Orange

*No spoilers*

I normally don't read shoujo or Slice of Life because I find them all somewhat the same (and low-key sexist). However, I really enjoyed Orange.

Orange delivers some meaningful messages without delving in too deep to the point where it requires a lot of close analysis. It tells a story about the power of friendship and the natural desire for human interaction. It touches on the subject of mental illness. And it touches on the idea of living without regrets.

Although there are certain cliché elements you've seen in other animes/mangas in Orange (e.g. parallel worlds, time travel), I didn't feel like they interfered with my ability to enjoy the manga.

All the characters were relatable and likable, and chances are we may have our own real-life counterparts to them.

I thought the length of the manga was just right, and for the most part, it always seemed like there was a definite progression of plot. Although many of the themes of Orange are serious in nature, there are plenty of light-hearted, humorous moments in it too.

10/10 recommend reading Orange. Nuff said.

I read this manga quite some time ago, all facts presented in this review in correlation with the manga might not be all correct, but most of the review is based on the story and characters.

SPOILERS BELOW:

May I remind you, this is purely my opinion, and me giving it 6 isn't a bad score.
For me 6 is a fair score, something not good but nor bad, merely 'meh.'

The story is driven entirely by drama, and characters which fail to understand their mistakes. Firstly, To begin the with: the story is interesting, revolving around a girl whose future sends her letters to make up for the death of her so-called 'love interest', but this is where it falls flat. this story might appear more compelling to slice-of life fans, while those quite not much interested in the genre might dismiss it has boring, which it seems to be case for me. The 'sci-fi' aspect of this series is very insulting to sci-fi fans or anyone with a brain, it's simply throwing a bunch of letters in the middle of the fucking ocean, and praying for them to be sent.

The drama is not believable enough, it's just an edgy kid blaming himself for the death of his mom, which makes no sense because anyone with common sense would know that it was not his fault.

As for the future aspect, the main girl is annoying as fuck, stuck up on her highschool crush, and resentful of his death. She has a child, a caring husband,yet all she does is reject him and favor the dead emo kid. The manga should clearly be telling the cast of it's characters to live with the pain, and not reject the truth; instead of forcing this stupid sci-fi shit that I clearly find dumb.

Granted, some scenes were emotional, but without the drama, the cast of characters are not compelling enough to drive the story. Overall, a 6 out of 10, the story was painful to sit through, but I was able to find some scenes of genuine enjoyment, by that I mean: It's so dumb, it's seems okay. I guess.

I wouldn't recommend this to anyone, unless they like sappy shit, I couldn't find myself 'crying' at any moment, half the story in, I wanted the main girl to just... be excluded from the story.

Hold on.. just gimme a sec... *wipes tears*

Okay.. let's do this.


What a ride. What an absolutely fulfilling ride. I haven't felt this satisfied with an entire series.. well, ever, really.

I can see why some people didn't like the ending. I admit it could have given a bit more closure, at least for one side of it. That, and it felt a little lacking in emotion when compared to other parts of the story. I was almost in tears several times with this series, but the ending didn't quite have that effect. Nonetheless, it ended. On a very high note, at that. Happy, fulfilling, all around heartwarming.

The characters were all important, down to the last detail. No one was left out and they all played an important role.

The plot moved smoothly and hardly ever skipped a beat or went off track.

It kept to the point and made an impression. One that will last quite a while for me.

Honestly, you just have to read it. The anime will be airing soon (July, 2016 if I'm correct) so now it is a good time to pop over to Crunchy and get a subscription and binge read the entire story. It's worth it.

Took me only a few days to finish it up and wow. My feel-dar is all over the place with this one. Damn near started crying at work because of this story.

Ehem.. anyway.. I highly recommend this.

10/10 will watch anime with the wife.

I cried for 80% of this manga and I still tear up when I think about it. The story is beautiful. Amazing life lessons and how to deal with regret and lose. It's not just a story about a depressed kid dealing with isolation, regret and lose nor is it a love struck teenage girl wishing she could tell her first love how she feels, but gets across a message for both parties dealing with issues: the ones who feel alone, you are not; there is always someone waiting to help/ wanting to help you. The ones thinking that there is always tomorrow: sometimes there isn't. you may never have a chance to fix a situation or change an outcome. You never know what someone is going through and what one small action or even smile can do for someone lost in darkness. As someone who has dealt with depression, abandonment issues and suicidal thoughts my whole life, this manga spoke so deeply to not only the lost, lonely high school student trying to find my place in this world, but also the adult who looks back and wonders "what if.." and battles with my regrets every single day. 10/10. Everyone should take the time and read this manga. You will definitely not regret it and look at the world in a whole new light.

