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とつくにの少女 / Totsukuni no shōjo #1-3
The Girl from the Other Side: Siúil, a Rún Deluxe Edition I
This bestselling and critically acclaimed series is soon to be a feature-length anime--and now, readers can experience the entire fantastical tale in stunning collectors' hardcovers!
In a world split between the Inside and the Outside, those living in both realms are told never to cross over to the other side, lest they be cursed. A young girl named Shiva lives on the other side, in a vacant village with a demonic guardian known only as Teacher. Although the two are forbidden to touch, they seem to share a bond that transcends their disparate appearances. But when Shiva leaves Teacher's care to seek out her grandmother, the secret behind her mysterious living arrangement comes to light.
Nagabe's haunting, bestselling manga series has captivated critics and general audiences from its debut through its final volume, inspiring a huge crowdfunding success for a feature-length anime. Now get the entire manga tale--bound up multiple volumes at a time--in a series of four oversized hardcover omnibuses that include additional color inserts and gorgeous new cover art from creator Nagabe made exclusively for these collectors' editions. This magical re-release is sure to thrill readers new and old!
In a world split between the Inside and the Outside, those living in both realms are told never to cross over to the other side, lest they be cursed. A young girl named Shiva lives on the other side, in a vacant village with a demonic guardian known only as Teacher. Although the two are forbidden to touch, they seem to share a bond that transcends their disparate appearances. But when Shiva leaves Teacher's care to seek out her grandmother, the secret behind her mysterious living arrangement comes to light.
Nagabe's haunting, bestselling manga series has captivated critics and general audiences from its debut through its final volume, inspiring a huge crowdfunding success for a feature-length anime. Now get the entire manga tale--bound up multiple volumes at a time--in a series of four oversized hardcover omnibuses that include additional color inserts and gorgeous new cover art from creator Nagabe made exclusively for these collectors' editions. This magical re-release is sure to thrill readers new and old!
532 pages, Hardcover
Published August 2, 2022
94 people are currently reading
1128 people want to read
About the author
Nagabe
39 books923 followersPlease also see ながべ.
He studied Fine Arts at Musashino University. At first, he was more interested in illustration, printmaking, and painting than in manga. However, when he considered the best way to make a living from his art, he decided to focus on the world of Japanese comics and trained himself, rather than the usual approach of working for several years as an apprentice to an experienced manga artist.
He was still a student when his first work, The Boss Is an Onee, was published. He soon attracted attention for his distinctive drawing style, his fantastical and melancholic plots, and his use of fantasy characters and anthropomorphic animals.
He studied Fine Arts at Musashino University. At first, he was more interested in illustration, printmaking, and painting than in manga. However, when he considered the best way to make a living from his art, he decided to focus on the world of Japanese comics and trained himself, rather than the usual approach of working for several years as an apprentice to an experienced manga artist.
He was still a student when his first work, The Boss Is an Onee, was published. He soon attracted attention for his distinctive drawing style, his fantastical and melancholic plots, and his use of fantasy characters and anthropomorphic animals.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 252 reviews
March 5, 2023
The artistry is an absolute ✨stunner✨
If you like slo0000w, creeping, gothic, haunting, beautiful, fairytale stories - this is for YOU!
However, I'm someone who needs a faster pace and more thrills & chills.
There's nothing wrong with this series. It's pretty good and at times creepy. But it didn't wow me in any other way than the illustration. So, at the end of the day, it gets a 3.
I found myself unmotivated to continue with the series, which isn't a good sign in manga.
If you like slo0000w, creeping, gothic, haunting, beautiful, fairytale stories - this is for YOU!
However, I'm someone who needs a faster pace and more thrills & chills.
There's nothing wrong with this series. It's pretty good and at times creepy. But it didn't wow me in any other way than the illustration. So, at the end of the day, it gets a 3.
I found myself unmotivated to continue with the series, which isn't a good sign in manga.
