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Orange: The Complete Collection #2
Orange: The Complete Collection, Volume 2
An Epic Love Story Across Time
Naho immediately feels a connection to the new boy who has transferred to her class. Kakeru is calm, kind, and seems to like Naho as well. But their relationship gets thrown for a loop when Naho receives a letter from the future. The letter explains that Kakeru will die unless Naho does exactly as the letter says. But changing fate is no easy task. When the letter starts to get things wrong, Naho worries that she will still lose Kakeru forever. Luckily, Naho has her friends to back her up. Not only do they want to see Naho and Kakeru get together, they also have time-traveling letters of their own...
Orange: The Complete Collection 2 also includes a bonus story, Haruiro Astronaut. This five chapter story is about a pair of twins who discover that they can't share everything in life--or at least not an alien that suddenly becomes a part of it.
Naho immediately feels a connection to the new boy who has transferred to her class. Kakeru is calm, kind, and seems to like Naho as well. But their relationship gets thrown for a loop when Naho receives a letter from the future. The letter explains that Kakeru will die unless Naho does exactly as the letter says. But changing fate is no easy task. When the letter starts to get things wrong, Naho worries that she will still lose Kakeru forever. Luckily, Naho has her friends to back her up. Not only do they want to see Naho and Kakeru get together, they also have time-traveling letters of their own...
Orange: The Complete Collection 2 also includes a bonus story, Haruiro Astronaut. This five chapter story is about a pair of twins who discover that they can't share everything in life--or at least not an alien that suddenly becomes a part of it.
523 pages, Paperback
First published May 31, 2016
About the author
Ichigo Takano
54 books609 followersIchigo Takano is a Japanese comic strip author. She is mainly known for being the author of the manga Orange.
Associated names : 高野苺
Associated names : 高野苺
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,696 reviews
June 16, 2016
SO MANY FEELINGS WITH THIS SERIES. I did have one problem with this book, but it's kind of spoilery. For the most part though, I freaking loved this story! I can't wait to relive it through the anime adaptation. I'm definitely going to be doing a full video review on this series, so keep your eyes out for that.
April 30, 2018
Vol. 1: ★★★★★
First and foremost, this manga heavily talks about depression and suicide so major trigger and content warnings. This story starts out with our main character, Naho, receiving a letter from herself ten years in the future. She and her group of friends are sixteen and in eleventh grade in high school, but what her twenty-six-year-old self is trying to warn her of is imperative.
Future Naho informs present day Naho that she will lose the boy she likes if she doesn't change some of the actions and choices she is about to perform and choose. This obviously makes Naho hyper aware of everything she and her friends are doing, because she is so scared she is going to repeat past mistakes and end up losing this boy anyway.
And this group of friends truly selflessly and unconditionally love each other. It’s truly the best aspect of this manga. Their willingness to do every and anything to save their friend is something so beautiful that I can’t even find words to describe it.
➽ Naho Takamiya - Main protagonist, who receives the letter about what her life is going to be like in ten years, unless she changes some things. Very shy, very timid, a very sweet little cinnamon roll.
➽ Kakeru Naruse - The boy who will not be in their lives anymore if his friends do not change the past.
➽ Takako Chino - The more outspoken girl in the group. She always sticks up for Naho, since Naho is too shy for confrontation, and always just generally feels like the protector of the group.
➽ Azusa Murasaka - The happy-go-lucky one of the group, her parents own a bakery, and she's always super excited and supportive of Naho.
➽ Saku Hagita - Manga lover in the group, who is also totally in love with Azu!
➽ Hiroto Suwa - Honestly one of the best characters, and most selfless humans, I've read about in years. He's the leader of this group, one of the most popular boys in their school, an amazing soccer player, and proves his unconditional love over and love throughout this volume.
And honestly that is probably another reason I had a problem with the ending of this duology series; Suwa deserved better! He was easily the star of this entire story. And his selflessness makes me weep. I honestly just want him, Naho, and Kakeru to have a polya relationship. Is that too much to ask for?
But my biggest problem with this concluding half is the way mental illness was handled. This entire story is about how this group of friends is trying to prevent Kakeru’s death, but everything they do it is to fix the turn of events, not trying to understand why their friend is hurting. I don’t know, it just kind of reads bad, especially with how the story ended.
Which the ending is the thing I truly disliked the most. Like, is this a parallel universe? Are they going to take steps to ensure that Kakeru is not only safe, but is also getting the help he needs? IS THE BABY THERE? So many questions left unanswered! Like, this ending was so open, and it truly ruined the story for me. And everything I loved about book one was still in book two, but it’s hard to truly love something when the ending just isn’t there.
