Title: Ao Haru Ride, Vol. 1
Author: Io Sakisaka
First published April 13, 2011
184 pages, Paperback
ISBN: 9781974702657 (ISBN10: 1974702650)
Rating: 4.35
Overview
The captivating shojo manga, Ao Haru Ride, Vol. 1 by Io Sakisaka, has finally arrived! Futaba Yoshioka believed that all boys were brash and unpleasant until she met Kou Tanaka in middle school.
However, just as she realized her feelings for him, Kou had to move away due to family complications. Now, in high school, Futaba reunites with Kou, but is he the same person she once adored?
This heart-warming series, which was adapted into the beloved anime Blue Spring Ride, follows Futaba’s journey as she navigates the complexities of love and adolescence.
About the Author
Io Sakisaka is a talented manga artist hailing from Japan who has made quite a name for herself in the industry. Not only has she created several well-known works such as “Strobe Edge” and “Ao Haru Ride,” but she’s also lent her design skills to the anime movie HAL.
Sakisaka has an impressive portfolio, which includes “Call My Name” (2001), “Watashi no Koibito” (2002), and “Bye-Bye, Little” (2002). She also made waves with her manga “Blue” in 2006 and “Mascara Blues” in 2007.
Her latest works include “Omoi, Omoware, Furi, Furare” in 2015 and “Sakura, Saku” in 2021.
In addition to her manga works, Sakisaka has also released a couple of one-shot stories, including “Sono Omokage o Shitteru” in 2013 and “Otome no Itari” in 2020. With such an impressive body of work, it’s no wonder that Sakisaka has garnered a large following of fans who can’t wait to see what she’ll come up with next.
Editoral Review
Ao Haru Ride, Vol. 1 is a charming and heartwarming manga that explores the complexities of teenage relationships and the struggles of growing up.
Written by Io Sakisaka and first published on April 13, 2011, the book belongs to the romance genre and is known for its bold, expressive art style. The story centers around Futaba Yoshioka, a high school student who is determined to reinvent herself after being shunned by her former friends.
She meets Kou Mabuchi, a boy she used to know when she was younger, but he is now aloof and distant. As Futaba and Kou reconnect, they begin to realize their feelings for each other, but their budding romance is complicated by their past and present lives.
Sakisaka’s writing is graceful and poignant, capturing the vulnerability and emotions of her characters with precision. The pacing of the story is excellent, striking a balance between tender moments of intimacy and moments of drama and conflict.
The characters are dynamic and well-crafted, each with their own distinct personalities and motivations. The book’s standout feature, however, is its art style.
Sakisaka’s illustrations are a feast for the eyes, evoking a sense of tenderness and intimacy that is rare in manga. Ao Haru Ride, Vol.
1 has a universal appeal that transcends cultural and historical boundaries. Its themes of friendship, love, and self-discovery are relatable to readers of all ages and backgrounds, and the book’s exploration of gender roles and societal expectations will resonate with contemporary readers.
That said, there are some limitations to the book. While the characters are well-crafted, their development is somewhat formulaic at times, and readers may find themselves wishing for more depth and nuance.
The plot can also feel predictable, with some of the conflicts and resolutions feeling too neat and tidy. Still, these flaws are minor and do not detract from the book’s overall appeal.
Overall, Ao Haru Ride, Vol. 1 is a must-read for fans of the romance genre and manga enthusiasts alike.
Its compelling characters, stunning art style, and universal themes make it a standout work in the genre. For readers looking for a heartwarming and poignant story about teenage love, Ao Haru Ride, Vol.
1 is an excellent choice. Rating: 4/5 stars.
This book is highly recommended for readers who are looking for a romantic and emotional journey through high school life. Despite minor flaws, it is an excellent work of manga that is sure to captivate readers.
