Fuyu Hanabi by Hidenori Hara

 I didn't particularly like the last two I read so I went for something different this time.




Fuyu Hanabi by Hidenori Hara 

Art and story (c) Hidenori Hara

Genre: Seinen, Sports
Length: One Volume – 9 Chapters



           I genuinely liked this art at first glance, its an older style which might put some people off, but it was always excellently done. Something about it reminded me strongly of Monkey Punch's Lupin III, though I'm not sure how close it truly is, it just had that same feel. The action was well done, too, and considering this is a manga about boxing, that’s a really good thing. The clothes are pretty nondescript but I found no fault in them. The backgrounds are pretty good, a few blank pages, nothing too distracting. The main character's scruffy chin is my favorite part of the art.
           When a nearly washed up actress meets a nearly washed out boxer to train for an upcoming movie, sparks fly. Combative and disinterested, Maki feels this role is her last chance to become a known actress before her career dries up for good. Dragon Gon is at the edge of retirement with out any prospects at making his name known as a boxer. These two make an “on the edge” couple who are forced to work together.
           I found this story rather endearing, and it made me smile while I read it. The story is

pretty predictable, but the details aren't too cliched. Its a fun, light read. The name 'Fuyu Hanabi' translates to 'Winter Fireworks' and that is an appropriate description for this, I

assure you. Its about two possibly past their prime professionals trying to just get one last hurrah before they are forgotten forever. With things not going too well for either party. Of course, some feelings start mixing in after a while, too, but only right before everything falls apart so the drama is better. As far as sports manga go, it has very little sports in it. You sort of get a half romance half sports blend where you kind of don't get either. The ending is a little ambiguous, too. For a one volume, its definitely worth a read; its well put together and the characters are funny. I had a good time and I think just about anybody else will, too. That’s not to say that some readers will not dislike some of the details. The art I've already mentioned isn't everyone's cup of tea, it can look sloppy (I've reviewed plenty of manga with sloppy or sketchy art and I personally have never found such a detail to be a totally make or break it detail anyway) and there is not a lot of beauty in it. Maki is also a character that could be hard to love, she's a bit spoiled and spends most of her time screaming or drunk. Also, the story doesn't go deeply into anything, either, and the conclusion is a little weak. I still really enjoyed it.



4/5 Super readable.