Overall, I’m not even sure if I can recommend this in good conscience. I love the art style of this so much. From the drawings, to the color, to the text bubbles, I truly think this is a wonderfully crafted manga series. Plus, it’s cool to be able to pick up two big volumes and read an entire story. But the ending really was such a let down for me.
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Buddy Read with Cory ❤
First and foremost, this manga heavily talks about depression and suicide so major trigger and content warnings. This story starts out with our main character, Naho, receiving a letter from herself ten years in the future. She and her group of friends are sixteen and in eleventh grade in high school, but what her twenty-six-year-old self is trying to warn her of is imperative.
Future Naho informs present day Naho that she will lose the boy she likes if she doesn't change some of the actions and choices she is about to perform and choose. This obviously makes Naho hyper aware of everything she and her friends are doing, because she is so scared she is going to repeat past mistakes and end up losing this boy anyway.
And this group of friends truly selflessly and unconditionally love each other. It’s truly the best aspect of this manga. Their willingness to do every and anything to save their friend is something so beautiful that I can’t even find words to describe it.
➽ Naho Takamiya - Main protagonist, who receives the letter about what her life is going to be like in ten years, unless she changes some things. Very shy, very timid, a very sweet little cinnamon roll.
➽ Kakeru Naruse - The boy who will not be in their lives anymore if his friends do not change the past.
➽ Takako Chino - The more outspoken girl in the group. She always sticks up for Naho, since Naho is too shy for confrontation, and always just generally feels like the protector of the group.
➽ Azusa Murasaka - The happy-go-lucky one of the group, her parents own a bakery, and she's always super excited and supportive of Naho.
➽ Saku Hagita - Manga lover in the group, who is also totally in love with Azu!
➽ Hiroto Suwa - Honestly one of the best characters, and most selfless humans, I've read about in years. He's the leader of this group, one of the most popular boys in their school, an amazing soccer player, and proves his unconditional love over and love throughout this volume.
And honestly that is probably another reason I had a problem with the ending of this duology series; Suwa deserved better! He was easily the star of this entire story. And his selflessness makes me weep. I honestly just want him, Naho, and Kakeru to have a polya relationship. Is that too much to ask for?
But my biggest problem with this concluding half is the way mental illness was handled. This entire story is about how this group of friends is trying to prevent Kakeru’s death, but everything they do it is to fix the turn of events, not trying to understand why their friend is hurting. I don’t know, it just kind of reads bad, especially with how the story ended.
Which the ending is the thing I truly disliked the most. Like, is this a parallel universe? Are they going to take steps to ensure that Kakeru is not only safe, but is also getting the help he needs? IS THE BABY THERE? So many questions left unanswered! Like, this ending was so open, and it truly ruined the story for me. And everything I loved about book one was still in book two, but it’s hard to truly love something when the ending just isn’t there.
Overall, I’m not even sure if I can recommend this in good conscience. I love the art style of this so much. From the drawings, to the color, to the text bubbles, I truly think this is a wonderfully crafted manga series. Plus, it’s cool to be able to pick up two big volumes and read an entire story. But the ending really was such a let down for me.
Blog | Instagram | Twitter | Tumblr | Youtube | Twitch
Buddy Read with Cory ❤
April 3, 2021
Dear Naho,
Thank you for finally making a move towards Kakeru and holding his hand. It was about time.
Dear Kakeru,
It was about time you confessed to Naho. I knew it was gonna come along, I was just patiently waiting for that moment.
THIS WAS. SO DAMN. CUTE AND EMOTIONAL.
Thank you for finally making a move towards Kakeru and holding his hand. It was about time.
Dear Kakeru,
It was about time you confessed to Naho. I knew it was gonna come along, I was just patiently waiting for that moment.
THIS WAS. SO DAMN. CUTE AND EMOTIONAL.
September 22, 2018
Not quite as good as the first one but still absolutely beautiful.
(I feel a little betrayed because the collection edition had a lot more pages than what the manga orange itself has so I thought I'd still had plenty of pages to go.... until I read "the end" all of the sudden. I'm sad. And angry)
(I feel a little betrayed because the collection edition had a lot more pages than what the manga orange itself has so I thought I'd still had plenty of pages to go.... until I read "the end" all of the sudden. I'm sad. And angry)
December 26, 2017
4.5 Stars
TW: Suicide
Don't mind me over here just bawling.
This was the first book I picked up for cramathon and I was worried that I would have forgotten everything from the first collection, but this picks up in a great place and sucked me right back into the world without any loose strings. I love how modern these novels are with the art and the writing style. Takano is really good at building the angst and making you giggle and cry and this made me feel all the feels!!! I was legit wiping tears away at several points in this. At the same time that this is lighthearted and fun, there's also a really meaningful side to it that shows how friends should recognize signs of depression and suicidal actions, as well as how to support loved ones experiencing dark times. It was simultaneously devastating and uplifting, and surely a series I'm going to always recommend.
