“Danger and uncertainty are common for a young vampire, which is why Emille will be assigned a “Big Sister” on her fourteenth birthday, like all the girls at her school. Deep within a secluded forest, her sister will teach her how to hunt and safely feed on humans. Learning to rely on each other for survival cultivates a deep relationship comparable to that between family—but does theirs have the potential to evolve into something more?” (Yen Press)
Flowing at a relaxed pace, Aya Haruhana “Kiss the Scars of the Girls” concerns the minor nuances of shy relationships between young vampires where the height of excitement comes from drama over a tea party. This is not to diminish the content of the vampire-romance story. Instead, the manga excels in its quaint, laid-back vibe that will appeal to those looking for a simple yet charming experience.
The dialogue within may seem overly simplistic, with the characters' needs appealing to the most basic desires, like the need for love and comfort. Beyond the call to train one another to feed, the ‘sister system' does not explore the complexities of the bond or the symbiotic nature between vampires and humans. Moreover, the ‘romance' aspect remains light, and the first volume only has one slightly ‘steamy' panel. “Kiss the Scars of the Girls” doesn't aim to be thought-provoking; instead, it allows the reader to explore the characters' emotions reflective of their youthful innocence.
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While the greatest romance stories in the medium tend to have a grander depth to the characters, there is still a welcome place for lighter fare. “Kiss the Scars of the Girls” is undeniably charming in its soft approach, and the manga radiates an undeniable kindhearted warmth. Adding gothic elements and a kawaii fashion with personas to match, the series will further appeal to those who prefer manga reflective of their aesthetics. Even if the approach is not to personal taste, everyone likely knows a fan of all things cute and feminine that would embrace “Kiss the Scars of the Girls.”
The art reflects the story's pacing, soft and relaxed though equally adorable. There are slight elements of violence as the vampires are a hunted group, but these are minor and more a means to add drama instead of interjecting horror or action. Aya Haruhana's Emille is also a perfect protagonist in both traits and design, offering expressive responses and a head-strong approach to befriending others. The downside is the visuals can feel slightly uninspired at points, with backgrounds, in particular, being rather vacant. However, its minimalism often adds to the endearing nature of the work instead of taking it away.
“Kiss the Scars of the Girls” won't be to all tastes, and while this is true of all manga, the work here seems aimed at a very particular niche of fandom. Still, those who love a mix of kawaii, goth, and cutesy romance will be perfectly pleased with the approach Aya Haruhana takes.
