h_rhiannona's reviews
77 reviews

I was drawn in by the art on the cover. I will admit I went into reading without paying much attention and thought it would be a manga. However, I was pleasantly suprised even when I realized it was not. Not only is the art eye-catching but the story was beautiful. Li Zheng is relatable and I am sure many people can identify with insecurity taking over.

ANGEL EYES Illustration Book BANANA FISH by Akimi Yoshida

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5.0

Banana Fish, Vol. 19 by Akimi Yoshida

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dark emotional sad tense fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

Banana Fish has art that is simple but captivating and the story is magnetic and eye-catching. However, it is my opinion that the emotional pull its story has on the reader is much more important than that.

Banana Fish is one of those stories that you continue to think about for years after reading it. It is not just a tale of conspiracy and violence but also a tale of survival. It is a tragedy of repeated cycles of abuse and how even though someone might fight to survive it won't always result in a happy ending. Banana Fish shows that while some people believe you can wash blood and grime off with soap, others believe the blood soaks into the cracks of your hands, never fully going away.

This last volume, in particular, leaves a bullet-sized wound in your heart that is sewn shut by the end but never fully healed. Grief never really goes away the pain only becomes manageable. Everyone who I have known to make it this far has cried and for good reason. I would highly recommend this volume and the entire series to anyone who feels they can handle the serious content.

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