TW: Suicide
Don't mind me over here just bawling.
This was the first book I picked up for cramathon and I was worried that I would have forgotten everything from the first collection, but this picks up in a great place and sucked me right back into the world without any loose strings. I love how modern these novels are with the art and the writing style. Takano is really good at building the angst and making you giggle and cry and this made me feel all the feels!!! I was legit wiping tears away at several points in this. At the same time that this is lighthearted and fun, there's also a really meaningful side to it that shows how friends should recognize signs of depression and suicidal actions, as well as how to support loved ones experiencing dark times. It was simultaneously devastating and uplifting, and surely a series I'm going to always recommend.
August 8, 2018
This was a very emotional read, hit close to home. Brings up important topics & successfully shows different perspectives when it comes to depression and those who are surrounded by those suffering.
However, I did have a major problem with how it shifts responsibility for somebody's life on those who are nearby - friends. This is a very dangerous view to showcase like that, yes it's very natural to blame yourself for a loss of a friend, to wish you did something more. However this wasn't addressed as a normal reaction, more of a valid regret, which then needed to be fixed. This implies that others ARE indeed responsible for your life and happiness & that's simply not a message I am content with. Neither for those around a depressed person or the depressed person themselves. It implies that you cannot take care of yourself or be in control of your own happiness if you work for it (hence why even try?), and places an enormous responsibility on others that, when 'failed', can ruin their own mental health and their lives. Some of the characters sacrificed parts of their futures in this manga, which was painted as a 'good friend trait' when truly it's extremelly damaging to everyone involved.
However I know that wasn't an intention of this manga and I can still appreciate this for awareness purposes.
I also had a little trouble with dialogue, it was very simplistic and I also believe there might have been translation issues from time to time. Just a quick note, I know that's more of a publishing issue than anything else.
A beautiful story with potentially a problematic and dangerous message. However, very touching.
However, I did have a major problem with how it shifts responsibility for somebody's life on those who are nearby - friends. This is a very dangerous view to showcase like that, yes it's very natural to blame yourself for a loss of a friend, to wish you did something more. However this wasn't addressed as a normal reaction, more of a valid regret, which then needed to be fixed. This implies that others ARE indeed responsible for your life and happiness & that's simply not a message I am content with. Neither for those around a depressed person or the depressed person themselves. It implies that you cannot take care of yourself or be in control of your own happiness if you work for it (hence why even try?), and places an enormous responsibility on others that, when 'failed', can ruin their own mental health and their lives. Some of the characters sacrificed parts of their futures in this manga, which was painted as a 'good friend trait' when truly it's extremelly damaging to everyone involved.
However I know that wasn't an intention of this manga and I can still appreciate this for awareness purposes.
I also had a little trouble with dialogue, it was very simplistic and I also believe there might have been translation issues from time to time. Just a quick note, I know that's more of a publishing issue than anything else.
A beautiful story with potentially a problematic and dangerous message. However, very touching.
July 24, 2016
i thought that was a good conclusion. i think that this is such an important manga in terms of mental illness (depression) and how it's viewed in japanese culture. how there's still a stigma...and i think that what ichigo takano did here was beautiful. i had a slight problem with the ending? i just wanted a bit more? but overall, i really love this manga series. it really moved me.
August 4, 2016
THE ENDING WAS SO ABRUPT I AM SO CONFUSED??????????
July 20, 2017
Initial post reading thoughts:
I'm not crying, you're crying.
--
First things first, I won’t be writing as in-depth a review for this volume as I did for book number one. Not because I didn’t love it as much, because I definitely did, but because my thoughts are mostly the same. This second volume wasn’t like a separate story arc or anything, it literally just continued right where we left off in book one. Orange is definitely more like one long story.
I will say that I probably wasn’t emotionally prepared to jump from the first book right into the second as quickly as I did. I just wanted to keep reading so badly, I didn’t think about how much my emotions wouldn’t be able to handle it. I was so anxious because I really didn’t want the story to end in a way that would make me bawl my eyes out. Thank God the ending didn’t end up being what I was bracing myself for, but it definitely still played with my emotions.
I liked that this second book went more in depth with the idea of multiple timelines that was first presented in book number one. I also liked that it even delved deeper into how Naho and her friends received letters from their future selves, even though it was a little vague. I’m not sure I really one hundred percent loved the explanation, but I don’t think that’s really the main point to this story to be honest.
