Art style is very vibrant and quirky, but the beginning was bogged down by too much exposition for me. I think this would really excel as a cartoon. Kids will like the wackiness. 

 I absolutely love this series. Why was this volume about to make me cry, ya'll? ;___; 

While I liked the book subverted some tropes (like not having the characters end up as a couple), it still fit the usual 'main character disparages true friend for fake friend/people who don't care for them until the last minute.' 

Again, tropes are fine, but Marcus was so spineless at times it didn't make a fun journey, but I understand middle schoolers wanting to fit in with the status quo. Not too mention Izzy was overly prickly. 

Toxic masculinity and gender roles are a big theme here aside from parental expectations and playing a role. Marcus gets bullied about doing a "girly" activity such as (swing); While it felt unrealistic how quickly

he wore the skirt with no hesitation with as much as he wavered with everything else

, there was growth on his part.

Pretty good!

I absolutely loved it! 

The mangaka has a way of showing such earnest expressions on the kitties’ face. I also like how as soon as one plot point is resolved a new more interesting one shows up.

aww, my little heart when Maruru saw he got replaced, but he decided to let Koko rock with it. so koko wouldn’t be alone again ;___; ahhhhhhhhh!

 

The bond between Hachi and Maruru is so sweet as Hachi is more hardened by the world but caring to a fault. Maruru even steps into a mentor role himself as a kitten joins the group. 

Definitely excited to read more! 

 Love the message about not being afraid to be your authentic self with your friends. You won't be for everybody, but the people who are for you will get it. 

 I mean it’s nothing startlingly new from a revenge/avenge the ones I love tale, but I’m enjoying the story and that’s what matters. Would love to see stoic Chihiro lose his cool once. He’s a little sweetie inside. 

I also loved how much his father encouraged him to be his own person. 

 I enjoy this series so much. There are real stakes and character development. This volume even brings back DJ’s wanting to feel special from book one, but you’d be surprised to find out how he is.

Also, I love that Gina is a real main character and not just regulated to the background. She has her own storylines and arcs aside from DJ and Hilo.

I wonder how Hilo will change next with some of the foreshadowing here.

I’m the slightest bit annoyed that in the middle of the all the ramped drama the next book is a holiday-themed one, but alas I’m always down for more Hilo books.