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Behind the Scenes!!: Volume 7 manga review
By Leroy Douresseaux

August 16, 2019 - 05:03

Publisher(s): Viz Media
Writer(s): Bisco Hatori, John Werry
Artist(s): Bisco Hatori
Letterer(s): Sabrina Heep
ISBN: 978-1-9747-9768-3
$9.99 U.S., $12.99 CAN, £6.99 UK, 200pp, B&W, paperback
Rating: T (Teen)


behindthescenes07.jpg
Behind the Scenes Graphic Novel Volume 7 cover image

Rated “T” for “Teen”

An 18-year-old, Ranmaru Kurisu blames himself for everything.  As an outcast from a village of fisherman, Ranmaru is not crazy about people and is not crazy about being around them.  He is now a first year student as Shichikoku University (“Shichi U”), and while he initially planned on trying to find a group into which he could fit, he is back to being his old isolated self.  Then, fate brings him into contact with “The Art Squad.”

As Behind the Scenes!!, Vol. 7 (Chapters 34 to 38 to Last Scene) opens, the members of the Art Squad prepare for change.  It is the final year for their chief, Ryuji Goda, who has decided to embark on directing a film.  Meanwhile, Tomu Tenba worries that he has no talent.  Ruka Enjoji decides to leave the squad because of family troubles at home.  Soh Kobora goes on her first date.  Izumi worries about his amnesia, and Maase may give up her love zombies.  So is it up to Ranmaru Kurisu, the newest member of the Art Squad, to save the spirit of the squad.

[This volume includes bonus text and art and a glossary.]

THE LOWDOWN:  The Behind the Scenes!! manga is all about making costumes, make-up, and special effects for film and theatrical productions and also for festivals and events.  Clearly, creator Bisco Hatori has done her research well.

Behind the Scenes!! Graphic Novel Volume 7 is the series' final volume.  I think that there is a lot left to say, so this volume seems like a hurry to an ending.  However, Hatori does not wrap things up in a neat bow – quite the contrary.  Readers will find that there is a world of possibilities for her characters, as their lives will go on Behind the Scenes!!  This is not the best volume of the series, but readers will like this final volume's hope for the future ending.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS:  Fans of Bisco Hatori's work will want to try the Shojo Beat title, Behind the Scenes!!

B+
7 out of 10




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