Imperfect Girl, Vol. 3

Imperfect Girl #3

by NisiOisiN, Mitsuru Hattori

A young author is being held hostage in the home of a grammar school girl. Held there by knife-point, and partially by his own curiousity, the author hopes to uncover the mysteries behind the child’s torment. He know she lives alone in this huge home. But where are her parents? And what was her life like before the accident and this “kidnapping”?

Genres: Manga, Mystery, Seinen, Fiction, Comics, Drama

179 pages, Paperback

First published October 6, 2016

About the author

Nisio Isin (西尾維新 Nishio Ishin), frequently written as NisiOisiN to emphasize that his pen name is a palindrome, is a Japanese novelist and manga writer. He attended and left Ritsumeikan University without graduating. In 2002, he debuted with the novel Kubikiri Cycle, which earned him the 23rd Mephisto Award at twenty years of age.

He currently works with Kodansha on Pandora, the Kodansha Box magazine, and Faust, a literary magazine containing the works of other young authors who similarly take influence from light novels and otaku culture. He was also publishing a twelve volume series over twelve months for the Kodansha Box line; Ryusui Seiryoin was matching this output, and the Kodansha Box website stated that this is the first time in the world two authors have done twelve volume monthly novel series simultaneously from the same publisher.

In February, 2008, his novel Death Note Another Note: The Los Angeles BB Murder Cases was released in English by Viz Media. Del Rey Manga has already released the first volume in his Zaregoto series. His Bakemonogatari, Nisemonogatari and Katanagatari novels have been adapted into anime series. Nekomonogatari (Kuro) has been adapted into an anime TV movie, and Kizumonogatari will be release in theaters this year. Monogatari Series: Second Season, adapted from 6 books in Monogatari Series will air in July 2013. Another of his works, Medaka Box (manga), has been adapted into a two-season anime series.

Reviews

[Victoria ✮⋆˙ · Rating 3 out of 5]

!!Read all 3 volumes in 1 sitting so i’ll be leaving the same review on each!!

The story was pretty average, though the concept was interesting. I realllllly liked the art in this series though it was really nice. The story despite being average got kinda dark, I really liked that about it, and the kinda open ended ness gave a slight mystery to it.

Easy read, worth the time spent on it

[Mike · Rating 3 out of 5]

Relatively strong finish within established setup, but honestly I'm not sure it's worth the highly disturbing ride.

Review of series: https://derailmentsofthought.com/2018...

[Cory James · Rating 5 out of 5]

I legitametly just sobbed wow

[Chelsea Kelly · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5/5 Stars: ‘Imperfect Girl (Vol.3)’ by NisiOisiN and Mitsuru Hattori.
→ Age Range: Adult.
→ Genre: Mystery, Contemporary Horror.
→ Book Type: Manga.

Favourite Quote: ‘What’s scary about kids is that they don’t hesitate to tell you things that adults find hard to say.’

In-depth Rating:
→ Plot: ★★★★
→ Character Development: ★★★★
→ Setting: ★★★
→ Entertainment Level: ★★★★
→ Writing: ★★★
→ Art (If Applicable): ★★★★

General Comments: Imperfect Girl is translated by Vertical Comics; story by NisiOisiN, illustrated by Mitsuru Hattori. This is Volume 3. Reviewing Manga is complicated; reviewing each volume - individually - does not reflect the overall enjoyment of the series. As such, the star-rating should be utilised as a guideline only. If anything, you should pick up Imperfect Girl. The intent of this work is to be a moody, stylish character study about a young man who overthinks his way into a mess of trouble thanks to an odd young girl. See Volume 1 for a more personal review.

Time Read: Two Days.
→ Audiobook: No.
→ Audiobook Narrator: -

Trigger Warnings:
→ Parental Abuse.
→ Neglect.
→ Suicide.
→ Death.
→ Indoctrination.

[Diana H. · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m not necessarily surprised a series like this isn’t critically acclaimed or anything; it balances absurd themes and ideas that may be off putting to many. However, it features a brilliant depiction of cyclic abuse and determinism in a child’s upbringing. If I were to criticize any one feature, I would say this bizarre plot would only work if the victim were as righteous and delusional as the main character was. It can feel a little contrived at times. 8.5/10

[Francesca · Rating 5 out of 5]

After a strong start this was exactly the conclusion I was hoping for. It was dark and (sadly) very realistic, but ended on a hopeful note.

I enjoyed this journey with these two characters. I doesn't give himself enough credit and U is stronger than she realises.

[pluto!! · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not going to lie, this series was one of the best I've read so far. You see, when I first think of manga, my mind goes to fluffy romance or some fantastic elements, if not simply novels made for children and teenagers. But "Imperfect Girl" went beyond my expectations.
The dark psychological theme seen throughout these books (Stockholm syndrome, trauma, child abuse) were portrayed so well with the "mystery aspect" of U.'s life.
I don't know what more to say about this trilogy and I don't know how to comment on the plot or characters, since both were based on a real-life story.
Overall, just a fantastic read that I believe will leave me thinking about so many topics for a long time.

[Doc · Rating 4 out of 5]

While reading the final volume of Imperfect Girl I began to wonder if perhaps some of this was based on a experience Nisio Isin or someone he knew experienced with the main character being an author remembering 10 years ago in a story created on Nisio Isin's 10 year milestone. Even the stories told to "U" seemed like something Nisio Isin would come up (like some Monogatarai imagery) with and how the author makes his living off of the stories he created on the spot for "U" because she needed stories that did not exalt perfection but people that were alright even if they were not perfect.

