Das Demian-Syndrom 04

Das Demian-Syndrom #4

by Mamiya Oki

Genres: Manga, Yaoi, Romance

194 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1999

About the author

Associated Names:
Mamiya Oki (English)
沖麻実也 (Japanese)
沖麻實也 (Traditional Chinese)

Reviews

[Kati · Rating 4 out of 5]

The fourth volume of the "The Demian Syndrome" - or "Das Demian-Syndrom" in German - is darker than the previous three (not that those didn't have their dark parts, mind you). In this one Azuma's suppressed feelings for Takamiya make Azuma snap. He assaults Takamiya. Takamiya can't forgive him or himself for letting it happen, he suffers from nightmares and guilt... But he still needs to know why Azuma did it, he needs answers.

This manga has overall somewhat darker tone, it's dreamy and sometimes it doesn't make much sense since it follows the philosophy of Hermann Hesse's "Demian" - a book about two people who are inexplicably drawn to each other over and over again. In this manga, Takamiya and Azuma keep hurting each other but they can't stay separated.

[Novels and Neckties - Kira Murasaki · Rating 2 out of 5]

I read the whole series, cause I had them at home for AGES and wanted to get over with it, but I think that was a mistake.
I remember the hype, when it came out, but I can´t understand it now.
This was supposed to be a love story, but all we get it watching a guy, coming home from America, to have a reunion with his childhood friend. But childhoodfriend is pissed and won´t say why. So We watch Guy trying not to break his walls but climp over them. which takes him 6 Volumes!!!
Meanwhile we get text.
TEXT!!!! Some pages are so full with text, there is not even room for a full face.
We know a lot about high school in japan now. It´s cleaning the dorms and the classrooms and have endless meeting for group projects and running around with a folder in your hand, on the way to the next meeting. Sorry, I am being sarcastic here.
We learn only a little about the tragic past of childhoodfriend. In the end, they finally get together, but I don´t understand how and why. I re-read the relevant scenes so often, but I couldn´t find, where they fell in love. There was a love confession, but ... well ... no sparks flying. All the reading for nothing.
I think slow burn CAN be a wonderful way to tell a love story, but in the end I NEED a really love dovey love scene.