We read volume 4 of Toilet-Bound Hanako-kun, the manga written and drawn by Aidalro, and it’s time to give you our take on it. Do not hesitate to read or re-read our opinions on the previous volumes of the manga of Pika Edition.
This fourth volume is intended to be a little shorter than the others, but it does not lose any quality for all that. On the contrary even. Because as you will see, we particularly appreciated the new chapters presented.
Protect your neck
While in the third volume, Nene and Kô have managed to learn more about Hanako’s past, the latter, who seems to deny this murky passive, will have to be appeased by a batch of donuts. But the smiles returned will only be short-lived. This was without counting on the appearance of an opponent who claims to have been killed by Hanako. A revelation that does not fail to upset Nene. She will question her relationship with the spirit of the toilet. For his part, Kô, who no longer wishes to exorcise spirits, devotes himself to helping them free themselves from their last will.
If the previous tome ended with a rather threatening twist, here it will be the whole tome that will darken. Although the first chapter starts off lightly, with some funny moments, precisely with our dear Nene. She will turn into a fish and potentially have a harem. Most of the story will be for Kô and the new adversary introduced. Hanako will also be a little behind, even if his presence remains essential, as for Nene.
Kô wants to help the spirits, on his way he will meet the ghost of Mitsuba, a former student who is looking for his friends. Kô therefore decides to support him until he is confronted with a revelation that will not leave him unscathed. We will not go into details to leave you the pleasure of discovery. However, the segments concerning these two characters prove to be very interesting and emotionally effective. They greatly participate in the dramatic atmosphere which dominates in this volume. Note that the violence is also, in a way, more explicit.
Ghost of Mitsuba
Obviously, we learn more about the newcomer and his ties to Hanako. An opponent who seems more dangerous and ill-intentioned, compared to the characters who have somewhat taken on this role so far. There is no doubt that a clash is to be expected for the future, the two young men apparently have scores to settle.
To come back quickly to Kô and Mistuba, know that the facts which will occur will affect Kô, which may be changed thereafter. Him who has already changed somewhat since the beginning of the series. An important volume for this character who shows another face. In addition, the boards will also participate in the slightly different atmosphere of this volume, there is a less messy effect in the layout. The boxes give the impression of breathing better.
Most of the time, over the chapters, we had very full boards, which seems to be less the case here. Reading is lighter than usual. A global change also marked by the cover of the manga. It does not go unnoticed with its black background which contrasts with the colored ones of the old volumes.
Should we fall for volume 4 of Toilet-Bound Hanako-Kun?
This volume 4 takes an interesting turn. Towards a story more focused on emotion and drama. However, the mix of genres so present until then is still present. Toilet-Bound Hanako-Kun is above all a successful cocktail of different genres, between comedy, drama, romance or even slightly horrific, giving it its own identity. It also allows the work to stand out from the competition.
As you go through the chapters, and the more you learn about the characters and the mysteries of the school, the story becomes more interesting. It suggests a little more singularity in the approach because, for the moment, Toilet-Bound remains fairly common in its structure and themes. But the treatment of genres can add that little bit more. This is what emerges from this volume 4.
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A more dramatic volume and less focused on humor, but also more access to the character of Kô. Without forgetting the new enemy linked to Hanako which risks sowing confusion among our heroes. Toilet-Bound Hanako-Kun continues to build up slowly. An essential volume which, we hope, will bring such an interesting sequel.