Hibiki: Shousetsuka ni Naru Houhou

This manga is cool and interresting but it feels like a ripoff ok Akagi from akagi shigeru.
I wanted to write because I know people who read this kind of manga are not those who would read Akagi.
Maybe that's not such a bad thing. Tokuchi toua from one outs was also a rip off from Akagi.
But when you got this in mind everything the main charachter become extremmely predictable.
And the only thing interresting and innovative in this manga (the way the main charachter feels and act) feels like a ripoff.
Even when the mangaka goes on and on about a story about a charachter that dies on his own accord and inspire people it makes me thinks of akagi.
This manga it's akagi turned female and becoming a writer.
All those talk about athenticity, it's the last arc of Ten the follow up manga of Akagi.
Well I don't know maybe i'm reading to much into it. I have never seen a charachter like that anywhere else and I've read my share of manga.
Maybe it's more common to think that way in Japan.

(Small spoilers may be listed here, just be warned. I did try to stay away from them as much as possible, though, in case you still decide to read this cursed series after my review)

tl;dr - everything is kinda meh. Everyone for some reason seemed to worship the protagonist, Hibiki, her for shitty personality. Her character never had any development either, at least up until where I dropped this.

Let me just say, I don't think I have EVER hated any manga so much. I've read plenty of boring and cliche manga, manga with characters that have irked me a little, but NEVER a manga that has made my blood boil because I hate it so much.

If you want to see me rant about how pissed I ended up getting at our lovely protagonist, feel free to keep reading. The reason why I only read up to chapter 33 is because I couldn't stand her and everyone's treatment of her anymore.

Story - 7

It wasn't bad. It kept me reading, and I was interested in what would happen next. What next big award would crop up? What will everyone do in response to that? Will Hibiki become even more famous? It definitely was one of the factors that made me read so far.

Art - 5

It was mediocre. It's not the most beautiful art I've seen, but it's sufficient enough. I appreciate its simplicity, though sometimes the simplicity became boring.

Character - 4

Hooooo boy. This is the reason why I had to drop this manga. Oh god, the CHARACTERS. Let's analyze each and one of them, alright? I'm listing them here from the characters that were most captivating/likable to least.

Rika - I thought it was particularly interesting how the author made a gyaru girl one of the most intelligent and sympathetic around, which really is the opposite of the common trope of dumb, brash gyaru girls. She was, by far, the most likable and interesting character. Her portrayal and development are more consistent than anyone else. She was one of the main reasons I stuck around to chapter 33.

Ryouta - While at first I thought he was an okay kid, the only one with any sense around (although his taste in girls is a little...strange), the reveal of his true self really put me off. The author certainly did a good job in suggesting what he really is like, as there are small hints here and there that are easy to pick up on. He definitely was not a likable character, but he definitely was interesting. So interesting that he got #2 on this list, though it wasn't too hard to be better than the others.

Takaya - He was a mediocre character. He was somewhat likable, but overall he was just...boring. Perhaps that was needed here to balance out the eccentricities of the others, but everyone else so overshadowed him he landed right here in the middle.

Kayoko - She, like Takaya, was also very mediocre. Her hope to make the classic "high school debut" makes her also very average. Her shy demeanor sometimes annoyed me, but not nearly as much as our last character on our list here.

Hibiki - So, not only is she the protagonist, but also the character that I detest the absolute most. I understand her "stubbornness" is supposed to be the key factor here in making her stand out, but there's a distinct line between being stubborn and being bratty. When she doesn't get her way, she knocks over bookshelves. She uses harsh words without any regard for the situation, and if words don't work, surely violence would solve it. Now, if as the story progressed she would learn how to properly behave in society, I would be fine with that. However, it takes the exact opposite turn.

What bothers me particularly is how everyone loves her for these things that would annoy anyone that was actually sane. Ryouta fell head over heels in love for her while she behaved like this -- I'm beginning to think he's infatuated with the idea of love rather than actually being in love, and is using Hibiki as the object of his adoration. And when Hibiki is beyond rude to Kayoko in making her make a split second decision to join the club, Kayoko isn't offended at all. Instead, Kayoko calls her "cool," which is the exact opposite of how she is behaving -- immaturely.

And when Rika, in chapter 33, vented just a little to Hibiki because of her frustration with failing to get an award, Rika then sobs and begs for forgiveness for complaining a bit. She claims that they're friends when I have seen nothing of the sort. Friends don't invade and trash each other's houses, friends aren't awful to each other. And when the two of them are on "good terms," it's just Hibiki sitting there with a book while Rika isn't talking to her. I haven't seen any development between any of them as friends at all. Just because you're in the same club doesn't mean you're suddenly best buddies.

