Manga Review: Orange (The complete collection) by Ichigo Takano

5 stars

You know when you read a book that makes all the other books out there obsolete? 
THIS IS THAT BOOK 

I gave it 5 stars, but really I wish I could have given it 6 stars, 7 stars, 8 million stars. 

Also, can we talk about how aesthetically pleasing the cover is? It's all green and trees and it just radiates warmths - totally my jam! 

Orange deals with a topic that I am usually not comfortable reading about. Mostly because it's almost never handled well in books (at least the ones I read). But this, this is BEAUTIFUL. I am still at a loss for words. Which is curious, because this being manga, it also didn't have that many words in it (relative to its 500+ page count), but it relayed emotions and feelings in the strongest, most heart wrenching and best possible way. 

It is true what they say - a picture is worth a thousand words. 

The cast of characters is amazing. They all have very unique personalities, and the way they come together is absolutely beautiful. Hands down the best portrayal of a large group friendship in a book. 

And while at times the main character Naho, was a bit hard to read because of her extreme timidness and indecisiveness - in the end I realized that she couldn't have been any other way. She was shy to start with, but the burden which was put on her, made all of her decisions that much harder for her. 

There were many small details in the book which would resurface later and hit you right in the feels. Orange is a masterpiece.

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5 stars

​Will I ever love anything as much as I love this? 

Probably not.

Orange volume 2 not only lived up to my expectations, it exceeded them. I don't know how, but it managed to be sad, sweet, heartbreaking and uplifting all at once. 

This cast of characters will stay with me for a very long time.
Naho, who's sweet and timid, but possesses quiet strength and kind heart.
Suwa, who is the most selfless character I've ever had the pleasure of reading.
Kakeru, who is so sad and troubled, but also loving and gentle.
Azu, who is loud and cheerful, and loved expressing herself. 
Hagita, who's always grumbling and complaining, but a wonderful friend.
Takako, who is quiet, independent and strong, and will always have your back. 

I love each and every one of them with all my heart. 

What I loved the most was how the group of friends was willing to do everything they absolutely could to save their friend. Not once they thought that maybe it was his choice, that they should leave him to it and respect his wishes. No. They gripped him with all they could, they loved him, they hugged him when he needed it, they made him smile, they cheered him on. They always had his back. They fought for him and they showed him that life was worth living.
Never think that leaving a depressed and suicidal person to their own devices is a good idea. Never think that they know better what they want and what's best for them. They hurt. They hurt so much that they don't see any future beyond a fleeting moment. The can't see or know what's good for them, because they don't see good in anything. If you have that friend - be their light, be their goodness, be their reason to live. No matter what it takes. Always save your friend.

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4.5/5 stars

*If you feel confused by jumpy timelines - follow Suwa's necklace! If he's wearing it - it's a throwback. If he's not - it's a present time.* 

It felt so good being back in Orange world. Being with these characters. Seeing them cry, seeing them smile. I love all of them with my whole heart. They are all precious little dandelions and they need to be protected at all costs. 

This volume wasn't as strong as the previous ones for one reason - the whole gang wasn't in it enough. I missed their dynamic, I missed the jokes and their interactions and Yuza's cutesy outfits. There was some of it here, but not nearly enough. 

I loved seeing Suwa's perspective. He was always my favorite and he still is. Behind his cheerfulness there is so much sadness, so much insecurity and regrets. He's so beautiful inside and out, even if he himself doesn't believe that. 

While Orange Future doesn't add anything new plot wise to the story, it adds another dimension. It adds another set of emotions. 

This is definitely a series that I will re-read a lot in the future. So much love.

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