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テガミバチ / Tegami Bachi #3
Tegamibachi 3
Reads R to L (Japanese Style). In a land of perpetual night, your heart is your light.
Meeting Sylvette SuedeLag almost breaks the record time on his Letter Bee test, securing a job as a Letter Bee! But his celebration ends with unwelcome news: the record holder, Gauche Suede, is no longer a Letter Bee! Shocked, Lag seeks out Gauche's little sister Sylvette to learn exactly what happened. But Sylvette has no answers, only memories and a broken heart. Gauche would never abandon his sister like that! Could it be he lost his heart...or his life?!
167 pages, Comic
First published February 4, 2008
About the author
Hiroyuki Asada
121 books63 followersHiroyuki Asada (浅田弘幸 Asada Hiroyuki) is a Japanese mangaka.
His most known series are I'll and Tegami Bachi.
All of Asada's manga were serialized in the monthly shōnen anthology Monthly Shōnen Jump (which has since been discontinued; Tegami Bachi now appears in its replacement Jump Square). He made his debut in 1986. He acquired a fanbase with Mint: Sleeping Rabbit, Renka by degrees, and his popularity improved with I'll.
He also worked on the character design of the 2019 anime adaptation of Tezuka's classic Dororo.
In his personal life, he is part of a unit with Shou Tajima (best known for Psych) and Takeshi Obata (best known for Hikaru no Go and Death Note), and his creation activity with "AQUARIOS 3".
His most known series are I'll and Tegami Bachi.
All of Asada's manga were serialized in the monthly shōnen anthology Monthly Shōnen Jump (which has since been discontinued; Tegami Bachi now appears in its replacement Jump Square). He made his debut in 1986. He acquired a fanbase with Mint: Sleeping Rabbit, Renka by degrees, and his popularity improved with I'll.
He also worked on the character design of the 2019 anime adaptation of Tezuka's classic Dororo.
In his personal life, he is part of a unit with Shou Tajima (best known for Psych) and Takeshi Obata (best known for Hikaru no Go and Death Note), and his creation activity with "AQUARIOS 3".
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
April 16, 2012
I think the best part about this volume, aside from the characters, was the side story. That story was adorable and heartbreakingly sad. Other than that, another typically good volume of Tegami Bachi.
October 27, 2013
I don't really like melodrama.
Regardless, Letter Bee is a well-drawn manga with rich settings and universe. I'm still impressed by the way the mangaka drew the shadowy landscapes and the artificial-looking stars.
Regardless, Letter Bee is a well-drawn manga with rich settings and universe. I'm still impressed by the way the mangaka drew the shadowy landscapes and the artificial-looking stars.
April 9, 2019
I really do love the world of Tegami Bachi. It’s so imaginative and beautiful, and the art is as always stunning - especially the starry landscapes. This was another great volume, but what made it even better was the side story at the end - heartbreaking and emotional but a sweet little addition to the main plot.
November 10, 2019
7/10.
Suma y sigue :). Ya he pedido los siguientes tomos. Deseando continuar su lectura.
Suma y sigue :). Ya he pedido los siguientes tomos. Deseando continuar su lectura.
July 22, 2019
I got surprised that there’s dark sides of BEE, but I actually don’t know what it is yet. This manga is truly good. when Rag take a shot to a letter, I always think each letter has a very important meaning to someone.
December 2, 2024
** Leido de su Version Español en Manga Plus** este tercer tomo me pareció regular sigue viéndose mejor el primer tomo, el dibujo de Hiroyuki me parece buenos, la historia que cuenta es muy agradable y agridulce la parte antes del cruzar el puente para su destino para la Prueba, me decepciono la parte de la prueba pense que seria un poco mas larga o interesante. continuare con el siguiente tomo para ver que mas me cuenta y ver si vuelve engancharme.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 25, 2021
Stupidi fumetti che mi fanno piangere per cani che non esistono.
Sento di nuovo la "scimmia" che avevo più di dieci anni fa quando leggevo questi volumi. Per fortuna ora è finito e devo solo controllarmi nel non leggerlo tutto d'un fiato, almeno so che avrò le risposte che cerco! In questo volume in particolare continuiamo ad avere altre domande e quasi nessuna risposta.