How much regret do you have in life? Apparently this manga has a lot of it, that it forces it down your throat every 5 pages or so.

So... Orange. A title that doesn't really make sense after you've read it. They drink orange juice once and that's the only thing that comes close in making some sort of relation, but I digress. This manga is all about feels and regret, and I tell you, after finishing this you will feel regret having read this piece of garba... I mean not having read this beautiful and heart warming story much sooner.

The story follows a group of 5 friends as they try to help save there dead friend, while preventing regrets they made in their past. Well that sounds awfully familiar. (Basically the plot of Anohana) While the plot might not have been most the original thing I've read, the premise is compelling enough to keep you interested. It starts off with a letter received by one of the main characters. Sent by her future self ten years from now, it contains events that will happen, most likely related their one friend that will be die in the future. With this they try to prevent his death by changing the events that will happen.

While the bulk of the story takes place at their high school days, more often within the story it will transition to there mid twenties, where the letters apparently came from. This offers up a nice parallel between the two as they become more intertwined with revelations as the story progresses. If only the same can be said with the narrative.

If I were to describe the narrative in one word it would be shi... I mean "melodrama". Don't get me wrong, while I'm not a big fan of it, I certainly don't hate it or against it. As long as I enjoy what I'm reading, I'm fine with it. This may have all the common shoujo tropes it could think of, which probably it does, but I still find it enjoyment in it, however when it just tries so hard to shove it in your face to the point that the characters are being irrational, annoying and cringe-worthy just to get its point across, yeah you've gone to far.

I have to say that the characters are the weakest part of this manga. Its a shame though if they had been better it would have been a very good story. Its not to say that the plot is any better it still has flaws but the characters just hits that nail to the coffin. I can't say that they are bad per se, most of them are likable to some extent, albeit a bit 2 dimensional. I just find them poorly written. Through out the course of the entire story, they try to evoke that feeling of regret and anxiety that feels so forced that it just prolongs itself. By the end you think to yourself that they could have easily resolved it much earlier. Its like watching Anohana extended to a 400 episode series.

I don't really have much to say about the art. Well it looks pretty to say the least, its not Murata, Kozue Amano, etc but its what you could expect from a standard shoujo manga. I can't say that the designs for the characters are very original. Some look very familiar from other characters I've seen (see: My little monsters, ore monogatari etc.) Well I do appreciate that it use tones to differentiate between dialogues, its much easier to read in between conversations. Hey at least I give them that. Overall I'm pretty much indifferent about this.

While it may not have an original plot, its premise is interesting enough to entice you to keep reading. The melodrama drama can become overbearing to the point that it deters the story and unnecessary prolong it. Its basically like Mara Okada, Jun Maeda, Stephanie Meyer and John Green all got together and made a novel then extend it in a 5 volume manga. This manga doesn't really know the word subtle. If you hate melodrama stay the fuck away, if not sure why not, give it a go. You might actually like it.

Español // English


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Orange es un manga que te enganchará desde las primeras páginas, para los que quieren algo breve, si, es una lectura que recomiendo y que te hará pensar en tu propia vida.

Un poco más en propundidad, es verdad que, una vez dentro de la historia, es algo previsible, pero aún sabiendo que es lo que pasará es lo que te hace seguir la lectura. Tiene un algo que te hace pensar que ocurrirá lo contrario, aún como he dicho, siendo previsible. Sin embargo es una de las historias más bonitas que he leido en mi vida.

De nuevo los personajes aunque tienen sus propios pensamientos, sus propias opiniones y sus propias historias, siguen siendo algo sencillos y se quedan en algo a medio hacer.

Por otro lado, el arte dentro de esta obra destaca como nada, el tipo de dibujo es precioso, sin mas.

Resumiendo, una lectura que seguro, no te dejará igual.

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Orange is a manga that will hooked since first pages, for people what want something short, of course, it is a reading that I recommend and it is gonna change your life.

Some little more in deeping, is true that, when you are inside the story, it is a bit forseable, but even you knowing what is going to happen this is the key that makes you continue reading. Have something what make you think that the opposite will happen. However it is the best history of love what I read.

Once again characters although have their own thoughts, their owns opinions and their own stories, continues been something simples and let the story unfinished.

On the other hand, the drawing inside this work of art is amazing.In short, it is a reading that I am sure that wont let you in the same way, it is gonna make you to reflect.

Perhaps I'm going to be a bit biased in my review, but this is my first review, so here I go.

First off, I started watching the anime, and when Episode 5 aired, I couldn't deal with the wait anymore and decided to binge the manga. That was the best thing I could have ever done in my life, and without a doubt, Orange has become one of my most favorite shoujo of all time.

