Manga Mondays: Silver Spoon

Everybody remember Fullmetal Alchemist? Good, because we’ve got the same author, Hiromu Arakawa, writing about agricultural school. You heard it correctly folks, agricultural school. Now, when Lady Saika heard agricultural school her response was, “Ummm… not reading this!” I, however, decided to stick with the series (because I’m waiting for Ed or Roy Mustang to show up).

This series focuses on the life of Hachiken Yugo, a boy from the city with the extremely incorrect notion that he could graduate top-of-his-class at a agricultural school. But there is more to it than that; he also is lost in his life, unsure of what to do next, and not afraid to take chances. I, personally, am coming to a crossroads in my life (that’s probably one of the most cliche things I could write, but the cliche says it nice and clearly, so sorry) and I can relate. Hachiken is more of a risk-taker than he gives himself credit for, and he’s not afraid to get his hands dirty in the process (I mean, he has already helped in birthing a cow and butchered a deer). But he is a normal protagonist that I can respect. While I’m a total sucker for shonen anime like Bleach, Katekyo Hitman Reborn, and a series with a strong male protagonist with supernatural powers, I’m drawn (not sexually, that’s for another post) to Hachiken much more since he is a normal person. He is feeling the exact way I’m feeling about my life, and it is somewhat bizarre to read this manga series about somebody who is feeling the exact same way you are when you are feeling it. I enjoy a series more when I can personally relate to it, and I think everyone feels that way

My personal feelings aside, this series is pretty ridiculous. There are cows, pigs, pizza parties for kids who have never eaten pizza before, giant horses, and perhaps aliens. I’ve been reading it since the beginning (last May) and I’ve enjoyed it. There are thirty-two chapters available for reading online.

There is one thing I ask of you: do not ask what any of the other character’s names are. I am horrendous at keeping track of names and usually describe people as “the one who wants to be a vet” or “the crazy and short guy”. But I really do like the supporting characters; the only problem is the only reason there are supporting characters is to develop Hachiken at this point. I wish we can see a little more of their characters develop.  Especially Hachiken’s brother because he is hysterical. He’s give-that-man-a-day-time-TV-show hysterical.

This series has had several what-is-going-on moments, mostly involving science (which I don’t do) and technical farm things. But if you can get past the cows, the pigs, the horses, and all of the other animals, it’s a really great series and I’ve really enjoyed reading it. I’m not even waiting for some FMA characters to show up anymore. I don’t think I’ve said that I’ve enjoyed reading this series enough in this post so I’m going to say it again:  I enjoy reading this series. And if you aren’t going to read a series because you enjoy it, then why are you reading it in the first place?