VS Versus Vol 6 - Reiji, that's a violin, not kindling!
Taking a cue from Reiji, the dramatic lead of VS, I'm feeling a little melodramatic myself. One of my favorite CMX series has only one volume left! Where else will I turn for such emotional upheavals? Just when Reiji's life seems to be settling down, another twist throws his peace right out the window! Though sometimes less than believable and always over the top, I have always looked forward to more of Reiji's tumultuous adventures. There's just no other character in shoujo as self-destructive as he!
VS バーサス Vol 6 by: 山田圭子
VS Versus Vol 6 by: Keiko Yamada
Rated: Teen +
Price: 9.99
Viz - Shoujo - Drama
Review May Contain Spoilers
As Reiji prepares for the next round of the Japan Nationals, he's thrown into turmoil as his personal life vies with his musical ambitions. His fiery personality once again insults those with the power to manipulate his life, and he realizes that even if he does win the competition, his life will never be his own. Struggling to reconcile the chains he'll always be bound by, a new distraction arrives to disrupt his contest rehearsals. His estranged, adoptive mother appears, begging to see Miruka. When Reiji rejects her, she reveals the identity of his real parents, a revelation that shatters his fragile control.
This volume sees Reiji realize that, win or lose, he'll have to bid farewell to his friends so he can continue to master his musical abilities. As offers pour in from foreign music agencies and music schools, it hits him that he'll be chasing his goals alone. Never really having had people to care for before, his triumphs now begin to feel empty. He'd taken Nachi for granted, and arrived at an uncertain friendship with his former rival, Kenzaki, and now he would be leaving them both behind. Even Mitsuko, who has won his guarded heart, must stay behind to cheer him on from afar.
I did not like the plot twist regarding Reiji's parentage. First, it was a little too convenient. Secondly, it calls into question everything that Mitsuko has done for him. Instead of acting out of a desire to help a troubled young man, was she really helping him for her own selfish reasons? Also, is seems a little unbelievable that, given how famous his parents were, Reiji would be in the dark as to their identity. Surely somebody would have spilled the beans long ago, especially considering his own growing notoriety.
Despite this turn of events and the slightly silly "rescue Mitsuko" scene near the end of the book, I enjoyed this visit with Reiji and his tortured life. Just as he thinks he can give everything to his violin, events intrude to turn him away from his music. Though some of the fault lies within Reiji, so many of the people around him just as messed up as he is! How did all of these dysfunctional individuals end up together?!
Grade: B
This review was written by Julie for the MangaCast. Please drop by the Manga Maniac Cafe and check out the menu!
Review copy provided by CMX