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this shit just makes me sad.... I guess I should preface this by saying this mangaka is definitely a lolicon judging from the contents of this manga. So automatically you know all the sick stuff you're getting into with that.. Somehow I felt compelled to keep reading because of the cute (and kind of disturbing) art, the melancholy tone of the story, and my emotional investment in Toshio's happiness. I got attached to Toshio and wanted to know how he'd end up because he was really pitiful like an abused pet. I rlly wanted bro to be happy.. He ends up as happy as he ... can be in his condition I guess? But he's basically a mentally disabled kid who's now being taken care of a morally grey adult who cares for his wellbeing but also possesses ambiguous feelings towards Toshio. Which I don't like for obvious reasons. Anyway this manga was gross - when I finished it my stomach felt weird. Kinda like when you eat something small on an empty stomach and feel a little nauseous after. My low rating is mainly due to the pedophilia, positive depiction of a pedo relationship, and just how it left me feeling icky/depressed. However, it's not complete trash - you can take valuable things out of the story, and I kept reading for a reason. The theme of dehumanization and the normalization of cruelty really affected me emotionally. This manga succeeded at making me feel really awful! The story was lwk poignant and tugged at your heart strings - it's just that, juxtaposed with the "fluff/comedic" moments, it felt off. And I didn't like the ending (the fact that they ended up in an ambiguous but clearly romantic relationship - and it's depicted as cute??). If the mangaka had leaned more into the psychological aspect and less into the romantic it would've been a lot better. A heavier or more eerie tone would've fit more. It's not like pedophilia or rape in manga is inherently bad, but making it fluffy is in bad taste. my personal opinion :33

THIS MANHWA IS SO GOOD OK READ IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! It has some romance tropes but rather than it being the skeleton the story or characters are fleshed out around, it's more like just a nod in that direction. The characters very much act their age, and have unique personalities that the art also captures very well with their expressions. It's comedic and the romance is very pure (not 'sweet' I'd say, but genuine affection). The progression of their relationship is realistic, gradual, and above all very friendly which matches them because they're still young kids. Their immaturity shines through in their interests with boybands, getting embarrassed ... over nothing, awkward communication, and more. Some romance stories set in highschool have the kids acting completely out of their age group - or the story doesn't show them doing things like homework, chores, etc. But in this manhwa the presence of schoolwork looms over the characters and it's not as if they've abandoned their school duties just to make the plot more 'exciting'. All of the characters are so lovable (especially the main two) and the artstyle is super expressive, dynamic, and colorful. The author of cheese in the trap wrote it so yk it's good ok.. A cute slice of life to read!!

The experience throughout reading this manga mirrored the way the sea or seaside feels, if that makes sense. Everything was very serene, but I think the emotions were touched on in a very tender and soft way. I think I really enjoyed this manga because it made me feel like a young kid again. It was nostalgic, and the way the mangaka developed the town made me feel very immersed in its atmosphere - the setting's personality was very distinct. The art compliments the story perfectly. The vibe of the story reminds me of 'When Marnie was there' or 'Song of the Sea'. It retained ... an innocent, naive magic while incorporating realistic elements of life. Everything was very delicate??? It really makes you feel like a young kid when you read it (at least it did for me).

this mangaka always writes abt pedos & rape im a bit concerned..! art is godly as always though. The way they utilize symbolism and build an unsettling atmosphere is good here too.

story 1: ass story.. I get the theme of not being able to let go of the past and seeking the innocence one associates with childhood in young girls but idc abt pedos (2/10)
story 2: nothing even happened but the girl was pretty so! (4/10)
story 3: confusing at first, very intriguing, I liked the concept, ending, and atmosphere (7/10)
story 4: interpretation of little red riding hood. explores rape/trauma in a very abstract and ... symbolic way - was somewhat enjoyable (6/10)

Hibari no Asa is was a touching manga, and I thought the way it approached Hibari's situation was unique. The story is very somber and demoralizing because of how realistic it is in the way it unfolds. I guess you could call it anticlimactic, but in real life, problems often don't conclude satisfyingly. As I read this, my chest was constantly somewhat tight while I held my breath, and it felt like my conscience was being pricked. You essentially get to see the perspectives and inner thoughts of the people around Hibari (and eventually Hibari herself). Each person has their own opinion of her, and ... their reasons for thinking that way. It shows how people on an individual level mistreat young girls, as well as the unjustified stigmas imposed onto them by society as a whole. This manga also sheds light onto how most people are apathetic/turn a blind eye to the suffering of young girls in a situation like Hibari (especially when it comes to exploitation and perverted intent). All these emotions and judgements directed onto her by others, such as envy, resentment, lust, ego, condescension, contempt, idolization, pity - they all compound into nothing. Because of one shared desire: the desire to maintain that imperfect peace. (The same state of peace that keeps her quiet and unable to seek nor receive help). "It'll sort itself out", "It doesn't affect me directly", "She doesn't seem to be affected", or even "She brought it upon herself". These sentiments enable the willful ignorance of her suffering. Whenever I found myself empathizing with a character, I felt sort of disgusted with myself like a mirror had been put in my hands. I'm rambling.. but it was just depressing. I honestly felt like straight ass after this cause of how accurately it reflected the real world and how real girls are misjudged for their appearances.

Plus the art was pretty!
8/10 just cause I feel like the end was slightly lacking. Still liked it a lot though!