Mahoraba: Heartful Days manga

[wrook]

There are two chapters left. We'll be releasing them both at the same time (which is how they were printed originally). Also, Guixing (the other translator) has written a huge number of notes for the last chapter. Lots and lots of trivia about the series, names, Japan, etc. I certainly learned a lot from them, so I hope you'll enjoy it

Also, one quick plug! Even if the series doesn't get licensed, please consider buying the Japanese version. It's available in a lot of mail order stores. I worry a bit some times because Mahoraba is virtually unknown in Japan, it seems (a survey of 400 of my high school students turned up only one who had ever heard of it). When I bought the last 2 volumes they also came with tarot cards, which were pretty cool. So please support the author as much as you can! Maybe he can be persuaded to write a new series

[2H-Dragon]

Originally Posted by wrook

There are two chapters left. We'll be releasing them both at the same time (which is how they were printed originally). Also, Guixing (the other translator) has written a huge number of notes for the last chapter. Lots and lots of trivia about the series, names, Japan, etc. I certainly learned a lot from them, so I hope you'll enjoy it

Also, one quick plug! Even if the series doesn't get licensed, please consider buying the Japanese version. It's available in a lot of mail order stores. I worry a bit some times because Mahoraba is virtually unknown in Japan, it seems (a survey of 400 of my high school students turned up only one who had ever heard of it). When I bought the last 2 volumes they also came with tarot cards, which were pretty cool. So please support the author as much as you can! Maybe he can be persuaded to write a new series

Dunno what should amaze me more. That you guys found this gem or that the japanese high school don't know about Mahoraba. o_O;;; Anyhow their loss. :O

[Vexx]

Originally Posted by wrook

Also, one quick plug! Even if the series doesn't get licensed, please consider buying the Japanese version. It's available in a lot of mail order stores. I worry a bit some times because Mahoraba is virtually unknown in Japan, it seems (a survey of 400 of my high school students turned up only one who had ever heard of it). When I bought the last 2 volumes they also came with tarot cards, which were pretty cool. So please support the author as much as you can! Maybe he can be persuaded to write a new series

I find that a bit stunning but its been a couple of years, so its possible that your peer group simply wasn't in the "bracket of interest" at the time of publishing and the anime series?

I have some of the tarot cards (from the books which I also have) -- the rest were apparently distributed in Japan via promos, magazines, etc.

[CrowKenobi]

At last, the final chapters of Mahoraba have been released!

A big to HnG for their excellent work on this manga that deserves to have a western release!

[ellifeedn]

My heart is combusting with joy right now.

[Man0warr]

What a great ending, so her 4 personalities were reborn as their children

[Sin Ansem]

I am impressed. I am truly impressed!

The last two chapters have MUCH better editing than the ones I read before (though I account that to onemanga's upload being lololdoldold). And the story itself--a shining, warm, fuzzy ending in which even the minor characters finally get a name! And seeing Kozue after all those years, and her children... my heart was touched. I was in a sour mood from something earlier, but this comic cheered me up.

Props HnG. Props.

[Newprimus]

Yay, it's finally over!! What a manga, what an ending, what a ride!

[fict_ticious]

Despite the long wait, we're rewarded with an excellent ending - something very few manga manage to execute.

I was expecting our main man Shiratori to kinda look "manlier" with the passage of time (dude, grow some facial hair). Still looks like you can throw on a wig and confuse people. But whatever, it's the changes on the inside what count.

The thing I always like (and always expect :P) in an ending is the little montage showing how our characters are doing after some passage of time. I absolutely hate an abrupt end, and initially I was bracing myself for this. But, looking at the raws two years ago (Great Scott, it's been that long?) I knew I would get my wish.

General comments:

Spoiler:

- Momo = MILF. Ahhh, such a wonderful family life. I am so envious. Strange that her kid is seemingly shy.
- Tama-chan's seen the world. I wonder if she misses things related to the occult?
- I lol'd at Tsubasa and Michiyo. I wonder if they'll end up like that couple in the H-anime "Darling" (HYPER ERECTION MODE)
- Shopping district seems to be doing well, especially for our baker. And seriously, all those brothers?
- Ms. Erica Vermillion seems to be enjoying her life as a con artist (just kidding. "For entertainment purposes only", amirite?). As long as the "gaining followers" part doesn't entail it leading to "drinking the punch" (someone will probably scold me for that comment), it's all good.
- Maids are just the same. Tachibana is the best Not-Sakaki ever.
- In the time that's past, seems like Mahiru has spent a lot of it with Asami.
- Asami and friend seem to be doing well for themselves. I like how Asami turned out.
- I lol'd at the "insult to great fairytale authors". But the rules of the internet must be kept.
- I dreaded some sort of one-sided love for Sayoko and that hat-person, but it seems Haruka is only interested in her sculpting abilities.
- Yukio penning Mahoraba made me smile. Seems he's got Shiratori's classmate on his case as well.
- Kozue and Shiratori are happy. D'AWWWWWWWWWWWWW
- My sister asked me "wait, what are their kids' names?". Silly, what do you think they are? would have been a nice twist to add a boy in there - perhaps the youngest and at the mercy of his sisters.

