Dagashi Kashi (2017)

[だがしかし]

Volume 8

Author/Artist: Kotoyama
Publisher: Shounen Sunday Comics

Synopsis:
Stranded in a train station by a snowstorm, Kokonotsu is reunited with Hotaru.

Story/Characters:
For a character as loony as Hotaru, she can show moments of being rather considerate and we see that in her reunion with Kokonotsu. Overall, her reintegration into the story leads to a blend of the old formula and the new style seen in the previous volume. We hit the end point of the second season of the anime early on, so pretty much everything after Chapter 127 has not been adapted. We develop a good dynamic between Hotaru and Hajime, which leads us to a sleepover at Hotaru's that includes her with Kokonotsu and the Endou Twins, something of a redux of the typhoon arc. Whether you ship Kokonotsu with Hotaru or Saya, there's lots of material this volume.

Art:
If you were missing Hotaru and You's antics, they're back in force here. Looking in a more Saya-centric direction, the Christmas episode was particularly nice. Also, for some reason, the depiction of the obese American in the Snickers episode makes me, well, snicker. ^_^

Other:
Our four 4-koma are particularly good. I'm partial to the one where Hajime sees Kokonotsu's search history.

Conclusion:
Because the storytelling style has shifted again, you may find yourself a bit conflicted, but I think Kotoyama strikes a happy medium. Hotaru is integrated back in the story quite well and it's an all-around good ride. Get it.

Rating:
Own It