I almost can't write this review because somehow it feels like I'm evaluating something so familiar it defies the boundaries of language. Because that's what Fruit's Basket is to me: home.

This is the one manga that i can not only bring myself to but actually CRAVE to re-readto again and again without getting bored. the the story is so multi-faceted and complex that upon every re-reading i draw from it a deeper, richer appreciation, discover new things i never noticed before, or a combination of the two.

The reason for this is because there is just so, so, so much going on at the same time in the manga. at first, i'll admit, this was slightly daunting, and i found myself having to really concentrate in the later volumes as the plot became more intense and emotionally charged. but that's the wonder and delight of fruit's basket. character development is not purely concentrated on the main protagonist as it is in many shoujo mangas, but is fully extended for each and every supporting character. although, it may be more accurate to say that there are no supporting roles in fruits basket. every character is a main component or focus of the story, and it is this that makes it stand out amongst a sea of unrealistic, mediocre, badly developed shoujo mangas. this is the success of fruits basket, and why it will remain as popular for years to come.

never have i cried with such visceral emotion at the tragedy and unrelenting hope of the characters (such as momiji and kyo- i quite literally bawled my eyes out), and never have i almost pulled my hair out in such frustration at the indecipherable actions of some (*ahem* akito). the dynamics between the characters, and the genuine bond of friendship between them is so realistic and rich that the characters, the storyline and the manga itself takes on a life of its own, almost outside of the mangaka's interference.

this is the sign of a truly great work of art and masterful storytelling- when the story ceases to be just a story, and becomes a mirror of everyday life that explores and challenges the joys and pain of the human condition. for me anyway, it will invariably always be a part of my own development as a person, and i know i will be picking up the volumes countless more times as i grow.