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March 26, 2025
If eerie atmosphere to a dark yet bittersweet and cozy fairy tale sounds enticing, you need to drop everything and check out The Girl From the Other Side by artist and author Nagabe because this manga is absolutely breathtaking. The vibes are impeccable and the art is gorgeous and gloomy in this tale of an abandoned child from the human world taken in by one of the beasts that roam outside the walls. Or, perhaps, is it the humans inside that are the true beasts… Collecting the first three volumes of the series, this marvelous hardbound volume complete with extra full color art is a real treat of imaginative world build building, brewing mysteries and a jaw-dropping tale that is as heart wrenching as it is heartwarming.
Nagabe plunges us into a world of “outsiders” and “insiders” where just one touch from the creatures who roam the world outside the city walls spreads a curse so feared the humans have been rumored to kill entire populations of refugees fleeing the curse just to ensure it doesn’t infect their village. Yet, living in a cottage outside an abandoned village is Shiva, the cutest little girl being cared for by one of the “creatures.” This story builds quickly, compiling questions on top of questions as the lore unfolds along with a story that beautifully balances tension and tenderness.
Sure, he looks terrifying but Teacher is a real sweetheart underneath the exterior.
These are impossible to put down. The story really takes off and the world building is incredible. I love the way you see both sides of the wall and hear the legends that shape fear and inspire violence. There’s a lot to explore and despite taking time for quiet moments of periods of introspective anxiety, this moves forward at a great pace and the transitions are really fluid. Also it’s creepy as Fuck.
Have I mentioned that the art is amazing? Because THE ART IS AMAZING! I mean look at this:
Seriously, the art goes so hard and the character designs are extraordinary. Especially since you know these are creatures you stumble upon when deep in the woods (don’t think about that too hard at bedtime…)
And the few pages of full color really look great in this edition:
I really love The Girls From the Other Side and I hope you will too. It’s eeries, atmospheric, mysterious and just a lot of fun. Plus there’s some cool The Last of Us vibes and tons of lore teased out. Grab this, but actually grab them all because you will not want to stop.
5/5
Nagabe plunges us into a world of “outsiders” and “insiders” where just one touch from the creatures who roam the world outside the city walls spreads a curse so feared the humans have been rumored to kill entire populations of refugees fleeing the curse just to ensure it doesn’t infect their village. Yet, living in a cottage outside an abandoned village is Shiva, the cutest little girl being cared for by one of the “creatures.” This story builds quickly, compiling questions on top of questions as the lore unfolds along with a story that beautifully balances tension and tenderness.
Sure, he looks terrifying but Teacher is a real sweetheart underneath the exterior.
These are impossible to put down. The story really takes off and the world building is incredible. I love the way you see both sides of the wall and hear the legends that shape fear and inspire violence. There’s a lot to explore and despite taking time for quiet moments of periods of introspective anxiety, this moves forward at a great pace and the transitions are really fluid. Also it’s creepy as Fuck.
Have I mentioned that the art is amazing? Because THE ART IS AMAZING! I mean look at this:
Seriously, the art goes so hard and the character designs are extraordinary. Especially since you know these are creatures you stumble upon when deep in the woods (don’t think about that too hard at bedtime…)
And the few pages of full color really look great in this edition:
I really love The Girls From the Other Side and I hope you will too. It’s eeries, atmospheric, mysterious and just a lot of fun. Plus there’s some cool The Last of Us vibes and tons of lore teased out. Grab this, but actually grab them all because you will not want to stop.
5/5
November 1, 2023
A lovely manga that I can see this as a comfort read for me in the future.
A little girl is abandoned in “the Outside”, found by one of the Outsiders, who resembles a demon/monster and taken in and cared for. I’m a sucker for the tainted/innocent pairing in a parent/child type relationship and this was no exception. Their relationship is adorable and you can tell that both parties teach the other a lot.
As the plot moves forward it is quite obvious that the system is based on western cultures and modern day christianity which I usually don’t love in a fantasy setting (I find it overplayed and a bit too on the nose, preferring a more unique god system), but I found this choice conveyed the point of the first three volumes well.