Story: 10

I don't think it's much of a spoiler, as I figured this out by the very summary we had of the manga/anime--that a letter has been sent to the main female of the story, Naho, from 10 years in the future. That letter has things that she, Naho, in the future wants to fix so she'll no longer regret them, the biggest one being about the transfer student, Kakeru, who is no longer with them those 10 years in the future.

It's just about a given that it was by cause of suicide. You don't need to be told that that's the reason Kakeru is not in the future with them.

I'll say first-off, that it might be very easy to get frustrated by the character or the actions as the story goes on, but I think that if one feels that frustration from the characters and feels like it's a shortcoming of the mangaka, that you're entirely wrong.

This story goes so well into the psychological chaos that goes on in the mind of somebody who is depressed. So it's not a shortcoming of the mangaka, as a matter of fact, it's a masterful representation of somebody who is truly depressed.

The rest of the story might seem a bit of a glorified version of what friendships should be, but it's a beautiful message of what it SHOULD be.

Put yourself in the shoes of these characters. This is the story about somebody who is trying to save her friend from cutting his life short. If you knew you could go back and change the past, go back and change one word you said, one action, in order to save the life of a dear friend of yours, would you do it? How much would you sacrifice in order to do that, even if you knew that in your own future you would miss out on something?

To save the life of somebody incredibly important to you, what would you do and how far would you go? I think that's the most important thing to take into consideration when reading this manga.

It's a lot of what I said already, but this story does an incredibly good job at portraying the psyche of somebody who's depressed, and those around them who try to help them. Orange is a light romance, but it's more than just a romance. It delves into the different kind of loves, specifically the Greek Philia. The love between friends. Perhaps that's why it stuck out to me so much, because it doesn't just focus on the romance between X and Y, like most shoujos do, and focuses a lot on the importance of friendship.

It's a bit cheesy, sure, but it's incredibly beautiful and even more touching than you'd imagine.

Art: 10

The art is rather sketchy, but it does a lot to help out with the mood. Sketchy art is proven to be softer on the eyes than cleaned lineart, and so, not only does the story succeed greatly in setting this soft, gentle mood, but so does the artwork. The emotion portrayed in the faces of the characters, even their eyes--Takano does a masterful job at making this story truly enjoyable to read.

Character: 10

I've never seen such realistic characters before in my life. Sure, some may be a little glorified, and some may say that people like that don't really exist in real life, but I disagree wholeheartedly. Even though the majority of people aren't like this in real life, there will always be one or two people in the thousands, millions, that are. This story does a fantastic job in delving into the psyche of each character, and an even more amazing way of portraying it through their expression, to see how they really feel. It's through this subtlety that we can see how and who each character is.

Enjoyment: 10

Okay, I'm not really enjoying the fact that my face hurts from crying so hard and keeping myself from sobbing incredibly loud, but I just flew through this story like there was no tomorrow. And as a note--I'm definitely going to buy the manga. Definitely. This is worth a re-read or twenty.

Overall: 10

And I'll say yes, I am biased, because this hits close to home. I know what it's like to be depressed, the feeling of not wanting to hurt others, the feeling of wanting to protect others. But overall, Orange is one of the most beautiful stories I've ever read. I'll also have you know that just about after every chapter after the point that the Anime was at (at the time of writing this review, episode 5), I couldn't stop crying. I even full-out broke out in an awful sob.

Orange is a manga I will never forget, and I hope the anime does a good job portraying how beautiful this story is. It really deserves it.

Orange, written and illustrated by Ichigo Takano, is a slice-of-life, romance manga serial about a young girl named Naho. On the first day of her second year in high school, 16-year-old Naho receives a letter from herself ten years into the future. Initially believing it to be a prank by her friends, she ignored the contents. But as predicted events started coming true, Naho has a change of heart about the letter. The whole point of this little correspondence is to ensure that Naho alters choices that she made as a teenager in order to save the life of her friend, and new transfer student, Kakeru.

Orange is the best manga series that I have read in years. Everything about it was extraordinary. I went into the manga with some hesitations as it had been hyped up, especially with the release of the anime a few seasons ago. Yet, I have to admit that the hype for Orange is well-deserved.

The writing is beautiful. The pace of plot progression is perfectly interwoven with tension and suspense as we watch Naho struggle with the decisions laid out before her. The anticipation builds delicately while we watch the effects of the changes initiated taking place. The anxiety and eagerness that is evoked felt marvellous because it had me completely invested in the story, all the way unto its intense and satisfying climax. This works splendidly in other regards to the story as well.