Sento di nuovo la "scimmia" che avevo più di dieci anni fa quando leggevo questi volumi. Per fortuna ora è finito e devo solo controllarmi nel non leggerlo tutto d'un fiato, almeno so che avrò le risposte che cerco! In questo volume in particolare continuiamo ad avere altre domande e quasi nessuna risposta.
August 23, 2021
This volume was a bit more story based which I really liked, Niche and Steak are still great and the special chapter made me cry because it's one of those storylines that always makes me cry. My only issue with this volume and with the previous volumes is the 'fan service' - it's really disturbing me and hopefully it stops soon.
April 11, 2018
Lag effectue sa première véritable mission en tant que Letter Bee, donnée par le directeur de la ruche lui-meme, qui suit ses efforts de très près. Il s’agit de réunir un dingo et sa partenaire, cette dernière étant decedee lors d’un éboulement. C’était hyper émouvant et très beau.
September 21, 2019
A lot of heart, action, beauty, and humor in this volume. Excellent story, wonderful characters, fascinating worldbuilding. The artwork is gorgeous. Niche the dingo is my favorite character: she's a bit odd, but also fiercely loyal and a great friend. Fabulous volume and series.
June 26, 2020
Me ha dejado con la miel con los labios… Nos cuenta por qué Goos ya no es un Letter Bee, y sinceramente me ha hecho dudar… Me ha dejado con muchas preguntas, que espero que me las respondan en los tomos siguientes.
Las ilustraciones y la historia son de 10.
Las ilustraciones y la historia son de 10.
June 19, 2021
I am so in love with Tegami Bachi. It’s so different from any other shonen manga I’m reading right now. Reading it is like being in a slumber dreaming the most wonderful of dreams. I loved the story of Darwin, it was truly heartfelt. Not enough people are reading this magical series…
November 3, 2025
3.6
For this 3rd volume I had to switch to French translation (from Japanese) because that’s all that is available at the library. For the art, action scenes require a bit more time to decipher all the angles.
For this 3rd volume I had to switch to French translation (from Japanese) because that’s all that is available at the library. For the art, action scenes require a bit more time to decipher all the angles.
June 10, 2018
This one was so hearbreaking, I even cried a little bit :'(
October 25, 2018
That ending made me cry!
February 21, 2019
Enter complexities and conspiracies. Lovely, lovely.
March 28, 2019
Love this series so far, great Shōnen manga so far with awesome beautiful art😻👌😁❤️❤️
April 7, 2019
Great volume on meeting Sylvette and getting new characters. We also get more insight into Lag's hero Gauche and what he has gone through. A lot of set up, but nothing major has happened.
February 8, 2021
Further adventures in letter delivery, and Lag tracks down a few faces from the past in his search for Gauche!
December 26, 2025
How nice of Lag to say hi to his mentors sister
February 11, 2026
Niche needs to quit being weird but aside from that I'm really liking the story.
Tegami Bachi Review
4/5 stars
This will be a spoiler free review. Onto the review!
I picked up this manga on the recommendation of a friend. Well actually, she recommended the anime, but I wanted to read the manga since the anime never got finished. I have mixed feelings about this one. Maybe the anime would help. I don’t know.
The story follows this kid who decides to become a mail courier because he was once mailed somewhere, and it left an impression on him. Being a mail courier is a super dangerous job, because there are giant bugs that live in between the cities and try to eat people. People generally don’t travel a lot due to this issue. I loved the story and the characters. It was really fun to get to meet all the other mail couriers. They all have animal companions of some kind, which help them to fend off the bugs until they can take them down with special magical guns.
The main character’s goal is to eventually find his mother, who originally mailed him to his aunt at the start of the first volume. He remembers her from when he was little, and wants to know why she sent him away. Learning more about his mother is the main mystery of the series, which leads him to many new places where he meets lots of new, interesting people. And along the way, there are these giant bug fights that are really fun.
Now here’s where I feel conflicted. The main character’s animal companion is this random girl who decides to follow him around. She’s not technically human, so that’s how she’s able to count as an animal companion despite looking like a kid. Because she’s not human, she does not understand the need for acting like the humans do. What this generally means is a big chunk of the early volumes, she finds a dumb excuse to not wear pants for a panel or two. It’s always censored with big block text that literally says “censored,” but it was still kind of uncomfortable to read about.
