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少女革命ウテナ [Shōjo Kakumei Utena] #4
Revolutionary Girl Utena, Vol. 4: To Bud
Utena enlists the help of fellow classmate Anthy Himemiya to help her find the elusive prince who saved her life.
192 pages, Paperback
First published December 15, 1997
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
June 16, 2017
OMG *flails* This volume... this volume. Wow. I am just stunned. This answered so many of my questions, what World's End is, who Dios is, what Anthy is and why she is what she is now (Poor girl, I feel so sorry for her that she had to go through all of this and didn't have anyone to talk to, to rely on, to be friends with, I can understand her a bit better now. She is still frustrating, and at times I want to shake her a bit, but I also want to hug her now and tell her things will be all right.), we also find out that Sanoji has feelings for Anthy (he has a funny way of showing it though, maybe he should consider some therapy to get those slappy feelings into happy feelings), and I was a bit frustrated with Utena. So naive, so stupid. She fell for it all. :(
The consummation ritual was slightly creepy in more ways than one.
And again, as said before some times, I will just happily think these characters are 16+, because otherwise some scenes with Akio are just too NOPE (given he is at least 20 or older).
OMG at the ending! I had my suspicions he might be x, but I didn't think it would actually be true! This series sure loves cliffhangers. Let the finale begin! Let us see how this series will end! *is excited*
I am off again to read the last volume! Tomorrow, well actually today, I will be reading Adolescence.
Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com/
The consummation ritual was slightly creepy in more ways than one.
And again, as said before some times, I will just happily think these characters are 16+, because otherwise some scenes with Akio are just too NOPE (given he is at least 20 or older).
OMG at the ending! I had my suspicions he might be x, but I didn't think it would actually be true! This series sure loves cliffhangers. Let the finale begin! Let us see how this series will end! *is excited*
I am off again to read the last volume! Tomorrow, well actually today, I will be reading Adolescence.
Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com/
February 10, 2013
Akio creeps me out. Regardless, here is the issue where we find out about The Rose Bride ceremony and the history between Akio and Anthy. As with all of the previous volumes, this is bizarre.
March 20, 2020
I dunno. We'll see. It all just seems pointless.
April 1, 2021
Sigo pensando lo mismo, los personajes masculinos de este manga son demasiado sexys.
September 26, 2015
Just when I started to question whether this series was actually worth it, it got REALLY GOOD. So twisty. I love it.
December 18, 2021
I’m honestly so confused and I can’t even pretend to understand this volume.
I feel as though it’s being overly confusing for the sake of being confusing so as to make the reader feel more guarded and afraid of what’s to come. However, one thing I DO know is that Akio Ohtori is walking garbage. He even makes me feel disgusting and terrible just reading about him and the things he does and says. And his version of “love,” whether he truly feels love or not, is unhealthy and nobody should be subjected to it. If there were ever anyone out there who didn’t deserve to love someone else, it would be a person like Akio Ohtori, because his so-called “love” is far too pathologically destructive and manipulative. The only person he truly watches out for and deeply cares for is his own idealized self.
But on the topic of love, I found the differing versions of it in this manga to be interesting. Saionji does truly feel a form of love for Anthy, but that type of love has been built upon an idealization as well, an assumption of who she is and what she is to him. He liked how submissive and tender she was, not thinking to wonder if that wasn’t truly her, or if there was more to her. Never once did he want to inspire her to grow. He wanted to own her. And while his feelings are true and genuine, they come from a place of assumption and possession, which isn’t as unhealthy as Ohtori’s, but is still quite problematic and he should move on.
All throughout these four volumes so far, I keep wondering where the love is between Anthy and Utena, but I believe I may have finally found it through analysis of the others. Touga’s love for Utena is similar to that of Utena’s love for Anthy, in which he feels a desire to let her blossom and grow. He genuinely cares for Utena as a person and whether they are together or apart, he wants her to become the woman she would like to become. Similarly, they also both feel desires to protect their people but for their own ideals. Utena wants to be someone’s prince, and a prince should have a princess to protect. Even if Utena does not realize this, this dream of her is a subconscious driving motivation for her severe desire to protect. As for Touga, he cares for Utena, but still sees her as a strong yet naive woman, and he doesn’t wish to see her fall into the wrong hands. He wants to protect her from harm because he feels that she needs guidance. And he wouldn’t be wrong in that, but multiple times he will let his emotions get the better of him and try to directly control her, which, while it does somewhat work toward his end means, it is not a healthy way of approaching Utena.
As for Utena, she does not hold so tight to Anthy, nor does Anthy to her. As of now, it doesn’t appear as though Anthy loves Utena, but she does seem to respect her, and might be growing some fondness for her. Even so, it’s hard to see past the many walls and fronts she puts up not only to protect herself but to fit the mold and image others and she herself have placed her in.