That was the ultimate breaking point for me. I dropped this manga because I couldn't deal with everyone's delusions anymore. It felt like I was reading a manga full of people with serious cases of Stockholm Syndrome.

As for the other characters, such as Sobue-sensei, the editor, etc., I have the same idea of them as I do for Takaya and Kayoko. The story really focuses so much on Rika, Hibiki, and Ryouta (somewhat) there's almost no development of any other character. I couldn't see why I should stick around anymore if there's no development of any other character, and the only character that I absolutely HATE is treated as if she's a queen when she's nothing but obnoxious.

So my enjoyment overall is a 4. It would've been a 1, but my appreciation for Rika and just how interesting Ryouta was as a character was bumped it up a lot for me. Like others have said, it definitely is realistic, which is what also improved my opinion, but it was UNREALISTIC it is for people to shower a brat with love and affection.

Perhaps it does pick up and get better after chapter 33. But my annoyance has built up far too much -- it was somewhat interesting while it lasted, but I'm not staying around to continue reading because I've already wasted too much energy on this manga.

Here's my take after reading 24 chapters of the vellichor of Hibiki: Shousetsuka ni Naru Houhou (Hibiki: Becoming a Novelist) by Mitsuharu Yanamoto.

It's seldom that I would find a manga relating to something I like, well... not actually reading books, but something about literature/writing. Hibiki satisfy that urge for me to read such story but at the same time making it really interesting with quirky the cast of characters

The story revolves around the decline of literature industry due to publishing recession, and Hibiki 15 year old introverted bookworm who had submitted a literary work that could possibly save the falling industry.

It may seem like a boring premise, but because of the characters and their interactions it becomes a an entertaining piece to read.

Akui Hibiki is no doubt the center piece of the story. Her introverted nature, strong presence, and unyielding to what she stands for attitude is what really moves the story. The supporting cast of characters in the literature club is also second to none as they have a chance to develop without taking much away from the focus of the story; they all grow up as you progress with each chapters.

The art is not bad but you can appreciate the effort that Yanamoto-san had put in it. This should not put you away from the entertainment value of the story.

Since it is still an ongoing manga, it is still yet to develop further and I am looking forward on how the story would develop onto.

With that said, I would give Hibiki: Shousetsuka ni Naru Houhou 9 copies of Akihito Sobue's novels out of 10!

Reviewed at chapter 55. contains minor spoilers.

The topic of the book, authors and writing, is one of the things making the story enjoyable for me. Similar to BAKUMAN, the story shows authors making or breaking it in the competitive creative industry. The quirks of the main character help setting her apart in relation to the others around her, creating the feeling she does not truly belong, which allows me to sympathise with and relate to her.

The story starts out strong, with an interesting plot and great character development that almost casually pulls the reader in despite the mediocre art.
However, after certain chapters, the story becomes predictable, relying on comedic value and existing character traits. This shifts the story focus from narrative and fantastically subtle character development to a more shallow, action oriented progress.
This is by itself not a bad thing, but with the faster narrative, some of the subtlety seen in simpeler interactions is lost. This means that the resolution of the conflict often gets glossed over. Instead of seeing the strange girl make mistakes, struggle and develop as a person, acknowledge the difference between herself and society and finding where she fits, we see a strange knucleheaded girl succeeding regardless of her mistakes. In an almost mary-sue-ish fashion, her words take on an almost 'therapy no jutsu' like quality, persuading all she comes across and making friends and foes alike acknowledge her. As the story progresses, mostly her friends and antagonists grow as people while she stays more or less the same. In this way, the heroine is similar to the 'rival' to Mashiro and Takagi in BAKUMAN, or Saitama in One Punch Man. She is the source of changes, driving antagonists and friends who are more interesting than her. However, instead of splitting the focus between multiple characters, giving them ample attention, folllowing up on their story and playing them off against each other, the story mainly keeps the focus on the main character. It makes the protagonist escalate against others and have the say in arguments without allowing others to influence her, which feels like a missed opportunity.

Of course this doesn't mean that the story is unenjoyable. It is a charming read. Like Saitama in One punch man, the main character far more talented than others with a deadpan personality. It also has an exciting, fast paced narrative with great fleshed out friends and antagonists. But over all, I think it could have been more than just a good read.

NOVELIST/ GENIUS/ WRITING INDUSTRY/ SLICES OF LIFE

When you read this manga, please read it like a literature or a novel. To take the most out of this book, this near masterpiece, readers must take this manga slow and absorb it little by little. By the end, you would wonder where your time has gone and when upcoming chapters are going to be updated.

Two words I like about this manga: "Blatantly Truthful". Not only does this manga realistically portray the society and life, but also shows how Hibiki acts, which is the real reason I find this manga piece attractive.


Story: 10
This mangaka is definitely well educated and well read. In order to write and draw piece about the theme of "novelist" or "writing industry", the mangaka must have a ton of research/resources to pave out the background and help the story progress. Along the way, the mangaka must make sure the story flows smoothly while adding some pieces and slices of life to create some surprising plot twist or climax. This mangaka has done all that.


Art: 8
Honestly, the only reason I did not rate this manga as a perfect 10 is because of the art. As a bias standpoint, I don't enjoy Yanamoto san's art. Thus, it is a -2 for me. Yet, it doesn't mean the mangaka does not put any effort into this manga. Emotions and the background are still well drawn.


Character: 10
Main reason I read this manga. So real and so truthful. Got some creepiness involved (slightly spoiled), but this is totally part of life.


Enjoyment: 10
Finished all 51 chapters in one read. Waiting for the upcoming chapters for sure!


Overall: 9.5 (not 9, not 10, but 9.5)
Art is the only reason that blocks me from giving it a 10 (hence the -0.5). Sorry man, but I have to compare it to the other mangas. Aside from the "art" category, well deserved 10.



This manga cannot be underestimated. Dialogues cannot be skipped. After doing those two, just sit back and enjoy the manga as if it is a novel because it is entertaining while educational towards life and writing industry.

tl;dr: We all know what's true. (for the most part). But we deny it. We live our life doing and saying stupid things because it makes life easier. It makes life work. But is it worth it? What if we did what we knew was right? What if we lived with our heart on our sleeve? What if we didn't give a fuck and just kicked the shit out of people who pissed us off? That's what this manga is about. (kind of).

Story: The pacing is very good. The issues in the story are presented early and you can see the progression clearly. There's also a good mix of sadness, joy, silliness, reality, and lunacy. In short, it's fun.

Art: It looks clean and good. Professional. Proportions are right. Perspectives are fun/appropriate. Nothing like One Punch Man though.

Character: Varied? Check. Dynamic? Possibly. Yes for some. Potentially on the way for others. Round? Yep. In short, characters subvert their tropes but are still realistic.

Enjoyment: See tl;dr

Overall? It's worth your time. (Come at me bro: https://i.lensdump.com/i/NjOG5.png)

This Manga kicks ass. The plot is really cool, I know reading the synopsis I wasn't thrilled because hell, how can you make a story about a young female author interesting but they pulled it off with this one. I really can't get enough, and it makes you want to read more and more. The art is good, and what really makes the story is the characters. You begin to get deeper and deeper into the story as certain characters open up, and you'll find yourself craving more when you're all caught up and waiting for the latest chapter. It's funny, surprising about of action, and great character dynamics that aren't too over played. I'll be reading until completion for sure.

This manga is an interesting one. It’s one of the very few mangas that makes me think and re-think really hard about the values and the author’s inner works. This kind of manga usually makes people raise their standard high before even re-reading it. That people including me. Yes, it’s a manga that is so good that can make people go like this.

But as i raised my bar higher and being honestly critical like what the MC in this manga did, then i would say, using Hibiki’s words, this manga is totally half-lame. Exatcly 50 out 100. Im talking about the inner values though, not overall score.

First, if we talk about technical qualities as a manga, this manga might got a little more than average grade. The art isn’t bad, but it is not something of a diamond either. In the story aspect, the premise might be normal but the start was very smooth and very natural. As the story progressed, however, it lost the natural feels and the smoothness that it had.
And my last view about the story is.... using Hibiki words again, it is as if the writer has lost everything that she/he want to write. In short, this manga has become a story from a vanished author. Well, one more harsh words, everything that Hibiki said as a lame novel to many characters in this manga, can be applied to this manga itself.

Despite my harsh words towards this manga, i love this manga and i admit from my heart that this manga is really something else. This manga shines the most in the aspect of characters and their characterization. It’s not like each character has good chemistry or good vide, no, not at all – but it’s unique and consistent. Their consistency, which is a sweeter way to say “stubborn”, trait make the characters clash as they are. In a sense, that’s pretty natural thing.

