Degrees of Affection

Originally read August 17, 2013.

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Previous Volume reviews: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7.

I'll confess, I kinda cheated on this a bit. The library only had the first six volumes and I was interested to see if there was an anime based on this. There is, but it hasn't yet come out over here. So, I watched the subbed version of the show - which was wonderful - so I knew some of what to expect from this book. That did not in anyway lessen how much I enjoyed reading this book.

First let me say I loved the bottom single cell illustrations that cropped up every once in awhile that had Iku as Cinderella with a mean right hook and Dojo as Prince Charming. They were hilarious and I loved each one of them.

For all that people put down Iku for being 'simple', she turns Tezuka's brother's plan on its head. He simply can't conceive of someone not looking out for themselves. Iku wishing to protect Tezuka from the knowledge of his brother's machinations means he can't use her against his brother. He gives in gracefully, I'll give him that but I dislike him completely. The best part was Dojo coming to her rescue and then finally comforting Iku after all the difficulties she's been facing with the inquiry and everything.

The second part of the volume was surprising. I really didn't see a stalker in the library coming, though Marie would unfortunately be the choice of recurring characters. I loved how everyone on the team rallied around and swore to bring this pervert down for Marie's sake as well as just doing their jobs. Komaki finally showed how scary he could be. (Why did they cut Marie out of the anime? I love her character!)

The first bonus chapter is wonderful. I loved how Komaki sums Iku up perfectly: "Sometimes she'll seem strong...and yet she's so fragile on the inside." That is Iku's character to a tee. I also love Tezuka coming to Shibazaki's aid. She needs that, deserves that though she'd deny that.

The second bonus chapter is sweet. Marie appears again and is told Iku's 'Prince' tale. She also may be the true first to really see the potential for Tezuka and Shibazaki's relationship. I love Marie so much! I just want to hug her!

Can't wait for the next volume!

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I'd forgot I'd written a review for this, so I wrote another one. I'm posting the second one down here in a spoiler section so this won't be huge. It's kinda interesting to see what I focused on the first time versus this one. My style has definitely changed too.