Naho is a sixteen year old girl with a small group of fantastic friends. The essence of their youthful joy and the conflicts they face in regards to first romances is superb. Usually in shōjo manga where there is a tight-knit clique, there also happens to be a couple of loose threads that causes conflicts within their relationships in a negative means. While these six friends do experience some difficult and trying situations, especially where love is concerned, it’s dealt with in a very natural and believable way. People actually talk to one another to sort out their issues and try to resolve matters via communication. This is seldom ever exhibited in manga (particularly shōjo) that when I read it for the first time in Orange, I was awed.

For example, there is a scene where Naho is being bullied by another girl. This girl has some insecurities and inadequacy issues that she isn’t capable of facing, so she exerts her frustrations on Naho. When Naho’s other female comrades see what’s happening, they step in to defend and protect their friend. Yet they take it one step further and openly tell the bully that she’s being a bitch and needs to re-evaluate her attitude. I have never seen this done in a shōjo manga. It felt so wonderful to watch these girls be genuine in their friendship with the main character. There was no jealousy or other immature reasons that kept them at bay. They saw a problem and stepped up to fix it. Such positive depiction of female friendships added so many good vibes. I cheered after I read that chapter.

While all of these aspects are written remarkably, my most-favourite part of Orange consists of the very serious subject matter that it deals with: suicide and soul-shattering grief.

I hate narratives that fetishise suicide or sadness, romanticising it to build a non-platonic bond between two individuals. Suicide and Depression aren’t sexy. They are serious things that need to be dealt with in the most healthy ways available to the individuals who deal with them. Orange realistically depicts the severe emotional trauma and anguish that stems from a profoundly deep-rooted loss, specifically in regards to suicide victims. The story will evoke emotions within you that you won’t even realise you’ve ever felt or hidden away. As a person who has a sensationally intimate relationship with suicide and Depression, I was utterly blown away.

Orange faces the issues that cause the relevant character to feel a need to turn to suicide, head on. It doesn’t sugar coat his pain and suffering. It doesn’t have his friends telling him to “get over it” or that “everything will be fine if he relaxes,” or other bullshit of the sort. Those are the last things you ever want to say to someone who is contemplating suicide or is in an extreme depressive state of mind. Instead, Orange shows the reader each layer of this character’s grief and ache to help us fully comprehend his point of view. This is also shown via the friends who are trying to help save him.

For the first time, I was able to read a story about suicide and not get angry. Instead, I sat down and I cried. I cried as each of these six individuals cried within the monochromatic pages of these graphic novels. My feelings were so raw with empathy and consideration because for the first time I was able to comprehend what it must have been like for people who were trying to save me during my darkest moments. It was extraordinarily overwhelming.

Lastly, I would like to take a moment and mention the artwork. Orange is told in conjunction with breathtaking and elegant illustrations. There are a lot of soft lines and intricate details that help portray the feelings of all of the characters. Everything is drawn so meticulously that you can easily decipher these responses via the physical expressions on each person’s face. The panels are positioned perfectly to highlight distinct scenes and situations, while providing a visual contrast between two people’s contemplations. Full-page drawings never feel overbearing or confusing either. The artwork helps to bring the whole piece together excellently.

Overall, I recommend Orange to every single person who enjoys reading. This is a manga series that is exceptionally heartfelt and magnificently crafted. It has a rather special place on my favourites shelf, where it will remain for a very, very long time to come.

8.5 hair pins outta 10!

TRIGGER WARNING: Strong subject matter pertaining to suicide & suicidal thoughts/situations.

One of my favorite mangas and the first one I’ve read fully, but that doesn’t mean it’s without flaw. It focuses on the story of Naho and her friends trying to save Kakeru from the depression caused by the regret and blame of losing his mother.

Art (8)

The art for the most part is very well done and is enjoyable to look at, there was obviously a great deal of effort out into making it look unique and I also love the little extra designs given to speech bubbles occasionally that really make this stand out. The only problem I have with the art is that every once in a while it falls into uncanny valley with character faces, but it’s only occasionally.

Character (6)

The part I feel like probably really could have done better. Aside from Kakeru’s and Naho’s changing attitudes, most of the characters don’t feel very dynamic. They all seem to live for Kakeru and it never goes in depth for Suwa, Asuza, Hagita, and Takiko, rather it seems to only give development to Kakeru and Naho. The character traits don’t change much throughout the book


Story (9)

As someone who has had to deal with many regrets and depressions before and have friends who’ve had to deal with it also, this does a surprisingly good job at showing the thought processes of people with those mental struggles. It really makes you connect with Kakeru in a way and some people may even find it relatable. The romantic aspect of this novel is also fairly well fleshed out as well.


