Rasetsu no Hana
Rasetsu

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Story: Personally, I enjoyed the 36 chapter pacing. Sometimes with this amount of chapters mangakas can either rush through the plot or wander off without a clear goal. Although parts were a tiny bit repetitive, there was an overarching goal and I really liked it. I did not read the prequel to this, and I'm happy about that. I realized afterwards this was a sequel and I'm happy to say that I didn't feel like I needed to read the other one in order to enjoy this one. There is a triangle in this.

Art: This is a little older than I normally enjoy in ... terms of art, but I liked it. They would change outfits too, that's nice.

Character: Personally, I believe the creator did a good job of fitting background checks and development. Even for a major-minor character, there was a good feel to them and the pacing. Like I said, I didn't read the prequel so I knew nothing about Yako. But, that might be why i was able to enjoy it so much-partially because I wasn't already attached to him.


Enjoyment: So, usually i really really dislike triangles, but this one.... ah. I'm alright with this. I actually shed a few tears in the latter part. I read this straight through and I do not regret it! I think you should give it a try because the story is very good, In the beginning, it might be a little hard to get used to because it might seem shallow (the plot) but it's good and it's a fulfilling read :)

Rasetsu is a beautiful teenage girl who is also a powerful psychic. The rose mark on her chest is a reminder that she's been cursed by a ghost that will return on her twentieth birthday to claim her. Her only way out: fall in love.

I should note first that this is in fact a sequel to another manga named Yurara, but you really don't need to read its predecessor to get it. There's a cameo appearance that would make more sense if you did, as well as some background to one of the characters that might have more impact if you read the prequel rather ... than the recap provided in Rasetsu no Hana. However, in my opinion, this sequel outshines the original, which I found not nearly as compelling. I also read Rasetsu no Hana first, and it wasn't a problem.

I love this this manga. I can't say that the writing is perfect, but the central plot thread is so well conceived and deftly executed, that this one really stands out in my mind as a really outstanding manga. The plot is a framing to discuss heavy topics like assault and past trauma in a figurative sort of way. These are subjects frequently used for melodrama in shoujo. I feel Rasetsu no Hana is unique among those I've read for not using them for melodramatic reasons, but handling them deftly in a way that's both central to the story but by no means making it the only thing that defines a character. It's smart in a way I don't expect from shoujo.

In addition to the central conceit, I really love the main character, Rasetsu. She's strong in a way that's uncommon in shoujo. She's their business's primary exorcist, and she really does the a lot of the work herself, rather than sitting back and relying on the male characters. But despite all her strength she has an underlying fragility she tries to hide, which makes complete sense given the background that's gradually revealed. She's also got plenty of character quirks, making her a very unusually vibrant protagonist character for a shoujo.

Lastly, the art is pretty top notch.

In conclusion, I definitely recommend it.

Rasetsu is a simple shoujo series about a group of ghost busting individuals surrounding the main character, who's back story seems to be the overarching focus of the series.

Throughout most of the series though, it's about the adventures they go on defeating ghosts, with the main plot point coming in every now and then. What's wonderful about the adventures they go on is each deals with a new character's arc (per chapter). These arcs can be about a common occurrence in Japanese society, a character's experience with the death of a loved one, or simply evil spirits. Each arc tends to have a ... point, or at least sheds light on a new character's issue. I think it's wonderful the author chose these different subject matter because it feels closer to what people actually experience in life. Very easily, the author could've have made it a one-dimensional story about looking hot defeating ghosts, but they didn't. It was about what people (and spirits) go through.

Alongside these adventures, romantic developments happen between the characters, but are handled in a way that allows the story to go on without massive changes (mostly just the main character being upset). This may be an irk to some as it means no "real" development happens until the end. However, what kept me reading was how enjoyable and laidback the series was. Despite being about evil spirits, they characters have many silly moments. I didn't take this series very seriously and just read it for fun. If you're looking for a story that has genius level writing, Rasetsu isn't it, but it's still an enjoyable read nonetheless.

However, the nail in the coffin for me was the ending. It was the most magical, emotionally touching ending I've ever seen in a manga. Maybe because it deals with grief and death and how people move on from that, but it was simply... Just so beautiful. They kept tricking us with small twists about the fate of one character, so the emotional rollercoaster was like: sad, happy, mad, happy, sad, love (for the ending). It was bittersweet but with strong notes of both bitter and sweet.

Anyway, Rasetsu doesn't have the most complicated or genius level writing during the body of the series, but deals with a lot of human struggles in a very light-hearted, simple way. It really feels like a serial series (as in each chapter has it's own arc) and that can be drawback to some people. But, the key to enjoying this manga is to not take it that seriously and just enjoy reading about these characters lives, the goofs they have, how pretty the art is, and what struggles the characters (and people irl) face. Be prepared for the ending, as its very bittersweet, but in a really beautiful way.

Fluff level: Low. There are romantic moments, but they're more serious and not really moments that'd make you squeal. The arcs take more of a front seat, but the romantic developments are always close behind. It's kind of more "drama" like than cutesy.

Read if: You like simple manga where the plot isn't complicated and more laidback. And if you like the idea of a stylish, assertive female protagonist having powers and looking both cute and cool!