© 1991 Yumi TAMURA/SHOGAKUKAN
It’s a rare (and wonderful) thing when the final volume – of the series’ main story, at least – lives up to the tremendous expectations I had for it.
Basara, Vol. 25 has all the drama, action, tears, wry humor, and heart that made previous installments such an enjoyable read and still manages to pack in surprising revelations.
Would I recommend Basara to everyone? No. I’d recommend it to readers who don’t require the author to connect the dots for them and who appreciate endings with a sense of realism — not trite or neatly tied up with a happy-happy-joy bow.
Like the translation of its title, this is one shoujo manga that defies convention. Now, bring on the two volumes of side stories!