One thing that was different about this volume that I absolutely loved was that we got a whole chapter/issue that told the story of Kakeru right up until his untimely death, before Naho and her friends were informed on how to change the past. We got to take a look into Kakeru and his mind and why he did what he did. It was one of the darker and sadder chapters, but I’m really glad we got to see the story from his perspective, even if it was for only one quick chapter.
I won’t lie, the ending to this entire story felt a little abrupt. I don’t know if that was just me being bitter and wanting this story to never end, but I feel like it could have been extended just a little bit longer. I’m still not going to take any points off for that though…this story was just too good and hit me in way too many feels.
One question I do have though…why was this series called Orange? Did I miss something? 😂
January 17, 2019
That was so good. I loved these characters so much and every single page was just the most emotional, beautiful story. I gather that the author's intent was not only to tell a story, but also to remind readers of how important it is that we keep an eye on our loved ones and make sure that they're doing okay — because sometimes, you have no idea how close to the edge someone in your life might be. I know it certainly reminded me that I need to check on the people who matter to me, too. ♥ Thanks for that, Ichigo.
April 19, 2018
trigger warnings: depression, suicide
I had a few problems with this, but I can't help giving this 5 stars because I just love this series so so much. The characters, the friendships, the story, the art. I just can't. I'm dead. 😭
I had a few problems with this, but I can't help giving this 5 stars because I just love this series so so much. The characters, the friendships, the story, the art. I just can't. I'm dead. 😭
February 7, 2017
I read this because it was a Goodreads Choice Book Final round selection for 2016, and I really really liked it a lot. It turns on a sort of familiar scifi trope/and social media theme: What if you could change your past? Or, what would your 25 year old self say to your 15 year old self? Naho gets letters from her 25 year old self urging her to change the future that would lead to Kakeru's suicide. There's a little romance in here, but the book chiefly deals with this attempt to change the future by acting on behalf of someone in need, Kakeru, whose mother also has committed suicide, and who also suffered from clinical depression.
All the characters would seem to be gorgeous and adorable, and the action is actually surprisngly engaging much of the time. Naho also finds an old journal where she has written to her 25 year old self, so that's an interesting angle, too. This is a big multi-volume collection which is layered, thoughtful and insightful about silence among friends about a particular friend who needs support. We all have them from time to time. What can we do for others? How can we say the things we need to say and do the things we need to do? This is a pretty sweet series much deserving the accolades it has received.
In this second volume, the circle of Naho's and Kakeru's friends also get letters from the future--it's not just Naho whose future self has regrets--and thy collectively remake the past to attempt to prevent the unspeakable. in this volume we see things being said that typical teens--maybe typical people in general--don't say to people that need to get said. It's basically a moral tale but a very likable. I can see it being very very popular especially with teens. I liked it a lot.
All the characters would seem to be gorgeous and adorable, and the action is actually surprisngly engaging much of the time. Naho also finds an old journal where she has written to her 25 year old self, so that's an interesting angle, too. This is a big multi-volume collection which is layered, thoughtful and insightful about silence among friends about a particular friend who needs support. We all have them from time to time. What can we do for others? How can we say the things we need to say and do the things we need to do? This is a pretty sweet series much deserving the accolades it has received.
In this second volume, the circle of Naho's and Kakeru's friends also get letters from the future--it's not just Naho whose future self has regrets--and thy collectively remake the past to attempt to prevent the unspeakable. in this volume we see things being said that typical teens--maybe typical people in general--don't say to people that need to get said. It's basically a moral tale but a very likable. I can see it being very very popular especially with teens. I liked it a lot.
August 19, 2020
reread
4☆
3.75 stars
this was so good. not as good as volume one though. I also didn't love the parts were we saw the future sending the letters. It was good for a background but maybe should have been revealed in volume one. The ending I enjoyed. This is such an important and emotional manga. In this bind up there is a random extra story in the book which was odd and made no sense. But for the conclusion of this series I enjoyed it and would highly recommend!
4☆
3.75 stars
this was so good. not as good as volume one though. I also didn't love the parts were we saw the future sending the letters. It was good for a background but maybe should have been revealed in volume one. The ending I enjoyed. This is such an important and emotional manga. In this bind up there is a random extra story in the book which was odd and made no sense. But for the conclusion of this series I enjoyed it and would highly recommend!
July 25, 2016
3.75/5
The ending was not my favorite (it ended super abruptly) but this was still a phenomenal series.
The ending was not my favorite (it ended super abruptly) but this was still a phenomenal series.
February 8, 2019
Will I ever love anything as much as I love this?
Probably not.
Orange volume 2 not only lived up to my expectations, it exceeded them. I don't know how, but it managed to be sad, sweet, heartbreaking and uplifting all at once.
This cast of characters will stay with me for a very long time.