Enjoyment (9)

I did have a good time reading this book. I found that the developments that took place were exciting to witness and I was always curious what would end up happening SPOILER: whether Kakeru was destined to commit suicide or if they were able to save him, and also what affect it had on the future. As well as the relationships and whether Naho would end up with Suwa or Kakeru in the future. It does a good job of keeping you guessing.

Overall (9)

Really good shoujo manga and is a good introduction to the sub genre overall

my fist impression after completing the manga was that it was quite amazing; it was something fresh and it had a storyline that'd grip you from the very start.
afterwards i started another manga and at the same time watched the anime adaptation of it
this made me realise that the story had some inconsistencies on it -but that doesn't mean i'm going to change my score since i base it solely on its story.
its overall story was pretty good
the art was great since it had more realism to it unlike other manga; in some cases they did keep the long wavy shoujo male hair i.e. the male protagonist, naruse kakeru. but with the supporting males they sported a normal hairstyle that wasn't too out there (naruto hairstyles).
though they didn't give any back stories on the characters, there wasn't a need to since the character design allowed to correctly assume their personalities, an interpretation of this could say that the design was generic as a result.
it did allow me to enjoy the story because it was mainly in scenarios that were relatable and allowed the reader to feel empathy, but not so much empathy as it is sympathy because they ain't real. so the empthy you'll feel is in the characters realism and the exploration of topics such as life, death and suicide; the feeling of regret when losing loved ones nad the sdness of not being able to help them. one of its main points is to not let regret build up and the fact that you should confide i others when yourself is simply not enough.
as a review for others i'd say that this manga would be an overall 8 since it may not be to your tastes but I am definite that any reader will be aroused by the emotions in this manga anyway so you would go out of your way to read it
If anyone was interested in "Orange," i hope this review helped.

P.S.
I actually wanted to write some spoilers, but MAL guidelines says 'try your best not to' which is, in my opinion 'don't'
just keep a look out for inconsistencies...
At which, you'd react with "but you've already said that you would"

My manga preferences tend to gravitate towards action and psychological thrillers; if I do pick up a romantic manga it is (if I'm being completely honest) a yaoi or shounen-ai.
This story, although nothing like what I typically enjoy, peaked my interest immediately with lovely art and well-developed characters. The author really made me fall in love with every one of the six main characters, as their quirks and personalities added to the charm of the overall manga.
The storyline is pure and eye-opening, creating a world that thrives off of friendship and support.
Sensitive topics surrounding mental illness and lack of self worth are prominent, which can be triggering, but also a recommended read as the author approaches the topic with a well-rounded view.
These volumes wholeheartedly score as one of my favorite mangas, although it contrasts with my usual choices. The re-read value should also be noted, as I've found myself delving repeatedly into this series on far more than one occasion.

Orange might seem to be your typical school/romance manga, but it is honestly far more than that.

I had heard a lot about this manga online with people saying how beautiful it is, but equally how heartbreaking it is. So with that (due to my odd love for both manga and anime which are heartbreaking) I gave it a go and read it.

I don't think I will ever regret that decision (despite how much it broke my heart). Orange very quickly after the first few chapters became one of the best manga I have ever read.
It is short chapter-wise in some sense, but within those chapters you find out so much about what is going on and it makes you basically fall in love with each character. (well nearly all of them)

Without any spoilers, for some people, myself included, it deals with problems which can hit very close to home, and helps you understand and almost see yourself as the characters regardless of what your situation is due to these problems the characters are facing.

Orange is one of those of manga which I would reread in a heartbeat, though I may have to leave it a while to recover as there wasn't actually a single chapter were I didn't cry. So that was a lot of crying.

Orange is a poignant reminder of the passing of time, the manga itself enlightens oneself about the element of regret, and asks ourselves, if we have the opportunity to change the past, should we? The manga brands itself as a shoujo, however taking a unique perspective with the slice-of-life side.

Story:
The story itself is an element which was endearing to read, high school isn't easy for majority of us and the story line amplified the tumultuous years of high school through the main male protagonist. The story centered more so around the male protagonist and his interaction with his friends, rather than the fluffy relationship between both love interests. I enjoyed the execution of the slice-of-life element, and the easing into the tragedy part of the story.

Art:
The art itself was plausible, nothing out of the ordinary from a shoujo manga. However, I do appreciate the layering of multiple scenes happening at once, it was a smooth transition so it wasn't as confusing.

Character:
The characters, especially the main female protagonist is a cliche stereotype in many shoujo mangas. We are presented with a kind, yet slightly naive girl, and her group of friends. However, the main male protagonist shifts the dynamic of the story and especially the characterisation. We don't normally see the characters focus on anything other than a romance story-line, however in this manga we see each characters focusing desperately to save their friend. At this point is when I realise the manga slowly transitioned from a fluffy romance to a very deep story line on friendships and regret, and melancholic ramifications.

