Kaguya-sama: Love Is War, Vol. 9 (9)

I started reading Kaguya-sama just over a year ago and it is one of the best manga series out there. Volume 9 is a very good one, although a bit more serious in tone. Miyuki's father and sister get a lot of attention. It seems Dad is a man who lost his wife to another man, lost his business, and his parenting skills are erratic at best. You can imagine what Miyuki must feel when Dad gets to talking with Kaguya. Much of this volume's focus is on Ishigami. We learn of his past and how a misunderstood effort to help a girl turned him into a pariah at school, people, even his own parents, assuming the worst about him. Fortunately, Miyuki, Kaguya and Chika are people who think it's more important to find the truth rather than simply believe accusations. We could use their sort on American college campuses.

All is good here, the book came in good condition.

I’ve watched the anime already but reading it will give me details that the anime left out, I got it today in great condition I thought it would be ripped like the other reviews state but I guess they were bluffing

buen libro

Amazing series! This book is in great condition and seems to be the thickest of them all (so far). It fits in with the collection very nicely! Do note that Shounen Jump changed their logo so book 9 and beyond logo is slightly different than those before them.

Kaguya is the vice president of their prestigious academy’s student council and she's in love with, Miyuki, the president, and he with her! BUT both are well aware that in love there is always a winner... and neither wants to be the "loser!" As both are geniuses and quite proud they spend each day laying in wait for an opportunity to get the other to confess without losing face... only Chika, their secretary and Ishigami, their treasurer, seem ready to innocently mess up their careful machinations.

The Premise

Kaguya-sama Love Is War vol 9 is an Ishigami heavy volume where we learn about his backstory as a social outcast. This is the first time where Love is War focuses so singularly on one particular secondary character and I loved it! Actually looking back over the chapters it was still pretty balanced with Kaguya and Miyuki getting their fair share of chapters but I think this was just the first time spent so long with Ishigami. All of this goes down at the athletic festival this year! And boy is it a monumental occasion...

The Buzz

Because we also meet Chika and Miyuki's dads!! I love meeting the parents of high school kids (in manga). I'm not sure why but they are always such fun characters and derivatives of their children. And Miyuki's dad even goes so far as to tease Kaguya!! I loved this part of the athletic festival!! There were also some odd one page comics of the festival. They were okay but I wasn't really a fan. I hope they don't become a regular thing.

There was also a really boring chapter in Kaguya-sama Love Is War vol 9 about the disciplinary committee and boy was it boring and unfunny. I think there must be a better way to learn about the rumors about Ishigami. This is the first time I've run into poor chapters in this series so I was a little shocked. But I put it down to the mangaka trying new things... and new things don't always work.

The Feels

Kei is back in Kaguya-sama Love Is War vol 9!! GAHHHH I've been waiting to see her again. And I love her teenage rebellion with her brother. She is too curious about Miyuki's depression, haahaha. I just loved this little interaction. I hope there is more. We also get a little time with Ai!! Hahaha she helps Kaguya create a calming ritual. It's too funny. I love how sensical this girl is. And the tug of war between Kaguya and Chika was hilarious!! I just couldn't stop rolling around on the floor. I didn't blame either girl because come on Chika has always been Miyuki's teacher.

The Visuals

Miyuki does a whole dance routine for the athletics festival that was too cute! And Ishigami shows all sorts of sides to himself in in Kaguya-sama Love Is War vol 9. How he looked when he was young was so clean cut! I didn't expect that with how edgy he is now. Even though I didn't love the short comics part I DID love getting a look at Chika's sister!! This series is sure to bring the funny to high school situations. I never know what to expect but the art highlights the best parts.

Kaguya-sama Love Is War vol 9 takes us on a journey to the past... Ishigami's past. It's unexpected and yet so perfect for him. And we get to see how far Kaguya and Miyuki will go for their subordinate. And I have to say that they do me proud!!