In the end it ended pretty much how I expected considering the author is telling us the story 10 years after it happened and how fate has a funny way of getting in the way whether we realize it or not. I truly hope that "U" got the help she needed after breaking down as she tried to follow her parents rules to the letter even after they "went away"(they explain their fates and why she sees spirit version of the coelacanth fish after "I" explores the 2nd floor. You can really feel sorry for the poor child as she lives as best she can by the guidelines. Also the author was super lucky he did n't get arrested for any number of things because he meant well but he was not using his head at the time which the author reflects on in the present.

My favorite moment has got to be the last page with the author meeting his new editor who looks familiar and is very polite but nervous when meeting him. The view through the fish tank made for great symbolism as I would like to believe this young woman was the little girl he tried to save 10 years ago. You'll have to read the story yourself to come to your own conclusions though. :)

[Jacob · Rating 3 out of 5]

I realized who the author was just a little after reading book 2, and some things clicked with how and why some things were the way they were. Then I just got annoyed, as this is "a true story" and how the author spawned all their future work from their need to tell stories to a little girl trying to sleep. And while I can delve into the idea of allowing a story to thrive via suspension, it poisons as soon as you try to weave it into reality.

Wanted to like this, as I found the themes of conformity through abuse to be compelling, and the artistic choice of fish metaphors flipped me as soon as I got it...but it's frustrating having to be expected to juggle what's a fairy tale in all of this.

[Chris Orme · Rating 5 out of 5]

37/100 (2018 Reading Challenge)

I really enjoyed this self contained (well over 3 manga but you know) little tale, I’ll admit I’d pretty much been going on at the start from my fanboy-love of NisiOisiN but It reached an interesting (all be it some of it expected, but at least for me that does not detract from enjoyment) conclusion. Or at least to say the message I took out of the end (or the stories told) kind of resonated with my current mental state. I try not to go for spoiler reviews (mainly just ‘cus I’m using the app & being a lazy s&* t) but I adapted to my personal life. I don’t like have people locked up.... 😋

Peace ✌🏼

[Minna · Rating 4 out of 5]

The ending was good to know that the girl had recovered from her trauma and has found a way to work with the author. This story shows us the importance of how we should not judge a person by his/her actions. In the final part of imperfect girl series it sheds light upon the reason of why a child acts weirdly.In this story U has coped up with this heartbreaking situation bravely, which justifies her creepy yet weird actions.

[Burden · Rating 4 out of 5]

All in all, I think this was an enjoyable series. Nothing amazing, but not rubbish either. Just enjoyable.

The series did require you to suspend your disbelief on several occasions. But if you look beyond those major plot holes, there was nothing else to gripe about.

A solid effort. But not one that I would recommend, unless you stumble across it at a cheap price. 4/5.

[Mai · Rating 3 out of 5]

The beginning was very weird, but as the story went it became very deep and sad. But the ending was very good. I wonder if this is based of some real-life experience from the author... because that would be crazy!!

[Alex · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just finished reading the whole series. I absolutely love the art work, it’s beautiful. I did enjoy the story, it had twists I didn’t expect and was kind of thought provoking. I feel bad for U and wanted to know more about her.

I altogether enjoyed the concept, it was interesting and fresh.

[Boujee · Rating 4 out of 5]

a flavorful conclusion to a haunting tale, I really dug this mini-series

[Yuiko · Rating 1 out of 5]

This manga was just stupid don't bother reading it girl just kidnapes a boy and keeps him in her closet

[Rachel (rachels.geeky.stuff) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This series is so beautifully written and drawn. I love it!

[(╯`▭´）╯︵ ǝɔnɒꓷ · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was...interesting? I'm very conflicted. And mildly disturbed. But mostly really confused.

[Kathleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

A satisfying and possibly predictable wrap-up! It's got a good amount of creepy mystery to it.

[Miss Ryoko · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well, the first volume was meh, the following two volumes were alright. I'm glad it wasn't any longer than three volumes. An interesting read.

[Ashley Cunningham · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a quick read, it didn’t even take an hour. I also think that the third book, is the best one as I didn’t want to put it down. Whereas the first two took me a couple days to get through.

[Andrea · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars
possible triggers: death, abuse, kidnapping, etc.
That ending was beautiful. I enjoyed reading this series a lot.

[Kayleigh · Rating 5 out of 5]

It broke me down and built me up with goosebumps. Absolutely fabulous!

[Joshua Sloan · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'd venture to guess the novel is better.

[Silke · Rating 4 out of 5]

Een prachtig bizar einde voor dit bizarre verhaal.

[Aya kalander · Rating 5 out of 5]

So i read the 3 volumes in one setting basically, and i've done that almost a year ago
And i still remember some parts of it very vividly, though this won't be a detailed review because of that
The fact that it's a true story, even if exaggerated, makes it more interesting to me.
The story itself took some unexpected turns and i truly enjoyed the parts that came to light as you read on.
It's truly enjoyable and quite the fun read, while it may not be the most complicated plot out there, it was still engaging (at least to me) and had me satisfied for such a quick read
Not really a spoiler. But i REALLY enjoyed the little stories told at the end, also loved the art at the revealing part where you know what actually happened, and the artsy parts used leading to the conclusion