Enjoyment:
I thoroughly enjoyed this manga, especially since it was very refreshing to see a shoujo's manga focus shift from romance to friendship. If anyone is in need to read a manga focusing primarily on friendship, this is a fantastic candidate. The manga made me laugh, cry and smile through each chapter and it was a blessing to read such a sweet story.

Overall:
Overall, this manga is deserved of its praise. I don't recall a manga that has ever made me reflect about the notion of regret, or made me think about the repercussions it may lead in the future. As cliche it may sounds, this manga has changed my view on life and others.

I wish I knew which words to write to get you to read this. How about “I rarely give anything a 10, but I truly believe a 10 is justified”. Briefly, during the spring of when Naho was sixteen she received a rather detailed letter written by herself from 10 years in the future. The contents of that letter? There is something she absolutely must do. At first it seems like a basic enough love story that involves time travel but this is not the case. The story goes beyond that, and you really get to read about the greatest and most heartfelt bonds ever. Everything was explained slowly, even the possibility of time travel itself. All six friends were drawn differently and given the importance that they deserved so that you felt a genuine connection to the characters, no matter what flaws you may see in the story. This is one of the best stories though as you're given complete explanations and closure. The finesse comes from how perfectly timed the moments of revelation and change were; you never felt overwhelmed or underwhelmed. It’s really such a beautiful story full of wonderful characters that’s worth all your ugly, happy tears! Yes, you will probably cry.

I finished this in a couple of hours, each chapter was a race to find out what the outcome will be. The desperation to know whether Kakeru will be okay and how this manga will come to an end. I am a sucker for happy endings and Orange gave me the most satisfying results.

Life is bittersweet somewhat like an orange. Think of the orange as your life and yourself as the centre; peeling away the hard skin can be seen as carving away your problems. Sometimes taking the skin off is a daunting and challenging task without getting your fingers messy and sometimes its undeniably easy. Now you are left with sections, each with a different taste. You take a bite of your orange slice expecting a sweet and tangy flavour yet you are left with a bitter unpleasant aftertaste wrapped around your tongue.

There are different ways to see this anime depending on which character's point of view you want to see the manga from. Naho's perspective is best suited since you never know what to expect. It makes you want to learn more about Kakeru and his problems in order to empathise with him.

This manga is relatable to me since I myself have been in Kakeru's position; it enforces the fact that you are not alone. Re-evaluate your thoughts and do not become a victim of depression. If you are having a hard time, give this anime/manga a go. It will remind you that you are just like Kakeru with people to love and cherish.

This manga was absolutely amazing. I've always been hesitant to read this and I'm ultimately grateful to myself that I gave it a shot. I don't think I've ever cried this much while reading a manga. I literally broke out into sobs and had to muffle myself because I was reading this at like 1 AM.

The story is very interesting and the art was outstanding. The way the mangaka played everything out fit together like a puzzle piece. I enjoyed the fact that it jumped from present to future in a methodical way. I honestly would recommend this to everyone. This is something everyone should experience and I promise you won't regret it.

The characters are also 10/10. Each one plays their role and is key throughout the manga. There's also light comedy in this which makes it very enjoyable. The romance, sadness, and laughter all fuse together so perfectly in an enjoyable way. I never thought once while reading that the story was dragging or that the characters were getting annoying. The length of the work is perfect and I wouldn't ask the mangaka to change anything. Some stories I've read drag like crazy and the ending ends up leaving a bad taste in my mouth but this one was perfect.

I heard an anime adaption is coming out the summer of 2016 so I suggest you give this a read before the anime series comes out! You all know how it is, the written work 9x out of 10 is always better.

WARNING SPOILERS AHEAD:

The only thing that bugged me a little was the fact that it was never clearly explained as to how the letters got sent back to the past. It was annoying but I guess they went to the bermuta triangle? Idk it's fine though because the overall story was amazing.

I will try not to include any more than necessary, but this post will contain spoilers.

Suicide discussed.

Story: The synopsis is a very good description of what the story is about, but to me it was much more interesting than that. This story is fun and light-hearted at times and deep and dark at other times. As someone who is depressed and has attempted suicide multiple times it really hit home. What would have happened if I had been successful? What would the future of those around me have been like? Would they have regrets, too? Would they hate me? It is definitely a series to put things into perspective. I related immensely to Kakeru, but also Naho and Suwa. This story can weigh heavily but it's definitely heart-warming as well. Seeing how much the characters love Kakeru is amazing, especially Suwa. Society makes it seem as though boys can't show feelings, but their friendship is beautiful. The love story is sweet as well. The letters from the past, time travel portions were VERY interesting, but I wish there was more details about it. I also wish there were more details about the ending and what happened in the future.

