Hoshi No Koe: The Voices of a Distant Star

This is quite possibly the most beautiful manga I've ever read. I don't mean just the artwork either, although it is stunning. The author tells the story with little dialogue, preferring to show the story more visually. The story is about Mikako (a girl) and Noboru (a boy), who go to the same middle school. They spend a lot of time with each other (just as friends), until Mikako is conscripted to join humanity's fight against an alien race. Noboru goes on to high school, while Mikako travels farther and farther away from Earth. They send text messages to each other over their cell phones, but due to light speed communications limitations it takes longer and longer to get them. The story is about the struggles they have to sustain their friendship over such a great distance and what happens as they both realize they love each other. I think that part of the reason this story is so touching is that it is so innocent. It is about a true and simple love, one that does not (can not) have anything to do with lust or jealously, etc. My husband has been away with the military for the past few months, so perhaps this touched me more than it would someone else, but it made me cry like a little girl. It definitely falls into the "sweet but sad" category. As far as the book itself goes, it is a bit longer than your average manga, but then again it is the whole story in one volume. The artwork, as previously mentioned, is amazing. You do really have to pay attention to what is happening though, as probably half the story is actually flashbacks. There is no warning about what is present or past, although you can generally tell by who is there and who isn't. What I really liked about the book is that the first few pages are in color. The dialogue, while sparse, is well thought out and in my opinion is used really well. Another reviewer mentioned that he/she thought it would be nice if there was another volume, but I honestly think that more would have been too much. I think it went at a good pace, and I was satisfied with the plot development and ending. I would recommend this book to just about anybody. I love sci-fi, although I tend to go for action over love stories, but I really enjoyed this one.

the movie of the same name and the same subject was amazing, and so is this manga. this telling of the story has a happier ending than the movie, and has more details. but i like the movie slightly better. you should read/see both and decide for yourself. you will enjoy both versions of a beautiful and sad story.

Then you'll love the manga. It seems more "finished" than the anime - you aren't left -quite- as wondering. It's a bit more in-depth and you really see the development of the two main characters' lives throughout their separation - what happens while they're apart, what it takes for them to hold each other in their memories. All in all this has to be one of my favorite manga, and I really wish it wasn't a standalone.

I was really suprised to learn that "Hoshi no Koe" actually had a manga version, which was illustrated by Sumomo Yumeka (a.k.a. Mizu Sahara). Just as I thought, the book was gorgeous and the "feelings" were beautifully conveyed. I fell in love with this wonderful love story once again after reading the book!! For those who love the anime: this is a must have!! Get it now or you will regret it!! For those who have never watched the anime or read the book before: same as above. This heartwarming (as well as heartbreaking) love story is not something to miss.