Haru no Noroi
Haru's Curse

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Such a shame that this manga doesnt get the recognition it deserves!

story:
The story follows the life of haru and her dead sister's fiancé togu. Now, you may think that romance between these 2 people may be a bit inappropriate; I know I did, but I decided to give this a chance. And boy am I glad I did! The story and the protagonist are well aware if the messed up situation she's in. The characters actually deal with the fact that their relationship is peculiar, to say the least. The story also shows how haru dealt/deals with the death of a person she was so ... close to. The pace is just right and despite the kind-of messed up plot, this series pulls it off very well!

Art:
This is where it truly shined for me. The mangaka does such a good job of portraying the emotions of the characters! The disgust they feel, the horror of losing someone, hesitation and so much more is so real. And the character design is very well done too. Honestly, one of the most unique and best arts IMHO in manga.

Characters;
Also where the manga shines. Like I said, they know what situation they are in and act and react like actual human beings. They are realistic, which is so much more than what can be said for a lot of mangas. Especially Haru. She feels like aperson you could actually meet and even relate to a bit.

Overall:
Amazing. Not cliché, realistic. Characters don’t automatically fall in love, everything takes time. I would’ve liked it to be a bit longer, but if it had been, it would’ve been to stretched out. The pacing was great. Highly recommended to everyone.

Haru's Curse is a manga that goes far past any forbidden romance or typical love triangle, and it oftentimes deal with familial relationships more than the romantic. This manga demonstrates how grief can affect people far after their loved ones are gone, sometimes even making it resemble a curse.

Natsumi, our main character, is dating Togo. The only problem is that Togo was Natsumi's little sister's fiancé up until her untimely death. Natsumi agrees to go out with Togo in exchange that they visit the places he and her little sister visited, as a sort of way for her to pan through her grief. Natsumi, however, ... doesn't realize Togo may be dating her for more than family obligations or as a way to deal with his own grief. Both Natsumi and Togo are forced to wade their way through the obstacles of a relationship, made so much more difficult with the burden of a lost loved one. It is also up to them to decide what they truly want, and whether this guilt is worth it.

If I had to sum up the storyline in one sentence while also completely butchering it, I'd say, "A love-triangle that surpasses death." Again, this is a horrible butchering of what is actually a heartfelt love story. Life doesn't always work out like in countless shoujo manga, and Haru's Curse really exemplifies this. People don't always casually bump into each other, but are rather thrown at each other in the most unexpected ways possible. Natsumi knows for a fact that her sister, Haru, loved Togo, so she's afraid to act on her own feelings. She's constantly thinking about what her sister would have wanted, and her day-to-day decisions are impacted by this. Togo, on the other hand, was born into a rich bloodline, so he's never been able to make a single decision for himself in his life. Even Haru was not his decision, as sad as that is, so it leaves the reader wondering what exactly it is that Togo really wants.

Haru's Curse is a mixture of romantic love and the love between sisters. It even demonstrates the maternal love between a daughter and mother, despite there not being any actual blood relations. I'd have to say Natsumi's heartfelt conversation with her step-mother really put this manga at a nine for me. The balance between themes in this manga was perfect, and I feel like the reactions were genuine.

The mangaka's art is pretty to look at, but I can definitely see how it has improved in her latest work, Raise wa Tanin ga li. The characters are handsome, but they definitely have more detail in her latest work. One of my favorite images was when Natsumi and Togo fell down, just because their faces were priceless.

I thoroughly enjoyed Haru's Curse, and read it in the span of two hours or so. It wasn't anything groundbreaking, but it was definitely the breath of fresh air I needed. Despite the gloomy topics it covers, the manga is genuinely uplifting, which sounds like it would be difficult to accomplish. It's about learning to live for yourself, because it may be the only life you have, and it might be a short one.

Overall, I'd recommend Haru's Curse to someone in the mood for a short, bittersweet love story. It's only two volumes, and the one I picked up is one, collected volume. I didn't even know it was published in English until I visited the store, but I was delightfully surprised. If it sounds interesting, please go pick up a copy!