Art: The art in this series is visually appealing, although its nothing I haven't seen before. In pictures with scenery it is usually nicely done. The characters are easy to tell apart and are all attractive/adorable. Very clean.

Character: The six main characters in this series are all very lovable. They all have their own distinctive personalities but their tight-knit relationship is amazing. There is definitely character development throughout the series, and that is one of the main parts of the story. I found it very easy to relate to the main characters. There were some villainous characters to hate but overall the characters were all very sweet. The only issue I had was that the back stories of characters weren't included, as well as some of the characters weren't really touched on.

I just happened to stumble upon this at the library and finished it in 4 hours. It was extremely good. If you or anyone you know has struggled with depression, this is very enlightening. It made me want to keep fighting to live, even though I hate living. I cried a ton, but I also found myself smiling and chuckling, and I loved the sci-fi bits. Overall I enjoyed it immensely.

I just finished the short story included, Haruiro Astronaut. It was pretty adorable. I probably would read a full few novels about it.

When I first started reading this Manga, I figured I would read a chapter or two then go to bed. Well that didn't happen. I ended up reading the entire series in one night and by the end of the manga I cried my eyes out. I found the story beautiful. I thought the characters were very well put together and most of all real! Like guys actually being more guyish then all lovie dovie, if you understand what I am saying.
I also took a different look at the story then what it was intended I think. Because it would flash back to when they were older, I took the story as them thinking about what would happen if their letter's actually would reach themselves. How events would take place. If you understand my meaning. We all wish there was something we could change about our past and we imagine what it would be like all the time if it change. If we wrote a letter to our past selves, it wouldn't change who we are now because we can't change. They can change and create an alternate universe but it will never effect us. I guess that's the message I got from reading it and it opened my eyes. It's why I have to give it a 10!

A complex Fruit and a complex manga with a sensitive side

Oranges like all (most) citrus fruit are sweet yet sour creating a rather complex flavour from a single piece of fruit. The odd combination of sweet and sour in a menu would normally not work as the two are on top opposite end of the palette, but human brains don’t process the two together meaning humans can taste sour then sweet (usually in that order). With citrus fruit such as oranges the taste is sweet followed a sour aftertaste, on top of that citrus fruit like oranges have gentle fragrances. Citrus fruit for example oranges then have a combination of a gentle scent, a sweet taste finished with a bitter aftertaste. To be honest that last sentence isn’t far as a summary for the manga ‘Orange’ so let’s talk about ‘Orange’ the manga.

‘Orange’ (and ‘Haru-iro Astronaut’) are both by ‘Ichigo Takano’ who did both the story and the art both is a story set in Matsumoto, Nagano (‘Ichigo Takano’ home prefecture) centring about a group of friends that all receive letter from themselves in 10 years into the future warning of their future and how to change that fate. What entails is a story about mental health, hope and growing up.

While ‘Orange’ appears simple on the surface even with main plot being establish within the first 10 pages the more you dive in the more complex is becomes, as the future starts to change the more complex the feeling and emotions become (especially considering what’ at stake), but that’s natural. At that age is more about the small things that build up there far more important mixed in with romantic feelings the ranges of emotions are greatly increased. ‘Orange’ definitely is very emotionally driven story. Without wishing to spoil let’s say someone likes somebody they like them back but the someone else likes someone, this isn’t a harem but rather is dealt in a more subtle manner with most important turning points being very small things but with a large impact.

Unfortunately in the last paragraph I may not of been that clear so let me explain again but more simply. This is a slice of life drama story about saving ‘something’ for the future, what follows is a journey of complex emotions including romantic feelings, hope and despair. While the time-traveling part isn’t really explained that not really the point so really is can be excused because of that.

‘Orange’ does a great job as making the characters feel human from the way they act too their emotions, after all the main focus of the story isn’t what you can see but what you can’t see. In ‘Orange’ the main focus is on ‘Naho Takamiya’ and the story told for her perspective including her thoughts and often from her point of view which can lead to the same situation being interpreted differently. While her character is shy and timid that’s who she is at the end of the day, ‘Naho’ is ‘Naho’. Side note she has orange hair likes orange juice and I think she ate an orange at one point.

Overall the series does a great job as showing a range emotion (the main focus of this review). For example during the series as mention earlier ‘It isn’t what you can see but what you can’t see’ and we see the change in emotion from hope to despair (two polar opposites). While we as the reader can see that characters in the Manga may not that then creates a real roller coaster ride because of the polar opposites. For example Naho develops a love interest Kakeru but in one part he goes out with another girl leaving Naho with a mixture of feeling. This is also the best park of the past meaning the future as well it’s easy to say to do something it’s a lot harder to do something especially if that involves personal feelings and carries more importance to yourself. All the characters gel well with each other (considering 5 of them were friends to begin with) making it feel more like a group a friends enjoying carefree days as high school students.

