Veil : Calme noir

Veil #2

by Kotteri

"I like looking at you when you’re enjoying a scent."

On a cobblestone street, a moment was shared by two people. One day, by chance… he, a police officer met she, a runaway heiress. She was looking for a job and he welcomed her as the new police station receptionist.

Enjoy witty dialogue and bold illustrations, in this in full-color manga collection by Kotteri!

Genres: Manga, Romance, Comics, Graphic Novels, Josei, Historical, Slice Of Life

128 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2019

Reviews

[rae ✿ · Rating 5 out of 5]

HEY GOD IT'S ME AGAIN T_T
gosh i love this volume🫠😭

-----------

even the cover is already making me swoon🤧🤧🤧

[spalanai ⛤ · Rating 5 out of 5]

“A Constellation Waiting to be Named”— love love love love love ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡

[Dora · Rating 5 out of 5]

him drawing constellations on her tighs and signing them with his name?
her tracing the lines on the palm of his hand to see his heart?
him letting her softly pull her fingers through his hair as she is half-asleep because she dreamed of it?
her promising to carry him to her room if he falls asleep at her door because he is her baby?
them exchanging a cigarette for a drink as if they were lovers only to fall asleep together on the sofa?

*sigh and swoon*

[Moon_child31 · Rating 5 out of 5]