Basically this very sad story is about Natsume and her late sister's fiancee who are in the process of grieving because of her sad passing. I do wish this series expanded out even more like I did feel ok about it at first but the same time, I would've liked to have seen where and what the main characters have decided to do for themselves in a epilogue chapter. That the main reason why I'm giving this a 7/10 rating. I'm trying my best to keep this spoiler free so please just read this manga and you'll understand my point here lol.

If you're expecting ... a fluffy happy go lucky romance story, this definitely is not for you. It is quite heavy and intense in some scenes so you have been warned if you're planning to read this!

This manga is unexpectedly raw. I expected it to be a sad-sob love story, which is partially what it is, but there's an element of darkness and an unforeseen twisted mix of sinister emotions. The characters are so well crafted, everything is explained amazingly in the limited amount of chapters.

I didn't expect each character to have so much depth and similarities to every mundane actions and thought processes. Whilst reading the manga I saw a lot of raw and innate human emotions that was wonderfully expressed, it shows how humans are innately selfish and ignorant to those who care about them most. The variety ... of different character emotions and ambitions, a plethora of people to relate to, made me feel an attachment to each character.

If you want a dark, sad but bittersweet love story I highly recommend this underrated piece!

This was an immensely engaging read. It takes a premise that could be very trashy or messy and treats the characters with depth and nuance by examining their conflicting feelings of grief, guilt, and desire. Feelings and behaviors are often recontextualized as the story progresses which results in a deep investment into the characters.

The story primarily focuses on three people - Natsumi, Togo, and Haru, all of whom are well-realized. The story starts with Natsumi distraught over the loss of the only person she's ever loved, her sister Haru. In an attempt to navigate her grief Natsumi enters into a relationship with Togo, her sister's ... arranged fiance, under the caveat he only takes her places he went with Haru. He agrees and what starts as a seemingly bizarre request evolves into something more beyond what either character expected. The story is all character focused, less focused on an overarching plot vs. the shifting relationships between characters.

Natsumi is very interesting because of how conflicting and contradictory she is. She's the character most unmoored and distraught but also the funniest and most boisterous, with her outgoing and jovial personality resulting in a lot of humorous moments. However she frequently struggles with feelings of isolation, self-loathing, and guilt which creates this powerful contrast and clash within the character.

Togo is also interesting in a different way, being much more composed, blunt, and direct in his thoughts and feelings. However he's a very numb character, having never formed any personal interest or dreams due to the status of his upbringing and family. He's internalized and made the entirety of himself the expectations and desires of his parents in lieu of his own. In his burgeoning relationship with Natsumi, he is forced to recognize and grapple with having his own desires and feelings for the first time.

Finally there's Haru who, despite being dead, is at the crux of the story and relationship between Natsumi and Togo. She's initially presented as more of an object of affection or narrative starting point vs. having much character depth. However more is revealed about the Haru over the course of the story which paints a more complex and detailed person struggling with her own issues and feelings.

The story focuses on the characters' burdens and how those resulting from outside forces feed into and birth self-imposed ones that result in even greater dismay and stagnation. It's a vicious cycle that the characters attempt to find relief, solace, or answers in their interactions with one another. Family also plays a significant role as the impacts of arranged marriages and the differing dynamics between the characters and their mothers vs. their fathers all contribute to the burdens they face.

Despite the drama and bleakness that the characters struggle with, there are plenty of funny and cute moments. Togo and Natsumi have great chemistry with her frantic and active personality playing well off of Togo's blunt and cool demeanor. The comedic moments are bolstered by good timing and humourous reaction faces. And despite there being few physical manifestations of intimacy, the romantic moments are satisfying as they feel genuine and honest to the characters and their experiences. The sweeter moments are all the more potent because they contrast with all the negative thoughts and emotions the characters struggle with.