The art style is beautiful and dark, which sometimes made it hard to see what was going on in the pictures, but it matched the atmosphere perfectly. I would highly recommend the deluxe version as the cover is exquisite.
A little girl is abandoned in “the Outside”, found by one of the Outsiders, who resembles a demon/monster and taken in and cared for. I’m a sucker for the tainted/innocent pairing in a parent/child type relationship and this was no exception. Their relationship is adorable and you can tell that both parties teach the other a lot.
As the plot moves forward it is quite obvious that the system is based on western cultures and modern day christianity which I usually don’t love in a fantasy setting (I find it overplayed and a bit too on the nose, preferring a more unique god system), but I found this choice conveyed the point of the first three volumes well.
The art style is beautiful and dark, which sometimes made it hard to see what was going on in the pictures, but it matched the atmosphere perfectly. I would highly recommend the deluxe version as the cover is exquisite.
January 11, 2023
This was absolutely stunning, the art style, the gentle story telling, whatever is going on in the world, it all comes together into one, comforting little read.
Most of the time when I read books, the character's voices in my head are at full volume but this story is so soft, so kind, so gorgeous that I heard them all as the soft voices, just above a whisper. It really added to it.
It was a little slow, not too much plot happening but that's understandable since this is only the first three volumes. It all requires a lot of setup, I'm sure, so that the story can be eaten like a three course meal afterwards.
I adore the "monster" designs and the monsters themselves. I can definitely say I am completely intrigued by this entire story, the lore, the intriguing religion involved. Teacher is such a sweet character and Shiva has me so curious!
Definitely need the next one ASAP
Most of the time when I read books, the character's voices in my head are at full volume but this story is so soft, so kind, so gorgeous that I heard them all as the soft voices, just above a whisper. It really added to it.
It was a little slow, not too much plot happening but that's understandable since this is only the first three volumes. It all requires a lot of setup, I'm sure, so that the story can be eaten like a three course meal afterwards.
I adore the "monster" designs and the monsters themselves. I can definitely say I am completely intrigued by this entire story, the lore, the intriguing religion involved. Teacher is such a sweet character and Shiva has me so curious!
Definitely need the next one ASAP
March 2, 2024
ladies, is it weird to be mildly attracted to a cursed shadow creature who dresses like a gentleman, is a fiercely protective adoptive dad, and has the face of a bird? asking for a friend.
January 8, 2024
"If you ever meet an outsider, you mustn't touch them. You turn around and you run straight home. Because their touch will curse you."
I loved this. Can’t wait to read more.
RTC
I loved this. Can’t wait to read more.
RTC
January 26, 2024
Oozing gothic style and old fairytale atmosphere, this manga is a treat to read. The drawings are simple for the most part, but the attention to detail is impressive and the author can convey the character’s emotions or feelings with even the simplest of changes.
August 18, 2023
The art was really pretty. I loved how creepy the Outsiders looked. Some of the pages were hard to decipher since there is a lot of black, but I still really enjoyed the illustrations. The story was slow yet compelling. I look forward to reading more of the series. The relationship between Shiva and the Outsider “Teacher” was sweet. I loved that “Teacher” has a paternal role, and yet still learns from Shiva.
August 2, 2023
Absolutely amazing! Love the art style, the characters, the writing, the atmosphere, the plot, everything! It is gruesome and sad, yet also cute and cosy at the same time. I did not expect this to be about a curse/virus turning people into "monsters" with just a simple touch, but I loved that. It portrays the darker and lighter sides of humanity perfectly and focuses a lot on the characters and their ambitions and dreams. Starting off in a rather contained setting, the story has been slowly but surely expanding the world in a natural way and keeps me hoping for more interesting elements in the volumes to come. Can't wait to read the next Omnibus!
January 7, 2025
This story held a special place in my heart
December 6, 2025
Once I hit my goodreads goal, I simply forgot how to read…
Anyways, I’d started this series a while ago but now that the whole thing’s come in at work, I’m gonna try to finish it!