Also, near the middle of the series we meet her older sister, who literally walks around naked because she also has no understanding of human behavior. She thinks of herself as more of an animal than her little sister does, because she lives out in the wild and doesn’t interact with people. When she has to be around people, she puts on a ribbon that she ties very carefully in a specific way, if you get my meaning.
Listen, I’ve seen worse fan service (see: Ghost in the Shell). I don’t mind the older sister doing what she does, because she’s an adult and can do whatever she wants. But the little sister is a kid. She looks to be maybe 10ish. As I said before, it’s always censored, so we’re never seeing anything. But for me personally, it’s the principle that matters. I read the entirety of this manga, because I felt it would be important to judge it after seeing where the manga went and if it continued to be an issue. It does go away for a while, but then near the end of the series, she loses her pants again briefly and I just ugggghhhhhhhhhhh whyyyyyyyyyyy…we were over this…
I did like the series as a whole. It has a great story with a lot of heart. For that alone, I think this is a great series and would recommend it. But you’ll have to consider for yourself if you want to read a series with so little pants. Wow, that’s a brand new sentence no one has ever said before. Consider your comfort level and read this at your own risk.
Have a nice day/night everyone!
Tegami Bachi Review
4/5 stars
This will be a spoiler free review. Onto the review!
I picked up this manga on the recommendation of a friend. Well actually, she recommended the anime, but I wanted to read the manga since the anime never got finished. I have mixed feelings about this one. Maybe the anime would help. I don’t know.
The story follows this kid who decides to become a mail courier because he was once mailed somewhere, and it left an impression on him. Being a mail courier is a super dangerous job, because there are giant bugs that live in between the cities and try to eat people. People generally don’t travel a lot due to this issue. I loved the story and the characters. It was really fun to get to meet all the other mail couriers. They all have animal companions of some kind, which help them to fend off the bugs until they can take them down with special magical guns.
The main character’s goal is to eventually find his mother, who originally mailed him to his aunt at the start of the first volume. He remembers her from when he was little, and wants to know why she sent him away. Learning more about his mother is the main mystery of the series, which leads him to many new places where he meets lots of new, interesting people. And along the way, there are these giant bug fights that are really fun.
Now here’s where I feel conflicted. The main character’s animal companion is this random girl who decides to follow him around. She’s not technically human, so that’s how she’s able to count as an animal companion despite looking like a kid. Because she’s not human, she does not understand the need for acting like the humans do. What this generally means is a big chunk of the early volumes, she finds a dumb excuse to not wear pants for a panel or two. It’s always censored with big block text that literally says “censored,” but it was still kind of uncomfortable to read about.
Also, near the middle of the series we meet her older sister, who literally walks around naked because she also has no understanding of human behavior. She thinks of herself as more of an animal than her little sister does, because she lives out in the wild and doesn’t interact with people. When she has to be around people, she puts on a ribbon that she ties very carefully in a specific way, if you get my meaning.
Listen, I’ve seen worse fan service (see: Ghost in the Shell). I don’t mind the older sister doing what she does, because she’s an adult and can do whatever she wants. But the little sister is a kid. She looks to be maybe 10ish. As I said before, it’s always censored, so we’re never seeing anything. But for me personally, it’s the principle that matters. I read the entirety of this manga, because I felt it would be important to judge it after seeing where the manga went and if it continued to be an issue. It does go away for a while, but then near the end of the series, she loses her pants again briefly and I just ugggghhhhhhhhhhh whyyyyyyyyyyy…we were over this…
I did like the series as a whole. It has a great story with a lot of heart. For that alone, I think this is a great series and would recommend it. But you’ll have to consider for yourself if you want to read a series with so little pants. Wow, that’s a brand new sentence no one has ever said before. Consider your comfort level and read this at your own risk.
Have a nice day/night everyone!
