Hikaru No Go commences with great vigor. It skillfully acquaints the reader with the complexities of Go, while simultaneously establishing the stakes for its engaging coming-of-age narrative centered around Hikaru. The premise is straightforward: Hikaru stumbles upon an ancient go board. When he touches it, he becomes inhabited by a spirit over 1,000 years old, who was formerly a go instructor. Driven by the desire to let the spirit Sai, who dwells within his consciousness, play the game he adores so deeply, Hikaru begins frequenting go salons to play.

Yumi Hotta masterfully lays the groundwork for the series. The seeds of rivalry for both Hikaru and Sai are sown in the father/son duo of Akira and Koyo Toya. Hikaru's interest in go starts to flourish as Sai realizes there are modern aspects of the game that he must learn. Takeshi Obata's realistic art style pairs perfectly with the series. The characters' expressions seem authentic, and there is a beautiful approach to this down-to-earth story that, admittedly, contains a supernatural element.

Overall, this series presents a wonderful opening volume for anyone intrigued by a coming-of-age manga with a sports (board game) dimension. It manages to blend the excitement of the game with the emotional growth of the characters, making it a captivating read from the very beginning.

I didn't have a great affection for this one?

To be honest, I felt that it just jumped around way too much. It lacked the essential elements that would have made it truly captivating.

Unlike what I expected from a series related to Go, an ancient game that has been played throughout the ages, it wasn't as mysterious as it could have been. The allure and enigma that usually surrounds such an ancient and profound game were missing.

Nor was it as historical as it should have been. There was a lack of in-depth exploration into the rich history and cultural background of Go.

It also failed to be as informative as it needed to be. I was hoping to learn more about the strategies, techniques, and the significance of Go in different eras.

Finally, it didn't have that adventurous spirit that would have kept me hooked and eager to continue with the series. Overall, it just didn't meet my expectations and left me disappointed.

Your girl gave manga a try and was pleasantly surprised to find that she actually liked it! I have now just begun volume 3, and I must confess that the lighter reading and the change of pace have been extremely enjoyable for me :D

Manga offers a unique and engaging form of entertainment. The vivid illustrations and interesting storylines draw you in and keep you hooked. It's a great way to relax and unwind after a long day.

As I continue to explore this new world of manga, I'm excited to see what other adventures and characters await me. I'm sure there will be many more enjoyable volumes to come!

A story about chess is really wonderful and should not be missed!

Chess is a game that has fascinated people for centuries. It is a battle of wits and strategy, where players must think several steps ahead to outmaneuver their opponents.

In this story, we follow the journey of a young chess prodigy as he rises through the ranks of the chess world. Along the way, he faces many challenges and setbacks, but he never gives up on his dream of becoming a champion.

With vivid descriptions and engaging characters, this story will keep you on the edge of your seat from beginning to end. Whether you are a chess enthusiast or simply enjoy a good read, this is a story that you will not want to miss.