Title:  After School Nightmare Vol 7

Author:  Setona Mizushiro

Publisher:  go! comi

ISBN:  9781933617626

May Contain Spoilers

I’m getting ready to head out to another horse show, but I wanted to get this review up before I left.  I am freaking out about the show, and taking some time to slow down and read always helps to soothe my nerves.  I’m not sure what the posting schedule will be like over the next few days, but everything will be back on track next week. 

Mashiro never seems to catch a break.  After resolving to stop lying to himself and accept who he is, both Kureha and Sou turn their backs on him.  Kureha is still crushed over their breakup, wondering tearfully how Mashiro can still manage to smile, even as she feels that her world has crumbled.  Sou, spurned so many times by Mashiro, has determined that he won’t allow himself to fall victim to Mashiro’s casual treatment of him again.  All of these festering emotions!  After School Nightmare certainly packs a punch in the angst department.

Mashiro is so poor at showing how he feels that others easily misconstrue his actions.  He’s so distant from everyone, including himself, that he is always on the defensive, always trying to figure out how he should react.  I think that a lifetime of hiding who he really is from everyone, including himself, has warped his ability to open up to others.  He is a pathetic character, and I can’t help feeling sorry for him, even though he brings about his own misery.

Sou and Kureha are also emotional misfits, though they seem to be growing and are emotionally developing.  Together they have found a common kinship, venting about how Mashiro has hurt them and conspiring against him.  All any of the characters want is to be accepted for who they are, yet none of them really trusts anyone enough to open up to them.  Sou’s past is put under the microscope, and I have to say that his sister just creeps me out.  She’s manipulative and cruel, and she has a powerful hold over her younger brother.  Now that Mashiro is finally starting to stand up to her bullying, I can hardly wait to see how all  of these dysfunctional relationships continue to develop.

Grade:  B

Rated for Older Teen

Review copy provided by go! comi