Naho, who's sweet and timid, but possesses quiet strength and kind heart.
Suwa, who is the most selfless character I've ever had the pleasure of reading.
Kakeru, who is so sad and troubled, but also loving and gentle.
Azu, who is loud and cheerful, and loved expressing herself.
Hagita, who's always grumbling and complaining, but a wonderful friend.
Takako, who is quiet, independent and strong, and will always have your back.
I love each and every one of them with all my heart.
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Probably not.
Orange volume 2 not only lived up to my expectations, it exceeded them. I don't know how, but it managed to be sad, sweet, heartbreaking and uplifting all at once.
This cast of characters will stay with me for a very long time.
Naho, who's sweet and timid, but possesses quiet strength and kind heart.
Suwa, who is the most selfless character I've ever had the pleasure of reading.
Kakeru, who is so sad and troubled, but also loving and gentle.
Azu, who is loud and cheerful, and loved expressing herself.
Hagita, who's always grumbling and complaining, but a wonderful friend.
Takako, who is quiet, independent and strong, and will always have your back.
I love each and every one of them with all my heart.
My WEBSITE
My INSTAGRAM
My WORDPRESS BLOG
June 1, 2019
3.5 Stars
A happy ending to an at times saddening tale. The science behind the notes being sent back in time isn’t really explained, but the great portrayal of friendship and love make up for it.
A happy ending to an at times saddening tale. The science behind the notes being sent back in time isn’t really explained, but the great portrayal of friendship and love make up for it.
December 17, 2016
This was such a cute graphic novel series. It really warmed my heart and gave me feels but also dealt with mental illness in a sensitive way. It wasn't perfect by any means, the ending was very abrupt and the actual letter delivery not delved into, but it didn't really take away from my enjoyment of the story. It was also interesting to see the way the Japanese culture made this story play out differently than it would have in another setting (for example the lack of physical intimacy). Overall, I highly recommend this manga collection to anyone who wants a light coming-of-age story with wonderful friendships and a cute romance.
October 18, 2019
Νομίζω ότι όσο προχωρόυσα, τόσο λιγότερο νόημα έβγαζαν αυτά που γίνονταν😂 ειδικά η φάση με το ταξίδι στο χρόνο, αλλά να ήταν μόνο αυτό...😂 γενικά είχε θεματάκια!
March 4, 2018
4.5 stars
Right, where to begin with this? Orange is a powerfully and beautifully written manga focussing on the lives of six high-school students. The real crux of the story however pertains to the saving of Kakeru - the latest addition to the group, and who, Naho, is in love with. This graphic novel deals with so many aspects of life: friendship, relationships, suicide, mental illness, bullying, etc. and in places it is hard to read (I cried quite a few times whilst reading this).
Having sent letters from their future selves to their current selves, the group try to ensure that Kakeru does not commit suicide (as he does first time around). We learn that Kakeru's mother committed suicide, and Kakeru blames himself since he did not return home straight away and hung out with his new friends instead. He believes that if he didn't accept their invitation his mother would still be alive and thinks that by taking his own life he can apologise to his mother for not being there for her when she needed him the most.
Kakeru is a highly complex character but an incredibly important one too. He possesses a self-destructive nature (something which I can relate to) whereby he pushes his friends away and prefers to isolate himself in his grief. There was a scene in Orange where he tells Naho he no longer wants to speak to her and that broke my heart. He internalises most of his true feelings (as does Naho) which only causes more tension and friction to occur between him and the group. Takano's depiction of living with grief is raw and heart-breaking at times but it's also an honest portrayal. Naho, (and the others) try their very hardest to make Kakeru happy and ease the pain he harbours on a daily basis but nothing seems to work as he ends up standing in front of an oncoming lorry. This behaviour really shocked me since he had so much support from his friends. I could understand if he had no-one to talk to or confide in but then again I do appreciate how deep-rooted his pain was, and sometimes even having friends in your life just isn't enough and can never undo the tragedy that has occurred.
I did have a couple of griped though: one being Naho's role in Orange. From reading this book, I understood that Naho's sole mission was to make Kakeru happy and ensure he enjoyed lots of happy moments. I'm not entirely happy with how this was depicted as no-one's sole purpose in life should be to make one person happy and I feel like it devalued Naho as an individual (she exists to support and care for Kakeru). I wanted to truly see her as an independent teenager but we didn't really get that. She did everything she possibly could for Kakeru, and sometimes that caused her a lot of pain which really upset me.
Throughout reading Orange I felt that Suwa was the right choice for Naho; he was always there for her, he cared for her unconditionally and he even sacrificed his future with her so that Kakeru could be with her. I don't think many people would do that! I think ultimately Kakeru needed to be saved by his friends. He needed moral support, he needed friendship, he needed the close ties with them that he didn't really have with his mother so in a way I am glad that it ended with Naho and Suwa as a couple.
