Natsume’s Book of Friends Vol. 10

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

Twists and Challenges of the Supernatural World

Published in 2010 and translated into English in 2011, Natsume’s Book of Friends Vol. 10 brings Chapters 37–41 together in one tankōbon. Yuki Midorikawa was both the author and the artist. The manga falls into supernatural fantasy, mystery, and slice-of-life genres.

Knowing about his ability, Takashi’s elementary school classmate craves his assistance as the boy has a seemingly far-fetched suspicion. Natori is called to prevent a disaster when the harvest god has not appeared for a festival at Misumi Mountain. Meanwhile, yokai have already involved Takashi.

The first story explores loss as on of its themes and strong feelings characterise the interactions. Misunderstanding arises between Takashi and Shibata due to certain situations. The protagonist has a hard time telling Shibata the truth because the latter has fallen in love. Takashi wants to help yokai in any way he could whereas Natori is concerned about his safety. The protagonist makes a good point that they could complement each other considering their differences. Soft-hearted as he is, Takashi does not like the idea of the god of pestilence being exorcised and Natori himself seems not very keen to do it, though it is unclear why…

The comics quickly become tense as Shibata threatens to reveal Takashi’s secret about his ability. Moreover, Shibata is pushy but remains secretive about his intentions. The characters face supernatural danger. In particular, the god of pestilence is a powerful opponent. The level of action in this volume stands above the average of the series. Takashi and his companions are involved in the festival competition while simultaneously searching hectically for the sealed harvest god. The protagonist participates in a tricky plan that puts him at risk if someone learnt he is actually a human.

The stories are visualised with luminous illustrations throughout the book. The highlights of the artwork are the ceremonial outfits, natural environment, and the way some emotional scenes are depicted. Moreover, the artist has been imaginative when drawing the supernatural world, for instance, the creatures. A few scenes having dark sky in the background stand out with their interesting and distinct look.

Natsume’s Book of Friends Vol. 10 is emotionally impactful, visually luminous, and the challenges that the heroes face make it a compelling read. The interactions are superbly realised. The readers will find this volume highly satisfying as it excels in various aspects.

Characters

Themes

Plot

Artwork

Content Advisory

Erotic content: NONE

A girl is above a lying boy in a pose that looks suggestive but the scene is actually not sexual.

Takashi is in bath but only the upper part of his chest is visible.

Violence: SLIGHT

Yokai is eating a boy in a dream (not graphic).

Characters are hit by a large creature.

Characters are knocked out.

Some handfighting.

Profanity: NONE

Scary content: SLIGHT

There is a face in a piece of wood.

The god of pestilence and his servants are creepy.

Some yokai have fully black eyes.

Alcohol, drugs, and smoking: NONE

Nyanko-Sensei says: ‘There is a spring of sake here.’

Occult content: MODERATE

A supernatural being has been sealed.

A spell circle and a spell are used.

Natori uses magic.