Lastly, I just wanted to mention again how I really like the detail in the art for this series. The imagery is made to show emotions individually. There may be multiple characters in one small panel that almost nobody more than glances at, but you can tell that deep reflection and thought was put into each character’s body language and expression, such as the panel in which the student council members were watching (or averting their gaze from) Utena pining away for a slumbering Anthy.
I feel as though it’s being overly confusing for the sake of being confusing so as to make the reader feel more guarded and afraid of what’s to come. However, one thing I DO know is that Akio Ohtori is walking garbage. He even makes me feel disgusting and terrible just reading about him and the things he does and says. And his version of “love,” whether he truly feels love or not, is unhealthy and nobody should be subjected to it. If there were ever anyone out there who didn’t deserve to love someone else, it would be a person like Akio Ohtori, because his so-called “love” is far too pathologically destructive and manipulative. The only person he truly watches out for and deeply cares for is his own idealized self.
But on the topic of love, I found the differing versions of it in this manga to be interesting. Saionji does truly feel a form of love for Anthy, but that type of love has been built upon an idealization as well, an assumption of who she is and what she is to him. He liked how submissive and tender she was, not thinking to wonder if that wasn’t truly her, or if there was more to her. Never once did he want to inspire her to grow. He wanted to own her. And while his feelings are true and genuine, they come from a place of assumption and possession, which isn’t as unhealthy as Ohtori’s, but is still quite problematic and he should move on.
All throughout these four volumes so far, I keep wondering where the love is between Anthy and Utena, but I believe I may have finally found it through analysis of the others. Touga’s love for Utena is similar to that of Utena’s love for Anthy, in which he feels a desire to let her blossom and grow. He genuinely cares for Utena as a person and whether they are together or apart, he wants her to become the woman she would like to become. Similarly, they also both feel desires to protect their people but for their own ideals. Utena wants to be someone’s prince, and a prince should have a princess to protect. Even if Utena does not realize this, this dream of her is a subconscious driving motivation for her severe desire to protect. As for Touga, he cares for Utena, but still sees her as a strong yet naive woman, and he doesn’t wish to see her fall into the wrong hands. He wants to protect her from harm because he feels that she needs guidance. And he wouldn’t be wrong in that, but multiple times he will let his emotions get the better of him and try to directly control her, which, while it does somewhat work toward his end means, it is not a healthy way of approaching Utena.
As for Utena, she does not hold so tight to Anthy, nor does Anthy to her. As of now, it doesn’t appear as though Anthy loves Utena, but she does seem to respect her, and might be growing some fondness for her. Even so, it’s hard to see past the many walls and fronts she puts up not only to protect herself but to fit the mold and image others and she herself have placed her in.
Lastly, I just wanted to mention again how I really like the detail in the art for this series. The imagery is made to show emotions individually. There may be multiple characters in one small panel that almost nobody more than glances at, but you can tell that deep reflection and thought was put into each character’s body language and expression, such as the panel in which the student council members were watching (or averting their gaze from) Utena pining away for a slumbering Anthy.
December 6, 2022
Today’s nonfiction post is on Revolutionary Girl Utena, Vol. 4: To Bud by Chiho Saitō. It is 192 pages long and is published by Shojo Beat. The cover is an illustration of Utena in her fencing gear. There is no foul language, mild sexuality, and mild violence in this book. The intended reader is someone who likes classic shojo manga. The story is told from third person close following Utena. There Be Spoilers Ahead.
From the back of the book- Still searching for the elusive prince who saved her life as a young girl, Utena faces her toughest challenge yet: the romantic overtures of Akio Ohtori. Can she trust the handsome but rakish older man? And if so, will he able to help her ascend to the Castle in the Sky? After a night of passion, Utena hopes the power of love will change her destiny. But is she ready to participate in the Consummation Ceremony?
Review- Everything happens so quickly in this volume. Utena becomes infatuated with Aiko, Anthy’s brother, who in turn is really just using Utena to try and get into the castle to kill Dios and take his power. Utena becomes the rose bride for a while until Aiko does not need her any more and Anthy is shown to be little more than a puppet for her brother and his schemes. Everything that the reader thought we knew about this world has been tossed out the door. Utena is the only one chosen by Dios, the other duelists were just Aiko casting a wide net to try and find the one chosen by Dios. At the end of the volume Utena and Aiko are squaring up for a final confrontation. I am curious about how this is going to end.
I give this manga a Four out of Five stars. I get nothing for my review and I bought this manga with my own money.