Orange is a powerful, touching and emotional read which is important in so many ways, not only to highlight the power of friendship but the power of communication. Throughout Orange, the biggest frustration was between Naho and Kakeru and how they repeatedly failed to tell each other how they felt. This lead to all sorts of bad things occurring and heartache for both. I think one of the strongest messages to take away from this graphic novel is to be open and honest with those around you, to tell people truthfully how you feel and to admit that it's okay to not be happy all of the time. It's okay to be angry, upset and flawed because it's what makes us human, and let's be honest, humanity and healing is at the heart of this read.
Right, where to begin with this? Orange is a powerfully and beautifully written manga focussing on the lives of six high-school students. The real crux of the story however pertains to the saving of Kakeru - the latest addition to the group, and who, Naho, is in love with. This graphic novel deals with so many aspects of life: friendship, relationships, suicide, mental illness, bullying, etc. and in places it is hard to read (I cried quite a few times whilst reading this).
Having sent letters from their future selves to their current selves, the group try to ensure that Kakeru does not commit suicide (as he does first time around). We learn that Kakeru's mother committed suicide, and Kakeru blames himself since he did not return home straight away and hung out with his new friends instead. He believes that if he didn't accept their invitation his mother would still be alive and thinks that by taking his own life he can apologise to his mother for not being there for her when she needed him the most.
Kakeru is a highly complex character but an incredibly important one too. He possesses a self-destructive nature (something which I can relate to) whereby he pushes his friends away and prefers to isolate himself in his grief. There was a scene in Orange where he tells Naho he no longer wants to speak to her and that broke my heart. He internalises most of his true feelings (as does Naho) which only causes more tension and friction to occur between him and the group. Takano's depiction of living with grief is raw and heart-breaking at times but it's also an honest portrayal. Naho, (and the others) try their very hardest to make Kakeru happy and ease the pain he harbours on a daily basis but nothing seems to work as he ends up standing in front of an oncoming lorry. This behaviour really shocked me since he had so much support from his friends. I could understand if he had no-one to talk to or confide in but then again I do appreciate how deep-rooted his pain was, and sometimes even having friends in your life just isn't enough and can never undo the tragedy that has occurred.
I did have a couple of griped though: one being Naho's role in Orange. From reading this book, I understood that Naho's sole mission was to make Kakeru happy and ensure he enjoyed lots of happy moments. I'm not entirely happy with how this was depicted as no-one's sole purpose in life should be to make one person happy and I feel like it devalued Naho as an individual (she exists to support and care for Kakeru). I wanted to truly see her as an independent teenager but we didn't really get that. She did everything she possibly could for Kakeru, and sometimes that caused her a lot of pain which really upset me.
Throughout reading Orange I felt that Suwa was the right choice for Naho; he was always there for her, he cared for her unconditionally and he even sacrificed his future with her so that Kakeru could be with her. I don't think many people would do that! I think ultimately Kakeru needed to be saved by his friends. He needed moral support, he needed friendship, he needed the close ties with them that he didn't really have with his mother so in a way I am glad that it ended with Naho and Suwa as a couple.
Orange is a powerful, touching and emotional read which is important in so many ways, not only to highlight the power of friendship but the power of communication. Throughout Orange, the biggest frustration was between Naho and Kakeru and how they repeatedly failed to tell each other how they felt. This lead to all sorts of bad things occurring and heartache for both. I think one of the strongest messages to take away from this graphic novel is to be open and honest with those around you, to tell people truthfully how you feel and to admit that it's okay to not be happy all of the time. It's okay to be angry, upset and flawed because it's what makes us human, and let's be honest, humanity and healing is at the heart of this read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 26, 2024
3.5 stars
For context, I was so enthralled with the first volume. It checked all the boxes, allowing me to overlook some tiny gripes, such as the characterization of our MC Naho. Five stars, no questions asked. This time, however, I just couldn't overlook them.
Naho is simply too timid and unwilling. It worked well enough in volume one due to my perception of her finding her level of comfort with the task at hand, but volume two saw little to no growth and she dropped the proverbial ball more than I felt necessary. Suwa HAD to be the MVP for there to be any progress or change in the narrative, which at first I was frustrated by but eventually accepted.
The story also wrapped up a little TOO neatly for my liking, leaving the future/past/alternate reality VERY open with little to no closure. I know there are some spin-offs of this series and I do think I'll look into them to see if they scratch that itch.
All in all, I very much enjoyed this series. It was emotional and sweet and, for the most part, very well done. It just didn't' quite stick the landing for me.
