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REVIEW: Song of the Hanging Sky GN 1




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Mistypearl



Joined: 03 Oct 2008
Posts: 517
PostPosted: Sat Jan 31, 2009 12:07 am Reply with quote
Sounds a bit weird, but I'll see if I can check it out.
Bird people...? Bird People? O___o; Now why can't they just have crocodile scales and be cooler? D:
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BleuVII



Joined: 19 Sep 2006
Posts: 672
Location: Tokorozawa, Japan
PostPosted: Sat Jan 31, 2009 2:54 am Reply with quote
Because this isn't Shonen.
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the_seventh_l



Joined: 26 Jul 2007
Posts: 108
Location: Florissant, MO
PostPosted: Sat Jan 31, 2009 12:43 pm Reply with quote
This sounds pretty interesting. I'll have to keep an eye out for it next time I go to B&N Very Happy
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belvadeer





PostPosted: Sat Jan 31, 2009 8:07 pm Reply with quote
BleuVII wrote:
Because this isn't Shonen.


What? Crocodiles go under the shonen category automatically?
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Rika-chama



Joined: 19 Feb 2008
Posts: 87
PostPosted: Sat Jan 31, 2009 8:13 pm Reply with quote
Wow, an A+ and no bad about it? I might just have to pick this up (once I get some money of course) Razz
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marzipan.dragon



Joined: 18 Jul 2008
Posts: 70
PostPosted: Sun Feb 01, 2009 12:49 am Reply with quote
Interesting review - so I just ordered it. The combination of an anti-bloodshed flavor with some fairy tale elements (a la Brothers Grimm) sounds promising. Thanks!
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midnighteve



Joined: 04 Jun 2008
Posts: 114
Location: Chula Vista
PostPosted: Sun Feb 01, 2009 3:40 am Reply with quote
Yay! I'm so happy that this manga got some recognition! Very Happy

I actually picked up volume one of this on a whim and I am absolutely in love with it! The art was a bit off putting (for me anyway) at first, but it kind of grows on you after a while. I agree with the review that there's a melancholic air throughout the story but it's nothing to heavy as to bog the whole thing down. I'm honestly amazed that this is her first continuing work.

Volume two was okay, but unfortunately doesn't hold up as well compared to its predecessor. I appreciated more backstory, but the addition of yet another human character to the mix I thought was a bit much. (And his name just kills me...)

I really hope everyone can find themselves a copy. It seems to be a pretty rare find. (At least where I live, only place that has a copy is a manga/anime specialty store and they only have one of each!)
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Fallen Wings



Joined: 27 Nov 2007
Posts: 160
Location: Australia
PostPosted: Sun Feb 01, 2009 6:15 am Reply with quote
I have this manga and when I saw the review I was a bit surprised it got so high.

Not saying that it isn't good. It is great. But I would only put it in the B or B+ range for a few personal reasons.

When I bought it and saw the art I was a little bit put off but I was kinda use to old styles (yay for Black Jack and Harlock) so I was quick to adapt (like how in the Vision of Escaflowne you get use to the noses).

I'm not sure about Casey's point of view, but the major let down for me was the predictable story. I knew what was going to happen and that, I feel, was the biggest let down for me. True, not all of it was predictable but most of it you have seen done over and over again.

spoiler[ie. He found out about us, we must kill him
They are going to discovery technology and go visit villages nearby
The main character "Jack" is going to live with them

and of course the classic cliches,
"Jack" the main character is going to break down and everyone will feel sorry for him when they are about to kill him.
There has to be a naked woman spotting]


and other things as well. Also, I have to mention that even with cliches and etc the plotting and pacing worked really well which covered it up mostly (Just I can't forget about it because it annoyed me a bit)

Another thing that might annoy some people is the calling of "Bear", "Cave" and "Hello". It can get annoying sometimes but it all comes with the package.

I still personally don't think the praise for the story is all true but it is really only up to you. If you like winged kids and don't mind weird name calling then this book has your name on it.
But if you are one of those people who can predict what is coming from a mile away then you might want to give it a pass.
But by all means still give it a go. The artwork is amazing ^^
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here-and-faraway



Joined: 21 Jun 2007
Posts: 1528
Location: Sunny California
PostPosted: Sun Feb 01, 2009 9:01 am Reply with quote
Had to order it on amazon. Can't wait to read it. Casey, I've discovered a lot of fantastic series because of your reviews. Thanks!
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Agent355



Joined: 12 Dec 2008
Posts: 5113
Location: Crackberry in hand, thumbs at the ready...
PostPosted: Sun Feb 01, 2009 8:33 pm Reply with quote
I loved "Song of the Hanging Sky," and am glad that it's getting positive recognition here. Fallen Wings, I personally did not find the story all that predictable. The names were predictable, however, considering how this story seems to be a Native American parable, of course all the names would be nature related!

In any case, I loved the story with all its shades of gray, (humans aren't perfect, but neither are the "birdmen"), world building, and stunning art. I found the reflections on war to be reminiscent of "Full Metal Alchemist," and was quite surprised that this is a break-out work from a new author. I keep wondering if Gin did any research in various Native/Indigenous cultures in preparation for her manga. I wouldn't be surprised; her hard work shows in her world and character building.

A must-read, suitable for middle-schoolers (at least as of the first volume) but enjoyable (truly!) for all-ages. It could spark some great discussions about the cultural and violent conflicts between settlers/ early Americans and Native Americans in history-savvy tweens.
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starkmad



Joined: 19 Jan 2008
Posts: 2
PostPosted: Mon Feb 02, 2009 12:05 am Reply with quote
Very Happy Glad i'm not the only one who enjoyed it.

The art was exquisite and an interesting idea at that, and when i think back on how the storyline unfolded it was a bit cliche but while i was reading it none of that entered my mind since i was too engrossed, enjoying the tale.
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kadian1364



Joined: 06 Oct 2006
Posts: 60
Location: Indiana
PostPosted: Mon Feb 02, 2009 11:13 am Reply with quote
That was quite lofty praise Casey heaped on this title, replete with comparisons to all time greats of literature and more than a passing notion of a masterpiece in the making. That's discussion I'd usually reserve until near the completion of the story, so I'm guarding myself against creating any unduly exaggerated expectations. But this review does interest me in checking out the manga.
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LauraOrganaSolo



Joined: 13 May 2006
Posts: 109
PostPosted: Sat Feb 07, 2009 12:02 pm Reply with quote
The plot set-up sounds highly relevant to my interests and the glowing review makes me all the more favorably inclined towards it. I really want to pick this up.

Thanks for the extensive review.
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FireChick
Subscriber



Joined: 26 Mar 2006
Posts: 2392
Location: United States
PostPosted: Thu Jul 28, 2011 5:31 pm Reply with quote
Does anyone know if all four volumes are out in the US?
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Ingraman



Joined: 07 Feb 2005
Posts: 1077
PostPosted: Sat Jul 30, 2011 5:22 am Reply with quote
FireChick wrote:
Does anyone know if all four volumes are out in the US?

Only the first two volumes were published before Go! Comi vanished. The third volume did get a release date (31 Dec '09 was a date that TRSI had listed at some point), but never happened.

I enjoyed the first two books, but I'm not expecting to ever see it completed in english.
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