From the back of the book- Still searching for the elusive prince who saved her life as a young girl, Utena faces her toughest challenge yet: the romantic overtures of Akio Ohtori. Can she trust the handsome but rakish older man? And if so, will he able to help her ascend to the Castle in the Sky? After a night of passion, Utena hopes the power of love will change her destiny. But is she ready to participate in the Consummation Ceremony?
Review- Everything happens so quickly in this volume. Utena becomes infatuated with Aiko, Anthy’s brother, who in turn is really just using Utena to try and get into the castle to kill Dios and take his power. Utena becomes the rose bride for a while until Aiko does not need her any more and Anthy is shown to be little more than a puppet for her brother and his schemes. Everything that the reader thought we knew about this world has been tossed out the door. Utena is the only one chosen by Dios, the other duelists were just Aiko casting a wide net to try and find the one chosen by Dios. At the end of the volume Utena and Aiko are squaring up for a final confrontation. I am curious about how this is going to end.
I give this manga a Four out of Five stars. I get nothing for my review and I bought this manga with my own money.
October 15, 2025
Here we go, volume four! Oh. Ok. That was...different!
Akio, Chairman of Ohtori and older brother of Anthy, has an agenda: make Utena his own. But what does that mean? Does he actually love her? Or, is it just as Touga says: Akio is using her for a nefarious secondary purpose.
So, again, this is the weird anomaly story where the anime came out before the manga, and I know that the author of the manga story and the author of the anime story didn't always see eye-to-eye about how they wanted things to go (despite the fact that they were working on both together as part of the same group). So, I'm not surprised that the story takes an unexpected turn here. There's not really much I can say that isn't a spoiler. I like some of the changes. It's less dark for sure. But I do miss some of the depth that the anime gave. The manga is definitely better with the relationship between Utena and Anthy, but then what is Touga doing? His character just got weird in this. I think the anime did him better. Also the manga is better about including the Student Council's thoughts, but the anime did better about building their backstories....I just want both to combine. But! Still one more manga to go so....I shall withhold my ultimate verdict until then!
Akio, Chairman of Ohtori and older brother of Anthy, has an agenda: make Utena his own. But what does that mean? Does he actually love her? Or, is it just as Touga says: Akio is using her for a nefarious secondary purpose.
So, again, this is the weird anomaly story where the anime came out before the manga, and I know that the author of the manga story and the author of the anime story didn't always see eye-to-eye about how they wanted things to go (despite the fact that they were working on both together as part of the same group). So, I'm not surprised that the story takes an unexpected turn here. There's not really much I can say that isn't a spoiler. I like some of the changes. It's less dark for sure. But I do miss some of the depth that the anime gave. The manga is definitely better with the relationship between Utena and Anthy, but then what is Touga doing? His character just got weird in this. I think the anime did him better. Also the manga is better about including the Student Council's thoughts, but the anime did better about building their backstories....I just want both to combine. But! Still one more manga to go so....I shall withhold my ultimate verdict until then!
February 19, 2022
The temptation, seduction, and ultimate challenge of Utena is underways by a man who knows her better than anyone, who intends to take full advantage of her innocence and her devotion to her prince. What’s more he has Anthy’s assistance. Utena is, however, stronger than her seducer guesses as is her her growing bond with Anthy. This strength give Anthy herself courage along with a return to her lost power when she guides Utena along the final journey of her quest.
A unique fairytale with elements I recognized, transforming into a legend which created its own mythology along with the acknowledgment that love, the power of all kinds of love mingles with the real life dangers of growing up in this remarkable volume. Much is revealed, always wrapped in beauty, drawing readers in, offering visions of the inner self within the myth. This is a series unlike any other. It’s shaped much of my own sense of myth and how much we create it.
A unique fairytale with elements I recognized, transforming into a legend which created its own mythology along with the acknowledgment that love, the power of all kinds of love mingles with the real life dangers of growing up in this remarkable volume. Much is revealed, always wrapped in beauty, drawing readers in, offering visions of the inner self within the myth. This is a series unlike any other. It’s shaped much of my own sense of myth and how much we create it.
June 24, 2020
VOLUME 4, WE GET SOME DEEP-DIVE DIVERGENCE FROM THE SHOW AND WE GET WEIRDLY LITERAL AND PRETTY FUCKY
Turns out I completely blocked out my memory from the first half of this volume (because it Hurts My Feelings) and yet my favorite part kicks in in the final quarter!! YESSSS. One of the characters literally says something about all answers being revealed; I don't trust this but I do appreciate it!
Juri: that man is a sexist pig!
Touga (noted sexist pig): no....he just doesn't see us as human, and used all of us as pawns
Me: touga both of these things can be true. And the way akio uses people is predicated on gender roles, both antiquated and modern, which makes the inherent sexism pretty relevant! that's the point!
