volume got a lower rating but overall this was such an enjoyable series that really got under my skin in the best of ways. The art has been extraordinary too and you may catch me with a Teacher tattoo someday soon. And while this end made me sad, I’m mostly just sad to be leaving this incredible world behind. Thanks for a banger of a series, Nagabe. This ending was a bit of a disappointment but I lived through LOST and I can live through this.
November 12, 2021
I've really enjoyed this story up until here, especially the gorgeous art. And not that I didn't necessarily enjoy the ending..? But I feel like I'm too confused to properly feel anything about it.
So Shiva was the physical embodiment of his soul, whom he loved and did anything to protect, and then was reunited with it, and decided to remain that way because....self-acceptance? And then he lies down in his favourite field...and naps...or dies/becomes a tree? Because........fate? What's the overall message here exactly? I feel like the ending should have been more profound, but instead it lost me.
I need someone to explain it to me, explain it to me like I'm five.
So Shiva was the physical embodiment of his soul, whom he loved and did anything to protect, and then was reunited with it, and decided to remain that way because....self-acceptance? And then he lies down in his favourite field...and naps...or dies/becomes a tree? Because........fate? What's the overall message here exactly? I feel like the ending should have been more profound, but instead it lost me.
I need someone to explain it to me, explain it to me like I'm five.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 9, 2021
I still don't know what the hell just happened but the art was nice
December 22, 2021
This series ended exactly as it should have. It doesn't answer questions, it is fatalistic, and the world is hazy in a way. The ending lives up to this standard. I understand people being disappointed with the ending, but I never expected a resolution. This ended like ASOUE did. Ambiguous, unresolved, and with questions still unanswered. I feel the manga set that up clearly leading to the ending. It ended as I expected. Having answers or breaking the curse was not a possible ending for the fatalistic atmosphere this manga set.
April 14, 2024
even though the ending was confusing, it was a beautiful journey <3
November 21, 2021
this series is so sad but incredibly meaningful, and I have a hard time even talking about it without crying. the final volume was a roller coaster ride - devastating and hopeful, with life-altering, forever decisions at hand: "To meet is to cause each other unhappiness, to cause strife and suffering, just like it did for us. That may simply be the fate of this world. But if you can meet and can accept that suffering, the two may finally become one. In the end, that may be the curse."
I feel like this is an incredibly poignant story for those of us who have lost someone we love so much we thought we couldn't live without them, but of course, we would never wish to avoid our grief by never having had them in our lives at all. it really digs into the heart of emotional connection and bonds within relationships - the undercurrent throughout the story of fear that leads to persecution and the creation of outcasts.
the art perfectly carries these emotions, not only through expression but also with the use of light. I'm not an artist and can't speak to technique, but whatever is going on here suits the story seamlessly.
if you're looking for a series with depth and humanity - this is it.
I feel like this is an incredibly poignant story for those of us who have lost someone we love so much we thought we couldn't live without them, but of course, we would never wish to avoid our grief by never having had them in our lives at all. it really digs into the heart of emotional connection and bonds within relationships - the undercurrent throughout the story of fear that leads to persecution and the creation of outcasts.
the art perfectly carries these emotions, not only through expression but also with the use of light. I'm not an artist and can't speak to technique, but whatever is going on here suits the story seamlessly.
if you're looking for a series with depth and humanity - this is it.
November 11, 2021
I am trying so hard not to cry right now omg…the ending…I’m so sad this series is over
March 19, 2023
Premise: The Girl from the Other Side is a sweet, slightly gloomy but engaging fairy tale about a little girl in white (named Shiva) and a humanoid horned black beast (named Teacher) living in a small cottage among the wood, in a world which is divided as Inside and Outside, Cursed and Uncursed.
The people from the Inside fear the Cursed Ones (black and beastly humanoid creatures who wander in the woods) from the Outside, so they protect themselves by surrounding their towns with a great wall to keep the Cursed Ones and their Curse out. But at the outskirt of this wall, live an oblivious little girl who stays with her Teacher and all they have ever wanted is to live in peace.
Short Review:
So the mystery of the Teacher and Shiva is revealed!!!!!
The artwork is as charming as always! The revealing of the secret of who the MCs really are is satisfying as well!!! The ending....it takes bittersweet to the next new level!!!!
Here we are, at the end of this journey and there are some answers to who the little girl Shiva really is, who the Teacher once used to be and what's the purpose of the Dark Children and what their mysterious 'Mother' (a fallen goddess, I guess?) is up to; I am okay with the explanations and I like the Teacher's painful backstory as well.