Gorgeous art and a compelling world so far
Anyways, I’d started this series a while ago but now that the whole thing’s come in at work, I’m gonna try to finish it!
Gorgeous art and a compelling world so far
December 27, 2023
Cozy and sweet with dark mysterious elements. Loved the art and the underlying mystery of what is happening in this imaginative, engaging world. The deluxe edition is stunning and a new prized addition to my library. In fact on my way to the bookstore to grab the last 2 editions of the series. Cannot wait to read the next instalment.
October 7, 2025
I love the artist's use of the black and white nature of manga as part of the story. Super cute!
October 14, 2023
Normally, I don't read these kind of stories but the vibe was so dark and weird, and after seeing the reviews, I had to try it.
This is the type of book that I just won't risk say anything because it might ruin the experience for new readers. That said, brace your heart.
I'm really curious to see where they're going with this in the next volumes but so far, I'm loving it.
Even though this is a big book, It's actually a very easy read.
The edition itself is just flawless. It's a beautiful book and very light given how thick it is with a hardcover. Even the pages smell nice. Congratulations to Seven Seas for this marvelous edition.
Highly recommended.
This is the type of book that I just won't risk say anything because it might ruin the experience for new readers. That said, brace your heart.
I'm really curious to see where they're going with this in the next volumes but so far, I'm loving it.
Even though this is a big book, It's actually a very easy read.
The edition itself is just flawless. It's a beautiful book and very light given how thick it is with a hardcover. Even the pages smell nice. Congratulations to Seven Seas for this marvelous edition.
Highly recommended.
September 1, 2022
So pretty! I love the art style so much! Although I will admit it’s a bit difficult to make out what’s in some of the panels due to the art style. Can’t wait to read more!
May 21, 2024
Oh how I loved this story. The art is so beautiful. Though parts are too dark for me to make out and it does hinder me a bit because a huge part of reading mangas for me is the artwork.
I actually came across this after watching the feature length anime on Crunchyroll. The storytelling was so beautiful and I loved the soft pastel/watercolour process. It’s also one of the reasons I loved ‘Ranking of Kings’ which is another that has a great story. Heart wrenching. A definite water world warning should be included. The direction of the story is giving, “lasting impression” and I fear the phrase ‘hauntingly beautiful’ will be forever etched in my brain after this.
I continue…
I actually came across this after watching the feature length anime on Crunchyroll. The storytelling was so beautiful and I loved the soft pastel/watercolour process. It’s also one of the reasons I loved ‘Ranking of Kings’ which is another that has a great story. Heart wrenching. A definite water world warning should be included. The direction of the story is giving, “lasting impression” and I fear the phrase ‘hauntingly beautiful’ will be forever etched in my brain after this.
I continue…
May 27, 2023
This deluxe edition is absolutely stunning. I’m holding it right now unable to stop myself from admiring it, the quality is top notch!
.
The story is beautifully eerie and wholesome. Shiva is the cutest girl and Teacher has stolen my heart. The art is perfectly moving. I read the first 3 volumes online, and then read this deluxe edition because I honestly love this so much.
.
The story is beautifully eerie and wholesome. Shiva is the cutest girl and Teacher has stolen my heart. The art is perfectly moving. I read the first 3 volumes online, and then read this deluxe edition because I honestly love this so much.
October 18, 2022
Check out this review and more on my link text
The Quill to Live!
The Girl from the Other Side by Nagabe was a recommendation that popped up on my TikTok. I caught a quick glimpse of the manga’s odd friendship pair consisting of a monster and a little girl, and I was sold. I decided that volume one wasn’t enough, so I read the deluxe edition that spanned the first three volumes.