One thing to remember will reading this that the manga is aimed both at male and female readers. For example, the art style is more female with an art style but some of scene have a more male feel to them. It handles the change quite well but it’s worth bearing in-mind as the change can happen quite fast. As the story told though Naho the story it can feel more female (gentler with most action happening with words and small actions) but is parts of the story a more male side is shown especially with Kakeru Naruse and Hiroto Sawa. Again is this is great (mainly as it was targeted for both male and female readers) as characters feel more real making the impact even greater.

The subject matter being dealt with (suicide) here is a very delicate subject and often subject to personal opinion, but ‘Orange’ is sensitive. Remember the paragraph about the fruit orange instead other the manga ‘Orange’, I started to write that as a gag but while writing it a though about it and the two in an odd way are similar. Citrus fruits like oranges have complex flavours and a delicate balance. ‘Orange’ (the manga) is the same it’s a complex story full of character, emotion (highs and lows) and it’s delicate. It certainly highlights the subject and provides a good talking point on a subject that is quite sensitive and important. On top of that the series deals with the subject of complex emotions and friendship in a mature manor.

The story is surprising short at 22 chapters (listed at 31 but that also includes ‘Haru-iro Astronaut’) so it can feel a little fast paced in areas that that doesn’t mean anything is left out. Perhaps a few things could be explained on (‘Orange Future’ is an anime original that re-tale the story from a different perspective did this). At time of writing a 7th volume had been announced but this review is only for the manga and volumes 1-7 (chapters 1-22). If you need a rest from the heavy story from ‘Orange’ try reading ‘Haru-iro Astronaut’ also by Ichigo Takano, she wanted to write a story that uses all tropes in romantic stories in one single short one-shot manga. It’s makes for a nice change of pace from ‘Orange’s’ complex story.

If you like the manga definitely try the anime as it follows the same story as the manga. If you like that or want to see more but don’t want to watch the anime try ‘Orange Future’, it’s the same story as ‘Orange’ but from Hiroto Sawa’s perspective. A live action Japanese film as made in 2015 also called ‘Orange’ that also follows the same story in the manga.

In Summary ‘Orange’ while it appears simple is much more complex than you think with the story being told though one perspective (Naho’s) it shapes to be a great piece of work talking about a very sensitive matter without forming its own opinion. People are going to find a little different depending on their own experience and opinions but it’s still a masterful manga that is surprising short. ‘Orange’ is gentle, bitter and sweet.

Do you ever wish you could go back in time and change an event or something you did? Even if it were something as simple as not eating that mexican food for dinner, or something much more than that? Whether your answer is yes or no, Orange is an amazing manga that portrays the emotion (Regret) greatly.

Orange is a story that seems simple at first glance but when you get into it, it's much more than a simple story. To put this without any spoilers, Orange is a very strong and emotional story about what it's like to lose someone.

STORY (9/10)
To keep this spoiler free, the story is focused around a girl named Naho Takamiya. She receives a letter from who claims to be her 10 years in the future. These letters are mainly about a boy, Kakeru Naruse, and how she can save him. The story goes through Naho and her friends' 'adventure' in saving Kakeru from something they'd all regret the rest of their life. It was a plot that made me cry many times out of sadness, happiness, and much more. Then again, I am a crybaby.

ART (9/10)
The art was very pretty. Every once in a while I would find myself stopping and just admiring the art. I'm not very picky when it comes to this, but I did find it very nice (especially since it was a Shoujo, it's different from the usual style by far) and each of the characters are adorable in their own way.

CHARACTER (9/10)
While not too much is known about each character, this manga shows the person they are and how they cope with their emotions without having to make it clear. Each individual character has their own personality, along with their emotions and how they take things. Nearly every character in this manga was mature, too, which was very helpful to the story in the long one. I'll definitely remember Kakeru overall, though.

ENJOYMENT (10/10)
While I am a crybaby, not many stories can make me cry or become upset for no specific reason. Not many stories can pull me in emotionally, either. This manga pulled me in and I felt as it I was really experiencing all of this with each and every one of the characters. I felt the heartache (for the most part), the joy, and everything else the other characters felt. In the end, I cried more than I did throughout reading it just because it was over. I'm sad that I finished reading it, but it's definitely something I won't forget.

OVERALL (10/10)
{{Sorry for any spelling/silly mistakes}}