Tsukasa Fushimi

I'm actually...very impressed with this ending. No, seriously. What started out as this silly little siscon of a manga ended on a very strong moral argument that I just was not expecting - not that that's necessarily a bad thing.

I won't spoil the details, but basically, the entire concept of lolicon in general is called into question in this final novel. The line between fantasy and reality is explored, the role of the media in warping our interpretations of certain groups of people is mentioned, and best of all, nobody is villainized for whatever side they choose to take. It could have been so easy for this mangaka to strawman anti-otakus, but he doesn't. He gives them justifiable reasons for being wary, and gently provides some reasons as to why they may not be totally right. It's pretty amazing.

I'm sad that it had to end so soon - twenty seven chapters is really nothing - but it was fun while it lasted.… (altro)

Slightly confused by the premise, but I'm taking this as a cultural differences thing. I quite enjoyed the depiction of the siblings reluctantly (and badly) overcoming their differences, and found their characterisation pretty well-done. Both are a bit rash and, while the brother is more mentally mature than his younger sister and has a strong sense of responsibility, neither is either ready to adopt grown-up ways of handling issues. Nor, from what we see of their family, would either affectionally-erratic mother or harsh and conservative father be prepared to treat them like adults (and, to be fair, they aren't). The family dynamics are interesting, if a bit shocking - the father is actively violent at times and the children are clearly scared of him.… (altro)