Takaya, Natsuki. Fruits Basket, Ultimate Edition, Volume 1.
Los Angeles: Tokyopop, Inc., 2007.
ISBN: 978-1427806895 $14.99 428 pages
Genre: manga, shojo, romance, comdey, school life, fantasy, supernatural, slice of life
Awards:
2001 Kodansha Manga Award
"Best Manga" award at the 2007 American Anime Awards
Animage Anime Grand Prix award, 2001
Best selling shōjo manga series in the US
Summary:
Tohru Honda always sees the glass half full despite her many hardships. It is therefore not a surprise that she takes everything quietly in her stride when she suddenly finds herself introduced to the Sohma's crazy and cursed household. The ancient curse causes many issues but with Shigure, Yuki, and Kyo, Tohru has found something that she's desires most of all: a family.
Pros & Cons:
Tohru is the Mary Sue of all Mary Sues! Cheerful, sweet, and genuinely interested in those around her she is the perfect salve for this family ripping at the seams. Due to an ancient curse, the family members transform into animals of the Chinese Zodiac and then there are the darker secrets. The series does get a bit formula mid-series but the plot picks up quickly again after all the characters are introduced. The artwork isn't memorable but the story more than makes up for it. While Tokyopop only made 6 ultimate editions (volumes 1-12) before closing its doors in 2011 (bad, Stu!), the picture size and durability of the hardcovers are well worth the purchase!
The series also has been made into an anime and reproduced with an English-speaking cast! I would highly recommend it as well.
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