“You can’t go a minute without me, can’t you?
~~~
No, I can’t go a minute without you.”💕

[jagodasbooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

"No, I can't go a minute without you"

[Laura A. Grace · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of the best manga licenses we've ever gotten in the US, and I won't change my mind on that!

Another incredible volume! So much so, that I went back and read it all over again because the TENSION between these two is incredible!

I guess one could maybe say "sexual" tension, but I don't necessarily think that's true? There is just something so compelling drawn in the way these characters touch each other and even the expressions they have. They give off this aura(?) where you're holding your breath because you don't know how the other is going to respond to them touching their hand or leg, so you catch yourself leaning more because you're afraid if you even blink, you'll miss the subtle change in expression or body language. Really really compelling storytelling and art that I really cannot get enough of!

Granted I would be lying if I didn't admit that I STRONGLY ship these two and hope and look forward to their relationship going forward in a romantic direction, but even if it doesn't, I would still feel satisfied reading this series.

I am once again HIGHLY recommending Veil, especially if you love a focus on incredible art! This is definitely a series that needs to be on everyone's TBR!

*(I received an e-copy via NetGally, but have this physically on preorder. All thoughts expressed are my own.)*

[justine ⊹ ࣪ ˖ (semi-ia) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Veil Volume 2: Calming Noir
⤷ ⭑⭑⭑⭑

❝ A Constellation Waiting to be Named. ❞ ⋆˚࿔

⟢ feels like a gallery of paintings where each artwork tells a different part of a larger story. while they stand alone beautifully, together they create a rich tapestry of emotions and connections that invites us readers to speculate on the deeper relationships between him and her.

again, amazing artwork. every scene took my breath away and i love the tidbit drawings we get in between scenes.

by the second volume, i just accepted that the story consists of a series of vignettes focusing on Emma and Alexander's daily life and relationship situationship. i still stand by my initial point from the first volume that we should illustrate and prioritize the scenes depicted in the monologues in addition to the random scenes we are already getting, as the monologues essentially contain the main storyline. at this point, we can only speculate about the moments in between as we follow their evolving relationship.

here are some cute moments that deserve special mention:

⟢ Emma took photos of the sounds she heard because she found them astonishing. it took me a moment to fully grasp this, as i never imagined someone with this disability could perceive things that way, which was very insensitive of me. it was truly an eye-opener.

⟢ Alexander noticed the moles on Emma's thighs, which she drew constellations and signed them with his name.

⟢ Scene 23: "Touch in a Dream”— The way she describes how she experiences dreams and the sensations she feels is simply beautiful.

this honestly feels like peeling back the layers of an onion. wherein each layer reveals a new flavor and depth, making the experience richer and more enjoyable as you dive deeper into the story. we just have to accept that this is the beauty and unique charm of Veil.

thank you Udon Entertainment and Net Galley, for providing me an arc of the English-translated copy of the second volume of this beautiful graphic novel!♡

─ Veil Series: ✶⋆.°
✶ Veil Volume 1: Temperature of Orange
✶ Veil Volume 2: Calming Noir

⊹₊⟡⋆

[Beth]

There's this warmth between them that can't quite be called friendship or love. With this thin film interposed between them, they amuse each other. That's the general mood.

This non-review will stand for both volumes 1 and 2, which I read back-to-back.

Initially unnamed, the ML and FL meet when FL--a young woman who's also blind--literally bumps into ML as he's resting on a set of stairs. She's a runaway from her wealthy, pampered life at home. Luckily enough, there's an "office lady" type job available at the place where ML works as a man in uniform with an ill-defined job (we see little or nothing about either of their jobs, since that isn't the point of this manga at all). That's about all we get story-wise for these characters before we move into a sequence of vignettes where the two flirt with each other.

The flirting is very effective. Emma is dependent on sound and touch to get an impression of the world around her, and Kotteri makes good use of this as Emma touches Alexander's face, hands, etc. and he gets a bit flustered. Kotteri's own words above seem to confirm that they aren't sleeping together, but their relationship is pretty intense for "just friends," too.

Kotteri seems very attached to Emma as a subject, since well over a fourth of the pages are devoted to showing her off in stylish illustrations. Alexander's role is to watch her and help her get dressed and put her hair up, with accompanying close-ups of his manly hands as they touch her.

I'm not giving this one a rating because I think it knows exactly what it's going for, and does it very well, but "what it's going for" doesn't do a lot for me. It's kind of like reading a fashion magazine, full of beautiful outfits and beautiful people looking sexy. As "a manga," though, I found it somewhat lacking. Similarly fashion-centric manga like Gals! and Paradise Kiss are better about having some character arcs along with the cool clothes.

The intimacy between the leads, the vaguely European setting, and the fashionable outfits give Veil a unique vibe, but I also feel like I've gotten what I'm going to get out of this title after reading these two volumes, and don't have a strong desire to keep on with it.

[sami (semi-hiatus) · Rating 4 out of 5]

there’s no traditional plot in "veil" as it follows a series of vignettes that explore the relationship between two people who are on the verge of something more—more than friends, but not quite lovers. while one could label this a "situationship", that term feels too crude to encapsulate what emma and alexander share.

their interactions are filled with this tender intimacy: she runs her fingers through his hair, he names constellations on her legs, and the gentle brushing of their hands speaks volumes. there’s a warmth between them that defies easy categorization; it’s neither friendship nor love, but something between. like there is this thin veil interposed between them; however, the veil is finally lifting, hinting at the potential for something more.

overall, "veil, vol. 2" is a beautiful book, featuring some of the most gorgeous artwork i've seen in my life, that is absolutely worth reading. i definitely recommend it!

thank you to netgalley and the publisher for the arc in exchange for my honest review.

[Lucy Tonks (the invisible life of a reader) · Rating 4 out of 5]

On a cobblestone street, a moment was shared by two people. One day, by chance… he, a police officer met she, a runaway heiress. She was looking for a job and he welcomed her as the new police station receptionist.

I'm genuinely in love with this one!! The art style is absolutely stunning, and the film like storytelling is superb!! I love seeing random "scenes" from the characters' lives and just the way they interact with each other. Their dialogue and witty commentary, alongside the unique storytelling, genuinely make for sure a compelling story! I can't wait to see what the author has in store for the next volumes!!

Thank you Udon Entertainment and NetGalley for an arc of this volume!

[Nouran · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve accidentally finished volume 2

