Vahlia no Hanamuko

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“Vahilia no Hanamuko” is a collection of four one-shots by Aikizuki Sorata. Sometimes the one-shots in a collection are mixed quality wise, but in the case of this particular one-shot collection you have a series of one-shots that are equal quality wise through the entire thing, not just with character development, but with the art as well as plot development. Each has a unique story that can also stand on its own and it provides a quick read.

For the most part all four stories are of the historical, romance and fantasy genre, but one of them has no supernatural elements at all. The settings are ... beautifully drawn as are the clothing that the characters wear. There is no real link between all of the stories and yet they have an over all unifying theme. One of the major theme is true love. By this I don't mean soul mates, at least not in the sense that others have come to understand soul mates. By this I mean the two characters truly do love each other. It's also about coming to understand ones romantic feelings for another person, told in a soft manner.

It is a very difficult task to grab the reader's attention in short one-shots and still manage to develop the characters and plot all at once. But somehow Akizuki Sorata manages to accomplish these things.

I'll admit I was first drawn to this manga through her most popular work, Akagami no Shirayuki. But there is no doubt that Vahila no Hanamuko has the potentional to be a great manga just like it.

Characters 9/10
Let's start with the characters since that is what I loved the most about the one-shots. Simply put, the characters from all the one-shots are simply charming. Even though the audience is left with ... missing patches of information, Akizuki stlil presents them pretty well. Personally, I love gentlemen. Being a little biased, I simply adored Lucel. His personality seemed to be very calm, easy-going, but endearing. He just accepted most anything Vahlia threw at him. He's protective but thoughtful. Somewhat emotionless but considerate. The author knows how to develop a relationship and create lovely characters.

Art 9/10
For the art, I mean I've seen better but this author does not lose when it comes down to it. Her art expresses the emotion very well and the characters all have a specific characteristic that sets each apart. Usually, when an author publishes multiple manga, the characters end up looking very similar or even the same. But for Akizuki somehow managed to put a distinction in each character.

Story 9/10
The plot is the one thing about this manga that I feel disappointment towards. This isn't because the story was bad. Never that but I'm disappointed that these wonderful stories did not have time to fully develop. I feel as if each one-shot could be its own series. They are all wonderful ideas for future manga books.

Enjoyment 10/10
I loved reading these one-shots. She had me hooked since the first chapter and that made me want to read the next chapter. What can I say, she is definately a talented manga artist.

Overall 9/10
I absolutely loved this series of one-shots. They were short yes, but definately praise-worthy. So I definately say go read this if granted the time. It actually doesn't take much time to read all four one-shots anyway.

STORY : The sacred tree of the water God protects the village from the drought that effected the surrounding areas. Sasara Yuukei's task of retracing the letters of the contract lead him to meet the water God. He learns a secret about the village and about his ancestor.

ARTWORK: The artwork is straightforward. I am glad that it does not have the over sized eyes that make everyone look too innocent or to over done.

NOTES: I enjoyed the story as it unfolded! Then ending was rather sweet. Also it goes to show what humans will and can do for what they believe to ... be the greater good for society.