I am also impressed by how Shiva () interacts with the Teacher as both of them try to make sense of their new reality. Those interaction scenes are heartbreaking and I really do like the scene with
The people from the Inside fear the Cursed Ones (black and beastly humanoid creatures who wander in the woods) from the Outside, so they protect themselves by surrounding their towns with a great wall to keep the Cursed Ones and their Curse out. But at the outskirt of this wall, live an oblivious little girl who stays with her Teacher and all they have ever wanted is to live in peace.
Short Review:
So the mystery of the Teacher and Shiva is revealed!!!!!
The artwork is as charming as always! The revealing of the secret of who the MCs really are is satisfying as well!!! The ending....it takes bittersweet to the next new level!!!!
Here we are, at the end of this journey and there are some answers to who the little girl Shiva really is, who the Teacher once used to be and what's the purpose of the Dark Children and what their mysterious 'Mother' (a fallen goddess, I guess?) is up to; I am okay with the explanations and I like the Teacher's painful backstory as well.
I am also impressed by how Shiva () interacts with the Teacher as both of them try to make sense of their new reality. Those interaction scenes are heartbreaking and I really do like the scene with
April 26, 2021
The ending was kind of a let down.
March 7, 2022
Hay algo evocador en esta resolución; cómo Nagabe fuerza a reinterpretar parte de lo leído, lo que sugiere sobre estrategias de defensa frente a la pérdida o la angustia. También, evidencia sus limitaciones como historietista para contar este final. El relato ha devenido en una narración torpe contada sin la convicción ni el deleite que mostró cuando todo era promesa y misterio.
December 10, 2021
Not sure if I understood this story. So many questions left unanswered
February 4, 2026
A little confusion. But I still adore this series. Sad it's over now.
February 14, 2024
“good night, albert”
“good night, shiva”
my sweet babies, i love this series with my whole being 😭
“good night, shiva”
my sweet babies, i love this series with my whole being 😭
January 19, 2023
Cuando se encuentra en su zona de confort dibujando lo que se le da bien, el grafismo de Nagabe es exquisito; trazo, composición de viñetas, diseño de página... el último capítulo de este volumen es un poco el compendio y culmen de su estilo y resulta muy bonito (aunque en otras ocasiones, como en la representación de los seres humanos sufre más). Lamentablemente, esta historia de ruptura del yin-yang cosmológico-espiritual de un universo fantástico y la forma de reponerse ante la pérdida, no ha logrado interesarme en ningún momento y menos aún con el ritmo reumático con el que cuenta las cosas. A ratos y, sobre todo en la conclusión, parece que Nagabe no sabe muy bien qué hacer con la historia. Tampoco me parece que represente de forma interesante la relación entre el doctor y Shiva, sus escenas son terriblemente sosas (sólo hay que compararlas con el primer tomo de "Historia de una novia" donde se construye una relación entre dos personajes en un principio ajenos de forma amena y emotiva) y no me ha llegado la relación de dependencia y angustia emocional entre los dos protagonistas. Finalmente, punto positivo por la referencia a "Siúil, a Rún", una de las más bonitas canciones del folklore irlandés, sobre todo en la versión de Clannad. La relación del contenido del manga con el tema musical (el lamento de una mujer por su amante que marcha a la guerra) no pasa de tenue más allá de la posible intención evocar un tono o estado de ánimo, pero oye, muy buen gusto.
June 27, 2024
Wow, what a wonderful ending. It left things up to interpretation - or maybe it didn't? My interpretation is that the different possibilities for the end doesn't really matter.
A masterclass in comics and perhaps the single best (reasonably short) contained story I've read in manga.
A masterclass in comics and perhaps the single best (reasonably short) contained story I've read in manga.
November 3, 2021
Like I anticipated, it was fantastic! Sad and emotional, but a good ending (even if we might get side stories.. the main story is truly final). We learn what was left to be learn and we get good closure for the characters. Great story, different in many aspect from the majority of manga and a story I deeply love!
May 20, 2022
3.5 stars
I really don't know how I feel about the ending and my rating will probably change once I'll understand it a little bit better. This manga was so good and the relationship between Shiva and the Teacher is one of the most heartwarming and adorable I've ever read, but the ending was so confusing and it took me completely by surprise. It left me with so many questions.
I really don't know how I feel about the ending and my rating will probably change once I'll understand it a little bit better. This manga was so good and the relationship between Shiva and the Teacher is one of the most heartwarming and adorable I've ever read, but the ending was so confusing and it took me completely by surprise. It left me with so many questions.
March 7, 2024
Y’all I’m sobbing as I’m writing this deadass. This was the sweetest book ever and that ending was soooo 🥹
July 10, 2024
Needed the closure of the bonus story in vol. 12 to feel better about this ending. 3.5 stars
December 6, 2021
some reason this volume felt shorter then the others.
mixed feelings on the ending. i felt like it's a lot unresolved.
mixed feelings on the ending. i felt like it's a lot unresolved.
