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I have a weakness for Yokai stories of all kinds, particularly those in the Slice-of-Life genre. "The Haunted Bookstore – Gateway to a Parallel Universe" manga, based on the light novel of the same name, shows promise for Yokai fans. While it's reminiscent of series like "GeGeGe no Kitaro," "The Morose Mononokean," and "Natsume's Book of Friends," it's still finding its unique charm.
The story revolves around Kaori, who lives in a bookstore where the boundaries between the human and spirit worlds blur. Her adoptive father is an Ayakashi. One day, she meets Suimei, a young man from the spirit world, who moves into the bookstore. As Kaori takes on odd jobs for the bookstore's customers and ventures into the spirit world to help its inhabitants, her bond with Suimei grows stronger, and her perspective on both worlds begins to change.
The series has a cozy atmosphere and introduces various Yokai, drawing inspiration from Japanese folklore. Character development among the bookstore's regulars, like the Tengu brothers Kinme and Ginme, Noname the apothecary, and Nyaa the multi-tailed cat, promises to enhance the story.
While the bookstore is central to the narrative, the story primarily takes readers on a captivating journey through the Yokai world with Kaori and Suimei. Books play a significant role, emphasizing the act of reading as a sign of friendship and compassion, creating a unique connection between the characters.
Most of the story is told from Kaori's perspective, a kind-hearted girl well-acquainted with the various spirits. Suimei, on the other hand, was taught to fight and banish spirits but not to interact with them respectfully. As he gradually opens up, the manga explores his past, revealing his search for a specific friend.
The manga's illustrations occasionally appear rough and sketch-like, suiting the story's tone perfectly. The generous use of black ink adds a mythical atmosphere, especially in darker scenes, immersing readers in the mysterious world of Yokai and spirits.
Each volume also includes a text chapter after the final chapter.
In conclusion, "The Haunted Bookstore – Gateway to a Parallel Universe" offers a promising manga adaptation for Yokai enthusiasts. While it's still finding its direction in the early volumes, the series shows potential. It's advisable to read the second volume before forming a final judgment.
The Haunted Bookstore - Gateway To A Parallel Universe (Manga) Vol. 1
€9,74
€12,99
An atmospheric fantasy series for bibliophiles and fans of Japanese ghost stories–based on the light novels also published by Seven Seas!Kaori lives in a bookstore where the boundaries between the mortal realm and the spirit realm are blurred. She spends her days… read more
The Haunted Bookstore - Gateway To A Parallel Universe (Manga) Vol. 2
€11,69
€12,99
A HARROWING HUNTKaori accompanies Suimei into the spirit realm to help him find his Inugami partner, Kuro. But when they discover that Ginme was attacked by Jorogumo, a spider spirit, their search kicks into high gear. Can they locate Kuro… read more
