Review: The Summer Hikaru Died

The Summer Hikaru Died, Vol. 1

It has Hikaru’s face. It has Hikaru’s voice. It even has Hikaru’s memories. But whatever came down from the mountains six months ago isn’t Yoshiki’s best friend. Whatever it is, it’s dangerous. Carrying on at school and hanging out as if nothing has changed—as if Hikaru isn’t gone—would be crazy...but when it looks so very like Hikaru...and acts so very like Hikaru...

The Summer Hikaru Died, Vol. 2

Yoshiki tried to pretend nothing was wrong, but the truth cannot be ignored. Hikaru is gone. “Hikaru” is here. This new version is dangerous...or perhaps not? One thing’s for sure—Yoshiki doesn’t seem to be in harm’s way. In fact, “Hikaru” seems to want nothing more than to befriend and protect him. Despite Rie’s warnings, Yoshiki chooses to extend the hand of friendship, hoping it will help “Hikaru” become more human. But in doing so, what might Yoshiki become...?

The Summer Hikaru Died, Vol. 3

“Hikaru’s” sudden disappearance from the mountain has not gone unnoticed...and his presence in town has begun to raise suspicions as well. Spirits from the other side grow restless, while the people sensitive to them begin taking steps to uncover the truth. As Yoshiki continues to struggle with the true identity of “Hikaru,” he is reminded once again that his friend no longer shares his understanding of life and death―and that if you play with fire, someone is sure to get burned eventually...

The Summer Hikaru Died, Vol. 4

While “Hikaru” is not the Hikaru he once knew, Yoshiki must admit that this new entity has become a friend in his own right. But his true identity remains a mystery…even to the impostor himself! When their research into the town’s history brings them to the library, the boys discover an unsettling clue about the mysterious happenings in the region. Though, the question still stands of what “Hikaru” and the Nounuki-sama mentioned in Hikaru’s note might be―and whether they aren’t in fact one and the same...

The Summer Hikaru Died, Vol. 5

“Hikaru’s” unexpectedly violent encounter with the mysterious hamster-toting Tanaka only worsens his already weakened condition. Without knowing Tanaka’s intentions, the boys must act quickly to uncover the mountain’s secrets. Investigating the Indou family’s “sin” will be difficult now that Hikaru’s dad has passed, but they may be able to get some answers out of his closest friend—if Yoshiki’s father is willing to talk...

The Summer Hikaru Died, Vol. 6

ust as “Hikaru” prepares to return to the mountain, Tanaka appears before him and Yoshiki, bringing with him a harsh truth about “Hikaru’s” identity. While the two boys grapple with this new revelation and their paths going forward, the cause of all the chaos—the “hole” linked to the other side—steadily grows. To investigate this strange phenomenon, Yoshiki and “Hikaru” make their way to Maki’s hometown, Ashidori, where more secrets lie buried…