April 28, 2025
Sarò forse controversa, ma amo i finali ambigui
February 21, 2026
1.5 ⭐
I really love ambiguity and subtlety in stories, but I really, really do feel like this finale reads much, much more "extremely confusing" than it does "profoundly ambiguous". Many of the questions and conflicts that were brought up were not really solved. We don't know what really changed about the Insiders or what happened after the King helped Shiva escape, almost as if that storyline was just dropped once Shiva and Teacher were reunited. And the revelation about Shiva's true identity and her relationship to Teacher... it's like a mobius strip, chicken-or-egg conundrum that will give you (or at least me) a pounding headache if you try too hard to really piece it together. The book tries to explain things with logic and in chronological order what should probably be less complicated than it is for a twist of this caliber at this point in the story.
I don't want to fault this series for attempting to do something artful, poetic, spiritual, human, whatever you like to call it. I really appreciate the effort. But unfortunately, I really do think that for myself, this last volume is very much a swing and a miss. Nevermind the last volume being lost in the weeds, this volume is seriously stranded in a forest of its own creation, and it completely took me out of the experience as I was trying hard to figure out what was going on the whole time.
It's sad that this final volume falls flat for me, because I do think that this contains pieces of what made the rest of the series shine, and introduces some great new themes as well. One of my favorites in this particular book is the idea that we shouldn't run away or try to avoid suffering, or even disdain it -- because terrible situations can bring great blessings as well. Teacher curses becoming an Outsider and losing his humanity, but if he hadn't, he never would have met Shiva, the greatest gift of his life. That really resonates with me, because I think it's true that we shouldn't forget to be grateful when we're in pain, that bad situations aren't worthless or for nothing, and that we shouldn't be frightened and avoidant of dealing with hard times. I think that's really compelling.
But that gorgeous theme really loses its punch for me when it's wrapped in a blanket of muddled exposition and confusing "twists" and "reveals".
Overall, the series ends with more of a whimper than a shout, but I'm glad I got to experience Nagabe's gorgeous artwork and storytelling nonetheless.
I really love ambiguity and subtlety in stories, but I really, really do feel like this finale reads much, much more "extremely confusing" than it does "profoundly ambiguous". Many of the questions and conflicts that were brought up were not really solved. We don't know what really changed about the Insiders or what happened after the King helped Shiva escape, almost as if that storyline was just dropped once Shiva and Teacher were reunited. And the revelation about Shiva's true identity and her relationship to Teacher... it's like a mobius strip, chicken-or-egg conundrum that will give you (or at least me) a pounding headache if you try too hard to really piece it together. The book tries to explain things with logic and in chronological order what should probably be less complicated than it is for a twist of this caliber at this point in the story.
I don't want to fault this series for attempting to do something artful, poetic, spiritual, human, whatever you like to call it. I really appreciate the effort. But unfortunately, I really do think that for myself, this last volume is very much a swing and a miss. Nevermind the last volume being lost in the weeds, this volume is seriously stranded in a forest of its own creation, and it completely took me out of the experience as I was trying hard to figure out what was going on the whole time.
It's sad that this final volume falls flat for me, because I do think that this contains pieces of what made the rest of the series shine, and introduces some great new themes as well. One of my favorites in this particular book is the idea that we shouldn't run away or try to avoid suffering, or even disdain it -- because terrible situations can bring great blessings as well. Teacher curses becoming an Outsider and losing his humanity, but if he hadn't, he never would have met Shiva, the greatest gift of his life. That really resonates with me, because I think it's true that we shouldn't forget to be grateful when we're in pain, that bad situations aren't worthless or for nothing, and that we shouldn't be frightened and avoidant of dealing with hard times. I think that's really compelling.
But that gorgeous theme really loses its punch for me when it's wrapped in a blanket of muddled exposition and confusing "twists" and "reveals".
Overall, the series ends with more of a whimper than a shout, but I'm glad I got to experience Nagabe's gorgeous artwork and storytelling nonetheless.
August 15, 2024
Well well well wasn't this underwhelming lol
احتمالا حوصله داشته باشم بیام ریویو بنویسم براش بعدا.
احتمالا حوصله داشته باشم بیام ریویو بنویسم براش بعدا.
October 7, 2022
Ora ricordo il mio nome.
Potresti chiamarmi?
Manga eccezionale, dalle atmosfere al design dei personaggi, dalle scene più horror a quelle di straziante tenerezza.
