4.5 stars

I decided to subscribe to the new Shonen Jump, which led me to have the idea of going back and reading some of the older series that I had never completed from start to finish.

I have a great love for the art in Hikaru No Go. To my surprise, a series centered around a game that I know absolutely nothing about can be so incredibly engrossing.

This particular installment serves as a really fun introduction to the series. It manages to draw the reader in with its captivating storyline and beautiful illustrations.

Even though I had no prior knowledge of the game that the series is based on, I found myself completely hooked from the very first page.

The characters are well-developed and the plot is engaging, making it a truly enjoyable read. I can't wait to continue exploring the rest of the series and see where the story takes me.

Full Disclosure: This review is coming from someone who began the series quite a while ago and never finished. Any insights or opinions should be viewed through the lens of a returning reader.

Hikaru No Go Vol. 1 is charmingly subversive. At first glance, this may seem strange. However, after reading through this opening volume, I am certain that no other set of adjectives could better represent this tale of adolescence and self-betterment. All of the characters mirror the art in their subtle nuance and charm. This results in a cast of unique and relatable personalities that always keep the reader engaged, even when the protagonist Hikaru is only peripherally involved.

The narrative of Hikaru No Go is where I find the description of subversive most fitting. From the very beginning, the writer and artist go to great lengths to overturn many tropes and conventions of the medium. Our main protagonist Hikaru breaks numerous shonen tropes throughout the volume. He is initially opposed to the idea of playing the board game GO and only does so grudgingly due to the emotionally symbiotic nature of his bond with the spirit of the master Go teacher Fujiwara No Sai. Sai's spirit has become 'entangled' with Hikaru, and instead of being an ever-present source of plot-convenient knowledge, he childishly pleads with the young boy to let him play his beloved GO. The inability to continue his pursuit of playing GO's mythical "Divine Move" causes so much despair in Sai that Hikaru, due to the previously mentioned emotional symbiosis, becomes physically and severely ill.

The story continues these trends throughout, resulting in a reading experience that is both heartfelt and enjoyable without sacrificing any emotion or sense of action. If your typical manga diet consists of energy blasts, transformations, and plot devices, you might think this isn't for you. However, I urge you to give this manga a try anyway. What it lacks in overt shonen action, it more than makes up for in high-stakes gameplay and impactful character arcs. You will finish this volume craving more... I know I did.

I have a certain affinity for art, and I must admit that the story presented thus far is not without its merits. It has managed to capture my attention to some extent. However, despite these positive aspects, I find myself in a bit of a quandary. While the art is visually appealing and the story has its moments, I don't think I'll be inclined to continue reading. There's just something lacking that prevents me from fully immersing myself and feeling compelled to follow the narrative further. Maybe it's a lack of depth in the characters or a certain predictability in the plot. Whatever the reason may be, for now, I'll have to put this particular piece aside and look for something else that can truly engage and satisfy my literary cravings.

Plot:

We start with the scene where Hikaru tries to steal the Go board from his grandfather's attic to sell it for money (what the hell, Hikaru?!), and end with Hikaru being interrupted in his Go practice by a rude stranger who is smoking a cigarette. Overall, it's a very solid beginning. One can clearly see that Hikaru and his perspective are in the focus of the story, and Sai, at least in this first volume, mainly drives the plot forward and provides Go knowledge. His backstory is dealt with in 2 pages, and his tragic suicide only gets a subordinate clause. (Unlike in the Chinese adaptation, I wasn't shown a dramatic cliff scene... sad). Hikaru is accordingly unimpressed. However, as a character, Hikaru does quite a bit already in the first volume, and towards the end, he becomes significantly more likeable as he starts to really get interested in Go for the first time. Before that, he's mainly a bit of a brat.

There's a moment of stillness for poor Akari, who haunts the background the whole time and is always treated badly by Hikaru. Girl, please find better friends.

Favorite Scene:

When Sai explains that in the first game against Akira, he actually only taught Akira Go, and then quite casually ponders how he will now defeat him. (Yes, I find it sexy when characters are very competent u.u) Another strong candidate for the favorite scene is every moment when Sai makes dramatic facial expressions <3

Favorite Quote:

"[Akira] is not a normal boy. (...) When he grows up, will he become a lion or a dragon? And now this child is showing me his teeth. Still, a child is just a child. He is no opponent for me."

What I Learned:

The sound effect when one dramatically places a Go stone is ZAMM!.

Cover:

On the cover, one can see Hikaru with his yellow T-shirt and his yellow hair. I hate yellow, so this makes me a bit aggressive, but it's not his fault. (Fortunately, everything inside is black and white, otherwise I would have to look at so much yellow all the time....)

Funnily enough, I picked this up after my Ustaz Sallams' recommendation.

To my pleasant surprise, I found it to be a really enjoyable read. The art style is refreshing, which makes the whole reading experience quite unique.

Moreover, there's some humour here and there, which lightens the mood and adds an extra layer of entertainment.

As someone who has always been intrigued by Go, it’s nice to learn more about the game through the story. The Go match with Touya’s dad was particularly intense.

I could really FEEL the tension building up as the game progressed, which kept me on the edge of my seat.

However, I wasn’t too keen on the introduction of the antagonist—or at least, who I think is the antagonist.

His character seems a bit one-dimensional at this point, and I hope there will be more development in the future.