The world has been divided in two. There are humans tucked away safely Inside behind city walls. And there are those on the Outside, monstrous-looking creatures who can curse a person with just a touch. Armed with only this knowledge, we join a story in progress featuring an unlikely pair. Shiva, a little girl, and her companion from the Outside collect food, water, and supplies to support their life beyond the city walls. The companion, whom Shiva calls Teacher, cares for the little girl and tries to provide a life for her on the other side of the wall. However, Shiva is hopeful her aunt will return for her, and Teacher struggles with guilt due to the secrets they keep.
Volume one sets the scene, and we get a glimpse of the life Shiva and Teacher have created for themselves on the Outside. It is interesting to see how they spend their days and how they interact with one another, but as soon as the volume comes to a close the story amps up. Volume two hints that not everything may be as it seems, and Teacher is beginning to learn more about the Outside, the creatures, and Shiva. Volume three begins to reveal even more about the conflicted world and shows the horrors carried out by humans that live Inside.
Nagabe’s art style is incredible. It sets a dark, foreboding mood and makes use of the black-and-white contrast in striking ways. Shiva is literally the only bright spot in Teacher’s world, drawn in all white and standing out in stark contrast to Teacher’s monstrous facade and the gloom of the forested Outside. The art is complex when it needs to be, but my favorite part of this story is Nagabe’s simplistic panels which capture intense moments with startling clarity. These panels usually feature Teacher, and I love how much emotion is showcased on a creature that relies on only its eyes to express itself.
Much like the intense black and white art style, the heartfelt and scary moments are made even more prominent by contrast. Teacher shows such concern for Shiva’s wellbeing, and yet they cannot comfort Shiva as she stumbles or cries without fear of cursing her through their touch. The moments between these two are so pure, and it makes the scary moments even more menacing. They display such care for one another that when others display violence and cruelty it hurts twice as much. The manga is sweet with a dash of horror and it is a delightful combo for the spooky season.
The mystery that is unraveling in The Girl From The Other Side has caught my attention, and I can’t wait to read on to discover more. The first three volumes do a fabulous job introducing us to the world and its characters, and the art is so eye-catching that I didn’t want to look away. I can’t wait to see where Nagabe takes this unlikely pair in future editions.
Rating: The Girl From The Other Side - 8.0/10
The Quill to Live!
The Girl from the Other Side by Nagabe was a recommendation that popped up on my TikTok. I caught a quick glimpse of the manga’s odd friendship pair consisting of a monster and a little girl, and I was sold. I decided that volume one wasn’t enough, so I read the deluxe edition that spanned the first three volumes.
The world has been divided in two. There are humans tucked away safely Inside behind city walls. And there are those on the Outside, monstrous-looking creatures who can curse a person with just a touch. Armed with only this knowledge, we join a story in progress featuring an unlikely pair. Shiva, a little girl, and her companion from the Outside collect food, water, and supplies to support their life beyond the city walls. The companion, whom Shiva calls Teacher, cares for the little girl and tries to provide a life for her on the other side of the wall. However, Shiva is hopeful her aunt will return for her, and Teacher struggles with guilt due to the secrets they keep.
Volume one sets the scene, and we get a glimpse of the life Shiva and Teacher have created for themselves on the Outside. It is interesting to see how they spend their days and how they interact with one another, but as soon as the volume comes to a close the story amps up. Volume two hints that not everything may be as it seems, and Teacher is beginning to learn more about the Outside, the creatures, and Shiva. Volume three begins to reveal even more about the conflicted world and shows the horrors carried out by humans that live Inside.
Nagabe’s art style is incredible. It sets a dark, foreboding mood and makes use of the black-and-white contrast in striking ways. Shiva is literally the only bright spot in Teacher’s world, drawn in all white and standing out in stark contrast to Teacher’s monstrous facade and the gloom of the forested Outside. The art is complex when it needs to be, but my favorite part of this story is Nagabe’s simplistic panels which capture intense moments with startling clarity. These panels usually feature Teacher, and I love how much emotion is showcased on a creature that relies on only its eyes to express itself.