April 1, 2024
So far I've read the first 5 volumes of this manga. Premise: Awesome. Story: meh. Not really even with a capital M. Tankobon manga like Tegami Bachi are something I can see myself getting into; where there is an individual story with a beginning and end to each volume without much cutoff (ala Mushishi). It's really a cozy and intimate little experience that I get with most books. I like manga, but the problem with other series I enjoy like Soul Eater is that it's just one collective work where you have to keep reading and reading the volumes like a neverending bag of potato chips. Tegami Bachi is far more personal in the fact that it's tankobon, and that's mixed in with its serene but surreal indigo-laden caste-based steampunk-ish world. However the problem I have with what I've read with the series is that it falls into many traps that are becoming shonen manga cliches. There's a naive young protagonist who looks up to someone but also boasts special powers. There's a weird girl, a bizarre mascot, snarky side characters, a mysterious side species that bear the same powers as the protagonist a job to do, and a mystery to solve. Been there done ALL that. Other than the unique premise the story is on autopilot writing itself. The action is cool but a bit too flashy, and not a lot of characters nor are they extremely three dimensional so it's hard to sympathize with the apparent danger. The art, as I mentioned before is very, VERY cool. It's cool to the point where I just accept the created world as steampunk fantasy and suspend my disbelief. The characters all look cool and the concept of a dark world with an artificial sun makes me want to keep reading just to figure out what it is. The other nice part and shonen trap that Letter Bee doesn't fall into is the fan service. Most of the costumes are pleasant, baggy, honest and unique (Bar Aria's with needless straps that serve no purpose other than the illusion of underboob-bearing lingerie). Will I keep reading it? We'll see.
October 9, 2010
Reason for Reading: Next in the series.
I love this series! Immediately upon arriving in Yuusari, Lag is told that Gauche is no longer a Letter Bee. He lost his job and hasn't been heard from in 4 years. Lag finally takes his exam to become a Letter Bee himself. He visits Gauche's sister Sylvette Suede whom we've been hearing about since Vol. 1 and this new female character is a blast. She's aggressive and takes on Niche with no problems, yet will cry at the drop of a pin, just like Lag. Some humour comes from these "crybaby" sessions. Lag is sent out on some letter deliveries including one very important one that takes up the whole last chapter.
But this volume also starts to expand the storyline, taking the plot somewhere deeper than what has gone on so far. We meet the Beehive Director and Assistant Director, hear murmurings of something going on inside the organization and Lag realizes that the AD will be a friend in high places, should one be needed later on. We learn of a mysterious incident that happened one day in the past that now is a solemn holiday, the 311th day, when the man-made sun flickered and something else happened that day that the government quickly explained away and now doesn't even recognize, but it all has a connection to Gauche, Sylvette and Lag. Just as much fun as previous volumes but also becoming a much more involved plot. I like the direction this is going and can't wait til February for the release of Vol. 4!
I love this series! Immediately upon arriving in Yuusari, Lag is told that Gauche is no longer a Letter Bee. He lost his job and hasn't been heard from in 4 years. Lag finally takes his exam to become a Letter Bee himself. He visits Gauche's sister Sylvette Suede whom we've been hearing about since Vol. 1 and this new female character is a blast. She's aggressive and takes on Niche with no problems, yet will cry at the drop of a pin, just like Lag. Some humour comes from these "crybaby" sessions. Lag is sent out on some letter deliveries including one very important one that takes up the whole last chapter.
But this volume also starts to expand the storyline, taking the plot somewhere deeper than what has gone on so far. We meet the Beehive Director and Assistant Director, hear murmurings of something going on inside the organization and Lag realizes that the AD will be a friend in high places, should one be needed later on. We learn of a mysterious incident that happened one day in the past that now is a solemn holiday, the 311th day, when the man-made sun flickered and something else happened that day that the government quickly explained away and now doesn't even recognize, but it all has a connection to Gauche, Sylvette and Lag. Just as much fun as previous volumes but also becoming a much more involved plot. I like the direction this is going and can't wait til February for the release of Vol. 4!
Want to Read
December 6, 2010 Tagami Bachi is a japanese graphic novel series, shōnen manga. There are many themes in the stories. Lag Seeing is a delivery boy in a land of continuous night. Lag is a 12 year old boy who is determined to do his job no matter what gets in his way. The books include good vs evil, love, grief, and controlling anger to name a few things. The series is separated by volumes of ten sections.
I am really not a fan of manga. It feel very simple and bla to me. This is a series that many young adults do read and a genre that they enjoy, especially the boys. I thought i would give it another try,but i still do not like it. To each there own style, i make students read books that are not there style so it is only fair that i read one that is not my style.
I could use this book with a lot of different units. Probably the way i would choose to use is a unit on perseverance. Lag never gave up on his missions to deliver packages wear they went. It is a good book to teach diligence and overcoming obstacles in there way. Do not let anything get you down.
