This Manga's audience is for a more MATURE crowd. (With that being said- if you're expecting a lovey-dovey sweet innocent story please REFRAIN from reading this manga).

It is quite explicit & dark.

Black Bird is becoming a very interesting manga even though it started slow.

Black Bird’s beginning revolves around the sexual tension between Kyo and Misao (which leads to them eventually doing it). This is where the manga is denounced by reviewers because they say it’s too ‘explicit’ for shojo, etc. and that Kyo is a rapist (considering Misao’s only 16).

But I have to stand up for the Manga in the regard that Sakurakoji-san puts such explicitly between Misao and Kyo’s sexual relations because it symbolizes how much they long to be together even though they know it might eventually lead to death. This is pointed out when Tadanobu says, “If he (kyo) wants to spend the rest of his life with you, he can’t have sex with you… I wonder about a life where…you can’t know the joy of making love with the girl you cherish.” (Chapter 19).

Yes, Kyo can be mean at times- but everything he’s worked for (challenging his brother to become clan leader) was so that he can protect & be with Misao. If that’s not love- I don’t know what is.

Where the story finally starts to develop and pick up is the division in the Tengu Clan (Crow Demon Clan that Kyo is leader of).

The entire village is torn between following Kyo (protecting Misao) and Sho (Kyo’s older brother in using Misao to heal and give strength to villagers). In this division we find the cruel Sho show that what drives him to destroy Kyo is the unrequited love he so desires especially from Misao. “I’m not asking you to love me (Sho speaking to Misao)… Can’t I just have one person?! I only want you that’s enough…If you were to choose me…I will never be like kyo. Doing something that will kill you.” (Chapter 50).


This manga is blossoming into a dark and tragic love story that involves so many characters that you wish will end up happy. Sakurakoji-san does such an amazing job with the characters- you can’t even hate the bad guys- knowing their backgrounds; you can’t help but feel sympathetic for them. Especially those in Sho’s camp (except the village people who are super lame).

This manga is slightly UNDERRATED in my opinion because readers cringe at how dark it is. I say give it a try; you might end up enjoying it.

I honestly don’t read/watch a lot of shojo- but Black Bird is indeed an interesting read. Can’t wait for the next chapter!