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Title:  The Wallflower Vol 15

Author:  Tomoko Hayakawa

Publisher:  Del Rey

ISBN:  9780345499196

May Contain Spoilers

I was disappointed with this outing of The Wallflower.  None of the stories really grabbed my imagination, and except for the ending, none of the chapters contained the usual morbid humor of previous volumes. A lot of time was devoted to Sunako’s repression of her memories of her rejection, and a reunion with her former classmates gives her the opportunity to put the event behind her once and for all – if only she’ll attend.  Of course, being Sunako, things don’t go as smoothly as they might, so it’s a good thing the guys are there to help bail her out.

"Twin Rhapsody" was the weakest tale in the volume, as Yuki’s twin brother and sister pay him a visit at the mansion.  It was pretty creepy seeing three identical faces, two of which were notable for the size of their eyes.  And everybody thinks Sunako is scary!  Those earnest little faces sent shivers down my spine!  Sunako’s dark looks scare Gin witless, but Yuki’s little sister Yae, is instantly taken with her.  As the chapter plays out, Yuki is crushed to learn his siblings’ real reason for dropping by, and yup, it was pretty silly.

"Missed Love" follows Noi and Ranmaru’s girlfriend to a host club, where they try to get some insight on how to relate to the dashing, shallow Ranmaru.  Takenaga adds some confusion to the mess by appearing as a host and setting all the girls at the club a flutter.  His attempts to act like a social butterfly are painful to watch.  Personally, I don’t think that Ranmaru was worth all of the trouble, but Takenaga was, and then some. 

"The Doorway to Memories" and "Memories of Love" were the best chapters, as they delved into Sunako’s past.  Disaster is in the air when she’s invited to a mixer, and then, when she’s invited to a reunion, she’s forced to face the person responsible for her spiral into darkness.  And what a jerk he still is.  You know that things are going to get out of hand when everyone brings garlic and talismans to ward off the evil of Sunako.  Things would have ended more satisfactorily if she had cursed everybody.  At least Sunako puts on a brave front and actually looks happy and human in a panel or three.  Since Sunako has finally faced her fears, I wonder where the series is going to head next?

Grade: C+

Rated for Older Teen

Review copy provided by Del Rey