One more great thing about this manga that this manga is a form of rampage from the author’s inner-self. When we go deep in this manga, it feels like we can touch what the author really want to write. His/her screams, ideology, point of view etc, things that i personally call those as the inner-values, can be really felt. This manga isn’t talking about in what way a manga has to be written, but what kind of a manga i want to write.

As an ending, i want to say that...i feel this manga is kind of the opposite of Gintama. Both of them has strong inner-values and can make us think about our own values twice. But one thing that i notice that they are at opposite is the center of ego. Gintoki really cares about others and Hibiki doesn’t care about others, but both of them are totally, bluntly honest with their ownselves, their own values and their own lives. I wish i could see Gintoki and Hibiki had a dialogue about life......

Emulating the gratuitously pompous and cheeky style of the eponymous main character, I'll go right out and say that this manga is lame as fuck.

Continuing with said style, to add some vague and vapid criticism so that people will believe I actually have something of value to say and am not just throwing a trite analysis around to sound smart, the main problem with this manga is that it abuses our suspension of disbelief to a point it becomes not only annoying but borderline ludicrous. It's like reading an impression of the literary establishment through the lens of a complete outsider, who never before set foot on the endeavour of writing a novel. And, considering this manga commits about every mistake a novel should avoid, that is not surprising.

Its problems start right with its main character. Mind you, she's not only a very capable writer who can very well face up to some of the best of her generation, no: she's this kind of unbelievable, unearthly talent who's incapable of committing a mistake and leaves anyone who reads her words utterly flabbergasted. At the beginning, the editor did point out that her style was rough, but that little fact was just ignored through the story to universal appraisal. Nevermind that even the greatest novels of all time all have flaws and are not continuously great, and some didn't even impress critics when they were first published and only found acclaim years later: this 14yo girl has just produced a flawless work. Really, how hard is it to tone down your character to a believable level, especially when writing an artist of a field the author clearly has no experience with?

The manga claims that Hibiki's novel "views on life and death" (whatever that means) and hazy nostalgic feelings are what makes it special, however we are never given any kind of reason to believe there's anything remotely special about the way Hibiki thinks or see the world or about herself, because all she ever does is act like a complete asshole and an overaggressive nutcase who should probably be put into a restraining jacket. It's like the author's impression of how a "true" author should act like came to him while watching a wrestling match. She also claims to read a novel a day like that's supposed to be impressive, which makes me think the author completely missed the point of reading.

The thing is, she's boring. It's no wonder the only reason people around her find her interesting is the same reason they would amuse themselves by watching car crashes videos on the internet. She's basically an on/off switch character with no relevant personality; only the off part is slightly broken since she's either wreaking havoc or being less but not totally not an ass all the time.

The problem with a lot of manga that features artistic talents is that they deem enough to tell rather than show. In this manga, we are constantly told how amazing Hibiki is, but we are never shown any reason to really buy any of that, especially since we are not ever given a word of what she actually wrote (because that certainly would be the final blow to our suspension of disbelief). If anything, all we are shown is that she's unstable as hell and should seek professional help.

The rest of the cast doesn't help either. Rika is the only character who's anything close to interesting or can convince us she's a decent writer, and even then she's just reaching mediocrity. Her novel idea is actually pretty evocative, rather than the dumb and vague "life and death" that we get about Hibiki's. Only the two of them plus the editor have any relevance at all in the story. There's another guy whose whole deal is being a massive creep, but it has been 37 chapters and we still have no idea what relevance he has to the story, and all the others are just there filling up holes.

The art is terrible. Not much to say about it, I think anyone who ever looked at a human being can see that. It's rough but without any style like Jiro Matsumoto's, so it feels accidentally bad. And even then, for some reason, the author thought it a brilliant idea to give every female but Hibiki a cleavage so sumptuous it completely disrupts any attempt at anatomy, especially since he clearly doesn't know how to draw one.

The manga also adheres to the "deal with it, wimp" attitude that wimps themselves are always so fond of, but different from other works that manage to deliver that gut-punch we all so desire and need, all it accomplishes is feeling insincere and, at worst, offensive. Seeing a 14yo girl who acts like your usual rebellious teenager who just discovered nihilism going on empty rants teaching adults how to live their lives is hard to digest.

Really, what makes me the most surprised is that this manga actually won an award. I wonder if maybe the judges all caught a cold that day and sent their children in their place because it's hard to imagine this work being actually taken seriously in a competitive environment or by any grown adult.