The Tale of Hanako-kun: No. 7 of the School's Seven Mysteries






(contains minor spoilers!)

Book review for Toilet-bound Hanako-Kun
By Ceyda Urcan

    In this book review, I am talking about Toilet-bound Hanako-Kun by Aidalro. Despite its interesting title Toilet-bound Hanako-Kun is an entertaining manga with a gorgeous art style to match. In Kamome Academy, rumors circulate about the school's seven mysteries. The story follows high schoolers Yashiro and Minamoto, as well as your friendliest ghost around the hall, the seventh of the seven mysteries, Hanako-Kun. As a trio, these three destroy evil supernatural and change rumors to maintain the balance between the spirit world and the human world. 

    I really love how the character's relationships grow throughout the book. The first example is Yashiro and Hanako-Kun. In the beginning, their relationship was purely transactional. This is shown on page 7 when Yashiro visits Hanako-Kun because of the rumor that he can grant wishes. Yashiro wishes for her crush to like her back. Even though their interactions weren't completely unfriendly, there is still some distance between them. After all, Yashiro is only there in the hopes that her wish can come true, nothing more. As the manga continues, their friendship grows until finally on page 86, Yashiro says, "Hanako-Kun, that's what I'll call you. That way....it's more like we're friends, right?" This line was the first step in deepening their relationship. It marked the point where Yashiro started gaining a deeper understanding of Hanako-Kun. 

    The second example of evolving character relationships is Minamoto and Hanako-Kun. Unlike Yashiro and Hanako-Kun. Minamoto's relationship with Hanako-Kun started downright violent. Hanako-Kun is a spirit and Minamoto, being an exorcist naturally wanted to exorcise him. This is shown when they first meet on page 96, when Minamoto literally states, "I'm here to exorcise you!" As they grow closer, Minamoto finds himself questioning his morals and wondering if all supernaturals are bad after all. This is shown on page 168 of the second volume when Minamoto places himself in harm's way, even going as far as making himself bleed for the sake of protecting Hanako-Kun from his brother, who is also an exorcist. In this point of the second volume, Minamoto states that he will get stronger, and when he does, he will decide whether or not to exorcise Hanako-Kun. 

    Toilet Bound Hanako-Kun is an amazing manga. It has breathtaking art, a well-thought-out story, and genuine character development. I myself have only reached the end of volume 2 and am ecstatic to continue reading Toilet Bound Hanako-Kun. So far, it hasn't failed to make me smile with its colorful cast of characters. Every character including the villains has interesting backstories. Even some minor characters that I did not expect to see much of ended up having a different side to them. Even though I have only read up to volume 2, I am ecstatic to see what adventures the trio goes on. Altogether, I would absolutely recommend Toilet Bound Hanako-Kun for anyone looking for a good comedy manga with the occasional sprinkle of action. 

Comments

  1. AlinaDecember 7, 2021 at 1:32 PM

    This book sounds very interesting! I love how you talk about character relationships and what you enjoyed about that book! I hope to read this book sometime in the feature!

    ReplyDelete

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