Overall, the book is quite good. I’m definitely interested in continuing with the series to see where it goes.

I would've given it 5 stars if not for the dude at the end lol.

Maybe his role will become clearer and more interesting in the next installment.

When Hikaru stumbles upon an old board game and, quite by accident, unleashes Sai, the ancient spirit residing within, he finds himself thrust into the highly competitive realm of go.

The opening volume of this series is filled with humor and interesting cultural tidbits regarding the game of go, which effectively draw readers in. However, it should be noted that one won't necessarily learn to play go from these asides. The art in this volume is of a high standard.

I have some concerns about how long the plot can be stretched. Initially, the concept of a kid being compelled to play go is rather amusing. But unless this series follows in the footsteps of The Prince of Tennis 1 and becomes a bit more outlandish, I'm skeptical that it can maintain its momentum over 20 or more volumes. Nevertheless, despite these reservations, I am still looking forward to delving into the next volume to see how the story unfolds.

A truly great story awaits within these pages. It not only offers a really good in-depth look at the game of GO but also delves into the lives of the players and the arduous journey one must undertake to become a professional player. The details presented are simply fascinating, captivating the reader's attention from start to finish.

Moreover, this story has a wonderful fantasy element that adds an extra layer of allure. It transports the reader into a world where the boundaries of reality and imagination blend seamlessly, creating an immersive experience like no other.

Whether you are a fan of the game of GO or simply someone who enjoys a well-written story with a touch of magic, this article is sure to satisfy. It is a must-read for anyone looking to explore the fascinating world of GO and the individuals who dedicate their lives to mastering this complex and captivating game.

Loving the art so much is like having a passionate affair with a beautiful muse. It consumes your thoughts, fills your heart with joy, and drives you to create, explore, and express.

Art has the power to transport us to different worlds, to evoke emotions we never knew existed, and to make us see the beauty in the ordinary. It is a language that speaks to our souls, a medium through which we can communicate our deepest feelings and ideas.

Whether it is painting, sculpture, music, dance, or literature, art has the ability to inspire, to heal, and to transform. It can bring people together, break down barriers, and create a sense of community.

Those who love art are like explorers, constantly seeking new ways to express themselves and to discover the hidden treasures within. They are not afraid to take risks, to make mistakes, and to learn from their experiences.

Loving the art so much means that it becomes a part of who we are, a source of inspiration and a driving force in our lives. It is a journey that never ends, a never-ending quest for beauty, truth, and meaning.

I usually don't have a penchant for series related to sport. They tend to be long-winded affairs, lacking in much romance or drama aside from that which is driven by the sport itself, and not really hitting the right chords with me.

However, I decided to give "Hikaru No Go" a try. I started reading it because I had the idea of writing a similar story and was told it might be beneficial. To my surprise, I fell in love with it almost immediately. After just the first few chapters, I completely forgot the original reason I had started and became fully immersed.

The truth is, it is written extremely well. If you possess any sort of strategic or logical mind, you will毫无疑问 love it, even if you typically despise sport series. And the two main characters are so well-developed that it's effortless to share their feelings. I could sense the drama on every page and found myself thinking, "Hey, I was so wrong. This is just太棒了." It truly is a remarkable series that has the power to captivate readers, regardless of their initial stance on sport-related content.

I will be the first to admit that when I initially heard about this series, I had my doubts. I wondered if it was going to be interesting enough to keep me completely enthralled.

I read this over 20 years ago, back in the late 90’s. Now, my daughter was on the hunt for interesting series to read, and I recommended this one to her. Naturally, I also decided that it was worth rereading myself.

The story is penned by Yumi Hotta and beautifully illustrated by Takeshi Obata. Both the art and the story are highly engaging. It’s about a ghost who is unable to find peace until he makes the divine move. This premise is neatly laid out in this very first volume.

And then, we get to encounter and interact with more characters, find ourselves in various situations, and embark on exciting adventures. What truly shocked me was how well I could still grasp the age and thoughts of the characters, and I firmly believe that it still holds up today.

My daughter is in the 7th grade as she reads it, and I feel that the main character acts just a little bit younger than her. The action in this first volume is indeed captivating, and the introduction of the characters in this volume is bound to have a significant impact on the entire series.

Overall, it’s a series that has stood the test of time and continues to be a great read for both young and old alike.

This was truly so nostalgic!

I had completely forgotten just how much I love this series.

It's amazing how a simple thing like remembering this show can bring back so many wonderful memories.

And to top it off, I have had "Get Over" (the theme song from the show) stuck in my head all day.

It just keeps playing over and over again, and I can't seem to get it out.

But you know what? I don't even mind.

It's like a little reminder of all the good times I had watching this series.

XD

This series is truly a life changer.

It has the power to transform the way we think, feel, and live.

Each installment in the series offers valuable insights and practical advice that can be applied to our daily lives.

Whether it's about improving our relationships, achieving our goals, or finding inner peace, this series has something for everyone.

The stories and examples presented are relatable and engaging, making it easy to understand and implement the lessons learned.

Reading this series can open our eyes to new possibilities and inspire us to make positive changes in our lives.

It is a must-read for anyone who is looking to take their life to the next level.

So, don't miss out on this amazing opportunity to transform your life.

Grab a copy of this series today and start your journey towards a better, more fulfilling life.