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Dara-san of Reiwa (Reiwa no Dara-san)
Dara-san of Reiwa, Vol. 1
Clouds blacken the sky and sheets of rain turn the mountain forest into a treacherous maze... A landslide crushes a razor wire fence, and buries a “NO TRESPASSING” sign... Two young siblings wander into a dark world where they do not belong, and a long, horrid shadow rears up to meet them—Anyway, so that's how we met Dara-san! She might look kinda scary, but just wait until you get to know her! “Look, I’m a god of misfortune, okay!? Aren’t you kids gonna freak out about my grotesque visage!?”
192 pages, Paperback
Published June 24, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
March 24, 2026
It was an interesting read! Not much happening yet alot happened at the same time. The story has a slower pace, because the two children are visiting Dara-san (I would assume on a daily basis) and they simply talk. I found that the story didn't have a plot that developped immensely like many other mangas/books, so I found that it didn't push the story forward alot, but you did get flashback scenes of when Dara-san was human and what kind of life she lived. We have yet to find out how she became the monster/God creature.
I assume that the point of the story is the kids befriending a supposedly dangerous creature, so there's more hanging out together than a story that has action sequences, horror, romance, comedy, etc. (e.g.: One Piece, Twin Star Exorcists, Black Butler, etc.) They learn about each other (Dara-san about them and the human world, and the children about Dara-san and the shrine she's bound to.)
I also love the humor in the story and how well it's integrated in it. The author did a great job including it without the humor being out of place or too much. Those were probably my favorite parts!
I recomend this series to anyone looking for something to read and it is definitely a series I would purchase!
I assume that the point of the story is the kids befriending a supposedly dangerous creature, so there's more hanging out together than a story that has action sequences, horror, romance, comedy, etc. (e.g.: One Piece, Twin Star Exorcists, Black Butler, etc.) They learn about each other (Dara-san about them and the human world, and the children about Dara-san and the shrine she's bound to.)
I also love the humor in the story and how well it's integrated in it. The author did a great job including it without the humor being out of place or too much. Those were probably my favorite parts!
I recomend this series to anyone looking for something to read and it is definitely a series I would purchase!
Read
April 3, 2026Interesting premise, but there's so much tongue in cheek moments. Also fanservice moments. That it gets a tad bit annoying. There is a cast of characters, but there really is not really as much engagement, beyond introducing, and if there's more or less fan service moments, then the characters may get more screen time. Also the use of flashback and present is interesting storytelling.
March 15, 2026
I thoroughly enjoyed this. It combines the creepiness of a horror with the irreverent humour that makes up the modern world. The children act much older than they should, but otherwise I can't put it down.
May 30, 2026
A really good blend of horror, humor and mythology. While the storytelling falls into more sitcom style, the slow way Dara-san's history is given to us, and the tension that brings, is really well done. Very happy with this one.
September 20, 2026
A fun and very charming combination of comedy and horror, folklore and ecchi. The world building is surprisingly interesting. Dara-san, which is the main yokai/death god character is based on a Japanese Urban legend "Kankandara"
December 14, 2025
Is it a little scandalous? Yes. Is it also a perfect blend of horror comedy, almost like a classic 80’s movie? Yes!
September 2, 2026
Smash.
Would i read part 2 ? Prob not ... maybe?
Would i read part 2 ? Prob not ... maybe?
April 5, 2026
Love and murder, future and past, brother or sister?!
4.5* stars.
Summary review:
Whether you're looking for a nice laugh about an old Goddess, or a dark read with a softer side, this is the perfect book for you. The historical origin story of the goddess and the deadpan humor with the siblings she looks after in present day, there's something for everyone.
Full review:
I had no idea what I was getting into when I picked this up, going strictly off cover vibes and a few panels I saw while flipping, and I am so glad I didn't. It had a lot of humor that I was not expecting but definitely needed coming off of a horror mystery book - The Shadows by Alex North, for those curious - and felt like continuing with the creepy vibes the cover was giving off, but I was also really intrigued by the two siblings just casually sipping juice... Okay, maybe I should have expected some humor, given the contrasting cover images.
Another really nice contrast was Dara-san's story of how she became what and who she is from the past when she was once alive, and the present-day, everyday antics of the siblings visiting her. Each part I wanted more, and having Dara-san's past at the beginning of each chapter was nice, giving the short slice-of-life-esque chapters, so both the past and present were balanced perfectly.
The art was really nice. The deadpan humor on present day and the seriousness of the backstory added to the balance. I'm really looking forward to adding volumes of Dara-san to my collection. I imagine it will be something I will love re-reading in the future for when I want something funny with an edge or dark with a light-hearted side.
Check out my bookstagram! @Witchy.Otaku
4.5* stars.
Summary review:
Whether you're looking for a nice laugh about an old Goddess, or a dark read with a softer side, this is the perfect book for you. The historical origin story of the goddess and the deadpan humor with the siblings she looks after in present day, there's something for everyone.
Full review:
I had no idea what I was getting into when I picked this up, going strictly off cover vibes and a few panels I saw while flipping, and I am so glad I didn't. It had a lot of humor that I was not expecting but definitely needed coming off of a horror mystery book - The Shadows by Alex North, for those curious - and felt like continuing with the creepy vibes the cover was giving off, but I was also really intrigued by the two siblings just casually sipping juice... Okay, maybe I should have expected some humor, given the contrasting cover images.
Another really nice contrast was Dara-san's story of how she became what and who she is from the past when she was once alive, and the present-day, everyday antics of the siblings visiting her. Each part I wanted more, and having Dara-san's past at the beginning of each chapter was nice, giving the short slice-of-life-esque chapters, so both the past and present were balanced perfectly.
The art was really nice. The deadpan humor on present day and the seriousness of the backstory added to the balance. I'm really looking forward to adding volumes of Dara-san to my collection. I imagine it will be something I will love re-reading in the future for when I want something funny with an edge or dark with a light-hearted side.
Check out my bookstagram! @Witchy.Otaku
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews