▪	RELEASED BY:		DARK HORSE
		▪	AUTHOR / ART:		KAZUHIRO OKAMOTO
		▪	FORMAT:		JAPANESE / B&W
		▪	PAGES:		188
		▪	RATING:		8+
		▪	RELEASE DATE:		01/23/2008
		▪	REVIEW DATE:		03/02/2008
		▪	REVIEWED BY:		HOLLY ELLINGWOOD

This sensitive portrayal of a girl with an unimaginable condition and the lives of those around her continue in the latest touching story of Translucent. The preparations for Haruna and Koichi's wedding are underway and as the day fast approaches, Okouchi says something unfortunate that could put her friendship with Shizuka in jeopardy. Ashamed, she pushes Shizuka away. This is only the beginning of the latest drama and bittersweet moments found in the most recent chapters of Translucent.

 The rift between Shizuka and Okouchi comes to a resolution as they clear the air, but it is not without some pained confessions. It’s a very telling moment for both girls and a testament to the depth of their friendship and the amount of feelings they have towards each other. A hint of comedy is introduced when Dr. Takazawa plays a bit of the scheming matchmaker on Shizuka’s behalf. A poignant regret in her life is revealed as we see the doctor’s youth and a love lost due to missed opportunities and a lifetime of regret.

Another bit of comedy occurs when Okouchi must convince her best friend Shizuka to infiltrate Tadami’s home and retrieve Okouchi’s embarrassing book of poetry that he has in his possession. This requires Shizuka to go in naked so that she cannot be seen at all due to her Translucent Syndrome. Predictably, he returns home early and she is stuck in the room with him. A moment for embarrassment and chuckles occur as she tries to figure a way out of this one as well as fight her feelings for the boy she likes so much.

One of the most poignant chapters follows when an actress Shizuka admires visits the school. Shizuka is overwhelmed and yet her dreams for acting she feels are unattainable due to being translucent. The harsh words of her idol bring to the front all the anguish and despair her Syndrome has caused her, all the pain she has tried to withhold from those close to her and hide behind her gentle smile and caring nature. Her facing these nearly insurmountable feelings is one of inspiring courage that cannot fail to touch the heart of the reader.

More touching drama unfolds when Shizuka is asked to pose as the ghost of a lost daughter for an elderly woman. What makes this particularly curious is how a full circle story is unveiled and a tie to Okouchi is revealed. Growing pains are everywhere and Okouchi seems a little more mature after those events. For Shizuka and Tadami, it is seen when they both end out together on a group date. Their time together and what they share show how they are both growing up and perhaps also getting closer.

IN SUMMARY:
Translucent is a richly poignant story. It covers the pains of growing up with rare ingenuity and sensitivity.