A review by nadiamasood
The Girl from the Other Side: Siúil, A Rún, Vol. 1 by Nagabe

dark emotional funny hopeful mysterious reflective slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

How can something so dark be so wholesome? I absolutely loved this! The Girl from the Other Side is a dark fairy tale about a cursed creature and a little girl.

The minimalist, sketch-like artwork is simply stunning, with sharp black-and-white lines that amplify the eerie, mysterious vibe. I noticed the use of heavy black ink in rendering the cursed creature, which creates a stark contrast with the more delicate, soft lines used to illustrate Shiva.

The story is a slow burn, but the constant tension—especially the rule that Teacher can never touch Shiva—keeps you hooked. Teacher is gentle and protective, but the restraint he has to practice around Shiva adds depth to his character. Shiva, on the other hand, is a bright, innocent light in his dark world, making their interactions heartwarming.

The manga doesn’t rush to explain everything, letting the mystery unfold naturally. The sparse dialogue and use of silence add to the haunting atmosphere. If you like introspective, melancholic stories with a touch of magic and mystery, this one’s a must-read! I definitely plan to read the rest of the volumes (there are 11, I believe)!