With all that said, Mohoraba manages to tie up all loose ends before tackling the main one, and does the job of providing us some closure. The series was both engaging and charming, and it pains me that I will never have this in English print - sitting on my shelf to lend to those who might want to read something a little different. Ah well, a piece of writable digital media will have to suffice.

[wrook]

Originally Posted by fict_ticious

it pains me that I will never have this in English print - sitting on my shelf to lend to those who might want to read something a little different.

I agree with this completely. It is really frustrating for me as well. But it's all about business. From what I can tell, originally places like Tokyo Pop were getting rights for almost nothing (the numbers I've heard are $1000 per volume, *no* royalties). They spend maybe $5000 translating and editing, then sell the books for a couple of dollars a pop. The distributors/stores then jack up the price to $10-15. Everybody makes a mint but the author and Japanese publisher.

SquareEnix is relatively smart and (again, based on what I've heard) won't license their stuff for such ridiculously low prices. But this means that series that aren't slam dunks (like FMA, or I've heard a rumor that Bamboo Blade is licensed) will never get licensed.

Some US publishers (specifically Del Ray) have entered into reciprocal licensing deals with Japanese publishers, which keeps the actual money changing hands to a minimum, and seems promising. But we'll have to see.

Anyway, I've gone on a tangent. I'm glad you guys liked the scanslation. Please try to show your appreciation by buying the Japanese version of the manga. It's the only way that the author gets compensated. And even if it's Japanese (or possibly *because* it's Japanese), it looks great on the bookshelf! You can lend it out and give them a copy of the translation at the same time

[ellifeedn]

After seeing PastPrime's sig, I'm wondering if someone could make a sig of the quadruplets.

[CrowKenobi]

Originally Posted by ellifeedn

After seeing PastPrime's sig, I'm wondering if someone could make a sig of the quadruplets.

Here you go!

[2H-Dragon]

*tear

It ended. I guess all good things come to an end. It's a nice ending though I did think 4 was too much of a good thing, but I can deal with it. Huzzaa for my all time favourite manga.
edit: And a yay for HnG

[fict_ticious]

Originally Posted by wrook

I've heard a rumor that Bamboo Blade is licensed

Not a rumor. Yen Press picked it up, and they're the same dudes who picked up Hidamari Sketch. Decent quality so far, btw.

Anyway, I've gone on a tangent. I'm glad you guys liked the scanslation. Please try to show your appreciation by buying the Japanese version of the manga. It's the only way that the author gets compensated. And even if it's Japanese (or possibly *because* it's Japanese), it looks great on the bookshelf! You can lend it out and give them a copy of the translation at the same time

You bet yer toosh we loved the scanlation. I might have to add the Mahoraba set to my order of Aria.

[Vexx]

I've owned the japanese complete set of manga since the series aired.

I certainly appreciate the scanlations to cross-check my interpretation of the dialog though. thanks to wrook and anyone else who worked on the scanlations.

Now if I could just convince Viz or someone to release it....

[noneofcon]

Does anyone know if HnG has any plans to translate the art book for mahoraba?

[technomo12]

question is the manga the same as the anime or is it a bit more???

cuz really i mrunning out of what t read T_T

[fict_ticious]

Originally Posted by technomo12

question is the manga the same as the anime or is it a bit more???

cuz really i mrunning out of what t read T_T

What is more? The anime or manga?. Anime kinda "plays it safe" when it comes to quirks (ie. Sayoko isn't suicidal in the anime). Ah, there's a list of differences that can be found here.

[Kana Futayo]

After a long wait, I finally read the last 2 chapters.
The long wait was paid with a very touching ending.
Kudos to HnG for their hard work.

Thank you very much!

[technomo12]

that solve it

(readies some snacks and 3 bottles of 1.5 liters of mountain dew)

mharaba manga here i come