Hitohira vol. 3 by Idumi Kirihara

Hitohira vol. 3

Author/Artist: Idumi Kirihara

Publisher: Aurora Publishing

Rating: T – 13 and up

Genre: Shojo, Seinen, Drama, Comedy, School Life, Slice of Life

Grade: A

*** Review originally appeared at The Journal of the Lincoln Heights Literary Society at http://liheliso.org/. Check it out! ***

The time has arrived! It's the day of the school festival and by the end we'll find out which club gets to stay and which club must close its doors forever. The Theatre Research Group has worked very hard and will do their best in performing the play. Of course Mugi is so nervous she continually passes out. But there is one problem that might be bigger than Mugi freezing on the spot. That problem is Nono's voice. Nono has a vocal condition that causes her to lose her voice. Nono knows that this may be a problem but insists that the show must go on. The crew decides that if Nono's voice is going to disappear she'll give a sign and they'll improvise their performance.

Things start off rocky. Mugi is so nervous you can barely hear her. But thanks to Risaki she is able to gain a little more confidence. But Nono gives her sign that her voice is gone and Mugi freaks, yet again, but regains her composure and gives a performance no one will forget. But will it be enough to keep the Theatre Research Group's doors open? Plus Mugi's friend Kayo seems to be hiding something from Mugi and Chitose (member of the official Theatre Group) has her own troubles dealing with her feelings for Takashi. Oy, it's tough being a girl!

I am so glad that Aurora brought us this beautiful series (feel free to check out my reviews for vol. 1 and vol. 2). For some reason I've read in several spots that people are upset that Aurora is marketing this as a shojo title instead of a seinen title. I guess that Hitohira appears in a seinen magazine that appeals to men who like shojo story lines. If that's the case I don't see a problem in marketing it a shojo, especially if that helps sell more books. Hitohira is a fun coming of age story where Mugi must learn to step beyond her comfort zone and grow and that is most apparent here in the third volume. I don't want to give too much away because there is much divulged in this volume that will propel the story forward.

The art never ceases to amaze me. It is truly gorgeous and must be enjoyed just for that fact. I can't imagine how hard this mangaka works to get this title to look so good! Pick up this title if it's just for the art and then get hooked on the series because it is definitely worth the time you spend on it.

***Review Copy provided by Aurora Publishing***
***Reposted with permission from The Journal of the Lincoln Heights Literary Society***