Black Bird 7

Kanoko Sakurakoji – Viz – 2011 – 12+ volumes

Yes, I am still ridiculously addicted to this series. What can I say? It’s got mythology, lots of romance, and lots of angst and darkness. And none of the characters are actively irritating. These are all things I enjoy in my shoujo. The main character is some sort of demon, too, which is almost a guarantee I’ll like it.

Is it good? Well, at this point, it’s becoming increasingly clear that the plot isn’t… well, isn’t really heading in a steadily forward direction, and it’s rehashing a lot of old ground. What seems like a serious issue turns out to be a feint with no consequences, something that just stirs the characters up. Normally I would hate this, but Misao and Kyo get along so well that I love watching them needle each other light-heartedly like that, no matter how serious things seem. The question comes back around to the two of them not being able to have sex, despite wanting it badly. Then, surprise surprise, having sex may actually save Kyo from a terrible fate when a demon slayer shows up to live with Misao and wants to purge the world of Kyo and every other demon.

Do I think that those two are ever going to do the deed? No, this is a pretty tame series, despite some seriously steamy overtones. And when I say “tame,” I mean… it does get pretty… spicy at times. In this one, Misao buys Kyo chocolate frosting for Valentine’s Day, then coats him in it and licks it off. It’s one of the most erotic actions I’ve ever seen performed in a shoujo manga. It’s even got Sensual Phrase beat at the moment. But Kyo and Misao don’t have sex, and actively put it off again and again. I do like that they are aware of the sexual side of their feelings and are discussing it, but in this context, the magical barrier makes for a terrible excuse not to indulge.

The mythology elements aren’t really going anywhere, but I still like them. The dragon business didn’t go at all like I thought, and we might get to see or hear about other demons now that the demon slayer has entered the story, but something tells me that we’re just going to get a lot more Misao and Kyo.

Which is fine, honestly. I like both of them, and I like reading about their relationship. It may have started to circle back on itself, but the angst and drama, combined with their genuine affection for one another, is balanced pretty well here, and with all the steamy non-sex business, I think a lot of teen girls will probably eat this up. I know I do, and likely will continue to do so as long as things don’t get too over-the-top dramatic or ridiculous.

This was a review copy provided by Viz.