The Summer Hikaru Died Volume 3

Okay, let's talk about The Summer Hikaru Died. Specifically, Volume 3. Are you ready? Because I have thoughts.

Big thoughts, even. Maybe even...unpopular thoughts. Buckle up!

Volume 3: My Not-So-Secret Feelings

I know, I know. Everyone's obsessed with this series. And rightly so! It's beautiful and spooky and...well, you know.

But Volume 3? I'm just not as in love as everyone else seems to be. And I feel a little guilty admitting it.

The Slow Burn...Burned Me Out?

Look, I appreciate a slow burn. The tension, the atmosphere, the agonizing wait for something to happen! But sometimes, a burn can be too slow.

And I felt like Volume 3 kind of...meandered. Like it was wandering around in the woods, same as Yoshiki. Getting a bit lost, perhaps?

Don't get me wrong, the art is still stunning. Nagisa Kashii's work continues to be breathtaking. But the plot? It felt like it stalled a little.

Am I Missing Something?

Maybe I'm just impatient. Maybe I wanted more answers about Hikaru and his current, uh, form. Maybe I wanted more creepy crawlies.

I wanted to see Yoshiki do something more than just react to Hikaru. He seems to be just walking about doing daily chores. It is great to see the slice of life, but it also doesn't drive the plot forward.

I'm not saying the volume was bad, not at all. But it didn't grab me the way the first two did. Maybe the hype monster got to me.

The Creepy Factor

Remember that feeling of dread and unease from the first volume? The sheer "what the heck is going on?" vibe? It was amazing!

Volume 3 felt...tamer. More like a quiet walk through a slightly overgrown garden. Still pretty, but not exactly terrifying.

I think some of us are here for the terror, right? And maybe a little bit of existential dread. Is that too much to ask?

Yoshiki, My Dude, Wake Up!

I love Yoshiki, I really do. He's a sweet, gentle soul. But sometimes, I just want to shake him and say, "Do something!"

He's got a weird, possibly demonic version of his best friend hanging around, and he's mostly just...cooking and cleaning? Where is the detective work?!

I get that he's probably traumatized, and dealing with grief. But a little more proactivity would be nice. Maybe consult a local priest?

Don't Hate Me!

Please don't send angry tweets! I still love the series. I'm still invested in Hikaru and Yoshiki's strange, sad story.

I just think Volume 3 wasn't quite as amazing as the others. It's like that one slightly less good episode of your favorite TV show.

Still worth watching, but not the one you rave about to all your friends. Don't you agree?

Looking Ahead (Hopefully)

I'm still holding out hope for Volume 4. I'm hoping for more answers, more scares, and more development for Yoshiki.

I want to see him embrace his inner monster hunter. Or at least ask some really tough questions.

Until then, I'll be here, rereading the first two volumes and waiting patiently. (Or maybe not so patiently.)

So, there you have it. My slightly controversial opinion on The Summer Hikaru Died, Volume 3. What do you think? Let me know! But be nice!

After all, we're all just here because we love the creepy, beautiful world of Hikaru and Yoshiki.