It ends with an ending that feels earned, warranted and satisfying as the theme of the characters realizing that they're more than a singular (whether it be emotion, experience, etc.). That their multitudes, good and bad, known and unknown, etc. allows for the potential to progress and overcome or live with what may seem unfathomable. It's a really beautiful idea that I found incredibly well realized by the end of the story.

Outside of the characters and story, the series is very well paced with no chapter feeling superfluous. The art style is simple and straightforward and extremely consistent throughout. The somewhat thicker line work matches well with the grounded character designs and slice-of-life actions. Characters' faces do a great job at conveying emotions and the style complements the the tone of story well.

In terms of criticisms, if you don't buy into the premise of the characters and their emotions everything will come of as melodramatic and flat.

I could see someone finding the characters melodramatic if they don't buy into its premise and the characters emotional reactions. Everything, from the romance to the characters' personal struggles, hinges on accepting the characters' feelings as understandable and if you do not the entire thing will fall flat.

Physically, the volume feels very solid and comfortable to hold (like most Vertical releases). There are some nice color pages throughout the book featuring Togo and Natsumi alongside bonus pages that feature extra scenes or insights into the characters.

I really enjoyed reading this and highly recommend checking it out. It gave me a lot to think about and was a worthwhile and fantastic experience.

So I have read other works by this author (well, I suppose only one other manga); so I expected a specific style. They most certainly have a darker style of writing so you should expect that with this manga.
That said, this is absolutely great. Though I suppose be warned, it is highly depressing. If you want something wholesome, or just don't like reading sad things, I suggest maybe not reading it (though I really think you should). I enjoyed the entire manga thoroughly. I think it is very well-written, despite it's somewhat devious premise. The characters are developed and entertaining, and the story as a ... whole I think is very worth your time. It has a nice theme and is overall something you can binge in a day.

Haru's Curse

A short but gripping story that doesn't stop being enjoyable from start to finish.

Haru's Curse is a story about an older sister who starts going out with her dead sister's fiancee.... Its fucked up. Their "shouldn't they" relationship is Haru's Curse.

The series in enveloped in this dense atmosphere as both the main characters feel guilty for there actions but can't stop themselves from doing it either. Despite this thick atmosphere, there is moments of lighthearted playfulness. Cracks in the manga to make sure the manga's tone never overwhelms the reader. The manga is engaging and entertaining and with only 8 chapters i can really ... only say so much. Except the fact that i really liked this series. This is one of the few series i have actually re-read.

The characters personality are also fantastic. No one is ok. Everyone thinks they are depraved, and you can really see it on the characters faces. I like the fact that the series actually takes itself super seriously. So when the big reveal actually does happen there is actual weight and pressure. Its also nice for the characters to actually have to live with the consequences of there decision rather than everything being ok

Despite my praise this series does suffer from 1 thing. I thought when the FMC finds the information of her sister i thought was a little too convenient. but even with this hiccup this is probably one of the better series i have read this year.

Congratulations to KONISHI Asuka this is the first series i have given an 8/10 this year.

Haru no Noroi has been a unique read for me. Picking up this manga at first will make the reader question if it's worth their time and attention. Rest assured, it will be worth reading Konishi's works. There is something for everyone when reading the story about Natsumi, Tougo, and their journey together.

Pros:
First off, the story. The sypnosis will most likely turn off some readers, especially those coming from romcom stories. The flow of the story doesn't rush too fast nor does it pace back. Every chapter and every page contributes to the main story between how Natsumi is able to cope with getting together ... with her sister's ex fiancée, and Togou on how he feels about recent events. There is a bit of comedy included in the panels to give the readers a break from how heart-wrenching Haru no Noroi can be. With minimal spoilers, the story sets the reader up for what is to come and ends with both characters coming to a conclusion.

The art was what really shined for me. At moments when Konishi wants the reader to feel a certain way, they definetly will feel that way. I was able to feel what Natsumi was feeling down to the angle drawn and their eyes. The art has a style that in a way blends in with the mood the story brings.