I am really not a fan of manga. It feel very simple and bla to me. This is a series that many young adults do read and a genre that they enjoy, especially the boys. I thought i would give it another try,but i still do not like it. To each there own style, i make students read books that are not there style so it is only fair that i read one that is not my style.
I could use this book with a lot of different units. Probably the way i would choose to use is a unit on perseverance. Lag never gave up on his missions to deliver packages wear they went. It is a good book to teach diligence and overcoming obstacles in there way. Do not let anything get you down.
May 22, 2015
I love this series and its odd and quirky traits. Niche being #1 among them, because she is unique unto herself. Gauche as Lag's motivation runs #2 because while he misses his mother he never expected for Gauche to turn out like her.
Chapter 8 where they meet Sylvette is such a huge thing for both of them. Lag is obviously hurting for the girl and Niche can't help but be jealous. I love that Niche feels licking will heal anything! Their whole conversation is so perfect for them! "To be pretty does Niche meet to be squishy too?" Haha! So vulnerable but strong at the same time. (I love when Niche and Steak peek out from behind Lag!)
These Niche moments are even the best of the volume! I was so touched by Darwin and Elena's story. Niche jealous is so delightful to me I hope it happens over and over again! "Niche will fry him up and eat him before eating Steak!"
BOTTOM LINE: Touching, sad, beautiful, empowering, funny!
Chapter 8 where they meet Sylvette is such a huge thing for both of them. Lag is obviously hurting for the girl and Niche can't help but be jealous. I love that Niche feels licking will heal anything! Their whole conversation is so perfect for them! "To be pretty does Niche meet to be squishy too?" Haha! So vulnerable but strong at the same time. (I love when Niche and Steak peek out from behind Lag!)
These Niche moments are even the best of the volume! I was so touched by Darwin and Elena's story. Niche jealous is so delightful to me I hope it happens over and over again! "Niche will fry him up and eat him before eating Steak!"
BOTTOM LINE: Touching, sad, beautiful, empowering, funny!
November 15, 2011
Wow, I think this is officially the first time a manga has made me tear up. Lag and his quirky Dingo, Niche (and her meal? pet?, Steak)have joined the Postal Service. Lag visits Sylvette Suede, Gauche's sister (the one for whom he works in order to pay for a surgery that might cure her paralyzed legs), in an attempt to find out about Gauche's whereabouts. She knows little of what's happened to him, but blames his ambition for his absence. Lag decides that it is now his goal to not only be the best Letter Bee, but to find Gauche and bring him back to his sister. He rents out Gauche's old room and takes possession of Gauche's old spirit-amber gun. We also learn a bit more of Gauche's history. The last half of this volume follows Lag on an unusual delivery to reunite old friends. Serious tearjerker of an ending.
July 5, 2013
The art is stll as gorgeous as ever (even though it's a little confusing sometimes), and the plot just keeps getting more interesting.
We finally get to meet Sylvette in this volume, and Lag has his first day at the office, so to speak. We get background on Gauche and, subsequently, some interesting coincidences about him, Sylvette, and Lag. I'm forming a few theories already!
There's also a very touching bonus chapter at the end that almost brought me to tears. Or maybe I'm just really emotional right now, I don't know. But I dare you not to be touched by Darwin.
We finally get to meet Sylvette in this volume, and Lag has his first day at the office, so to speak. We get background on Gauche and, subsequently, some interesting coincidences about him, Sylvette, and Lag. I'm forming a few theories already!
There's also a very touching bonus chapter at the end that almost brought me to tears. Or maybe I'm just really emotional right now, I don't know. But I dare you not to be touched by Darwin.
Read
January 17, 2013Ce tome pose quelques questions qui nous laisse présager une histoire intéressante! On sent qu'on commence vraiment à entrer dans le vif du sujet.
Seul défaut (à mon sens) : certains passages sont un peu trop larmoyant...
Seul défaut (à mon sens) : certains passages sont un peu trop larmoyant...
June 12, 2016
This. Volume. Was. AMAZING!
I'm buying this series. You guys should, too! >:3
To read my review of this volume, click here!
I'm buying this series. You guys should, too! >:3
To read my review of this volume, click here!
May 8, 2015
I love the premise and the art, but this volume was a hair too over-the-top, melodramatic for me. I also think it's creepy that his dingo, a little girl/goddess thing, has some overtly sexualized poses throughout the series.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews