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とつくにの少女 / Totsukuni no shōjo #4-6
The Girl from the Other Side: Siúil, a Rún Deluxe Edition II
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!
540 pages, Hardcover
Published October 11, 2022
34 people are currently reading
633 people want to read
About the author
Nagabe
39 books914 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 114 reviews
March 5, 2023
The artwork is clearly meant to outshine the story-telling of this series.
It is slow and melancholic and vintage in a way that I can recognize as beautiful but not enjoy the way other's might anticipate.
It's a work of art in a lot of ways. But for me, the plot lacks momentum. I read 6 volumes and still have no idea what's going on or where the stories leading.
I wouldn't steer anyone away from reading this series. I think it's good. But, based on other's reviews, I was expecting a lot more.
It is slow and melancholic and vintage in a way that I can recognize as beautiful but not enjoy the way other's might anticipate.
It's a work of art in a lot of ways. But for me, the plot lacks momentum. I read 6 volumes and still have no idea what's going on or where the stories leading.
I wouldn't steer anyone away from reading this series. I think it's good. But, based on other's reviews, I was expecting a lot more.
January 23, 2024
"How you look doesn’t matter. You’re still you!"
The art is absolutely gorgeous and the story is fantastic. Together this is phenomenal.
The art is absolutely gorgeous and the story is fantastic. Together this is phenomenal.
June 3, 2023
POOR SHIVA! It really just gets sadder and sadder, but the teacher is just SOO NICE and Shiva is just SOO PURE. If anything happens to her.....
January 1, 2026
*NOTE*: These first few Deluxe Edition omnibuses, I'm just gonna do some brief reviews, kinda like I did for the individual "Monster" volumes last year. I will do a longer, more comprehensive review for "The Girl from the Other Side" as a whole once I've finished all of it!
As this manga has developed a bit more, I am finding myself more and more impressed by its balance of depth with regard to pretty heavy subject matter as well as cozier and cuter moments to keep everything from feeling too dismal too much of the time. It’s not an easy balance to make, but Nagabe has displayed a deft hand at it thus far!
Some of the developments of Volume 5 in particular I can’t say I’m totally in love with, though the way it facilitates a broader mystery surrounding Teacher is pretty engaging. Overall, I’m a fan of the way that this series has tackled some of its thematic questions too: previous things will come back up either to explain or to call question to other things that have since been revealed, or perhaps new understandings of things we thought we understood before but actually didn’t frequently show the depth that Nagabe has here despite the limited amount of time to actually show it in some cases.
Some of the theological aspects of the series is something I’m still not entirely sure about here; some of the mysteries and answers to them with regard to the outsiders I am actively monitoring, unsure how i actually feel about them yet; I have my minor criticisms still about dialogue boxes and clarity . . .
But the art has improved a ton! I have not had anywhere near as many issues with the value contrast since the first couple volumes, so that’s good! And the character stuff has continued to be really engaging, as was the case with the previous deluxe volume. I still consider myself heavily invested, and look forward to continuing and finishing “The Girl from the Other Side” in the new year!
As this manga has developed a bit more, I am finding myself more and more impressed by its balance of depth with regard to pretty heavy subject matter as well as cozier and cuter moments to keep everything from feeling too dismal too much of the time. It’s not an easy balance to make, but Nagabe has displayed a deft hand at it thus far!
Some of the developments of Volume 5 in particular I can’t say I’m totally in love with, though the way it facilitates a broader mystery surrounding Teacher is pretty engaging. Overall, I’m a fan of the way that this series has tackled some of its thematic questions too: previous things will come back up either to explain or to call question to other things that have since been revealed, or perhaps new understandings of things we thought we understood before but actually didn’t frequently show the depth that Nagabe has here despite the limited amount of time to actually show it in some cases.
Some of the theological aspects of the series is something I’m still not entirely sure about here; some of the mysteries and answers to them with regard to the outsiders I am actively monitoring, unsure how i actually feel about them yet; I have my minor criticisms still about dialogue boxes and clarity . . .
But the art has improved a ton! I have not had anywhere near as many issues with the value contrast since the first couple volumes, so that’s good! And the character stuff has continued to be really engaging, as was the case with the previous deluxe volume. I still consider myself heavily invested, and look forward to continuing and finishing “The Girl from the Other Side” in the new year!
February 10, 2024
4.5/5 🌟
March 14, 2023
so beautiful and dreamlike— always walking the line of fear and comfort— a forever favorite
August 4, 2023
GOD I LOVE THIS SO MUCH
November 29, 2024
4.5⭐️
The Girl from the Other Side: Deluxe Edition 2 collects volumes 4-6. It is a hauntingly beautiful continuation of Nagabe’s dark fairy tale. This volume delves deeper into the bond between Shiva and Teacher, exploring themes of love, trust, and the fear of the unknown. The story balances quiet, tender moments with an ever-present sense of danger, creating an atmosphere that is both melancholic and magical.
Nagabe’s art shines, with its detailed, shadowy illustrations perfectly complementing the story’s tone. There is a high-quality presentation to the book. It is poignant and thought-provoking, this installment leaves you eager for the next chapter while reflecting on the fragile beauty of connection in a divided world.
The Girl from the Other Side: Deluxe Edition 2 collects volumes 4-6. It is a hauntingly beautiful continuation of Nagabe’s dark fairy tale. This volume delves deeper into the bond between Shiva and Teacher, exploring themes of love, trust, and the fear of the unknown. The story balances quiet, tender moments with an ever-present sense of danger, creating an atmosphere that is both melancholic and magical.
Nagabe’s art shines, with its detailed, shadowy illustrations perfectly complementing the story’s tone. There is a high-quality presentation to the book. It is poignant and thought-provoking, this installment leaves you eager for the next chapter while reflecting on the fragile beauty of connection in a divided world.
March 7, 2024
my heart.
September 16, 2024
3.5 stars
I'm very intrigued on how this story is going. Learning more about both the insiders as well as the outsiders, and the differences but also the similarities between the two has been fascinating.
I'm very intrigued on how this story is going. Learning more about both the insiders as well as the outsiders, and the differences but also the similarities between the two has been fascinating.
November 10, 2025
MY HEART!!
good lorde this art is beautiful
good lorde this art is beautiful
December 30, 2022
Once again I loved every second of this! And this art style is my favorite. Absolutely cannot wait for the next deluxe edition to come out!
February 6, 2024
Auntie has come back to the forest with Shiva, and, despite not getting along with Teacher, the two decide to try living all together for Shiva's sake. But, Teacher is not as forthcoming with his pupil as he should be, as he knows what is going to eventually happen to Auntie, even though he strangely seems to be immune to the worst of becoming an Outsider. Later, the guards from the city start to hunt Shiva, so she and Teacher pack up to move across the countryside to another settlement where Auntie had some relatives. The small farming village is already deserted, and the two stay hidden until the snow falls.
Nagabe keeps delivering on the heartbreak, and the series is only halfway over. There are some more concrete hints that Shiva is special in this volume, but we also get hints that Teacher is special too. I probably should have seen this coming, as he's very different from every other Outsider we've met thus far! Despite the heartbreak and the stress of having people after Shiva, this story is also slightly calming. Being along for the ride as they pack and move everything is satisfying and sweet, which is really Nagabe lulling the reader into false security yet again!
Sara's Rating: 9/10
Suitability Level: Grades 7-12
Read more graphic novel reviews at The Graphic Library.
Nagabe keeps delivering on the heartbreak, and the series is only halfway over. There are some more concrete hints that Shiva is special in this volume, but we also get hints that Teacher is special too. I probably should have seen this coming, as he's very different from every other Outsider we've met thus far! Despite the heartbreak and the stress of having people after Shiva, this story is also slightly calming. Being along for the ride as they pack and move everything is satisfying and sweet, which is really Nagabe lulling the reader into false security yet again!
Sara's Rating: 9/10
Suitability Level: Grades 7-12
Read more graphic novel reviews at The Graphic Library.
November 2, 2023
'It was plain that you were only putting on a bright face.
Why did I not realise?
How could I convince myself that you were fine?
You were desperately struggling to be strong despite your grief and lonliness'
......
I loved it just as much as the first one. This manga is so good, the illustrations and the bonus chapters in the deluxe edition makes the money so worth it.
Why did I not realise?
How could I convince myself that you were fine?
You were desperately struggling to be strong despite your grief and lonliness'
......
