Ao Haru Ride, Vol. 4

Bought it for my granddaughter’s 12th birthday. She likes this series.

There are some very emotional scenes in this volume. Get out the Kleenex, you're gonna need it! I certainly did. Things are getting more serious, more involved. We get to see why Kou "doesn't care". We get a much better understanding of the dynamics between him & his brother, Mr. Tanaka. And a previously unseen relative makes an appearance. Actually more than one does, but in different ways. The girls are really on a rollercoaster now. So what's gonna happen next? It's still up in the air. I think it's safe to say we all want Kou & Futaba to get together. They'd make a great couple. She's in love with him, & while he tries hard to hide it, it's obvious he cares greatly for her. So... on to the next volume. Art, so, so good. I cannot say enough times how much I adore this mangaka's style. Dialogue, so very good, so heartfelt. Characters, believable, likeable, relatable, adorable.

The story is deeply emotional, a slice-of-life. It might seem this is just a simple high school love story. But it shows grief, friendship, hardships and making memories. It shows we have to live in the moment and let go of the past. Time heals. Besides the story, the art is mesmerizing, I have yet to see another manga with characters drawn so beautifully. Best shoujo manga you will ever read.

I love this series, and this may be the best volume so far. The way she depicts Kou's depression, not as some violent, self harming form of depression, but as the weary, just making it through life form, is so well done. Also, Futaba continues to be amazing, just blazing a trail through his darkness in undeniable ways. They're so cute!

Enjoy reading this volume, literally the last volume from the anime version. So Vol. 5 and forward will be exciting to read. The cover and pages arrived to my home Peacefully. I bought it new, and will continue to buy the rest of the manga! Thanks!

Great art work. Love the way she draws the facial expressions. Good story albeit similar to many in this genre but we'll paced.

Kou must really still have feelings for Futaba. But who knows all you need to do is find out in the fourth volume of this amazing series.

Finally working through their hurdles and getting to know each other better. I can't wait to read the next one.