ハツ*ハル [Hatsu*Haru] #2

The soft watercolor tones of this Flower Comics volume capture a young woman mid-turn, her wide expressive eyes and loose hair conveying a gentle mix of vulnerability and warmth that feels immediately engaging. A coral-pink ribbon tie and crisp white blouse place her squarely in a school-days setting, the delicate floral accents around her reinforcing the tender, romantic mood that defines the series. Fujisawa Shion's Hatsu\Haru* continues to be a sweet shojo read for anyone drawn to heartfelt stories of youth and budding emotion.