Customer Reviews

Ai Yori Aoshi, Vol. 17

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

Mild spoilers herein:

After years of being manipulated by outside forces, Kaoru and Aoi finally make their stand against those who would keep them apart. It was really great to see the courage they showed in forging their own way, including the removal of other-Kaoru as a threat. They also finally get to drop the facade and declare their love to everyone.

This issue carries a higher rating than the others (M as opposed to OT), and an advisory label on the cover, due to adult content in the middle. It's actually a very sweet conclusion to the romantic arc that's passed through the series.

The last chapter is an epilogue, through which Tina (Whom I really came to respect throughout the storyline) takes us on a tour of the cast's short-term futures. This was enjoyable, but I found the part with the nameplate to be particularly fulfilling (you'll know what I mean). I could have wished for a some Kaoru/Tina interplay at that point, but the ending as written was quite beautiful.

Overall, a great ending to a great series. It's the first one for which I was willing to buy (rather than rent). I'll miss it. If you're a romantic type, you'll like this.

I don't know why it took me so long to read the manga after watching the anime a few years ago, but I'm glad I finally did! It's been a great read throughout the series, even with the side stories and fan service.

This last chapter ties up all the remaining knots in the story. One word of warning though, I wouldn't read this in public; it gets pretty saucy about midway through!

After all the triaks, tribulations and fan service, Ai Yori Aoshi has come to a close. I won't fill this review with spoilers, I will just say that I am sorry to have the series end, all the characters feel like family. Whatever Kou Fumizuki does next, I know I will read every page.

After following the story for several years, this is a good way to finish the series. It felt a little rushed towards the very end, but after such a bumpy ride there isn't a better way to end a great story. My only hope is there is another book that follows the characters after the end to see how they continue their lives. Big downer is the cover is just for show...

Ai Yori Aoshi is a great series, right up to volume nine. In volume ten and beyond the author seems to lose interest in the story and just grinds them out. Not even the Kanji and Hirigana in the chapter titles remain. In volume 17, it seems like either a substitute artist did the artwork or Fumizuki san rushed the job because the characters aren't even recognizable except from the word bubbles.