[Rod Brown · Rating 3 out of 5]

Reading this is like watching a string of perfume ads or love ballad music videos. Pretty people slink around, flirt, touch, and smolder. It's not deep or amazing, but why would you possibly look away?


FOR REFERENCE:

Contents: Scene 15. She Locked the Sound In -- Scene 16. Sweating Skin Is Vanilla Ice Cream -- Scene 17. A Constellation to Be Named -- Scene 18. Doberman -- Scene 19. Temperature of the Heart -- Scene 20. Visible Scent -- Scene 21. Two Slumbers -- Scene 22. A Favor -- Scene 23. Touch in a Dream -- Scene 24. Present -- Scene 25. No One Can Enter -- Afterword

[Madeleine Knutsson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

This book is so romantic and beautiful! Every page is filled with heartfelt moments and vivid emotions that draw you in and leave you breathless. A truly unforgettable love story that speaks straight to the soul!

[h i n d · Rating 4 out of 5]

No plot just gorgeous art

[Keiko, the manga enthusiast ♒︎ · Rating 4 out of 5]

love isn’t a bad idea now, no? if it’s like this? only if it’s like this. my heart’s full!

[library ghost (farheen) · Rating 5 out of 5]

so beautiful and sweet. it's a wonderful story illustrated with some very amazing art. very hard to not love!

[Tahyun · Rating 5 out of 5]

This volume was remarkably gorgeous, more so even than the first. I say remarkably because I hadn't realized the bar could go up quite that much further, and also just in that, the art is quite remarkable and stunning full stop. The characters gain a bit more depth and personality as well and it maintains a quaint and unique storytelling.

[rika ⋆₊˚⊹ · Rating 5 out of 5]

ho adorato anche questo volume alla follia ! emma e aleksander sono proprio teneri insieme, hanno un rapporto così speciale, my faves in assoluto 🤍

[✧₊⁎Haru • 🦦🪷⁎⁺˳✧ · Rating 5 out of 5]

anche questo volume è stato super tenero e dolcissimo mamma mia è la mia nuova serotonina🥺🩷

[Nyx · Rating 5 out of 5]

I want what they have 😍😍

[MargReadsManga · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’m still not blown away by this series. I really wanted to like it. I love the fact that covers for volumes 1 and 2 match up; such a nice touch! The art is beautiful. In the end, it just wasn’t for me. I wanted more of a story and I wanted to squeal and kick my feet.

[Camila T 🍉 · Rating 5 out of 5]

They are so ADORABLE!!!!!

[Missha · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't think you get it, I'm obsessed. Understanding now that this is a collection of scenes first published online I understand the flow of the story better, but I keep to my opinion that this wither works or doesn't for people, and it certainly does for me.

The dialogue was heartwarming and most of the scenes made me want to snuggle under a blanket with my favorite drink, snow outside, and comforting music on. The whole thing is just such a warm hug and I think that I desperately need to get my hands on physical editions of both volumes so I can show it to my friends and scream.

This feels like a story you can often return to, stare at your favorite pages, reread your favorite scenes, or find comfort in when real people don't love you like these two love each other. Whether you think it's platonic or romantic between these two, I just think it's beautiful and deserves all the attention.

I recommend if you: love cozy vibes / live for some nostalgia / want no hurt all the comfort / characters before plot
I'd say pass if you want: plot that moves somewhere / anything angsty

Thank you Udon entertainment and Netgalley for the e-art. This review is all my own.

[Dawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I first came across these pages (vignettes? comics?) online a number of years ago, fan translated and reposted where you could read them all at once (bless people who do translations for fun, so others can read the material). Now the first two volumes have been published in English.

The drawings are so beautiful, and sketchy, and the color pallet is always just right. I’ve never been a fan of finished pieces, give me a sketchy style any day of the week.

And the story is so sweet and fun. I don’t know where it ends up, but I feel it quietly explores a place where two people are not lovers but just are. Sharing experiences and space because that’s the height of the human experience, a closeness without expectation. Not to say they don’t/can’t have a crush each other, but I love how their relationship is depicted.

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 ⭐️

Thank you to Udon Entertainment for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

I am becoming slightly obsessed with this manga. Not only is the artwork exquisite, but I have settled into the rhythm of the snapshots of the main characters' new lives together.

I would say this volume seems to infer that their relationship is progressing into something romantic - they are far more comfortable with each other in many ways, but nothing overt happens. This is tantalising and I think it is up to the reader to decide what happens between them when the manga panels end.

I can't wait to get my hands on physical copies of this manga and for subsequent volumes to become available!

[escapeinmybookshelf · Rating 5 out of 5]

This manga fully encapsulates the essence of an unspoken love—one that transcends words and is defined solely by the mutual understanding shared between the two people. It’s an compansionship that is easy and that kind of relationship flows naturally in the vignettes. It portrays the subtle yet profound connection that only the two of them truly comprehend, making it all the more enchanting as an outsider looking in. I wholeheartedly recommend reading this manga, with beautiful art style with a heartwarming story that explores the quiet depth of affection without the need for overt declarations. “Veil” is seeing glimpises of with mutual understanding with wit and tender emotions.

Thank you to Udon Entertainment and NetGalley for this arc.

[Soila Kenya · Rating 5 out of 5]

Paid more attention to the art in this c. I really appreciate the sketches in between scenes. Their posing is so unique and dynamic, so I imagine the mangaka put in a lot of work to find references or to simply think them up. And the unveiling that their names are simply he and she is absolutely the most romantic thing ever, but even more than that. It reminds me of the relationship between Sherlock Holmes and Irene Adler, where he refers to her as The Woman as if she's the only one of that species that matters. So, too, for our two protagonists. Can't wait to get into the next instalment.

[Madara · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5/5
Quality of writing: 5
Plot development: 4
Pace: 4
Characters: 4
Enjoyability: 5
Ease of reading: 5

The 2nd volume did not diappoint. The same chemistry, the same amazing art.
I might need to buy these volumes just so I can see the beautiful art in person and not on a screen of a tablet.
Both main characters are adorable and their interractions feel intimate and filled with so much tension! I just want them to kiss already! :D

Review copy provided by the publisher and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

Segundo volumen en el cual continuamos viendo escenas concretas entre Emma y Alexander las cuales fluctuan en conversaciones curiosas con una química entre ambos muy especial. Pero hay que decir que este manga no enamoraría tanto de no ser por el precioso, cuidado y característico estilo artístico de la autora.

[Alyssa Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm slowly starting to fall in love with these characters. They are so precious together, and I love the soft touches and sweet words towards one another.

Thank you Net Galley and Publisher for the e-arc.