Originally posted June 22, 2009
By REBECCA P.
After losing both her parents, Tohru Honda finds herself living in a tent in the woods. While most people would have a dreary position to being “kicked” out for house renovations at her grandfather’s house, and being too afraid of being a burden to stay with friends, Tohru has an unbeatable optimism. On her way to school that particular morning, she stumbles upon the Sohma house, where the “Prince” lives.
Tohru ends up getting sick and spotted later that evening by Shigure and Yuki. She’s taken in and cared for and learns she’s been living on their property. After revealing her story, she’s asked to stay at the house and is given a room. After accidently hugging Kyo, Shigure and Yuki reveal that their family is processed by the spirits of the Chinese zodiac, and she must keep their secret. The rest of the volume introduces several major characters and we see Tohru begin to get closer to the family and the stage is set for later events.
My thoughts
There’s not a lot of character development in Fruits Basket volume 1 as we’re getting introduced to the main characters with plenty of room for the additional characters who’ll make their appearance in future volumes. Fruits Basket volume 1 is of course nothing less than Shojo greatness. It’s been the best selling shojo title in the United States for years now for a reason; it is that good. The characters are rich, refreshing and definitely not stereotypes, but their own unique entity. There’s a good reason why I wrote my junior essay on Fruits Basket (and got above average) based on characters alone.
Fruits Basket’s story is only just beginning to be set in the first volume and things only get better than they already are from here on out. It’s one of those rare series that break all the stereotypes, have a high readability and have this calming and deep thought feeling to it. My only minor complaint in the first volume is the artwork. Natsuki’s artwork is fantastic; however, it gets much better over time. The first volume’s art is a little rough in the ink department.
Bottom line, Fruits Basket is a series NO manga fan should be without. Regardless of whether or not you like shojo or romance, it’s a series that needs to be in your collection. With a storyline that is over the top in quality, has winning characters, brilliant artwork, and a little something for everyone, all I can ask of those who haven’t picked it up is what’s stopping you? The review is done. Go to the store now or order it online, you won’t regret it and it only gets better.
