This month included an assortment of manga and manhwa – but if we’re being completely honest, April deserves to be dedicated to the third volume of The Summer Hikaru Died, because things are getting that good. So here’s why we’re invested in this particular collection of chapters (and a few other titles of course).
The Summer Hikaru Died
Manga
Volume 3
Publisher: Yen Press
Release Date: April 16, 2024
Premise: It has Hikaru’s face. It has Hikaru’s voice. It even has Hikaru’s memories. But whatever came down from the mountains six months ago isn’t Yoshiki’s best friend. Whatever it is, it’s dangerous. Carrying on at school and hanging out as if nothing has changed—as if Hikaru isn’t gone—would be crazy…but when it looks so very like Hikaru…and acts so very like Hikaru…
Currently: “Hikaru’s” sudden disappearance from the mountain has not gone unnoticed…and his presence in town has begun to raise suspicions as well. Spirits from the other side grow restless, while the people sensitive to them begin taking steps to uncover the truth. As Yoshiki continues to struggle with the true identity of “Hikaru,” he is reminded once again that his friend no longer shares his understanding of life and death—and that if you play with fire, someone is sure to get burned eventually…
Why It Works: It feels like this title is simply destined for greatness. From the very beginning of The Summer Hikaru Died, we were drawn to its alluring combination of horror and sentimentality – perfectly setting the stage for a manga that’s both heart wrenching and gripping. Then, the second volume of the title really made our protagonist Yoshiki start to analyze his situation with Hikaru, along with the complexities of grief and regret. However, the third volume kicks things up several notches and brings the heat with its primary duo, and a few peripheral characters who are likely going to cause some complications for Hikaru moving forward.
With others in the town getting a chance to receive fuller character development, we see a few outsiders starting to pursue answers to the supernatural anomalies surrounding the title’s grim storyline. For example, a classmate by the name of Asako presumably comes the closest to determining that something isn’t right with Hikaru – and the titular character’s solution only causes more complex concerns for Yoshiki which then leads to one of Yoshiki’s most drastic (and shocking) choices so far. Still, by the end of the volume, there’s enough growth and progression to set up a brand new arena for the pairing, and we couldn’t be more eager to see what that entails. It’s time for some answers!
My Gemini
Manga
One Shot
Publisher: Yen Press
Release Date: April 16, 2024
Premise: Plain, redheaded, and freckled John has nothing going for him, except there’s one thing he’s proud of—he’s best friends with the two popular and mischievous twins Jekyll and Hyde. Jekyll (the calm and collected older brother) and Hyde (the cheerful younger brother) love switching places, and John is the only one who can tell them apart. But when the pair is fragmented by an untimely death, one twin is left alone without his “other self” by his side. The only question is—is he Jekyll, or is he Hyde?
Why It Works: In the manga My Gemini, the gripping narrative thrives on the intricate relationship dynamics between the three central characters. John, the unassuming protagonist, serves as the linchpin connecting the charismatic twins, Jekyll and Hyde. The twins’ penchant for switching identities adds a layer of playfulness and intrigue to the storyline, with John’s perceptiveness being the key to figuring out the larger mystery at hand.
Acting as its central plot point, the sudden and tragic fragmentation of the twins due to an untimely death quickly sets the stage for a compelling exploration of identity and loss. As one twin grapples with the absence of his counterpart, the narrative delves into the existential question of whether our identities are truly singular or if we contain multitudes within us based on human closeness and kindred spirits. And by the time the title comes to a head, there’s a deep rooted sadness that comes with its conclusion – though, not without sharing a sincere take on love and loss. Be prepared to have some feelings with this one.
Rainbow Days
Manga
Volume 9
Publisher: VIZ Media
Release Date: April 2, 2024
Premise: Excited to have plans on Christmas Eve, Natsuki feels like he’s finally catching up to his friends who are in relationships. But when the night doesn’t go as expected, the stage is set for falling in love.
Currently: The gang sets out for their senior trip to Osaka and Kyoto! With Mocchi from the basketball team planning to ask Anna out during the trip, Natsuki decides to reveal his feelings for her too, but can he find the right moment? A white-hot battle of hearts over Anna ensues!
Why It Works: Volume nine of the manga Rainbow Days takes readers on a (lighthearted) emotional rollercoaster as Hashiba struggles to confess his feelings to Ana during their trip to Osaka. The tension builds as Hashiba worries about his friend Mocchi making a move on Ana, making it hard for him to enjoy the journey – you know, typical teenage hijinks. And as a result of consistent complications, their potential romantic moment keeps getting thwarted, adding layers of frustration and anticipation to the storyline for as long as possible.
Meanwhile, Mocchi’s internal struggle adds another dimension to the narrative, as he grapples with his feelings for Ana despite knowing her affections lie elsewhere. Though, to complicate things even further, Kakei’s advice inspires Mocchi to pursue his feelings, setting the stage for a potential love triangle in the upcoming chapters. Above all, this volume of Rainbow Days excels in building up romantic tension and character development, leaving readers eagerly anticipating the resolution of the brewing emotions in the next installment.
Itaewon Class
Manhwa
Volume 1
Publisher: Yen Press
Release Date: April 23, 2024
Premise: A single choice can completely alter one’s future—a truth no one knows more than Saeroyi Park, whose decision to stop a school bully exposes him to the harsh reality of money and power. Things go from bad to worse when his dad, who stood by him through it all, gets killed by the very same bully…and Saeroyi vows to take a life for a life. After his rash, rage-fueled murder attempt ends in a prison stint, though, a new plan kindles within him: open a restaurant, recreate the joy his father showed him, and cook up some proper revenge. And there’s no better place to do so than the neighborhood of freedom, diversity, and delicious food—Itaewon!
Why It Works: The infamous Itaewon Class (both a popular webtoon and a 2020 live-action Korean drama series) has finally made its way to an English release, and we couldn’t be more thrilled about its publishing milestone. But anyways – in the first volume, the story unfolds with the protagonist, Saeroyi Park, making a fateful, bold decision to stand up against a school bully (followed by the loss of his father) which instantaneously leads him down a path where he’s overcome with rage, grief, and an unstoppable desire for vengeance. But thankfully, this one isn’t about being overcome by grief, it’s about learning how to navigate it. And that in itself is a powerful lesson to include.
Throughout its first volume, Itaewon Class intricately turns to themes of justice, resilience, and the pursuit of dreams against the backdrop of a captivating narrative, giving the title much more emotional pull than your average carefree day-to-day story. Furthermore, with its compelling storyline and well-defined characters, this first introduction establishes that it’s capable of producing an engaging journey of growth through the complexities of human nature. It’s not hard to determine why this one was popular to begin with – so dive in if you haven’t already!