Cons:
My only gripe about ioverall is it's length. There are only eight chapters present including a bonus chapter near the end. I'm very used to reading a manga that is at least 20 chapters in length that when I finished reading it I was wanting for more. Each chapter has roughly 50 pages which makes up for it.

Overall Haru no Noroi was an enjoyable read for me. Natsumi and Tougo make a good impression on the reader as it did for me. Each help each other in some way shape or form while trying to bear the memory of the late Haru. The overall message that I got from reading this manga was that we never know what will happen in the future or when we die. The past cannot be changed and we can dwell in it all we want but it won't change anything. All that we can do is learn from our past and hold onto what we hold dear in the present.

I hope reading this review has influenced you in reading Haru no Noroi. This was definetly an underrated read that deserves more attention from manga readers alike.

This manga really had me enthralled from the very first page. The drawings are pretty and add a good charm to the story.
The story pulls at your heartstrings. I could feel the sadness from the characters, the jealousy, the guilt, the grief, the confusion and I felt it with them. Every time Togo showed Natsumi any type of affection, even though he maybe didn’t do it consciously, my heart was about to jump out of my body, and I think even the neighbors could hear me squeal while sitting with my knees under my chin. Damn, Togo is so cute my heart can’t keep ... up.
The flashback does not seem confusing and follows the story perfectly, so they don’t seem forced in any way. Which make it very readable. I couldn’t find any faults in plot or pacing, just a wonderful, beautiful story.

I will without a doubt recommend this manga to everyone I know, it was so much better than I had anticipated, and I want to read more. What happens next? I want to know!

Beautiful. This manga really had me wrapped up in everything these characters were going through from the first panel. When I read the initial synopsis I thought this strange taboo of a girl dating her dead sister's fiancee would be hard to get past, but how Natsumi and Togo get wrapped up in this guilt, and this feeling of being left with a curse was gutwrenching to see unfold. It's almost like the romance intended took a back seat to focus on the grief felt, and ultimately just showed how much Natsumi loved her sister. These moments of confusion and feelings of deceit are written ... and drawn so well I couldn't help but sympathize with that gut-wrenching emotion.

It's a shame Haru no Noroi hasn't picked up more attention from manga readers, I assure you this isn't something you want to skip.

I finally got around reading Haru no noroi and girl it touched me. It only has 8 chapters but they feel like eternity because of the heavy content in there (and it has absolutely no drama). After I was done I was shaken to the core because of the twists, the storytelling the art and everything. It’s a story about three people, 2 sisters haru and natsumi and the male lead tougo. Haru dies due to some illness and her sister dates her boyfriend for a period of time because of apparent reasons….saying anymore would be spoiling it so I won’t tell more. But wow ... just wow, I loved how they portrayed a web of guilt, regrets, agony, and ofcourse love. Trigger warnings for suicidal tendencies as well just so you know what you’re getting into. It does get dark right from the get go and you can’t help but emphasise with natsumi, she suffered through a lot. Same with tougo, he represents all of us who are forced to live up to certain expectations by the family and in the process of doing so fail to do anything for our own self. Tougo, tired of being set up by his mother right from his birth, be it his life or marriage, finally finds a solitude in natsumi and pursues her with all his might. And the readers can’t help but be moved by both of their (psychological) struggles.

The best part about this manga is that there are no useless fillers after the leads get into a relationship for real, y’know going on unnecessary dates and doing cringey stuff….I usually lose interest at that part but I loved how they ended the manga where the reader would keep wanting for some more moments without actually wanting to see those moments. So if you’re like me you’re going to love it for sure.

The art is a bit peculiar but in a good sense. It’s kind of like the art that you aren’t into but it draws you in anyways. So I really liked the artstyle and character designs although the proportions did feel a bit amusing. I absolutely loved tougo’s personality here, he’s extremely open minded and determined lad. Natsumi was really great too…Rest everyone didn’t have that much of an impression on me.
I’m now reading another work of this mangaka “Raise wa Tanin ga li” which is proving to be one another gem and I’ll write a review on it as soon as I’m done.