Tutti i volumi stanno tra le quattro e le cinque stelle. Magari a volte c’è un po’ di verbosità (soprattutto gli ultimi volumi e in particolare le scene ambientate nel mondo interno), ma non c’è un solo personaggio che non resti impresso.
Lo stile di Nagabe, poi, risulta inconfondibile anche quando disegna un cespuglio isolato. Fortissima personalità, pur con tratti poco dettagliati.
Leggo che molte recensioni si lamentano del finale che non risponde a tutte le domande. Spoiler: non è quello il punto. Il punto è la relazione tra i due protagonisti: una volta che loro hanno chiarito quello, tutto il resto non ha più alcuna importanza. Perché dovrebbero mettere ulteriormente a rischio la loro esistenza per rispondere alle curiosità del lettore?
Ok che il lettore è voyeur sempre e comunque, ma anche meno curiosità morbosa e meno cupidigia nello sguardo possono aiutare.
Potresti chiamarmi?
Manga eccezionale, dalle atmosfere al design dei personaggi, dalle scene più horror a quelle di straziante tenerezza.
Tutti i volumi stanno tra le quattro e le cinque stelle. Magari a volte c’è un po’ di verbosità (soprattutto gli ultimi volumi e in particolare le scene ambientate nel mondo interno), ma non c’è un solo personaggio che non resti impresso.
Lo stile di Nagabe, poi, risulta inconfondibile anche quando disegna un cespuglio isolato. Fortissima personalità, pur con tratti poco dettagliati.
Leggo che molte recensioni si lamentano del finale che non risponde a tutte le domande. Spoiler: non è quello il punto. Il punto è la relazione tra i due protagonisti: una volta che loro hanno chiarito quello, tutto il resto non ha più alcuna importanza. Perché dovrebbero mettere ulteriormente a rischio la loro esistenza per rispondere alle curiosità del lettore?
Ok che il lettore è voyeur sempre e comunque, ma anche meno curiosità morbosa e meno cupidigia nello sguardo possono aiutare.
August 16, 2022
El final de la historia.
Por lo que he visto, hay gente disgustada por el hecho de que algunas de las grandes preguntas han quedado sin responder y, en cierto sentido, puedo comprenderlo, pero al mismo tiempo creo que Nagabe buscaba contar otras cosas.
Está la Maldición, sí, pero este es ante todo un cuento sobre un monstruo maldito y una niña pura que tratan de comprenderse y protegerse el uno al otro, da igual lo que haya que sacrificar en el camino.
Eso es precisamente lo que yo le pedía a esta historia y me lo ha dado con creces.
Sumado al bellísimo arte que le acompaña, aquí tenemos un melancólico cuento de hadas que logra cautivarte tan solo con sus personajes.
Por lo que he visto, hay gente disgustada por el hecho de que algunas de las grandes preguntas han quedado sin responder y, en cierto sentido, puedo comprenderlo, pero al mismo tiempo creo que Nagabe buscaba contar otras cosas.
Está la Maldición, sí, pero este es ante todo un cuento sobre un monstruo maldito y una niña pura que tratan de comprenderse y protegerse el uno al otro, da igual lo que haya que sacrificar en el camino.
Eso es precisamente lo que yo le pedía a esta historia y me lo ha dado con creces.
Sumado al bellísimo arte que le acompaña, aquí tenemos un melancólico cuento de hadas que logra cautivarte tan solo con sus personajes.
March 27, 2022
This manga series fueled the part of me that is enchanted and obsessed by gothic fairytales, but it also filled my soul with beautiful, cozy vibes. I hated how empty and hollow I was left feeling upon finishing it. I have read so many manga series, but this one was truly on another level: The art was terrific, the plot was unique, and the characters were interesting in ways I can't begin to put into words. However, although the ending seemed a bit rushed and many questions I had were left unanswered, I still loved how things turned out to be.
April 14, 2022
Con el tomo 11 acaba La pequeña forastera y en general, pese a los altibajos de la trama, la conclusión es satisfactoria. Nagabe consigue dotar de emoción y contención a la relación del doctor y Shiva y lo consigue tanto con las palabras como con los silencios que se amplifican con el dibujo expresionista del autor. Quizá no hacen falta once tomos para contar esta historia, pero se lo perdono por ese aroma único y melancólico que tiene esta obra. Un manga diferente con un dibujo que está en otra liga.
May 29, 2023
I'm not sure how to explain what makes this such a beautiful series. Certainly the way it plays with ideas of "us" and "them" is part of it, as is its use of Celtic folklore and a traditional Irish folk song. I think, though, that what ultimately makes it work is how incredibly human it is. Heart, soul, and body all come together to make up one whole, no matter how far apart they may be in reality.
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