Much like the intense black and white art style, the heartfelt and scary moments are made even more prominent by contrast. Teacher shows such concern for Shiva’s wellbeing, and yet they cannot comfort Shiva as she stumbles or cries without fear of cursing her through their touch. The moments between these two are so pure, and it makes the scary moments even more menacing. They display such care for one another that when others display violence and cruelty it hurts twice as much. The manga is sweet with a dash of horror and it is a delightful combo for the spooky season.
The mystery that is unraveling in The Girl From The Other Side has caught my attention, and I can’t wait to read on to discover more. The first three volumes do a fabulous job introducing us to the world and its characters, and the art is so eye-catching that I didn’t want to look away. I can’t wait to see where Nagabe takes this unlikely pair in future editions.
Rating: The Girl From The Other Side - 8.0/10
August 25, 2023
love the vibe
March 20, 2025
If I thought I could ever be obsessed over a manga? No.
If I'm living for it? Yes.
If I'm living for it? Yes.
March 30, 2025
4.5/5
I absolutely loved this, the vibes were immaculate with such a cozy gothic fantasy story. Definitely reading more in the series this was wonderful.
I absolutely loved this, the vibes were immaculate with such a cozy gothic fantasy story. Definitely reading more in the series this was wonderful.
March 29, 2023
I'm so ridiculously invested, heLP.
January 1, 2024
I love cryptid tea parties
September 17, 2022
imma need the next one asap
December 30, 2022
Oh boy, I'm not even sure what happened here... maybe one of those 'it's not you, it's me' cases...
But the truth is I wasn't able to get engaged with, or emotionally invested on this story, very slow and predictable on its few twists and turns. The idea is quite good and the relationship between Shiva and Teacher, one that by its cuteness should make for a more touching story that what I felt this was.
Also, the art felt pretty inconsistent, beautiful at times, but too dark and muddled at others, which can make things confusing.
Over all, I'd wish I had picked a format other than the Deluxe edition, with its 500+ pages. Oh well, that's it for me.
But the truth is I wasn't able to get engaged with, or emotionally invested on this story, very slow and predictable on its few twists and turns. The idea is quite good and the relationship between Shiva and Teacher, one that by its cuteness should make for a more touching story that what I felt this was.
Also, the art felt pretty inconsistent, beautiful at times, but too dark and muddled at others, which can make things confusing.
Over all, I'd wish I had picked a format other than the Deluxe edition, with its 500+ pages. Oh well, that's it for me.
February 4, 2023
My first ever Manga! I decided to read this to fit a reading prompt of "a genre outside my comfort zone." I had a hard time thinking of what would qualify because even though I definitely have my favorite genres, I usually will still read just about anything - fiction, non-fiction, sci-fi, fantasy, classic, mystery, thriller, romance, contemporary, historical, YA, adult, poetry, etc... But then I was watching a video from one of my favorite book YouTubers, Hannah Azerang and she discussed this series and said, "spooky and gothic vibes mixed with themes of loneliness and isolation and an eerie art style make for the perfect combination in a series I will definitely be continuing." That was enough for me to want to give it a try!
I really loved the fantasy setting, the beautiful art, and especially the gorgeous edition that I purchased. The characters are sweet, and the storyline overall is quiet, reflective, and definitely spooky. Teacher is by far my favorite character so far, and I am looking forward to continuing the series to learn more about his origin story and that of the Outsiders. I also liked that even though this was a 500+ page book, it was a super quick read.
There are a couple reasons why this wasn't five stars for me. First, being my first Manga experience, I don't feel like I have anything to compare it to. It was really good, but was it five-stars-good? I might have to explore other series to know for sure. Second, the dialogue seemed somewhat odd and unnatural to me. Again, I don't know if this is typical of Manga because I don't have any frame of reference. I don't know if this is what the author intended or if something was lost in translation. But it sometimes just pulled me out of the story thinking about what an odd way they were talking to each other.
I have browsed through other Manga series to see if there are others out there that sound interesting to me to continue exploring this type of work, but haven't yet found anything that intrigues me, so I will keep looking. Any recommendations are welcome!
