Obviously, there are some exaggerations and anime-y logic going on with some of the relationship building, but for the most part, the relationships in Furuba feel organic and realistic. This applies to both the romantic sort and non romantic sort. The story does an amazing job of building nuanced and realistic relationships between characters. Whether it’s an ex, parent who can’t remember their kid, abusive parents, etc. Over 3 amazing seasons, we are introduced to a variety of characters who are in one way or another dealing with some complications of love. It wouldn’t be a Furuba review if we didn’t talk about love. This remake arrived at the perfect time for me, and I could not be happier with the story-telling, character depth and educational aspects of this series. The one thing that I still struggle with is letting go of the past.

I turned to animanga and light novels and have found many important things since then. For me, the mark of a true masterpiece is something that teaches me valuable life lessons. The overarching narrative spanning 60+ episodes of breaking familial bonds and moving on from trauma was so beautifully done that here at the end of that journey, I’m left in tears. Love, grief, letting go of the past and becoming your own person, etc. are so applicable to daily life, it almost hurts. The core themes and issues addressed in Furuba In many ways, Furuba is a blast from the past, a relic of a bygone era of storytelling. While other people my age preferred the action packed episodes of YYH and DBZ, I enjoyed the slower and more down to earth Kodomo no Omocha. This really fuelled my passion for the genre/demographic tremendously. Cardcaptor Sakura, Sailor Moon, etc., were cultural phenomena. With time slowly withering away, Tooru contends with an uncertain future in hopes of reaching the tranquility that may lie beyond all this commotion.įruit’s Basket is not only one of the best stories ever told in the medium, it also could serve as the catalyst needed for a revival of the shoujo genre. However, due to confounding revelations, she struggles to find the tenacity to continue her endeavors.

Her companionship with the family and her friends encourages her to move forward with lifting the curse. Tooru Honda, who has grown attached to the Soumas, is determined to break the chains that bind them. While he desperately clings to this fantasy, the rest of the family remains isolated and suppressed by the fear of punishment. As head of the clan, Akito is convinced that he shares a special connection with the other Soumas. Yet, when these bonds shackle them from freedom, it becomes an undesirable burden-a curse. United by this promise, the possessed members of the Souma family shall always return to each other under any circumstances. Hundreds of years ago, the Chinese Zodiac spirits and their god swore to stay together eternally.

Fruits Basket, Vol. 2 by Natsuki Takaya