**DOES NOT CONTAIN SPOILERS**

Simply put, many of the bad reviews for Fuuka are due to a single plot twist. Just one.

A plot twist so atypical of this genre, so uncharacteristic of the creator, and so devastatingly unexpected given the premise of the story that it was *bound* to divide readers into two very distinct groups: those who drop the series on the spot vs. those who can't stop reading if they wanted to.

After slamming my laptop shut, storming out of my living room, and screaming off my balcony for 15 angry minutes, I found myself in the latter.

IF YOU ARE THINKING ABOUT SPOILING IT FOR YOURSELF, PLEASE DO NOT. I don't think I've ever been so emotionally shaken by a single chapter of fiction—manga, literature, or otherwise—but despite the rough ride, I've found myself wishing I could forget it all to experience it again.

If you can push through the psychological trauma, the payoff is well worth it. The characters are vivid and unique. The plot is expertly-paced and unforgettable. The art is expressive, attractive, and not overly-stylized. Seo Kouji, a legend of the Slice of Life/Romance genre, is at the very top of his craft.

While many may disagree, as a fan of Kouji's Suzuka (the prequel series), I find Fuuka to be a massive improvement because of—not despite—the apparent differences. Suzuka was more steadily-paced and the plot developments were slow and incremental. It was defined by long chapters of anxious internal monologues and running-gag fillers in between short bursts of romantic drama.

Of course, this is the standard fare for the Slice of Life/Romance genre, but I found myself loving being swept up in the whirlwind of passion and character-driven plot movement that is Fuuka. There have been no "minor/forgotten" characters. There have been no "back where they started" filler arcs. The lack of hesitation in advancing the story has been unbelievably refreshing and addictive.

If you read Slice of Life/Romance for the scenic, slow-to-grow love stories, you will enjoy Fuuka, but you may not fall in love with it. If the moments of passion, character development, and emotional tension are why you gravitate towards the genre, you will not be able to put this down.

Yes, it's a rocky ride. Yes, it's not what we expected from Seo Kouji. No, I would NOT have it any other way. Fuuka is as close to a "perfect" manga as I've ever read.