I really loved the fantasy setting, the beautiful art, and especially the gorgeous edition that I purchased. The characters are sweet, and the storyline overall is quiet, reflective, and definitely spooky. Teacher is by far my favorite character so far, and I am looking forward to continuing the series to learn more about his origin story and that of the Outsiders. I also liked that even though this was a 500+ page book, it was a super quick read.
There are a couple reasons why this wasn't five stars for me. First, being my first Manga experience, I don't feel like I have anything to compare it to. It was really good, but was it five-stars-good? I might have to explore other series to know for sure. Second, the dialogue seemed somewhat odd and unnatural to me. Again, I don't know if this is typical of Manga because I don't have any frame of reference. I don't know if this is what the author intended or if something was lost in translation. But it sometimes just pulled me out of the story thinking about what an odd way they were talking to each other.
I have browsed through other Manga series to see if there are others out there that sound interesting to me to continue exploring this type of work, but haven't yet found anything that intrigues me, so I will keep looking. Any recommendations are welcome!
January 13, 2023
This is a really sweet story that falls somewhere between a non-Grimm fairy tale and a Miyazaki film. The very basic premise of their being two societies, one a sort of timeless fable world of humans, and the other a forest filled with cursed beings who pass on their affliction through touch, is one of those metaphors for children that is so basic that if a child has read this book, and learns about metaphors in school, they'd likely raise their hand and suggest this book as an example of metaphors without any prompting.
One of the cursed creatures from The Outside is raising an Inside girl who was abandoned by the forest, and who is waiting for her auntie to collect her and bring her back Inside. The cursed creature dotes on her and tries to provide the best life he can for her, while researching what happened that led to the Inside/Outside split, and how the curse came to be.
The art is beautifully sketchy. It's one of those books that should probably never be colorized, as the black/white dichotomy is important to the Inside/Outisde storyline (but not in an overtly racist way).
This is a safe read for a yonger reader who's interested in manga, as it's ... scary but probably not at the level where they'd have nightmares, and it' doesn't contain strong language, anything sexual, or graphic violence (though there is at least one scene with aggressive violence, the black and white art mutes it).
If you're looking for a fun, somewhat spooky manga that isn't going to stress you out, this is an easy recommendation.
One of the cursed creatures from The Outside is raising an Inside girl who was abandoned by the forest, and who is waiting for her auntie to collect her and bring her back Inside. The cursed creature dotes on her and tries to provide the best life he can for her, while researching what happened that led to the Inside/Outside split, and how the curse came to be.
The art is beautifully sketchy. It's one of those books that should probably never be colorized, as the black/white dichotomy is important to the Inside/Outisde storyline (but not in an overtly racist way).
This is a safe read for a yonger reader who's interested in manga, as it's ... scary but probably not at the level where they'd have nightmares, and it' doesn't contain strong language, anything sexual, or graphic violence (though there is at least one scene with aggressive violence, the black and white art mutes it).
If you're looking for a fun, somewhat spooky manga that isn't going to stress you out, this is an easy recommendation.
September 15, 2023
"The Girl from the Other Side: Siúil, a Rún" is a manga series that has a way of ensnaring your imagination from the very beginning. With its first three volumes, it invites you into a world that is both hauntingly beautiful and deeply mysterious, leaving you hungry for more.
Nagabe's artwork is nothing short of breathtaking. The way it captures the stark contrast between the innocence of young Shiva and the enigmatic, shadowy realm of the Outsiders is simply mesmerizing. Each page is a work of art, with details that you can get lost in, and a mood that's as enchanting as it is eerie.
But it's not just the visuals that make this manga exceptional; it's the story itself. It's a slow, deliberate exploration of profound themes like loneliness, prejudice, and the extraordinary bonds that can form in the most unlikely of circumstances. The relationship between Shiva and Teacher is the beating heart of the series, and it's a testament to the idea that compassion knows no boundaries.
