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Reviews
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Saturday, 20 June 2009 |
 | | ▪ | RELEASED BY: | | DIGITAL MANGA PUBLISHING | | | ▪ | AUTHOR / ART: | | TOOKO MIYAGI | | | ▪ | FORMAT: | | JAPANESE / B&W | | | ▪ | PAGES: | | 208 | | | ▪ | RATING: | | YA | | | ▪ | RELEASE DATE: | | 06/10/2009 | | | ▪ | REVIEW DATE: | | 06/20/2009 | | | ▪ | REVIEWED BY: | | HOLLY ELLINGWOOD |
It has been a long wait for the final volume of this gripping psychological drama. At last the wait is over as the third volume offers a suspenseful arc concluding the manga series. Riya’s split personalities are beginning to cross over. Ever since Black Riya tried unsuccessfully to seduce the gentle, tall, and supportive Atsushi, Riya’s White personality has begun to recall the deeds of his ‘other’ self. Trying to learn more, Atsushi finds out about the upsetting origins of Riya’s state from Saki who retells the severe abuse and trauma Riya suffered that fractured his psyche. It is a disquieting history. But the present is what concerns Atsushi the most. Riya has gone missing and Atsushi fears the troubled violinist may be in the hands of Kousaka, a musician with his own motives and an unhealthy obsession towards Riya. White Riya falls easily into Kousaka’s trap. He follows the fellow musician to Kousaka’s place, heedless of the risk. Kousaka quickly takes advantage of Riya, but the worst is yet to come. When Riya begins to resist, conflicted and confused by his growing awareness of his other personality and his own desires and needs, Kousaka retaliates at the rejection. The disturbing methods Kousaka unhesitatingly turns to are shocking. Now it is a race to save Riya from Kousaka and from his own spiraling condition. Even if Atsushi rescues Riya from Kousaka, there is the matter of the unsettled feelings between him and the young violinist. Atsushi is willing to wait for Riya to come to terms with his condition and how he feels towards Atsushi. Gentle Atsushi professes his love and obvious caring in his unwillingness to rush Riya until Riya is better. It causes strain as the two rely on each other so much and are so deeply entwined emotionally, but that is exactly why Atsushi wants Riya to wait, wait until the violinist knows his true heart. Changes occur, and the epilogue gives readers a tender conclusion to this riveting story.
IN SUMMARY:
Il Gatto Sul G is as striking in story as it is in its delicate imagery. |