I loved it just as much as the first one. This manga is so good, the illustrations and the bonus chapters in the deluxe edition makes the money so worth it.
August 21, 2023
Loved it so much ✨️🤍
March 31, 2025
Once again lovely. Loved seeing the evolution of these characters, just wish Auntie was used as a plot device for world building.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 12, 2025
I really enjoyed the first installments, but it is losing it's ability to balance whimsy with the horror and mystery.
February 3, 2024
My heart can’t take it bro 🥲
July 11, 2023
For when you want more questions than answers
February 2, 2024
A beautiful piece of work. After the second book, I have absolutely grown to love Teacher and Shiva. It has a dreamlike melancholy feel that does give it a slower pace but I didn’t mind it at all.
May 1, 2023
I just love this story and art is beautiful and gothic. Perfect. Perfect story for me.
December 28, 2023
This one slayed me…It manages to be so wholesome while also being dark and twisty. There’s a gothic vibe in the art and the growing bond between Shiva and Doctor as their relationship is tested was pure gold for me. Every time Doctor holds his chest in perplexity at the pain he feels in his heart, well that would make mine melt. Love this so much and can’t wait for number 3 to be delivered today. 50/50 odds that I’ll read it straight away or restrain myself to prolong the enjoyment I’m getting from this series.
February 5, 2024
⭐️ My Rating: 5/5 ⭐️
🧶 Plot: 10 /10
🌲 Setting: 10 /10
🍵 Characters: 10 /10
✍ Writing & Art (style): Excellent.
📚 Would I recommend it? Yes.
🧶 Plot: 10 /10
🌲 Setting: 10 /10
🍵 Characters: 10 /10
✍ Writing & Art (style): Excellent.
📚 Would I recommend it? Yes.
May 11, 2024
I am rating and reviewing this series as a whole.
Dark, mysterious, endearing, enchanting.
I see it this way: if the demon made itself into Shiva from Albert's soul, it makes sense that it would take the form of his daughter, a part of him and all he would have been thinking of at that crucial time when he was dying in the woods.
I think I understand the ending, while admittedly it was a bit confusing. There's a part that says,
"The inner and the outer. Two things that ought to be one. Two things that are each complete, yet cannot exist without each other. Things which cannot be separated, yet can never be together... but if you meet and can accept that suffering, the two may finally become one. In the end... That may be the curse."
The way I see it, this is the answer to all of our questions. When Shiva runs through the house as they come home the last time, we can't see her, but Albert knows she's there. They say they'll take a nap together, and Albert felt the cold of the snow, when he couldn't do those things before. At the end, he is becoming himself again. He is healing. Shiva will continue to dissolve into him and as his soul recovers, he will become human again, as she was. He'll break the curse, for himself, at least. I think he's aware now of Shiva as a part of himself, a part of his grief, a part of his daughter, a part of his wife, a part of the demon who cursed him. Even his being a doctor influenced her creation; she is a symbol of his willingness to survive and to heal. She is all of these things to him. The symbol of his carrying the baggage into the home at the end verifies this idea for me. He will carry all of it. He will remember it all. He will be Albert again.
This is all just my speculation but it's the way I interpreted it. I love this ending! And I love that it will keep me thinking for a long time.
I like the series' underlying tones. What it is to make a home. Grief. Survival. There are themes of discrimination and persecution. Accepting and loving someone for who they are and not the way they look. Finding joy in simplicity and abundance. There are so many. Ultimately it was a beautiful story that I'll be contemplating for a long time.
Dark, mysterious, endearing, enchanting.
I see it this way: if the demon made itself into Shiva from Albert's soul, it makes sense that it would take the form of his daughter, a part of him and all he would have been thinking of at that crucial time when he was dying in the woods.
I think I understand the ending, while admittedly it was a bit confusing. There's a part that says,
"The inner and the outer. Two things that ought to be one. Two things that are each complete, yet cannot exist without each other. Things which cannot be separated, yet can never be together... but if you meet and can accept that suffering, the two may finally become one. In the end... That may be the curse."