The world Nagabe has created is immersive and unsettling. It keeps you on the edge of your seat, always anticipating the next revelation. There's a constant sense of foreboding, but beneath it all, there's a glimmer of hope that keeps you turning the pages.
Nagabe's artwork is nothing short of breathtaking. The way it captures the stark contrast between the innocence of young Shiva and the enigmatic, shadowy realm of the Outsiders is simply mesmerizing. Each page is a work of art, with details that you can get lost in, and a mood that's as enchanting as it is eerie.
But it's not just the visuals that make this manga exceptional; it's the story itself. It's a slow, deliberate exploration of profound themes like loneliness, prejudice, and the extraordinary bonds that can form in the most unlikely of circumstances. The relationship between Shiva and Teacher is the beating heart of the series, and it's a testament to the idea that compassion knows no boundaries.
The world Nagabe has created is immersive and unsettling. It keeps you on the edge of your seat, always anticipating the next revelation. There's a constant sense of foreboding, but beneath it all, there's a glimmer of hope that keeps you turning the pages.
January 15, 2024
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
🖤found family
🖤light vs dark
🖤war between gods
🖤cursed
Summary:
There is a god of light and a god of dark. The god of light cursed the god of dark. The god of dark then spread his curse to humankind. So now there is the “inside”, where the un-cursed live. And the “outside”, where the “outsiders” or cursed live. There is a little girl caught between both world named Shiva who was abandoned on the outside and taken in by “teacher”, who is an outsider. Shiva is … special, but nobody quite knows why.
Overall thoughts:
This story was so cute, yet meaningful at the same time. The battle between light and dark is a tale as old as time, but yet the creator found a way to make it more intriguing and add their own spin to it. Shiva is adorable, inquisitive, and brave. Teacher is … idk what to make of him fully yet, but I love how he is with Shiva. The art style is so gorgeous, I spent more time just staring at the art than reading the words. I will most definitely be continuing this story.
🖤found family
🖤light vs dark
🖤war between gods
🖤cursed
Summary:
There is a god of light and a god of dark. The god of light cursed the god of dark. The god of dark then spread his curse to humankind. So now there is the “inside”, where the un-cursed live. And the “outside”, where the “outsiders” or cursed live. There is a little girl caught between both world named Shiva who was abandoned on the outside and taken in by “teacher”, who is an outsider. Shiva is … special, but nobody quite knows why.
Overall thoughts:
This story was so cute, yet meaningful at the same time. The battle between light and dark is a tale as old as time, but yet the creator found a way to make it more intriguing and add their own spin to it. Shiva is adorable, inquisitive, and brave. Teacher is … idk what to make of him fully yet, but I love how he is with Shiva. The art style is so gorgeous, I spent more time just staring at the art than reading the words. I will most definitely be continuing this story.
December 4, 2025
4.5 ✨ no spoilers: I read the first volume of this around 2022 and definitely wanted to read on but found it very hard to find the rest of the volumes. But when I saw they were coming out with stunning omnibus editions I figured i should pick it up and reread the first volume and then continue onto the next two also bound in this edition. I find this book very hard to describe, it’s almost if you took a gothic dark fantasy, a mystery, cute and caring slice of life, with a tiny bit of horror and mixed it all in one.
After finishing this bind up I desperately need to buy the others to know what happens next! It has some very interesting folk tale and fair tale vibes and the art is stunning! It’s done a pretty good job balancing the light and the dark, but wonder how the rest of the series will progress. So far I’m intrigued, and like some of my favorite books, this one seems like it’s a great one to going in with very little knowledge of what it’s about. I’m wishing you well and I hope you have amazing reads ahead! 📚❤️
After finishing this bind up I desperately need to buy the others to know what happens next! It has some very interesting folk tale and fair tale vibes and the art is stunning! It’s done a pretty good job balancing the light and the dark, but wonder how the rest of the series will progress. So far I’m intrigued, and like some of my favorite books, this one seems like it’s a great one to going in with very little knowledge of what it’s about. I’m wishing you well and I hope you have amazing reads ahead! 📚❤️
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