𝔽𝕖𝕟𝕔𝕖 𝕍𝕠𝕝. 𝟙
The first volume of ‘Fence’ by C.S. Pacat & Johanna the Mad is an absolute delight. This introduction to the characters and world was interesting and, most of all, extremely fun. I laughed out loud so many times! All the characters have unique and interesting personalities. I already fell in love with Nicholas & Seiji and I can’t wait to see how their relationship grows in future volumes. I also enjoyed the side characters, especially, Coach Williams, Bobby and Aiden. C.S. Pacat also does a pretty good job at explaining the sport elements without it feeling like exposition dumps.
Besides the writing, the art is also amazing! I loved how Johanna drew every single panel. Her drawings fit the story perfectly and made it even better. All characters had such unique and memorable designs. Moreover, the scenery surrounding them is so well drawn that it makes the story feel even more real.
Of course, I have to mention that it’s very obvious that the author drew a lot of inspiration from the sport’s manga ‘Haikyu!!’ by Haruichi Furudate. However, even though the tone and the main characters’ relationship are similar to those in ‘Haikyu!!’, ‘Fence’ still manages to set itself apart from the mentioned manga.
Overall, I believe this was a perfect introduction to the series and I can’t wait for more. I am literally buying all the other volumes as soon as my book buying ban is over!
If you are interested in reading about the developing friendships and rivalries between high school boys, then I would definitively recommend that you read ‘Fence’.
𝔽𝕖𝕟𝕔𝕖 𝕍𝕠𝕝. 𝟚
Somehow, the second volume of ‘Fence’ by C.S. Pacat & Johanna the Mad is even better than the first one.
C.S. Pacat’s writing was even more entertaining and funny in this volume. The characters dialogue had me in stitches, especially when they were teasing each other about their wins and/or losses in the try out tournament. It was such a fun reading experience! I also love the simple way in which Pacat continues to explain the different terms of fencing, so beginners like me can learn and appreciate the complexity of the sport.
Additionally, the art style continues to impress me. It’s evident that Johanna draws every single panel with as much care and dedication as possible. Each panel was just gorgeous.
As for the story, our main characters, Nicholas & Seiji, continue to be a delight in this volume. Their relationship/rivalry is amazingly entertaining and funny. Furthermore, our side characters were further developed in this volume. I had already enjoyed Coach Williams, Bobby, Harvard and, Aiden in the first volume, but now I have fallen in love with them, especially, Aiden. Aiden’s trollish personality is such a mood and I can’t wait to read more about him and his relationship with our stoic captain, Harvard.
Overall, this volume and series is perfect for those of you out there looking for a lighthearted and fun read. As I said in my review for Volume 1, if you are interested in reading about the developing friendships and rivalries between high school boys, then I would definitively recommend that you read ‘Fence’.
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