Anyway the world of utena would be better if there was like 60% less touga and 1000% more juri
Turns out I completely blocked out my memory from the first half of this volume (because it Hurts My Feelings) and yet my favorite part kicks in in the final quarter!! YESSSS. One of the characters literally says something about all answers being revealed; I don't trust this but I do appreciate it!
Juri: that man is a sexist pig!
Touga (noted sexist pig): no....he just doesn't see us as human, and used all of us as pawns
Me: touga both of these things can be true. And the way akio uses people is predicated on gender roles, both antiquated and modern, which makes the inherent sexism pretty relevant! that's the point!
Anyway the world of utena would be better if there was like 60% less touga and 1000% more juri
September 8, 2024
More like 3.5.
Everything is handled so much more gracefully and respectfully in the anime…
I had to take a lap around my house after the AHEM ceremony. That was awful.
Also, excuse me but why is Dios separate from Akio??
My therapist will be hearing about this.
Also also poor Utena and her FIVE non-consensual kisses thus far in the manga :(
Finally, Utena calling Anthy her “sweet Anthy” and like a “Goddess divine” is so 💕
Everything is handled so much more gracefully and respectfully in the anime…
I had to take a lap around my house after the AHEM ceremony. That was awful.
Also, excuse me but why is Dios separate from Akio??
My therapist will be hearing about this.
Also also poor Utena and her FIVE non-consensual kisses thus far in the manga :(
Finally, Utena calling Anthy her “sweet Anthy” and like a “Goddess divine” is so 💕
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 25, 2025
The story is getting stronger, as it should on volume 4 of 5...
I guess I got a little confused in the last volume thinking that Anthy's brother Akio was Dios. He's the World's End, but not Dios. That also means that he isn't Utena's Prince (Dios is).
We find out that Dios and Anthy were once in love, and that Anthy's love is basically what is keeping the sleeping Dios alive.
I guess I got a little confused in the last volume thinking that Anthy's brother Akio was Dios. He's the World's End, but not Dios. That also means that he isn't Utena's Prince (Dios is).
We find out that Dios and Anthy were once in love, and that Anthy's love is basically what is keeping the sleeping Dios alive.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 30, 2019
Anything I have to say here would be full of spoilers! Let's just say we finally find out the truth about Anthy, Adio, and Dios... and it all takes a really, really weird turn. (Which, let's face it, you should have been expecting.)
December 31, 2020
In this volume the story reaches the gates of the climax of the story. I really feel caught up in the plot and am glad that Utena is beginning to resolve her doubts regarding the prince and what he represents. Hopefully today I'll finish reading the manga and the special issue.
November 8, 2022
Surreal (borderline insane) deconstruction of gender essentialism. Adolescence, buddhist and jungian philosophy as secondary themes. Read this after seeing this series being referenced in western media like Scott Pilgrim, Steven Universe, She-Ra, Voltron, Amphibia, OK K.O and the Owl House.
June 26, 2024
Questo volume. Questo maledetto volume. Non sono neanche in grado di scrivere una recensione decente. Akio, Utena ed Anthy mi hanno mandato in tilt il cervello. Che diavolo di triangolo ha tirato fuori il gruppo Be-Papas.
February 28, 2017
wow, this is way different than the anime, and I like it better in some ways. I don't hate Touga, and love that he's much more honourable. Akio is still the worst ever though.
January 1, 2018
Ya le voy captando!
July 27, 2019
4.5 Stars
WHAT THE HECK JUST HAPPENED
WHAT THE HECK JUST HAPPENED
December 7, 2019
2,5 stars
May 18, 2020
Brilliant story telling with enough questions to make you want to finish the series.
February 24, 2021
Dude, fuck Akio. Boooo.
March 14, 2021
Ça décolle enfin avec une belle montée en tension !
Décidément, la pauvre Utena se sera faite manipuler du début à la fin 😓
Décidément, la pauvre Utena se sera faite manipuler du début à la fin 😓
March 31, 2021
muy bien!!!
December 5, 2021
"you're my friend," was really forced (bc they are obvi in love) but it was good anyway. Also there needed to be less Touga bc he isn't a good love interest
February 19, 2022
Manga i anime. Dwie zupełnie inne rzeczy.
June 10, 2023
ill be honest, i’m nervous and confused
April 21, 2025
That's a wonderful twist!
oh god! Anthy needs a better' development arc. I am reading non-stop I am going to pick the next manga right away.
oh god! Anthy needs a better' development arc. I am reading non-stop I am going to pick the next manga right away.
June 17, 2025
Sommes-nous chez les fous ?
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews