Haou♥Airen

Edit

What would you like to edit?

SynopsisBackgroundAlternative TitlesPictureChapters/VolumesPublishing DatesRelationsTypeExternal Links  

I literally just finished this manga about a half hr ago. I knew I was going to write a review on it, but I needed time to process it all because there certainly is a lot to say.

First and foremost, I have read several works by this author, the latest having been love celeb, where I felt there was an exaggerated and slight misrepresentation of how the entertainment industry is. With that said, it was still an enjoyable read. BUT I have to say, the author did a great job of representing what the the mafia world really can be like.

I have read ... several reviews where people are utterly shocked and repulsed by the events in this manga, leading to very low ratings and quite cynical reviews..... and to some degree I understand. Because you SHOULD be repulsed, disgusted at times, heartbroken and constantly on an emotional roller-coaster. Especially those who have lived a very sheltered life and cannot even begin to comprehend that a mafia world is not a world full of rainbows and daisies. It can be (and often times) is a very cruel and unforgiving world and I think she represented that in this manga all the way until the end. If you read this manga hoping for a typical easy going love story.....sorry bud, but you came to the wrong place! I needed to emphasize that because I think several people have given this manga such a low rating b/c of how realistically cruel and immoral certain situations were. Which makes you feel guilty for even considering giving it a high rating, which is great bc it can affect you that much. However; I don't think it would be an accurate review of the overall story.

As far as the characters go, it isn't unique in the representation of the female heroin being naive and head over heels for the male character. If this story continued, I would've loved to see more complexity in how Kurami's (female lead) character develops and adapts to this harsh world. A part of me wanted her to adapt to the point where she slightly becomes a part of it, but then that would take away from the innocence of her role and I think at times there is strength that can grow from enduring so much pain. Anyone that can go through the stuff she goes through and can still stand, it's difficult to view them as "weak"...But getting a little more street smart would've been cool to see.

Hakuron ( male lead) I think his character is pretty bad ass. I like how the author takes you on a ride with this guy because you feel all kinds of things which can range anywhere from love to utter disgust and hate. I think considering the environment once again, it was good to give this character so much range.

As far as the relationship between these two go, you have to come to your own conclusion b/c it is at moments simple and lovely then before you know it, it becomes complex and dark and vice versa. Trying to understand becomes harder and harder as the story develops. The psychological analysis you run through your mind leaves you at moments wanting to cheer for them but on the flip side makes you feel guilty for even daring to consider such a thought. That's what i think makes it brilliant b/c it will take you on a ride and considering the circumstances, it can be difficult to process. The love they share is disturbing and twisted to say the least, but I think that is what's unique about it. Again, it is not meant to be a lovey dovey feel good manga, this shit is hardcore fucked up in more way than one, but for some reason in this dark and twisted fantasy.....you do still sense the romantic sides of it.

Some situations can get a bit repetitive, thanks to the continued ignorance of the female character.... which can be a bit frustrating, but hey, it does stick to her intended role of being naive to this world so it makes some sense. Plus, although you feel at some points you want her to "man up" I can't help but feel like if her character started to change in that way, then it will divert from the importance of her innocent outlook on life, which is a big factor in the dynamic of her and Hakurons relationship.

I agree with some in that, the panel could have been executed better. It was at times difficult to differentiate who was saying what. Also, the translation to English I wish was better at times ....I mean come on "embrace?" lol....you'll see what i mean if you read it haha.

I won't comment on the ending like other reviews have b/c in my opinion revealing any feelings about it can also spoil it.

Overall, this is most definitely worth a read. But prepare yourself young grasshopper, bc sh*t gets real fast!...if you want rainbows and daisies, take your butt to the PG club friend, or find a Disney movie and live a blissful life. Excluding lion king :( ...ill never let it go. lol jkjk (but not really '_' ) haha. ok tootles!

Can a train wreck truly be called a train wreck, if it was already a completely destroyed from the very start?

So, this manga is utterly confusing, constantly jumps the shark, somehow managed to feel too long yet also unfinished and by the end of volume 2 the story very quickly becomes confusing. The stories feel like they are being told in the wrong order, leading to serious pacing and tone issues.

It also very quickly jumps the shark, causing it to peak early and making every plot point afterward feel kind of lame as NOTHING matters in the long run.

One thing I will give this manga? ... The two main leads are excellent for eachother, they are both insane and think they're much more important than they really are. Kurumi and Hakuron are like, really selfish. Like more so than I expected. Every goddamn chapter after the first volume has them either crying about how sad and tragic their life is or about how it "hurts" that they love eachother even though they are from such completely different worlds and do nothing but cause the other pain, or some other bullshit like that.

I was hoping SOMEONE would call out the two for being a pair of whiny bitches with #FirstWorldProblems but nah let's get another cuck porn arc instead. Some focus on Fuoron? The only character that is actually somewhat likeable and has a brain? Nope, let's have Kurumi almost raped and then saved by Hakuron for like the hundreth time.

Should you read it? If you want a enjoyable experience in romantic fiction terms no, in comedy terms maybe.

This is one of the most cringiest and disgusting manga, I have ever read. Ever. The story line holds no meaning and the guy is just harsh as hell in the middle, and I’m just like “kurumi why won’t you leave him?” And the ending leaves you completely baffled and broken and a few tears like me if you are sensitive or crying from the cringeness. I will not recommend reading this, if you are a feminist or hate submissive and easily bullied female characters who are the weakest of weak. I have to be honest, this was one of Shinjo Mayu’s worst ... works and I only decided to binge read this because of Love Celeb. Love Celeb at least gave a happy ending while this ending left you broken and wondering about all the time you have wasted.