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This was such a cool sequel series to Peach Girl

Taking place 10 years later, and released years after the original manga, yes there are still some Peach Girl-esque gimmicks. But overall the pacing and storytelling is definitely more mature and realistic in this one. You can feel how the author and story have matured a bit over time.

I loved getting to see Momo and Kairi after their high school years. And this sequel did a good job at giving good plot and character development to Sae and Toji. Exploring the odd relationship between the main 4 was fun to see. They've grown up a ... bit and have a fondness for each other despite all the wild stuff they go through (AND put each other through) together.

Personally, I loved both the slice of life and dramatic aspects of this story, so I was entertained every single chapter. And the art is so clean and satisfying to look at. All the characters' designs still feel like them, just grown up.

If you're a fan of the original Peach Girl, as problematic but admittedly lovable it was, then I do think you'll be a fan of this.

This first part of the final installment of the Free! series was really enjoyable!

It was so exciting to see the cast of characters again. To see what they are doing career and school-wise, and also to see them interacting as friends once more. From the characters hanging out in college and professional swimming competitions to those still in Iwatobi and Samezuka high schools. I was so satisfied throughout by how each character and each friendship got some screen time. The story jumped around a lot from person to person, feeling kind of like a TV episode, keeping you invested.

I was invested in how the ... boys' lives were progressing (especially with how Haru and Rin were faring in their ongoing swimming careers) the whole time. It all felt very natural and engaging. There was a good mix of happy, funny, heartfelt, and serious and contemplative tones (staying true to it being a slice of life anime).

The movie ended on a more dramatic note with a plot point that I assume will be sorted out in part 2.

The animation was pretty nice. Nothing crazy but they did do some short, artsy sequences. And I thought the backgrounds and colors were especially beautiful as always with Free!

This manga is pretty cool because it's basically a one volume version of other action manga. There's a supernatural element, a main character with powers and a girl he meets from another planet who knows about the powers, fights, a little romance, etc. It manages to put all those elements together pretty well for a small glimpse into the characters' lives.

The art was nice: simple, reminded me of other early 2000s styles (like flcl just a little bit).

There is a theme throughout of hard work being more important than natural talent. The main guy Kouichi is confident in his belief in this while the main ... girl Umeko is insecure about her lack of natural ability and need to work hard to achieve things. She also shows some jealousy towards Kouichi in that regard.

I like that Kouichi is kind of the guy who has no time for people being frivolous since he's preoccupied with entrance exams and stuff, but later you see how he really does care about people. On the flipside I like that Umeko is the funny, more extreme one. They complement each other well.

It's nothing crazy or life-changing but if you're ever in the mood for a manga you can read in one day this one's pretty good for that. It leaves a pretty neutral impression.