For context, I was so enthralled with the first volume. It checked all the boxes, allowing me to overlook some tiny gripes, such as the characterization of our MC Naho. Five stars, no questions asked. This time, however, I just couldn't overlook them.
Naho is simply too timid and unwilling. It worked well enough in volume one due to my perception of her finding her level of comfort with the task at hand, but volume two saw little to no growth and she dropped the proverbial ball more than I felt necessary. Suwa HAD to be the MVP for there to be any progress or change in the narrative, which at first I was frustrated by but eventually accepted.
The story also wrapped up a little TOO neatly for my liking, leaving the future/past/alternate reality VERY open with little to no closure. I know there are some spin-offs of this series and I do think I'll look into them to see if they scratch that itch.
All in all, I very much enjoyed this series. It was emotional and sweet and, for the most part, very well done. It just didn't' quite stick the landing for me.
August 7, 2018
Hands down my most favorite manga ever.
One of my most favorite stories in general.
Can’t wait to read Orange: Future!
💜
One of my most favorite stories in general.
Can’t wait to read Orange: Future!
💜
February 7, 2019
This was just as beautiful as the first one and I am so happy I read this series! ❤️
March 20, 2023
This review is of the whole manga.
The only word I have for this manga is CUTE, seriously it is cuteness overload. I adored this adorable manga, it was actually the first manga I had ever read and I decided to pick it up after watching the anime.
I loved Naho as a character, she is self-sacrificing, caring, nice and really shy. I can understand why some people can feel quite impatient with her because she finds it hard to communicate how she feels effectively and she is also painfully naïve at times. The pure innocence this story has is one of my favourite things, the characters blush at the suggestion of holding hands, and the thought of kissing is just shocking to them. It was so precious.
I really liked the exploration of changing the past, time paradoxes and multiple worlds. Although I wasn't clear on how the letters were delivered into the past, it was a really cool concept. The whole story made me muse on time travel and whether the past can be changed or whether it should. The focus of teenagers in a school setting was perfect, I really liked that these teens felt very innocent and pure of heart and I am so glad I decided to pick up this highly popular manga.
The ending is a little abrupt which is a little disappointing but its gives an opportunity for the reader to imagine what may have happened and end the story however they want. I personally like to imagine a happy ending like I'm sure most of us do. I think this is a great introduction to manga, and it has me interested in exploring more within this genre.
October 17, 2016
BECAUSE I have no self control (like seriously none at all) I went to the bookstore yesterday and bought this so I could find out what happened. I read the first book a few weeks ago and absolutely LOVED IT so I had high hopes for this one and it definitely lived up to them. I loved the characters and how they all worked so well together. I enjoyed seeing some of Kakeru's perspective for once and I really enjoyed the ending. It made me cry and I loved it so so much. The ending was a little too sudden for my liking but that's my only real complaint.
I think this is an amazing manga- not only is it entertaining and sweet but it is important because it deals with depression and suicide. I highly recommend this series to people. I'm going to finish the anime (and cry again tbh).
I think this is an amazing manga- not only is it entertaining and sweet but it is important because it deals with depression and suicide. I highly recommend this series to people. I'm going to finish the anime (and cry again tbh).
Read
September 2, 2024😭😭😭😭😭
this has to be one of my favourite mangas now. It's a story that will make you feel so many emotions and helps you remember the importance friends and being there for each other and knowing that someone out there cares about you, worries about you, and loves you, and that every one of your days are precious. You deserve to live every moment, don't ever let yourself believe otherwise ❤
this has to be one of my favourite mangas now. It's a story that will make you feel so many emotions and helps you remember the importance friends and being there for each other and knowing that someone out there cares about you, worries about you, and loves you, and that every one of your days are precious. You deserve to live every moment, don't ever let yourself believe otherwise ❤
February 7, 2020
This review will be about both volumes as I read the story in one go.
"Orange" is the kind of manga that will tug at your heartstrings. It depicts suicide, the aftermath for those that are left behind after a loved one takes their life, depression and life in general. It's a very cute story, about friends who want to do everything in their power to save one of their friends. Yes, even sacrifice their own happiness and love (looking at you Suwa).
I loved each and every character in the story. Their friendship and the way they'd do anything for each other is the heart of this story. I love how supportive they all are towards each other, and how much they want to help fix things for Kakeru.
There has to be a very special mention for Suwa, who is ready to sacrifice his own happiness and love with Naho to save his friends life. He deserves all the best in the world for being such a good soul. I admit that as much as I was rooting for Naho and Kakeru, I couldn't help myself but also root for Naho and Suwa.
I liked the pacing of the story, there wasn't too much "nonsense drama" like their is in many shojo mangas.
