Dear Anemone 1

Dear Anemone #1

by Rin Matsui, 松井琳

“第二次調査隊”としてガラパゴス諸島に上陸した、内気な青年・鉢植萼。彼の目的は、弱気な自分を変えるため、そして先に調査隊としてガラパゴス諸島へ向かった親友を捜すため。しかし、「生物の楽園」と呼ばれたその島で、調査隊を待ち受けていたのは、未知な進化をした動物達だった──。

Genres: Manga, Fantasy, Horror

184 pages, Paperback

First published July 4, 2024

Reviews

[Dreamcatcher (HIATUS) · Rating 2 out of 5]

For the whole series

I see what people meant when they talked about Dear Anemone. The art is genuinely breathtaking and unique, almost reminds me of Gachiakuta. And the one star is for the first chapter, which is roughly 11% of the series.

Looking at it...no wonder it got axed. Wonderful first chapter that sets up a great plot, but by chapter 3-5 most of the mystery just isn't a mystery anymore amd there's nothing to look forward to.

[Juse3ff · Rating 3 out of 5]

This short manga presents an intriguing premise, an isolated island where life has evolved into monsters. The setting alone offers plenty of opportunities for a variety of scenarios, creative encounters, and character growth. The story’s idea, however, is that humans can gain powers through various methods unique to this land. The protagonist’s fusion with an anemone is nice, opening the door for intense battles and unusual scenarios.

Unfortunately, the execution falls short of the promise. While the protagonist grows stronger, neither he nor the anemone receive almost any character development. The anemone remains essentially unchanged from beginning to end, and the protagonist’s potential for deeper reflection is never explored. This issue extends to the rest of the characters, who likewise gain abilities but little in the way of personality or growth.

The pacing also works against the story. It move faster than it should. The core plot following the protagonist search for his good friend is simple enough, but fights non stop.

In the end, the anemone is the most memorable element, both in design and presence. Its brutal abilities guarantee victories, yet even here the manga misses opportunities for deeper fights. Still, the manga is enjoyable in a straightforward way. It’s an easy one sitting read with a creative premise, ultimately a good story that could have been a great one with more deliberate pacing and richer character work, good manga.

[Rho · Rating 2 out of 5]

Pretty hard to use premise, i think. Feel like it was a "wouldnt that be cool?" into having to actually expand on it situation.

[morgan · Rating 5 out of 5]

The plot and premise so far is awsome and I absolutely love the designs

[Víctor Villanueva · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dear Anemone stood out at the time for its unusual plot; You don't see a mystery, science fiction and survival horror manga every day.
Many people thought that the story was advancing very quickly because in a short time the objective they set in chapter one was achieved, but this is because that objective was nothing more than a way to create a bigger problem and thus reveal the true objective; a trope not seen many times in Shonen Jump mangas.
The first chapter is excellent, especially the presentation of the characters, no character had become my favorite in the work as quickly as Ryuichi, his aura is simply impressive.
Even though it's been cancelled, give Dear Anemone a chance.