Kanata Kara

I just finished reading this series for the first time and I can see why its well reputed on. Its a shame the rest of the story isn't posted here on Batato but I can say from my own experience reading this story that the comments here are credible in their description. Its honestly a really well rounded and enjoyable tale.

Certain aspects of the story feel familiar and nostalgic, especially for those who're experienced with shoujo or this setting, but at the same time is unique enough to distinguish itself from the crowd. In many way Kanata Kara reminds me of the fairy tales and adventure stories we read growing up, something in its atmosphere or telling. When other commenters describe this story is simple, its not in the sense of being dull or bland by any means, but rather that its very approachable story that's easy to get involved in. While the story lacks any major twists and you can for the most part predict the general direction its going in, what it does do, it does well. Its got character development, a progressive and engaging storyline, good pacing, a full cast of side characters and a satisfying ending (though you will still probably feel sad to see it end). The author I felt was very skilled in keeping the story balanced. It has drama without it being dramatic, and the plot doesn't feel forced or rushed. Plus our protagonists are equally fleshed out, we can see what it is they see in each other. Its not a story that's introducing unheard of concepts or revolutionizing the way people think, nor is it trying to, the true value of this manga is its warm sense of familiarity and the ease of which the reader falls into its grasp. It's one of those books that you feel happy reading and makes you want to revisit it.

My only criticisms would be: 1. I would have liked to see the villains be further developed/explored to add to their complexity and 2. Had a pinch more romance, though I appreciate that this wasn't overdone considering the story as a whole. That said these are really minor criticisms and should in no way detract someone from picking this manga up. Thank-you to the people on Batato who commented on and recommended this story, its one I am glad to have completed. Now really, stop reading this and go read Kanata Kara already!  

+ Best fantasy shoujo - suited for both male and female audience. + Great character development and character design. + One of the best world-building manga's could produce. +It avoids very skilfully certain tropes, annoyances (OH MY GAWD, I'm sleeping in a room together with a man *starts freaking out*; Wounded man gets carried by another man bridal style and goes "NO HOMO" constantly) and generic plot-lines this genre suffers from, but at the same time fulfils your typical girl-spirited-away-in-another-world | light vs dark hero epos ( Yeah, so far this is the Lord of the Rings of the fantasy shoujo mangas ). It's generic, but then not. + One of the best pacing and storytelling. + Wonderful movement design. + Language barrier - since when would people from another world speak our language and visa versa? Lovable characters.

Hikawa Kyouko stories make me feel warm and cozy :3 .They are really wonderful. I fully recommend Onnanoko wa Yoyu if you like the pacing of this story.

I could've sworn I'd read the entire series here years ago. In any case I'm super excited to reread it; this is one of my all time favorites. 

Not one of the first manga I read like many others have stated as I was introduced first through anime and later got into shoujo manga through the school life genre like Hana Kimi and Ouran, but gosh this is such a classic. For anyone looking for a fantasy shoujo romance full of fluff, I feel like this is my go-to manga.

On a side note, there was that phase where there were dozens of adventure, fantasy based shoujo like this. Off the top of my head I can think of those by Watase Yuu, Basara, Red River, Ragtonia, and newer ones now like the ones with those red heads (Shirayuki no Akagami, Akatsuki no Yona, Reimei Arcana), but none have that feel good, easy to read, and spunky attitude like this one has.

Can't wait to read more of Hiwaka Kyouko's work as this one is an all time favorite. ^-^

This was one of the first few shoujo manga I ever read and to this day, it's still one of my favourites. I can't even remember how many times I've re-read it over the years. I love the characters themselves and the character development over the course of the story. The world is also one of my favourite things and just ahh I love it so much-

Read the whole story in one go.  What a fantastic author.  She's got to be one of the greatest mangaka of them all.  Her works Rock!

Aaah this is a masterpiece. Even though the next volumes doesn't available in Batoto, it doesn't mean you should gave up on reading this. All the promising comment prove it right. The story is your normal typical fight between Good and Evil (here, they called it Light and Evil), where nobody died except the bad guy (spoiler?) and basically it's happy ending when the fight over.

People already mention it: The character is amazing. It does not lies. Especially when you get to know Gaya and Zena

Best thing about this series? CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT. Seriously, the characters grow and learn and change and they're not the same people you meet in that first chapter by the end--they're better! Something else I really like is how there is actual variety with character designs--not everyone is beautiful or handsome. The world is huge too and every place you go has something new to offer. 

This is possibly one of the best fantasy shoujo series I've ever read. This particular author does a lot of great stuff too, and it's totally worth your time to read her earlier stuff (even if the art is dated--she's been creating comics for a while--the stories are always great).

Wonderful manga! It is really great. It has cliche ideas; a weak girl-protagonist, a battle between light and darkness, and a strong, but insecure male hero, but Hikawa Kyouko grasps them and bring the story to higher heights. As other readers have pointed out, the manga is simple, yet we enjoy the story and watching the characters develop in a warm, fluffy feeling...

This is one of the rare mangas where you get to see the male hero and female protagonist gradually fall in love with each other and their thoughts. It takes a while. If I were to describe this great enjoyment in being the audience, I would quote Bella from Disney's Beauty and the Beast: "Oh, isn't this amazing? This is my favorite part because you'll see... Here is where she meets Prince Charming, but she won't discover it's him 'till chapter three!"
 

(I'm a dork.)

This was one of the first manga I read and I loved it.

Phew.. I read it with one sitting! After that my eyes felt exhausted. Aww.. It's really good but a bit weak at the end. And I wish they've kissed more in the epilogue. I waited.. but none. Hayzzz.. It would feel more romantic. *sigh..

Anyway, I like the Dark Sky Demon more than the world of light vr.! Muwahahahha!