I guess the only thing I liked less was the ending. It was a bit too open for me, and I wish we'd seen a bit more of Kakeru and the others after the fatal date where he was supposed to die. In a way, I thought it was a missed opportunity to show if Kakeru got help for his depression, it would have been good, imo, to show the "after" to the recovery road for Kakeru. I also keep wondering how those "10 years later" would have looked in this world where Kakeru lived. So this is why it gets 4 stars and not 5 even though I loved it. Because there was a wasted potential there to depict mental illness and depression more profoundly.
I'll also add that I loved the art. It's so cute and pretty. Very nice.
"Orange" is the kind of manga that will tug at your heartstrings. It depicts suicide, the aftermath for those that are left behind after a loved one takes their life, depression and life in general. It's a very cute story, about friends who want to do everything in their power to save one of their friends. Yes, even sacrifice their own happiness and love (looking at you Suwa).
I loved each and every character in the story. Their friendship and the way they'd do anything for each other is the heart of this story. I love how supportive they all are towards each other, and how much they want to help fix things for Kakeru.
There has to be a very special mention for Suwa, who is ready to sacrifice his own happiness and love with Naho to save his friends life. He deserves all the best in the world for being such a good soul. I admit that as much as I was rooting for Naho and Kakeru, I couldn't help myself but also root for Naho and Suwa.
I liked the pacing of the story, there wasn't too much "nonsense drama" like their is in many shojo mangas.
I guess the only thing I liked less was the ending. It was a bit too open for me, and I wish we'd seen a bit more of Kakeru and the others after the fatal date where he was supposed to die. In a way, I thought it was a missed opportunity to show if Kakeru got help for his depression, it would have been good, imo, to show the "after" to the recovery road for Kakeru. I also keep wondering how those "10 years later" would have looked in this world where Kakeru lived. So this is why it gets 4 stars and not 5 even though I loved it. Because there was a wasted potential there to depict mental illness and depression more profoundly.
I'll also add that I loved the art. It's so cute and pretty. Very nice.
May 25, 2018
“Every life is precious. Please treasure each and every day, the present, the moment, and yourself.”
Trigger Warning: Suicide
THE TEARS! the tears I cried reading this last volume. This manga really knows how to play with my emotions. An abrupt ending but I still loved this with all my heart. It highlighted the importance of mental illness and how it can happen to anyone. It’s really time we broke the stigma that’s usually associated with it.
December 31, 2018
I absolutely loved this!
I couldn't have asked for a better ending. Again, I absolutely loved the friendship in this manga, it made me wish for friends like this but it also made my heart swell with joy.
Takano managed to make each character unique and complex and I loved each friend, I really couldn't choose just one. They all have a different character that makes them stand out.
The story was very warming and I couldn't stop reading. I am sad it's over but also incredibly happy to have read it.
This manga just makes me so happy!!!
I couldn't have asked for a better ending. Again, I absolutely loved the friendship in this manga, it made me wish for friends like this but it also made my heart swell with joy.
Takano managed to make each character unique and complex and I loved each friend, I really couldn't choose just one. They all have a different character that makes them stand out.
The story was very warming and I couldn't stop reading. I am sad it's over but also incredibly happy to have read it.
This manga just makes me so happy!!!
January 10, 2021
Orange, segundo tomo de la serie de Ichigo Takano. La trama continúa con la vida de nuestra protagonista Naho, que tras su anterior tomo, sigue llevando a cabo su papel de intentar salvar a una persona a la que aprecia mucho gracias a las cartas que ha recibido de su yo del futuro advirtiéndola de las consecuencias de sus propios actos pasados. Los demás personajes como Suwa, Kakeru, y los familiares de Naho me han parecido increíbles. Poco a poco se van ganando un huequito en mi corazón con la paz y armonía que desprenden cada uno de ellos, y todo lo que ayudan a nuestra protagonista con el paso del tiempo. Estoy deseando continuar esta historia de Ichigo Takano y espero que no me rompa mucho el corazón al final. 4,5/5 estrellas
July 28, 2021
2.5
A sad yet incredibly wholesome story about a great group of friends and mental health. I wish upon anyone a group of friends such as the one in this story that will love, cherish and look after them like this group has. Regardless of all of that it wasn't anything special in my opinion and didn't really move me, it was sad at time as I said but nothing to make me tear up or anything. Overall it was fine.
A sad yet incredibly wholesome story about a great group of friends and mental health. I wish upon anyone a group of friends such as the one in this story that will love, cherish and look after them like this group has. Regardless of all of that it wasn't anything special in my opinion and didn't really move me, it was sad at time as I said but nothing to make me tear up or anything. Overall it was fine.
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