Well, I've finally read my first actual manga version of Gravitation after watching almost all the anime and reading one of the novels. I feel as though I've done things kind of backwards in reading the manga last, especially since I've started off with volume 2. I guess it is hard to get past my preconceived ideas of what everyone's personality was supposed to be like. The main character of rising rock star Shuichi was pretty much as I expected, in desperate need of counseling. Hiro didn't really come across as strong of a character as he does in the anime, but this is only one volume and might be a fluke. Yuki was as mean and sadistic as I thought he might be, but hoped he wouldn't be.

In this volume Shuichi and Hiro graduate from high school with Hiro deliberating between medical school and keeping on as Shu's guitarist. Yuki seems determined to pigeon hole Shu's feelings for him, but can't, which seems to just make him more frustrated and mean spirited. I thought the artwork was okay, but confusing. I couldn't keep Shu and Hiro straight because of their similar appearances

I guess I might be feeling a little disappointed with the manga at this point, however, I also think my feelings might be tainted by having just recently read through the "Fake" series that I really enjoyed very much and which had much more depth of emotion (IMHO). Generally I did like this volume of Gravitation and will try to read more of the series. ( )