The long-awaited volume 15 of the “ Seishun Buta Yarou ( Rascal
Does Not Dream )” light novels has finally been released, marking the
end of the popular series. This latest volume, titled “Rascal Does
Not Dream of a Dear Friend,” had already been announced as the definitive
conclusion to the story, and has generated great interest among fans who have
followed the series since its beginning.
The official synopsis describes this volume as “ a
somewhat mysterious youth story that concludes with dignity ,”
featuring Sakuta Azusagawa, the protagonist, facing the ultimate Puberty
Syndrome. The synopsis adds, “ I’m glad I met you.
When Miori comes into contact with the truth about Touko Kirishima, Sakuta is
also forced to make a choice… ” This installment promises an emotional
and thoughtful conclusion for the characters, who have been through countless
challenges and unexplainable phenomena throughout the series.
©鴨志田一 (著), 溝口ケージ (イラスト) / KADOKAWA
Since its publication began in 2014, the “Seishun Buta
Yarou” franchise has managed to captivate a large audience with its mix of
romance, supernatural elements, and Puberty Syndrome—a fictional phenomenon
that affects teenage characters in times of emotional crisis. The popularity
of the novels increased even further with the anime adaptation in 2018, which
featured the first arc centered on Mai Sakurajima, an actress who suffers from
invisibility due to Puberty Syndrome.
The anime adaptation was an immediate success, earning
praise for its fluid animation, intriguing storytelling, and deeply developed
characters. A film, “Rascal Does Not Dream of a Dreaming Girl,” was
subsequently released, covering one of the series’ most emotional arcs, leaving
fans eager for more content.
Over the years, the franchise has released several
animated sequels and additional volumes of the light novel, which have
continued to explore the mysteries of Puberty Syndrome and the relationships
between the main characters. With the publication of the final volume,
the story of Sakuta and his friends finally comes to a conclusion, ending a
journey that has kept fans hooked for a decade.
The publication of this latest volume has generated a
wave of comments in the online community, with opinions ranging from nostalgia
to expectations about how the story will conclude. Some of the most notable comments include:
- " Does
a story that sounds like it came from a 20-year-old eroge novel still
work? "
- " Is
this volume 14 or what? Isn't it too thin? "
- « I
bought my copy near work and I'm already reading it. I'm both excited and
scared about how the ending will be . »
- « The
anime has also been releasing new installments steadily .»
- « This
kind of normal YA fantasy is just what we need. There are too many
mediocre isekai these days! Animes end after one season and then you
forget they existed until a sequel comes out years later .»
- " There
is so much value in concluding a series rather than dragging it out or
leaving it unfinished, as with many other works ."
- « When
will 'Sword Art Online' and 'Mahouka Koukou no Rettousei' end? ».
- " Does
Dengeki Bunko (the novels' publisher) have an obsession with pigs? "
- " I
hope the anime makes it to the end ."
With the release of this final volume, fans of the
series will now have the chance to see how the story of Sakuta and his friends
concludes, marking a key moment in the history of light novels. The franchise
has been a benchmark in the supernatural romance genre, and its impact is
likely to continue to be felt as new generations discover both the novels and
the anime.
Source: Otakomu
©鴨志田一 (著), 溝口ケージ (イラスト) / KADOKAWA
