MANGA REVIEW | "Rainbows After Storms" - Volume Four
At long, long last, Luka Kobachi has finally stopped telling her readers that Nanoha and Chidori are dating. This constant reminder was a major headache in Rainbows After Storms, as anyone who has been reading it can clearly see that these two are girlfriends. On top of that, Volume Four actually delivers some solid storytelling when an old fling of Chidori’s suddenly appears. But first, it’s summertime!
When the sun’s out, that means readers are in for the contractually obligated beach storyline. Chidori is a little self-conscious about herself in a swimsuit, whereas Nanoha has the confidence of a supermodel. Both want to do couples things, like renting a swim tube for two, but it’s hard to be doing date stuff when their friends are right there. So a little compromise is made, and everyone gets to have a ride.
Going back to Chidori’s worry about being in a swimsuit, those fears vanish thanks to the kind words from Nanoha. On top of it being a nice gesture, the fact is Chidori looks good in her swimwear of choice, even if she regrets it. It all ends with a good boost of confidence and a girl no longer having to worry about how she looks when in beach mode. Oh, if only those summer days could never end.
Alas, it’s right back to school in Rainbows After Storms, with new club hopefuls roaming about during the open house. However, it’s the appearance of Chidori’s senpai, Igarashi, that sends the student into a tizzy. But she’s more than a former upperclassman; Igarashi was Chidori’s first fling. And that’s when a lot of past feelings rush in.
We learn their backstory, with Igarashi flirting with Chidori over her hair. At first, it would seem like something romantic would start to grow. But then, Chidori discovers that Igarashi had a boyfriend and has no intentions of breaking up with him. When Chidori asks why they can’t be together, Igarashi’s response is a cold one: “We’re both girls after all.” At that moment, Chidori swore to shut her heart out to anyone.
Thankfully, Nanoha appears in Chidori’s life, giving her a reason to love and trust again. When Chidori confronts Igarashi about the past, there are some lingering regrets in the senpai’s heart. But it’s far too late to make anything out of that, as Nanoha appears to reveal the truth: they’re dating, for realsies. The reveal shocks Igarashi, knowing right then that her chance with Chidori is long, long gone.
It all leads to the end of the open house, as Chidori and Nanoha go to watch the fireworks. And right there, the two finally share something that readers have been longing to see. The moment is captured perfectly, with exploding fireworks in the back and the two lovingly holding hands while it occurs. At this moment, this story finally feels like it’s leading into something great.
This is the best Rainbows After Storms has been. Volume Four offers the right amount of cute storytelling, while also delivering the first-ever slice of conflict the manga’s ever had. And honestly, I can do with more of this, as it really brings out the best of both Chidori and Nanoha. So please, Rainbows After Storms, keep this level of narrative coming!
FINAL GRADE:
Promotional consideration provided by Chantelle Sturt of VIZ Media.
