Dagashi Kashi (2015)

[だがしかし]

Volume 3

Author/Artist: Kotoyama
Publisher: Shounen Sunday Comics

Synopsis:
Hotaru challenges Kokonotsu to a blind taste test.

Story/Characters:
This volume has some of my favorite episodes in the series. The fugashi taste test is perhaps one of the more infamous and Kokonotsu/Saya shippers will like the Yogret episode and the summer festival (though if you're on Team Hotaru, there's plenty in the latter for you as well). I particularly enjoy the faux drama of the sketchbook episode. Going back to the summer festival, we get introduced to the okonomiyakiya Tamai, who has a good dynamic with You but sadly doesn't appear too often in the series.

Art:
The hallmarks of the series, such as great reaction shots and teasing fanservice, are in full effect here. Kid Saya is cute as a button and present day Saya definitely rocks the yukata look. I like Tamai's design and it's a shame she doesn't show up more.

Other:
We once again have six 4-koma (one of which being the immediate aftermath of the sketchbook episode) and an afterword, but there are also some costume sketches. Kotoyama was thinking about having Hotaru in a yukata for the festival but decided she looked too much like a different character, so he gave up on the idea.

Conclusion:
There's plenty of goodness to be had in this volume. If you've been won over, there's no question that you'll want this in your collection.

Rating:
Own It