The way I see it, this is the answer to all of our questions. When Shiva runs through the house as they come home the last time, we can't see her, but Albert knows she's there. They say they'll take a nap together, and Albert felt the cold of the snow, when he couldn't do those things before. At the end, he is becoming himself again. He is healing. Shiva will continue to dissolve into him and as his soul recovers, he will become human again, as she was. He'll break the curse, for himself, at least. I think he's aware now of Shiva as a part of himself, a part of his grief, a part of his daughter, a part of his wife, a part of the demon who cursed him. Even his being a doctor influenced her creation; she is a symbol of his willingness to survive and to heal. She is all of these things to him. The symbol of his carrying the baggage into the home at the end verifies this idea for me. He will carry all of it. He will remember it all. He will be Albert again.
This is all just my speculation but it's the way I interpreted it. I love this ending! And I love that it will keep me thinking for a long time.
I like the series' underlying tones. What it is to make a home. Grief. Survival. There are themes of discrimination and persecution. Accepting and loving someone for who they are and not the way they look. Finding joy in simplicity and abundance. There are so many. Ultimately it was a beautiful story that I'll be contemplating for a long time.
September 28, 2023
Seeming to be more of an interlude for the series, this volume (or volumes, really) serves as a bit of a status quo reset for the series after the more explosive finish to the last volume. The story is methodically melancholic and poignant, with Teacher's concern for Shiva's serving as the primary driving force in terms of conflict. Teacher is skeptical of Shiva's aunt who may not be completely what she seems to be.
And yet, the actual threat seems kind of forgotten here. Things kind of went south where we last left of, and it seems somewhat glanced over here. There are some mentions of the other side to the story, but it seems like those story beats are to be handled down the line. Lacking narrative momentum here, this was a bit of a downturn for the series.
Nagabe's artwork is as fantastic as it always has been. Simplistic figures in the forefront, with deeply textured backgrounds make for some vibrant contrasts. The ability to render haunting shadows is really what gives this series its edge. No one can deny Nagabe is a talented horror artist since each page is dripping with malice, even if the story itself is kind of quaint and charming.
And yet, the actual threat seems kind of forgotten here. Things kind of went south where we last left of, and it seems somewhat glanced over here. There are some mentions of the other side to the story, but it seems like those story beats are to be handled down the line. Lacking narrative momentum here, this was a bit of a downturn for the series.
Nagabe's artwork is as fantastic as it always has been. Simplistic figures in the forefront, with deeply textured backgrounds make for some vibrant contrasts. The ability to render haunting shadows is really what gives this series its edge. No one can deny Nagabe is a talented horror artist since each page is dripping with malice, even if the story itself is kind of quaint and charming.
July 23, 2023
3.5
I like the subtle references to learning to live with a disability; how the people around you adapt with you i.e. Shiva handling the dough instead of her Aunt.
The curse steals your memories much like alzheimer's; Auntie saying she'll never forget Shiva and then being unable to remember her is heartbreaking. I think outsiders turned vs. outsiders made by 'Mother' are different which is why Teacher is the way he is? He just also be very old because the way he talks is so proper.
Also, the contrast of Shiva always being dressed in white, flowy dresses to push the "prue" soul agenda vs. Teacher being in black, full suits👌🏻.
Theory Time: I think Teacher/Albert was experimenting and trying to figure out how the curse spreads. At some point he was infected with the curse and began to change; because he - possibly - infected himself thinking he knew how to reverse it he isn't like the other Black Children or cursed people?
OR! The real Black child stole Teacher/Albert's soul and is posing as Teacher which is why he's this way?
Finished 3:27pm
I like the subtle references to learning to live with a disability; how the people around you adapt with you i.e. Shiva handling the dough instead of her Aunt.
The curse steals your memories much like alzheimer's; Auntie saying she'll never forget Shiva and then being unable to remember her is heartbreaking. I think outsiders turned vs. outsiders made by 'Mother' are different which is why Teacher is the way he is? He just also be very old because the way he talks is so proper.
Also, the contrast of Shiva always being dressed in white, flowy dresses to push the "prue" soul agenda vs. Teacher being in black, full suits👌🏻.
Theory Time: I think Teacher/Albert was experimenting and trying to figure out how the curse spreads. At some point he was infected with the curse and began to change; because he - possibly - infected himself thinking he knew how to reverse it he isn't like the other Black Children or cursed people?
OR! The real Black child stole Teacher/Albert's soul and is posing as Teacher which is why he's this way?
