Natsume’s Book of Friends Vol. 9

Writer	Yuki Midorikawa
Illustrator	Yuki Midorikawa
Published in English	2011
Publisher	Viz Media
Demographic	Shōjo
Age rating	Teen

Intricate Quests and Mysteries

Collecting Chapters 32–36 and a special episode of the series in tankōbon format, Natsume’s Book of Friends Vol. 9 was first published in 2010 and the English translation followed in 2011. The shōjo manga is written and illustrated by Yuki Midorikawa. The comic book combines elements of supernatural fantasy and mystery.

Sacving a tiny fluffy creature and releasing it later appears to be a case closed until a demand by an irritated giant turns the situation on its head. In the following tale, a group of yokai comes after the perotagonist to get the Book of Friends. While protecting his possession, Takashi learns something dark about their home forest.

The comic book presents diverse and colourful characters, even a certain villain has a very memorable personality: his calm demeanour and an ever present smile contrast to his cruelty. There are no remarkable surprises story-wise. Kindness is a familiar theme, emphasised through Takashi. The protagonist cannot bear to see anyone being harmed and prevents people close to him from feeling concerned. Takashi has made friends with yokai who are eager to come to his aid. One of the highlights of this volume is the great ending of Chapter 33.

The author has crafted intricate plots for the comic book. In order to be saved from the rage of the giant, Takashi has to look for an item for her but the search does not go smoothly. The strength of seemingly harmless creatures poses an unexpected challenge. In the second tale, there occurs a high risk that the Book of Friends could fall into the wrong hands. It gets tense for the protagonist who is followed even to the school. Moreover, the plot leads to a twist and complex dynamics are shaping the conflict, the events, and the decisions of the characters.

Every now and then the author finds moments to show her great sense of humour, mostly through funny dialogue. The artist creativily conveys the size of large creatures, either by showing them only partly or by adjusting the panels to fit them in. Some pictures have stunning compositions, for instance the yokai ‘parade’ in Chapter 36.

Natsume’s Book of Friends Vol. 9 presents gripping tales that focus on mysterious plots. It also has an array of colourful characters and beautiful artwork. This volume is worth picking up for the excitment of supernatural fantasy.

Characters

Themes

Plot

Artwork

Content advisory

Erotic content: NONE

Violence: SLIGHT

Takashi is pressed in giant’s strong grip.

Occasional handfights.

A yokai is made feel pain by a spell.

Profanity: SLIGHT

Word ‘bastard’ used once.

Scary content: SLIGHT

Masked yokai gather and surround Takashi in a way that these scenes feel ominous.

Takashi is under threat of a skilled villain after being captured.

Occult content: SLIGHT

An exorcist uses spells and other magic.