Review of Fangirl, Vol. 3: The Manga by Rainbow Rowell
From the moment I cracked open the first volume of the Fangirl manga series, I was both excited and apprehensive. Rainbow Rowell’s original novel has a special place in my heart; it wonderfully captures the trials of growing up, the pressures of fandom, and the dance between imagination and reality. After a few ups and downs with the adaptation—complete with some artistic interpretations that didn’t jibe with my mental images—I approached Fangirl, Vol. 3 with cautious optimism. To my surprise, it turned out to be the most enjoyable installment yet!
First things first: let’s talk about our beloved characters. I must admit, I was initially annoyed with the artists’ interpretation of Cath and Levi; particularly Levi’s receding hairline had me fuming in the previous volumes. But in this latest entry, it feels like the artwork has matured alongside the characters. Levi’s looks improved a bit, which did help to soothe my earlier frustrations, even though my idealized version of him from the book still lingers at the back of my mind. Reagan also shines through beautifully; her fierce attitude and bold expressions were captured perfectly, adding vibrancy to the narrative.
What really struck me in this volume was how it deftly handled heavier themes like depression and social anxiety. At this stage in Cath’s journey, these elements became more pronounced, and I appreciated how Nam visually interpreted these struggles. There were moments that hit me hard, evoking secondhand feelings reminiscent of my own battles with anxiety. How beautifully this medium can capture emotion in simple frames is a testament to the artistic talent behind this series.
While the pacing and dialogue in Vol. 3 felt much more cohesive than in previous installments, some quirks still linger. I found myself wishing for more fidelity to Rowell’s original lines, as some character exchanges felt a touch off. However, I’ve come to terms with my expectations, recognizing that adaptations often take liberties. Considering that, I’m ready to give this volume a solid three stars—but let’s be clear, it’s towards the upper end of that rating spectrum. Reflecting on the earlier volumes, I find that my standards have sharpened; if I were reading Vol. 1 today, I’d probably rate it similarly.
Overall, Fangirl, Vol. 3 is not just a continuation of the manga series but a solid adaptation that resonates with both new readers and fans of the original book. If you appreciate a story that navigates the complexities of mental health while offering a heartfelt nod to fandom culture, you’ll find a lot to love here. That said, for those seeking the deeper, nuanced experience, I still maintain my mantra: the book is better. Dive into Rowell’s prose for a richer engagement with Cath’s world, but don’t shy away from this cheerful manga adaptation.
In summary, if you’ve been on this journey with Cath, Levi, and Reagan, or if you’re just dipping your toes into the waters of their story, Fangirl, Vol. 3 delivers a delightful mix of heart and humor. With its exploration of relatable themes and character growth, this volume made my reading experience gratifying. I walked away feeling a bit lighter and curious about where the story will take us next. Here’s hoping for more growth—both for the characters and the adaptation itself!
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