Finished 3:27pm
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Read
November 3, 2023***vrijdag 3 november 2023***
❌ No star rating because of reasons
The whole story is one big mystery and even though I keep trying, I don't like these kinds of stories. What does really works for me is the atmosphere. It has such an ominous feeling about it.
Some quibbles I had or are just noticing now is that the action scenes aren't drawn very 'actiony'. There isn't really anything to suggest movement so sometimes I got confused by the dialogue because I didn't actually see what happened. Only when i went back I could guess what the mangaka was going for.
Which in a way is very interesting because I do enjoy the art style very much. It truly enhances the story and the atmosphere it is going for.
But because of my personal disinterest in mysteries it actually makes it a bit hard to rate this so I won't.
❌ No star rating because of reasons
The whole story is one big mystery and even though I keep trying, I don't like these kinds of stories. What does really works for me is the atmosphere. It has such an ominous feeling about it.
Some quibbles I had or are just noticing now is that the action scenes aren't drawn very 'actiony'. There isn't really anything to suggest movement so sometimes I got confused by the dialogue because I didn't actually see what happened. Only when i went back I could guess what the mangaka was going for.
Which in a way is very interesting because I do enjoy the art style very much. It truly enhances the story and the atmosphere it is going for.
But because of my personal disinterest in mysteries it actually makes it a bit hard to rate this so I won't.
August 21, 2025
Revealed the “curse” besides the ghastly cool faces is immortality. So the villagers kill the plagued before they can fully turn. Sounds at first as silly and anti-autonomy as that South Park quote, “Well, we have to kill them so they don’t die.” It’s confirmed the curse makes you very forgetful and gradually lose your body until you become a tree. 500 pages and barely anything happens that wasn’t obvious.
This is more like nice sketches than a story. Would be good background to wintry lo-fi music. Cliffhanger end that could have happened 200 pgs ago. The first twist with a visitor was clever, the couple so obvious, ridiculously timed. I’m sick of the Teacher saying “I should’ve presumed” because he usually did. I get he’s losing his feelings and memory in all senses but it’s repetitive.
Hopefully we see new creatures soon. I’m still needlessly confused on what a Black Child can and cannot do or come from when I know the lore will be simpler than explained and trite.
This is more like nice sketches than a story. Would be good background to wintry lo-fi music. Cliffhanger end that could have happened 200 pgs ago. The first twist with a visitor was clever, the couple so obvious, ridiculously timed. I’m sick of the Teacher saying “I should’ve presumed” because he usually did. I get he’s losing his feelings and memory in all senses but it’s repetitive.
Hopefully we see new creatures soon. I’m still needlessly confused on what a Black Child can and cannot do or come from when I know the lore will be simpler than explained and trite.
September 4, 2024
Dystopia binge count: 13
I’ve been wanting an excuse to finish The Girl from the Other Side and I realized… it’s basically a dystopia!
-Monsters appeared out of no where with no explanation
-Humanity on the brink of extinction
-Sudden unexplained and incurable illness
-Fenced in society
I’m counting it aaaannnd no one can stop me 🥰
Anyway I made it to deluxe volume 2 (volumes 4-6) before I started my dystopia binge and as I said I really wanted to finish. I wanted to reread 1-6 before continuing.
I’ve finally finished my reread! I adore it almost even more the second time around. I throughly enjoy watching Teacher and Shiva interact, they’re so heartwarming and pure. I haven’t been able to figure out the twist yet but I’m excited to finally finish and understand their world completely.
I’ve been wanting an excuse to finish The Girl from the Other Side and I realized… it’s basically a dystopia!
-Monsters appeared out of no where with no explanation
-Humanity on the brink of extinction
-Sudden unexplained and incurable illness
-Fenced in society
I’m counting it aaaannnd no one can stop me 🥰
Anyway I made it to deluxe volume 2 (volumes 4-6) before I started my dystopia binge and as I said I really wanted to finish. I wanted to reread 1-6 before continuing.
I’ve finally finished my reread! I adore it almost even more the second time around. I throughly enjoy watching Teacher and Shiva interact, they’re so heartwarming and pure. I haven’t been able to figure out the twist yet but I’m excited to finally finish and understand their world completely.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 114 reviews